AG William Barr and President Trump

Pushback or White House Distraction

My last post received more views than any other. It was about DJT and General John Kelly. I'm not sure if it was just the search engines catching the names in the title or that my reference to God Bless America struck a nerve.

I hope it was the latter. So this time I hope a reference to AG Bill Barr accomplishes the same.

He has recently made public statements about his feelings that any President should not interfere with the DOJ. It sounds brave. It sounds like someone close to the President is actually showing the kind of courage exhibited by Mitt Romney. Is it true? If so he deserves credit.

Many say this is just another clever White House distraction to both lend some badly needed credibility to the AG and to take attention away from more nebulous White House activity. Either way I refer once again to the powerful emotions stimulated by music.

This time look up and read the lyrics to "America the Beautiful", especially the rendition by Ray Charles. Focus on "And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea". Do you think Katharine Lee Bates would write the same words today? I doubt it.

Here is another thought for November 2020:

DOJ normally stands for Department of Justice. Justice is supposed to be impartial. The image that depicts it involves a figure holding a balance or scale. It is even. Perhaps DOJ now has a new meaning?

How about "Donald's Own Justice" or "Department of Jury-rigging"?

The Judiciary is supposed to be one of three main elements of the US system of government from the Supreme Court on down. Allow POTUS and any of his Republican cronies to re-define that and you have just re-defined America. 

The rest of the world sees this. We hope the vast majority of Americans do also - especially in November!

The Brewster

Where Were You When President Trump was ...

Memories of 2016 and 2020

If we were alive most of us remember where we were and what we were doing when the following occurred:

• JFK was assassinated
• Man landed on the moon
• They started knocking down the Berlin wall (maybe not)
• The Twin Towers were attacked
• You had sex for the first time (OK - just seeing if you got this far)
• Donald J. Trump was elected initially

Here are 2 for the future:

A. Donald J. Trump was re-elected

B. Donald J. Trump was voted out (YOUR FIRED!)

Every American citizen who can and will vote now has the chance to create one of those moments!

It is not my place to tell them what to do, but I think I can say which one most people in the rest of the world want it to B !

The Brewster

Amy Klobuchar

Make the Presidency Great Again

If America wants to be great again in the eyes of the world it is time to come out of the dark ages. Elect a female President! (That goes for my fellow Canadians also. Kim Campbell does not really count).

Here are some great ones: 

• Indira Ghandi - India
• Margaret Thatcher - Britain
• Benazir Bhutto - Pakistan
• Julia Gillard - Australia
• Golda Meir - Israel
• Jacinda Ardern - New Zealand

I have always said that it is easier for a woman to tone down the warmth and get tough when it is necessary than it is for a man to tone down the macho and turn on the warmth when it necessary.

I can think of no better example. Amy Klobuchar can do both. Donald Trump can not. Perhaps John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan could but DJT doesn't know the meaning of warmth. Taking your jacket off on the golf course does not count.

Amy Klobuchar is the winning lottery ticket that all Americans don't know they have. Just sign it and turn it in!

The world will thank you. Those who wanted to change the Washington establishment with Trump should be seeing the error of their ways by now.

Fix it in November. Everyone will soon learn how to pronounce her name - even my spell checker will recognize it!

The Brewster

Go Ahead – Make My Day

A Compliment can be the Perfect Complement

Friday last I was just starting my workout at a local gym which I attend four times per week. Fridays I happen to begin with more stretching than usual. I should do it every time.

A brief history: in my educational background because I began kindergarten when I was four and skipped grade four, I was always the youngest and usually the smallest in my class. In grade nine high school the physical education teacher announced that the school was offering new sets of Weider weights - 110 pound set - for those who might be interested. They cost $25.

I immediately spent some of my meagre savings on a set and three to four nights per week devoted myself to body building. I had no intention of becoming the local tough guy or creating some Arnie like body but I was definitely at a disadvantage when it came to girls!

By the time I graduated which in our case was grade 13, I had already received some compliments. They meant a lot to me.

I took the set with me to my university residence and used them occasionally but not as often,

Fast forward to today. Throughout my career they sat at home and rusted (no vinyl in those days, just clangy metal with crude collars that tightened with a wrench.) For many years now however, especially since retirement I work out Monday/ Tuesday and Thursday/Friday resting Wednesday and the weekend.

So as I am about to start on a floor mat, a guy whom I have seen there for some time and who is in pretty good shape addressed me - “Excuse me?”. I anticipated that maybe I had taken his spot on the mat but that was not the case. He said he just wanted to compliment me on my condition and workouts and said he noticed it for some time. He continued saying that my muscles, shape, and flexibility were really great and he just wanted to let me know.

He left out the “… for your age …” piece that I was expecting! I am somewhere north of 70 so it felt good. It has actually happened several times before when they usually did ask my age. It makes my day hence the heading – it was the perfect complement to my day and my workout. 

