Showing posts with label Current Affairs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Current Affairs. Show all posts

Saturday 5 June 2021

Use your AK-47 to FIllet your Fish!

The AK-47 is like a Swiss Army Knife!


District judge Roger Benitez has compared the owning of an assault rifle to the ownership of a Swiss Army knife. I guess that means after you kill your quota of trout with your AK-47 (it is for hunting after all) you can then skin and fillet them with your now commonplace rifle.

If only the perpetrators of mass shootings had tried to execute their horrific plan with such a knife instead of the rifle, many victims would still be alive.

What planet does this judge come from? Does he carry an AK-47 under his robes or does he prefer the knife? Does he sell these weapons on the side or in his case - out in the open? What next? A tank is like a pedal car? A pea shooter is like a Howitzer? How about a battleship being like a canoe? If you can fit one in front of your house go for it since he also seems to think that protecting your house is paramount,

These weapons do not belong in private hands period! The California ban needs to stand. The judge needs to go.

Retire him with his own gold plated Swiss Army Knife.

#thebrewsterblock




Friday 28 May 2021

Republicans Guilty by Disassociation

New GOP Symbol is Three Monkeys


The Republicans should change their symbol from an elephant to three monkeys: Mizaru - See No evil; Kikazaru - Hear No Evil; Iwazaru - Speak No Evil.

It seems appropriate today since most of the Trump lemmings want to ignore and forget January 6, 2021. The problem is they don't really want to forget it. What they want is a second but successful insurrection.

Most people including me thought the monkeys simply represent turning a blind eye; looking the other way; or feigning ignorance of something we know is wrong. In the article below by Richard Cassaro, the true meaning of the famous monkeys and what they symbolize is examined. It is very interesting.

The Secret Occult Meaning of the "Three Wise Monkeys" Hidden by the Elite - Richard Cassaro

I mention it in passing because it is also applicable. Apparently the real significance of the monkeys has been known since their origin by those elite people who run various societies. In brief you should never allow yourself to either see or hear true evil because it will enter you and become part of your person, affecting your behaviour - like violence on the news and in video games. If you speak evil it shows that it is now part of you and what you say.

As examples, the elitists who control the stock market and media, are happy to perpetuate the secret. It keeps us subdued and we never really see what is going on. Bad news sells and preoccupies us so we don't fight back.

The point of today's post however is something else. I am trying to understand why the GOP members who still support the Big Lie voted against an investigation into
 January 6th to give Americans a chance to prevent another attack in the future.

I am taking a layperson's approach and these are the only possibilities I come up with:

1. Some in Congress or the Senate are real accessories and legally liable
2. They think that whatever the conclusions, it will hurt the GOP party and therefore their own jobs and careers
3. They think that Trump still has influence over those same jobs and careers and will do and say anything to avoid offending him
4. They might not be accessories but in their minds they wish the vote had indeed been overturned through violence or by any means
5. Some know it was wrong and has to be avoided in future at all costs but they are still Republicans at heart and as yet there is no alternative party to call home
6. They are mere puppets of their constituents who wanted the insurrection to succeed. To protect their jobs they are doing what their electors want rather than resign or try to convince those electors to change beliefs
7. They are verifiable dingbats. Several names come to mind
8. They somehow think it is their job to oppose anything which the Democrats initiate even if they will have equal representation on any committee

Perhaps I could squeak out a couple more but here is the major point:

Not one of the above demonstrates love of country or respect for their oath to defend her and the constitution. They are all about politics and selfishness.

Any other suggestions? Please comment.

#thebrewsterblock

Tuesday 11 May 2021

Rand Paul Eye Doctor who Fails to see the LIght

Rand Paul Eye Doctor or "I" Doctor?


I read that Rand Paul was an Ophthalmologist. Maybe he should go back to his practice.

When a dancer, athlete, skater etc. does not have what it takes to be No. 1 or get the gold medal, they often end up teaching their skill. For others, they end up becoming a politician. Which is Rand Paul?

