David Kelsen

Category: Politics

  • Trump Speech Fact Check – 071726

    Fact-Check Summary of Key Claims

    Claim-by-Claim Assessment

    Claim What Fact-Checkers Found Assessment
    China interfered in the 2020 election in a way that changed the outcome Intelligence documents discussed Chinese efforts to gather information and potentially influence public opinion. However, publicly released intelligence assessments have not found evidence that China altered vote totals or election results. Not supported by available evidence
    Newly declassified intelligence proves the election was stolen Journalists and analysts who reviewed the released material reported that the documents contain allegations, intelligence reporting, and assessments, but do not establish that fraudulent votes changed the election outcome. Some excerpts were presented without broader context. Not supported
    Intelligence agencies deliberately hid evidence from Trump and the public No publicly available evidence demonstrates a coordinated cover-up. The declassified material itself does not establish such a conspiracy. Unsupported
    Venezuela manipulated U.S. voting machines Election officials, courts, and intelligence agencies have repeatedly examined this claim since 2020 and found no evidence that Venezuelan actors altered U.S. vote counts. False according to available evidence
    Michigan experienced significant voter fraud in 2020 Investigations examined suspicious voter-registration forms but did not conclude that widespread fraudulent voting occurred or that election results were affected. Misleading
    Hundreds of thousands of noncitizens are registered to vote Fact-checkers reported that figures cited were based largely on estimates, database mismatches, or unverified assumptions rather than confirmed illegal registrations. Unsupported / exaggerated
    U.S. elections remain highly vulnerable Election-security experts generally agree that election systems face cybersecurity threats and foreign influence efforts. However, vulnerabilities alone do not demonstrate that election results were successfully altered. Needs important context
    Major TV networks refused to air the speech because of political bias Some networks chose not to carry the speech live on their primary channels, citing editorial concerns about airing unverified election claims. Many still covered or streamed the address. Partly accurate but incomplete

    Detailed Review of Major Claims

    1. China Changed the Outcome of the 2020 Election

    Trump’s Claim

    China conducted a coordinated operation that affected the election outcome.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • U.S. intelligence assessments have concluded that China attempted influence operations, similar to efforts attributed to Russia and Iran.
    • The released documents do not establish that China altered ballots or vote totals.
    • Intelligence agencies distinguish between influencing public opinion and successfully changing election results.

    Verdict

    Unsupported.

    1. The Newly Declassified Documents Prove the Election Was Stolen

    Trump’s Claim

    The recently declassified intelligence files prove the 2020 election was stolen.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • The documents contain intelligence reporting, allegations, leads, and analysis.
    • They do not conclude that fraudulent votes changed the election outcome.
    • Portions of the material remain redacted.

    Verdict

    Not supported by available evidence.

    1. Voting Machines Were Vulnerable

    Trump’s Claim

    Voting systems contained vulnerabilities that could have affected results.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • Security experts acknowledge that no computer system is perfectly secure.
    • Election systems require continual monitoring and improvement.
    • No verified evidence has shown that voting-machine vulnerabilities were exploited to alter certified vote totals in 2020.

    Verdict

    Mostly true regarding vulnerabilities; unsupported regarding claims that the election outcome was changed.

    1. Millions of Noncitizens Are Registered to Vote

    Trump’s Claim

    Large numbers of noncitizens are registered and voting in U.S. elections.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • Voter-registration databases can contain outdated records and require maintenance.
    • Registration irregularities do not necessarily indicate illegal voting.
    • Investigations generally continue to find noncitizen voting to be relatively rare.

    Verdict

    Misleading.

    1. The Intelligence Community Hid Information

    Trump’s Claim

    Federal intelligence agencies concealed critical information from the public.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • The released documents do not independently prove a coordinated cover-up.
    • Intelligence agencies routinely receive conflicting information and assess reliability before reaching conclusions.

    Verdict

    Unsupported.

