The AJC (con't.)

 09.30.2022

Did you know that words of hate travelled America to ban Jews from being bankers, lawyers, teachers, and more. Some neighborhoods wrote covenants banning Jews. Some hotels advertised 'Only for Gentiles'.

Henry Ford fanned the flames of antisemitism, and spread the hate. He even bought a newspaper that had the second highest circulation in the country. 

Did you know that during the early days of The Great Depression, as folks were grasping to make ends meet, millions of immigrants, lots of these folks legal, were rounded up & sent out of the U.S.? Welcome to America. This is of course post-genocide of Native Americans & African Americans.

The Great Depression had also hit Germany, and became Hitler's chance to put his bullshit into action. People, with unemployment rampant & resources dwindling, saw Hitler's scheme as a way out. Initially. (Had it not been for my paternal great grandparents earlier immigration from Germany before it all hit the fan, from my Dad's parents on down, I wouldn't be writing this.)So Dad, born in 1927, and Mom, born in 1931, knew Depression life. And we're white. White Privilege made life a wee bit more comfortable for them, opposed to so many others.

Hitler's 'Brown Shirts & SS' would roam streets, beating and even detaining anyone that looked like they may be Jewish. We should never avoid learning more about these gentlemen. And they grew in numbers as time went on. Once Hitler had amassed his HUGE armies and built ships and planes and submarines, he felt greatly empowered, enough do that he did not care who crossed him. He kept on perpetuating lies and other means of propaganda that swayed Germans to believe Jews should be done away with. 

Had enough? Because it gets uglier.

Dachau was the first of many of the concentration camps, and it was quickly populated and put to work. Families separated, put to work, or killed, or identified for the horrors of human experimentation, was only  a part of this great attempt of extermination.

I know I bounce around a lot, so please forgive me. These facts are in no order, as I have to stop, cry, and try to remember where I was all too often. I'll stop for tonight & pick back up tomorrow.

Thank you for stopping by.

The AJC

 09.29.2022

The American Jewish Committee. I recently subscribed to their telling newsletters, and man. Just the first one I read shocked me on what I was never taught, or had been able to hear from scholars and history. I am amazed from listening to their podcast, "People of the Pod". Ken Burns and Lynn Novick researched and spent seven years compiling a ton of historic information for the recent PBS documentary of theirs "The U.S. and the Holocaust". It is not for the faint of heart, like all crimes against humanity. But here is the biggest surprise to me, which I had only learned. The Germans took notes from our United States in our own hellish acts of slavery. 

I know. Way to make your momma proud, assholes. 

And unfortunately, I'm in the 'still learning' mode when it comes to America's brutal, greedy, selfish, unconscionable treatment of our African American brethren, as well as others.  It's still happening today, worldwide. But back to our own Jewish brethren. Excerpt from the provided classroom lesson plans that accompany this documentary.

"Americans consider themselves a “nation of immigrants,” but as the Holocaust unfolded in Europe, the U.S. proved unwilling to open its doors to more than a fraction of the hundreds of thousands of desperate people seeking refuge. Through firsthand testimony of witnesses and survivors, the series delves into the tragic human consequences of public indifference, bureaucratic red tape, and quota laws."

Ken Burns pointed out, and I'm paraphrasing, that any society, anywhere, can lose their democratic privileges. He notes several that have, and look to be destined to by the way things are looking.

January, 1933. Hitler takes power, says we must get rid of the 'Jew parasites'. Jews began plans to escape, many to America, but America did not want to let them in. Turns out exclusion was what mass America wanted. At the beginning, 1933, Naziism began. By the end of World War II, 2 out of every 3 Jews had been murdered. At least.

America as a whole finally saw news of the horrors, and many citizens & some politicians fought to bring Jewish refugees to the U.S., about 250,000. More than anywhere else in the world.

So, early wokeism? Seems so. Even during Jim Crow. Good for our U.S. citizens that pushed. At least our African American brethren weren't murdered. Oh, wait.

I'll stop for now, but much more to come on humans killing each other. To be continued...

Thank you for stopping by.

Russia's Newest Problems

 09.28.2022

While Hurricane Ian is dominating the news this morning, Russia and Ukraine are close seconds. Next, the struggle to retain our teachers. All relevant, all ticking like a time bomb. All human sensitive.

But let's look at Russia. Putin has been quoted as threatening to use nuclear arms if other allies commit to assisting Ukraine. Idiot. And he's got just the ego to push the button, man. A peek at world-wide consequences in the making, if you care to review. Google past nuclear site disasters. Known sites. But a directed nuclear bomb is, well, near impossible to escape. It doesn't just kill people. Get me? Not a Zombie Apocalypse, but an Apocalypse nonetheless. 

