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Mike Johnson: “This was a purely political exercise, not a legal one… a shameful day in American history.”.
No. It was our judicial system working just as it was designed, Mr. Speaker. Since you don’t seem to understand how our legal system works, let me enlighten you.
The district attorney decides what crime to ascribe to a defendant. That is exclusively his prerogative. Whether or not a case should be brought to the criminal court is decided not by the prosecution nor by the defense. Instead, it is decided by a grand jury… twenty or more American citizens who listen to the evidence brought forth by the prosecution. Whether or not the case proceeds to trial is exclusively their responsibility. It was the grand jury, a group of American citizens, who decided to bring the case to trial AS IS DONE IN ALL CRIMINAL CASES. Not President Biden, not the Democrats.
The jury is picked by both the defense and the prosecution equally and fairly. Once the jury is picked, the trial is overseen by a judicial expert, the judge. Donald is certainly not an expert on legal matters so whatever he claims about the judge or the trial is superfluous. Despite what he may want, he does not call the shots in the courtroom. Finally, the jury, twelve Americans, weight the evidence and decide upon guilt or innocence. They decided Donald was guilty on all 34 counts. Donald nor you have any say in this matter, Mr. Speaker of guilt or innocence in the eyes of the law… just the twelve common men and women.
So, the “exercise” was perfectly legal. Admittedly, it wasn’t what Donald wanted. Once again, he has shown himself to be a poor loser by blaming the court instead of himself. Was the process shameful? Not at all, Mr. Speaker. It was a sterling example in which the court system worked perfectly without fear or favor.
What was shameful were the deprecating remarks you and other MAGA Republicans said about the rule of law. Instead of respecting the result, you rejected the rule of law. Shame on you!
~~~
Donald, convicted felon, continues to make false statements. Here’s one about why he thought his trial was “unfair”: “The judge allowed them [prosecution] to go into everything I was ever involved in.”
No, not everything, Donald. Nothing was said about how you were stripped of your “charity” because you used it for your own personal gain. Nothing was said about the young ladies in your beauty tournaments who you embarrassed by barging into their dressing rooms unannounced. Nothing was said about you being found liable for defaming columnist E. Jean regarding your sexual assault of her. Nothing was said about you exaggerating the value of his real estate and now having to pay back the government over $500 million. Nothing was said about your intimate involvement regarding the Jan. 6th insurrection. Nothing was said about your deliberate stealing and then deliberate hiding of Top-Secret documents. Nothing was said about your seven bankruptcies. Nothing was said about your unreliable credibility, your many, many lies… over 30,000 of which you made while being president. Finally, nothing was said about you duping your followers by asking them for campaign money which is then being used to pay off your debts.
~~~
When under so many indictments, it is wrong for Donald to run for president. He even said so himself!
After Donald found out the FBI were investigating Hillary Clinton for her missing emails, he said the following: "She is likely to be under investigation for many years, and also it will probably end up – in my opinion – in a criminal trial. I mean, you take a look. Who knows? But it certainly looks that way. She has no right to be running, you know that. No right."
LOL. And now Donald is past the investigation phase… four (4) grand juries have viewed the evidence and are convinced he should stand trial in four (4) criminal cases. Four! And, one is already completed and he was found guilty! So, per his own words, he “has no right to be running”. And, MAGA followers, just to quote your master again… “You know that. No right.”
We all wonder when the republican party will face the reality of what has happened... Too much delay has occurred due to the standard justice system where appeals can be made... But, let's face it, so many lies from the republicans have eroded the value of Truth. Robert Sells presents cogent, logical statements of fact, yet there would be many who say he is lying! Simply because they disagree... Because they have heard their choice of president speaking year in and year out lie after lie after lie... How can the average citizen discover and willingly admit that they've been lied to for so long... Will they ever get over that they have been fooled by a conman? Only time will tell...
She hazarded a sideways glance at the driver, but it only heightened her anxiety. Knuckles white, the man in the Armani suit leaned forward, his squinting eyes nearly touching the front window. What the hell is going on? She watched him shake his head, clearly frustrated. “Sorry, Beth, we gotta pull off the road. Can’t see through this fog.” The young woman looked out the passenger window. Foggy, yes, but she could easily see a good fifty feet or so into the densely packed trees that seemed to have swallowed the highway. A thread of unease raised the hairs on her arms. Why did he choose this “short-cut?” If he was worried about the fog, their gradual descent into the valley toward the river would have only increased its thickness. Her stomach lurched when she wondered if she might actually be in danger.
