What’s Happening?

I never thought it would happen but this old gal has checked out on news and politics. I decided I neeeded a break from thngss that were dark, and depressing. I only meant it to be temporary but it’s  been so nice I may make it permanent.

At this time in my life it’s overwhelming to me. I will always vote but I don’t have to have a daily diet of news and politics to do that. Since I don’t watch TV I didn’t have that habit to break. I don’t take the newspaper so I didn’t have to give that up.

Facebook and Twitter were my primary sources. I made a list of all the people I followed on Twitter and Facebook, believing the break was only temporary. If the world blows up I can quickly reconnect with my list of names.

I’m making an attempt to listen to Jon Meacham’s book ‘The Soul of America: The Battle For Our Better Angels.’ First I bought it for Kindle planning to read it but soon realized that wasn’t going to happen, so I then got the audible version thinking I could probably have an easier time with that. It’s excellent and I’m enjoying it now and then when my brain chooses to focus for a few minutes. This is not the only time in history when Americans' behavior has brought shame upon their country. I find it helpful in times like this to look at history.

Recently I went with my children to hear White House photographer Pete Souza on book tour for his new book ‘Obama.’ That was a fun experience.

I’m just trying to hang loose these days. Trying not to get too up tight. The best way to do that seems to be to avoid news and politics, at least for now.

Empty Nest and 'What about that committee?'

Empty Nest

I knew our babies would not be long for the nest when I made this photo.

It happened this morning and I'm so happy we were able to witness the event. There were four of them but it seemed like a dozen. They were all over the patio at once plus mother. No way could I get a picture. We certainly enjoyed watching that nest. I guess we're now suffering empty nest syndrome.

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What about that committee?

Republicans have to do a lot to shock me these days but I have to admit this one was a shock. The Senate committee appointed to write the 'new' healthcare bill is 13 white men, not a single woman. Republican men seem to focus on the female anatomy anytime they get the chance. I suppose women on the committee might make that a little awkward. 

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People Watching

While the House was busy this week passing their repeal of Obamacare I was busy people watching.

Mainly I was watching this man, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-SC). Meadows is chair this year of the House Freedom Caucus.

Meadows is especially eager to see the repeal of Obamacare. You see his district is 91% white. He is a land developer. He was instrumental in the failure of Speaker Paul Ryan's attempt to pass a repeal bill, saying he wanted to help the president with a better one. He leads about 40 ultra conservatives in the House that most of the time vote no on everything. This latest attempt was a success because he had the votes of the Freedom Caucus.

He was one of the leaders in causing Speaker Boehner to resign. He voted to shut down the government in 20113.

People watching isn't always accurate but I'm thinking there's a good chance Speaker Ryan sold his soul to the devil with that last repeal vote. It seems to me the tail (Meadows) is now wagging the dog (Ryan). I'm going to keep my eyes open, and my ear to the ground in the coming months. Mr. Ryan I wouldn't get too comfortable in that speaker's chair if I were you.

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2017 Congressional Directory

My copy of the Congressional Directory finally arrived. I've enjoyed looking through it, making notes, and marking information.

2018 Election

33 Senate seats will be up for election.

   23 Democrats

     2 Independents

     8 Republicans

Democrats have a challenge for 2018.

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House Seats = 435

        Currently

   237 Republicans

   193 Democrats

       5 Vacancies

Democrats will need to win 24 additional seats in 2018 to win the House.

Daughter is Gone

Daughter was here for a week but left this morning. This is the rainy season in Oregon so, as expected, it rained every day but one that she was here.

The zoo gods smiled upon us for a day so we were able to visit the zoo in sunshine without a single raindrop! We wanted to visit Nora, the polar bear, and the three otters we've grown fond of through zoo videos. 

I think every person in this part of the state with small children was there. You could hardly walk for little ones zipping around. The zoo has very little flat surface, you're either walking up or walking down. I wasn't sure how I would do given I've exercised very little this winter but I made it. I did take my walking stick (stick, not cane), and it was very helpful.

Every time I visit a zoo I wonder why I put myself through that. Most of the time the animals I'm interested in are not out for viewing or have chosen that time to sleep. Thus was our visit this time. The polar bears were not out for viewing. One otter was out and provided us with quite a show but I was left to wonder if it was worth the effort. Perhaps I'll just keep watching videos.

The next day it was back to rain. I think we've had rain every day for about a month. Pools of water are standing everywhere. That's the norm for this time of year so I'm not complaining. About the time I think I can't stand one more day of rain this place will burst forth in the beauty of spring and I'll forget all about these dreary, rainy days.