We know so much about the hazards of nuclear affects on humans. Yes, some by accident, some not. Think water, and groceries, and electricity, and anything that operates to deliver these things. Think total devistation. And what if batshit crazy leaders pile on to assist Putin? We all know they're out there.

A high point in the news for me, however, is that Ukraine has really booger'd up Putin's push into their country. Not only that, but protests and fleeing citizens from Russia have been BIG. Putin has issued "mobilization commands" for specific groups, reservists, to join in on the murderous and destructive atrocities to attempt to annex Ukraine. Up to 300,000. I have to believe that these reservists ate going to assist or expect consequences for them, or maybe their families

I wouldn't pee on Putin if he was on fire. And good for the folks in Russia that are fleeing Putin's reign of hate & terror. Good for the fearless protestors. Best wishes of hope for the freedom fighters.

Thank you for stopping in.

Rainbow Fentanyl

 09.27.2022

Another death threat hits the streets. Another designer drug with a name and appearance sure to lure. Yes, the war on drugs, again, has a brand new nemesis. Be must warned...again. This is no joke.

My thoughts, viewed as a long time recovering alcoholic that has had the luxury of experimenting with drugs and surviving, is a big ol' NO to the temptation, typically peer pressure driven. The desire to fit in. Addiction is a dead end street, often one way. 

Drug Cartels south of us, driven by nothing but power and greed, are  not concerned with your family that may be addicted, injured, or killed by their efforts. It's all about their economic outcome. 

Remember "Breaking Bad"? It was a well done, superbly written and acted, portrayal of how a popular TV series sends a message to the masses of how an initial money making endeavor can manifest itself into the deep, dark world of addiction for profit.

SAY NO TO DRUGS has long been a mantra we as adults have heard for many, many years. School programs, federal, state and local law enforcement, have joined together for years to put forth joint efforts to educate. And for a good reason. Even in elementary school in the 60s there were school wide programs showcasing the dangers.

These new Rainbow pills are designed to lure and entice. They mimick the colors of Skittles, Sweet Tarts, Fruit Loops, and other sweets. 

Talk to your kids, beginning st an early age, and don't let up. Maybe by the time they bury a couple of friends they'll appreciate your hard messaging.

I know this is late compared to my daily posts. Please forgive. I'll try to tighten up.

Thank you for stopping in. 

Iran's Morality Police

 09.26.2022

A young Iranian woman was pulled off the streets of Tehran by the country’s notorious morality police and taken to a “re-education center” for lessons in modesty last week. Three days later, she was dead.

Mahsa Amini was 22 years old. Twenty two. Iran, an Islamic Republic, has had their morality enforcers present in the public for, well, decades. 

This is a really sad example of what can happen in a country where the citizens don't have a voice without retaliation. 

So the protestors that are so pissed have taken to the streets in revolt. I see their pain & passion, and feel it inside of me. Now it's the people against the morality police. That's real funny. Motherfuckers.

Picture this: Your daughter & some of her girlfriends are out for coffee one evening. (I don't know much about the cultural intricacies in Iran, but if I lived there, I'd have to think that they collectively, during their chat, that some cultural faux pas came up in a disturbing way).

Girlfriend #1-I'm so fucking sick of this backwards bullshit, and takes off her hijab.                        Girlfriend #2-But I must maintain my standard of modesty.  Girlfriend #3-I'm with Mahsa. Let's just pretend we are not beyond puberty.                                Girlfriend #4-But outside the home, in reality, if we get caught, we'll be at the mercy of the Islamic rule. We must follow the Quran, lest we go to jail, or Hell!                      Girlfriend #1-The coffee is hot, and so am I. The old ways are beyond old! I'm sick of this shit! (removes hijab) NO MORE JUDGEMENT! Girlfriend #2-MAHSA! NO! Girlfriend #3-This is risky. I cannot disrespect our Quran traditions. Girlfriend #4-I fear of being judged. I cannot.                                Girlfriend #1-I hold no contempt towards you three. You are my best friends. But I feel I must do this. I want to make a statement for the greater good of our future women. Please go home. We'll catch up tomorrow.

And in our United States, the message is all to clear. In our society, rule makers want total control over decision making. No. It will not stand. I'll leave the following writings on some teachings of the Quran...

"The sentence of punishment without hijab and bad hijab is in accordance with the meaning of some verses of the Holy Quran, it is stated in Surah Noor. “Those who like to spread indecency among those who believe will have a painful punishment in this world and the hereafter, and God knows while you do not know.”"Those who want ugliness to spread among the people by faith is a painful punishment for them in this world and the hereafter, and God knows and you do not know." (Surah Noor, verse 19) Since the lack of hijab is the basis for the spread of prostitution and corruption in society and has destructive effects on families and society. Therefore, since one of the things that pollutes the atmosphere of the Islamic society is the non-observance of Islamic dress, and in fact, the lack of hijab, since it spreads corruption in the society, is a great threat to the mental security of the society and its consequences. To the detriment of society, the Islamic government is obliged to fight against this threat. Keep it healthy and ready for the growth and excellence of its people".

