tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17877488736170531542024-03-16T14:22:53.756-07:00Ari's Freedom SwitchPEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comBlogger957125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-46292013613247124882024-03-16T14:22:00.000-07:002024-03-16T14:22:10.383-07:00It's Happening<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaIhpPz6nQkCXbJYD1paRCLfYg0c981gKVSu9PrZD36l-igux-_7L22Z9o0UWeqfv7JwVBwmWnkCnYRBMItC8TAkpKWAD9FDoiwIBhGO4ZIlA0wwACTQUopkKUXkF4oj-tlB4qqmGwdEZy9SivkfgvtFVH3xokymD0KAPJ94QKVO0xX2LWhGX84lpSdIN/s960/love%20will%20grow%20cold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaIhpPz6nQkCXbJYD1paRCLfYg0c981gKVSu9PrZD36l-igux-_7L22Z9o0UWeqfv7JwVBwmWnkCnYRBMItC8TAkpKWAD9FDoiwIBhGO4ZIlA0wwACTQUopkKUXkF4oj-tlB4qqmGwdEZy9SivkfgvtFVH3xokymD0KAPJ94QKVO0xX2LWhGX84lpSdIN/s320/love%20will%20grow%20cold.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />How it <a href="https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Sal.%20Cat.%2010.1&lang=original" target="_blank">happened</a> then...<p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">"At first, the love of money, and then that of power began to prevail, and these became, as it were, the sources of every evil. For avarice subverted honesty, integrity and other honorable principles and, in their stead, inculcated pride, inhumanity, contempt of religion and general venality. Ambition prompted many to become deceitful; to keep one thing concealed in the breast and another ready on the tongue; to estimate friendships and enmities, not by their worth, but according to interest; and to carry rather a specious countenance than an honest heart. These vices first advanced but slowly, and were sometimes restrained by correction; but afterward, when their infection had spread like a pestilence, the state was entirely changed, and the government, from being the most equitable and praiseworthy, became the most rapacious and insupportable." </span><div><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;">Sallust, Conspiracy of Cataline</span></div></blockquote><div></div><div>And their love will grow cold.....</div>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-15119736364222496402024-03-13T13:02:00.000-07:002024-03-13T13:02:27.885-07:00Saudis Reveal Gropebot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelomYGmo1DVF1kcejl1zxkIsCH37qMA6s2epcPk5PEaQAMAhUQSechTorNByFItdi6ALmsodOdlpUzsadocSsYglRYYTYdlIPJ-PCqyvbu8MwR8UsWodTsN73eakkqVdso4YNNyK0hRiWKNCa6T6AJQWRZrpIoRI23cCQNTIKvA5gRgQcckik1izjHlaA/s960/Saudi%20Gropebot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelomYGmo1DVF1kcejl1zxkIsCH37qMA6s2epcPk5PEaQAMAhUQSechTorNByFItdi6ALmsodOdlpUzsadocSsYglRYYTYdlIPJ-PCqyvbu8MwR8UsWodTsN73eakkqVdso4YNNyK0hRiWKNCa6T6AJQWRZrpIoRI23cCQNTIKvA5gRgQcckik1izjHlaA/w472-h354/Saudi%20Gropebot.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><i>NYPo</i> shared <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/08/world-news/ai-robot-appears-to-grope-female-reporter-during-live-interview-in-saudi-arabia/?utm_source=yahoo&utm_campaign=nypost&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">a story</a> on a Saudi built robot. It groped the female reporter after she called his name. </div>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-90352013253109994742024-03-13T10:29:00.000-07:002024-03-14T08:01:14.605-07:00Red Team's Hostile Takeover<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbc-j7_RNrzHIPL7V64s-LYzQSvC8r70Qqltksq6zzUEF2PATmDvQqv7DsZhFTo0Lngwdt77njplBcTFZ5ps2kLHC2_1ESNAFs64ohZ18nyeskcnfkrdf2fFykv9vsOluitela0rTyCZUD6OXX2i4IjkuD149zXsjNZzcmcNeSxdL7qx1oCn5Dv0Wao5D/s960/RNC%20hostile%20takeover%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbc-j7_RNrzHIPL7V64s-LYzQSvC8r70Qqltksq6zzUEF2PATmDvQqv7DsZhFTo0Lngwdt77njplBcTFZ5ps2kLHC2_1ESNAFs64ohZ18nyeskcnfkrdf2fFykv9vsOluitela0rTyCZUD6OXX2i4IjkuD149zXsjNZzcmcNeSxdL7qx1oCn5Dv0Wao5D/w444-h250/RNC%20hostile%20takeover%20.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><br />The Republican National Committee has <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/12/rnc-trump-firings-takeover/" target="_blank">been acquired</a> by the Trump campaign. The hostile takeover resulted in mass firings, the installation of pet people and a trashing of old priorities in favor of "All Trump, All the Time." Petty dictators love control and prize loyalty. <p></p><p>RNC senior leaders are gone. Lower ranking people were fired or told to reapply for their jobs. The new guard wants a leaner, more aggressive operation, one that leverages political experience.</p><p>Dang, Americans <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/11/bloodbath-at-rnc-trump-team-slashes-staff-at-committee-00146368" target="_blank">get enough</a> of this at work, especially if their employer has been taken over by a private equity underwriter (PEU). </p><p>Do assholes have to run everything? Apparently so. </p><p>Politicians Red and Blue love PEU and increasingly, more are one.</p><p><b>Update 3-14-24: </b> The Red Team is divided amongst itself. Less than half of House Republicans RSVP'd to an invitation for their <a href="https://www.salon.com/2024/03/14/maga-movement-is-causing-in-congress-to-hate-each-other/" target="_blank">annual retreat</a>. </p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-77992124892820366312024-03-02T13:36:00.000-08:002024-03-06T10:26:17.962-08:00Ken Paxton Lawless Lawman<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbz6_2CRKWyQwYQAOeyQxnOQjkF6YX7Pl4psqYeVLK1GmjYkDzlM6_F89O5JYwNXHhGewuxsEtAiN4bF06cBa3Cz50dV1PUhBL_S_BQbnahaviMV_vbRoU1p7ooSw7sGfjhyphenhyphen92DtQQn-l22KQrq5Am6c0OB_IIeFcq8gwUUjOcPubStSliUMhCLTrfliT/s745/paxtonmug.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="745" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbz6_2CRKWyQwYQAOeyQxnOQjkF6YX7Pl4psqYeVLK1GmjYkDzlM6_F89O5JYwNXHhGewuxsEtAiN4bF06cBa3Cz50dV1PUhBL_S_BQbnahaviMV_vbRoU1p7ooSw7sGfjhyphenhyphen92DtQQn-l22KQrq5Am6c0OB_IIeFcq8gwUUjOcPubStSliUMhCLTrfliT/w459-h258/paxtonmug.jpg" width="459" /></a></div><br />Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wants to replace elected <a href="https://www.kxan.com/state-of-texas/state-of-texas-ruling-sparks-paxtons-push-to-oust-conservative-judges-on-court-of-criminal-appeals/" target="_blank">judges</a> and state <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-052548798.html?guccounter=1" target="_blank">representatives</a> from his political party. Their transgressions? Asking for the law to apply to Paxton.<p></p><p>The judges in question applied the Texas Constitution, which specifies duties/responsibilities of the Attorney General's office. Rather than change the Constitution to get the power Paxton desires, Ken wants to get rid of the judges who made the ruling.</p><p>Paxton is gunning for elected representatives who voted to impeach him for two indiscretions, an affair and accepting free home renovations from Nate Paul, an Austin private equity underwriter. Paul employed Paxton's side dish and <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/16/ken-paxton-impeachment-evidence-senate/" target="_blank">helped</a> Ken get anonymous Uber rides to see her.</p><p>Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick joined Paxton in targeting Texas representatives for replacement. Abbott visited several times recently to push his preferred candidate, who only speaks briefly at events. </p><p>I want my local representatives to not accept whatever Abbott, Patrick and Paxton want carte blanche. I want elected officials to act on significant ethical lapses, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-ken-paxton-impeachment-311101584f2703cc0dc0431f00269f10" target="_blank">driven by</a> hubris and political connections. </p><p>The public has the chance to see Paxton's long term lack of character in two upcoming legal cases. One is from attorneys in the Texas AG office who blew the whistle on Paxton's trading influence for personal benefits. The other is a long delayed securities fraud trial. </p><p>Paxton is not on the ballot but it is replete with Texas Triumvirate's political tampering. I hope the Big Three's select candidate is sent packing on Tuesday. That's my hope and my prayer.</p><p><b>Update 3-6-24:</b> Citizens in San Angelo and Abilene rejected the Abbott-Patrick-Paxton candidates in yesterday's primary election. An answered prayer.</p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-12638752818013457002024-02-09T08:57:00.000-08:002024-02-16T18:12:49.561-08:00Biden's Memory is Voter Issue<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihP0hIq7m_9LBhhkVeU8SnP3i7Vm78ozXcNiByqEtWD9IwUG4DHZN_WKQj7ip5JE-HRP_ctmxNeNddap3O5huCTdz1Y-qz_nmbPut6B-P2g0_mzWSB3xY6eLocLvKKIP9WChnaUnbedY7i_-3Lhi7wYPQ9QRslq6RU5b-F5kEIwAenrGkIOAO4CS4r9Xwa/s960/My%20memory%20is%20fine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihP0hIq7m_9LBhhkVeU8SnP3i7Vm78ozXcNiByqEtWD9IwUG4DHZN_WKQj7ip5JE-HRP_ctmxNeNddap3O5huCTdz1Y-qz_nmbPut6B-P2g0_mzWSB3xY6eLocLvKKIP9WChnaUnbedY7i_-3Lhi7wYPQ9QRslq6RU5b-F5kEIwAenrGkIOAO4CS4r9Xwa/w444-h333/My%20memory%20is%20fine.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><br />The Special Counsel report recommended not charging President Biden for his retaining classified documents after leaving office. It <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/biden-wont-call-redactions-special-165203933.html" target="_blank">states</a>:<br /><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">“Given Mr. Biden’s <b>limited precision and recall during his interviews </b>with his ghostwriter and with our office, jurors may hesitate to place too much evidentiary weight on a single eight-word utterance to his ghostwriter about finding classified documents in Virginia, in the absence of other, more direct evidence."</span><div><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;">“We have also considered that, at trial, Mr. Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a s<b>ympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory</b>."</span></div></blockquote><div></div><div>Poor memory is a common tactic used by CEOs and other powerful people under investigation. Executive amnesia or boardroom fog has been employed by the likes of:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>BP CEO Lord John Browne after a Texas City refinery explosion killed 15 workers and injured 180.</li><li>Ivanka Trump <a href="https://peureport.blogspot.com/2021/05/ivanka-latest-to-get-boardroom-fog.html" target="_blank">during</a> the investigation of tax fraud by The Trump Organization</li><li>BP CEO Tony Haywood after the Deepwater Horizon exploded killing eleven people and causing the Gulf Oil Spew</li></ul>Ghislaine Maxwell could not recall even a single flight on Epstein's private jet with Jeffrey Esptein accuser Virginia Giuffre.</div><div><br /></div><div>Biden's poor memory in an investigative interview should not alone be reason for concern given its widespread use by influential, powerful people. That said, Biden's <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68244352" target="_blank">protest</a> may trigger something in families that dealt with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. </div><div><br /></div><div>How many people <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgmBaKNlN1s" target="_blank">have heard</a> in a raised voice "my memory is fine" or something similar? </div><div><br /></div><div>Americans vote on their lived experienced. Powerful people avoiding responsibility is an everyday occurrence in our country. Returning an angry elderly man with poor memory to the White House is altogether different deal </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Update: </b> Blue Team Rep. Adam Smith <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/4458402-adam-smith-biden-memory-hur-classified-documents/" target="_blank">said</a> Biden’s address to the media was “not the way you want to do it.”