Let's Talk January 6, 2021, Part II - The End Of Democracy

If you have any doubt that our democracy is on its deathbed, then you need to read the editorial in the January 14, 2021 Los Angeles Times.  Here is the first sentence:  "It's coming down to the wire for democracy in the United States."  I have to ask - is the left actually frightened by all their gloom and doom prophecies?  Or is that simply their grandiloquent manner of persuasion?  As I recall, the Earth will be ending in 12 (now 9 or 10) years.  We are all going to die of AIDS.  If we survive that, we are going to die from second-hand smoke.  I cannot recall all the other horrors that await us, if we fail to adhere to leftist ideology.

The point, of course, is that January 6 proved the need for a national take-over of elections; and without that, our democracy is doomed.  President Biden is urging passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.  These laws are reformulations of H.R.1, Biden's original plan to have the federal government take over elections nationwide.  But that failed, so this is now the end of democracy 2.0.  

The other point is that the Democrats must be able to maintain control not only over all elections, but also control over government.  Permanently.  Because the Republicans cannot be trusted with our democracy.  If I recall, however, then Vice President Pence, a Republican, ignored - rightfully - the entreaties of Trump to overturn the vote of the Electoral College.  As I recall, Republican governors consistently disputed Trump's allegations of voter fraud.  And, if I recall, quite a few Republican judges denied the legal claims brought by the Trump team.  But those Republicans just cannot be trusted.  

So, the devil, I mean the President, went down to Georgia to give a speech, telling us just how dire the situation is.  If the Republicans do not pass the President's elections legislation, then they not only oppose democracy, they are downright un-American.  As Biden told the Republicans in Congress:  "Do you want to be on the side of Dr. King or George Wallace?  Do you want to be on the side of John Lewis or Bull Connor?  Do you want to be on the side of Abraham Lincoln or Jefferson Davis?"  Jefferson Davis?  Oh my.  If Republicans disagree with Biden that means they seek a return to the Confederacy?  To slavery?  No wonder why Hillary called us a bunch of "deplorables." 

That was not all that Biden threw at us.  He continued to lie about the "restrictive" new voting laws in Georgia and other states.  It does not matter how often fact-checkers (including the Washington Post's well respected fact-checker) tell him he is wrong.  As Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said in rebuttal, Biden's speech was "All to demagogue voting laws that are more expansive than what Democrats have in his own home state (of Delaware)."

And just imagine, those Republicans don't even want voters standing in line waiting to vote to have a bottle of water.  Does anybody buy that nonsense.  Bring as many water bottles for yourself as you like.  If necessary, ask poll workers for some water.  But the dispensing of water by third parties might very well constitute electioneering, which likely all states prohibit.    

Actually, we Republicans should be thrilled with Biden's speech.  It was so antagonistic, so divisive, that even Biden's supporters are complaining.  His speech has undoubtedly done more to assist with a Republican takeover in the House and Senate come November than anything any Republican might say.  

Allow me to end with a few lines at the end of the Los Angeles Times editorial, mentioned at the beginning of this post.  The editorial quotes a Wendy Weiser of the Brennan Center for Justice:  "This is one of those moments that will be remembered in history books.  Did we save democracy or let it go down the tubes?"  And the paper's editorial finishes with this:  "Biden and Schumer have vowed to keep fighting to protect voting rights.  They must do so as long as there's a chance to save our democracy."  How could I not agree?  Their hyperbole, hypocrisy and outright lies will, in fact, help save our democracy - by helping to insure a Republican victory in November.         

Let's Talk January 6, 2021, Part I - The House Select Committee

 (Note:  For my earlier comments on January 6, please see my 1/10/21 post, "The Trump Era Ends Badly.")