This ain't the god damned Handmaid's Tale. 

Thank you for stopping by.

Sleeplessness

 09.25.2022

It strikes at the strangest times, a little different for all of us. And it often strikes at the most importune times. Especially when there are times of distresses, be them good or bad. Nerves, man.

Days are filled with triggers that spark our anxieties. How do we make our motor fuels last a week, or more. So expensive! And the groceries! School supplies! Electric bills, and now the coming heating bills! Let's not forget taxes. Of course, the employment issues are too real. Employees taking up slack for dwindling staff remain all too stressed.

Parents, kids, siblings, grandkids, friends, neighbors, charities, and several needing a little help during these economic challenging times. So let's think outside the box to be as humane to our humans and pets and animals as we can. 

Most all of the above strike a nerve with me. Add in ailments and the outrageous costs at the pharmacy and you've got a real mindfuck. This is one way the less fortunate end up homeless, or turning into and towards illicit activities, just trying to survive.

These are just a few of my bedtime thoughts. And as I awaken, they're often the first thoughts of the new day. Until I begin my daily research on our current political landscape. Then, it just compounds all of the above. Motherfucker.

I'm reminded, thankfully, of the teaching of my parents and so many others in my life, offering solutions to their own triggers of nerves:

• Eliminate myopia
• Take 100% responsibility
• Be kind
• Be compassionate
• Engage positively
• Consider alternative solutions
• Eliminate procrastination
• Hold hands with your loved ones
• Be appreciative
• Be polite
• Use your manners
• Stand your ground
• You can accomplish anything
• If you love someone, show it
• Involve yourself in community
• Encourage kids
• To thine own self be true

I know this isn't a complete list of all that's been shared with me, but these tips help get me get over the edge of sleeplessness. If I can just focus on these, I generally wake up with a smile & can knee pop my way to pee & brush my teeth. From there, the wins begin. Try it. ♥️

Thank you for stopping by.

Misfits

 09.24.2022

misfit /ˈmɪsfɪt /

▸ noun - a person whose behaviour or attitude sets them apart from others in an uncomfortably conspicuous way.

▪ archaic - something that does not fit or that fits badly.

Hmmmm. Now who did this remind me of in the present day? I mean, besides myself. Yes, it requires work to fit in, if that's your goal. There are times I still feel the need in certain situations. I'm a lot less apt, though, to put forth much effort since retiring, especially since I'm a real live homebody. I'll be kind as people let me, and gracious when called for it. I'll always tip any and all service workers & retail staff, even giving them the benefit of the doubt when they may not be up to the level of minimal courtesy. Everybody has an off day. But I'm also tempted at times to show I'm a card carryin' misfit. Like the olden days.

Mainly, however, of course I'm talking about a lot of Republicans, both politicians and citizens. I just can't understand the follow-the-criminal-tyrant-misogynist-racist-lying-homophobic leader. AND KNOWING ALL THIS, THEY STILL FOLLOW HIM! For fuck sake, man.

Please do what you can to spread the word to dissolve Republican powers. Vote. Vote Blue. Our democracy and our future depend on you to avert the potential hellscape that's possibly coming.

Thank you for stopping in.

Feeling Seen

 09.23.2022

Today is Annual Bisexual Visibility Day. Did you know that over 12 million folks identify as Bisexual? I didn't. That's a lot. And BiPhobia is real, as people aren't always ready to accept that some folks are different from them. We have so many phobias, man.

Mental health is a much riskier situation for Bisexuals than regular heterosexuals. Like so many of our LGBTQ+ sisters & brothers, being shunned or bullied or ridiculed or attacked, verbally or physically, is a valid concern. Because statistics. Imagine being in school, or in any public setting, always on guard. You know, like being a different color. Fucking people, man.

But working on your acceptance is a tool we can all adapt to and utilize. Gay Pride matters. Just please try to think of yourself as a parent or sibling or friend that has an LGBTQ+ connection. If. Well, plenty of folks do. And plenty of folks will. 

We have been gifted with an incredible woman as our son's fiance', and two amazing young granddaughters, 14 & 4. Should one or both of them be different than me, or not, it would only make me even more protective of them. I don't much cotton to bullies.