</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Update 2-16-24: </b> As for memory problems in investigative cases the judge in Trump's civil fraud trial <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ivanka-trump-memory-fraud-trial-verdict-judge-engoron-2024-2" target="_blank">said</a> of Ivanka:</div><div><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">"Despite being presented with ample emails and other documentary evidence demonstrating the critical role she played in the negotiation, Ms. Trump professed to have no memory of any of the events of the loan negotiation or the agreed upon terms."</span> </blockquote><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">"But the court found her inconsistent recall, depending on whether she was questioned by OAG or the defense, suspect."</span></blockquote></div>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-569740370979030262024-02-06T12:33:00.000-08:002024-02-06T19:08:20.764-08:00Need Break from "Cam Pains"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30RzGX73ITdNRl3exxOH1rHpnkQaNZAzjaYWYnVsIXOM0nkrzWOMT_Vuouc7Dw_mhYmDS2qi7NKDWJ0Tv1A9972ceo5L45eBACYim-JiR52CzqgKj8DT9p04li0JktXF4gkuwgVK4MJfgYoApsPY-UpTfHs-4b242y-lCaXt9TfCRAqLpzpvVJZoE6Iuo/s960/Red%20Blue%20crowns.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30RzGX73ITdNRl3exxOH1rHpnkQaNZAzjaYWYnVsIXOM0nkrzWOMT_Vuouc7Dw_mhYmDS2qi7NKDWJ0Tv1A9972ceo5L45eBACYim-JiR52CzqgKj8DT9p04li0JktXF4gkuwgVK4MJfgYoApsPY-UpTfHs-4b242y-lCaXt9TfCRAqLpzpvVJZoE6Iuo/w457-h343/Red%20Blue%20crowns.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><br />Former President Donald Trump lives in his own world, one apparently unaffected by legal cases or restitution judgements, which amount to $88 million for E. Jean Carroll. <i>HuffPo</i> <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-delusional-new-york_n_65bb6a93e4b0102bd2d7f650" target="_blank">reported</a>:<p></p><p></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #351c75;">“Are you thinking of potentially trying to use campaign funds to pay some of the penalties?” a reporter asked the former president at a news conference following his meeting with Teamsters Union leaders in Washington, D.C.<br /></span></p><span style="color: #351c75;">“What penalties?” Trump asked. </span><div><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;">“In the New York fraud cause and the defamation case,” the reporter replied. </span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;">“I didn’t do anything wrong,” said Trump. “I mean, that’s been proven as far as I’m concerned.” </span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;">He claimed that “actually, we won in the court of appeals.”</span></div></blockquote><div></div>It's time to turn off the doddering old rivals, Trump and Biden. The public does not want a rematch but public will rarely drives political organizations. <div><br /></div><div>We may have to suffer a rematch of the 2020 election but I can wait at least six months before tuning in again. Maybe, I'll rejoin the race after Labor Day. That's about the time Trump pretended to be presidential in the last battle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Trump's insatiable need for adulation and revenge became rancid long ago. Biden needs to look in the mirror and realize the job no longer fits a man of his age, however connected he may be to society's power structures.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't count on Red or Blue political teams to deliver new candidates but I can ignore their respective coronations. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Update: </b> Trump <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4450878-trump-campaign-immunity-ruling-appeal/" target="_blank">disagrees</a> with the DC District Court that refused to grant him King George like privileges.</div>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-75744366055201139852024-01-22T09:14:00.000-08:002024-01-25T14:38:08.265-08:00AI Already Impacting 2024 Race to Bottom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPAmAcMiMUqSav-Dcv7QN96fYuSEhBJdTwLv_H4nUyKvF45xa68Gbh6g-6AHRS3zFlzOSBonpCXcMHROa-MvOJGnKYAJHYXu1EBcwuh70Jtyg8ZZ-2xHLRqPCEUVvwjeIVwhr2xP5wzgJIjP41FaA__c0sjBS27-rjE2nvWJx-mjFEAySxnBKxWGnerPW/s960/AI%20abuse%20criminals%20and%20political%20campaigns.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPAmAcMiMUqSav-Dcv7QN96fYuSEhBJdTwLv_H4nUyKvF45xa68Gbh6g-6AHRS3zFlzOSBonpCXcMHROa-MvOJGnKYAJHYXu1EBcwuh70Jtyg8ZZ-2xHLRqPCEUVvwjeIVwhr2xP5wzgJIjP41FaA__c0sjBS27-rjE2nvWJx-mjFEAySxnBKxWGnerPW/w460-h259/AI%20abuse%20criminals%20and%20political%20campaigns.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><p>Early adopters of artificial intelligence (AI) include criminals and political campaigns. A New Hampshire robocall with President Biden's voice encouraged voters not to go to the polls for the Democratic primary.</p><p>AI has <a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/artificial-intelligence-criminals/" target="_blank">been used</a> to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessedamiani/2019/09/03/a-voice-deepfake-was-used-to-scam-a-ceo-out-of-243000/?sh=653899402241" target="_blank">scam</a> people, steal their passwords, commit fraud and launder money. </p><p>Meanwhile the two people Americans don't want running again have big leads in both political parties. Please tell me it's just a simulation...<br /></p><p><b>Update 1-25-24:</b> Fake Taylor Swift porn is the latest AI garbage <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/25/24050334/x-twitter-taylor-swift-ai-fake-images-trending" target="_blank">to flood</a> the internet on X/ex-Twitter. Trolls should consider Swift took on Carlyle and won. I'll venture there are far more Swifties than trolls. It should be an interesting battle and a monumental waste of societal resources. </p><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-67066253938764836012024-01-15T09:20:00.000-08:002024-01-15T09:22:21.545-08:00Subzero Trump<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDocXMPWgvB93gTLT0f9cKTzxC6lprzZNkOaQz6vxUaKujsa_KndFJssYMhcgRZrdyHHLqOgFXdBa-3UtHNYL8FZm7yQDE-5nttDvcpXOtG3H5GnBaaBBJ9szBmnDKTTojEgSAYz-dmuf6d1Yy6pQb1HwTd1bvyA6CgiHimcGsTeus_g_anayR9BxOeLPD/s960/Subzero%20temps%20Trump.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDocXMPWgvB93gTLT0f9cKTzxC6lprzZNkOaQz6vxUaKujsa_KndFJssYMhcgRZrdyHHLqOgFXdBa-3UtHNYL8FZm7yQDE-5nttDvcpXOtG3H5GnBaaBBJ9szBmnDKTTojEgSAYz-dmuf6d1Yy6pQb1HwTd1bvyA6CgiHimcGsTeus_g_anayR9BxOeLPD/w461-h259/Subzero%20temps%20Trump.jpg" width="461" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><i> USA Today</i> <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/14/donald-trump-says-its-worth-it-to-vote-in-iowa-caucus/72226921007/" target="_blank">reported</a> his exact words.<br /></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">"You can't sit home," Trump said. "If you're sick as a dog … even if you vote and then pass away, it's worth it."</span></blockquote><p></p><p>That's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-worth-it-sick-vote-iowa-caucus-pass-away-2024-1" target="_blank">how little</a> your life matters to Donald Trump. </p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-72433151077566474352023-12-12T13:48:00.000-08:002024-01-25T08:06:06.450-08:00No Apprentice Needed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q5wLp683fmbg8SFfr_ZC2ygRnE9BdnVuZq402v4Y_44SGaLCm4VZrSEC8pF28UjK4vuTHph4MpE4_8zbVvsDhy5bauj1M3FST818pMcruW-u68LKY3HYwY1V2HYpmjtznooHdNncZAhhtnsbc7Yd-XDilcLdxvOBBtVTkBQU38PMcRdCNFj1Olb-mMfb/s960/Trump%20DFAD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q5wLp683fmbg8SFfr_ZC2ygRnE9BdnVuZq402v4Y_44SGaLCm4VZrSEC8pF28UjK4vuTHph4MpE4_8zbVvsDhy5bauj1M3FST818pMcruW-u68LKY3HYwY1V2HYpmjtznooHdNncZAhhtnsbc7Yd-XDilcLdxvOBBtVTkBQU38PMcRdCNFj1Olb-mMfb/w448-h336/Trump%20DFAD.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><p></p><p>Flashback to that storied <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/10/trump-defends-dictator-comments-amid-nyc-soiree-filled-with-extremists-maga-diehards-00130968" target="_blank">time</a> in America....</p><p><b>Update 12-12-23:</b> Former House Speaker Paul Ryan <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/paul-ryan-slams-donald-trump_n_657ac9d0e4b00e36d2d652b8" target="_blank">refers</a> to Trump as a "populist, authoritarian narcissist."</p><p><b>Update 1-2-24:</b> As for Trump's tall tales about voter fraud, they are <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2024/01/02/trump-lies-voter-fraud-2020-impact-2024-election/72057016007/" target="_blank">clearly lies</a>. Donald <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-flights-jeffrey-epstein-jet-lolita-express-1857109" target="_blank">was once</a> a frequent flyer on Jeffrey Epstein's private jet, as was Bill Clinton.<br /></p><p><b>Update 1-25-24:</b> Trump prematurely launched his dictator when he <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-nikki-haley-donor-threat_n_65b2198ee4b0166fc770d5e2" target="_blank">threatened</a> Nikki Haley donors.</p><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-22683245135631648222023-11-29T07:45:00.000-08:002024-02-06T12:57:17.077-08:00Trump Advisor Slings at Nikki Haley<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92MutNE_xmRTjHNS8iW1q3EslSG5-I3EFWz4_U41xGKD74QLJZQ4si8Iy8cHvmRTdYfn5ehRuoziGWNZUmQhWiuk2EFPqWKakdu955MDkvFzQNsntp8d32VQmIOrtghyphenhyphenUclMgysZgNBmGVVEsB3_CylajZcN_jbjxmTlegMO_s5iQheygAdi-RdPvbzUs/s960/Trump%20communications%20chief%20bond%20villain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92MutNE_xmRTjHNS8iW1q3EslSG5-I3EFWz4_U41xGKD74QLJZQ4si8Iy8cHvmRTdYfn5ehRuoziGWNZUmQhWiuk2EFPqWKakdu955MDkvFzQNsntp8d32VQmIOrtghyphenhyphenUclMgysZgNBmGVVEsB3_CylajZcN_jbjxmTlegMO_s5iQheygAdi-RdPvbzUs/w467-h350/Trump%20communications%20chief%20bond%20villain.jpg" width="467" /></a></div><br />Former President Donald Trump's bid to return to the White House is led by Senior Communications Advisor Steven Cheung. Cheung chopped back at recent love and significant financial support <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/koch-network-endorses-nikki-haley-155647501.html" target="_blank">given to</a> Nikki Haley.<p></p><p></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #351c75;">Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung dismissed Americans for
Prosperity as “the political arm of the China-first, America-last
movement.”</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;">“No amount of shady money from George Soros, Democrats
and Never-Trump RINOs in partnership with endless-war swamp creatures in
Washington will stop the MAGA movement or President Trump from being
the Republican nominee and defeating Crooked Joe Biden,” Cheung wrote in