    1. The Media Ignored the Evidence

    Trump’s Claim

    News organizations largely ignored the evidence presented.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • Some media outlets reported extensively on the released documents.
    • Others questioned whether the documents supported Trump’s conclusions.
    • Whether the evidence was “ignored” is ultimately a subjective judgment.

    Verdict

    Opinion claim; not independently verifiable.

    1. The SAVE America Act Is Necessary Because Elections Are Insecure

    Trump’s Claim

    Election insecurity justifies passage of the SAVE America Act.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • Election-security experts generally agree that election systems can always be improved.
    • Experts generally do not agree that current evidence demonstrates the widespread fraud alleged in the speech.

    Verdict

    Policy opinion based partly on disputed factual claims.

    Economic Claims

    Trump also stated that:

    • Employment is at record highs.
    • Investment is at record levels.
    • Inflation recently experienced its largest monthly decline in years.

    Assessment

    Fact-checkers generally focused more heavily on the election-related claims than the economic claims. Reporting indicated that these statements were broadly tied to current government economic statistics, although critics noted that the language often emphasized the most favorable interpretation of the data.

    Verdict

    Generally based on current economic indicators, though framed favorably.

    Tax Claims: “No Tax on Tips” and “No Tax on Overtime”

    No Tax on Tips

    What the Law Does

    • Allows eligible workers to deduct qualifying tip income from federal income taxes.
    • Tips remain subject to Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes.
    • State income taxes may still apply.
    • The provision is temporary and currently scheduled to expire in 2028 unless extended.
    • Eligibility limits and deduction caps apply.

    Verdict

    Partly true.

    No Tax on Overtime

    What the Law Does

    • Provides a federal income-tax deduction for qualifying overtime pay.
    • Generally applies only to qualifying overtime premiums under federal law.
    • Income limits and deduction caps apply.
    • Social Security and Medicare taxes still apply.
    • Some workers may not qualify due to differences in how their overtime compensation is governed.

    Verdict

    Partly true.

    Overall Assessment of the Tax Claims

    If interpreted as shorthand for tax relief on tips and overtime, the statements are substantially accurate. If interpreted literally as meaning tips and overtime are entirely tax-free, they are inaccurate because significant taxes, limits, and eligibility requirements remain.

    Areas of Broad Agreement

    Not every statement in the speech was disputed. Analysts generally agree that:

    • Foreign governments, including China, Russia, and Iran, attempt to influence American politics through propaganda, cyber activities, and information campaigns.
    • Election systems require ongoing cybersecurity improvements.
    • Declassification can improve public transparency and oversight, although declassification alone does not prove the underlying claims are true.

    Overall Conclusion

    Across major fact-check reviews, a broad consensus emerged on one central point: the speech did not present publicly verifiable evidence that the 2020 election outcome was changed by foreign interference or widespread fraud.

    Fact-checkers generally concluded that many of the speech’s key allegations repeated claims that have been extensively investigated since 2020 without being substantiated by courts, election officials, or publicly released intelligence assessments.

    At the same time, reviewers acknowledged that:

    • Foreign influence operations do occur.
    • Election systems face ongoing security challenges.

    Sources:

    1. PolitiFact (Primary Fact-Check)

    Louis Jacobson and Amy Sherman. “Fact-Checking Trump’s Address on China, 2020 Election.” PolitiFact, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    This is one of the most direct, claim-by-claim fact-checks of the speech. It evaluates Trump’s assertions about Chinese interference, intelligence claims, and election fraud. PolitiFact is a nonpartisan fact-checking organization known for structured ratings of truthfulness. (PolitiFact)

    1. PolitiFact (Live Fact-Check Coverage)

    PolitiFact Staff. “Live Fact-Check: President Donald Trump’s Address on Election Security.” PolitiFact, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    Provides real-time verification during the speech, useful for understanding how claims were evaluated immediately. Complements the more polished post-event analysis. (PolitiFact)

    1. PBS NewsHour (Fact-Check Syndication)

    PolitiFact Staff. “PolitiFact: Live Fact-Checking Trump’s Address from the White House.” PBS NewsHour, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    PBS republishes PolitiFact’s work, adding editorial oversight from a public broadcasting outlet. Generally considered high reliability and low partisan bias. (PBS)