He turned toward her. The expression on his face was as contrite as his words. “Oh, gosh. I’m so sorry, but I’m having a bit of difficulty seeing.” He looked back at the road and took a deep breath. “I have glaucoma. Early onset. I haven’t told too many people yet. My job, you know.” He went back to squinting at the road. Now understanding his strange behavior, she breathed a sigh of relief and berated herself for being so suspicious. Her nursing background immediately rose to the forefront. Beth gave what she hoped he would perceive as a sisterly pat on his arm. “Don’t worry. I understand. Do you want me to drive?” His eyes didn’t leave the road, but his brow furrowed and he tilted his head. She hoped she hadn’t offended him. Having known him only for a day, she didn’t know whether or not his male ego could bruise easily. Then he turned to her. “Yes, I suppose that would be a good idea, Angie. I know a turn-off …”
He scanned the woods. “Yeah, here.” The car swerved abruptly. Startled, she felt an unwanted jolt of adrenaline. He slowed his car as they drove down a narrow gravel road. Okay, that’s weird … why did he call me Angie? And that’s the second time he’s made that slip. What’s with that? Maybe a former girlfriend? Is this a rebound situation? Wife? Nice guy, but this is all too weird. She looked over her shoulder and watched the gravel road disappear into the gray shroud. A few seconds later, the car skidded to a stop. He patted the wheel, reassuring the inanimate object that all would be well. He turned and gave her a warm smile and shrugged his shoulders. “Sorry. I hoped to entertain you with my charming wit, but this damn fog …”
She melted a bit inside. Poor guy, he’s mortified. “Hey,” she said quickly, hoping to stem his embarrassment, “No big deal.” He sighed and fumbled with the door handle. “Oh, well. Safety first, huh? Let’s switch.” Simultaneous clicks while unfastening their seatbelts generated an agreeable chuckle from both man and woman. The small moment of humor helped defuse the remainder of Beth’s tension. Sighing with relief about her former worries, she figured her concerns had about as much substance as the surrounding fog. Beth had met Allen Nordstrom at the hotel bar the night before. A good-looking man with a deceptive solidness under his flannel shirt; he was polite and soft-spoken. In a world of rude, macho men, he seemed to be the exception. With a career in law enforcement, he came to Rochester to investigate some crime, the details of which he apologetically declined to share with her. They hit it off right away sharing a common interest in dogs (both owned golden retrievers) and music … the classics: Beatles and Arrowsmith.
After a half hour of enjoyable chit-chat, he shook her hand and said goodnight. With a twinkle in his eye, he leaned over the table and whispered into her ear his last, humorous anecdote and left her laughing. She watched him walk away and wondered what might have been if things had gone a bit further. For once she’d actually met a really nice guy. A minute later he returned. “Look, please believe me when I tell you this. I’ve never done this before. Well, I mean I’ve talked to women in bars before, but I’ve never come back. I don’t know, it’s just that well…we really connected.” He looked away, obviously frustrated with his fumbling speech.
The man closed his eyes for a moment and turned back to her. “Do you like fish fries?” She laughed. “Yes, but not at ten o’clock at night.” “No,” he said with a chuckle. “I know this great restaurant half an hour south of here. Best fish fry in New York State. I could take you there for lunch tomorrow, and have you back in time for your plenary session at three.” Since she had no scheduled meetings until the last session of the conference, she agreed. He met her in the lobby of the hotel, dressed more formally than the night before. “Sorry, a meeting with some folks at the sheriff’s office,” he explained. Then he proceeded to do all the right things: opened the door for her, entertained her with more stories about his police work. Humorous, no gore. And, he was right. It was the best fish fry she had ever had. She smiled at the memories as she cut through the mist surrounding the car. Chilly, she pulled her coat tighter across her body. Passing each other with a smile, she said “You’re right. We’ll be back before three.”
She felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned, a smile on her face. He smiled back at her and, as though it was as natural as shaking hands, pressed a wet handkerchief against her nose and mouth. Her first reaction was one of disgust. Hadn’t he sneezed into it during their lunch? She instinctively struggled, but he was surprisingly strong and she couldn’t move her head away. She inhaled a sickly-sweet aroma and then drifted into blackness.
~~~
Robert Sells starts off his Latest Novel with a Bang--or a little bit of chloroform... This victim wasn't the first and if he had a choice, it wouldn't be the last...
I will not let the past rule my present …
And Becca was coming home, damaged, only to be caught right in the middle of it all!
Becca had just told Cassie, her best friend, that she was coming home to Mayburg. She tried to let her know that it would not be a permanent move, she just needed to come home and work on her next novel and make her deadline... Which would be a lot harder since it would be a new story that needed to be created, as opposed to writing about true crime. Becca's first book had been more cathartic than to make money and a new career... Worse, the publisher now wanted her to add a murder in her next book! Really? Did anybody actually read her book?!
Twelve years ago, one of her best friends had been murdered... She had been on and off again spending time in therapy, where she did learn that time doesn't necessary heal all wounds... At least she had been able to breathe a little easier... Especially when she gave her a new mantra to say under her breath, whenever needed, "I will not let the past rule my present..."
But sometimes that just isn't possible, especially when she learned that a murder had just been committed! And the way it was done was exactly the same as the one that killed her friend 12 years ago... The bodies had been positioned as close as possible to a famous painting...
What could possibly have happened to have this repeated? Was it a recognition of the earlier death? Or was it a copycat? And, she had to wonder, surely, it could not have anything to do with her return???
Damn it! Am I to be haunted again
by this new murder?