The House Select Committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the events of January 6, 2021, is designed to accomplish one thing - weaken Trump and the Republican Party.  A look at the membership of this "select" committee reveals there are 7 Democrat members yet only 2 Republican members.  Why is that?  When House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy appointed 5 Republicans, Speaker Pelosi rejected two of those selections - Jim Jordan and Jim Banks.  Reacting to Pelosi's "unprecedented" denial of the minority party's right to choose their own members, McCarthy then withdrew all 5 of his nominations to the committee.

The only thing "select" about this so-called "select" committee is that Pelosi selected all the members - not only the 7 Democrats, but also the 2 Republicans.  The two Republicans:  Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger.  Both are anti-Trumpers, but more significantly, voted for Trump's impeachment last January without insisting on any type of evidentiary hearing first.  There were no House Judiciary Committee hearings before the impeachment vote, which was also unprecedented - at least in the modern era. 

Bennie Thompson is the chair of the committee.  And, while Jordan and Banks were deemed unacceptable by Pelosi, Adam Schiff was perfectly fine.  The same Adam Schiff who talked up the false Russian collusion story for at least two years.  The same Adam Schiff who assured us that he had concrete evidence of Russian collusion, yet, after the Mueller report issued, he seemed to have forgotten what that evidence was. 

The Democrats claim that this committee will get to the truth about the events of January 6, and in doing so will be an important step in protecting democracy.  The Democrats are also telling us that Biden's two voting bills are also important measures that will help to protect our democracy.  But just how much do the Democrats really care about our democratic institutions?  

Do the Democrats care about the Supreme Court?  No, they want to pack the court with more liberal members.  Did Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer care about the institution when, in March, 2020, in connection with a pending abortion case, he said this:  "I want to tell you, Gorsuch; I want to tell you Kavanaugh:  you have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price - you won't know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions."  Schumer's comments were so extreme, so threatening to the Justices of the Supreme Court, that the Chief Justice felt obligated to issue a rare rebuke, calling Schumer's comments "inappropriate" and "dangerous."

Do the Democrats support the US Senate?  Not at all.  They want to add states to the union (Washington, DC and Puerto Rico) for the sole purpose of adding 4 more likely Democratic members.  They want to end the Senate filibuster, so that they can pass Biden's two voting measures, which would  effectively result in a federal takeover of all elections.  The Senate, with one-third of its members being elected every two years, lends greater stability to the Congress than does the House, with all 435 members being elected every two years.  It is understood that the House reflects the passions of the moment, but the Senate does not.  It is also understood that the filibuster is another check on the passions of the moment, by protecting the rights of the minority party, and encouraging compromise.  

Do the Democrats support the Constitution?  No, again.  We already know that they do not support either the First Amendment or the Second Amendment.  When it comes to elections, Article I, Section 4, provides:  "The times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof..."  Yes, there is a provision that allows Congress to overrule a state decision, but that is rarely used.  The historical precedent is for the states to control their own elections.  Article II Section 1, provides, for the election of the president:  "Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof, may direct, a number of Electors" that equals the total number of their representatives and senators.  But the Democrats do not want states to control their own elections.  And they want to abolish the electoral college.

But the Democrats support our other institutions, right?  Wrong.  They do not support the idea that the US is even a sovereign nation with the right to protect its borders and prevent people from entering illegally.  But they support our legal system at least?  No again.  They only support it when the outcome is the one they desire.  (See the posts, The Rittenhouse Verdict, Parts II and III, 11/21/21.)  But the Democrats must support an orderly society, without which no democratic institutions can exist.  No again.  Tell me how many Democrats spoke out against the violent rioting in 2020 and 2021, by groups such as BLM and Antifa.  Tell me how many spoke out against Seattle's Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone.  Which party supports defunding the police - the institution that makes all the other institutions possible.  And let's not forget Speaker Pelosi's reply, when asked about protesters illegally taking down the statue of Christopher Columbus in Baltimore:  "People will do what they do."

So please do not try to sell me on the idea that the Democrats care about democracy or any of our democratic institutions.  But if you do believe what they're selling, I'll give you a good price on the Brooklyn Bridge.