In my studies, it has not been uncommon to read of ruthless  men or rulers of some hellscape of a regime to murder our LGBTQ+ brethren. Or cowards that have taken it upon themselves to beat, intimidate, imprison, or kill others. Like:

• Putin
• Hitler
• Omar Mateen
• Shia Militia in Iraq
• Iran
• ISIS
• Stephen Port
• Muhammad Ejaz
• Brazilian Hate
• Ugandan Hate
• Ronald Edward Gay
• David Copeland
• Colin Ireland (The Gay Slayer)
• John Bunting & Robert Wagner 
• Ronald Crumpley
• Violent Gangs in NSW, Australia
• Roger Dale Nunez

Hug your neighbor. You won't catch anything. Walk a mile in their shoes. Love the "born-with" folks like any other. If you were born with Downs, MS, are hearing impaired, speech impaired, sight impaired, have CF, or any other affliction, I'd still hug you so hard I may crack a rib. Or two. 🤗🫂♥️

Do unto others, yall. You know the drill.

Thank you for stopping by.  

Russia In The Real

 09.22.2022

First, fuck you, Putin. Your time's a'comin'. And again, thank you to Timothy Snyder for your immense research and truthful hard work.

In April 2015, Russian hackers took over the transmission of a French television station, pretended to be ISIS, and then broadcast material designed to terrorize France.

The aim was presumably to drive voters to the Far-Right National Front, a party financially supported by Russia. 

Russia impersonated a "cyber-caliphate" so that the French would fear terror more than they already did. After 130 people were killed and 368 injured in the November 2015 terrorist attack, the founder of a think tank close to the Kremlin rejoiced that the attack would drive Europe closer to Fascism and Russia. Both fake and real Islamic terrorism in western Europe, in other words, were thought to be in the interest of Russia.

In early 2016, Russia manufactured a moment of fake terror in Germany while bombing Syrian civilians and thus driving Muslim refugees to Europe. Russia exploited a family drama to instruct Germans that Muslims were rapists of children. The aim, again, seems to have been to destabilize a democratic system and promote the parties of the extreme right. 

The previous September, the German government had announced Russia would take half a million refugees from the war in Syria. Russia then began a bombing campaign in Syria that targeted civilians. Having provided the refugees,  Russia then supplied the narrative. 

So. Knowing the above, are you STILL a trump supporter? The leader of Russia, North Korea, both his brethren, both terrorists and chock full o' greed and could give a damn about killing whomever to meet their needs? A former president needs to go the fuck away. Now. His supporters need a tent city on a plot of land where they can run wild & free. With a wall to contain them, of course. 

Too much? Send a comment. I'll write you into the next blog entry.

Thank y'all for stopping by.

Politics At The State Park Campground

 09.21.2022

Maybe I was the only one absorbed in my new book from Timothy Snyder, creating my own political questions on our current status quo. Maybe not. But I chewed through most of this awesome read "On Tyranny". It allows for so much reflection on histories of how things went south in countries with lying, deceitful overlords.

But Mr. Snyder also speaks to the importance of face to face contact with others, new and old folks of acquaintance, family and anyone that may want to discuss politics in a calm, genuine way. I can do genuine. Not always calm. 

Reading about how states and countries successfully overcame potential tyranny, it was done by grass roots efforts. It works, y'all. Reach out like this, in a blog, and search for interested readers. I really hope that Republicans or Conservatives and like minded Blue Wavers are seeking truths opposed to gilded demons. You know, a president can and has been the deliverer of lies for self...

Good people are in our parks. Sure, there are the rare horrors that have happened in our parks, but certainly rare. The families, kids, babies, fireside laughter, music, smells and sounds of nature. Man. What would it be like to lose our abilities, our freedoms to cross state lines unimpeded?

I don't know. What would it be like to see books banned, limited healthcare for our women, voting rights compromised? Or humans being denied asylum? Or have our kids and elders killed or imprisoned, only to be killed? Because this is how tyranny begins. Not trying to be an earth quaking alarmist, just want all to dig deeper than too many have not. There is a trend to demonic leaders. That trend to follow other tyrannical leaders that came before them.

Vote Blue en mass. It's the best shot we have at derailing these asshole politicians. If I don't see success in my lifetime, please let our kids see it. Please. 

Thank you for stopping in.

Illegal Aliens..?

 What a fucked up use of the word "Alien". Oh, you mean "Asylum Seekers"? These folks, human beings OK, seek a better life for their families, mostly due to illegal actions of which they have zero control. Be it corruption within their government (how well we understand these complexities) or drug cartels, the power hungry and greedy make it different for the humble citizen. But I get you. Your mind is so filled with a perception filled with lies and deceitful uses of  propaganda that it makes it a bit challenging to ignore. I have some tips to help.

The 20th century histories tell us a lot about the uses of demonic , self serving individuals that were able to blindly lead others into their schemes of power and hatred. Lies became their power moves. Lies got them into a position of power by vote. Unsuspecting citizens fell in line, thinking they were doing the right thing! Imagine that.