No way around it, I was in our main character's corner right from the beginning... We soon learn that not only had her best friend been murdered, her father the Police Chief had committed suicide...
And, would you believe, while she thought that, maybe, if she whispered her mantra hour on the hour, the thought crossed her mind that this murder could be the one to include in her new book... But, hey, this author hasn't stopped laying it on hard for Rebecca... She knew that if she did take this on, she would have to work with the town police... The man with whom she went to the senior prom and attempted to rape her... Seriously, Robert?! Anything else that you want your main character to be dealing with, I thought... LOL
Oh, let's just keep going, shall we? Soon, the boy for whom she had had a big crush in school, but who had actually been her best friend's boyfriend, was now the Sheriff... and she had flashed back to the one day in the hall when he leaned up against the wall, pinning her, flirtingly whispering...
Only to have Angie, come to interrupt him... and he walked off with her, not looking back... But, now, John Talbott knew she was back and soon came calling...
Ok that's two of the three men who had been close to her 12 years ago. The last one had been Angie's older brother! And, yep, there was more tension when he asked her out too!
Really, could it have still another twist? Well, when she finally had the time to look over some of her father's private files, she found his case file for Angie's attack. All three of the men with whom she was now, possibly, romantically involved, was on his suspect list...! Seriously, you just can't make this kinds of stuff up...unless you're Author Sells...having fun on his latest...
After I learned all this...and much more... I had to laugh at Sells' wordplay, with the title of the book... Because I was thinking. Becca, your chance at an affair...with murder...in the picture, is so not a good idea... But, you know what, as the investigation heated up, Rebecca realized one thing, and it made it all worth while, she realized that she was much stronger than she thought she was... And, that she really wanted to ride along to learn as much about the who, what, when and where of this murder mystery that she was committed to include in her next book!
You know what, readers, the real writer, Robert Sells, has created a delightful story even with the mess of murder investigations and what secrets were coming to light. His heroine proved to be more gutsy than even she thought she was...Cool, right?! And the ending was, actually, quite sweet and romantic--at the very end because it took that long to decide just who she was really attracted to enough to explore the future further! Besides ensuring that she didn't pick the serial killer...
There was heartbreak, but a cleansing type of fulfilment that only comes after a long period of living with trauma... And, with a writer investigator who now gets to be an amateur detective who actually gets to work alongside an expert, I was fully into the whodunit! Sit back and enjoy solving the mystery, that has more to do with finding a lover than actually solving the mystery... Just my personal opinion, of course... I was, in my mind, telling Becca, this one...not that one...and, for sure, definitely not the third one! Hope you enjoy as much as I did!
Well, folks, it's been a while since I was able to get back to normal from the stress. Dealing with large corporations is often difficult for we customers... Just this week, I have been able to wash clothes! Really! Something so routine had become a nightmare for me... And, I've been able to do my first loads of clothes since October 9th! As each load was finished, I could feel the tension lifting from me... So, I've picked out three of the issues about which Robert and I have similar concerns... Join the conversation in the comments section below, or on Words Matter! at Facebook...
Republicans have been calling for an improved border security. Finally there is a bill that promises better border security, significantly better border security. It is a bipartisan bill and that is the way our government works, compromise for what's best for our country. However, Donald, who only thinks about himself, is calling upon Congress to not vote for the bill. Donald even admitted that it would be a temporary fix. So why does he not want this bill to be passed? Because he wants border security as a campaign issue and he wants to have full credit when another bill is put forth during a time when he might be president. A selfish and unworthy leader, he wants his Republican followers to do what's best for Donald and not what's best for our country.
Exactly, Robert. I would add, for the record, that President Biden had a written proposal related to Border Security as he came into office and submitted it to Congress for action. That never occurred. In fact, all should remember that just getting up and running in that first year for the republicans who gained a small majority margin to even name a final leader... And, sadly, we now see that leader constantly talks about having discussed the issue with Donald Trump and publicly refusing to act based upon his orders!
So, once again, the republican party has stopped action on a supposedly crisis situation for three years! And, wants all Americans to wait another year before they will even consider the subject! Vote all republicans now in congress OUT! We need to work in a bipartisan fashion to solve this problem. Game-Playing by the republicans has to stop!
~~~
Fact: Donald has been found guilty of fraud. Fact: some of his vast wealth was acquired through fraud.
Of course, he has hired dozens of attorneys to defend him in his many court cases. No big deal, he is, after all, a billionaire and can afford them. Donald even hired an “expert witness”, Bartov, to testify that his many properties weren’t inflated in price just to get needed business loans. Guess what? The testimony didn’t help and might have left Donald exposed to even more penury payments. And, what was the cost of this “expert testimony”? Just shy of a MILLION DOLLARS! What is most interesting, however, is that Donald (a billionaire!) didn’t have to pay this guy. Nope. The money came out of his political action committee, comically called “Save America”. Hmm. Sounds like this action committee would have been better named “Save Trump”. In fact, this con-man billionaire has spent campaign funds to a total of $55.6 million on legal costs in 2023! Over the last two years, campaign fundraising organizations have devoted $76.7 million to legal fees for republican defendants, mostly the past president!
