PRESIDENT TRUMP'S PARDON OF SHERIFF JOE ARPAIO MEETS CRITICISM FROM BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT

            It is not without controversy that the Presidential pardon of former Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio has come under fire. Arpaio, the first convicted person to be pardoned by President Donald Trump has drawn criticism from politicians from both the left and the right. But if the former sheriff is guilty of anything it can be of only one thing—he followed the law in spite of political correctness.

            It was back in 2011 when the sheriff ignored an order by District Judge G. Murray Snow regarding Arpaio’s order to sheriff deputies to continue stopping suspected illegal aliens, mostly Mexicans, and turning them over to federal officers. The sheriff, who had the reputation of being the “hardest sheriff” in the United States, was simply following immigration law as he understood it.

            But with the revised idea of political correctness immigration law seems to have taken a back seat as to what is right and what is wrong. As a consequence United States District Judge Susan R. Bolton found Arpaio guilty of Bolton’s order citing the sheriff had shown a “flagrant disregard” for Bolton’s order. Following the conviction Judge Bolton was set to send Arpaio to jail. Since his conviction was legally a misdemeanor, the most time the sheriff could spend in jail was six months. It was then President Donald Trump stepped in and issued a Presidential pardon to Sheriff Joe.

            It is true that Arpaio was a hard-nosed sheriff. He didn’t put up with the niceties of incarceration. In fact he made jail time as miserable for inmates as legally possible. He forced them to wear pink underwear, sleep in tents in 100 degree plus weather and even read inmates nighttime stories as well as playing classical music and much more. His theory was to make jail time as unappealing as possible so inmates never again wanted to be incarcerated. And according to recidivism statistics, his idea worked.

            But being a “hard nose,” did have its consequences. Arpaio took on everyone from councilmen, mayors, legislators and far-left liberals. Many of these folks took him to task only to be beaten back. During his term as sheriff, Arpaio was re-elected to office no less than five times! He served as sheriff from 1993 until 2016 when he was indicted. The result was he was finally defeated by a Democrat Paul Penzone. The new sheriff quickly disbanded many Sheriff Joe’s programs.

The people of Maricopa County loved Arpaio and backed him to the hilt. But that wasn’t good enough for those who believed in political correctness. It mattered little that the adoption of this PC nonsense was in violation to federal law. The law on the books stated that illegal immigration is a crime and those who came to the United States under such circumstances were in fact law-breakers. And it was on this premise that Sheriff Joe based his decisions in spite of opposition from the left. And this is one of the reasons President Trump issued a presidential pardon.

But with the defeat of the former sheriff a new age of law enforcement will take place in Maricopa County and it is believed many of the new policies won’t necessarily be in the best interest of the community.

Illegal immigration is a sore problem. Exactly how to combat it is something that dates back to the conquest of Arizona and California by the hordes of “immigrants” from the east who invaded the western territories in the 1880’s. Back then both states belonged to Mexico. In fact Mexican ownership extended all the way up to Oregon and Washington State. The large Mexican landowners didn’t resist their new neighbors believing that all could live in harmony and peace. But that wasn’t to be. Conflicts arose driving the Mexican Dons from their land and causing armed conflicts. The Mexicans finally retaliated but in the end lost all that they owned.

Today many Mexican’s believe that the land had been stolen from Mexico. And in fact this may be true. But nevertheless the line has been drawn and Mexico no longer owns any part of either state. The result is that a conflict continues as to who are the real citizens of Arizona or California. The Mexicans believe their right to the land is a sacred heritage but Americans believe that the land is justly United States territory not to be invaded. Over the course of time, the latest was the Mexican-American War between 1846 and 1848, the two countries have been able to live in relatively peaceful conditions. But the question remains—does Mexico have a legitimate claim?

With the division come other problems as well. And it is these problems that Sheriff Joe confronted. The insatiable desire for illegal drugs by American citizens prompted Mexican cartels to spring up in an effort to satisfy this “need.” Arizona, Texas and California are the spots that enable so many drug traffickers to infiltrate the United States along with other people who simply want a better life. The former are the ones that Arpaio set his sights on. The result however snagged many who were guilty of illegally entering the United States looking for jobs to support their families.

So the question remains; did Sheriff Joe go too far in apprehending criminals? Not really, he was only enforcing the law on the books and if anyone has a problem with that so be it. But in fairness immigration law should take into account those Mexican people who have blended into American society and have proven to be good citizens. Remember, this was once their land! President Trump obviously understands this but he also understands that the United States is the United States.

            

TRUMP'S CRITICS MAY HAVE TO TRY TO FIND SOMETHING NEW OTHER THAN THE OLD STUFF

            For the past three weeks the attacks against President Donald Trump has been relentless. If he were to publically walk on the waters of Lake Erie his attackers would claim it was only a sprinkle of water on a sidewalk. But in the long run Trump may just “trump” his critics.

            Truth has a way of making itself visible if only people would put away their prejudice and consider facts rather than perception. Here are a few examples and results that have happened in recent time.

            It all started when the United States Senate voted on the repeal and replace of Obama Care. Several Republican senators were hesitant to endorse an obviously flawed piece of legislation but were finally persuaded to go with the vote only to see three of their Republican “club” vote against further debate of the issue. The three included Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Susan Collins, R-Maine and John McCain, R-Arizona.

            All three are renowned RINO’s.

            For the uninitiated a RINO is a professed Republican who is only a Republican in name only. All three of these folks fit the bill perfectly.

