American Tragedy

First, they attacked Voting Rights. Governors in southern states then removed millions of people from voter rolls tipping elections in their favor.

Next, they attacked Reproductive Freedom. Now, women in states with restrictive laws are being killed or sterilized when doctors and hospitals refuse to treat their miscarriages.

Next, they led a massive campaign of discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Now, children are being bullied not only by their classmates but also by their state governments.

Next, they attacked IVF. Ask women in Alabama who are trying to start families how that’s working out.

They’re not finished. They have told us what they are going to do next.

- Ban contraception.

- Ban recreational sex.

- End marriage equality.

- Ban the shipment of reproductive medicines across state lines.

- Ban travel across state lines to receive healthcare.

Believe it or not, it will get worse from there. They won’t stop until we are living in a country that looks more like 1789 than 2024.

Be clear. This is the danger that the Republican party represents. It has been taken over by anti-democratic freedom-hating zealots who are determined to enforce their will on the American public.

Put an end to the madness. Vote for Democrats up and down that ballot in every election.

The Republican party in its current form cannot be trusted with authority. They have demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt that they will use their power to do inflict harm and misery on the majority of US citizens.

The State of Affairs

Hunter was falsely accused.

Joe took no money.

The FBI informant is a liar.

The accusations came from Russian intelligence operatives.

Right wing media spread the Russian disinformation vigorously.

Republicans in congress put on a circus based on Russian propaganda.

And because one of my Right-wing friends is likely the mention it, no, the Ukrainian prosecutor was NOT investigating the Bidens. He was fired because he REFUSED to investigate corruption.

If congress wants to have an investigation, let’s focus on those who are spreading lies.

Hunter should consider suing Fox, Jordan, and Comer for $10 billion.

Orchestra Rehearsal

Orchestra Rehearsal

Q: What did the bassoonist, who upon arriving late for rehearsal, hand to the conductor?

A: A grace note.

Q: What did the flirtatious trumpeter give to the attractive new clarinetist?

A: A pickup note.

Q: What did the orchestra manager leave with the boxes of donuts she brought to rehearsal?

A: A whole note.

Q: What do the ladies in the orchestra wear when they’re playing in the key of F Minor?

A: Flats.

Q: What sent the score librarian the hospital?

A: A staff infection.

Q: How did the conductor know that the oboe player was dealing with unresolved issues?

A: She looked diminished.

Q: Why was the tenor disappointed after his date with the rakish soprano?

A: She was augmented.

Q: How did rivals in the viola section settle their argument quickly?

A: It was minor.

Q: Why are there rarely any arguments in the trombone section?

A: They let things slide.

Q: Why did the percussionist break things off with the harp player?

A: Too many strings.

Q: Why was the conductor’s contract extension delayed?

A: It was missing a key signature.

Q: What did the tuba player express in his poetry?

A: Deep thoughts.

Q: Where did the globe-trotting pianist go on vacation?

A: The Ivory Coast

Q: What was the lonely flautist seeking when she invited the guest composer for drinks?

A: A score with stimulating movements.

Q: What instrument inspired envy in the horny French hornist?

A: The cello.

Alexey Navalny

He was poisoned, jailed, and sent to Russia’s harshest prison, all for offering a choice in leadership to a country that has been ruled by a totalitarian for decades. His untimely and tragic end shines a revealing spotlight on those who praise the current Russian president or do his bidding by refusing to send aid to Ukraine.

Rest in peace, Alexey Navalny

An Absurdist Farce

There are two kinds of people, those who fix the problem and those who fix the blame. Republicans in the House of Representatives had a chance to pass legislation that would address the crisis at the southern border. They declined and instead opted to let the problem fester while wasting time impeaching the Secretary of Homeland Security, a cynical political stunt that passed by a one-vote margin. The Secretary was instrumental in authoring the proposed legislation, making it difficult to argue that he had neglected his responsibilities. I trust that the Senate will swiftly relegate this absurdist farce to the outhouse of history.

Border Crisis

How many times has the Right complained about the border, about migrants and caravans, about immigrants bringing in crime and drugs and taking away jobs and freeloading on taxpayer dollars? They talk about it constantly. They call it an invasion. Clearly, they perceive it as a threat. So why, when they had a chance to make the first substantial changes in immigration policy in decades, a bill that gave the Left virtually nothing, no path for DACA citizenship, for instance, did the Right suddenly say, “Oh, just kidding, we really didn’t want to do anything. We just wanted to play games for four months while collecting benefits and salaries at the taxpayers‘ expense. We’re not voting for any border bills this year, even though we demanded one in order to get aid to Ukraine.” I feel sorry for the people of Ukraine who live with mortal danger every day. I feel sorry for the Border Patrol who are struggling to face a huge problem with inadequate resources.  And I feel sorry for Senator James Lankford, who negotiated this deal in good faith only to be thrown under the bus by his own party.