    1. Associated Press (Straight News Reporting)

    Associated Press. “Trump Doubles Down on US Election Attacks in His Primetime Speech.” AP News, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    A neutral, widely trusted wire service report summarizing the speech and noting that claims about election fraud lacked supporting evidence and contradicted prior investigations. (AP News)

    1. Associated Press (Live Updates)

    Associated Press. “The Latest: Trump Delivers Primetime Address to the Nation.” AP News, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    Provides timeline-style reporting and includes reactions from officials and experts, noting that audits and investigations found no widespread fraud. (AP News)

    1. Reuters (Context & Analysis)

    Reuters. “Trump’s Championing of Debunked Vote Conspiracies Casts Shadow Over Midterms.” Reuters, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    Reuters provides global-context reporting, emphasizing expert concern that repeating disproven claims could affect election trust. Highly regarded for fact-based, minimally biased journalism. (Reuters)

    1. Reuters (Media Coverage Decision)

    Reuters. “US Networks Face Dilemma Over Whether to Air Trump’s Election Security Speech.” Reuters, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    Explains why some networks declined to air the speech live, giving context to Trump’s claim of media bias. Useful for evaluating that specific assertion.

    1. CBS News (Mainstream Broadcast Coverage)

    Caitlin Yilek and Joe Walsh. “Trump Gives Primetime Speech on Elections as White House Alleges Chinese Access to Voter Data.” CBS News, July 17, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    Provides broad narrative coverage and summarizes key claims alongside expert responses. Represents mainstream U.S. broadcast journalism.

    1. The Guardian (Live Blog / Reactions)

    The Guardian Staff. “Trump Rehashes Election Claims in Primetime Address – Live Updates.” The Guardian, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    Offers real-time political reaction and international perspective. While slightly more interpretive in tone, it helps capture criticism and political implications. (The Guardian)

    ? How to Use These Sources (Quick Guide)

    • Best for factual accuracy: PolitiFact, AP, Reuters
    • Best for context & reactions: CBS, Guardian
    • Best for media/meta-analysis: Reuters (networks decision article)

    ?? Bottom Line

    Across these sources:

    • Claims about foreign interference changing vote results ? consistently unsupported
    • Claims of widespread fraud ? repeatedly contradicted by audits and investigations
    • Some concerns about election security risks ? valid but often misused without evidence of impact (AP News)

     

     

  • Understanding the Persistence of Belief in Donald Trump’s 2020 Election Victory

    Understanding the Persistence of Belief in Donald Trump’s 2020 Election Victory

    Introduction:
    The 2020 U.S. presidential election was a highly contentious and polarizing event that saw Joe Biden emerge as the victor. However, despite the official results and widespread acceptance of Biden as the winner, a significant number of people still believe that Donald Trump won the election. This essay aims to explore the reasons behind this persistent belief.

    1. Disputed Claims and Legal Challenges:
    One key factor contributing to the belief that Donald Trump won the 2020 election is the series of disputed claims and legal challenges made by his campaign and supporters. Trump and his legal team alleged voter fraud, irregularities, and inconsistencies in the electoral process. These claims, though largely debunked and dismissed by courts and election officials, created doubt and fueled skepticism among Trump’s supporters.

    2. Partisan Media and Echo Chambers:
    The presence of partisan media outlets and social media echo chambers has played a significant role in perpetuating the belief in Trump’s victory. Some media organizations and online platforms have catered to specific ideological biases, amplifying narratives that support the idea of election fraud or a stolen victory. This selective exposure to information reinforces existing beliefs and makes it difficult for alternative viewpoints to penetrate these echo chambers.

    3. Emotional Investment and Identity Politics:
    For many of Trump’s ardent supporters, their belief in his victory is deeply tied to their emotional investment in his presidency and their identification with his political agenda. Trump’s presidency was characterized by a strong cult of personality, with loyal supporters seeing him as a champion of their values and aspirations. Accepting his loss would mean accepting the defeat of their own ideological and personal identification, which can be difficult for individuals to reconcile.