            What is baffling is McCain who has recently been diagnosed with brain cancer flew from Arizona to cast a vote to advance debate on repeal and replace of Obama Care. It passed with the final vote from Vice President Price. But then for the final vote McCain casted the deciding vote against the very piece of legislation he voted for the day before!

            Why did he take the lime light and sabotage one of the President’s promises to the American people? The answer is too obvious to neglect. It is no secret that McCain has a boiling hatred for Trump following the battles between the two during the Presidential nomination campaign. What he did in voting against debate on Obama Care was a public sticking of his finger into Trumps eye! Regardless as what is in the best interest of America McCain apparently could care less; what is more important to him apparently is a personal battle with the President of the United States. As far as statesmanship is concerned the senator can forget it.

            As for Collins and Murkowski they, as McCain, delivered according to their personal liberal positions.

            And then there is the public criticism of President Trump by no other than the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The Senator had the audacity to say before a hometown civic group that the President, not knowing how the democratic process really worked, had not been up to the fact that in politics legislation had to be measured through the political process. He blamed Trump for being too naive to understand what professional politicians as himself, must do in order to produce perfect legislation. He failed to note however that politicians seem never to produce “perfect” legislation.

            Trump replied saying that the Republicans had seven and a half years to produce a bill to repeal and replace Obama Care. In addition just about every Republican that ran for office banked on that promise. Yet when it came down to the rubber hitting the road the Republicans had absolutely nothing to offer other than hot air. No plan existed! What frustrated the President was that he said he had in hand on the first day of his inauguration a pen to sign such legislation.

            When Trump said he wanted to “drain the swamp” these are the folks he was talking about. It is so apparent that those holding political office are interested in only one thing—getting re-elected! So much for the American people! Every one of these “critics” of the President’s agenda should return to public life and actually find a job and work for a living!

            But the criticism doesn’t end there. Scores of people from both sides of the aisle cried out at how Trump stood up to North Korea using bombastic rhetoric. They say the President’s hard line will get the United States in a war. But look at the results. North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un has now decided not to take on Trump and has decided not fire any ICBM missiles at American territory.

Unfortunately these same people forget one other factor; the Korean War has never ended since 1953. Even though actual combat ceased we are merely in a truce that North Korea has constantly continued to push since that time.

            Now that Un decided not to launch missiles at Guam after Trump decided “enough is enough!” The North Korean’s have evidently gotten the message. If they were to fire off ICBM’s they can expect complete annihilation.

            But while Trump continues to improve the American economy, bring jobs back to America, correct the problems within the Veterans’ Administration, improve housing for those who most need it, enforce illegal immigration laws with much success, and continue to push the Senate to repeal and replace Obama Care, and much more, the critics still whine about Russian collusion. Yet these accusations regarding Trump’s involvement, nothing of significant importance has surfaced after a year of investigation.

So the next thing the liberals scream about is Trump’s alleged late chastisement of the KKK, Nazi’s and far left activists regarding the horrific confrontation at Charlottesville, Virginia between the far left and far right groups. They bellowed that Trump should have called out these misfits by name. Many of these critics include such political prostitutes as Democrat Maxine Waters and Senator Charles “Chuck” Schumer. However, if the President had named these folks including the former head of the KKK, David Duke, he would also have to  name Black Lives Matter and other far left groups. Both were responsible for what happened and Trumps initial statement covered the situation perfectly! He blamed both sides and contrary to common sense his analysis proved accurate and correct.

WHEN IS ENOUGH ENOUGH?

When is enough enough?

            Ever since the election of Donald Trump to be the 45^th President of the United States there has been a complete negative biased campaign against him and his administration by politicians and journalists. The far left leaning press has manufactured every slanted, unfounded accusation and outright lie against the man who wants only “to make American great again.”

            Even many of those of Trumps own party is on board in an effort to sabotage his efforts to pass legislation that was once the hallmark of those of the Republican Party. The only thing that many of Republicans today have managed to do so far is talk without any results. Their ability to govern is negotiable.

            For the past seven years the Republicans promised to repeal and replace Obama Care with the idea of replacing it with real reform. Did they deliver? Not a way in the world! During those past seven years all they did was criticize (with good reason) the Democrats shoving a badly flawed piece of medical coverage legislation down the throats of the American people with the eventual outcome of socialized medicine. What the United Kingdom and Canada have as medical care is what Obama and the Democrats really want and they make no bones about it.

            Most recently Senator Chuck Schumer has admitted as much when he said on national television that the Democrats would be more than willing to take a look at the single server idea.

            But this is only a start in the attack against Trump. There is the continual exploration of that imaginary fairy in the sky regarding Russia. It seems the American people are sick of hearing many of the outlandish theories Trumps opponents keep throwing out. So, when is enough enough?

            It seems the biggest problems the President faces can be reduced to two; the first is “tweeking” and the second shooting from the hip. Both of these things attract criticism from both journalists and politicians. This isn’t because Trump is ignorant but rather that he is not a political person. It must be remembered that he entered office as an “outsider” and this is exactly what the American people wanted.

            Frankly United States citizens are fed up with politicians in general. It was hoped with the election of Donald Trump that the Republican Party would put on their adult boots and take the lead they promised. But the exact reverse seems to have happened. Promises previously made seem to have disappeared into thin air and no one has an answer other than blame the other guy.