Now, this isn’t illegal. Sad, yes. But, also comical. Think about it. MAGA followers contribute their hard-earned money for Donald to be RE-ELECTED. Yet, much of their contributions goes toward helping a billionaire who has already bragged he has over 400 million dollar in cash, but doesn’t touch a penny of it! Yes, Donald loves the uneducated. And, for good reasons. They lack the intelligence to know that they are being tricked by an expert con-man and thus freely give up their money to support his unethical and criminal behavior.
Well, I think many are being confused by the willing news agencies, such as Fox, who repeat Trump's lies and disinformation... On purpose or not, they are not getting the Truth...
And, Robert, let's not forget that he has also been judged guilty of rape and defamation, during which he continued his defamation until a second trial was held and the jury awarded for a total of $83M! I wonder if our donors will stand for paying millions for rape and defamation...
Frankly, it's my opinion that if we had a less biased Supreme Court, we would have been able to conduct additional civil cases against Trump. Given the very clear planned procrastination by the Judge of the Records Theft/Espionage Case, which would have already occurred and, in my opinion, definitely found him guilty as charged... This case is a slam-dunk, held up by the Trump-appointed judge and the republicans...
My stomach has successfully withstood "super" hot buffalo wings, cottage cheese, and lima beans… but it has not been able to withstand the posts suggesting that Donald is sent by God. I literally gag when I read such ridiculous crap. Or see the new ads!!!
To all Christians, "let us reason together." God didn’t smile upon a pathological liar who was so narcissistic that he puts himself before family, friends, and country. Nor would God choose as a messenger a twice-divorced man who walks into the dressing rooms of girls and women and believes he can just “grab’em by the pussy.” God would not want to have as his emissary a leader who resorts to childish name-calling and “bears false witness” (nearly every day!) to those who disagree with him.
Donald is nothing like the imperfect but still great King David. Rather than being chosen by Jesus, he is the anthesis of Jesus. So, for Heaven’s sake, give God more credit… he would never choose such a dishonest and disgraceful man to lead our country.
Yes, Donald is the most immoral character to ever reside in the White House. Yes, he has polarized our country with his Big Lie. Yes, his sloppy and self-centered behavior has landed him in over four different criminal court cases. But his greatest threat to our nation and the world remains his distorted view of NATO. This is a defense pact that for over sixty years has held the Russian Bear in check.
Donald decidedly doesn’t like NATO. "You need to understand that if Europe is under attack, we will never come to help you and to support you," Trump told European Commission President. "By the way, NATO is dead, and we will leave, we will quit NATO," Donald also said, according to French commissioner Breton. As president in July 2018, Mr. Trump not only nearly withdrew from NATO at an alliance summit but denounced the European Union as a “foe” because of “what they do to us in trade.” He then attended a summit with Mr. Putin, after which he expressed skepticism about the idea that the United States should go to war to defend a tiny NATO ally, Montenegro. Donald’s dispute with the alliance harks back to his 2000 book, “The America We Deserve. Trump wrote that “their conflicts are not worth American lives. Pulling back from Europe would save this country millions of dollars annually.”
Donald wants out of NATO. And as more and more MAGA cult followers infiltrate the legislative branch, he might have the votes to do it. Even if he can’t dissolve NATO, he can wreak havoc. While Congress controls the purse strings, the president executes the laws. So, even if Congress appropriates further aid to NATO countries, Mr. Trump could withhold delivery of it — as he did in 2019 when trying to coerce Mr. Zelensky into announcing a criminal investigation into Mr. Biden, the abuse-of-power scandal that led to Mr. Trump’s first impeachment.
Presently Russia’s battlefield strategy has been blunted and they are now carrying out attacks to just to keep the war going. Even though Russia has fared poorly in the war with hundreds of thousands killed or wounded and their economy severely weakened depleted, Putin refuses to consider a peace settlement. Why? Because Putin has calculated he could be in a much better position after the 2024 election when he will once again try to tip the scales in favor of his buddy, Donald.
Yes, our democracy is threatened by Donald. But the world is threatened even more by Donald’s attacks on NATO. There is no new history, folks. There is just history that repeats itself, sometimes in ugly ways. Donald often invokes the slogan “America First.” He did not originate this phrase. It was first popularized by American isolationists opposed to getting involved in World War II. Most people (but perhaps not Donald) recognize that our financial and later military helped in that war as a pivoting force saving the world from fascism. If Donald gets into office, it will be good for Putin and good for fascism around
the world.
Well, I tend to put having Trump as a Dictator over my concern for NATO. After all, if Trump is elected, he has already declared what would happen. My concern is for all those non-white men and women, also God's children...and even, myself and other white women since he obviously is a (old-term) sexist pig!
Yes, Indeed, Robert! My only additional comment is that, in my opinion, the Prime Minister who was already under scrutiny before Hamas attacked, may also be waiting for Trump's return--dictators love dictators...including from Iran... I've thought this could very well be a planned effort as Putin started, then each of the other primary dictators followed... What do you think?