      

New Year Reflections, Part II (A Look Back At Those We Lost in 2021)

The 12/28/21 edition of the USA Today had a look at those celebrities (for lack of a better term) that passed away in 2021.  They separated the names by category, such as sports, music, entertainment and the like.  As I do not recall ever doing a post such as this, I thought I would comment on the ones I will miss the most.

In sports, it would the great Hank Aaron.  His 755 career home runs easily beat Babe Ruth's 714.  Aaron consistently hit 30 or more home runs in a season, and did so for 15 of his 23 playing years.  He finished with 2,297 runs batted in, and a .305 batting average.  Although his home run record was technically broken by Barry Bonds, I never accepted that.  Bonds broke the record during the steroid era, and so Aaron has remained the home run champ to this writer.  Aaron was 86 years old.

Jackie Mason has long been my favorite comedian.  He started out as a Rabbi.  He made fun of his fellow Jews, politicians and others, and was definitely not politically correct.  He was conservative, and a strong supporter of Israel.  Mason always knew how to set up a joke, and then deliver it with perfect timing and with his distinctive voice.  Mason died at 93.

I will also miss another strong supporter of Israel - Sheldon Adelson.  Adelson was the Chairman and CEO of the Las Vegas Sands.  He and his wife donated huge sums to the Republican Party.  He also donated $140 million to the Birthright Israel Foundation, which provides an all expenses paid trip to Israel to young Jews in the Diaspora.  He spent $25 million to build a high school in Las Vegas, and donated $7.5 million to various universities to fund medical research.  As with this writer, he started out as a Democrat, then switched to being a Republican.  Adelson died at 87 years of age, and is buried at the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Israel.  

In the field of music, I was sad to see the passing of Don Everly of the Everly Brothers.  Unlike the Righteous Brothers, Don and Phil were actual brothers.  Much of their music is from the 1950's, and I am only familiar with it because I have a brother who is four years older, and who constantly had the radio on.  Who so it seemed.  The Everly Brothers had classic hits, such as:  "Bye Bye Love," "Wake Up Little Susie," "All I Have To Do Is Dream," and "Cathy's Clown."  Don was 84.

The list would not be complete without mentioning Rush Limbaugh.  I only listened to him occasionally.  Dennis Prager's show generally aired at the same time, and I have always preferred the give and take style of Prager with his callers, to the more frequent monologues of Limbaugh.  Yet, so many conservative talk radio hosts have made it clear that they owe their careers to Limbaugh.  In that sense, he was the father of conservative talk radio.  Rush was 70 years old.

Last, but certainly not least, is Bob Dole.  He was a true war hero, serving in the Army's 10th Mountain Division.  It is well known that he lost the use of his right arm during WWII.  It happened while trying to rescue a fellow soldier.  He served in the House and the Senate, and ran as Gerald Ford's running mate in 1976, but Ford lost to Jimmy Carter.  He made a run for the presidency three times, but only one of those times was he his party's nominee.  That was in 1996, and he lost to Bill Clinton.  Dole served as Senate Majority Leader on two separate occasions.  He was a Republican and a conservative, but was able to work across the aisle, at a time when that was still possible.  In helping to defeat the Nazis and totalitarianism, he truly was a member of the Greatest Generation.  Dole was 98 years old.  

Actually, there is one more name.  But, as the list in the USA Today was published on 12/28, I could not have seen the passing of this woman on 12/31.  Betty White was a mere 17 days from her 100th birthday.  She had a career that stretched over seven decades.  My best recollection of her was from the Mary Tyler Moore show, portraying Sue Ann Nivens.  White was a volunteer in the wartime American Women's Voluntary Services, during which time she had various stateside duties.  A major passion of hers was the welfare of animals.  A shame that she could not have had a big 100th birthday celebration.           

New Year Reflections, Part I (The UN Continues Its Antisemitic Ways)

Some background.  In the May 16, 2021 post (Israel at War - Again), I discussed this past May's conflict between Israel and Hamas.  Following that conflict, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation sought a resolution from the UN Human Rights Council (as inaptly named an entity as is imaginable) that would establish a permanent commission on human rights violations in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.  