    4. Lack of Trust in Institutions:
    The erosion of trust in institutions, including the media, government bodies, and even the electoral process itself, has contributed to the belief that Trump won the election. Skepticism towards these institutions has been fueled by a variety of factors, such as past instances of corruption, partisan biases, and a general sense of disillusionment. This lack of trust in key institutions has created an environment where alternative narratives can thrive, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

    5. Influence of Conspiracy Theories:
    Conspiracy theories have also played a role in sustaining the belief in Trump’s victory. Various conspiracy theories, such as the “deep state” or “QAnon,” have gained traction among some of Trump’s supporters. These theories often posit complex and unfounded explanations for Trump’s loss, attributing it to a vast, orchestrated plot against him. The allure of conspiracy theories lies in their ability to provide simple, alternative explanations that validate pre-existing beliefs.

    Conclusion:
    While the 2020 presidential election has been widely recognized as a victory for Joe Biden, there remains a subset of people who persistently believe that Donald Trump won. This belief is driven by a combination of disputed claims, partisan media, emotional investment, erosion of trust in institutions, and the influence of conspiracy theories. Understanding these factors can shed light on the persistence of this belief, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

  • The Overton Window Explained (YouTube video)

    An attractive African-American woman explains her version of the Overton Window.

    I absolutely agree with her description of how the Overton Window works.

    In the presentation, however, she uses presumptuous language designed to guide the viewer to a pointed narrative, using the terms “research” and “evidence”.

    Research and evidence are in quotation marks, because there are no references to research or evidence in the clip I watched. Which makes it conjecture and opinion.

    The first red flag for me was a black woman letting white supremacist’s off the hook. I am paraphrasing here but the message is that blaming white nationalists and white supremacists implies a lower level of intelligence (“How to think beyond stage one”), and then stumping for another one of her videos. Smartly done, for sure, but also self ingratiating.

    But when she starts pontificating about gay and trans, the wheels start coming off the message.

    It becomes clear that she is coming from a right-wing, quasi-religious, conservative ideology.

    She implies that trans leads to pedophilia.

    It doesn’t.

    Pedophiles are sick individuals of all sexual persuasions.

    Then we get into socialism = communism, new world order, etc. It gets laughable/pathetic after that.

    Complete right-wing rubbish.

    But convincing propaganda, for some.

    Learn more about Jesus.

    Not whatever version of the bible you’re reading. Not whatever translation or interpretation.

    Jesus may have been a real person.

    But please put this in context.

    The letter J did not exist when Jesus was alive.

     

  • 126 and the 14th amendment blunder

    126 and the 14th amendment blunder

    Regardless of your opinion on election integrity, 126 Republicans, idiotically, violated the 14th Amendment, section 3, of the United States Constitution.

    The barrage of error-filled, poorly written lawsuits against only states Trump lost, collectively represent an attempted coup initiated by Donald John Trump. His intent, admittedly, is to subvert the 2020 general election results.

    Any Senate or House member that submitted or joined an amicus brief, in a purely legal sense, effectively violated their sworn duty to protect the constitution, as I understand it.

    They acted to circumvent or overthrow the law.

    Last I checked, we’re still a country of laws. The Supreme Court confirmed that with their decision to completely blow-off the frivolous, last ditched effort to retain control, launched by the great state of Texas.

    You may have noticed that not one US Senator joined the suit, they were all House members. Oh, and two fictitious states joined, New California and New Nevada…..Really?

    Not one Senator.

    If you’re still convinced there was widespread, systemic fraud, you have the ability to obtain the actual court documents in most of the 50 legal filings, including evidence presented by Rudy Giuliani, Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell and the parade of lawyers Trump hired in his attempt to overturn millions of legal ballots.

    It’s public record. Right now, today you can obtain actual court documents.

    You can decide for yourself if the evidence was credible.

    I implore you to do that.

    Then, please hire the personnel necessary to corroborate and verify the findings. It will take several hours.