            In addition to this is the lack of promoting all of the successes the Trump administration has been able to achieve. Employment is at an all time low, the stock market is continuingly going up, our military is making inroads in the battle against Isis and illegal immigration is constantly going down. These are just a few things that have been accomplished but you will never hear about them watching nightly news.

            Where are the statesmen? Whatever happened to the idea that the first priority of leadership was protecting and helping the citizens of this marvelous land?

            If there was ever a time for term limits now is the time. But since there are no term limits politicians find a permanent “home” in government. Once elected many politicians seem immune to working for the very people who sent them to office to begin with. The only time you hear from these folks is every two to four to six years when they revisit their home districts to celebrate the Fourth of July, Christmas and New Years. This is when they visit state fairs, barbecues and home town parades. Other than that they seem to spend time visiting foreign countries—usually with family members—in some sort of “fact finding trip” and arguing for more tax money.

            Why don’t these people settle down and attack the real problems that face our homeland? One of the biggest of these problems is public education which promoters of liberalism find so attractive. Why is political correctness more important than honesty? Why is someone labeled an enemy for voicing opposition to attacks by those who don’t want to bake a cake for homosexuals because of their own religious belief? Why are rioters permitted to destroy private property and shout down legitimate speakers who are invited to speak at some college or university? The list goes on and on and nobody seems alarmed.

            When is enough enouth?

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY. A REFLECTION

            Independence Day! Another year has passed with the celebration of fireworks, parades barbecues, baseball games and political speeches. It was a day of celebration but not necessarily a day of reflection.             

It will be 241 years since the Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, signed the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776. But it was two days later when the official document was signed.

            Since that time our country has changed remarkably from what the founders had known and experienced.  But what has changed most in America since that historic document was signed bares no semblance to what the framers originally intended. It is a fact that following the adoption of the Constitution Benjamin Franklin was asked about the establishment of the new form of government. “We founded a Republic—if you can keep it” he is reported to have said. And over the course of over 200 years his sage comment deserves a deeper look.

            Freedom isn’t free. During the course since 1776 the United States has continued to suffer assaults by foreign governments. In 1812 England  attempted to recapture the “colonies” only to be once again defeated. The war came about over trade rather than property history tells us. But the difference between the war of 1812 was it was the Congress of the United States that declared war rather than the British. The best England could claim as a victory was to burn the White House, a current idea of “entertainer” Madonna who shares the same feelings!

            As a result of the war however, one of the most inspiring things to come out of the conflict was our National Anthem—the Star Spangled Banner.

And there was the Mexican-American War fought from 1846 to 1848.

This conflict came about following the annexation of Texas from Mexico which resulted in Texas becoming the 28^th state of the United States. Mexico claimed that Texas was part of their national territory. But Texans thought differently and fought for their independence by partitioning the U.S. Congress.  But this was only the beginning; California, Arizona and New Mexico would follow Texas and after negotiations with Mexico to became part of the United States.

But wars continued resulting in the shedding of much American blood.

On June 28, 1914 the Archduke of Austria, Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were in an open car when a member of the “Black Hand” secret society opened fire killing both the Archduke his wife. Because of the international entanglements this action directly led to what was known as “the war to end all wars.”

The war lasted from July 28, 1914 to November 11, 1918. During this period some 60 million military and civilian lives were lost.

It is still uncertain what were the actual causes for the United States, under the presidency of Democrat Woodrow Wilson, to declare war on Germany. But we did. What prompted the action was Germany’s sinking of merchant ships in the Atlantic and the torpedoing of the American liner, ”Housatonic” by a German U-boat with the loss of many innocent lives. Along with this was a discovery of a secret agreement between Mexico and Germany that if the Mexicans were to start a war between Mexico and the United States Germany would back them.

With the entrance of American forces led by General Jack Pershing, the war in France became more brutal. Finally by November 11, 1918 the war ended in victory for the allied forces. What resulted, however, was to lead to the Second World War.

After the war the “Paris Conference” was called in 1919. This led to the “League of Nations” which included Britain, the United States, France and Italy. At this conference unbearable economic restrictions were placed against Germany that resulted in the near collapse of the nation. This led to the emergence of the countries new “savior,” Adolph Hitler.

Hardly 25 years passed when Germany under Hitler nearly took over the European continent by force. If it had not been for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor declaring war against the United States, Hitler might have won the day after his attack against Russia. But just three days after the attack by Japan, Hitler declared war on the United States resulting in Germany fighting on two fronts.

The rest is history; both Germany and Japan were defeated and what came out of the conflict was the use of the most horrible weapon ever devised—the atomic bomb.

But did mankind learn any lessons? Apparently not.

Just five years later North Korea invaded the south only to fight to a standstill three years later. A truce was declared but the war to this day has never been officially ended.

And the wars continue, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria to name just a few current nations involved in the killing of innocent people and the destruction of cities. Some battles are over land, others over religion. Regardless all are of a senseless nature.

So we come back to our “Independence Day.” Why do we celebrate this day? Do Americans really understand that everyone of these conflicts resulted in the deaths of young men who will never be able to have a family, live a life in content or enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice? If you know a veteran then say to them, “thanks for my freedom and your sacrifice.”

INSANITY AT ITS BEST

            With all the news-breaking stories the past week it was nearly impossible to keep up with a lead story. However, when the attempted assassination of the GOP congressmen who were practicing at an Alexandria, VA baseball field in preparation of the following day annual Congressional Baseball Game, everything shifted quickly.