a statement responding to the Haley endorsement.</span></p></blockquote><p></p><p>Somebody's undergoing Koch withdrawal. That's alot of villains to pack into one statement.<br /></p><p>The author of <i>TrumpNation</i> wrote: <br /></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">Trump once told me, while driving together to one of his golf courses,
that his <b>favorite Bond villain was Auric Goldfinger</b>, the chunky thug who
wanted to wreck the global economy and help China and his own fortunes
by tainting the U.S.’s gold supply at Fort Knox. “I thought <b>Goldfinger
was just a great character</b>,” Trump said. “To me, he was the best of all
the characters. Semi-believable.”</span></blockquote><p>Goldfinger's enforcer butler "Odd Job" could fell opponents with the toss of a hat. We'll see if Steven Cheung has similar skills.</p><p>Trump's ceaseless pursuit of power and money feels like an old movie. It'd be nice if people let him do that on his own, but their are swamp creatures in Washington that need the money.<br /></p><p><b>Update 2-6-24:</b> A sling of the hat <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4450878-trump-campaign-immunity-ruling-appeal/" target="_blank">towards</a> the D.C. Circuit Court for ruling against Trump's Presidential lifetime immunity claims.</p><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-79302083841398609472023-11-14T09:17:00.000-08:002023-12-07T16:56:03.343-08:00Trump's Dark Weekend<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIKnoH9ZokRaHx5KVCtqnW288eWsa1qq7B9nwOQF4aBUFnSStrCNw09_W9NBrnDsbmtdKWsA6H4SyaJBGAlcp3x22SpEMWHSYrr8mTHD4kq0NKKyUmzvED-VdsaWQwzamrTvy9qiFgtf3aR1XYg3XsC05uWSgbxIkJHuj3P3XV0WIef5PlMa2_oxc3WfL/s960/Slide1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIKnoH9ZokRaHx5KVCtqnW288eWsa1qq7B9nwOQF4aBUFnSStrCNw09_W9NBrnDsbmtdKWsA6H4SyaJBGAlcp3x22SpEMWHSYrr8mTHD4kq0NKKyUmzvED-VdsaWQwzamrTvy9qiFgtf3aR1XYg3XsC05uWSgbxIkJHuj3P3XV0WIef5PlMa2_oxc3WfL/w468-h351/Slide1.JPG" width="468" /></a></div><p></p><p>Trump's weekend included calls for sweeping raids, giant camps and mass deportations. It also included calling his political enemies vermin, a page out of the Hitler/Mussolini playbook.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0-VeqN43KhSI55klFQfVyX7gIWGQtuhoNwEUSw0PzqwHtdDLAlNJFZfWHdsM8csTuWs3vkMDBeGBaFdojzfgGc5m8NcuK30y05WwuRXktv-aokhq50npMsvi8yO7ghy4K6ob1QvSal0rE7K8AFRNZZs7EiilyXtEQZPybbtkqjjcPvNZPoL7l33bEoEO/s960/Trump%20vermin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0-VeqN43KhSI55klFQfVyX7gIWGQtuhoNwEUSw0PzqwHtdDLAlNJFZfWHdsM8csTuWs3vkMDBeGBaFdojzfgGc5m8NcuK30y05WwuRXktv-aokhq50npMsvi8yO7ghy4K6ob1QvSal0rE7K8AFRNZZs7EiilyXtEQZPybbtkqjjcPvNZPoL7l33bEoEO/w467-h350/Trump%20vermin.jpg" width="467" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Historian John Meacham <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trumps-campaign-respond-vermin-1234876758/" target="_blank">stated</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">"to call your opponent vermin, to dehumanize them, is to not only open
the door, but to walk through the door toward the most ghastly kinds of
crimes.”</span> </blockquote>A Trump spokesperson defended his boss with:<p></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">“Those who try to make that ridiculous assertion are clearly snowflakes
grasping for anything because they are suffering from Trump Derangement
Syndrome and <b>their entire existence will be crushed</b> when President Trump
returns to the White House.”</span>
</blockquote><p></p><p>The spokesperson later amended his statement:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">“their <b>sad, miserable</b> existence will be crushed”</span></blockquote> <p></p><p>Really? That's your improvement. It's kind of sad and miserable...<br /></p><p>The U.S. made considerable fun of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini back in the day. Charlie Chaplain's <i>The Great Dictator</i> saw him <a href="https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210204-the-great-dictator-the-film-that-dared-to-laugh-at-hitler" target="_blank">playing</a> Hynkel:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">The message is that Hynkel is not a brilliant strategist or a mighty
leader. He is an overgrown adolescent – as demonstrated in the sublime
set piece in which he dances with an inflatable globe, dreaming of being
"emperor of the world". He is an insecure buffoon who bluffs, cheats,
obsesses over his public image, manhandles his secretaries, revels in
the luxury of his extravagant quarters, and reverses his own key
policies in order to buy himself more time in power. "To me, the
funniest thing in the world is to ridicule impostors," wrote Chaplin in
his autobiography, "and it would be hard to find a bigger impostor than
Hitler."</span></blockquote><p>Trump's values are political retribution, personal aggrandizement, lying, cheating and saying whatever he believes will optimize his image in the present moment, even if it's the exact opposite of something he said just minutes before. That also entails projecting his sins onto his political foes with nary a care, not even the slightest reflection. His mirror tells him one thing. Trump's the greatest of them all.... </p><p>The Trump of today is far more <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/13/january-6-michael-luttig-trump-warning" target="_blank">dangerous</a> than the man who said "We're going to march to the Capital and I'll be there with you..." His retaliatory impulses are on steroids and he plans to enact retribution without restraints.</p><p>He's a poor fit for democracy. Please don't destroy.....</p><p><b>Update 11-15-23:</b> Trump <a href="https://www.salon.com/2023/11/14/this-is-an-actual-incitement-legal-experts-alarmed-after-pushes-citizens-arrest/" target="_blank">called</a> for the citizen's arrest of the New York Attorney General and Judge presiding over his civil fraud trial.</p><p><b>Update 11-26-23:</b> Red Team Senator Mitt Romney <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4327061-romney-democrat-upgrade-over-trump-in-2024/" target="_blank">called for</a> nearly anyone over Trump.<br /></p><p></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #351c75;">Sen. <span class="person-popover" data-nid="5830">Mitt Romney </span>(R-Utah)
signaled that nearly any candidate in the 2024 field, of either party,
would be an “upgrade” over another term for former President Trump.</span></p><span style="color: #351c75;">
“I’d be happy to support virtually any one of the Republicans — maybe
not Vivek [Ramaswamy] — but the others that are running would be
acceptable to me, and I’d be happy to vote for them.”</span></blockquote><p>The billionaire class seems to be coalescing behind Nikki Haley. </p><p><b>Update 12-3-23: </b> Trump said "We've been waging an all-out war on American democracy" in a campaign speech.</p><p><b>Update 12-7-23:</b> Trump's minions have plans of the Insane Red <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-come-media-government-critics-second-term-top-ally-says-rcna128292" target="_blank">variety</a>. His revenge tour could be enacted by a <a href="https://www.axios.com/2023/12/07/trump-loyalty-cabinet-2025-carlson-miller-bannon" target="_blank">number</a> of wingnuts.<br /></p><p></p><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-11623378799961736872023-11-13T09:38:00.000-08:002023-11-16T08:50:02.909-08:00UFC 295 Hardly Standard for Class<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCkjavHXQZLQDXT0ICZOEJ9XHGMx3k42ykMAtd5bS2U5r4DrDlLumh-Z0YbJttKdn9bnCwbXJzMdgtLGkrIfVJG60F8V96atftQy7NxQw5kpp7VGorlq-HEBbfnkqDQJ0jqfObCDANb6JqGR6H1vZKgXc8NP-4bLIQq0axvM-UrKhyphenhyphenYNcL4DPQwDNfwZq/s960/Slide2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCkjavHXQZLQDXT0ICZOEJ9XHGMx3k42ykMAtd5bS2U5r4DrDlLumh-Z0YbJttKdn9bnCwbXJzMdgtLGkrIfVJG60F8V96atftQy7NxQw5kpp7VGorlq-HEBbfnkqDQJ0jqfObCDANb6JqGR6H1vZKgXc8NP-4bLIQq0axvM-UrKhyphenhyphenYNcL4DPQwDNfwZq/w449-h337/Slide2.JPG" width="449" /></a></div><br />The wife of comedian Bill Burr is under criticism for flipping two middle fingers in the direction of former President Donald Trump at a UFC 295 event. The act has been <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/bill-burr-wife-under-fire-215527796.html" target="_blank">called</a> "classless."<p></p><p>The UFC <a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog/ufc/how-many-viewers-watch-the-ufc-bm05/" target="_blank">demographic</a> is 90% male and 10% female. The "<span style="font-weight: 400;">highest chunk of UFC viewers who
regularly tune in to events is between 25 to 54 years old, with the
highest percentage belonging to the 25 to 35 age bracket." </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Donald Trump is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/05/trump-ufc-podcast-2024-campaign" target="_blank">interested</a> in mobilizing young males with little interest in politics. </span></p><p>I was not aware UFC set the standard for classy <a href="https://theathletic.com/5019378/2023/10/31/ufc-derrick-lewis-arrest-speeding/" target="_blank">behavior.</a> </p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">UFC heavyweight Derrick Lewis was arrested Oct. 25 and charged with reckless driving after police allegedly recorded him <b>driving 136 miles per hour in a 50-mph zone</b>, according to Harris County (Texas) court records.</span></blockquote><p><span>UFC star Conor McGregor was arrested after a rampage at a UFC <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2018/04/06/conor-mcgregor-arrested-ufc-rampage/" target="_blank">event</a>.</span></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">Video footage appears to show the promotion’s most bankable star <b>throwing a hand truck</b> at a bus full of fighters after a Thursday news conference for UFC 223 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.</span></blockquote><p><span>McGregor was charged with three counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief.</span></p><p><span>A former UFC star was <a href="https://www.unionleader.com/news/crime/arrest-warrant-issued-for-former-ufc-star-nate-diaz-after-street-fight/article_25453bd7-c3d2-5958-9480-86d8f2367bf9.html" target="_blank">arrested</a> for choking out a boxer on Bourbon Street. </span><span></span></p><p><span>I would suggest Mrs. Burr's behavior fits clearly within the UFC framework and she won the skirmish. </span></p><p><span><b>Update 11-16-23:</b> Trump's lawyer Alina Habba wore a "f__k Joe Biden" necklace to the UFC fight show. Now that's UFC class!<br /></span></p><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-79705828030352958632023-11-11T09:30:00.000-08:002024-01-07T09:33:30.878-08:00Ignoring Will of the People Yet Again<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lDAtgyoU3etpmZovgCI6-pdzgkSUPCZdOrR2Nj5Gk1IN8u9AxfF94zN6BbnAawbxQBaItmZpPBVnXZsWFbcZOiwL4d_1Cj3pKMF7jU9R_NV4Nze4eaHlS8XdnsdQaUB65bMKwtGvQHMHYM2Riru35AHkPHvwoyl2ua0VmT2BLO0171-R-BBa9y4vsQt2/s680/gaza%20ceasefire%20public%20opinion%20congress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="680" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lDAtgyoU3etpmZovgCI6-pdzgkSUPCZdOrR2Nj5Gk1IN8u9AxfF94zN6BbnAawbxQBaItmZpPBVnXZsWFbcZOiwL4d_1Cj3pKMF7jU9R_NV4Nze4eaHlS8XdnsdQaUB65bMKwtGvQHMHYM2Riru35AHkPHvwoyl2ua0VmT2BLO0171-R-BBa9y4vsQt2/w453-h344/gaza%20ceasefire%20public%20opinion%20congress.jpg" width="453" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Intentional death, wounding, destruction and the debilitating conditions of war are inhumane. Our leaders want to automate war. Will they automate ignoring the will of the people too?