    If there was widespread, systemic fraud, was it only in those 5 or so states? If it was widespread and systemic, wouldn’t it be all states?

    YouTube videos, Facebook, Twitter, Parler & Instagram posts are not evidence. Opinions of Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and Tucker Carlson are not evidence. Well produced videos and selective reporting by OAN and Newsmax are not evidence.

    They are propaganda and click bait. It’s about the money for them.

    The Republican party is self-destructing over ratings and currying favor. Over market share.

    They’re not afraid of Trump, physically, personally, they’re afraid of pissing off his base. Losing votes and the funds associated with Trump’s support.

    It’s about the money. Not our money, their money.

  • I figured out Trump, and I’m not angry anymore

    I figured out Trump, and I’m not angry anymore

    Riled beyond belief.

    That was a daily event for me, but then I figured it out.

    Trump’s blatant lies, misinformation campaign, personal attacks, incompetence, prejudice, inability to take responsibility, the list goes on.

    But it’s all part of the plan.

    Or rather, it’s all part of the show.

    Trump will not concede and will continue to be a spectacle. It’s partially narcissism, but mostly customer retention.

    He has a captive audience consisting of 10’s of millions of fervent supporters, who are also active American voters.

    That’s the reason so many Republican politicians also do not officially recognize Biden’s win. Yet.

    Trump’s departure from the White House will be spectacular and a nationally televised event.

    Why?

    Because it’s theater, drama, it’s good TV.

    Do you want to know the secret? What I figured out?

    It’s about the money. It’s always been about the money.

    Trump donates a quarter of his salary, each fiscal quarter and retains $1 as annual income, because it’s illegal for a president of the USA to work for free.

    Fact: Trump is making money from being president.

    Visiting USA politicians and foreign dignitaries stay in Trump hotels and resorts. When he travels, he and his substantial entourage stay at Trump properties, at full pop.

    Political events take place at Trump properties, including at his inauguration.

    In the past, that kind of story would make be blow my top, but not now.

    What do addiction professionals say? The first step is recognizing the problem.

    I recognize that Trump is about the money, and has always been about the money. So are his kids, because they don’t know anything different.

    Everything handed to them, every step of the way. Kinda like Olivia Jade admitting that (to three black women, marketing? just sayin’) she was surprised to learn that she lived in a bubble and discovered recently that she was ‘privileged’.

    Give me a break.

    Well folks, Donald John Trump also lived in a bubble growing up and had everything handed to him. He did not have to “work his way up”. He’s always been the son of an extremely successful New York real estate developer.

    Disclaimer: I am not intimately involved with Trump finance.

    Trump, historically claims, that he built his empire from a small one million dollar loan from his father (which in today’s money is more like 140 million). But that number wasn’t necessarily accurate. Trump got closer to $60 million from his dad.

    This is from foxbusiness

    One of Trump’s greatest tools is irony. He has convinced his supporters that he is fighting the “elites”, when he is the definition of elite. He accuses Biden and Democrats of cheating and stealing the election, while he launches multiple lawsuits, and has the arrogant audacity to tell states to throw out millions of ballots and overturn the election results, just because he wants them to. Which in deed is an actual attempted coup.

    Even before election day, he stated that the Supreme Court would decide the result.

    All part of the masterful spin this guy has been honing his entire life.

    When Trump becomes a civilian again, does anyone, for a second, believe he will not capitalize on his stint in the Presidency?

    Speech engagements, Book and TV deals. Plus the extra added value of Trump properties.

    Anyone?

    Southern District of New York is after him. So what. Those cases are about finance. Fines, whatever.

    He’s going to score big in the AfterMarket.

    His appearances will be in demand for at least the next four years, or longer if he plays his cards right. Which he will!

    It’s a business move.

    Speaking of business, did Donald Trump suffer at all from the tell-all book by his niece Mary? Nobody stopped it from being published. It sold very well. Made headlines all over the world.

    If it was so defamatory, why hasn’t he sued? He sues (or threatens to anyway) everyone else that paints him in a bad light. Proceeds from the book go to a Trump.