            How such an incredible, horrific event could happen is beyond comprehension. When the gunman, James Hodghinson, approached the ball field he allegedly asked if the players were Republican or Democrat. When he learned the players were indeed Republican he pulled out his weapon and opened fire nearly killing Congressman Steve Sealise, House Minority Whip, hitting him in the hip.

            The congressman, who was at second base, went to the ground and though critically wounded managed to try to crawl to safety. But the shooter wasn’t finished.

            The field, surrounded by a high chain link fence enclosed the entire playing area. Those on the field were trapped. Continuing to shoot Hodghinson methodically moved towards the victims pouring out more rounds from his automatic rifle. Several congressmen managed to take shelter in the first base dugout. Some were injured and four other men, including lobbyist Matthew Mika, a former staffer for two former Republican congressmen, was shot in the chest and remains in serious condition. Also shot was Zack Barth, who works for Texas Congressman Roger Williams, who was hit in the leg.

And then two heroes took action. Both are Capitol police officers assigned to Scalise because of his position as Republican Whip. If it had not been for them everyone says the outcome of the shooting would have been a massacre.

As the shooter tried to approach the dug out to continue his attack the officers, David Bailey and Crystal Grinner took action. Running to the scene of fire both officers, armed only with their automatic handguns, quickly returned fire. During the battle both officers suffered gunshot wounds. Then other law enforcement officers responded and within minutes Hodghinson was killed.

Congressman Scalise was quickly transported to a hospital where he had gone into shock. According to doctors he was nearly dead. Quick medical treatment stabilized him and he was taken into surgery for repair.

Concern from the liberals didn’t last 24 hours. Democrat Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was quick to get back into the attack mood blaming Republicans for the event.

So much for the far left empathy. What is astonishing is the majority of left leaning people have no regard for law or anyone in opposition to their demands. As for the shooter Hodghinson he is reported to have been an active supporter of Bernie Sanders and had an uncontrolled hatred for conservatives.

But what has happened to our country? There was a time when if one of our political leaders, regardless of party, died or was harmed the people took the time to pause and extend their sorrow. But not now. The left has adopted the position that nothing is sacred. They claim to be the ones who are empathic, loving, charitable and forgiving. But on examination this claim is nothing but rubbish!

When you have colleges and universities demand that any conservative speaker who appears on campus for a speaking engagement be driven off school grounds something is very wrong.  At Evergreen University, Washington State, one professor, a liberal, contested a demand by black students that all white students keep off campus for one day. The result was the students responsible for the idea called for the firing of the professor! But that isn’t all; the professor was also threatened for bodily harm and as a result he had to conduct his classes off campus.

And then you have so-called celebrities as Kathy Griffin posing with a mock decapitated head of President Trump and the Shakespeare in the Park portrayal of Julius Caesar being killed by a mob, but instead of Caesar the victim was an updated Donald Trump, something is very wrong with what is considered privileged rights under the First Amendment of our Constitution.

It seems only the liberals have a right to free speech. It also seems that only the liberals have the right to intimidate those who do not share their positions. It also seems that the liberals can riot, smash windows and cars and break laws designed to protect people and property. It also seems that the liberals can publish outlandish accusations without any facts, damaging an opponent’s reputation by lies and exaggeration.

We see  this daily on the television and printed “news.” The attacks on President Trump are constant and the stories printed are for the most part the result of “anonymous sources.” On Yahoo there has not appeared one favorable report on Trump or his successes. They only print propaganda in hopes of harming the President.

The hatred for this President is beyond comprehension. Whenever you ask for specifics from those who oppose Trump you get the wildest and most stupid reasons imaginable.  No one believes in America it seems. This is evident by the large number of people who support Socialist (communist) Bernie Sanders.

In addition nobody seems interested in the felonious activities of Bill and Hillary Clinton and their selling out America for their personal gain!

So the question remains; where has common sense and belief in truth disappeared? Are you part of it?

           

PRESIDENT TRUMP LEARNING THE HARD WAY

            There is a huge difference between the corporate world and the political world. Unfortunately President Donald Trump is learning this the hard way.

            Following the appearance of former FBI director James Comey before a Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday the best that can be said was it proved to be “get even” time. When someone calls the President of the United States a “liar” under oath it means something. And that is exactly what Comey said.

            The comment came after he testified that during a private dinner with President Trump his account of the event differed from what the President has said in public. It all hinged around what Trump said to Comey regarding his fired national security advisor Lt. General Michael Flynn. It seems that the President made a suggestion to Comey that he cut some slack regarding an on-going investigation into the Flynn’s activities with foreign countries as Turkey that led to his dismissal.

            And this is where the two worlds collide.

            Trump came from nowhere. Nobody ever expected that he would come from a non political world and win the nomination for the presidency of the United States let alone that he could be elected. Politics demands that outsiders remain outside and let the professional career hacks run everything. But Trump proved them wrong. He won the election on the foundation of ideas and promises. The American people were tired of how the country was being run and wanted someone fresh who had knowledge of how to achieve success. Trump was the man.

            As a businessman Trump achieved huge success. He knew how to cut to the meat of a problem and solve it. He came to office as a non-nonsense guy who wanted to make “American great again.” He has all the tools to make good on his word but his methods are more for the boardroom than the oval office.

            The lesson Trump needs to learn is that you do not invite an employee (Comey) to a private dinner and try to woo him to lean your way. In the corporate world this would be a normal thing to do. Flatter, feed and make the employee comfortable and then pitch your request or idea. After a couple of drinks the employee would usually agree with the boss (Trump) and fall into line. But in the political world things are done differently. Instead awards are offered, promotions are given, alliances are made, and favors are given. That is the political way of doing business. This is particularly true for someone who is incompetent—you promote them.