Daughter helped me buy frames for new eyeglasses. Only twice in 40 years have I had frames I've dearly loved. I'm hoping that's going to be the case with these. I've had cataract surgery and don't necessarily "need" glasses but I need them just enough it really annoys me. I wear the reader glasses you can buy everywhere but I'm tired of keeping up with them. I often wind up with a pair on top my head, a pair on my face, a pair in my purse, a pair in the car, a pair by my recliner, a pair by the computer, and a pair on the table beside my bed.

What I'm missing is the middle part of trifocals. I've worn trifocals so long I'm lost without them (with lines please). I prefer putting my glasses on first thing every morning and taking them off as I'm crawling into bed at night.  I'm more than sick of chasing glasses.

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Heads up Democrats, we have a problem.

Senator Diane Feinstein

I love this woman and can hardly bear to think about the Senate without her,  BUT,  she was born in June 1933. Figure that and you'll see she will be 84 in a few months. She's up for reelection in 20118 for another six year term. 

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi

She has said if Hillary had been elected she would have retired. That did not happen. She was born in March 1940 which means she'll turn 77 in a few days.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer

Born November 1950 he will turn 67 later this year.

Senator Bernie Sanders

In September Bernie will turn 76.

Senator Elizabeth Warren

Born June 1949 she will turn 68 this year.

In the past few days I've hear a few names mentioned for possible 2020 candidates. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (60)

 Senator Elizabeth Warren (68)

Former Gov. Martin O'Malley (54)

I ask you to look instead at these names for possible 2020 candidates.

Senator Kamala Harris (53)

Rep. Seth Moulton (39)

Jason Kandor (36)

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Democrats Strike Back in the Redistricting Wars

Harmony Cottage, Protesting, Knitting

LIFE

Life has been pretty calm around Harmony Cottage. Old Husband occupied himself yesterday by going through a church cookbook we purchased in 1962, the year we married. He wanted to reminisce about recipes we used to cook and some of the people that had submitted recipes. Who would have thought that cookbook would still be around 55 years later?

Food pretty much consumes Old Husband's thoughts. He had kitchen duty in the boys home where he grew up and it's never left him. As soon as he's had his morning coffee he begins thinking about lunch. He's still holding forth in the kitchen. I suggest what he should cook and help with the shopping. I only get involved when I'm called. No kitchen is big enough for the two of us to work together. About 4:00 p.m. every afternoon he begins saying "What's for supper?"

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Daughter flies in tomorrow for a week. I'm suffering cabin fever so it will be good to get out some.

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POLITICAL

I have a bit of a quarrel with this protest. My daughter is a nurse. What if all women nurses stayed home from work one day? I think teachers would be in that same category. Think how much confusion that would cause in classrooms across America if all women teachers failed to show up to teach.

I strongly believe there is a place in democracy for peaceful protests. I believe protests have made a difference in the situation regarding the repeal of Obamacare. 

Perhaps it's just me, but I feel like some of the protests are beginning to exhibit anger. Nobody wins when that happens.

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Why Republicans Can't Do Health Care

This was an interesting article, a bit different than the usual. I suggest you read it.
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Obama Has A Bite-Your-Tongue Policy On Trump. It's Proving Harder To Keep.
President Trump is like a buzzing mosquito getting under people's skin.
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Pete Buttigieg

Pete Buttigieg Is The Future Of The Democratic Party. But What Kind Of Future?

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KNITTING

Since the election I've found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on much of anything.  Add to that my tremors and some nerve pain and my knitting is limited.

I seldom knit anything but socks but I found this long ago started shawl the other day and decided to do a little work on it. The pattern is "January Scarf" on Ravelry.

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I lost patience with the bright colored socks of thicker yarn and changed to a yarn much easier to use, "Felici" from KnitPicks.

Not the best quality yarn but oh so soft. After I've struggled with a difficult yarn I go back to "Felici" to recover. This will be short ribbed socks for spring and summer.

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Then I decided to try my hand with colored pencils and coloring books.

That was okay but I soon realized I was gripping the colored pencils as hard as I gripped knitting needles. Besides, I've never figured out how to sharpen colored pencils to a good point.

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Then I tried Crossword Puzzles

I've never had the patience to do very well with crossword puzzles. Then I read you should stick with one puzzle creator. I found these very simple books by Stanley Newman. I started with the super simple ones and thought I might work my way to more difficult books. 

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Somewhere along the way I decided it was time for some new shoes.

How do you like these for sedate old lady shoes? Actually there are only two companies that make athletic shoes in my size so I don't have a big selection to choose from. When I was a child I was wearing adult size shoes and could never have shoes like my friends wore. As an adult I was obsessed with pretty shoes. Anything unusual in my size and I quickly bought it. Looks like I'm still that way.