It seems that he was so used to shining lights on everybody else that he decided it was his turn to shine the light on him. Hence he became a professional politician. He has been sounding off ever since. Top doctors in his former field make top dollars. Maybe he wasn't so "top." If on the other hand he is following in his father's footsteps, remember that Ron Paul tried three times to be President and failed. Not a good omen.

In any event he should not be criticizing Dr. Faucci over COVID any more than Faucci criticizes the former Ophthalmologist about his eye practice. I'm sure that does not happen.

Everybody in the USA who is bent out of shape about the inconvenience of this virus should look outside their own country for a change. This applies to most self-centered American issues. Those who did best with this pandemic - and it IS a pandemic Dr. Paul, took the tough decisions and steps to lock down. To hell with the "you can't make me" crowd - another American problem.

Nobody - including Faucci and Paul - has yet said conclusively that people who have had the virus or the vaccine can not transmit it to others who might not be so lucky and die from such selfishness.

Doctor's take the Hippocratic (not hypocritical) Oath. Perhaps it is confusing to some.

Doctor Faucci did not switch to being a professional politician. Thank goodness - and that's exactly what he exudes.

#thebrewsterblock



Monday 3 May 2021

Time for Change at CNN

 FOX Spews Big Lies. CNN Just Spews


This is for all the anchors and management at CNN. In particular I target Cuomo, Anderson, and Lemon. I have said this before but after watching Chris Cuomo last night, I had to repeat it. If anybody can forward this to the network please do so.

I watch a lot of CNN. I believe overall they are more truthful and believable than others like FOX. Networks like FOX hire liars and host guest liars. From what little I have seen however, the guests do get to speak. Not so on CNN - at least with the above big 3 and Cuomo tops the list.

I respect Chris. He is very intelligent and well spoken. His vocabulary is impressive. He keeps fit. These are all qualities I admire. He and his colleagues bring on guests every night to express their ideas and views. The problem is that they proceed to rant right over top of their guests not letting the viewer hear those views.

Last night is was Rick Santorum. Cuomo allowed us to see and hear a speech made by Rick with which Chris had issues. When Rick attempted to explain what we saw Cuomo did what he always does - impose his OWN view and thoughts in an overpowering, rude, incessant interruption. In so doing Cuomo is insulting his audience as well as his guest. Does he really think that we can't form our own opinion about the response? Can't WE decide if Rick answers a question or dodges it? whether he is being evasive? or indulging in spin talk? No we can't because Cuomo is making the comments impossible to hear. He does this all the time.

Don Lemon and Anderson Cooper do the same. You'd swear somebody is in their earpiece ordering them to interrupt or pull the rug out from under the guest. The dialogue is not CNN enough! The men should take a lesson from the women. Hosts like Burnett, Harlow, Balduan, and Bash to name a few also keep their guests honest by re-asking a question the guest dodged it but they usually let them speak first. Sometimes this is more effective because it looks like the guest thought they got away with it. Again however, if things go too far away from CNN speak, they interrupt.

I said for a couple of years that CNN with all of the Trump bashing was either going to help him win or at least strengthen his base. I feel they helped to do the latter.

You have good guests CNN. Let them speak controversially or otherwise. You sound like Trump in the Presidential debates.

#thebrewsterblock



Friday 30 April 2021

Real Republican Values. Where is this Party Now?

 
Ronald Reagan at his Finest


Below is a link to a 1970s YouTube interview someone sent me where Johnny Carson discusses issues with Ronald Reagan before he ran for President. It is an eye opener. Unless Johnny gave him the questions in advance, Reagan is sharp as a tack without Nancy at his side.

After laughing at Carson's lapels, tie, collar, and hair, listen to Reagan. Also notice how much better dressed he was than Johnny. Where did Carson get that jacket? Even Don Cherry wouldn't have worn that!

The take away for me is that all the values Reagan touches are now missing in the party today. He hits all the conservative hot buttons but does so in a common sense way. In those days I was also a conservative in my beliefs. Also listen to how many times he mentions both parties - this was when, despite different views, one party did not hate the other.

