Erratic and Menacing in America---ENDING IT!

take him out

       Talk of implementing the 25th Amendment to end the reign of madness has raised the stakes, but it is overdue.

        As reprehensible as it is, Trump's deceptions, lies and full on fantasy could be tolerated if he were not such a stupid man.   

        Many politicians lie or stretch the truth, but no one ever has so abused the truth as Trump, and no President has so abused law, the constitution, convention, protocol, tradition and the aspirational code that has held our democratic republic together. Now, perhaps because of the medicine, or a further break from reality, this malignant narcissist, is acting so irrationally, being so erratic and talking such lunacy he is no longer capable or fit to serve, not that he ever was. In Russia, North Korea, or some of the other strongman nations he cherishes, he would be shot or poisoned.

        Here, to protect him from the violent or traitor's end he may well deserve, we have law and procedure, the very mechanics he never bothered to study, was capable of understanding, or even respect. 

        When you or I talk about invoking the 25th, well it's just amateur hour, but when the Speaker of the House raises it, it become another chapter in the nation's history. 

        There is a confluence of undeniable that will denote Trump; he was impeached, congressional leaders urged use of the 25th because he was unable to perform his duty, and he was never approved by a majority of citizens.

        My worst fear is beginning to emerge. Trump is playing a superman role and is trying to further diminish the consequence of the virus he so mismanaged that he too became a patient. His discounting of the disease is an offense to the families of and those who have perished or suffered seriously. There are now more active cases of covid in the White House than in some nations.

       Under treatment,  though flaunting safety guidelines, Trump has begun to display manic behavior, raging and raving. He needs to be given a time out. Mike Pence could earn a somewhat revered place in American history, if he were to work with Pelosi, Cabinet members and senior Congressional leadership to bench the raving Trump until he is off the medical treatment. Instead he will likely defer, kowtow as Senate Republicans have, furthering enabling the unstable leader. For his efforts Pence will be remembered as a subservient errand boy to one of the worst presidents.  

       Trump was never qualified, fit, nor did he have the character to be President. Trump on steroids is more than an American nightmare, it is a danger to the republic and the world.  

voting has never been more important

      It's a new day for this old reporter, becoming an early voter. 

      Always enjoyed the banter and ambiance of a polling place. Being a journalist I skipped most primary elections, as one needed to declare party affiliation, but I always loved election day, from the casting of the ballot to those late nights on duty, on the air, reporting the results. And the even later night gathering of the team, exhaling, relaxing and decompressing in a pub. There is no experience like election night, the finish line of months of work and prep. But this year it will be different. 

     Has the dawn begun on a new chapter? The early voting is said to be at record setting levels. Certainly the nation is motivated.

    No longer needing to prep for my slot at the anchor desk, my old research instincts get a little workout on assessing the multiple propositions that fill a California ballot.

   We debated waiting until election day to vote in person, but given the vagaries of the pandemic and the additional load that in person voting puts on election officials, also concerned for their health, we opted for the early vote.

 

    This post was intended to be a gentle reminder of the importance of a vote, but the most recent behavior of you know who and the official worry about his erratic actions inspired another direction. I beg the indulgence of you loyal readers.

    I opine and journal as much for my grand children as for our contemporaries. I hope that someday my daughters may use these offerings to help provide insight and understanding into a time that will be history to their children. It may also reveal the ideas and beliefs of Poppy, that old guy in the family photos or their memory. My parents were active participants in government, politics and the affairs of citizenship. To develop a view, and then contribute to the public square is our opportunity and our obligation. I want my grand children to know and understand that.

a tomato with a schnoz

   One of the cherry tomatoes in Lana's crop, presented with a bit of a beak. Hope that might prompt a smile and the scenery might bring a moment of peace.

       Hope that better days are about to dawn.

     Stay safe and stay well.

     See you down the trail.