</p><p><b>Update 11-12-23:</b> On <i>Face the Nation</i> National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Israel is "searching for ways" to keep Gaza City hospital patients safe. How about not attacking them? </p><p>Sullivan spoke after Margaret Brennan <a href="https://www.cbs.com/shows/face-the-nation/" target="_blank">interviewed</a> the head of Doctors Without Borders. The doctor described non-functioning hospitals jammed with sick babies and post surgical patients. </p><p>Gaza hospitals need to be evacuated to functioning hospitals in the region. That's what a humane international community would do. Anything otherwise (what Jake said) is purposeful death and further disability. </p><p>I'm sure Sullivan spoke forcefully about Russia's <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/21/europe/report-hospital-ukraine-attacks-russia-invasion-intl-dg/index.html" target="_blank">attacks</a> on Ukrainian healthcare facilities and the killing of medical workers. Sullivan <a href="https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/speeches/feb-23-2023-administrator-samantha-power-and-nsa-jake-sullivan-cnn-town-hall-russias-invasion-ukraine-one-year-later" target="_blank">told</a> <i>CNN's</i> Fareed Zakharia:<br /></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">Russia continues to show every single day that it is acting in monstrous ways.</span></blockquote><p></p><p>The U.S. public sees America whitewashing<i> </i>Israel's actions, the very same ones for which we condemn Russia. It's not a good look.<i> <br /></i></p><p><i>Disclosure:</i> I helped evacuate two hospitals, one completely inoperable from flooding and the other prior to a Category 5 hurricane. I can attest inoperable hospitals need to be evacuated ASAP and to the difficulty of moving hospitalized patients in a limited time frame. Neither of those evacuations was in a war zone.</p><p><b>Update 1-7-24: </b> U.S. foreign policy is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/corruption-of-us-foreign-policy" target="_blank">driven by</a> corporate interests, not public will.</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">There are perhaps a thousand key individuals involved in setting policy. The public interest plays little role.</span></blockquote><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-20479912912334786372023-10-26T09:00:00.009-07:002023-11-02T18:30:47.994-07:00House Shutdown Ends!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oE5DobMhqGVGwPHIsS_cBi6MjNhga5RGGddWptyK1Nj3O7NegLMk_a9Qm5D7H9fc49_M3hSJnBP5AcN9iJd011WQMmoAM6kFkYbNMQAop9tb0oZ-Pcso_aM0bKHFKitRZFZcZdRWf1RoY5fE-fXyIWDwkcp46SiaQAZuh8-_8NX-PSgiQpZM59zcS5T_/s960/government%20shutdown.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oE5DobMhqGVGwPHIsS_cBi6MjNhga5RGGddWptyK1Nj3O7NegLMk_a9Qm5D7H9fc49_M3hSJnBP5AcN9iJd011WQMmoAM6kFkYbNMQAop9tb0oZ-Pcso_aM0bKHFKitRZFZcZdRWf1RoY5fE-fXyIWDwkcp46SiaQAZuh8-_8NX-PSgiQpZM59zcS5T_/w452-h339/government%20shutdown.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">" How do you face people and tell them we couldn’t do our job?”</span></blockquote><p></p><p>After three weeks of futility the Red Team finally selected a leader. Applause....</p><p>Next up, funding the government. Trump wanted a shutdown. Will "MAGA Mike" give the former president what he wants? </p><p>I suggest the new Speaker cover his genitals. </p><p><b>Update 10-28-23:</b> I <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-speaker-mike-johnson-biden-cognitive-decline-gay-rights-history-2023-10" target="_blank">expect</a> significant dysfunction in Congress under Johnson's Speakership. By the time 2024 rolls around most people may be too disgusted to vote. And that may be the plan.</p><p><b>Update 10-31-23:</b> The House will pass a bunch of bills that go nowhere (but provide campaign slogans). They have eighteen days to do their job <a href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/upcoming-congressional-fiscal-policy-deadlines" target="_blank">funding</a> the government. </p><p><b>Update 11-2-23:</b> The Insane Red Team is <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/room-full-of-gop-lawmakers-tell-sean-hannity-theyll-impeach-biden" target="_blank">back</a> at work. They told Sean Hannity that job #1 is to impeach President Biden. Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/11/01/liz-cheney-mike-johnson-dangerous/71409069007/" target="_blank">said</a> having Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House is dangerous to our democracy. Red Team Congressman Ken Buck <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/republicans-ken-buck-kay-granger-retire-congress-buck/story?id=104547157" target="_blank">said</a> ""Too many Republican leaders are lying to America" in reference to election denialism and the January 6th insurrection. He plans to retire and not seek reelection. A vote to expel George Santos from the House failed. Incurious George <a href="https://www.salon.com/2023/11/01/if-you-come-for-me-you-best-not-miss-santos-gloats-after-vote-to-expel-shakes-out-in-his-favor/" target="_blank">gloated</a>.<br /></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-57425880506663451922023-10-18T09:24:00.001-07:002023-11-19T17:45:47.230-08:00Gaza Hospital Deaths<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlHWwIcoJCxMmR1QQPICEP7rzmKSuZFLWCHz2b3UCPROapc3k4FJib_iNmk-J2vTrPX-NU-mgavEhp4jq-pSI8i92egP6mboQtqqJgUAZBiv-KZrV7dlQmJEiT4Zddtt1fQhTJ4jYZNHB7SN1QbTm3SI3pt8idtK4hlcZX_YiMIjuSP-JXZuaLPuaHktw/s450/gaza%20hospital%20blast.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="450" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlHWwIcoJCxMmR1QQPICEP7rzmKSuZFLWCHz2b3UCPROapc3k4FJib_iNmk-J2vTrPX-NU-mgavEhp4jq-pSI8i92egP6mboQtqqJgUAZBiv-KZrV7dlQmJEiT4Zddtt1fQhTJ4jYZNHB7SN1QbTm3SI3pt8idtK4hlcZX_YiMIjuSP-JXZuaLPuaHktw/w463-h278/gaza%20hospital%20blast.jpg" width="463" /></a></div><br />Hundreds of people in a Gaza hospital were killed after a bomb explosion. Palestinians say it was an Israeli bomb while Israel said it was a failed rocket launch from Islamic Jihad. Who are we supposed to believe?<p></p><p>Israel is yet to let 500-600 American citizens leave Gaza. Hamas pretended to have "governing its priority" while it planned its horrific terror attack. </p><p>President Biden visited Israel and said the hospital bombing came from "the other team," as if describing events at a football game. Biden is physically in Israel, not far from U.S. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/17/middleeast/palestinian-americans-gaza-cmd-intl/index.html" target="_blank">citizens</a> trapped in Gaza. How is our close ally not letting them leave? </p><p>As for <a href="https://time.com/6324766/rafah-border-crossing-gaza-egypt-israel/" target="_blank">aid</a> the U.S. and Israel "agreed to develop a plan that will enable..." Inspiring? Definitely not.<br /></p><p>The common person is not a priority of <a href="https://time.com/6324766/rafah-border-crossing-gaza-egypt-israel/" target="_blank">those</a> in power. We do get the fallout from their retaliatory impulses. Seeing widespread death and destruction is heartbreaking.</p><p><b>Update 11-12-23:</b> On <i>Face the Nation</i> National Security
Advisor Jake Sullivan said Israel is "searching for ways" to keep Gaza
City hospital patients safe. How about not attacking them? </p><p>Sullivan spoke after Margaret Brennan <a href="https://www.cbs.com/shows/face-the-nation/" target="_blank">interviewed</a>
the head of Doctors Without Borders. The doctor described
non-functioning hospitals jammed with sick babies and post surgical
patients. </p><p>Gaza hospitals need to be evacuated to functioning
hospitals in the region. That's what a humane international community
would do. Anything otherwise (what Jake said) is purposeful death and
further disability. </p><p>I'm sure Sullivan spoke forcefully about Russia's <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/21/europe/report-hospital-ukraine-attacks-russia-invasion-intl-dg/index.html" target="_blank">attacks</a> on Ukrainian healthcare facilities and the killing of medical workers. Sullivan <a href="https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/speeches/feb-23-2023-administrator-samantha-power-and-nsa-jake-sullivan-cnn-town-hall-russias-invasion-ukraine-one-year-later" target="_blank">told</a> <i>CNN's</i> Fareed Zakharia:<br /></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">Russia continues to show every single day that it is acting in monstrous ways.</span></blockquote><p></p><p>The U.S. public sees America whitewashing<i> </i>Israel's actions, the very same ones for which we condemn Russia. It's not a good look.<i> <br /></i></p><i>Disclosure:</i>
I helped evacuate two hospitals, one completely inoperable from
flooding and the other prior to a Category 5 hurricane. I can attest
inoperable hospitals need to be evacuated ASAP and to the difficulty of
moving hospitalized patients in a limited time frame. Neither of those
evacuations was in a war zone. <br /><p><b>Update 11-13-23: </b> <i>The Guardian</i> has a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/13/what-is-happening-at-al-shifa-hospital-and-why" target="_blank">piece</a> on the situation at one Gaza hospital. It's a nightmare. <i>NBC News</i> <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/live-updates-fighting-gazas-largest-hospital-prompts-thousands-104840028" target="_blank">reported</a>:<br /></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">U.S. President Joe Biden said Shifa hospital “ must be protected ” and called for “less intrusive action” by Israeli forces. </span></blockquote><p>It's more than a little late....</p><p><b>Update 11-15-23:</b> 100 State Department officials <a href="https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/diplomats-warn-white-house-gaza-crisis-destroying-us-image-middle-east" target="_blank">signed</a> a letter regarding Israel's war with Gaza, calling it genocide and citing war crimes under international law. The letter stated President Biden is complicit with genocide.</p><p><b>Update 11-19-23: </b> WHO <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/19/gazas-main-hospital-has-become-a-death-zone-says-who" target="_blank">called</a> Gaza hospital a death zone.<br /></p><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-48658048319513031932023-10-11T07:50:00.037-07:002024-03-14T08:06:57.492-07:00Razing Gaza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMz8CAS1PZu1uiMsRJNl6xnyeNvdH4dipcqPJ9jgOiVJoE_z5WEhqpRrkKHfLB9VI9NpLydWKKYF58NXiQrcqWEQVYgm9loDm2eT8K8eW8s36l648Hp8ekqJTFuz_2POK5u-VR8IVgkcjqPQ0N8zZOlHLZyGj5IXxOqIq_xMSYVVmfJb0segkOWUaD5SB/s960/Execution%20of%20Gaza.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMz8CAS1PZu1uiMsRJNl6xnyeNvdH4dipcqPJ9jgOiVJoE_z5WEhqpRrkKHfLB9VI9NpLydWKKYF58NXiQrcqWEQVYgm9loDm2eT8K8eW8s36l648Hp8ekqJTFuz_2POK5u-VR8IVgkcjqPQ0N8zZOlHLZyGj5IXxOqIq_xMSYVVmfJb0segkOWUaD5SB/w449-h337/Execution%20of%20Gaza.jpg" width="449" /></a></div><p><i>AP </i><a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-hamas-gaza-2f3d8a95f8b8324d1b002048ff3eb34b" target="_blank">reported</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">Over 180,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are packed into U.N.