The most shocking thing of all was when I mentally tried to envisage Trump in the same interview. What a difference! He would have been totally lost without a teleprompter. I don't know if all of the stories Ronald told were true but he handles Carson like a pro and many of the ideas made perfect sense. One thing is sure - big government and professional politicians and their costly studies, committees, and papers have not changed.

(3) Ronald Reagan Interview on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson - 01/03/1975 - Part 02 - YouTube

C'mon Republicans. Wake up. THAT is what you stand for, not rebellion and lies, lies, lies.

#thebrewsterblock

Sunday 4 April 2021

Easter Parade in America

Sing like Bing (Crosby)

This time of year you are liable to hear a classic oldie which - perhaps - even young folk know. This is the White Christmas of Easter - Easter Parade (written by Irving Berlin). Someone changed the original lyrics to a be more suitable for the current political environment.

In my red Trump bonnet, with "MAGA" written on it,
I thought I'd be The Lady of the Easter Parade.
Who's that wench in navy? With that blonde hair so wavy?
And what does "BBB" mean in my Easter Parade?

On the avenue, Penn' Avenue, when photographers do snap us
That brat will scat when I show her my Uzi
I believe The Big Lie, so where is Trump our Big Guy?
And why are all these guardsmen in my Easter Parade?

In the next election, there'll be a big correction,
We'll whoop these left wing Commies and their social charade.
Look around you lady. Your own State votes are shady.
And soon there'll be just whites folks at the Easter Parade.

Not so fast lass. Hold your ass. Voters Rights Act will trump Trump
And you'll find that you're up the creek in manure.
When The Donald's locked up, we'll see how bad he screwed up,
Then red and blue can hold hands at the Easter Parade.

#thebrewsterblock




Friday 26 March 2021

Georgia on my Mind - and Everyone Else's

Georgia Not So Sweet After All


There is no logical or reasonable explanation for Georgia and its governor signing SB202. He says it will make it easier to vote and hard to cheat - RIGHT (extreme right)! If you believe that I am not parking my sleigh on YOUR roof next year.

Replacing the secretary of state as chair of the state election board? Remove and replace ANY election official for poor performance? Photo ID in order to vote is reasonable except you can bet your bottom dollar that if you are black or not white enough, hell will freeze over before you get that ID for the next election. What is next? Even with a valid ID your name is conveniently not present on the local voting list when you do show up to cast your ballot? That would be easy to do - clerical error naturally but still delay your vote until it is too late.

Since it is now published, just read the first page. If an election is not going the way they want it to go, the government can effectively replace, terminate, introduce, restrict etc., etc. anything and anyone they want. They say that they are fixing problems. The word is correct - FIX. The FIX is now in for sure.

Amazing! After spreading the Big Lie about the last election being rigged, they are now trying to publicly rig all future elections in Georgia. This is like all of the umpires calling a time out, and meeting in center field during a ball game to change the rules themselves in favour of the home team.

As some have already said, this is the GOP choosing the electorate it wants to vote instead of the citizens choosing who they want to run their government. It must be overturned.

It is time to call in world bodies to monitor and oversee American Presidential elections. Perhaps it should be Russia, China, or The Philippines.

#thebrewsterblock



Monday 22 March 2021

Children and the Mexican Border

 Child Immigration - What Do You Do?

This is a tough one. We all remember pictures of children who were kept in cages after crossing the Mexican Border, during Trump's years. Some were without their parents; some were taken from their parents. It was easy to do the Dump on Trump thing but now the same thing is happening by the hundreds every day. What is the Biden administration going to do?

They can't keep building temporary shelters but that seems to be what is happening. Are there enough volunteers to adapt or find foster care for them? That too is an administrative nightmare since the true parents might show up some day. Pressed as they are, how do those responsible for the kids prevent possible abuse of the children by those foster parents? It happens too often already in foster care with American born kids.