            In addition to this the President needs to learn that “tweaking” can do more harm than good even though the message he is promoting has merit. A thick skin is necessary to survive in the political world. This is a lesson Trump has yet to learn. If one is to make a career in the political world they need to be prepared to take a lot of knocks justified or not. Those holding office can expect a deluge of unfavorable mail. It’s part of the game. But trying to counter these attacks “tweaking” can easily be used as ammunition against you.

            It should also be noted that “truth” is not necessarily truth. Those in politics quickly learn that exaggeration, compromise, deceit and outright disinformation best serves their purpose. Dirty tricks are their best weapon and the Democrats are artists in this regard. Push a lie far enough and soon it becomes reality.

            As far as loyalty is concerned that is also part of the game. But asking an employee (Comey) for their loyalty is crazy. For one thing the former FBI Director has used his position for political reasons. This is proved by his bowing to his former boss Attorney General Loretta Lynch “suggestion” that he not use the term “investigation” regarding Hillary Clinton’s email fiasco.

            Most interesting is that Comey is a former Republican who is now registered as an Independent. This may not be too unusual since many Americans have changed their affiliation from the “Grand Old Party” to Independent including this writer.

The reason is simple; what the Democratic Party was 50 years ago is where the Republican Party is today. Both the Republicans and the Democrats seem to have lost their bearings as to what America and the principles of what our country stands forn. Now politics seems to center on power, money and getting reelected to office rather what matters best for the American people. Trump believes that this is the wrong course and that we need to get back to what our founding fathers decreed in our constitution.

            But before he can push his agenda, which makes a lot of sense, the President needs to do what he does best—continue to show leadership and stop tweaking!

             

NOW IT'S BACK TO WORK

            It has been almost a month since our last post the reason being this writer suffered a severe back injury. Most of the time was spent bed ridden and consuming muscle relaxers. Now, however, we are on the mend and back to work.

            When I first suffered the injury I told my friends that “…a lifetime of sin and vice has apparently caught up with me!” The response from these sympathetic pals was, “…It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy!”

            The message was well received!

            But so much has happened over this time that it is nearly impossible to catch up. The Democrats continue to obstruct, North Korea continues to rattle their swards by firing off rockets (some even managed to work), believing their actions will intimidate the United States, and Congress sent their health care bill over to the Senate where is will undergo a complete revision.

            Also during this time President Trump completed his first foreign trip that was met by huge success.

            One of his main objectives was the unification of Middle East countries to unite against terrorism. It was interesting to see the King of Saudi Arabia meet the President at the airport extending hands of friendship. It may be recalled when Barack Obama made the same trip the King didn’t bother to meet him with the same enthusiasm. In fact the King didn’t even bother to go to the airport!

            It was obvious that members of these countries were convinced that the United States would fulfill its determination to erase ISIS from the face of the earth and they were prepared to join the campaign.

            From there President Trump flew to Israel to meet with Benjamin Netanyahu and firm up U.S. and Israel relations. Again this was a move to strengthen ties that was abandoned by the Obama administration. Trump also met with the Palestinian President Mahoud Abbas. Following these meetings Netanyahu remarked that for the first time in his memory peace in the Middle East was possible.

            And then it was off to Italy and a meeting with Pope Francis. The two met privately and following the meeting both appeared before the cameras. According to reports the two struck it off well in spite of the Pope’s criticism of President Trump in earlier comments.

            From there the President flew to Belgium and met with numerous European leaders. What was most striking, and effective, was President Trump’s comments about the new NATO headquarters building that cost over a billion dollars. Trump casually looked around the building and commented, “…I didn’t even ask how much it cost!” This comment struck home since he also told attendees that they needed to own up to their voluntary promises of spending two percent GDP for NATO defense! This obviously irritated several of the dead beats but the Presidents comment struck home as it was intended.

            The last stop on President Trump’s agenda was a meeting with members of G7. Every meeting Trump had directly pointed out that the United States would no longer be leading from behind. For European countries as Germany and France are concerned they were put on notice that America stands tall in spite of their objections. As for France, they need to recall that if it was not for America’s resolve during World War II, they would be speaking German. And as far as Germany is concerned they need to take a closer look at their open boardes and figure how to combat the terrorists that have invaded their country.

            But now that the President is again home he has many enemies in congress and the senate panting to destroy his administration. They are using every deceitful and dirty trick at hand to undermine his efforts but in the end it will be they who will be exposed for being the real culprits.

            The biggest criticism one could make against President Donald J. Trump is his devotion and love of the United States. Not being a politician he couldn’t care less about the traditional political ball playing made by professional hacks. Those most critical of his actions are liberals who want to enjoy the tax and spend polities of government and take in all the free benefits possible. They forget one important thing—who pays for all of it? As far as Trump is concerned the gravy train is over!

            At present two important bills are being constructed; a tax bill and the repeal and replacement of Obama care. If given the chance to successfully pass legislation that will improve both of these bills then perhaps the country can again regain some sense of normality and improve both our health and financial concerns for now and the future.

ALEX ACOSTA APPOINTED SECRETARY OF LABOR AFTER A 100 DAY HOLDUP

            Finally after 100 days since President Donald Trump was elected to the office of President of the United States the Democrat party, led by Congressional minority leader Nancy Polisi, (D-CA), and Senate minority leader Charles “Chuck” Schumer, (D-NY), finally relented and allowed the confirmation of Trump’s last cabinet nominee Alex Acosta, as Labor Secretary.