So go ahead – make somebody’s day by paying them a compliment. It will cost you nothing and so far it is not taxable to the recipient!

Another thing that is free is a blood donation which can actually save a life. I will address this in another posting.

The Brewster

Like A Catcher’s Mitt, He Caught A Bouncing Ball.

A Man Among Mice

Back in 2008 when Mitt Romney ran for President I have to say I considered him just like all other politicians. I had little respect. I thought him a little too polished and smarmy. When he went up against Trump and lost but then considered working for him my respect almost disappeared.

I stand corrected.

It took real intestinal fortitude – guts – to stand alone as a Republican and vote for conviction of DJT. The brief speech he made to explain his decision was moving and very well spoken. He displayed more integrity and intelligence in those few moments than Trump did in his entire eighty minute State of the Union address. He will pay for it. He knows it.

He is now in my opinion a man to be respected. President Trump is not.

If the electorate gets a chance to vote this man to the highest office in the land I suggest they should do so. That is to say, if all of his smarmy peers don’t manage to blackball him first.

Of all the speeches and intercourse (yes, that is the appropriate word) I have heard since the impeachment began, this was the best of the bunch. Why did he wait so long? He had to know it was too late to foster a guilty verdict.

OK. My suspicions are not completely overcome. Just the same, well done Mitt. Your colleagues have been put to shame. I hope when they confess that their priests are as brave as you.

The Brewster

State of DisUnion Address

Fate of the Union Address

I think this famous presidential speech should be renamed. In the heading and title above are two suggestions.

After listening to the Trump Dump for almost 1 1/2 hours, I can't help myself. It is rhyme time.

My fellow Americans 

(left prompter)

It's time once again, in this hallowed hall,

(no LEFT Donald - the one with the wedding ring)

To tout the great things that I - that WE - do.
To the House and the Senate, Vice-President Pence,

And that woman in white next to you.

(right prompter)

I am the greatest POTUS of all,
Kennedy, Reagan - the bunch.
I am so great that I could knock out

Muhammad Ali with one punch.

You said I'm a king - tried to topple my throne,
The press and the Dems and the Feds.
Your metaphor failed - permit me to try:

One by one I'll have all your heads.

(left prompter)

Unemployment? The lowest it ever has been.
The stock market soars when I blink!
My Generals, my cabinet, the press, the U.N?

I don't give a damn what they think.

(right prompter) 

Obama's eight years I've surpassed in three.
My IQ sets me apart.
I talk to God - he knows a good thing.

And listens because I are smart.

The Speaker behind me offered her hand.
Meant to appease me I bet.
The only thing, that she has on me

Is a crush since the first day we met.

(look to the centre - can you handle that?) Hey prompter guy. YOU'RE FIRED!

Attempts to remove me were a big bust.
Their case just marks on a blotter.
Let them eat crow and then humble pie

And watch Donald J. walk on water.

To voters and fans whether black, brown, or white.

I promise you all a fair start.

In front of the world I pledge this to you,

In truth with my hand o'er my heart!

(other side Mr. President. other side!)

... o'er my heart!

And now as I leave, you may touch my ring or ask for my autograph. 

We take both credit and debit. No receipts.

State of Disunion and Iowa Caucus

Is The Fix In?

Remember Trump in 2016? "The system is RIGGED!" Is the Iowa caucus rigged? Will DJT bring it up in the State of the Disunion Address? I am guessing yes!

Should be a roaring time. We can only hope he will go off prompt and therefore off the planet. Seldom does this help him.

No matter what it has not been a good few months for Democrats. If you are going to play poker in the big leagues listen to Kenny first. "Know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em." Just like poker if you have a great hand you can't show it early and you only get to play it once. Make it good. The Dems. didn't. They let too many people see it including the opposition. They got Trumped which is even more shocking since there is no such thing in Poker.

I hear there is a new game in November. Take some Poker lessons ladies and gents. Choose wisely who will be sitting at the table. After last night things don't look good. The pot is huge. Don't give it away again.

The Brewster

Stocks to Pick When Trump is Acquitted

Trump and the Market

This will be short and sweet.

Many people attribute recent health in the stock market to Donald J. Trump. I don't agree but there is no denying that it has been on a good run.

If you want to make your fortune riding the market wake of DJT, consider something. There is one very special segment which is bound to soar. It is within the pharmaceuticals - specifically any company which manufactures sleeping pills or sleep aids.

Every Republican Senator who sold his or her soul at this trial or is about to do so will need sleeping pills. So will their spouses. It is the only way I can imagine them getting any sleep at night.

No there are not that many Senators but they will need a lot of them. Given the total lack of ethics we have witnessed, one of them is bound to see another opportunity and become a spokesperson for one of these companies, relating their recent personal experience. When they admit they are having trouble getting to sleep everyone will believe them. If they are contrite enough, they might even get re-elected.