    He always promised to treat the Presidency as a business.

    Damn. He did.

     

     

  • Accept it, return to reality, move on

    Accept it, return to reality, move on

    Dear Good People,

    I was not thrilled when Trump won in 2016, but I accepted it, a thing some of you refuse to do today.

    There has been no proof of widespread, systemic voter fraud, despite what some continue to claim, without presenting any formal, credible evidence. Misleading videos by Project Veritas and James O’Keefe are not proof. Errant video clips of unverified people on YouTube are not proof. Memes on facebook and twitter (and now Parler I suppose) are not proof.

    Trump started the “system is rigged” mantra in the 2016 Republican primaries. After losing the Iowa primary, he asserted that Ted Cruz “stole it” (sound familiar).

    He continued to vehemently cast doubt on our election process throughout the 2016 campaign, even arrogantly asserting that if he loses it’s because the election is “rigged”, but then he won the nomination and the presidency. So, by his logic, 2016 was not rigged, right?

    He only claims an election is rigged when he doesn’t like the result, like in 2012, and it continues today. He continues to consistently make these accusations, without presenting any credible evidence, and sadly many of us believe him.

    Presidential Election Table:

    • 2012……..rigged
    • 2016……..not rigged
    • 2020……..rigged

    We’re being swindled by possibly the best conman in US history, a master at manipulating the media he purports to despise. The media he convinced us to distrust, for no other reason than they published an unflattering Trump article or a piece that doesn’t push his narrative, or a favorable poll performance.

    I’m acutely aware that Trump supporters minds will not change. And respectfully, speaking with some of them is like trying to reason with a sandwich. I suppose many of them hold that same sentiment for Biden supporters.

    But that’s not how they refer to Biden’s supporters is it?

    No, Trump supporters have an arsenal of colorful language they use to describe anyone that doesn’t share their view.

    So how far are we going to allow this culture of suspicion and distrust to go?

    There are Republican Secretaries of State publicly stating that there are no indications of widespread, systemic, voter fraud. If we don’t believe them, then Trump has successfully turned the party on itself. Bravo!

    Because the only person in the world anyone can believe is Donald J Trump.

    The entire Trump administration has been chipping away at basic trust of our Democratic process and honest, reputable journalism since 2016, and ushering in the era of “Alternative facts”. Rumor and conspiracy theories have gone nuclear in this age of the internet and social media, and determining what is real, what is authentic, has become increasingly difficult without the added confusion of constant misleading messaging from the White House.

    We can all agree that the system is not perfect, and historically, there have been proven instances of impropriety.  But those are exceptions, not the norm.

    Until there is solid proof that widespread vote tampering has occurred, it’s an unsubstantiated allegation. But if Trump and his administration has been successful in stripping the last morsel of trust between us, then it doesn’t matter, does it? We won’t believe it anyway.

    So brainwashed by anger, fear, prejudice and a constant barrage of mis- and disinformation campaigns. Coupled with an unabashed unwillingness to consider anything other than our own personal opinions.

    The view has been completely skewed, and we don’t want to believe anything we see or hear that opposes it. Awash in a sea of artificially manufactured disbelief.

    So what now?

    What happens when Americans completely lose faith in the instruments that choose our elected officials?

    Anarchy? Is that what you want?

    I don’t.

     

  • Climate Change

    I know, a light subject right?

    Q: is the climate changing?

    A: yes

    Q: how?

    A: It’s getting more extreme, and it’s getting a little warmer.

    Q: should i be concerned?

    A: yes, but more important is being informed. informed on a fact-based level, meaning the details of the thing described are irrefutable.

    • The earth rotated today (we’d all be abundantly aware if it hadn’t).
    • Greenland’s ice sheet is melting faster than anytime in 12,000 years.

    Things like that.

    Conjecture and assertions are not welcome at this point.

    The climate is changing, that is irrefutable (evidence)

    • Global Temperature Rise
    • Ocean warming
    • Shrinking Ice Sheets
    • Glacial Retreat
    • Decreased Snow Cover
    • Sea Level Rise
    • and more…

    So it’s definitely happening. But why?