By the way, my stomach also flips whenever I hear what the political-thirst for power has done to some leaders in Christianity! I speak out often on this issue and will continue to do so. Given the split of news agencies who cater to disinformation and sensationalism rather than truth, we must continue to shed God's Truth across the World in any way we can.
Carly for the first time allowed her song to be used for politics. Thank you and others such as today's top artists who speak out...related to voting...
Ahh, yes. There were some more “mental health” problems recently… 6 deaths due to 4 more mass shootings. Oh, and 40 others hospitalized. Damn those mental health issues. Let’s see, that brings us up to 564 mass shooting just this year. Now, I know that Republicans have assured us that these tragedies have nothing to do with guns and everything to do with mental health issues. Sorry, but I don’t think we can ignore that guns play the major role in these deaths.
In 2021, 49,000 Americans died because of guns. In the European Union (about the same number of people as America), there were 6500 killed with guns. We have 7.5 times as many deaths by guns than the Europeans! Why? Because we have more guns!
The EU has 15.7 guns per 100 people. We have 121 guns per 100 people! Simple math points out that we have 7.7 times more guns than they do in the EU. That is why we have 7.5 times the number of gun deaths.
The Second Amendment guarantees our citizens the right to “bear arms”. No one wants to take that away. However, we have a serious problem with gun deaths. So, there is a need to regulate guns. Universal gun checks will not take away the right for a law-abiding citizen to own a gun. They will, however, reduce the number of felons or mentally-ill people from owning a gun. Red flag laws just make sense. If someone has a mental health issue or is threatening a wife, child, or someone else, then the government must protect other citizens from gun violence. Finally, assault-type weapons that are designed to kill humans should not be allowed. When they were restricted by the Brady law, gun deaths went down.
Let's pray that Republicans are willing to legislate new laws to protect us. Let’s make America great again by making America a safer place to live.
Just one Comment in Response... This last video shows "Kid Play" where a father has been teaching his daughter about shooting, introducing her to all types of guns... Claims the father, he is not politically motivated... Claims the girl, I can't think of anything else I plan to do with my life...
This is the America that has evolved over many years of unrestrained gun purchases...as well as a total lack of concern for who gets killed by those toys that kids are playing with--from a young age to adults!
Jesus, Please call these children to You before they, too, walk the streets looking for a place to shoot people instead of tin cans...
~~~
Revelations: Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Rev. 12:12
CHAPTER ONE Arecibo, Puerto Rico Present Day The gray-haired man brushed past the three graduate students who greeted him with “amazing”, “awesome”, “unbelievable” and a glass of champagne. He sat down on the chair and closest to the large computer monitor and studied the computer screen. Nimble fingers danced over the keyboard, and the screen came alive with numbers and symbols. His eyes widened and his face paled. Grim-faced, he rose and stepped toward the three graduate students who backed away, now frightened of the man who had been more like a grandfather than a boss. The tiny female had been biting her nails, but now, with her former astronomy teacher so stern and inches from her face, she held her hands up to protect herself. Instead of striking her, he patted the pockets of her pants. “Dr. Wellman!” “Shut up,” he snapped and pushed past her to pat down the male beside her. “Your cell phones. Where are they?” “A—At the condo. At least for me,” replied the taller of the two male students as Dr. Wellman probed all his pockets. The third student, hands raised, came next. “No cell phones, sir. Per protocol.” After patting down the third student, Wellman took two steps to the corner of the room and checked the computer log of outgoing calls from the landline. The last call was to him. The only other call, an hour earlier, was to a pizza place. He turned and studied the eyes of the three students. The young woman was terrified. Good, he thought. The taller of the male students glared at him. Good. No shame. Nothing to hide. The other young man was simply bewildered, his eyes wide. Finally, Wellman gave a pent-up sigh of relief and wearily collapsed on the chair. Screeching sounds from outside broke the short silence. The students looked out the windows and saw black cars filling the driveway. They looked back at Dr. Wellman, his wrinkled face contorted into a pained expression. “I’m- I'm so sorry for what is about to happen.” Police officers poured into the small room, filling it with blue and black uniforms. They handcuffed all three students and pushed them out the door. The last thing Dr. Wellman heard was the young woman repeating the only two words she’d spoken since his arrival: “Dr. Wellman!” This time it was a call for help. He made no move to help her. Instead, he swiveled the chair around, found the daily log, and signed it. Then he stood and walked past the half dozen officers picking up books, papers, even waste paper baskets. From the cool control room of the Arecibo radio telescope, he emerged into the light of the hot, humid Puerto Rican afternoon. The police cars carrying his graduate students sped toward the airport. Two men in suits ignored him, went into the control room, and closed the door behind them. Dr. Wellman grunted. He was superfluous now. Police, carrying black bags filled with papers and books, marched past him and zoomed off in their respective cars. The last police car, lights blinking, had its back door wide open. A single police officer waited for him. “You ready, sir?” “Yup. Let’s go.”