Old Husband and Another Time

I have decided I'll have three sections to future blog posts, Life, Politics, and Knitting. You can pick the section that appeals to you and ignore the rest.

I have identified three of my readers that also knit socks. Thats pretty amazing. I feel justified now to add a knitting section. I have about that many who are passionate about politics. Most all of us either have, or have had, old husbands, or perhaps know someone who had one.

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Life

The role of caregiver never gets easier. As soon as you learn one thing, something else replaces it, once you settle a problem there's always another one under that one, it just never stops. For years I thought that I'd eventually be prepared the next time I had to take Old Husband to the ER but that never happened. Every time is different.

Some things I've resisted learning. Many times I've gotten the learning process wrong. Almost always I should have taken charge before I did, but I hate taking away his independence. Such was the case with car repairs.

Some things are harder for Old Husband to release than others. Last week we had the car in for repair but Old Husband was doing the talking. He was still in charge. It had to go in the next day for the actual repair which did not excite me but it had to be done.

The appointment was at 10:00 a.m. As I was opening my eyes at 8:00 a.m. who should appear beside my bed but Old Husband, all dressed, coat on, and ready to go. He informed me he could handle the task, that I should relax, and stay at home. Me, relax with him on the road, not. 

It's seven miles to his destination and anybody should be able to drive that short distance, right? Wrong. Once I saw he was going regardless of what I said, I made him tell me exactly how he would be going. 

By 8:30 he was out the door, and I was left to figure what had happened. He called when he got there to let me know he's arrived safely. Because he was free, and had gotten by me, he then went to Costco to buy gas, and called me from KFC where he was buying hot wings! He was having a good time.

That day's repair did not correct another problem so today we were repeating the process. I packed my activity bag. Note the socks I'm knitting, the knitting coloring book, and colored pencils. This time I decided I would do the talking. I met "Bill" who was very nice. Imagine my surprise when he told me he tried last week to talk to Old Husband about the car running rough but he'd said it was okay, he just wanted the light on the dashboard fixed.

That's Old Husband, he only fixes one thing at a time. I had a nice visit with Bill. He had a driver bring us home. He called this afternoon to tell me what needed to be done and said they'd send a car for us when the repairs are finished.

Now that I have Bill I think I can handle this car repair stuff. Still I feel like I've been through a battle, it was stressful. The stress of caregiving is often worse that the actual work of it.

A few days ago I realized I was unusually frayed. Some of that I blame on politics, but when I begin to think about packing Old Husband's clothes and leaving him on someone else's porch I know it's time for me to re-evaluate.

I'd much rather do politics than deal with Old Husband, I'd much rather knit socks than deal with Old Husband, BUT he is my top priority. I'm trying to dial back the politics. Knitting actually relieves stress. I need to remind myself often he isn't having a fun time growing old. Patience Linda, patience.

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Politics

Interesting to read some former Obama administration legal colleagues have formed a group to help protect democratic norms. United to Protect Democracy

Trump Administration Set to Rescind Protections for Transgender Students

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Knitting

I hope to finish these socks today or tomorrow. It's about time, I purchased the yarn in 2015 from Green Mountain Spinnery. It's 50% Wool and 50% Mohair. I knew I had to have this yarn when I read the mohair was from my home state of Texas.

It's nice yarn, but I would not buy it again for socks, even though it was advertised as sock yarn at the time I purchased it. I had two or three false starts before I was happy with the needle size and gauge.

I decided I'd better do some notes as I have another skein of this and will not want to reinvent the wheel when it comes time to use it. I also hope this notebook will keep me focused as I tend to have many pairs of socks on the needles.

I do not enjoy playing yarn chicken but I am with this pair. If I run short I will knit the toes from the coordinating beige yarn. Remember I wear a size 13 shoe.

Clara Parkes has this to say about mohair in sock yarns. "At 10-20 percent mohair is an excellent natural strengthening alternative to nylon, and it adds a stunning silklike shine." It is my opinion that 50% is too much.

Nobody Loves Me

I should not be blogging. I apparently do not have the same interests as most blog readers. I've never figured out what causes readers to visit a blog and comment.

I've tried the following subjects: 

Politics

Knitting

Genealogy

Old Husbands

Digital Devices

Politics

People are sick of politics. Aren't we all? Okay, I'll try to give it a rest but I won't guarantee how long that will last. Civil rights, human rights, voters rights, religious freedom, and separation of church and state are my passions. I probably won't be able to remain quiet on those subjects.

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Knitting

This subject never took off. I guess more people don't knit than do knit. Who wants to read about knitting if you don't knit?

Besides that, I seldom knit anything but socks. Even fewer people knit socks. I'm passionate about socks and could look at sock photos all day. See how long it takes you to get bored with sock photos.

That's enough, you get my point.