These playbooks were used by Russia, Germany, and even our United States. So a president can be an influencer in a huge way. Think January 6th, 2021. When we see and hear the truths that are now proving to be accurate, it recalls Hitler's vision for a Totalitarian society. Think about others, like Stalin. Read up, y'all. No wonder we've seen a mass exodus from other countries.

Let's all put ourselves in an asylum seeker's place. These poor people, many WALKING with little or nothing, carrying children, need our love and support. My taxes are welcomed in their direction. Not that politicians ask. Social Services are just one thing that makes our country so great. No, we can't help everyone, but we can sure try.

But I rant. Only to attempt to warn, to educate. It's everyday people like you that help to pass on knowledge of what could be. Spread the words of possibilities. Remember those many innocent victims lost to tyrannical leaders that only cared for themselves.  They thought of their own selves, not consequences of their actions. And we haven't even talked about Slavery.

In closing, I feel it's important to remind all that, unless we are of indigenous heritage, we were all from asylum seekers. All of us. Please talk to friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and not in an intrusive way, to question their politics. It matters so much. You matter so much. We all matter so much. Ride the Blue Wave! 🌊 🫂

Thank you for stopping in. 💙

Timothy Snyder

 09.19.2022

Timothy D. Snyder

Timothy David Snyder is an American historian specializing in the modern history of Central and Eastern Europe, who is the Richard C. Levin Professor of History at Yale University and a permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna.

I recently wrote on tyranny, as now as much as ever, seems necessary. Not to capitalize on folk's lack of knowledge, but to simply educate where it seems important. Critical. Super important. His book, "On Tyranny", shows to be a quick read on substance we all NEED to care about. Here are snapshots os the furst two pages. Please read:

PROLOGUE

History does not repeat, but it does instruct. As the Founding Fathers debated our Constitution, they took instruction from the history they knew. Concerned that the democratic republic they envisioned would collapse, they contemplated the descent of ancient democracies and republics into oligarchy and empire. As they knew, Aristotle warned that inequality brought instability, while Plato believed that demagogues exploited free speech to install themselves as tyrants. In founding a democratic republic upon law and establishing a system of checks and balances, the Founding Fathers sought to avoid the evil that they, like the ancient philosophers, called TYRANNY. They had in mind the usurpation of power by a single individual or group, or the circumvention of law by rulers for their own benefit. Much of the succeeding political debate in the United States has concerned the problem of tyranny within American society: over slaves and women, for example. It is thus a primary American tradition to consider history when our political order seems imperiled. If we worry today that the American experiment is threatened by tyranny, we can follow the example of the Founding Fathers and contemplate the history of other democracies and republics. The good news is that we can draw upon more recent and relevant examples than ancient Greece and Rome. The bad news is that the history of modern democracy is also one of decline and fall. Since the American colonies declared their independence from a British monarchy that the Founders deemed "tyrannical," European history has seen three major democratic moments: after the First World War in 1918, after the Second World War in 1945, and after the end of communism in 1989. Many of the democracies founded at these junctures failed, in circumstances that in some important respects resemble our own.

History and Tyranny

History can familiarize, and it can warn. In the late nineteenth century, just as in the late twentieth century, the expansion of global trade generated expectations of progress. In the early twentieth century, as in the early twenty-first, these hopes were challenged by new visions of mass politics in which a leader or a party claimed to directly represent the will of the people. European democracies collapsed into right-wing authoritarianism and fascism in the 1920s and '30s. The communist Soviet Union, established in 1922, extended its model into Europe in the 1940s. The European history of the twentieth century shows us that societies can break, democracies can fall, ethics can collapse, and ordinary men can find themselves standing over death pits with guns in their hands. It would serve us well today to understand why both fascism and communism were responses to globalization: to the real and perceived inequalities it created, and the apparent helplessness of the democracies in addressing them. Fascists rejected reason in the name of will, denying objective truth in favor of a glorious myth articulated by leaders who claimed to give voice to the people. They put a face on globalization, arguing that its complex challenges were the result of a conspiracy against the nation. Fascists ruled for a decade or two, leaving behind an intact intellectual legacy that grows more relevant by the day. Communists ruled for longer, for nearly seven decades in the Soviet Union, and more than four decades in much of eastern Europe. They proposed rule by a disciplined party elite with a monopoly on reason that would guide society toward a certain future according to supposedly fixed laws of history. We might be tempted to think that our democratic heritage automatically protects us from such threats. This is a misguided reflex. In fact, the precedent set by the Founders demands that we examine history to understand the deep sources of tyranny, and to consider the proper responses to it. Americans today are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism, or communism in the twentieth century. Our one is that we might learn from their experience. Now is a good time to do so.

This book presents twenty lessons from the twentieth century, adapted to the circumstances of today. 

These first two pages told me more than I knew, and I've studied these atrocities for quite a while. The next chapters, however short, will paint a horrendous picture. Especially if we don't act now. Vote Blue. 💙🫂🌊

Thank you for stopping by.

