A Nation on Edge: The Dangerous Consequences of Partisan Politics

Donald Trump is a survivor. He has weathered indictments, impeachment attempts, business failures, deep-seated animosity from half the nation, a failed reelection bid, and now, an assassination attempt. This latest incident may not only cast him as a hero but could also bolster his chances of winning the 2024 presidential election.

The occurrence of such an event should not come as a surprise. The volatility, hatred, and intense partisanship that define contemporary American politics inevitably breed violence. The current climate makes such “craziness” almost inevitable.

In the immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt, accusations flew, suggesting that Joe Biden or liberals, implicitly or otherwise, were responsible for the shooting. However, given Trump’s incendiary rhetoric, it could be argued that he was an accomplice to his own shooting. The political polarization pot has been stirred, and the maelstrom is just beginning.

This moment is critical in American history. We are in dire need of sound and rational judgment. Unfortunately, such judgment seems to be lacking among our national political leaders, the media, and, regrettably, within many of our citizenry.

Evil vs. Dumb

This should have been an easy presidential election to figure out. There are three candidates. I guess there are people who take RFK Junior seriously. I can’t. The apple has fallen very far from the tree in his case. And like Donald Trump, he also has been involved in a sexual assault. he holds very many strange, political and scientific views. His vice presidential choice makes Sarah Palin look like John Quincy Adams.

The Republican party is just plain evil. They no longer are interested in a democracy or what average Americans want in their political leadership or direction. Plus their nominee is a convicted felon who has also been indicted for a variety of federal and state violations. I seriously doubt that he will spend one hour in a jail cell for all the crimes he has committed. More likely he will be taking the presidential oath of office next January in Washington DC. What a country!!

This leads me to the Democratic Party. Good intentions, absolutely stupid and timid leadership, and badly out maneuvered by the Republican party. Their political platform probably represents what most Americans are in agreement with but that only matters if we are talking about a working democracy. They made a bad mistake in following the dictum of Michelle Obama, who said, and I paraphrase “when they go low, we go high.” How is that worked out for the Democratic Party and for the nation as a whole?

So now there is angst about the candidacy of Joe Biden for re-election. Biden is holding out that he can remain Trump’s opponent based on the support of his family and inner political circle. Just as I saw with my own eyes on January 6, 2021 that Donald Trump initiated and fomented a hostile political takeover so I also see and hear that Joe Biden is regrettably not up to the job as he is just too old. Time is unbeaten and Joe is another one of its victims. Looks like Joe needs a push out the door…

Many Democrats supposedly are rallying around the President. They point out his achievements over the past 3 1/2 years which are commendable and considerable. I think he has brought honor back to the presidency. But what the Democratic Party needs today is a killer. A leader who will not take any prisoners and will win the presidential election in November. Two of the most important qualifications for any Democratic candidate is youth and energy. Then make that contrast with an old and feeble Donald Trump.

The Democrats had four years to either put Trump in jail, in exile or out of business. Timidly, they have not accomplished anything. The Democrats lack a “closer”, a visionary, a political heavyweight who can take on the Republican party.

I will be interested to see who in the Democratic Party stands up and demands the job. Whoever it is has only about 3 to 4 weeks to make his or her case.

No Debate about the Debate

Even before Joe Biden uttered a word before the CNN Presidential debate last night, I knew he lost. He shuffled out to his podium like a senior citizen going to wait in line for food donations. His demeanor was emotionless. There was no energy in his walk, his eyes and his demeanor. He epitomized the worst fears of his critics who said he was too old.

So what should the Democrats do?

First, they need Joe to step aside. I’m sure the polls after this debate will be devastating. Joe did have support from last night, but it was from pity.

Second, anyone who has been involved with having Joe run should be fired. Did they think this charade would work through November? I have serious concerns that he will finish his term.

Third, find the best opponent against Trump. Not Hilary Clinton but a young, energetic candidate that can be elected. And find them fast as there are state election regulations requiring that a candidate be named within 40 days.

Bürgerkrieg (Civil War)

Ah the NBA and Stanley Cup playoffs are ending. Baseball is in full swing. Caitlyn Clark is the new American heroine and Taylor Swift continues to captivate audiences on her worldwide tour. Millions of Americans are on or about to enjoy their well deserved vacations. Summer is here, full of festivals, concerts, community activities, fireworks, and music fairs. Americans are enjoying the extended sunlight by playing golf, pickleball or heading to the shore to swim and lie comfortably on blankets in the sand serenaded by the timeless tunes of War’s classic song:

Cause it’s summer

Summer time is here

Yes it’s summer

My time of year

The stock market continue to reach for new highs. Unemployment is low. The economy and job market have largely recovered from one of the great health and financial challenges in the history of the world. There are no American soldiers involved in active combat. Indeed there was a recent commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where American soldiers braved heavy artillery and gunfire from German forces to start the last days of tyranny.