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Genealogy

I have a lot of pictures of dead ancestors. Some are buried under rocks, some in cemeteries, some died it jails, they're quite a group. I've never found anybody else's family as interesting as my own. I've never found it to be a subject that draws readers or comments.

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Old Husbands

I lost a reader over this one. She wanted me to stop blogging about my old husband. Said everybody has problems and I needed to stop complaining.  So much for the subject of old husbands.

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Digital Devices

That's no longer a blockbuster. Everybody has them. Yes, I'm as addicted as everybody else but there's nothing new to write about on that subject.

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My day to day life is pretty boring. I stay home and take care of an old husband. I'm even bored with my life why would other people find it interesting?

I don't blog as a way of journaling. I never go back and read past posts. There must be a reason I do this but darned if I know why.

Why do you blog?

Some Concerns

The 2017 Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairmanship election will be held during the week-end of Feb. 23-26. This chairperson will be elected by 447 people gathered in a hotel ballroom in Atlanta, GA. To win on the first ballot a candidate must win 224 votes.

At the moment I think there may be about ten candidates. I have heard interviews with only three, Pete Buttigieg, Keith Ellison, and Tom Perez. I am concerned.

Keith Ellison seems to have the fire in the belly for the job. He's passionate, and I think has good ideas. His support will come from the "Bernie" faction of the Party.

Tom Perez is also fired up and ready to go. His support will come from the "Obama" faction.

Is it wise to choose either? I was very impressed with Pete Buttigieg. If I had a vote it would be to support him.

Never has this chairmanship been of such importance as it will be for the next four years as the Party rebuilds. I hope those voting get it right. Status quo will not be good enough.

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I'm concerned that so many Democrats seem to have as their mission setting Republicans straight. We should never be about the business of proselytizing. I welcome any Republican who, on their own, may decide to make a change in party but never do I want it to be the result of some Democrat proselytizing.

Some seem to think the object is to shrink the pool of Republicans. No, the object is to increase the number of Democrats by reaching out to the millions of eligible voters in America who do not vote. Those are people Democrats should have in their focus.

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I'm concerned about the connectedness of Independents. I don't see this group of voters carrying their load. They have no party structure so running for office can be tricky without some connection to the money generated by either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party. 

I think a lot of Independents are either conservative Democrats or moderate Republicans. Isn't that supposed to be the answer, middle of the road? Sounds like the makings of a good party to me.

How do we engage these people and get them to do more than observe?

Matthew Dowd is the only voice I'm hearing on this subject. I follow him on Twitter but I don't actually know how he's doing with this idea. Money I suspect is a big object to success.

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This afternoon I listened to the Axe Files podcast to an interview with Mike Leavitt, a Republican Politician. David Axelrod, a Democrat from the Obama administration had a wonderful conversation with Leavitt about the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). I was totally taken aback that these two men from rivaling political parties could engage in reasonable conversation. Really made me aware of just how toxic today's politics are.

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The House votes to make it easier for persons with mental illness to buy guns.

Why would Republicans do that? Spite?

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The important thing to watch in coming days is not President Trump's "base" but rather those who voted tentatively for him. His base will remain stuck to him like Velcro, but will he be able to keep the support of those who voted tentatively for him?

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The Secret Slack Group Plotting to Turn Your State Government Blue

President Trump Has Done Almost Nothing

The next GOP assault on voting rights

The Federal Voting Agency Republicans Want to Kill

Fired Up

I went to bed with a heavy heart last night but am recovering this morning as I read Twitter and news sources.

Where we are today is where Republicans were at this time in 2009 after the election of President Obama. Out of the unrest of that time rose the "Tea Party," and the take-over of the House and Senate in 2010 with right wing Republicans. We can do this. Now is not the time to grow weary. Keep working and keep your eyes on 2018!

Last year I took some time to study the Republican Party. It seems today there's no place for moderate Republicans, they've become Independents.

What's left of the Party is split into several factions, all about monetary gains, property, big business, and power. The faction of the party that was about people is gone.

Once people were out of the picture the Party became harsh and power driven. They're a suspicious and paranoid people these days.
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It seems to me Independents are now composed of conservative Democrats and moderate Republicans. Perhaps its time for them to stop swinging in the wind and unite. I'm open to a new party, though to be honest, I don't see that happening.

Matthew Dowd is a person I follow on Twitter. You may catch him on TV as he's on some of the panels there, ABC, I believe. He's been a Democrat, he's been a Republican, he's now an Independent. Most of the time I like what he has to say on Twitter. He's considering running as an Independent in Texas to replace Senator Ted Cruz in 2018. I would certainly support that.

He has started something called "Listen To Us" following through on his belief both political parties are broken and we're going to need new parties.  I encourage you to read what he has to say.

