Majority doesn’t always rule!

As we clearly saw, sometimes having a majority does not necessarily lead to success in trying to pass legislation. In an odd way, our democracy showed us signs that it is still alive and well, thanks to people sticking to their convictions or following their conscience. On the right, the Freedom Caucus or better known as the former Tea Party, stuck to their convictions of an ultra right wing agenda of as little or no government as possible when it comes to health care, really meaning, no universal health care! I would like to know how many of these constituents have given up their Social Security or Medicare benefits whether they need it or not. Then you have the Republicans who fit into a more moderate mode who have a conscience and are willing to say that although Obamacare needs help, they cannot repeal it without a new program that will not take away the healthcare benefits that are already in place. 

Whether it is for their own political careers or for their constituents, their choice to vote no was a sign that progress may move forward. They had the Majority but even within, they were split because our world today is much broader than the extreme right or perhaps even the extreme left. A more moderate view of life in America is the way to work things out to benefit the masses. Our two-party political system works best when we have compromise on both ends of the spectrum. Too far to the right means abandonment of rules as well as too far to the left means abuse of rules. 

Apology…is that enough?

I must be missing something! When someone blatantly lies in a direct statement which defaces an individual, it seems to me the perpetrator leaves themselves open for a liable lawsuit. In this case, our President, Trump, is doubling down on a lie he conjured up supporting a theory that President Obama wiretapped Trump Tower during the 2016 Presidential Campaign. Over and over again, repeating this in news conferences, idle conversations, Twitter and a specific meeting with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. This, one of his many lies, is a lot more serious. Attacking the character of his predecessor and not accepting the statements of our intelligence community but the words of hacks from known alt right news media, says that he chooses to live in his alternative reality on all counts. Very dangerous, but true, based on the last 59 days of his presidency.
Nancy Pelosi was kind to ask Trump to apologize. I hope that the underlying feeling in his own Republican Party if you can call it that today, will rise above politics and call him out by expressing their views openly. They hated Trump for his values or non-values, before the election and now have the opportunity to stop him in his tracks by speaking out. If they don’t, I believe they will be on the wrong side of history leaving a legacy that will take years to repair.

I hope President Obama is planning to speak out, through his attorneys, with a liable suit that will cause President Trump to step down or a possibility of impeachment if his own party finally realizes the danger he presents to the future of USA. Could this really happen when Republicans are in charge?

Surely not, when right now I am watching Vice President Pence once again lie about Obama Care or the Affordable Health Care we are now living with. With all of its faults, which we can certainly fix, he is still spouting out the propaganda that only politicians can do without having their noses grow like the well known storybook character, Pinocchio.  Anything to take Obama’s name off, even trying to get a new health care act to replace it that will totally take health insurance down to a new low. Even though actuariescame out with facts, an unacceptable word for this administration, disputing the language of Pence and certainly Paul Ryan and other right wing followers, they choose to continue the lie without flinching. I am a believer that the truth prevails so I still have hope that the average person will win because they are going to be the most affected by this fiasco. Trump supporters will see their health insurance disappear within a few years. By the time they are disappointed by their presidential choice, it will be too late, especially for their children and grandchildren.

An apology is not enough! Many apologies for all sorts of lies, a book of apologies would be better, and not just for Trump, but for those who don’t speak out. The enablers are just as responsible, starting with Vice President Pence, Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, two people who are heartbeats away from becoming President.

Shame on all of them!