shelters as Israeli warplanes pound the tiny territory of 2.3 million
people after their <span class="LinkEnhancement">Hamas militant rulers</span> launched an <span class="LinkEnhancement">unprecedented weekend attack on Israel</span>.</span></blockquote><p></p><p><i>NPR</i> <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/10/11/1205036361/israel-strikes-neighborhoods-across-gaza-as-the-war-with-hamas-intensifies" target="_blank">reported</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">All of the Gaza Strip's borders are closed, leaving Palestinian
civilians with nowhere to escape and around a tenth of Gaza's population
of about 2.3 million people internally displaced seeking shelter. Gaza
has been under a blockade by Israel and Egypt for 16 years.</span></blockquote><p></p><p><i>Reuters</i> <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/bombardments-hit-area-gaza-sinai-border-crossing-gaza-officials-2023-10-10/" target="_blank">reported</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">Egypt is moving to avert a mass exodus from the Gaza Strip into its
Sinai Peninsula, as Israeli bombardment halted crossings at the main
exit point from the Palestinian enclave on Tuesday, Gaza officials and
Egyptian security sources said.</span></blockquote> <i>Insider</i> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-bombed-only-crossing-allowing-people-flee-gaza-palestine-egypt-2023-10" target="_blank">reported</a>:<p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">Israel dropped bombs near a Gaza border crossing full of civilians following officials' advice to flee.</span></blockquote><p></p><p>International humanitarian law requires warmakers to <a href="https://www.icrc.org/en/document/10-things-rules-of-war-geneva-conventions%C2%A0" target="_blank">follow</a> specific rules. Hamas did not follow those rules and will reap what they've sown with their horrific attack. </p><p>That said, 2.3 million people in Gaza are not all Hamas. Currently, they are prisoners on an eventual death row. </p><p>The conditions of war kill more people than bombs or bullets. How many innocent people will die as a result of being trapped in a war zone?</p><p><b>Update 10-13-23: </b>Israel ordered more than a million people to <a href="https://ca.news.yahoo.com/now-time-war-says-israels-221628834.html" target="_blank">leave</a> the northern half of the Gaza Strip within 24 hours. The United Nations and other organizations warned of a disaster if so many people were forced to flee.</p><p>Israel <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/israel-to-cut-internet-in-gaza-gives-hospital-just-hours-to-evacuate" target="_blank">gave</a> a Gaza hospital two hours to evacuate (before giving the hospital the night to clear out). </p><p>Terrorist Hamas called for a global day of rage. Man's inhumanity to man is front and center. Lord help us all. Protect us from horrible leaders who perpetuate violence against innocent persons. </p><p>Lord grant us a global day of peace, then a week, a month and a year. Provide us leaders who will work together to solve the many problems we face. Our hearts are broken over all the death and destruction.</p><p><b>Update 10-14-23:</b> <i>NYT</i> <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/13/nyregion/palestinian-americans-gaza-israel-war.html" target="_blank">reported</a>:</p><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0"></p><blockquote><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0"><span style="color: #351c75;">John Kirby, a spokesman for the National
Security Council, said that Israel’s blockade was for now preventing the
American government from transporting its citizens out of Gaza. He said
that the White House was in talks with Israel and Egypt about the safe
passage of civilians out of Gaza, including Americans, but that no
breakthrough had been reached.</span></p><span style="color: #351c75;">“Right now, they — they can’t leave. So, we would have no physical means of permitting that transit out,” Mr. Kirby said. </span><span style="color: #351c75;">U.S. officials estimated that 500 to 600 American citizens were in Gaza.</span></blockquote><p>U.S. citizens in Gaza cannot get out. And this is from an ally? It shows every one of us is expendable.</p><p><b>Update 10-15-23:</b> As for helping people <a href="https://press.un.org/en/2022/sc14882.doc.htm" target="_blank">get out</a> of hellscapes there is recent history (May 2022). "______ stressed the imperative of enabling humanitarian access and evacuations from besieged areas." Chris Hedges <a href="https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/this-way-for-the-genocide-ladies" target="_blank">points out</a> razing Gaza is the objective. </p><p>An eye for an eye <a href="https://twitter.com/MuhammadLila/status/1713653340393869358" target="_blank">makes</a> the whole <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/another-step-toward-international-war-ray-dalio/?published=t" target="_blank">world</a> blind...</p><p><b>Update 10-16-23:</b> There is no ceasefire for aid to enter Gaza. </p><p><b>Update 10-18-23:</b> Hundreds of Palestinians were killed when a bomb struck a hospital in Gaza. It's important to know whose bomb it was. President Biden <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-heads-middle-east-inflamed-by-gaza-hospital-blast-2023-10-18/" target="_blank">said</a> it was "the other team." Really, that's what you have for the American people? It's not a $%#@ football game. American citizens are trapped in stinking charnel house.</p><p><b>Update 10-26-23: </b>If Palestinians were Ukrainians the U.S. would be apoplectic that people couldn't leave an active war zone. Israel has <a href="https://www.statista.com/chart/16516/israeli-palestinian-casualties-by-in-gaza-and-the-west-bank/" target="_blank">used</a> collective punishment for decades. It's more than an eye for an eye, it's ten Palestinian eyes for an Israeli eye. <i>Fox News </i>had someone on who <a href="https://twitter.com/ggreenwald/status/1717197770178572550" target="_blank">said</a> all Palestinians in Gaza are Hamas. That person wants 1,000 Palesinian eyes for an Israeli eye.</p><p><b>Update 10-29-23:</b> <i>Business Insider</i> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-idf-warning-evacuate-gaza-x-twitter-not-seen-blackout-2023-10" target="_blank">reported</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVC-FPfytxQ7f8MD1aAkE3jF4v2f12fLZKSS43eqj03kDj3Qp-pisKDgW0k8ULqTauS59cMxeY1grQnHxhEinWTy2hRxhQRy1yuFMTDj-CoE0wIp0_IufcpdSbi-azMaN4hK749vbSr7FblKuptr-eQvZThUxf11PITE5xoeVTy4C-QK9A1ai2EkpX289/s1593/BI%20Gaza.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="1593" height="61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVC-FPfytxQ7f8MD1aAkE3jF4v2f12fLZKSS43eqj03kDj3Qp-pisKDgW0k8ULqTauS59cMxeY1grQnHxhEinWTy2hRxhQRy1yuFMTDj-CoE0wIp0_IufcpdSbi-azMaN4hK749vbSr7FblKuptr-eQvZThUxf11PITE5xoeVTy4C-QK9A1ai2EkpX289/w498-h61/BI%20Gaza.png" width="498" /></a></div><p>A French diplomat <a href="https://twitter.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1718201487132885246" target="_blank">offered</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #351c75;">"Hamas has set a trap for us, and this trap is one of maximum horror, of maximum cruelty. And so there's a risk of an escalation in militarism, of more military interventions, as if we could with armies solve a problem as serious as the Palestinian question. </span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;">There's also a second major trap, which is that of Occidentalism. We find ourselves trapped, with Israel, in this western bloc which today is being challenged by most of the international community.</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;">The debate shouldn't be about rhetoric or word choice. The debate today is about action; we must act. And when you think about action, there are two options. Either it's war, war, war. Or it's about trying to move towards peace, and I'll say it again, it's in Israel's interest. It's in Israel's interest!"</span></p></blockquote><p><b>Update 10-30-23:</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-HrVpV0soW9EXMLISobntxHsTv-FKZGsyiOvNUf2a35RkNGtR1uVyNvtGamRU2O1dO1TO-EiJH_6nySYWk88PdofZ2QUC5xpUpzAKDf-5DnENGPbIpTy8Nx7l7ZhgdN8gsKWk6U7OERqNNNq048Z4dKAYNUQ1_GAMiWkA0pVHW_1JFr30Nf9zDHp-VD2/s1500/Smite%20Amalek.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1500" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-HrVpV0soW9EXMLISobntxHsTv-FKZGsyiOvNUf2a35RkNGtR1uVyNvtGamRU2O1dO1TO-EiJH_6nySYWk88PdofZ2QUC5xpUpzAKDf-5DnENGPbIpTy8Nx7l7ZhgdN8gsKWk6U7OERqNNNq048Z4dKAYNUQ1_GAMiWkA0pVHW_1JFr30Nf9zDHp-VD2/w453-h215/Smite%20Amalek.png" width="453" /></a></b></div><p><b> Update 10-31-23:</b> Former President Trump <a href="https://kfor.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/trump-warns-us-enemies-spill-drop-of-american-blood-and-well-spill-gallon-of-yours/" target="_blank">said</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">“If you spill a drop of American blood, we will spill a gallon of yours.”</span></blockquote><p>He <a href="https://www.google.com/search?channel=fen&client=firefox-b-1-d&q=how+many+drops+are+in+a+gallon" target="_blank">upped</a> the ratio: for every one drop of American blood, Trump would take 15,140 drops of the attacker's blood. </p><p>Israel <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/31/dozens-killed-after-israeli-airstrikes-on-gaza-refugee-camp" target="_blank">bombed</a> a Gaza refugee camp to kill a senior Hamas commander:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">At least six airstrikes hit residential areas in the Jabalia refugee
camp on Gaza City’s outskirts on Tuesday, killing more than 50 people
and injuring about 150 people.</span></blockquote><p>A UNICEF spokesperson <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/31/dozens-killed-after-israeli-airstrikes-on-gaza-refugee-camp" target="_blank">said</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">“The numbers are appalling,” said a Unicef spokesperson, James Elder.
“Gaza has become a graveyard for thousands of children. It’s a living
hell for everyone else.”</span></blockquote><p><b>Update 11-1-23: </b>U.S. Senator says there are no limits to Israel's revenge<b>:<br /></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cNaAJF6QEG665pvQPcGG5ENzxh89QE-kfFt0cdVh1eSO77J-7apfTy_qg406Z2KYXpUykUkmLyL5s6tLfqeV5YQL75P8rI6GTPqp4NJ0y47ERtnd5MwPzxN6lhctIm92kz7txDXTO5I52nNYI-BmoxTkLEp9VFyqDas739_tUFEKVT7J58MlGA6isDyn/s1604/Graham%20open%20season%20on%20Palestinians.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="1604" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cNaAJF6QEG665pvQPcGG5ENzxh89QE-kfFt0cdVh1eSO77J-7apfTy_qg406Z2KYXpUykUkmLyL5s6tLfqeV5YQL75P8rI6GTPqp4NJ0y47ERtnd5MwPzxN6lhctIm92kz7txDXTO5I52nNYI-BmoxTkLEp9VFyqDas739_tUFEKVT7J58MlGA6isDyn/w532-h73/Graham%20open%20season%20on%20Palestinians.png" width="532" /></a></div><p> Now <a href="https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2022/3/senators-introduce-resolution-calling-for-war-crimes-accountability" target="_blank">what</a> has Graham said <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-sen-lindsey-graham-holds-news-briefing-on-russia-and-ukraine" target="_blank">about</a> innocent people killed in Ukraine?</p><p><b>Update 11-6-23:</b> Bill Ackman spoke to <i>CNBC</i> about his concerns <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCPWuk1i_Jw&t=12s" target="_blank">regarding</a> speech on Harvard's campus. Jordan's Queen Rania <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd2SB9SQiEg" target="_blank">shared</a> her thoughts about the horrific Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.</p><p>People can protest the killing of innocent civilians and not be pro-terrorist. </p><p><b>Update 11-8-23:</b> The intractable nature of the conflict can be heard in <a href="https://twitter.com/Ian_Fraser/status/1721808353595162950" target="_blank">this video</a>.</p><p><b>Update 1-7-24:</b> Only 15% of Israelis want Netanyahu to stay Prime Minister after the Gaza War <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/only-15-of-israelis-want-netanyahu-to-keep-job-after-gaza-war-poll-finds" target="_blank">ends</a>.</p><p><b>Update 1-14-24:</b> Over 50% of Gaza buildings <a href="https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/over-50-all-buildings-damaged-or-destroyed-gaza-strip" target="_blank">have been</a> damaged or destroyed. That rises to 80% for building-s in North Gaza.</p><p><b>Update 1-18-24:</b> Israeli citizens raising concerns over Gaza deaths <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/13/it-is-a-time-of-witch-hunts-in-israel-teacher-held-in-solitary-confinement-for-posting-concern-about-gaza-deaths" target="_blank">have been</a> jailed.