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Through it all I usually find something to make me smile. This morning it was from the blog "Murmurs." You seriously need to read it.

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For me it's always about

Civil Rights, Human Rights, Voting Rights & Religious Freedom.

Since I'm seeing no thought of those issues in the Republican Party these days I must work through the Democratic Party.

Apathy the Killer

Apathy

lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern

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My pantry, a picture of apathy.

Does it bother me that my pantry looks like this? Yes, but not enough to do anything about it. Do I think about it. Yes, but not enough to clean it.  That's apathy.

Many health problems are related to apathy, too apathetic to exercise or eat right.

Many organizations and churches die of apathy.

Political parties also die of apathy and the Democratic party was apathetic until this election. Now we're seeing a surge in interest, enthusiasm, and concern. Democrats were apathetic too long. Now it's going to take a lot of work to bring the Party back to health. Are we ready to make the effort? The hopeful thing is things change quickly in politics.

I'm going to give you some information on things I'm watching, and people I'm following. That's all that's keeping me sane these days.

Obama is on vacation but he was working before he left on a few things. People are critical of him and want to blame him for the condition of the party and he's said he could have done more. It's also true that the Clintons held the Party and the stage until November 8.

Obama has launched a new website and is on Twitter.

The National Democratic Redistricting Committee is up and working. Obama appointed Eric Holder to oversee this project. Kelly Ward is the new interim director. Read about the work of this committee on their website. I was pleased to see  Norm Eisen,  Ronald Klain and Marc E. Elias, are on board, and they will soon be recruiting lawyers, and  ethicists across the country to assist in this work.

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I don't know a lot about Liz Jaff but I'm reading good things about her. I'm thinking she works for Crowdpac and uses her skills to motivate Democrats. She's running for vice-chair of the DNC. I read about a very successful workshop she did in Houston, and believe me, you have to be good to motivate Texas Democrats.
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Run For Something, I've heard about in passing but know nothing about it.
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Again I will plug Swing Left. The reason I like this website so much is because I live in one of only six states in the nation that has both a Democrat governor and state legislature. Pretty sweet let me tell you, except it means I need to go out of state to make a difference in a campaign. This site asks for your zip code or address and then shows you the nearest swing district to your location.  Cool! I'm too far away to physically go to any of these districts but there are two races coming up in 2018 that I will be seeking a way to support the Democrat. One is in California, for the district of Rep. Darrell Issa. He won in 2016 by about 1600 votes. This needs to be his last term in the House. The other is the Senate race of Senator Ted Cruz in Texas.

I know I can contribute money but I'm looking for more than that. I'm thinking there's something like a phone bank where you can go in and make calls to other states and districts. I'd be interested in doing that but only if I could get some good training, and I do mean good training. I generally find Democratic Party events to be pretty unorganized. Shape it up people!
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I have more but this is enough for today. I'll leave you with only two suggested articles to read.

Conservatives Have Little Choice But To Take It Issue By Issue
An interesting article from The Federalist.

How to Build an Autocracy
David Frum is a conservative writing in The Atlantic.

Primroses and Spring

I know spring is in the air when I see Primroses out for sale. I can hardly keep my hands off them because they do very well here in Oregon but soon burn up in Texas. It was all I could do to walk away without any today but Bob was with me and I knew I best not yield to temptation. He is not a flower man, nor is he patient while I buy flowers.

I'm trying today to be 'normal,' whatever normal is these days. Had several little jobs in my head so I made a list. It's amazing how much more efficient I am with a list in hand.

I made my appointment for the pulmonary function test. Also made an appointment for an eye exam. I am very annoyed chasing these reader glasses from room to room. I never seem to have the right strength for what I'm doing.

Bob will be going in for lab work this week and seeing the cardiologist early next week. I'm expecting a good report. He's slow as frozen molasses but he's moving and that's what counts.
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(Excuse me, I need to say a word here to the President.)

President Trump, I want you to put your phone in your pocket and look at me. I'm going to explain this one more time, listen closely.

You won the election, yes you did. The electoral college is a lawful, legitimate win. What you did not win was the country. I think you will find that to have a successful presidency you have to have one of two things, won both the electoral college and the popular vote, or you have to show a lot of humility. You have neither. Many of the people who voted for you had grave concerns about your ability to function in the office. You lost the popular vote by almost 3 million votes. You do not have the support of the country, and you are not humble. Got that?  Then shape up!!
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The President takes to Twitter

"If the ban were announced with a one week notice, the "bad" would rush into our country during that week.  A lot of bad "dudes" out there!"

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"The joint statement of former presidential candidates John McCain & Lindsey Graham is wrong - they are sadly weak on immigration. The two..."
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Thus Tweets the Prez. (This is only two of several last night and this morning.)