            What problem the Democrats had with taking so much time to confirm Acosta is a mystery. Yet it may not be such a mystery after all; it may only be “pay-back” time by the Demo’s after the Senate put Obama’s Supreme Court nomination on hold until a new president was elected.

            But Acosta’s brilliant background can’t be challenged as to his qualification for the job. As a Harvard Law graduate he progressed as a renowned attorney having served previously in government. He has been appointed to numerous positions requiring exceptional legal work regarding labor relations, appointed a judge of the United States Third District Court of Appeals and also served as Dean of the Florida International College of Law. These are just some of his accomplishments.  

            Not bad for a kid born in Miami, Florida of legal immigrant parents who fled Cuba at the prosecution of the Castro regime.

            But taking so much time in confirming Trump’s cabinet members has put a hamper in concentrating on “the people’s business.”

            As far as “the people’s business” is concerned the Democrats seem to care less.

            In comparison Barack Obama had his cabinet confirmed within a week of his election as President. It must be remembered the Republicans were less than thrilled when Obama took office. But instead of playing obstructionists they came together with the opposite party to confirm his cabinet picks believing the interest of the American people came first.

            Unfortunately the Democrats thought differently when it came to Trump’s nominations even though these new cabinet members all had superior backgrounds compared with Obama’s choices.

           

But even with the obstructionists efforts to derail Trump he has masterfully initiated a series of executive orders to get America again moving on the right track.

            Putting America first the new president signed orders eliminating Obama’s restriction of the coal industry, calling both Mexico and Canada to the table to renegotiate the NAFTA treaty that nearly destroyed the United States lumber and diary industries, putting together a tax reform bill that will reduce the tax burden on the middle class of the American people by cutting nearly in half the tax rate, putting Russia and North Korea on notice that the United States is no longer being led from behind and several other improvements of our foreign policy and much more.

            And Trump apparently hasn’t finished with Iran or North Korea yet. If any message was sent the Iranians should take a closer look at what our military did dropping the Mother Of All

Bombs on Syria!

            But one man alone can’t do it all without cooperation. And the cooperation from the Democrat’s is sadly lacking.

            Those in the Democratic party have refined obstruction to the level of an art form! These misfit leaders of the Democrat party as Schumer and Polisi have done everything possible to interrupt or derail all the efforts of the new president. If they choose to call themselves as true Americans they miss the boat by a long shot. They are obstructionists whose main interest is to impose their own brand of socialistic leadership and continue to lead the United States as third world power. And that is exactly where Obama and his stooges took us.

            When Trump said he wanted to “drain the swamp” the people cheered. As far back as most people can remember following Ronald Regan as president, the country has continued a steady decline. But one thing Trump didn’t count on was the enemies within his own party who are apparently still upset that this “outsider” has taken hold of leadership and is actually doing what he promised.

            But the swamp is deep and muded by corruption that seems to be the main stay of today’s political representatives. The only difference is the Republicans seem to be a bit slower at adapting to the mess than their Democratic colleagues! However being the “professionals” they are sure it shouldn’t take too much time to catch up.

            But the President isn’t noted to be a quitter. He has continued to make slow progress even though the majority of the “press” continues to hammer him with slanted news coverage.

            The real test will come after two years. With the mid-term elections looming a lot of current congressmen and senators who are standing in the way may be sitting on the bench looking for a new job. If Trump continues to initiate his new economic and foreign relations programs things might swing towards the Republicans. However, as noted, those of his own party had better begin to think of the American people first rather than their personal welfare. Elections have consequences.

            It’s refreshing to have a President that isn’t afraid to say the job is a lot more than expected. Does that mean that Trump is apprehensive? Not a bit. Being the man he is he will most likely take the bid in his teeth and push on. It has been a long time since the United States has had a president that actually told the truth and put America first!

           

IS NORTH KOREA READY FOR WAR?

            North Korea; what to do about it?

            The history of this divided nation happened immediately following World War II. Korea had for decades been under the control of Japan up to and including the war. But an interesting thing happened during the later part of the campaign.

            Russia, who had not been part of the Pacific campaign, promised that after the defeat of Germany they would take up formal arms against the Japanese within three months following Germany’s surrender. And sure enough, exactly three months of the unconditional surrender of Germany the Russians entered Manchuria and into North Korea.

            This wasn’t such a tough thing to accomplish from the Russian perspective. The Chinese communist army led by Mao Zedong battled with Nationalist Party Chaining Kai-shek, to drive out the Japanese army. After the Japanese were defeated Mao used his troops to drive Chaining off the mainland of China where the Nationalist Party president took refuge on the island of Taiwan that remains free to the present day.

            Russia supported Mao at every turn. The Russians helped enslave China under Mao’s dictatorship and impose a form of government that subjected the people to near economic and personal disaster. Enemies of the communist state were liquidated at an unprecedented manner. The publication of Mao’s little “red Book” was mandated as mandatory reading and anyone refusing to comply quickly faced persecution or execution.

            But it didn’t stop there.

            After Russia drove the Japanese out of Manchuria they started to invade Korea. The United States fearing that the Russians would take over all of Korea they proposed that the 38^th parallel would separate north from South Korea. The communists then had control of the north and quickly and the rest is history.