    I don’t think anyone definitely knows why.

    Did all the exhaust from those carburetor cars from 1886 to somewhere in the 70’s or 80’s help?

    No, they did not, but you knew that.

    reeljerc: “Hey, I surfed River Jettys in Huntington Beach in the early 70’s, when OC companies were using the Santa Ana River has their own personal hazardous waste dump.

    Many a time we came across big brown clumps or whatever the hell it was, while paddling hard to catch set coming in.”

    The earth is really fricking old. Most of us were not around for the first 4 billion years. And while I’m a fan of science, I mean a huge fan, how old things are and what happened during those years is a guess.

    A very good guess, but a guess just the same.

    We, as humans, may have some freaky cellular granular genetic memory thing going on. But we still don’t know what happened before we got here.

    So in the 4 billion years before the arrival of humans, it’s possible similar atmospheric events took place.

    It could very well be that the current atmospheric shift is simply an organic, natural occurrence in the evolution of this planet. And the damage our industrial age inflicted is/was minor.

    But that doesn’t change the undeniable fact that things are going to change. Ice is melting, sea level is rising. The coastlines the planet enjoys today are in flux. We (those of us that are still breathing) may not suffer the imminent changes afoot, but if you have spawn, well…

    Make a plan. Geological changes will happen over the course of many years, with any luck, but it’s still worth figuring out today. It makes sense to have a plan.

    You may have a friend or family member who completely disavows the idea of Climate Change, but probably because this has become a political issue.

    It may be a manufactured political issue, but it’s happening.

    And the carbon emissions we are contributing is not helping. That’s a fact.

    So, why not do something to lessen blow?

    Fossil fuels and coal are finite resources.

    One day, they will be gone.

    Are you thinking to yourself, “won’t happen in my lifetime”?

    What about your grandkids? Not that you care, but here’s the thing;

    If we can improve a most obvious condition, that will only help, not hurt…what’s the deal? Why not?

     

     

     

  • Tired of Trump

    Getting tired of Trump press coverage. 

    understand it.

    SPECTACLE

    American Idol, Housewives of…, Big Brother, Survivor, Kardasians, etc

    spectacle

    When Trump gets called on the inaccuracy of his assertions, he doubles down. He screams it louder. He’s banking on the fact that the American public is too lazy or stupid to fact-check his statements. So far it’s working. Anybody familiar with Romans?

    WAIT

    Let me get this straight, a billionaire real estate developer wants to put an end to the EPA?

    I’m in shock.

  • Presidential Perspective

    Barack Hussein ObamaThere is so much more going on than just the issues. There are issues with the issues. There is an undercurrent of non-public issues flowing through the veins of every American in regard to our president, Barack Hussein Obama. Whether you admit to it or not, a Black president named Barack Hussein Obama, made it to office….Fricking amazing.

    Just the fact that a Black man named Barack Hussein Obama was elected to the presidency should make all Americans proud, unless you’re a white supremiscist. Obviously that doesn’t work for you, but you’re so stupid, who cares?

    You’re so stupid, it never occured to you that a Black Man could ever be considered for the presidency of the United States of America. And after it happened, it was too late. Stupid f***.

    Common Sense takes a giant leap into the abyss.

    Whether you want to admit it or not, it changed the racial landscape in the United States of America, if for no other reason than it empowered a segment of a segment. It built a bridge of hope and validated confidence in all of us, period. The monumental event of an African-American person being elected to the highest office in the United States of America, the most powerful country on earth, resonated with the entire world and opened minds (except those cemented shut by hate and ignorance).

    And what did we learn? That no matter what , there are still nimrods and closed minded curmudgeons determined to realize their own self fulfilling prophecy of self-destruction, and drag as many down with them as they can. I don’t know why people mentally or ideologically shutdown and snuff out any glimmer of a new thought or idea, but it irritates the hell out of me.