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Yes, I was glad to see President Obama speak out today on the immigration ban. He said before he left office that he had hoped to be able to walk away and give space to the next administration, like President Bush gave him space, but that might not be possible. He said he would be slow to speak out but there were a few issues he would use his voice as a private citizen.  Human rights was one of those issues.
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I see another march is on the calendar. This one is called People's Climate Movement. It's scheduled for April 29. Not sure how many planned marches can be worked in among the spontaneous ones triggered by the President's actions.
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From The Washington Post, Kennedy, not Trump, will determine the Supreme Court's Future

From The Atlantic, A Clarifying Moment in American History

This is a good David Brooks column.

I read a splendid, non political, blog post this morning called Generational Transition. I encourage you to read it.

Never Bored

I'm feeling a little itch of spring, wanting to work on my patio plants, that sort of thing. Bob's been most anxious to take down the Christmas wreath of live greens. I was reluctant to let it go. It's my first wreath of real greens.

I found this arrangement on the patio table! Works for me. I get to keep my wreath a while longer.
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In one of my other lives I worked for a homiletics professor in a seminary, I know, but it's true. He used to tell his students never to go in the pulpit without reading the morning newspaper. Overnight major news events happen that can make a planned sermon obsolete, and out of touch.

So it is these days. Every morning I wake with great excitement. I can hardly wait to get to my chair and begin reading all my news sources. Never have I seen the country so energized in such a good way. I was beginning to think Americans sense of patriotism had died of apathy.

Evidently the thought of losing something precious can be very energizing.  Here's a few tidbits I've come across in the last twenty-four hours.

Time Magazine Cover

I think conservatives fail to realize this Women's March was so much bigger than women's issues. It was a march for all marginalized people feeling the threat of losing their rights as Americans. Friday the pro-life people will march. VP Mike Pence and Kellyanne Conway are scheduled to speak.

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It seems Dan Rather has come out of retirement to start a Facebook news page. It's called News and Guts.  In my distant memory I believe there was a Dan Rather scandal but I'm not sure if it affects his credibility for today.

I'm thinking we're going to see more of these kinds of news sources pop up as the White House continues its rant against news media and fake news.

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Here's more information about the Swing Left web site I mentioned earlier.  There's an interesting article in The New Yorker about this new effort to assist progressives in the 2018 election.

Nostalgic Me

I have no idea when I became addicted to politics, seems like it's just always been there. I was taught those elected to office were elected to serve, with their first priority being for the good of the country and it's citizens. That was then and this is now.

I'm a real sucker for pomp and circumstance. Makes me feel proud to be an American when I watch it. I love all things related to the White House and all the history represented in that building.

These days though I'm keeping my focus on the Democrats. I'll let the Republicans take care of the inauguration and what comes afterward. Have to say I'd much rather be a Democrat today than a Republican. I'll gladly take the Democrats' problems over what the Republicans are facing. I listened to President Obama's farewell speech but to me it was no farewell speech, it was the first speech of a new commitment. 

I've been reading and watching what's going on with Democrats lately and am greatly encouraged. I've even come so far I can say this election might well have been just what the Democratic Party needed, a good jolt. 

I've settled down about Supreme Court appointments. It takes 60 votes to confirm a new judge which means the Republicans are going to have a hell of a time appointing a strong right wing judge. They don't have 60 senators for a party line vote.

Voting apathy is a huge problem in America, and Democrats biggest weakness. Whatever you think of Barack Obama the young people who worked with him are committed and loyal. They are beginning to give up their day jobs and come back together to join him in rebuilding the Party. He has said that after he takes Michelle on a nice vacation and gets his head around his writing projects he'll be ready to get to work on the future of the Party.

I smiled this week when I read this article about former staffers coming together to start a new media company. Jon Favreau was Obama's chief speechwriter for about eight years. These young people were severely shaken by the election and have banded together to save the Party. They're renewing their contacts across the country.

Obama has asked former attorney general Eric Holder and some others to take on the issue of gerrymandering and redistricting. The NYT had a good article about that issue. 

I just need to keep my eye on these happenings and block out a lot of the unpleasantness of the days to come.

The first amendment gives the president-elect freedom of speech. It also gives me the freedom not to listen to his speech. Until such time as it becomes apparent he has developed respect for the office he holds I'll be off listening to other voices. I have too much respect for the office of President, and too much self-respect, to listen to the vile things that some out of his mouth. He may not respect me but I respect myself enough not to subject myself to that behavior.