</p><p><b>Update 1-20-24:</b> <i>System Update</i> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnNDEhqIlvE&t=596s" target="_blank">takes on</a> South Africa's genocide claims against Israel in Gaza. <i>Sky News</i> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=154&v=EglOs7Nc3Xo&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com&source_ve_path=MTM5MTE3LDI4NjY2&feature=emb_logo" target="_blank">reported</a> on Catholic Church deaths in Gaza.<br /></p><p><b>Update 1-26-24:</b> The Executive Director of Chatham House <a href="https://twitter.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1750731355858899119" target="_blank">challenged</a> Israel's heavy handed response to the Hamas terrorist attack. How long before some billionaire calls that person anti-Semitic?</p><p><b>Update 3-2-24: </b>The U.S. <a href="https://news.antiwar.com/2024/03/01/us-vetoes-un-resolution-condemning-israel-for-flour-massacre/" target="_blank">vetoed</a> a UN resolution condemning the killing of Gazans seeking aid from food trucks.</p><p><b>Update 3-3-24: </b> The U.S. <a href="https://ca.news.yahoo.com/us-carries-first-airdrop-aid-144115758.html" target="_blank">airdropped</a> food and water into North Gaza.</p><p><b>Update 3-7-24: </b> More deaths in war are caused by the conditions of war, not direct fighting. This long known fact has been ignored by world leaders. Famine, starvation, dehydration....are <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/malnutrition-deaths-reported-hunger-grows-013157361.html" target="_blank">predictable</a>. Yet, no one saw it coming..... This is the horse hockey shoveled onto the masses.</p><p><b>Update 3-14-24: </b> Israel <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/unrwa-attack" target="_blank">attacked</a> an aid station in Rafah, killing people seeking food and water. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-81619483009364795192023-10-08T11:01:00.021-07:002023-10-24T14:25:01.164-07:00U.S. House Leaderless as Israel Wars with Hamas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBda5M_c_2MWEXY-wR6Z4kqU0eJmttirKGBqQ_R76QkeseJcOy0VtyMaSRGxJatOKZR4OL-TOU9cp9gDrwikUG-cJRsRu00DToKoK3pHkk-JAwOO-3gf-1JRq_lDTJQKhup0sURa7cC1O-SChC5Z2vbCu4UMdepjBUkEQS_pILTV26okSBLpnvX2IGlkqa/s960/kids%20in%20the%20house%20speaker%20vacancy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBda5M_c_2MWEXY-wR6Z4kqU0eJmttirKGBqQ_R76QkeseJcOy0VtyMaSRGxJatOKZR4OL-TOU9cp9gDrwikUG-cJRsRu00DToKoK3pHkk-JAwOO-3gf-1JRq_lDTJQKhup0sURa7cC1O-SChC5Z2vbCu4UMdepjBUkEQS_pILTV26okSBLpnvX2IGlkqa/w447-h336/kids%20in%20the%20house%20speaker%20vacancy.jpg" width="447" /></a></div><p>Many U.S. citizens are disgusted by politics. The brief relief from a bipartisan effort to keep the government operational ended when members of the Insane Red Team took out their own Speaker. The Red Team thought they had the weekend to recover from excess emotions that could have resulted in fisticuffs. They didn't get that opportunity. <br /></p><p>Hamas launched a series of deadly attacks from Gaza against Israel. The attack occurred during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah and on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war. Over 900 people are reported dead.<br /></p><p>President Biden declared it a terrorist attack and promised full U.S. support for Israel. </p><p>The President of the Arab League flew to Moscow to update Russian President Vladimir Putin. Saudi Arabia and Qatar blamed Israel for the violence.</p><p>Hundreds are dead and thousands are injured at leaders choose violence, death and destruction as means to accomplish their ends. </p><p>Israel will wipe out Gaza as players in the region pick sides. Last week was sad. Today and the coming week will be tragic and horrific. </p><p>Surely we can do better. </p><p><b>Update 10-13-23:</b> It's been ten days since the Insane division of the political Red Team <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/mccarthy-says-he-thinks-he-will-survive-leadership-challenge-us-house-2023-10-03/" target="_blank">ousted</a> their leader after he did not shut down the government. The clown car <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4253620-mccarthy-speakership-chaos-4-percent-conference/" target="_blank">continues</a> to spin and <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/nominated-house-speaker-steve-scalise-042252544.html" target="_blank">throw out</a> candidates. Meanwhile, Israel asked 1 million people in Gaza to leave the northern portion of the Gaza strip for a pending ground invasion.</p><p><b>Update 10-17-23: </b>Insane Red Jim Jordan is <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/michael-fanone-jim-jordan_n_652e6443e4b0da897ab54049" target="_blank">up for</a> Speaker of the House. Jordan helped plan the January 6th insurrection. </p><p><b>Update 10-18-23:</b> Jordan wants the speakership without delay and is utilizing <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/don-bacon-wife-text-messages-jim-jordan_n_652f77b3e4b03b213b07c3f7" target="_blank">tactics</a> rarely seen since "the Hammer" Tom DeLay served as House Majority Leader. I lived in DeLay's Congressional district for five years.</p><p><b>Update 10-19-23:</b> The next Speakerama continues as Jim Jordan <a href="https://www.salon.com/2023/10/19/jordan-tries-to-back-out-of-vote-after-opponents-face-death-threats-and-intimidation-report/" target="_blank">seeks</a> to cancel vote number three as vote two showed increased opposition. Thug tactics mean the total votes against could rise further in a third vote. </p><p>Jordan wants the third vote back on. </p><p><b>Update 10-21-23:</b> Trump style bullying <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/payback-gop-institutionalists-humiliate-jordan-052033601.html" target="_blank">backfires</a> on Jim Jordan. Can <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/voicemail-republican-wife-jim-jordan-vote_n_65321d8ee4b0eb7cdbc23962" target="_blank">the</a> Insane Red Team <a href="https://time.com/6325727/jim-jordan-loses-speaker-vote-bully/" target="_blank">recover</a>?</p><p><b>Update 10-23-23:</b> An overwhelming 67% of Americans <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/22/americans-house-elect-speaker-poll/71270869007/" target="_blank">say</a> the House should elect a speaker as soon as possible</p><p><b>Update 10-24-23: </b> Speaker candidate #3 pulled out of the race. The Insane Red backdoor government shutdown continues as it enters its fourth week. The <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/22/americans-house-elect-speaker-poll/71270869007/" target="_blank">public</a> is not pleased.</p><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-12814353291790969272023-10-04T12:21:00.006-07:002023-10-18T08:45:17.041-07:00Gaetz Virus Disrupts Brief Bipartisan Treat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0hHx2YHxbe49E-7-XDxpGu31oinuajXfliFKoizIQBl8FIcr_TfhNkRWB_qEiiMYcJfK0TLqESmURWe7AiyaUKojNbdjCIe6UJ1o_NAIHq3wOtC-cpPUzz0L20bCqTQZn3LC7eLdN7HKF0V5y9thzkuFk1urm72gugo6WnA_uARHnbi4aOHdN65zmTe8/s960/Bipartisan%20Petit%20Four%20turned%20bad.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0hHx2YHxbe49E-7-XDxpGu31oinuajXfliFKoizIQBl8FIcr_TfhNkRWB_qEiiMYcJfK0TLqESmURWe7AiyaUKojNbdjCIe6UJ1o_NAIHq3wOtC-cpPUzz0L20bCqTQZn3LC7eLdN7HKF0V5y9thzkuFk1urm72gugo6WnA_uARHnbi4aOHdN65zmTe8/w485-h273/Bipartisan%20Petit%20Four%20turned%20bad.jpg" width="485" /></a></div><br />Americans wanting the warring Red and Blue political parties to work together to solve problems received the briefest of treats when the House of Representatives did not shut down the government, extending funding for 45 more days.<p></p><p>The symbolic petit four lasted but a few days before Rep. Matt Gaetz unleashed his acrimonious norovirus motion to vacate the Speaker of the House. His verbal diarrhea landed in spurts on the House floor. Now the House must be closed for <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/m/bfa7ef54-be50-380c-970c-1ecee8d90253/the-u-s-avoided-a-government.html" target="_blank">cleaning</a>.</p><p><b>Update 10-8-23:</b> The House will reopen....?</p><p><b>Update 10-18-23:</b> The House is yet to reopen as areas around world choose terrorism and violence. The current nominee for House Speaker is a leader of the Jan. 6th insurrection who refused to testify before the committee investigating that disturbing day.<br /></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-66192519612717679822023-10-03T14:52:00.002-07:002023-10-03T14:52:20.279-07:00Insane Reds in House Trash Speaker McCarthy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jH9CUm2d8nMoIuLX9eZ0aTsvyiEBGHqOMpx_Vd1FnWArsGebfDyotIjwix-8gSD6446lgOkhW5st7Vtt4XMOTxyb3biARP3coMjQJBXABCrJ-wX9rokyKSI5z-y_N3uZXlXN11XzEzkNG3qs5c3m659aNBnCczN1XkAY99cKjO8Y6QMkPtwfaziTGUJD/s960/Gatez%20ousts%20McCarthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jH9CUm2d8nMoIuLX9eZ0aTsvyiEBGHqOMpx_Vd1FnWArsGebfDyotIjwix-8gSD6446lgOkhW5st7Vtt4XMOTxyb3biARP3coMjQJBXABCrJ-wX9rokyKSI5z-y_N3uZXlXN11XzEzkNG3qs5c3m659aNBnCczN1XkAY99cKjO8Y6QMkPtwfaziTGUJD/w455-h341/Gatez%20ousts%20McCarthy.jpg" width="455" /></a></div><br />The world is a dumpster fire, at least watching today's action in the U.S. House of Representatives could lead one to believe such a thing. The Insane Red branch of the Republican Party <a href="https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2023-10-03/kevin-mccarthy-speaker-matt-gaetz-house-republicans" target="_blank">moved</a> to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy and they actually succeeded.<p></p><p>The House can do no business on behalf of the American people until it elects a new speaker. The Insane Reds didn't get to shut down all of government but they did the next best thing. They paralyzed the House of Representatives, already behind the clock and under pressure to perform the people's business. </p><p>Former President "Bone Spurs" <a href="https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/trump/2023/10/03/donald-trump-could-save-speaker-kevin-mccarthy-matt-gaetz-seeks-ouster/71042912007/" target="_blank">remained</a> on the sidelines of this fight. He does like to watch when things get particularly gory. </p><p>We'll see what attack dog Matt Gaetz does with his pound of McCarthy flesh. I expect he'll sell it on Ebay. The price will be higher if he takes the time to autograph it. Matt's handlers will have to get it out of his mouth first.<br /></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-72258686751397708412023-09-23T19:46:00.001-07:002023-09-23T19:46:04.110-07:00Insane Reds Seek to Protect Disinformation<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38O6yXPGHvkGr6RcLL9cKWQlO3yum5j2tDMKy-lOeoB9oCKeMkThrJnjdQnlTP-jEllc9NGIdOTIADy-m0j-x99iI2JSnC_9LE_u__ODpclqxpnDlSru9z-mWsci0dvtkxZDpd40mnD442dh-nRltL_AiPuNmCwx-BDJioPwGphZbOFvRHuF-Ea1_Fr6r/s960/Insane%20Reds%20attack%20misinformation%20research.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38O6yXPGHvkGr6RcLL9cKWQlO3yum5j2tDMKy-lOeoB9oCKeMkThrJnjdQnlTP-jEllc9NGIdOTIADy-m0j-x99iI2JSnC_9LE_u__ODpclqxpnDlSru9z-mWsci0dvtkxZDpd40mnD442dh-nRltL_AiPuNmCwx-BDJioPwGphZbOFvRHuF-Ea1_Fr6r/w506-h285/Insane%20Reds%20attack%20misinformation%20research.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>The Insane Reds within the Red political team have their sights <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/09/23/online-misinformation-jim-jordan/" target="_blank">trained</a> on research programs that track and expose disinformation, political and medical. And they're winning, which means our country is losing.<br /><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-29722428403250367122023-09-15T09:14:00.004-07:002023-09-17T12:34:26.180-07:00Vaping Boebert Got Beetlejuiced<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WuSkNJMs0gbAwpDBBw7UsMQZ6Vci7_pJ94zgYqAJs04cN0CMOp_B7j4ZNnBYMOTBHElOz11CCwb9804mBTtSjQSMZatMcTsJo4F8yyf9-AkEfX1Rumj3aLsQmStSqVdYxQVZU039sTEbFkIxZcOIoNS7HhWN3eRGWoOawl-MD3NSgNeK_Q517oANCbcO/s960/Boebert%20vaping%20theater%20Beetlejuiced.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WuSkNJMs0gbAwpDBBw7UsMQZ6Vci7_pJ94zgYqAJs04cN0CMOp_B7j4ZNnBYMOTBHElOz11CCwb9804mBTtSjQSMZatMcTsJo4F8yyf9-AkEfX1Rumj3aLsQmStSqVdYxQVZU039sTEbFkIxZcOIoNS7HhWN3eRGWoOawl-MD3NSgNeK_Q517oANCbcO/w500-h281/Boebert%20vaping%20theater%20Beetlejuiced.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p></p><p>Insane Red Team Lauren Boebert and her date were evicted from a Denver theater for vaping and being disruptive (not following theater rules). Boebert denied she had vaped during the production of Beetlejuice.<br /></p><p>Video <a href="https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/next/next-with-kyle-clark/lauren-boebert-wasnt-telling-the-truth-about-beetlejuice-ejection/73-bc109d37-e9af-415b-aaad-80ca1e8cc5e6" target="_blank">shows</a> Boebert vaping. As one character <a href="https://everydaypower.com/beetlejuice-quotes/" target="_blank">said</a> in the movie:<br /></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">“You have got to take the upper hand in all situations or people, whether they’re dead or alive, will walk all over you.”