Matt Gaetz

 09.18.2022

Matt Gaetz 'Must' Be Removed From Committee After Pardon 

Calls for Representative Matt Gaetz to be removed from a key committee position have begun after it was reported that the Republican Florida congressman sought a pre-emptive pardon from former President Donald Trump. The news first broke yesterday from The Washington Post. 

According to the report, Gaetz allegedly told former White House aide Johnny McEntee that he had asked chief of staff Mark Meadows for a pre-emptive pardon from Trump due to an investigation against him. When investigators pressed further, McEntee said that the investigation in question was probably the Department of Justice's (DOJ) probe into allegations that the congressman had violated sex trafficking laws.

In addition to reigniting the conversation about the accusations against Gaetz, the report also led Democratic Representative Ted Lieu of California to call for his removal from a major Judiciary Committee seat.

"GOP Rep Matt Gaetz is entitled to the presumption of innocence," Lieu tweeted. "He is not entitled to sit on the Judiciary Committee that has oversight over the Department of Justice that is investigating him for sex crimes. A conflict of interest. [House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy] must remove him from the Committee."

The DOJ opened its investigation into Gaetz in late 2020, with the approval of Trump-appointed Attorney General William Barr. The investigation is about allegations that Gaetz paid for sex, engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and transporting her across state lines, the latter of which brought the investigation into the realm of sex trafficking. Gaetz has denied the allegations and accused the DOJ of conspiring against him.

Gaetz became a target of the DOJ probe as an extension of an investigation into his colleague, former Florida tax collector Joel Greenberg. Greenberg pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges last May, with his sentencing being delayed multiple times to this coming December.

A fellow congressman, Ted Lieu, has called for Gaetz to be removed from a major committee seat over allegations that he sought preemptive pardon over a DOJ probe into his conduct.

In a statement to the Post, a spokesperson for Gaetz denied that the congressman ever sought a pardon for himself, saying that he discussed pardons for other individuals during the final months of Trump's presidency.

"Congressman Matt Gaetz discussed pardons for many other people publicly and privately at the end of President Donald Trump's first term," the spokesperson told the newspaper. "As for himself, President Trump addressed this malicious rumor more than a year ago stating, 'Congressman Matt Gaetz has never asked me for a pardon.' Rep. Gaetz continues to stand by President Trump's statement."

Newsweek reached out to Gaetz's office for comment.

Huh. No comment detected.  Just more tries for misuse of power. Vote BLUE, good people. 🌊🫂🌊

Thank you for stopping by.

America's Blue Wave

 09.17.2022

Fighting to electDemocrats nationwide

Democrats need to fight everywhere—in every state, in every district, in every city in America. We believe there’s no such thing as a red district or a red county. Democrats in red districts need to be shown that their vote counts.

Let’s be clear:

Rural Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jim Jordan, Lauren Boebert, and more could be defeated as long as Democrats invest in rural communities.

That’s why we’re using our expert team of Democratic organizers to invest in flipping rural seats blue.

We believe there’s no such thing as a red district or a red county—that’s why we’re using our expert staff or organizers to invest in flipping rural seats blue. Because we know full well that there are Democrats in those districts that need to be shown that their vote counts.

Not only will we show them that their vote counts, we will show them how to organize and mobilize their own communities to make a difference.

Our Blue Wave America plan uses:

Cutting-edge voter turnout technology

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And helps fund local Democratic ground efforts to flip red districts blue

Join us in our fight to defeat the worst Republicans in Congress to give every American a voice in our system.

We're fighting to elect Democrats that will stand for Democracy and will work to pass President Biden’s agenda for the people.

We are committed to defeating Marjorie Taylor Greene first and foremost in Georgia’s 14th district.

Donate Now to Blue Wave

Also:

Raphael Warnock (D)

Georgia Senate

Tim Ryan (D)

Ohio Senate (red to blue)

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Cooler Nights & Mornings

 09.16.2022

Man. Thought they'd never get here! Been drying fire pit wood, waiting, anticipating. We're SO CLOSE!

Camping. Football. Fall clothes. I am super stoked for my big $hit favorite season. Chili. Grilling & griddling. Backyard sleepovers with our granddaughters. Open fire hot dogs & marshmallows. Ghost stories relived from back in the day.

Me & my Bride gonna break out & away for a few days soon. We like northern South Carolina, just shy of North Carolina. We  planned on scouting the Lake Keowee/Lake Jocassee area, at a state park: Devil's Fork. Hope it's as nice as it seems. Not that it has to be fancy, just a place to pitch our tent. And, of course, a bit of water to splash around.