            It is at this point that North Korea’s first dictator took office. His name was Kim Il-sung whose birthday was recently celebrated by his grandson and now dictator, Kim Jong-un.

            By 1949 the communists of North Korea had their hearts set in unifying both north and South Korea and sought the help of both China and Russia to invade the south. With this plan all of Korea would be under control of the Communist Party.

            So on June 25, 1950, with the permission of both China and Russia’s leader Joseph Stalin the North Korean army blasted through the 38^th parallel and marched down the peninsula nearly driving the United States army to the sea. The result was that the United Nations declared the invasion as a “police action” and sent in a limited number of UN members to help the American army. The number of UN combatants sent could nearly be counted on the fingers of your hand! Over 90 per cent of combat fighters were Americans.

            Taking the helm of the allied troops was five-star general Douglas MacArthur. Sizing up the situation he exercised a number of successful campaigns including the unexpected amphibious offensive along the 38^th parallel cutting the North Korean army in half.

            MacArthur wanted to drive the communists all the way back to the Chinese border but then President Harry Truman said no after China furnished troops to aid the North Koreans and fired the general. Truman apparently feared that if the Americans were to force the enemy to the Chinese boarder it would trigger a third world war. As a consequence the battle for Korea raged on until an Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27, 1953. Officially the war has never ended but only a “peace” agreement put in place.

            And that is where things stand today. If MacArthur had his way there would not be the situation the world faces today with a nuclear equipped country as North Korea led by an unstable maniac who would have no problem other than to pull the trigger. The only thing holding him back is the lack of assurance of China’s help and that is most unlikely experts say.

            Yet North Korea’s dictator continues to put his finger into the United States eye by advancing his country’s nuclear program and experimenting with development of an inter-continental ballistic missile. Both have been condemned by the United Nations but the objections fall unheeded.

            Past administrations going back to all the presidents following Truman never grasped the depth and danger North Korea actually poses. That is until now. President Donald Trump has decided he isn’t going to be bluffed by North Korea. They can rattle all the swords they want but if they were paying attention the North Korean’s should take seriously that the United States could take the north’s capital Pyongyang out with one easily delivered MOAB right in the center of town! Would Trump do it? It all depends—one offensive maneuver by North Korea could very easily end any conflict.

            The key to the situation rests with both China and Russia. Remember it was the Chinese in 1951 who entered the war when the North Koreans were virtually being wiped off the map. And it should also be remembered it was Russia who furnished Mig jet fighters, flown by Russian pilots, who fought against the United States Air Force. Would both countries come again to the aid of North Korea? Most likely not. Neither country wants a third world war and they know the consequences of such a thing were to  happen. But does the current North Korean leader understand all of this? 

SHOULD PRESIDENT TRUMP RELEASE HIS TAX RECORDS?

            It’s back to square one as far as the Democrat-liberal led protesters are concerned. To celebrate April 15, tax filing day, thousands across the United States took to the streets waving flags, shouting slogans and generally making a nuisance of them. Why you may ask? All because President Donald Trump has continued to refuse to make public his business or personal tax returns.

It matters little that there is no obligation or law for the president to do so. The idea of releasing tax returns started with former President and peanut farmer Jimmy Carter. Prior to that no president going back from Carter, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Truman, Roosevelt and all the way to the adoption of the current tax system.

It was the year of 1862 when then President Abraham Lincoln created the Internal Revenue Service to pay for the War Between the States. Ten years later the tax was repealed but only until 1994. Congress, in its incredible wisdom re-enacted the income tax idea but the Supreme Court held the law unconstitutional the next year.

It took a constitutional amendment to reintroduce the idea of the IRS. Congress then passed the 16th Amendment giving the congress the authority to level a one per cent tax on net personal incomes above $3,000. For incomes of more than $500,000 folks were hit with a whopping six percent surtax.

Then came World War One and Democrat President Woodrow Wilson. Taxes were increased to 77 per cent but in the post war years the rate dropped to 24 percent in 1929. After the crash of ‘29 came the Great Depression which wiped out hundreds of thousand fortunes.

When the United States entered World War II, congress introduced the quarterly withholding tax system that persists to the present day.

Things seemed to progress smoothly until the 1950’s when the government decided to make the IRS more professional by hiring so-called objective employees. Since then the agency has developed into a political friendly organization occupied by unelected bureaucrats who have used their position to prosecute the enemies of their personal affiliation.

Such a scandal hit when former IRS Commissioner Lois Lerner testified before the House Oversight Commission regarding the targeting by the agency of conservative opponents. It seems whenever any conservative organization sought tax relief they were shot down by Lerner and her team.

Appearing before the committee she claimed her right to enact her constitutional right under the protection of the Fifth Amendment and clam up regarding her illegal decisions! She wasn’t going to say a word that would incriminate her abusive actions as IRS commissioner.

As a political tool the IRS and political hacks has used tax records as fodder for those out to destroy anyone they take exception to. And this abuse includes going after the current holder of the White House President Donald J Trump.

Yet an honest question should be asked; is it anyone’s business seeking tax returns from another Untied States citizen out of curiosity? If you should have a beef with your neighbor or just curious about how they make a living, saved or spent their money or what they are paying in taxes, is it really any of your business?

The liberals believe that they have such a right. They claim that they need information to prove any nefarious activity of a taxpayer. They claim they should be able to examine documents proving the taxpayer in question is committing some sort of crime even though there is no proof or violation of law or any objective information relating to any wrongdoing. Better yet they hope the object of their “investigation” could send such a person to the big house for 20 years or more.