At the behest of Pakistan and the Palestinian Authority, the HRC complied.  With a vote of 24 to 9, with 14 abstentions, they voted to seek funding from the UN General Assembly for that permanent commission.  It would be the first such permanent commission.  

The resolution included language to "...urgently establish an ongoing, independent, international commission of inquiry to investigate, in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, all alleged violations and abuses of human rights law leading up (to) and since 13 April 2021."  The very wording of the resolution makes clear that the Palestinians are "occupied," giving rise to a presumption that Israel is at fault.

The resolution invests the commission with the power to "...investigate all underlying root causes of recurrent tensions, instability and protraction of conflict, including systematic discrimination and repression based on national, racial or religious identity."  The "protraction of conflict?"  I'll be sure to look for the detailed discussion of all the wars started by the Arabs, in the hopes of wiping Israel off the map.  I'll look for a discussion of the thousands upon thousands of rockets and missiles launched into Israel by the Palestinians.  And I'm sure the commission will discuss the repeated promises by the Palestinians to control all the land from the (Jordan) river to the (Mediterranean) sea.  I just won't hold my breath.

Not surprisingly, the UN General Assembly voted in December to fund this permanent commission, with a vote of 125 to 8, with 34 abstentions.  Voting "no" was the US, Israel and Hungary, along with 5 small southeast Pacific island nations.  Sadly, many Western democracies could not find the courage to vote "no," but abstained instead.  Those countries include Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and The United Kingdom.  Voting in favor:  France and Norway, among others.

France is said to have the largest Muslim population in the Western world, with 5,720,000 Muslims constituting 8.8% of the country's population.  Germany's Muslim population sits at 4,750,000, equal to 5.7% of their population.  The UK has a Muslim population of 4,130,000, or 6.3% of the country's population.  Norway's Muslim population of 142,800 is enough to equal 5.7% of their population.  The Netherlands' Muslim population is 880,000, which is 5.1% of the country's population.  By way of comparison, the US has 3,450,000 Muslims; but given the size of our country they constitute only 1.1% of the population.  

So why are these Western societies siding against another Western style democracy?  No doubt their votes reflect an ongoing antisemitism that has infected Europe for centuries.  Combine that with an increasing influence of the growing Muslim population in Europe, and it is clear that Israel can only rely on a precious few friends in the world. 

Ironically, on the same day as the UN General Assembly vote, the Palestinian Atlas Center for Studies and Research released a new poll.  As reported in the Jewish Journal, "45% of respondents hold the Palestinian Authority responsible for the perennial crises in the Gaza strip, with 25% saying they hold Hamas responsible.  Only 15% of Palestinians blamed Israel."  Perhaps, as in many countries, the people are wiser than their leaders.  

Recall that President Trump took the US out of the UNHRC, acknowledging their unrelenting anti-Israel bias.  As with everything else, Biden reversed that policy, asserting that the US can have greater influence by remaining a member.  Influence?  The US could not even get the major European powers to oppose this anti-Israel resolution, nor persuade countries such as France and Norway to at least abstain.  Some influence.  I question the point of the UN's existence.    

Year End Reflections, Part VI (A Personal, and Very Brief, Look Back)

I turned 70 this past year.  That's a big birthday.  Upon hearing of this birthday of mine, some expressed dismay at my "advanced" age.  I did not share those sentiments.  On the contrary, I thank G-d for each and every day.  I have been to far too many funerals of young people and middle-aged people to understand that there is no guarantee of tomorrow.  So I celebrate my age.

My physical condition is another matter.  My cervical spine has been a pain in the neck (a little humor) for over 20 years.  Mostly physical therapy on and off.  But after having a second cervical epidural injection this year, with only slight improvement, my pain management doctor referred me for a cervical MRI.  Upon seeing the results, he referred me to a neurosurgeon.  