Whatever means are taken, who is going to pay for this? Most Americans are already strapped for cash and the government is up to its neck in COVID debt on top of everything else. There is no magic bullet. However like a sinking lifeboat you have to stop the leak. In this case the flow is the stream of desperate kids.

With news coverage and social media these days those who have not yet left their country of origin will see that hundreds of kids are still being accepted daily despite the "rules" saying not to come.

One thing could be done in the meantime - teach them English while they wait - it can only help with their futures. Maybe the U.S. government needs to appeal to the public for ideas. Awards could be given to those with the most novel and promising ones. This would not be politically attractive and would take guts. Perhaps tax incentives to existing reasonably well off families would be an incentive to offer foster care until real parents are located.

I have to wonder if those opposed to Biden are surreptitiously encouraging more families to come north knowing it is now Biden's Achilles heel rather than Trump's. If the current administration does solve the problem reasonably they will be heroes. If they keep placing it on the back burner it will sink them along with the kids, just like that lifeboat.

Get after it Joe. Delegate it to Kamala the way Obama handed things to you. Your future depends on it.

#thebrewsterblock



Sunday 21 March 2021

Ranting Rand Paul vs the ever cool Anthony Faucci

 Forget the mask Rand. Get a muzzle.

What a mouthpiece! Ophthalmologists are one of the higher paying professions. Why is he now a Senator? It seems apparent that he can't see straight when it comes to issues - maybe it goes beyond that.

Ophthalmologists and Optometrists deal in daily routine for the most part - only what they have been taught UNTIL scientists discover new things and pass them on to the practitioners. Dr. Faucci deals with the unknown and the undiscovered and has been doing so most of his working life. I would trust Faucci over Paul any day of my life.

Rand Paul is also a professional politician. Faucci is not. What more of an explanation do you need as to which one to trust? Rand deals in hindsight and destructive criticism. There is nothing easier and more worthless. It has now become the disease of the GOP.

Take a bow Anthony. Take a hike Rand.

#thebrewsterblock

Monday 8 March 2021

Harry and Meghan with Oprah

Harry / Meghan Interview Changed my First Impression

How many watched the big interview last night? I must say I was hooked from the outset and I am not usually big on celebrity chatter. Kudos to Oprah for landing the big one and for the way she handled it.

I have to admit that I had pre-judged the entire thing and was negative on Meghan. This had nothing to do with race or any of that but just a negative feeling about the manner in which many Americans - Nancy Reagan for example - tend to behave towards the Brits and Royalty in particular. I was also influenced by the entire King Edward / Mrs. Simpson scandal decades ago.

I was totally wrong and found Meghan to be an utterly charming and poised young woman. Harry was also on his best behaviour. One had to admire the way he quickly shut down any probing into who discussed skin color with him and also what was said. I would go so far as to say that if either one of them was acting someone has to define a new Oscar category and they should each receive one. I did not see a moment of insincerity in the entire two hours.

It was very notable that both went out of their way to exonerate The Queen - their grandmother. She was apparently warm and welcoming to Meghan - hard to imagine but great to hear. It was very interesting to hear them distinguish between The Family, and The Firm. Both have treated them badly.

I was left with only two closely related questions. Since both protection and title were extended to other great grandchildren, why were both denied to this particular grandchild?

THAT one deserves an answer.

Here is wishing them and their present and future family a prosperous, happy, and safe life.

#thebrewsterblock




Saturday 27 February 2021

CPAC is worse than the GONG Show

Some Current GOP Leaders don't have an ounce of Morality in their Body


What kind of person can stand and make fun of over 500,000 Americans who have died in the last year? You saw one at the CPAC puppet show yesterday. It was bad humour and not remotely funny.

The answer? The same guy who left town when his Texas constituents were facing a climate disaster. The same guy who decided to go to a warmer climate. The same guy who blamed it on his kids. The same guy who then lied about intending to return the same day - after he was caught. The same guy who kept silent when Trump told the country that Covid would magically disappear - The same Trump (there are more of them don't forget) who made mask wearing some kind of cowardly thing to do - hence the disgusting reference to mask wearing yesterday. Once a puppet, always a puppet.