</span></blockquote><p></p><p>And the upper hand includes bald faced lying. That's Bill Clinton worthy.</p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><b><span>Update 9-16-23: </span></b><span>Boebert</span><b><span> </span></b><span>and her date groped each other <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/16/lauren-boebert-apology-beetlejuice-video" target="_blank">during</a> the play. He is seen fondling her breasts and she has her hand in his crotch. This video didn't lie.</span><b><span></span></b></p><p><b><span>Update 9-17-23: </span></b><span>Fresh off grabbing her date's crotch during a public play for children over ten and adults, Insane Red Boebert <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-youth-summit-lauren-boebert-beetlejuice-christian-values-2023-9" target="_blank">landed</a> a speaking slot at a conservative youth conference. The Texas Youth Summit is based on Judeo-Christian values.<br /></span></p><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-72829641691801405712023-09-02T09:25:00.006-07:002023-09-22T16:32:29.943-07:00CNN on Hunt for Chris/Oliver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEGe1retSMfgR11gQzrAW0OeSQr0nlVz-FW_C9relR78ggVdFD-B0vV-H3U1_iIrPzR3UDNruKcGDwRZUssbc1FE7RiocxMCOrIGKZfwmFLz2sWUqjzUPS-xkeFX_ZRPnCZQM7Of6Ygk5ge0tRsWmdh6z2JUP5J5skI5vYoVCBRTS1XSabs31qVWnirAO/s960/Slide1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEGe1retSMfgR11gQzrAW0OeSQr0nlVz-FW_C9relR78ggVdFD-B0vV-H3U1_iIrPzR3UDNruKcGDwRZUssbc1FE7RiocxMCOrIGKZfwmFLz2sWUqjzUPS-xkeFX_ZRPnCZQM7Of6Ygk5ge0tRsWmdh6z2JUP5J5skI5vYoVCBRTS1XSabs31qVWnirAO/w478-h269/Slide1.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><p></p><p><i>CNN</i> <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/cnn-tours-oliver-anthony-hometown-175515665.html" target="_blank">visited</a> Farmville, Virginia to learn more about internet music sensation Oliver Anthony (Chris Lunsford). They didn't talk with Chris/Oliver directly but spoke with those who've helped the overnight sensation. <br /></p>Nash Osborn, owner of the North Street Press Club, provided the singer
open mic opportunities prior to his breakout hit. Ten days ago Chris
and another guitarist played for nearly an hour to a packed house at Osborne's
restaurant/bar.<p>One thing is clear, Chris is his own man <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDFeu0UWEbxihOo9piYJK7L5VkQNDsf2ev2z0K4DpuaXLmx9hcQkBUC2TqwRf2mYGVcWQjem5GuI9hM6rkWgftzF5_RZdQhizwrKUdGqlI4YQkFw87TGJCW52Rn1z9-zgbsaTumOSfcFPKTZgu-HzrgynzH6GRw-PaNZr2ef-fYbuWXqAu_aquH-h7T6n/s960/Slide2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDFeu0UWEbxihOo9piYJK7L5VkQNDsf2ev2z0K4DpuaXLmx9hcQkBUC2TqwRf2mYGVcWQjem5GuI9hM6rkWgftzF5_RZdQhizwrKUdGqlI4YQkFw87TGJCW52Rn1z9-zgbsaTumOSfcFPKTZgu-HzrgynzH6GRw-PaNZr2ef-fYbuWXqAu_aquH-h7T6n/w490-h276/Slide2.JPG" width="490" /></a></div><p>A round of applause for that.</p><p><b>Disclosure: </b> I grew up in Richmond, Virginia (for whatever that's worth) and worked in Farmville early in my career. I have relatives in the area and celebrated our mother's birthday with a lunch at the North Street Press Room prior to Chris' breaking the internet. I've waited to learn more about the singer before opining and am glad I did. His song resonates with the masses (which titillates the money-changers and power addicts.) I have a feeling Chris will be difficult for them to use. </p><p><b>Update 9-12-23: </b>Chris/Oliver cancelled a concert in Tennessee <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/09/12/oliver-anthony-cancels-cotton-eyed-joe-concert-high-ticket-prices/70830305007/" target="_blank">over</a> ticket prices.<br /></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">Chris/Oliver told fans on social media not to buy tickets to his scheduled concert on
Sept. 27 because they were $90 and $200 for a meet and greet. "That's
not acceptable." "These are supposed to be affordable shows." </span></blockquote><p><b>Update 9-22-23:</b> Chris/Oliver <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/oliver-anthony-signs-agency-uta-1234829339/" target="_blank">signed</a> with a Nashville based agent. <br /></p><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-80787020147908060662023-08-29T19:51:00.039-07:002024-02-22T11:18:12.771-08:00Trump's Amoral Compass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8aOjhCvt9EKthVCZRIWnppzcNiYG5Yl91j7p7DBBcbNYehoJo7jvWOgMKpxAEQM9Rl-kv1rGo5Z2K_Fk55Tv-dC6m3KMLhgX9Ui6V8CfTazgAeE9v2oUMZ6ivUlXSImt_gCExI675ofe63LsVIDc3by4N1NgEesxC7cumwLzbUKBn9MfZHe7blW6v1H3/s960/Slide1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8aOjhCvt9EKthVCZRIWnppzcNiYG5Yl91j7p7DBBcbNYehoJo7jvWOgMKpxAEQM9Rl-kv1rGo5Z2K_Fk55Tv-dC6m3KMLhgX9Ui6V8CfTazgAeE9v2oUMZ6ivUlXSImt_gCExI675ofe63LsVIDc3by4N1NgEesxC7cumwLzbUKBn9MfZHe7blW6v1H3/w453-h340/Slide1.JPG" width="453" /></a></div><p>A number of former Trump confidantes reacted to the former President's mug shot. </p><p><span><span></span></span><span><span></span></span></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan tore into
Donald Trump for his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential
election, slamming the former president as having the <b>“moral compass” of
an “ax murderer.”</b></span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMW7Q9ihVQGMO7qjFk3zSTdfHUqmvWwu3DoYjxMHuUuVar-zI3fM3_YtWTH6C5z7rXU7EX77BDXjCRn7ZLJWzCCwFcfsZ1yxFKaq0pwOZEDu0BXIbftzC98wFgktLBfd6uwrAp3Zs2QqAJnl9VmjYlXFIFbyQqENguTe2_o9Y6EzaHPesTQNnIq1MEWF-l/s960/Slide2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMW7Q9ihVQGMO7qjFk3zSTdfHUqmvWwu3DoYjxMHuUuVar-zI3fM3_YtWTH6C5z7rXU7EX77BDXjCRn7ZLJWzCCwFcfsZ1yxFKaq0pwOZEDu0BXIbftzC98wFgktLBfd6uwrAp3Zs2QqAJnl9VmjYlXFIFbyQqENguTe2_o9Y6EzaHPesTQNnIq1MEWF-l/w469-h352/Slide2.JPG" width="469" /></a></div><p>I'll add "Creep 215" to the mix of characterizations. 215 is Trump's weight class, which makes him a "cruiser-weight" fighter.</p><p><b>Update 9-1-23: </b> Trump's lawyer <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/trump-lawyer-defends-him-saying-032213882.html" target="_blank">spoke</a> of her client's amoral nature, before attempting a correction:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">“He doesn’t do what’s popular or what’s right....”</span></blockquote><p><b>Update 9-12-23:</b> Trump <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/12/trump-privately-discussed-biden-impeachment-with-house-gopers-00115357" target="_blank">has been</a> orchestrating the House impeachment inquiry for President Joe Biden. "Pele" is trying to advance the impeachment ball into the hole and foot wedges don't count.</p><p><b>Update 9-15-23:</b> A Red Team elected official <a href="https://newrepublic.com/post/175561/mitt-romney-reveals-republicans-hate-trump-laughed-behind-back" target="_blank">said</a> of Trump:</p><p><span><span></span></span></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">"[Trump] has none of the qualities you would want in a president, and all of the qualities you wouldn’t.”</span></blockquote><p>Senate Majority Leaders Mitch McConnell <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mitch-mcconnell-told-mitt-romney-that-trump-is-an-idiot-2023-9" target="_blank">called</a> Trump an idiot. A former Trump attorney <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lawyer-donald-trump-not-vote-2024_n_65041afce4b09404e9bfe743" target="_blank">cited</a> his "malignant narcissistic tendency to simply say that he’s never done anything wrong.”</p><p>"Bone Spurs" Trump said Red Team member Mitt Romney <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4202581-trump-gloats-over-romney-retirement-he-did-not-serve-with-distinction/" target="_blank">failed</a> "to serve with distinction."</p><p><b>Update 9-17-23:</b> Cruiser weight Trump lied countless times in a<i> 60 Minutes</i> <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kristen-welker-hosts-disastrous-lie-163142580.html" target="_blank">interview</a> with Kristen Welker.</p><p><b>Update 9-26-23:</b> "Creep 215" turned tin horn dictator with his <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/09/trump-milley-execution-incitement-violence/675435/" target="_blank">assertions</a> the former Joint Chiefs of Staff General Milley deserves to be executed.</p><p><b>Update 9-28-23:</b> People standing behind "Creep 215" as he gave a speech at a nonunion auto parts plant <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/questions-arise-over-trumps-michigan-crowd-after-sign-holder-admissions?via=newsletter&source=CSAMedition&user_emailA=d9245537ea2445c01b2685e012b63a1a&user_emailB=d6fb4cd25c4d83125dff7fd473090a43638b69f4beefbd5074b8e4967bac64c7&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=230928-Cheat%20Sheet%20AM&utm_term=B%20List%20New%20Cheat%20Sheet%20AM" target="_blank">held</a> signs that misrepresented, i.e. lied about their actual status. </p><p>A retired four star general <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/barry-mccaffrey-maga-republicans_n_65153725e4b069463819561c" target="_blank">referred</a> to Trump and his rabid followers as a "lawless cult" and a "parallel to the 1930s in Nazi Germany."</p><p><b>Update 9-29-23:</b> Former Trump advisor John Bolton is <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4226352-bolton-says-hes-concerned-a-second-trump-presidency-would-bring-constitutional-crisis/" target="_blank">concerned</a> a second Trump term would result in a constitutional crisis given Creep 215's pattern of ignoring the law and the U.S. Constitution.</p><p>A Trump ally accidentally referred to the former President as "President Chump." </p><p><b>Update 10-3-23:</b> "Creep 215" took offense at late night <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-late-night-attack_n_651bbb6de4b094f8402183f8" target="_blank">hosts</a> cracking jokes at his expense. President Chump has a glass jaw when it comes to humor. One shot and he crumbles.</p><p>Gen. John Kelly reinforced Trump's villain image with his <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/02/politics/john-kelly-donald-trump-us-service-members-veterans/index.html" target="_blank">assessment</a> of his former boss. It ended with "God help us."</p><p>Trump <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4234676-trump-fundraises-off-fraud-trial-nothing-can-break-me/" target="_blank">believes</a> nothing can break him. I suggest a dedicated supporter calling him "President Chump" might be the crack in the dam. </p><p>Former White House staffer Cassidy Hutchinson <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/02/politics/john-kelly-donald-trump-us-service-members-veterans/index.html" target="_blank">wrote</a> in her book, "Donald Trump is the most grave threat we will face to our democracy in our lifetime, and potentially in American history."</p><p>President Chump <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-electrocution-sharks_n_651a29cce4b094f840214b06" target="_blank">played</a> a solo game of Shark vs. Electrocution during a campaign speech. </p><p><b>Update 10-5-23:</b> President Chump <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/cassidy-hutchinson-trump-food-throwing-kimmel-1234840941/" target="_blank">threw</a> food once or twice a week. </p><p><b>Update 10-6-23:</b> The age of Trump is a horror movie that is quickly <a href="https://www.salon.com/2023/10/05/the-age-of-is-a-horror-movie--weve-reached-the-point-where-the-monster-is-vanquished/" target="_blank">turning</a> into a very dark comedy. I got a belly laugh when his name was mentioned for Speaker of the House. Trump <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mary-trump-new-york-trial_n_651fc851e4b076f0bd0eec13" target="_blank">couldn't</a> do the work. He's not capable. </p><p>Trump <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-shared-nuclear-capabilities-australian-billionaire-1234841521/" target="_blank">did spill</a> nuclear submarine secrets to an Australian billionaire at Mar-a-Lago. The billionaire then told 45 people who told....</p><p><b>Update 10-7-23:</b> Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan <a href="https://www.deseret.com/2023/10/5/23902443/paul-ryan-house-speaker-remarks-utah" target="_blank">said</a> of President Chump:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">"I believe political leaders should strive to be honest, ethical and
moral people and should try to set a standard for the rest of the
country. Donald Trump doesn’t do any of that. He frankly does the
opposite of that. That’s one of the reasons why I think he’s unfit for