According to the neurosurgeon, the MRI showed no significant deterioration in the neck since the last one in 2019.  He also suggested that surgery would be problematic, as he would only be able to access two of the four levels that are most troublesome.  However, as he found no significant neurologic deficits, and good muscle strength, the decision was made to avoid surgery.  Rather, he prescribed physical therapy and exercises, and a return to the pain management doctor for a possible third epidural vs facet blocks.  In the meantime, for those who know me, you know that I keep working and plugging along.

I do not believe that I lost any friends as a result of political differences this year.  Those on the left who could not tolerate my conservative view of the world and/or could not accept that I voted for Trump (twice) have previously abandoned our friendship.  It appears that a budding friendship with a colleague has ended as a result of my "aggressive" actions on behalf of a client.  This colleague is the opposing counsel.  Disappointing, but I cannot say that I am not used to it.

Of course, the highlight of the year was the birth of our granddaughter.  She is so precious.  She is so adorable.  I immediately fell in love with her.  She will soon be six months old.  But she has never (almost never) seen my face.  (Okay, hold the jokes.)  That is disappointing and upsetting.  I only pray that I live long enough to really be able to get to know her, and her me.  G-d willing!

 

Year End Reflections, Part V (Some Additional Year End Quotes)

In commenting on the rapid increase in violent crime, especially the smash and grab offenses, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi told us this:  "It's absolutely outrageous.  Obviously it cannot continue...But the fact is there is an attitude of lawlessness that springs from I don't know where..."  I don't know where?  Hmm.  Maybe Madam Speaker you've heard of the defund the police movement.  Maybe you've heard about police quitting their departments across the country, and the poor morale.  Maybe the lack of support from politicians is a problem.  What about no bail?  What about steal under $950 and you get to walk?  And what about left-wing prosecutors who will not prosecute?  But she did tell us with Obamacare that "we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it," so... 

In criticizing the NFL's support for entities that support defunding the police, the National Sheriffs Association said this:  "Perhaps they (NFL officials) could spend one night in a cruiser or a jail to see the horrendous effects of runaway crime."  And:  "Or they could look into the faces of the victims of crime who are white, black, brown, men, women, elderly, kids, poor, rich and every demographic in America."  You paying attention, Madam Speaker?

Judge Terry Doughty is a federal district court judge.  In blocking Biden's vaccine mandate for private businesses, he wrote these wise words:  "If human nature and history teach anything, it is that civil liberties face grave risks when governments proclaim indefinite states of emergency."  The judge's injunction was subsequently lifted by the Circuit Court of Appeals.  It will be up to SCOTUS to decide the issue.

And, to end on a happy note, and apropos to this season, here is a letter to the editor of the New York Sun by one Virginia O'Hanlon:  "I am 8 years old.  Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.  Papa says, 'If you see it in the Sun, it's so.'  Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus."

Here is the paper's reply, in part:  "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.  He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.  Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus!  It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias.  There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.  We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight.  The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished..."

"...No Santa Claus!  Thank G-d! He lives and lives forever.  A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, Virginia, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood."  

The Sun's reply to Virginia was, of course, published on September 21, 1897.

Merry Christmas to all!

Year End Reflections, Part IV (Some Year End Quotes)

Dr. Monica Casper is the Dean of Gender and Women's Studies at San Diego State University.  San Diego State is part of the Cal State University system.  Here is a recent Tweet:  "Just so we're clear on the Right's agenda:  racism good, abortion bad, money good, women bad, capitalism good, sustainability bad, stupidity good, science bad, power good, equality bad, white people good, nonwhite people bad.  Stench indeed."  There is so much wrong with this Tweet that I could do an entire post on it.

Conservatives do not view people as members of a race in assessing whether they are good or bad.  We know some whites are good and some are bad - the same as for any race or ethnic group.  Capitalism is good (I didn't say perfect) as it has lifted more people out of poverty than any other economic system.  Abortion bad?  Yes, at times.  But I have discussed that issue in recent posts.  Women bad?  Is she the example?  She is a Dean at a state university.  Clearly she sees no problem in alienating and insulting much of the student body.  Stupidity good?  She is proof that it is not.