Since 1992

Wednesday evening our son marched for a while with the peaceful protest in downtown Portland, a protest that wasn't planned but developed spontaneously. By Thursday evening the Anarchists here had gotten wind of the event and joined in. The protest quickly escalated into a riot. Thanks Anarchists, not.
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You probably won't believe it but I'm slowly talking myself off this ledge and back into real life. Just indulge me another day or so here. What amazes me most in my reading now is just how uninformed Americans really are. It's also surprised me how quick people fly off the handle and go nuts, even those who should know better. 
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I think it would be difficult to find a day sine 1992 without something negative in the press or on TV about the Clintons, probably the two most investigated people in history. Republicans have been like dogs chasing a bus for twenty four years.

It must have been a real shock when they face planted into the back of the Clinton bus November 8. I can just imagine them getting up, shaking their heads and saying "What happened?"

This election cycle the RNC chair, Reince Priebus, has reminded me of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. Reince has kept up a constant stream of hate tweets about Hillary Clinton while the Republican Party burned down around him.

In truth this election is not a victory for either party. Mr Trump is a rogue candidate, neither Democrat or Republican. Nevertheless he's the Republicans to manage now.

Will the Republican Party continue to investigate the Clintons and spew vitriolic hatred on President Obama? What will they do without that activity? That's all they've done for twenty four years, all they know to do.

You have to go back to Reagan to find a time when Republicans were successful in the White House because the George W Bush years were a disaster for the Party.

It seems to me they've been caught with little to offer the country in leadership. They're at war with each other to determine the next leader of the party, let alone who leads the country.

Former Speaker Boehner once said managing Republicans was like keeping frogs in a wheelbarrow. We'll see come January if Speaker Ryan will be successful at that task.

Senator McCain once cautioned Republicans to be careful because 'what goes around comes around.' Let the fun begin. It won't be long.

Blown to Smithereens

As I ponder the events of November 8 thoughts are forming in my mind that we saw the political system of this country blown to smithereens on that day.  I'm amazed that I do not find that alarming.

The work begins now of putting the pieces together that will be the political future of this country. Nothing about government comes without legacy/history so we will not be starting from scratch. Most of the pieces have been used before, and will be used again, but will they be used in the same places, the same parties, etc.?

We've known for some time about the struggles within the Republican Party. Much has been said about the work that lay ahead to bring this party back to health.

Democrats found themselves in shock the morning of November 9. Apathy is always Democrats undoing. There were warning signs but no one was looking. The party was suffering from Clintonitis. The same model used again and again in politics doesn't wear well over time.

While we're at this time of re-evaluation is it time to consider more than a two party system? Independents now number as many as the political parties. They're just swinging whichever way the wind blows and the flowers smell the sweetest, no commitment, no cost to them. They piously wait for the parties to come to court them.

Is it time to look at the Electoral College? Will it work if we ever have more than two parties?

The 2020 election cycle is already in motion for Republicans. For Democrats, not so much. It's not clear who their candidates might be. Since 1992 that slot has been held for a Clinton should they decide to use it. It's been up to the Clintons to decide when they would leave the stage. What happens now?

Juices Flowing Again

I took a day off to lick my wounds, evaluate the new situation, and calm my soul, now I'm back in the game.

It was interesting watching the different reactions of people yesterday. I spent a lot of time texting with our daughter in Texas who was dealing with both grief and anger.  Texas is not easy to take on a good day if you're a Democrat, and espically not after the Trump win.

I describe our son as "a man of few words" but he runs deep, he's a thinker. Yesterday morning I texted him "Well, that did not go well." His reply was "It certainly did not." I heard nothing else from him until evening when I began to receive photos and texts. He works in downtown Portland (OR) and Portland is a city that loves marches and protests. He had walked over  after work and joined the the protest march that was forming. After he'd been there a while he reported he'd still not seen any police. Apparently that was his way of recovering his political balance. He marched a while and then caught the train home. This morning I read that march was unplanned and formed around a group of high school girls and college students. Estimates were it grew to about 2000.

I was proud of Oregon's Senator Wyden for begininng his day visiting schools and talking with students.

It's often difficult for me to see a way I can make a difference given my close to home living situation. However, at the end of the day I realized I can have a voice through my children in their work places and their social lives. They're busy people with limited time for research and fact checking. I have the time to do those things and put that information in their hands to use when the time is right.

The People Have Spoken

It's time now to move on.

This is all far above my thinking power. From time to time I have to take a mental health break from politics and this is one of those times. No doubt I'll be back on subject at some point given the seriousness of my addiction. It will not be good for my mental health to listen and read this situation analyzed for the coming days, weeks, and months.

I don't live a very exciting life so I often don't have much to blog about, thus all the political posts. I have nothing to fill that space.

At this moment in time Bob is actually feeling pretty good so I have no health issues to write about.