Being retired now, it's freeing to know that with a little planning, we don't have to be beholden to a "weekend only" schedule. It's often been kinda rushed for a weekend camping trip, knowing Monday morning awaits at the job. Not this time, y'all. Just have to arrange coverage for mother-in-law care and the youngest granddaughter to be picked up after school. Can we do it. CAN WE DO IT!

You know, the best laid plans & all that. But working towards a plan with a great partner works well a large percentage of the time. So I'm confident that with the right support staff, it'll be a go.  

If all works well, I'll be happy to report on the pre-celebration of our ROEVEMBER win. Candles & campfires. ❤️🎉

Thank you for stopping by.

"Reverse Freedom Rides"

 09.15.2022

Huh. Never taught about this in school, either. And it happened in my lifetime. But today, and I'm thankful for an open media that reports so much, we see a mirror of what happened to African Americans in the 1960s. These folks were shipped to northern states on a promise of a better life. So they were lied to and had little recourse. And guess from where? Oh, Deep South. Our Louisiana. How could you?

Except today, it was with that promise to Latinx.  Promises of housing, jobs, better lives. Flown to Martha's Vineyard, and gratefully. But lied to. Oh, Deep South. Our Florida. How could you?

And Texas Governor Greg Abbott with his buses to D.C. I can't stomach these dregs of our society. FUCK.ME.

Watching Ari Melber tonight, seeing his disgust, and bringing on Michael Steele for his thoughts, was educational and heartbreaking. History repeats itself 60 years later. 60 fucking years. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis never ceases to make me want to drive down there to ask him what his fucking deal is. But I won't, because I know all too well what his deal is.

Whether you agree or disagree on open borders and or our immigration policies being reformed, keep in mind we are talking about human beings. From the youngest to the eldest. Is this what you want to see in our country AGAIN? What group of humans will be next? Our Trans brothers and sisters, or our Lesbians, or our Homosexuals, or our Bi- Sexuals? Hindis, Muslims, Baptists, Catholics? Enough with the mysogynistic, xenophobic & religious bullshit. If this is what your constituents want, then you should probably deport THEM. I'm so tired of the elite and powerful playing performance politics.

Please consider, if the equal treatment of others matters to you, to vote Democrat in all upcoming elections. This recent overwhelming hate & division sown by the Republican party is too reminiscent to days gone by.

Remember: #coloredsonlywhitesonly #achtungjuden #italiansnotwelcome #nowetbacks 

We will not go back. 

Thank you for stopping in.

Beware The Narcissist

 09.14.2022

Avoid them at all costs. Sure, hard to recognize immediately, but once you get a whiff...

So a refresher, or reminder, as it is relevant. 

   The Narcissist Check List

1. Two Faced, putting friends and family down behind their backs.

2. Tendency to blame their lack of success/failures on others.

3. Acts different in public than in private.

4. Irresponsible and unreliable.

5. Arrogant, acts superior.

6. Lives in a fantasy world which may include porn, flirting, affairs, and dreams of unlimited success and fame.

7. Addicted to fantasy oriented behavior.

8. Will lie and distort facts and change events to suit their own agenda.

9. Be irresponsible with money.

10. Emotionally distant and unavailable unless they want something.

11. Lack sympathy for others, especially those they exploit.

12. Be very controlling and unable to relax.

13. Regularly provoke people and blame them for the fight.

 14. Have trouble admitting their mistakes.

Maybe some just have a few of these characteristics, maybe some nail them all. What the goal should be is to protect yourself from the demeaning and caustic affects that tend to invade your life. 

So be careful, be aware, be safe. These signs will always reveal themselves. 

Thank y'all for stopping by.

The Marginalized

 09.13.2022

The poor. The destitute. The homeless. The afflicted. The ones that live in the shadows, in the gray. The lacking. Too often, our elderly. The ones that cannot.

Are these humans, from all castes, needy? Sometimes. 

For me, personally, I'm glad to see others, all of us children of mothers, willing to lend a hand where & when we are able. I hold no malice towards the less fortunate. Quite the opposite. 

I feel thankful for my own upbringing, it's  opportunity, as a middle class kid needing for nothing. Ever. Rarely have I ever needed for anything, from food, water, shelter, to medical services, employment, forms of entertainment, transportation. I had so many years of mispent youth, it's a wonder I didn't fall by the wayside myself. My guardian angels have been, and still are, many. Not that I feel as if I was owed or expected to be one of the black or white. Easily, I could, or should have been, gray.

As for upbringing, and decent opportunities, the playing field has rarely been level for all. The wealthy have always made the rules for all of us to abide. The percentage on them has always been small. But riches yield power. The few, we hope, should have good sense. There was a time. Now, I'm not as sure. 

But back to the human aspects. Not that an economy is not important, but mismanagement can, as we have seen, destroy so many valuable things.