Amidst this idyllic picture, what could disrupt our enjoyment of the sun, warm nights, and the sounds of children playing in the park?

Discordant and rabid voices are baying hatefully at political rallies clad in red hats and clothing like SS troopers at a 1930’s Nuremberg rally. Clutching their flags, Bibles and sometimes guns, they pledge allegiance to an ideology of hate, revenge and promised retribution. Like their leader, they know little of history or truth. There is no discussion of compromise. They wish to destroy democracy by employing their ruse of democracy—-the people want a dictatorship!?

As we revel in the joys of summer, it is crucial to remain vigilant. The threats to our democracy are real, and they come from within. Hopefully people will not be complacent by the warmth of the season. The future of our nation depends on awareness, actions, and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy and justice.

A Few Good Men and Women (for President)

RFK Jr.’s path to the June debate. RFK Jr is closing in on joining Joe Biden and Donald Trump in a debate scheduled late next month. None of these men should be running for President. Joe Biden is a good man but he is too old. Donald Trump is a bad man, too old and should be in jail. RFK Jr. has no credentials to run. According to a New York Times article, his running mate has drug and gold digging issues. RFK Jr., though a younger man, is more incoherent than both Trump and Biden.

Here is a small list of more qualified men and women who should be running for President:

Mark Cuban
Jamie Dimon
Bob Iger
Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania
Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan
Governor Gavin Newsom of California
Governor Brian Kemp of New Jersey
Mitt Romney
Larry Hogan
Lynn Chaney
Chris Christie
Amy Klobuchar
Adam Kinzinger
Chris Coons
Nikki Haley
Pete Buttigieg
Michelle Obama
Al Franken
Beto O’ Rourke

Bumping Along the Political Cosmos

Elon Musk, a modern-day Howard Hughes in the making, stands out in the realms of technology, space, engineering, and science. However, as demonstrated in a recent interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Musk’s prowess takes a hit when delving into media, politics, history, and business management.

The Ron DeSantis vs. Gavin Newsom debate: no one could remotely relate it to the Lincoln – Douglas debates of 1858. Sponsored by Fox News, Sean Hannity who claimed he would be impartial as moderator, acted like a “heel” WWE referee favoring DeSantis throughout the debate.

Ron DeSantis looks as comfortable on a debate stage as Donald Trump would riding a ten speed bicycle.

In pondering potential presidential candidates, the suggestion arises to consider successful CEOs who possess not only technological acumen but also good judgment, vision, problem-solving experience, and social and cultural awareness. Names like Jamie Dimon, Bob Iger, and Mark Cuban come to mind.

The alarming rise in antisemitism and pro-Hamas demonstrations, notably on college campuses, challenges initial perceptions of media exaggeration. The spread and virulence of antisemitism in the United States should evoke concern across all communities.

George Santos has been expelled from Congress and so should Robert Menendez. To be candid, I would probably expel another 100–150 additional Senators and Representatives if I had the power.

Disagree with Lynn Cheney’s assertion that the country is “sleepwalking” towards a Trump dictatorship. Many people are running with eyes wide open, weapons in hand and screaming loudly and maniacally towards this desired result.

My 2024 Political Crystal Ball

While I think that Joe Biden has done a very good job under very difficult circumstances, I don’t think that he should seek re-election. His greatest contribution has been to bring back dignity and decorum to the oval office.
My suspicion is that Donald Trump will withdraw from seeking the Republican presidential nomination primarily as he will be in significant legal jeopardy.
I don’t view Mike Pence as a serious presidential contender. Pence did show some integrity and even some courage on January 6, 2021. But he was basically a toady during the Trump administration and he was very inept during the coronavirus crisis.
I am not sure why Kamala Harris is being buried as a potential presidential candidate. It does not appear that she is being taken seriously by members of her party. Her only chance would come if she needed to assume the presidency in the event that Joe Biden is unable to complete his term.
There has to be a more capable woman than Nikki Haley in the Republican Party to run for president!
My concern is that no moderate or at least rational candidate will come from the Republican Party. I would even view Chris Christie as a welcome candidate for 2024.
I think that there is a good chance that the handling of the coronavirus crisis will be an issue for 2024. I’m not just talking about the various lockdowns but the necessity for vaccine mandates given some of the medical information that is now filtering out.
I view with growing concern the decline in support of Ukraine in their war against Russia. I also see that being a critical issue in 2024 if the war is not over.
It is so easy to manipulate and fool not only the American public but also the American press. The 2024 election may all be about which propaganda campaign will win.
Please, no celebrity candidates! No Rock. No Matthew McConaughey. No Oprah. However, I might like to see some successful business CEOs choose to run. I am not talking about Elon Musk!