In the link below you will see a video of such a guy.

Cruz unloads with epic takedown of 'pathological liar,' 'narcissist' Donald Trump - CNN Politics

He rants about a horrible person called Donald Trump. In it he calls The Donald a pathological liar - he says that practically every word that comes out of Trump's mouth is a lie. He also says Trump is a narcissist and "utterly amoral." He calls him a bully - says he understands people who are angry at being lied to by politicians! Really? Attendees at this conference all have PhD's in prevarication.

Such people are now part of the The Big Lie - as they scramble to kiss The Donald's butt!

The Disney Corporation should sue for some form of intellectual property violation because the current CPAC is another Fantasyland.

#thebrewsterblock

Wednesday 17 February 2021

American Dictatorship

 History is Repeating Itself


In the primaries before 2016, everyone including many of Trump's so-called backers now in power was appalled by his statements and behavior. Senators like Graham, Rubio, and Cruise were very explicit in their condemnation. Now they suck up to him every chance they get. Everyone knows the man thought he could run Washington like a corporation making himself a King or Emperor.

Since America fought a famous war to prevent that in the new world you have to wonder why those same people and many others are still letting Trump conspire to accomplish such a goal. He already hinted at both staying in office longer than two terms and changing laws so he could do it. If he ever gets back into power with a majority, he will - just like the Chinese leader.

Countries around the world with a little more salt and pepper in their temples than upstart America have all been through this. Evil men (seldom women) appeal to peoples' worst instincts to get into power and then stay there.

This is happening in The United States. The main reasons are similar to those in other nations. This is not a poor American revolutionary army ousting a tyrant. This is a man with rich and powerful allies who want to preserve the status quo - white privilege and domination.

Trump was guilty - even McConnell of all people admitted that. America had a taste of internal violence and regime change and it will get worse.

American citizens, don't let the lion out of the cage. In this case perhaps it is a snake. America has often attempted to bring about regime change in some of those countries mentioned earlier - often by force. When the time comes - and it will the way things are going - who will come to America's aid when she needs it? Nobody.

Americans - be careful what you wish for!

#thebrewsterblock.

Friday 5 February 2021

Is Violence Acceptable in America?

Since When are Beheadings, Hangings and Bullets to the Head OK in America?


Last night I watched as a reporter showed footage he had taken as a member of the audience in a QANON meeting. The other attendees, except the leaders, were just "ordinary" Americans. The statements made and the group's almost unanimous agreement was shocking.

At one point one of the leaders suggested that the non-violent part of America's values should end. Violence should be a normal part of the culture (I am paraphrasing.)

So today instead of focusing on the past - things said and done by Trump, Taylor Greene, Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell etc. and previous administrations, let's look to the future.

What should the alternative to the status quo in Washington be? I was never a fan of Trump's classless and disgusting behaviour but I could see why many people wanted to shake up Washington politics. I always thought Trump would indeed do that but for his own well being, not anyone else's. I was right. I know - here I go again with the past - hard to escape.

So what is the form of government that the ultra-right wants? Is it really NO government - total anarchy? Surely raids on the capital; calls to destroy public property; and to EXECUTE American leaders because you don't like them or their policies, is NOT a democracy - of any kind. Do Americans want a two bit dictatorship with Trump or anybody else? What is it going to be? Survival of the most ruthless? Might is Right? You disagreed with me - bang you're dead. You too - bang!

Will there be a pillory in the square for stoning? A guillotine? Firing squads? Gallows? Revolutions every four years or less if some people are not happy?

It is obvious that America has to change. Should it be to a very dark past or a bright future? Should it be for every man/woman/child to fend for themselves or something a little more civil?

America is acting like a spoiled child. Compared to civilizations elsewhere in the world who have gone through all of these forms of turmoil for hundreds of years, America was supposed to be the guiding light. Above of all of that. Those other societies across the oceans are America's parents - her forefathers. Has she learned nothing from them?