******
One week later Colgate University, New York The applause in the auditorium subsided when the college provost raised his hands. He cleared his throat and spoke over the last die-hard clappers. “It is obvious from your applause that you rather enjoyed tonight’s presentation.” The clapping threatened to erupt anew, so he yelled into the microphone. “Dr. Worthington will now take questions from the floor.” Dozens of hands went up all at once. Astrophysicist Dr. Aster Worthington, the newly appointed director of the Hayden Planetarium, bright, blonde, and beautiful, smiled as she stepped back to the podium. She preferred engaging her audience personally and enjoyed this part of her presentation the most. Aster pointed to a teenage boy wildly waving his hand right in front of her. “Dr. Worthington, it has to be possible to travel between the stars. Think about how much exploration has progressed in just the last five hundred years. Columbus took months to cross the Atlantic. Now, we can fly across in just hours. We should be able do the same thing with space travel.” Her lecture, titled “The Myth of Interstellar Travel,” offered a flurry of exquisite photographs of stars and visual effects scaling the staggering size of the universe. Her intent was to persuade her audience that interstellar travel should not be on Man’s bucket list. But here it was again: the difficulty human minds had in comprehending the vastness of the universe. She sighed. Analogy, numbers, or just blow it off? Probably from some private school. Okay. Numbers. “We are shackled by speed and time,” she began earnestly. “Go fast, and the energy needs are outrageously high. Go slow, and you spend centuries in your spaceship just getting to your nearest neighbor.” Her enthusiastic questioner rolled his eyes and scoffed, unconvinced. She didn’t expect him to accept her words. At least, not at first. Time for the first punch. “By using a tremendous amount of fuel, and a few, fortuitous gravity assists, the spaceship of the Juno Mission traveled 87,000 miles per hour. That’s over two million miles a day. It’s the fastest spaceship we have.” The boy beamed. “That’s what I mean,” he blurted. “We can go to the stars.” She gave him a sad smile, the kind a loving parent wore when first they told a child there was no Santa Claus. “How long would it take the Juno spacecraft, the fastest one we have, to reach the nearest star?” Before he could answer, Aster held up her finger, and she looked down like she was considering something. It was great theater, she knew. She paused a moment, biting down lightly on her bottom lip. In a conspiratorial voice, she leaned across the podium toward the teenager. “Let’s assume we develop more efficient fuel and considerably better rockets. Let’s also throw in… what, two or three extra gravity assists? Maybe that ninth planet that’s just been discovered far beyond Pluto and perhaps a large rogue planet between us and Alpha Centauri. They could provide more gravity assists. Anyway, just for the purposes of this discussion, let’s suppose the speed of our spacecraft is not just 87,000 miles per hour, but 200,000 miles per hour.” The young man’s eyes opened wide, and excited discussions bubbled up in the great hall. He nodded, leaning forward in his chair. “This new ship,” she continued, “Can travel over five million miles in a day. How long would it take this super-charged spaceship to arrive at the nearest star, a mere four light years away?” The boy eyed her suspiciously, sensing a trap. When he answered, his tone came out hesitant. “Maybe… a few years?” She shook her head. “Over three thousand years.” The boy deflated into his seat for a moment, letting out a rush of air. But youth is resilient: “We just have to go faster. Somehow.” Aster’s eyebrows rose. “Ahh, but remember the problem with going faster. It costs more energy. Suppose you go ten times faster. Now the trip will only take 300 years.” There were a few chuckles in the audience. “Unfortunately, the fuel requirement goes up as the square of the speed. So, the fuel required for this mission would be a hundred times more. A hundred times! That would be more fuel than we have spent on all previous missions combined in this century. And if you want to get there...to our nearest neighbor, mind you...in a few years...the energy output would be, well, enormous. More energy than man has used in the last two centuries.” Aster regarded the boy, a sympathetic frown on her face. “Spaceships zipping around the galaxy is a fantasy. It’s not real and never will be real. Depressing, I know. Distances in space are—” she spread out her arms, “astronomical.”
An event recently occurred that should cause shivers of fear in every American. There was a Nazi rally in Florida.
Because Donald has adopted many of the techniques of Hitler, he has endeared himself to the ultra-right. Donald has done nothing to decry their support. In fact, he has actually openly courted their support. For example, he invited Nick Fuentes, a neo-Nazi to dinner.
When pressed to disavow a Nazi rally in Charlottesville, Donald said there were “good people” on both sides. When pushed to condemn white supremacist and militia groups during a presidential debate, he actually said "Proud Boys, stand back and STAND BY." Presently many of this group are serving long prison sentences for their role in the January 6th insurrection. Regarding that insurrection, Donald has frequently referred to the ultra-right criminal participants as “good people” and said that, when elected in 2024, he would pardon many, perhaps most of the criminals who violently participated in trying to overturn our democracy.
Many in the GOP (Gross Oligarch Party) will say that this Nazi rally had nothing to do with Donald. Wrong! It had much to do with Donald. His violent rhetoric and ugly name-calling resonates with and empowers these demented people. If they didn’t have the backing of Der Fuhrer, they would be less numerous and less open about their hatred of Jews, people of color, and immigrants.