A second choice might be Wimpy's  Diner where I'm sure they all eat.

Buy now, then sell out at the right moment - just like they did.

The Brewster

The Perfect Call

The OJ call to DJ

R-r-r-r-ing R-r-r-r-ing

"White House. How can you help us?"
"This is OJ. Let me speak to DJ."
"Sir. This is the office of The President of the United States."
"I know that babe. Just put me through to DJ."
"Sir, I don't know who you think you are. How DARE you speak to me like that!"
"No babe, you don't know who you're speaking to or you would not speak to me like that. Now put me through sister."
"Who are you? How did you get this number?"
"Just tell him it's OJ. We go way back. He's golfing isn't he? That's why I called his cell."

"One moment whoever you are."

Dingle Dingle ... Dingle Dingle 

"I'm golfing here! I just missed my putt! This better be good. YOU'RE FIRED!"
"Sir there is an 'OJ' on the line who says you go way back"
"On the secure line?"
"No Sir. This is your cell. You only have a secure line in the Oval Office"
"I'M IN THE OVAL OFFICE NITWIT. By the way, go and look at yourself in the mirror! Put him through."
"OJ?"
"Hey DJ. How's it goin' man?"
"This is NOT a Quid Pro Quo. It is a perfect call"
"Say what? This is OJ man. What gives?"
"Sorry Buddy. Oops. I mean you got me Buddy. I never say 'Sorry.' What can you do for me OJ? "
"Just called to say conrats man. Ain't this just the greatest country Dude?"
"Not before ME OJ. I made America GREAT again. Nobody else could do that."
"Er-r-r-r if you say so DJ. But also I have something for you."
"NEVER say that OJ. NEVER. This is NOT a Quid Pro Quo. This is a PERFECT call. I.m running late here OJ so keep talking!"
"Remember the glove thing? I've still got them man - the real ones! They are worth a fortune on Amazon. They will finance your entire campaign."
"This is NOT a Quid Pro Quo. It is a PERFECT call. You were saying?"
"That's it DJ. But before I give them up there is just one little thing. I'd like ... wait now. My lawyer says 'we'd' like a little favor."
"NEVER say that OJ. NEVER. This is NOT a Quid Pro Quo. This is a PERFECT call. I'm listening."
"They tell me you can grant pardons ... to anyone."
"NEVER say that OJ. NEVER. This is NOT a Quid Pro Quo. This is a PERFECT call. I'm going to give you a number - my lawyer's. Call him. There might be a short hold - I mean pause  but be patient."
"OK man. We should throw a few sometime out in the yard"
"Your yard or mine?"
"Yours dude. I can throw a Kleenex out of bounds in mine these days."
"FYI OJ, I know more about football than Payton Manning and you combined. I have thrown the most touchdowns and have completed more running plays than anyone in the history of football. Call that number. I'll have somebody speak to him."
"Thanks DJ."
"NEVER say that OJ. NEVER. This is NOT a Quid Pro Quo. This is a PERFECT call. By the way whatever you are doing now? YOU'RE FIRED."
"I'm not employed."
"I can do anything. Didn't you hear? I am a King now." 

"You know what DJ? Never mind. You can have the gloves anyway. They're too big these days."

CLICK

"OJ? … OJ? ...I had the biggest inauguration EVER. Way bigger than Obama's. You hear me OJ? ... OJ?"

Ping Ping ... Ping Ping

"Get that guy back on this phone STAT!"

"You fired me dipstick. Call him yourself! You just press those little square numbers in the middle ... AFTER you hang up ... like THIS."

CLICK

The Brewster

Senate Trial Super Bowl!

Where is the Bigger Game - Washington or Miami?

This is a big week-end for Washington as well as Miami. The Senate's game has been going on for two weeks now and we still don't know the outcome - more like cricket.

There are more parallels than differences. However let's compare the biggest game in the Washington season and the biggest game in the football season:

• Both rely heavily on corporate money.
• Both make a big deal out of the kickoff but most times it amounts to nothing.
• Inactive players sit on the sidelines. Senators watch their phones; footballers the game.
• The Super Bowl umpires wear stripes. Perhaps the Senate ones should also - head to toe!
• There is rough play and hard hitting in both but no penalties in the Senate.
• You will do well in either if you can dodge, run fast, and pass the ball. 
• In football you try to catch the ball. In the Senate you try to avoid it.
• Both have offensive and defensive players. Most Senators however are always offensive.
• Post game analysis lasts for hours in one but forever in the other.
• The fans in both get into passionate fights.
• In both, if you can keep winning you can keep playing.
• Sometimes the oldest players do best in the Senate - not so much in football.
• Women go crazy for footballers. You can probably guess the rest of this.
• In the Super Bowl there is a clear winner. In the Senate there is no winner. Just losers.
• Fans would miss almost anything for the Bowl; watch anything else but the Senate trial.

What a country! There is something for everyone.

The Brewster