American leaders who are NOT in power - the ones currently on the right who still have a functioning brain in their head and a spine - can still call this off. Sadly they won't. They will let people die a brutal death so they can keep their jobs, pensions, and perceived power. That power will only be as strong as their puppet strings.

#thebrewsterblock

Saturday 30 January 2021

Make America Great Again. Which One?

 What does a Great America look like?

From the beginning Trump's slogan was "Make America Great Again." Many suggested it was code for making America white again. Events over the last four years and the last four weeks make it pretty clear that the suggestion was accurate.

Biden's slogan is "Build Back Better". What does better mean? Presumably whatever he does will simply be better than what Trump promised, but did not deliver. Let's repeat that - did NOT deliver. We never did see the long awaited, "just around the corner" replacement for the Affordable Care Act or any cheques (checks for some) from the Bank of Mexico.

A recently revealed rant by Marjorie Taylor Greene told some to go back where they came from because they were ruining the great country that "we" built. One has to question her own contribution to that build but that is another story.

And to those who just love to scream, what is it that you have to "take back" that gives you the right to murder and destroy?

What America are people talking about?

- The one in which the oh-so-holy Jim and Tammy bilked their "congregation" out of tens of millions of dollars?
- Maybe the one where parents have to dread the day when they go to pick up their kids only to find that once again some dingbat exercising his gun rights slaughtered those kids? Yeah we know - it's not the gun's fault.
- Perhaps the one that is proud of the Jonestown mass suicide or the Branch Davidian suicide in Waco?
- The one where two famous brothers in the Kennedy family might have a question or two about the greatness of America and some of its citizens?
- In a city where those who have lost their jobs, are hungry and possibly freezing on the street who probably resent the family of four down the block hunkered down in their 15,000 square foot mansion with its three furnaces and two swimming pools on ten plush acres?
- The dogs and horses put down or left to die because they can't race or fight anymore? Good thing they can't speak up.
- Poor students who had the marks but were denied entry to famous schools because some rich celebrities bumped them for their own dumb kids using bribes?
- Lots, Lots more examples.

Or is it This America? The one where:

- Every citizen has equal rights and opportunities?
- A black boy grew up to become the President and a black girl The Vice President?
- Superior technology and will built great companies providing millions of jobs and some of the world's greatest products?
- There is still ample untapped wealth for all to enjoy their lives in relative prosperity?
- The country is willing to go to bat for other people in the world and often lend a helping hand?
- It is possible to come to the country LEGALLY to enjoy those same opportunities?
- You can practice your religion of choice or none at all?
- Truth is still preferred over lies?
- Political parties and politicians work FOR the people - ALL of them?

I know which one I hope re-emerges. Too bad the citizens themselves don't.

#thebrewsterblock

Thursday 28 January 2021

Marjorie Taylor Greene Calling for Executions. Really?

American Extremism Growing 


If this is not shocking, what is? A woman who is now part of Congress prior to her election called for the execution of American Democratic leaders including a bullet to the head of Nancy Pelosi! 

How is this person still in office? Is this really what American Conservatives want? The scary part is that since many of the people who voted for her must have been aware of this, some of this would give a YES answer.

Her call like so many who pledge allegiance to The Donald is once again that she wants to "save" or "take back" her country. If you ask "from what?" the reply is standard - Socialism. Most who shout that probably don't really know what it means. They could be crying "Communism" but one of their own - Joseph McCarthy - already tried that and failed.

How many others in the American government feel the same way? How many would turn a blind eye or even support such actions if they happened? Today if you are a part of a visible minority or culture and you:

- want a chance at living the American Dream
- want to run for office
- dare to beat your white colleagues at any of these
- are not a Republican
- do not believe every one of Trump's lies
- show any support whatsoever for Joe Biden
- know or even express an opinion that the election was legitimate

you should be executed. In America - Land of the free - and of the "brave."

It is a good thing for her that all Americans who understand freedom don't feel the same way about her. Yet.