Oh, and by the way, this Nazi rally took place in front of the Disney Springs entry-way with anti-LGBTQ flags and signs. Really. They were demonstrating in front of Disney! Later a larger group marched through the streets of Orlando wearing matching uniforms (red shirts, black masks and black pants), waving swastika flags, performing Hitler salutes and shouting hateful messages that included “White power” and “Jews will not replace us.”
Yes, Donald. There must have been “good people” in these groups as well.
~~~
l rea
7
Here is the man who MAGA cheers for and wants to have back as our president--Violence, Lies and Prejudice:
Prosecutors of the indictments: “If You Go After Me, I'm Coming After You!”
Soccer star: “Nice shot Megan, the USA is going to Hell!!!”
Pelosi: “She is a Wicked Witch whose husband’s journey from hell starts and finishes with her. She is a sick & demented psycho who will someday live in HELL!”
His former VP: “'Liddle' Mike Pence, a man who was about to be ousted as Governor of Indiana until I came along and made him V.P., has gone to the Dark Side.”
Women: “Grab ‘em by the pussy.”
Employee: “When you give a crazed, crying lowlife a break, and give her a job at the White House, I guess it just didn’t work out. Good work by General Kelly for quickly firing that dog!”
Then, of course, there is Donald being unquestionably the greatest poor loser of all time: “THE ELECTION WAS RIGGED!”
Ahh, MAGA this is your man, your savior, your Fuhrer. MAGA. Be proud. Because the rest of America and the world find him despicable and dangerous to our democracy.
~~~
On the Other Hand...
Robert Sells, Author and Political Commentator is a regular contributor to Book Readers Heaven
We have heard it ad nauseum: Democrats and Biden have destroyed our energy independence and seriously damaged the oil industry. Donald claimed that President Biden has a “plan to abolish the entire U.S. oil industry”. Sen. John Kennedy accused President Joe Biden of leading “a frontal assault on oil and gas.” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito bemoaned Biden’s “backwards, America-last energy policies.” Per usual, these MAGA Republicans provide no evidence to back their spurious claims.
Here are some pertinent facts for those few Republicans and many Democrats and Independents who rely on facts and logic to make their judgements.
US oil output is now projected to rise to an average of 12.8 million barrels per day this year FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. To put this in perspective, that’s about half a million barrels PER DAY more than the prior annual record set in 2019… by Donald. It’s also more oil than any other country on the planet produces. It works out to be a 16% increase since January 2021 when Biden took office from Donald.
In summary, in terms of our energy independence, President Biden has improved it since he took office. In addition to increasing oil production (by 16%!), he has also opened the door for more green energy. Hence, we are far more energy independent than we ever were when the pathological liar, Donald, controlled the White House.
~~~
It’s not just Donald. MAGA Republicans follow his example and often put out false claims as truth. For example, they often use the term “Biden Crime Family”… even though there is no substantiated proof of any crimes.
Oh, of course, there are the horrible crimes committed by Hunter Biden. After over four years of investigation Weiss, the Republican Donald-appointed attorney to investigate Hunter, found only one crime--Hunter was guilty of fibbing on his income tax. It’s important to point out that many Republicans have also committed that very same crime including Donald. That is the extent of proof for the criminality of the “Biden Crime Family”.
Oh, but MAGA Republicans insist Hunter’s “crimes” MUST be far worse. His nefarious crimes would have been found out if the DOJ had not thwarted the investigation of Hunter Biden. Well, there is no proof of the DOJ restricting Weiss. But… but… but AG Garland refused to make Weiss a special prosecutor. AG Garland testified that Weiss had never asked for such a status. Weiss himself admitted that he was given wide latitude for investigating Hunter.
After the plea deal fell through, Weiss did ask for special prosecutor status so that he could prosecute Hunter in different venues. Well, guess what? The MAGA Republicans are still crying foul. They want a different special prosecutor. Why? Because Weiss has said a number of times that, after 4 years, there simply are no serious crimes committed by Hunter. Well, we can’t have that, can we? Hunter has to be the punching bag of the ultra-right. And, if Weiss can’t do it right, then get an attorney who can. Someone who will scream “Biden Crime Family.”
~~~
While Donald has to explain and, most probably, lie about over 90 indictments, MAGA Republicans keep yammering about the “Biden Crime Family”. So, let’s set the record straight. First, there is nothing illegal about any American getting money from foreign sources. So, just because Hunter Biden got money from Urkrain or China or any country is not evidence of a crime. Nor is having “shell” companies a crime. What would be a crime is a government official gaining money from a foreign source or even American source for services rendered due to his position.
Now, MAGA spouts about $20 million in payments to the "Biden Crime Family"... Comer and other Republicans invoke this figure often. A close reading of the memos, however, finds that only about $7 million can be directly attributed to Biden family members and most of that money went to Hunter. The rest went to business associates of Hunter. There is zero evidence that any of that money went to Joe Biden. Nor is there any evidence that Joe Biden rendered any services for the aforementioned businesses.