In the 12/20/21 New York Times was short letter to the editor by a medical doctor.  "...in my opinion, with very rare exceptions, no critical care or intensive care beds should be given to unvaccinated patients being treated for Covid-19."  That is reprehensible.  What's next, asking if the patient voted for Trump?  Or is a conservative?  I wonder if he ever treated AIDS patients and told them "well, you brought it upon yourself."  

Recall that Darrell Brooks is the man who drove his car into a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin.  He killed 6 people and injured over 60 more.  He had also posted online "Hitler was right...did the world a favor by killing..." Jews.  Here was a CNN Tweet about the terrible event:  "Waukesha will hold a moment of silence today, marking one week since a car drove through a city Christmas parade, killing six people and injuring scores of others."  You just can't trust those cars.  You never know when they're going to decide to drive into a crowd of people.  What CNN declined to say was that a Brooks is a black man who drove his car into the Christmas parade.  

Steven Spielberg produced a remake of "West Side Story."  He stated that it was his intention "to hire a totally Latino, Latinx cast to play the Shark boys and girls."  Boys and girls?  Whatever.  Anyway, in explaining why he chose not to use English subtitles for those who do not speak or understand Spanish, he said this:  "If I subtitled the Spanish, I'd simply be doubling down on the English and giving English the power over the Spanish."  I have to say, I'm proud of the fact that I have no idea what he is talking about.  But I do know that it is some politically correct and woke nonsense.  Although I would ask him - are you in favor then of getting rid of "press 1 for English?"  

Former, but then, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu had congratulated Biden on his election victory, as is customary for world leaders to do.  Here was Trump:  "He (Bibi) was very early (in congratulating Biden).  Like earlier than most.  I haven't spoken to him since.  Fuck him."  Actually, Bibi was not early in congratulating Biden.  Many other world leaders had already called Biden.  But Bibi was gracious anyway, saying he "really appreciates" the support Trump gave to Israel.  It's just too bad that Trump will never get past his own ego.  

Many Democrats have been highly critical of Joe Manchin for his refusal to support Biden's Build Back Better legislation.  Of particular note is the nasty Tweet by Bette Midler:  "What Joe Manchin, who represents a population smaller than Brooklyn, has done to the rest of America, who wants to move forward, not backward, like his state, is horrible.  He sold us out.  He wants us all to be just like his state, West Virginia.  Poor, illiterate and strung out."  Typical elitist condescension.  I dare say there are many poor and illiterate people who possess greater common sense and wisdom than doth Ms. Midler.

Saying that West Virginia has less people than Brooklyn only serves to reflect her lack of understanding and/or appreciation for our federal system.  Brooklyn has more people than 15 states (not only West Virginia) and Washington, D.C.  So what?  New York City, at approximately 8.8 million people, is more populous than all but 10 states, with New Jersey being in a tie.  Again, so what?  I would bet that she never had any concern for the utterances of one Bernie Sanders, a Senator from Vermont.  Yet Vermont has only 623,251 people, as compared to West Virginia's 1,767,859 people.  And, when it comes to being "strung out," Vermont is not exactly a shining example of a drug free state.

As for the wisdom of Build Back Better, that will have to wait for another post.  However, the Democrats have only themselves to blame with their massive pieces of legislation (think the Affordable Care Act).  I suspect that they could have gotten bipartisan support for individual pieces of that legislation, had they simply broken it up into separate bills for each of the issues contained in their massive bill.  They did, after all, get bipartisan support for the infrastructure bill.  But now, they talk as if it's the end of the world.  Unlike John McCain, heralded as a Maverick by the left, Joe Manchin gets no such accolades.  Rather, it is typical gloom and doom, and fearmongering, from the Democrats and the left.