#thebrewsterblock



Tuesday 5 January 2021

#Racism Still Alive in America

 The #Wealthiest One Percent Will Never Change


Today is a big day in the American State of Georgia. Its vote for two senators will determine whether Democrats will be able to dominate during the initial Biden administration. This along with the Covid-19 tragedy is dominating American media.

The focus has changed many times in the four years under Trump but most of it was on The Donald, created by The Donald. We all know that. None of it gets to the real issues in America, even Covid.

The real issues, and I narrow them down to two, have not changed in decades. 

1). I read that 0ne percent of the population hold 35% of the nation's wealth. They will do whatever they have to in order to keep it. Think billionaires and multi, multi millionaires. Add in the next 19% and the total is 51%. The exact figures don't matter. The order of magnitude is what is important.

Some of these inherited the wealth. Do they deserve it? What part did they play? That is for another topic. Very few of the rest could have earned their wealth without the nation's infrastructure to build their businesses (gas, electricity, clean water, sewers, roads and bridges, airports, marine ports, telecommunications) and advantaged tax systems. The problem here is that we all pay for those services through our taxes. They will claim the same thing except that their companies can then write it off. We can't, and by comparison we use a very small percentage.

They do not want to share it. The more obscene is their wealth, the greedier they become. Apologies to the few exceptions like Bill Gates.

2). Racism. The same group in 1) hate the gradual browning of America. They especially do not want to share the wealth with anyone non-white. It is well disguised but still there. There are lots of people who do not feel this way - even some rich white folks on both sides of the political divide. But I am addressing problems here, not the nice to haves. 

So who does still harbour such feelings? We all know a couple of groups. Trump and his base and all the gutless Republicans who back him no matter what. Many others for sure.

We are told that some 74,000,000 voted for Trump. Apparently all of those votes were 100% legitimate. Why are Republicans not questioning them? For sure there are a lot of unhappy voters, fed up with voting and politics as usual. Biden must make some changes. Trump however, was the wrong answer. That was cutting off a foot to cure an ingrown toenail. 

This is not unique to America. The concern should be that wherever those like Trump were unopposed, treacherous dictators rose to power willing to kill and torture anyone who then got in their way. America still has a chance to do something about it.

Over to you Joe and Kamela.

#thebrewsterblock

 

Wednesday 16 December 2020

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


Friday 11 December 2020

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







Sunday 23 August 2020

The True Spirit of the Republican and Democratic Parties

What's in a Name?

If you look in the archives of both parties, you will find the etymology for the name of each - R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N and D-E-M-O-C-R-A-T-I-C. They are both short forms. Each long form says a lot about the party in question.

(FYI: This IS fake news but don't tell you-know-who)

R - Rambunctious (Red-neck had not been coined yet)
E - Extroverted
P - Providential
U - Unadulterated
B - Bigots
L - Lacking
I - Impartiality
C - Contrition
A - And
N - Neutrality

D - Dogmatic
E - Energetic
M - Mishmash
O - Of
C - Caring
R - Rambling
A - Angelic
T - Theoretic
I - Idealistic
C - Cheerleaders

If you think this really is fake news and not just tongue in cheek humour, you need to get a life.

How about some of yours?

#thebrewsterblock

Friday 17 April 2020

Social Media the Road Rage of the Internet

Chill Out People!

I was just following a chat session about something currently making the news - Biden
naming a VP. Some things never change.

In about the 3rd chat, a couple of nameless parties started going at it. Out came the accusations and the hate - name calling that the same individuals would probably lack the guts to utter in person. That has always been the case - from early emails, to early social media sites, to Facebook, Twitter etc.

It is like so-called road rage.  People are really brave and at their worst as long as they can stay in their cars and make a getaway! If they are so tough then they should have a real user ID and let people know where they are. After all the subjects that trigger these things - usually politicians - are out there in public and take it all in stride - well OK, maybe not POTUS.


That was the beauty of hard print like newspapers. You had to pass a smell test before an editor published you. Nameless comment brings out the worst in people.

Chill out people. Say what you have to say but leave the smell and bitterness behind.


#thebrewsterblock