And for the enemies of Trump 20 years wouldn’t begin to be enough time behind bars.

So, is the President guilty of anything other than his right to protect his personal and business tax returns? In a simple answer is yes!

If there was any hanky-panky regarding Trump’s tax returns Lerner’s chief hit people would have nailed the President a long time before he was elected as the 45^th president of the United States.

But what seems to be the burr under the blanket of the liberals is the continued nonsense of some collusion between Trump and the Russians. This is the reason they are bound to continue to seek Trump’s tax returns hoping to tie him with some business obligation to the Russians. This is again nonsense.

The American people elected a businessman. Someone who had common sense and proven leadership to correct the mess left behind by Obama. The people want a leader who understands how to make a buck and get the most out of spending it. They are tired of the old way to do business. They are tired of politicians who are capable of spending other people’s money with total disregard of how they get the money to pay for it. It isn’t their money that goes down the drain; it’s the peoples’ money and they need to be reminded of this honest fact!

What has proven to be so remarkable is that last week’s national demonstration of those crying for Trump’s tax returns was so artfully organized. The signs obviously were pre-printed, the huge crowds were pre-organized and yet it was advertized as “spontaneous.”

The question remains however; is the average American concerned about the release of Trump’s tax returns? Polls show that the guy on the street could care less and we are one of them!

OBAMA ISN'T OUT OF THE DOOR YET

            As the result of the Democratic led opposition to President Donald Trump’s attempt to initiate new reforms and legislation it appears that progress is going to be hampered for some time to come. Trump’s cabinet and subcabinet picks languish in stalled maneuvering by Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer and its apparent this is the strategy his party is willing to take even though the country waits patiently for the Senate to take action and get the job done.

           

But that isn’t what Schumer has instructed his party cohorts to do. Rather than work in the best interest of America he prefers to be an obstructionist and to hell with what the people want.

So much for leadership.

Devising every blown up, exaggerated phony claim—such as the charge that the Russians were in collusion with the Trump campaign to snare victory from Hillary Clinton, to Trump’s financial connections with the Soviets, the Democrats are prepared to use every lie, diversion and unfounded claim to derail the President’s agenda. But are they doing it at their own discretion? Or is there more to the plan than that?  If so who can possibly be behind it?

When Barack Obama left the White House and gave the keys to Trump he did it reluctantly. And if anyone thinks he hasn’t any aspirations of eventually reoccupying those hallowed halls of alleged democracy they may want to rethink the possibility. According to law a president can’t run for three terms. But what about a former president who leaves office and then attempts to run again sometime in the future? If that were the case then Obama would legally be able to toss his hat in the ring.

Following his last term rather than return to his home in Chicago Obama found a home not two miles from the White House where he and his family intend to set up residence. He made no secret that he intended to continue in politics and lead the Democratic Party and continue to pursue his personal agenda for preserving his legacy. But is that all he has on mind? It seems unlikely.

It is noted that Obama is satisfied with all the anti-Trump agitators working on his behalf. Does he have loyal followers willing to take up the cause? You bet! It is rumored that there is an army of more than 30,000 followers who are trained and organized to defeat Trump and his leadership at every turn. We see organized protestators taking to the streets, breaking windows, stopping traffic and blaring their hatred of Trump from hand held speakers crying for the impeachment of the President. Rather than fade into history Obama is apparently, according to some, is working behind the scenes to set up what is identified as a “shadow government.”

Just prior to his leaving office Obama set in motion a series of directions and orders that can only be best described as “landmines.” Two weeks before leaving office he instructed that raw intelligence be shared with 16 different intelligent agencies within the United States government. This has resulted in the famous “leaks” that the media has jumped on. It mattered little that these leaks had any merit—just run with the allegations. Many of these leaks have proven false with no foundation such as the collusion between Trump’s campaign and the Russian government. But the wiretapping of the Trump Tower telephones is something else that demands investigation.

It is also reported that Obama has also created a network of leftwing nonprofits to help finance his future political aspirations.

One of these operations is operating under the name of “Organizing for Action.” In addition to this the OFA has opened 250 offices across the United States and is in the process of drafting trained liberal activists to fill the ranks.

With the help of Schumer and Congressional minority leader Nancy Pelosi both houses of government are hampered by the obstructionists. Since Trump’s cabinet is still unconfirmed—thanks to Schumer—much necessary legislation is put on the backburner until all those positions can be filled.

Yet you can’t just blame the Democrats. Within the Republican Party there are those “Trump haters,” who continue to fall in line with the liberals to stymie Trump’s efforts to govern. One of most noted is Senator John McCain who is cozy with multibillionaire George Soros. Soros has pumped thousands upon thousands of dollars into McCain’s political treasury and can claim to have the senator in his back pocket.

But it is the idea of a “shadow government” that is of most concern. The country had eight years of Obama and has little to show for it other than being ignored by both our enemies and friends. The United States is no longer considered a threat to the world scene since no one takes the United States seriously—until Trump took office!

If anyone thinks that our 45^th President is going to sit back and let the lefties take back the county they are going to be surprised. Trump is constantly on the offensive which is making his enemies baffled at what they can do to counter attack. It seems every prior dirty trick that is the employee of the Democrats have used has backfired. And the latest idea of planting unfounded telephone links to Trump’s alleged relationship to the Russians is surely to disappear in smoke as other novelties generated by his antagonists.