So, there is no evidence of any crime. None. Further, there is no evidence that Joe Biden accepted any money from any of Hunter’s enterprises or did any services for any of Hunter’s enterprises. The only fact in all this Hunter Biden Distraction is that Hunter got about $7 million probably taking advantage of his familial connection to Joe Biden. There was no crime.
~~~
Robert Sells, author, writer is an ongoing contributor on Book Readers Heaven...
Anyone who listened to the litany of evidence presented in Donald’s latest indictment has to question Donald’s presumed innocence. He has over fifty FELONY counts being adjudicated in the courts! Yet he retains high poll numbers. How can this shameless conman still be a political force in our country? I blame Republicans.
Early on, Republicans knew and accepted that Donald was vulgar and immoral. They had to pinch shut their collective noses to disregard the stench when they voted for him. Unacceptable! Anyone that flawed should have been relegated to basement. Which was exactly what Democrats did when he ran for president in their party. I blame Republicans.
Republicans knew that Donald was a prolific liar. He lied about everything from crowd size to weather reports, from calling Democrats ‘baby killers’ to bad-mouthing Republicans who stood against him. His lying is the baggage Republicans have to carry when supporting him. Sorry, but 30,000 lies in office is simply too much lying. Nevertheless, he retains his position in the polls. I blame Republicans.
Donald suffered over four bankruptcies and he has a reputation of not paying up his debts. His style of leading is to demand abject loyalty. Talent and expertise were distant seconds to loyalty. Diverse opinions were only accepted if they comported with his peculiar view of the world. That is not a way to run a country or a business. Yet he was allowed to run our country that way. I blame Republicans.
Losing candidates for the office of president have sometimes questioned voting methods in a critical state, but after a recount or adjudication in the courts, they accepted the will of the people. No presidential candidate has ever questioned the results of an election for any more than a few weeks. Except for Donald. Every day since he lost the election, he complained that the election was “rigged” and invalid. Everyday! He did this despite the fact that all the local and state officials certified the results. He did this after every court case (over 60) found no election fraud. He did this even though he had zero evidence of any election fraud. Such chicanery undermines the faith Americans have had in cornerstone of democracy: the ability to elect our own leaders. Even some independents believe this conman. I blame Republicans.
Our country will too soon be voting again for President. It is likely that this heavily flawed charlatan will be a viable candidate. I blame Republicans for that affront to our democracy.
Let's further consider my earlier statement, “Anyone who listened to the litany of evidence presented in Donald’s latest indictments has to question Donald’s presumed innocence.” Of course, I was wrong. Donald’s obsequious lieutenants and the mindless MAGA mob still bow down to their leader. How? One of Donald’s lawyers stated “Our defense is going to be focusing on the fact that what we have now is an administration that has criminalized the free speech”. And, sure enough, there was an obviously orchestrated bellowing from Donald’s MAGA allies on Capitol Hill about the violation of the First Amendment.
As usual, the truth is totally the opposite of what Donald and MAGA Republicans state. Donald is not being denied his right to lie and lie again. Indeed, in the indictment itself, DOJ prosecutors made clear that Donald “had a right, like every American, to speak publicly about the election and even to claim, falsely, that there had been outcome-determinative fraud during the election and that he had won”. So, no… he’s not being indicted for his many, many lies. He is being indicted for fraud.
Fraud is any activity that relies on deception (Donald’s many lies, for example) in order to achieve a gain. Fraud becomes a crime when it is a “knowing misrepresentation of the truth or concealment of a material fact to INDUCE OTHERS TO ACT TO THEIR DETRIMENT”. An example will help. Between July 2017 and February 2019, Christine Hayes, a travel agent, used aliases (lie) to tell people she had these “great” vacation deals (lie). Making false claims are allowed and protected by the constitution. However, when she used those lies to sell fake travel packages, she became a criminal. Why? Because those lies persuaded her victims to give up their hard-earned funds only to discover "they had tickets to nowhere, their money stolen by this fake travel agent". When trying to recoup their loss money, Hayes lied that she had breast cancer! She is now accused of stealing money from at least 82 people by tricking them into buying $400,000 worth of vacation deals. So, she can make all the outrageous claims she wants. However, she can’t use those claims to steal something of value from someone else.
Donald is a conman and just as criminal as Hayes. He perpetrated lies that the 2020 election was rigged. He did this in an attempt to illegally change the results of the 2020 presidential election and hence deprive most Americans of their most sacred right, the right to choose their own leaders. When he uses his lies that way, it is fraud and a crime.
Now, lawyers and lawmakers can lie all they want about Donald’s indictment being an “attack on free speech”. That is their right to do so. That doesn’t change the fact that the indictment is about fraud.
~~~
Robert Sells is an ongoing political contributor at Book Readers Heaven. Insofar as possible, I also include a different news source to document what is being presented here. I agree and support all that is included in this article... Based upon my own understanding of various news sources.
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