The mirage of a real democracy is apparent to me. I mean for all. We're lucky to have an open government to where we can (sometimes) dissent without reprisal, and where our voices can be heard. So hear this...

The ridiculous, harmful, moves of late, especially Republican driven, will not stand. They asked for a fight with their pick of the presidential litter in 2016, so I hope they reap what they have sown. As for me, I'll continue to support food pantries, soup kitchens, government assistance, shelters and rehab facilities, bussing for those in need, reading and writing clinics, state funded mentoring programs, childcare programs, domestic violence assistance, and so many other programs our country offers.

Wait. Still leaning to the right? I hope your needs are never reduced to a level below your comfort, @$$h0le. Oh, sorry. Did I just show a bit of disdain?

Thank you for stopping in.  

Athens Pride Week

 09.12.2022

It begins today! It's a pretty big deal. So if you have ever been  bullied, misjudged, threatened because of your lifestyle choices or the way you dress, talk, or interact in public or private, it will benefit you to continue to read this. It's not relevant if you are LGBTQ+ or not. We all need to know that people, no matter their choices, need their voices.

For those unaware: Here is a schedule for the week, starting  today. Please educate yourself about another human part of communities. We're so lucky here to be so diverse. Join in the celebrations and party with your new friends! 🏳️‍🌈♥️🏳️‍🌈 Please share! ☮️♀️♂️⚧️#noh8

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PRIDEFEST WEEK 2022

•  265 Newton Bridge Rd., Athens, GA 30607
• Presented By: Terrapin Beer Co.
• Dates: 9/12/2022, 9/13/2022, 9/14/2022, 9/15/2022, 9/16/2022, 9/17/2022
• Location: Terrapin Beer Co.
• Time: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Price: Free

VIEW WEBSITE 

PRIDEFEST Returns on 09/17 at Terrapin from 12-7pm! Featuring vendors, food trucks, and performances by Canopy Studios, Tears for the Dying, Exquisite Gender, Convict Julie, and a star-filled drag show beginning at 6PM— this is one PRIDEFEST you do NOT want to miss! ALL AGES - FREE ENTRY!

 

Back in June, the first annual Athens Pride parade drew thousands of participants, setting the stage for what is expected to be a successful series of events for Athens Pride Week.

The celebration begins Sept. 12 and will conclude through the weekend with PrideFest and a softball tournament.

Here's a look at everything Athens PRIDE and Queer Collective (APQC) have planned. If you have information about a Pride Week event that isn't listed here, send an email to ashearer@onlineathens.com.

SEPT. 12

Kickoff at Akademia Brewing Company, 150 Crane Dr., will serve as the opening act for Athens Pride Week with happy hour featuring APQC's "So Queer No Fear" beer and T-shirt sales. The free all ages event begins at 6 p.m.

SEPT. 13

Karaoke with PRIDE at Buvez, 585 Barber St., will be hosted by DJs Gregory and Adria and attendees are invited to bring their own song to sing. The event is for ages 18 and up and the suggested donation is $5.

SEPT. 14

Kids and Youth Night at Hendershot's, 237 Prince Ave., is an alcohol-free event that begins with Drag Story Hour at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a concert by kid-friendly theatrical rock band Like Totally!

Yoga at Bishop Park, 705 Sunset Dr., is an alcohol-free "Rainbow Flow" event hosted by Athens-based My3Yoga, set to take place at 6:30 p.m.

SEPT. 15

Queer Trivia at Hotel Indigo, 500 College Ave., takes place at 7 p.m. and is hosted by Paddy Nolan, local trivia master of all things related to Queer entertainment, history, music and politics. Suggested donation is $5 and all ages are welcome.

SEPT. 16

Name Change Workshop at Athens-Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter St., is a pre-registered event scheduled to take place between noon and 2 p.m. that will offer legal aid to those seeking to change their name. Space is limited, so visit athenspride.org/legalaidregistration to sign up.

Queer Prom at Athens Ciné, 234 W Hancock Ave., is a masquerade-themed dance party that will take place in the CineLab space from 8 p.m. to midnight. The prom is an 18 and up event with a $5 suggested donation. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required, and attendees must be 21 or older to drink

SEPT. 17

PrideFest at Terrapin Beer Co., 234 W Hancock Ave., is a free all-ages event scheduled to take place from noon to 7p.m. and will feature vendors, food trucks, musical performances and a drag show. The list of performers includes aerial artists Canopy Studios, punk bands Tears for the Dying and Exquisite Gender, and R&B recording artist Convict Julie.

"Hocus Pocus" at Ciné Drive-In, 100 Newton Bridge Rd., is a ticketed outdoor screening of the PG-rated 1993 Disney classic movie. Doors will open at 8 p.m. in the General Time Corporation parking lot and "Hocus Pocus" will play at 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at athenscine.com/movie/hocus-pocus.

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