An Abundance of What to Write About

It’s been a hectic two weeks for me…and for the nation.  As one may realize, there have been an abundance of events that have taken place which have drawn national, if not international attention.  For me, it was difficult to find one thing to write about.  I thought I had an idea about something, and then, another event took place and I was back to square one.  So, with that thought in mind, I offer this one man’s thoughts about…

1. The assassination of Charlie Kirk was awful.  It’s a terrible thing that a young man’s life was cut short by a bullet.  The motive for the killing hasn’t been clearly defined, but it may be assumed the assassin didn’t like Kirk’s message.  It is a shame Kirk’s wife and children must carry on without a husband and father to complete the family.  As it is well known, the memorial for Kirk was held in Glendale, AZ…at the State Farm Stadium.  The estimated attendance of the memorial was in excess of 200,000, which included the President, the Vice President, and certain members of the Cabinet.  As custom and law dictates, anytime the President and Vice President are together with members of the cabinet, one person must be designated the “lone survivor” in the event the unspeakable were to happen.  In this case…the Speaker of the House,  Mike Johnson.  
     
2. The on again, off again, on again Jimmy Kimmel saga was something to behold. Personally, I see nothing wrong with a comedian telling a joke or two.  If the joke is aimed at a political figure; so be it.  I am not of the opinion Kimmel tried to down play the Kirk assassination.  What Kimmel tried to point out was the President was using the Kirk assassination for his gain instead of mourning the death of a close associate.  One must realize when a person decides to enter into public service, criticism and ridicule will happen and it just must be endured with a smile.  I do believe the federal government took action to silence Kimmel…which if anyone doesn’t know, that is a violation of the 1st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, the same document that allows those in the federal government to govern within the stated powers of the occupied office.
   
   
3. The President’s UN visit turned into a comedy show of its own.  The escalator stalled when the first lady and President attempted to ride it; the teleprompter used by the President didn’t work properly as the President addressed the General Assembly.  The President has asked the UN to conduct an investigation and punish those who are responsible for the treatment he received at the UN.  And the punishment to those responsible would be what…?
   
   And then, there was the President telling all present, their countries were going to hell if they didn’t do something about immigration.  Amazing to believe the President of the United States tell the countries of the world their countries were going to hell, when the history of the United States is based on immigration.  Historians would agree there have been four major waves of immigration into the United States beginning with the founding of our country to present day.
   
   In return, the Columbian government has asked the UN to conduct an investigation into the United States destroying three Venezuelan boats on the open sea with the investigation pointed directly at the President of the United States.  This action by the United States could be considered an act of war on Venezuela, without permission from Congress.  Taken from the Constitution, Article 1 Sec 8… “To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;”
   
   
4. U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert resigned his position Friday (Sept 19th) amid pressure from Trump administration officials to bring a criminal case against New York Attorney General Letitia James.  Siebert would not file charges against James because he hadn’t found enough evidence of mortgage fraud to support the charge.  In Siebert’s place, the President nominated Lindsey Halligan, one of Trump’s personal lawyers.  Halligan is an attorney without prosecutorial experience. Notably, at the same time, the office where Siebert worked, under pressure from the President, was investigating James Comey.  
   
   Yesterday, (Thursday, Sept 25) Comey was indicted for lying to Congress and obstruction.  In my opinion this is a weaponization of the DOJ by the President to seek revenge against his critics…(think Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert).  The newly appointed US Attorney Halligan ran point on these indictments of Comey. 
   
   
5. And on Thursday, Sept 25,  a new round of tariffs has been levied.  President Trump said he will put import taxes of 100% on pharmaceutical drugs, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, 30% on upholstered furniture and 25% on heavy trucks starting on Oct. 1.  According to Trump, this was done for “National Security and other reasons.”  This is a bit of a stretch as the Commander in Chief…let alone forgetting to ask permission from Congress to levy any tariff at any time.  Yes, the power to regulate commerce resides with Congress…taken directly from the Constitution, Article 1 Sec 8…“To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;”
   
   

I am more than convinced the voters have elected a person who is not invested in the government for the people and by the people than the man in the moon.  The President claims to make America first, but his actions do not support his thesis.  One does not use associates for personal gain.  Kirk and Musk were used as a diversion from other items of importance to the nation…mainly the Epstein files.  One does not weaponize the DOJ to silence critics.  President Lyndon Johnson had this to say about his critics…After being trashed numerous times by the Smothers Brothers, President Lyndon Johnson wrote them, “It is part of the price of leadership of this great and free nation to be the target of clever satirists.  You have given the gift of laughter to our people.  May we never grow so somber or self-important that we fail to appreciate the humor in our lives.”  One does not persecute or prosecute political figures who may not agree with leadership.  If dismissal of a federal employee is needed, let it be because of a failure to discharge their requisite duties and not because of some personal vendetta.

Unlike JFK who eloquently said…”Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.  It is my opinion President Trump may not have heard the second part of JFK’s statement and only heard what he wanted to hear…ask what your country can do for you…