office.”</span></blockquote><p><b>Update 10-28-23:</b> The <a href="https://www.salon.com/2023/10/27/the-big-lie-is-expanding-majority-of-now-insist-never-tried-to-overturn/" target="_blank">majority</a> of the Red political team now says Trump never tried to overturn the election. I think its on video folks.</p><p><b>Update 11-1-23: </b><i>HuffPo </i><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/michael-steele-warning-republicans_n_654227b7e4b032ae1c9d6707" target="_blank">reported</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">Former Republican National Committee chair Michael Steele on Tuesday warned Republicans who are failing to denounce violent rhetoric that they’ll eventually become targets, too.<b> </b></span></blockquote><p><b>Update 11-11-23: </b> Billionaire Peter Thiel <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/peter-thiel-trump-2024_n_654ddddee4b0373d70b196d1" target="_blank">had</a> this to say about his past support for Donald Trump:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">“There are a lot of things I got wrong,” he acknowledged. “It was
crazier than I thought. It was more dangerous than I thought. They
couldn’t get the most basic pieces of the government to work. So that
was—I think that part was maybe worse than even my low expectations.”</span></blockquote><p><b>Update 1-11-24:</b> Trump <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-said-stock-market-doing-well-because-leading-in-polls-2024-1" target="_blank">said</a> the sole reason the stock market is doing well is because he is leading in the polls.<br /></p><p><b>Update 2-22-24:</b> Trump daughter in law <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/lara-trump-says-she-thinks-010743094.html" target="_blank">suggested</a> Red Team voters would like their campaign donations to pay the former President's legal bills and judgments. Yes, this is a blatant conflict of interest given Donald is the titular head of the Insane Reds and plan to install Lara as co-chair of the RNC.</p> <p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-61050075910619374582023-08-25T17:27:00.008-07:002023-09-22T16:32:13.455-07:00Oliver/Chris Reveals His Mission<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cv9uMXiY29s?si=jOtes-G5VjPOIxDg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p> A friend encouraged me to wait and not judge the singer or the song "Rich Men North of Richmond." I'm glad I did. </p><p>It's all about the human spirit. I couldn't agree with him more.</p><p><b>Update 8-26-23:</b> Laying in bed early this morning a song ran <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/grant-cardone-asks-politicians-become-205942270.html" target="_blank">through</a> my head:</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">"...'cuz I'm a self-servin', stock tradin' member of Congress..."</span></blockquote><p><b>Update 8-27-23:</b> Oliver <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/25/singer-gop-debate-00113095" target="_blank">added</a> via tweet:<br /></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">“I. Don’t. Support. Either. Side. Politically. Not the left, not the
right. I'm about supporting people and restoring local communities. Now,
go breath some fresh air and relax. Please? :) I’m not worth obsessing
over, I promise. Go spend time with your loved ones.”</span></blockquote><p><b>Update 8-28-23:</b> Blue Team Senator Chris Murphy <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/dem-sen-chris-murphy-rebukes-173920417.html" target="_blank">scolded</a> his party for its negative reaction to Chris/Oliver and his smash hit song. It behooves one to know something before saying something.</p><p><b>Update 9-12-23: </b>Chris/Oliver cancelled a concert in Tennessee <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/09/12/oliver-anthony-cancels-cotton-eyed-joe-concert-high-ticket-prices/70830305007/" target="_blank">over</a> ticket prices.<br /></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;">Chris/Oliver told fans on social media not to buy tickets to his scheduled concert on
Sept. 27 because they were $90 and $200 for a meet and greet. "That's
not acceptable." "These are supposed to be affordable shows." </span></blockquote><p><b>Update 9-22-23:</b> Chris/Oliver <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/oliver-anthony-signs-agency-uta-1234829339/" target="_blank">signed</a> with a Nashville based agent. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787748873617053154.post-6660352396356093452023-08-18T15:44:00.016-07:002023-09-22T16:31:59.164-07:00Oliver Anthony Begins Sharing His Story<p><span dir="auto"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6cJK70gFFakaBNqJFw8ZSeQynsZwoDVK9J1JPdWY_gEk4-uQ3u6uUT_NnlfpgYNbw4giMiFTyvCr2a4VZ9eqBuFrAMgLP0XKDF1e2NHBmbHjoD_7fADt7d0hHNX4Bq9FRolJu4-t9nv9qG-DvdjjVxLN8ATtBunsXJH-SZ-LAOGkEabkFHEGuFsAfPKF/s960/OA%20grandfather%20appalachia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6cJK70gFFakaBNqJFw8ZSeQynsZwoDVK9J1JPdWY_gEk4-uQ3u6uUT_NnlfpgYNbw4giMiFTyvCr2a4VZ9eqBuFrAMgLP0XKDF1e2NHBmbHjoD_7fADt7d0hHNX4Bq9FRolJu4-t9nv9qG-DvdjjVxLN8ATtBunsXJH-SZ-LAOGkEabkFHEGuFsAfPKF/w460-h345/OA%20grandfather%20appalachia.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><br />It's
been difficult as I browse through the 50,000+ messages and emails I've
received in the last week. The stories that have been shared paint a
brutally honest picture. Suicide, addiction, unemployment, anxiety and
depression, hopelessness and the list goes on. <br /><br />I'm sitting in
such a weird place in my life right now. I never wanted to be a full
time musician, much less sit at the top of the iTunes charts. Draven
from RadioWv and I filmed these tunes on my land with the hope that it
may hit 300k views. I still don't quite believe what has went on since
we uploaded that. It's just strange to me. <br /><br />People in the music
industry give me blank stares when I brush off 8 million dollar offers. I
don't want 6 tour buses, 15 tractor trailers and a jet. I don't want to
play stadium shows, I don't want to be in the spotlight. I wrote the
music I wrote because I was suffering with mental health and depression.
These songs have connected with millions of people on such a deep level
because they're being sung by someone feeling the words in the very
moment they were being sung. No editing, no agent, no bullshit. Just
some idiot and his guitar. The style of music that we should have never
gotten away from in the first place. <br /><br />So that being said, I have never taken the time to tell you who I actually am. Here's a formal introduction:<br /><br />My
legal name is Christopher Anthony Lunsford. My grandfather was Oliver
Anthony, and "Oliver Anthony Music" is a dedication not only to him, but
1930's Appalachia where he was born and raised. Dirt floors, seven
kids, hard times. At this point, I'll gladly go by Oliver because
everyone knows me as such. But my friends and family still call me
Chris. You can decide for yourself, either is fine. <br /><br />In 2010, I
dropped out of high school at age 17. I have a GED from Spruce Pine, NC.
I worked multiple plant jobs in Western NC, my last being at the paper
mill in McDowell county. I worked 3rd shift, 6 days a week for $14.50 an
hour in a living hell. In 2013, I had a bad fall at work and fractured
my skull. It forced me to move back home to Virginia. Due to
complications from the injury, it took -me 6 months or so before I could
work again. <br /><br />From 2014 until just a few days ago, I've worked
outside sales in the industrial manufacturing world. My job has taken me
all over Virginia and into the Carolinas, getting to know tens of
thousands of other blue collar workers on job sites and in factories.
Ive spent all day, everyday, for the last 10 years hearing the same
story. People are SO damn tired of being neglected, divided and
manipulated. <br /><br />In 2019, I paid $97,500 for the property and still
owe about $60,000 on it. I am living in a 27' camper with a tarp on the
roof that I got off of craigslist for $750.<br /><br />There's nothing
special about me. I'm not a good musician, I'm not a very good person.
I've spent the last 5 years struggling with mental health and using
alcohol to drown it. I am sad to see the world in the state it's in,
with everyone fighting with each other. I have spent many nights feeling
hopeless, that the greatest country on Earth is quickly fading away.<br /><br />That
being said, I HATE the way the Internet has divided all of us. The
Internet is a parasite, that infects the minds of humans and has their
way with them. Hours wasted, goals forgotten, loved ones sitting in
houses with each other distracted all day by technology made by the
hands of other poor souls in sweat shops in a foreign land. <br /><br />When
is enough, enough? When are we going to fight for what is right again?
MILLIONS have died protecting the liberties we have. Freedom of speech
is such a precious gift. Never in world history has the world had the
freedom it currently does. Don't let them take it away from you. <br /><br />Just
like those once wandering in the desert, we have lost our way from God
and have let false idols distract us and divide us. It's a damn shame.<p></p><p><span dir="auto"><i></i></span></p><blockquote><i>F-acebook</i> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=253673814164061&set=a.252149744316468&type=3&ref=embed_post" target="_blank">message</a> from Oliver Anthony, singer of "Rich Men North of Richmond."</blockquote><p><b>Update 8-19-23: </b> "<span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Nothing terrifies people who only have money <a href="https://twitter.com/texasrunnerDFW/status/1692648806230179947" target="_blank">more</a> than a person who cannot be bought."</span></p><p><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>The Farmville Herald</i> did their part to <a href="https://www.farmvilleherald.com/2023/08/rich-men-north-of-richmond-singer-oliver-anthony-shares-personal-history/" target="_blank">share</a> Chris/Oliver's Facebook posting. </span></p><p><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><b>Update 8-20-23:</b> Chris/Oliver's manager <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/country/oliver-anthony-manager-rich-men-north-of-richmond-interview-exclusive-1235396104/" target="_blank">spoke</a> on his newly famous client. Chris/Oliver sings of the forgotten man and one columnist <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2023/08/20/oliver-anthony-rich-men-north-of-richmond-populist-anthem/70600692007/" target="_blank">encouraged</a> politicians not to ignore that widely shared sentiment.</span></p><p><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><b>Update 8-23-23:</b> Country music radio may or may not welcome Oliver's smash hit. <i>Variety</i> <a href="https://variety.com/2023/music/news/oliver-anthony-country-charts-airplay-rich-men-north-richmond-1235702522/" target="_blank">suggests</a> not, but it gets to song title wrong later in its article, referring to it as </span>“Rich Men Up in Richmond.”</p><p><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Oliver's lived life <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/country/hot-100-leader-oliver-anthony-music-republicans-diversity-comments-1235397225/" target="_blank">has</a> him appreciating the diversity in our country and he lamented its use as a political tool to separate. The man is authentic and it will piss off those lining up to use him. As for those "Rich Men North of Richmond," they are <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/grant-cardone-asks-politicians-become-205942270.html" target="_blank">winning</a>.</span></p><p><b>Update 8-25-23:</b> The "Rich Men" used Chris/Oliver's song as a prop during the Insane Red Team debate. Chris/Oliver said he <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rich-men-north-of-richmond-singer-spoke-out-about-song-at-the-debate-2023-8" target="_blank">found</a> that "funny" and "aggravating" as he'd written the song about them (politicians of all political stripes).</p><p>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/northstreetpressclub/videos/6712075028831512/" target="_blank">video</a> of his performance at the North Street Press Club is worth the listen. </p><p><b></b></p><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>37:08: </b> "And the Republicans and Democrats, Lord I swear they're all just full of crap"
</span></blockquote><p><b>Update 8-28-23:</b> Blue Team Senator Chris Murphy <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/dem-sen-chris-murphy-rebukes-173920417.html" target="_blank">scolded</a>
his party for its negative reaction to Chris/Oliver and his smash hit
song. It behooves one to know something before saying something.</p><p><b>Update 9-22-23:</b> Chris/Oliver <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/oliver-anthony-signs-agency-uta-1234829339/" target="_blank">signed</a> with a Nashville based agent. <br /></p><p></p><span dir="auto"></span><p></p>PEU Report/State of the Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269683860174947542noreply@blogger.com