    But they’re insignificant anyway right? They’re not here to help, so let’s move on

     

    Political Ideology

    Politicians don’t care if you’re black, white, brown, red, yellow or plaid. They only care about how well you’re doing in the polls. From a racial perspective, that’s actually refreshing. Societally, it’s diasterous.

    Career politicians, as a category, have a conflict of interest. As a career politician, your first allegiance is job security, which means you make decisions that benefit you before your constituency. That’s a problem.

    Time to start taking steps to eliminate “Career Politicians”.

     

    Real Deal

    Everybody’s truth is different. Truth is not facts. I’m looking at it from this perspective; President Barack Hussein Obama is 14 days older than I am. If we went to school together, I’d have played ball with him. We both grew up in the USA and were influenced by many of the same things. Chronologically and emotionally we experienced many of the same things around the same time. Lot of the same shit was going on when shit was going on with us. There’s a common bond there. To deny that is short sighted and ignorant.

    Here’s what I’m asking you to do; put aside your prejudice, pressumption and party affiliation. Own that you’re approximately the same age and grew up in the same time as the man who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, who runs your country and seriously contemplate what you would do in his place. If that doesn’t scare the shit out of you, you’re not being honest, are you?

    You can click off this page, but you can’t click off your conscience ( and if you can, please unfriend me on facebook).

     

  • Please Kill Our Soldiers

    Pastor Terry Jones and Al Qaeda – Same Action, Same Result

    Terry JonesBurn All The Books.  Burning books is good.  Books introduce subversive ideology into the minds of our young. Raid the libraries,  set Barnes & Noble ablaze, Nuke the educational institutions (oh yeah, institution – that’s a bad word, right? Cool.)

    According to statements by Florida preacher Terry Jones, God wants our soldiers to die.  God wants Terry and his army of toothless inanity to enrage the muslim world, whilst our armed forces, our sons and daughters are in the crosshairs, brilliant.

    At least Al Qaeda thought it was brilliant, because it proved to galvanize uneducated, disconnected communities against the west, which serves their purposes very well. I mean really, you know how your flock would react if they learned that muslims down  the street were burning bibles, right?

    General David Petraeus publicly stated that it was a BAD idea.  But don’t listen to him Terry, he’s only in charge and actually has responsibility for our sons, our daughters, our mothers and our fathers fighting in that part of the world.  General Petraeus lives and breathes this issue, day in and day out. You, Terry, on the other hand have responsibility for their souls.  Thank God.  Because you’ve traveled extensively over there and are well aware of the situation, right Terry?

    So for God’s sake, don’t listen to Petraeus.  You have God on your side.

    Were Jesus alive, he’d be standing right next to you, holding his Bic Lighter ready to torch the next copy, because that was his way, right?

    I distinctly remember reading the “Search & Destroy” scripture, the “We’ll all live, after we kill you” scripture, the “Slash each cheek with a bowie knife” scripture.  Sure, those were my favorites.

    Hey, Terry…

    Please don’t consider that your country was actually founded on the freedom of religion, naw, that just weakens your argument.  Besides, your parishioners don’t read that shit anyway (and they’re not the sharpest tools in the shed, but you already knew that, huh Terry).  The constitution was written by a bunch of mutinous malcontents.  Imagine, being forced to follow one particular god, one religion…

    Thank god you’re not bound by such incredulous notions, right Terry?

    Some pinko hippie might suggest that by reading the satan-saturated text, one could learn about a culture that constitutes a large percentage of the world’s population, and use it to one’s advantage, but such aspirations are obviously misguided and obtuse.  (do you need a minute to google “obtuse” Terry?)

    Because someone of your obvious mental superiority and worldly wisdom would surely recognize the far-reaching repercussions of their actions, right?

    Obviously God has a greater plan.  You’ve spoken to him, right?  God is aware that the seemingly innocuous action of setting fire to the tantamount symbol of an immense portion of the world populations belief system won’t negatively affect my cousin in Afghanistan, right.  I can count on you Terry, right?

    Should my cousin direct their amen to God, or you Terry?