In the coming days you will find me reading Christmas books, listening to Christmas music, and knitting socks. I'll be reading your blogs and commenting as usual. When I have something worth writing about I will be posting.

Tomorrow is another day, I think.

Time to Say Thanks

I'm feeling mellow today. This race is almost over and I'm going to miss seeing the names and reading about a lot of people involved in this election cycle.

I sent a message of thanks to Donna Brazile for the fine work she's done serving as Interim Director of the DNC through this election. She is a classy lady and did not deserve the abuse aimed her way. She lived out Michelle Obama's words "when they go low we go high."

There are a few millennials I want to thank for holding my hand through these troublesome days. They've helped me keep the faith when I might have wavered. Hillary's campaign manager is a millennial and did a fine job managing her campaign.

In the coming days it will be time to stay in contact with those elected to Congress. It's so easy these days to do that. In my case I will have the luxury of sending messages of thanks and encouragement because the ones I voted for are all Democrats that will be returned to office. Many of you will have a tougher task, but a more necessary task, of letting your Senators and Representatives know you oppose their positions on issues.

I don't know how effective it is sending digital messages but it makes me feel better, like I'm actually a part of the process, that I have a voice in this messy political process.

It's time now to think positive thoughts and to put those thoughts into action. This country badly needs to see positive action, and positive examples to follow.

A Little Encouraged

The Prednisone must be kicking in as I felt the urge to give my bathroom a good cleaning this morning, not a minute too soon. Such a good feeling when that task is finished.

Those of you who've read my blog for sometime know of the mortal wounds my faith suffered at the hands of fundamentalist evangelicals. Since the 80s I've watched to see if that situation would ever change and be good again. I've recently come across information that gives me hope that change is beginning to happen. There's evidence the old guard radicals are falling out of favor with younger evangelicals and change is happening. Death has eleminated some of the radicals as they age out and more of that has to happen but they're not being replaced by other radicals. It's been a long time coming but it is balm to my wounded soul. I am encouraged.

I've learned more this election about some fine young millennials, mentored by President Obama, that  give me hope for the future of the Democratic Party. Many of Hillary Clinton's campaign team are of that group and they've run a splendid campaign. I'm going to be following these people to see where the future takes them. I am encouraged.

Last night I listened to Bill Maher interview President Obama at the White House. Oh that it had been  possible for him to sit in living rooms across America and visit with Americans. I'm convinced this anger, fear, and hatred we're dealing with today would not have happened. Unfortunately he never stood a chance against FOX News and the fear that has ravaged the Republican Party. I'm looking forward to the work he's going to do free of FOX News and Republicans. He's young and I'm encouraged by the thought he will be able to accomplish much more for America out of the White House than he was able to accomplish in the White House.

I am encouraged.

Me Sick

I'm  sick but putting whatever it is on the run with an antibiotic, Prednisone, and an inhaler. Enough of that nonsense.

I'm almost afraid to report Bob is doing well for fear I'll jinx this run of good luck. The results of his barium swallow test showed only the hiatal hernia that we've known about for years. We'll take all the good days that come our way.

Shoreacres had some good website suggestions in her comment. I've now added these to my Twitter feed and to Facebook. I encourage you to check these out, Quillette, Twisted Sifter, Brain Pickings, and JSTOR Daily.

I assume that after all the angst you will be watching election returns on Tuesday. I'm thinking I may stream coverage from my iPad. Turning on the TV in the living room puts Bob into raccoon mode. He simply cannot leave the remote alone, flip, flip, flip. He fingers all the buttons and drives me crazy.

Here's a little trivia:

If elected, Hillary Clinton will be 2nd shortest president at 5'5," James Madison was 5'4."

If elected, Donald Trump will be 2nd tallest president at 6'3," Abraham Lincoln was 6'4."

Michelle Obama is 5'11," Barack Obama is 6'1."

Here We Go Again

Republicans are sure Hillary is guilty of a crime. They just don't know what crime.

She isn't even in office and they're already talking about all the investigations they have planned and blocking all her Supreme Court appointments. Does this sound like a party putting country first? More to the point, concerned about correcting the problems within their own party?

Do you think Republicans have noticed their party is in tatters? They've been after the Clintons since 1992. They devoted all their attention to investigating Clintons and no attention to the well being of their party. In attempting to destroy the Clintons they destroyed their party by neglect.

Can you be impeached for acts committed in a job you previously held? If so, can the Bush administration still be investigated and impeached?

I rolled my eyes when I learned the latest email debacle did not involve Hillary but rather her aide who's married to Anthony Weiner. That is so like the Clintons. If there's sleaze anywhere around they can be counted on to be close enough to cause talk that stokes the Republican flames of suspicion. I miss the Obamas already.