Shocking, Sudden Passing Of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham!

Ronald 4 Comments

The shocking, sudden passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham at the age of 71 is a reminder that all of us are living in an uncertain circumstance, never knowing what our lifespan is.

An extremely controversial member of the US Senate for 24 years, and before that for 8 years in the US House of Representatives, Graham engendered both scorn and admiration for his engagement in both domestic and foreign policy controversies under five Presidents.

Graham was a close associate of Arizona Senator John McCain and a major critic of Donald Trump, telling America the harsh truth about Trump during the Presidential Election campaign of 2016.

But then, Graham “sold his soul” to Trump, and became what was regarded by many as being Trump’s “lapdog”.

Graham first became controversial when he was one of the leaders pursuing the impeachment of President Bill Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky scandal in the late 1990s.

But Graham also promoted immigration reform until Donald Trump came along and became the worst possible nativist bigot.

So Graham leaves a very mixed and controversial record, as a supporter of Ukraine against Russia, but also a massive supporter of Israel, even during the US-Gaza War that began after the October 7, 2023 Massacre.

Graham also was a major supporter of the present Iran War, which has led to great turmoil in both domestic and international affairs.

Whatever one thought of Graham’s views and policies, everyone could agree that he was an engaging, warm personality, but he faced great criticism over bowing down to Donald Trump, which would have angered his close friend, Senator McCain, who had been constantly attacked by Donald Trump.

“Democratic Socialists” Vs Democratic Party

Ronald 5 Comments

The Democratic Party has brought about in the past century, since Franklin D. Roosevelt onward through Joe Biden, a massive number of major reforms.

The vast number of them came under FDR and the New Deal in the 1930s, and Lyndon B. Johnson and the Great Society in the 1960s, both periods where the Democratic Party had massive majorities in both houses of Congress.

Under other Democratic Presidents, fewer reforms were possible, but there were domestic accomplishments and advancements under Presidents Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.

Now, however, so called “Democratic Socialists” are trying to turn the Democratic Party further to the left, and have succeeded in electing Zohran Mamdani as NYC Mayor and likely will elect Janeese Lewis George as Washington DC Mayor in November.

The best known “Democratic Socialist” is Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who caucuses with the Democratic Party, and is seen by others as a “model”, but is not technically seen as part of this updated “Democratic Socialists”.

Also, there are three members, presently, in the House of Representatives;

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York
Rashida Tlaib of Michigan
Greg Casar of Texas

In the upcoming 120th Congress (2027-2029), the following additions are to be added to the House of Representatives:

Dairaliza Avila Chavalier of New York
Claire Valdez of New York
Melat Kiros of Colorado
Chris Rabb of Pennsylvania

There are others who are termed as “The Squad”, but do not call themselves “Democratic Socialists”, including

Ilhan Omar of Minnesota
Ayanna Presley of Massachusetts
Delia Ramirez of Illinois
Summer Lee of Pennsylvania

The “Democratic Socialists” and “The Squad” membership could be a problem if the Democrats gain the majority in the House of Representatives by only a small margin, as that could interfere with the ability of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York to become the first Black Speaker of the House.

“Democratic Socialists” promote the following:

32 Hour Work Week
Minimum Wage of $30
Medicare For All
High Taxation of the Rich
Housing Reform And Universal Rent Control
Cuts In Military Spending
Opposition to NATO and Aid to Ukraine
Replacement of Capitalism
Hostility To Israel Since Israel-Gaza War

This author and blogger, proud to be a “Progressive”, sees this goals as unrealistic or objectionable.

Lowering the work week to less than 40 hours is possible, and a minimum wage goal over time of $25 seem reasonable.

Movement toward Medicare to cover Americans over 50, and some taxation of the rich is also reasonable.

Housing Reforms including for renters in a moderate way is also reasonable.

Some Cuts in Military Spending, but support of NATO and of Aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia is the proper way for the future.

Capitalism will not be replaced, but could come under greater regulation and controls.

Criticism of Israel, and ending military support of the government due to its actions in Gaza and the West Bank, can occur, but not total hostility to the right of Israel to its own nationhood.

So there is potential for reforms and change, but not to the extreme promoted by the “Democratic Socialists” and “The Squad”.

They will continue to “make noise” as their small number in Congress grows, but the Democratic Party is not going to go as far left as these groups promote, as they are totally unrealistic.

Trump Attack On Smithsonian Institution And National Museum Of American History MUST Be Resisted With Fervor!

Ronald 38 Comments

Donald Trump has declared war on truth and facts, regarding American history, and is attempting to interfere with, and dictate what the Smithsonian Institution, and specifically, the National Museum of American History, portrays to those who visit.

This is seen as a clarion call for action by this lifetime historian of American history, government, and politics, a career of 53 years of classroom teaching; the author of two published books; a presenter of hundreds of adult group lectures; the author of many thousands of published articles; and engaged in this ProgressiveProfessor blog for nearly 18 years.

As a lifetime member of the American Historical Association, and the Organization of American Historians, all those who are scholars or the general public, who care about reporting the whole story of the American past–the good, the bad, and the ugly–must unite in vehement opposition to the attempt to distort and destroy the reality of the American story!

A sanitized version of the American past, which dilutes the role of women, people of color, immigrants, and the entire truth about American government and its leadership and policies–positive and negative–is totally outrageous and is designed to propagandize and promote a white male Christian supremacist version, which must be vigorously opposed with total fervor!

Graham Platner Finally Withdraws, But Leaves Major Problem For Democrats To Overcome Susan Collins!

Ronald 14 Comments

This author and blogger from “Day One” felt uncomfortable and doubtful about Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner.

The gut feeling was that there was something suspicious and disconcerting about him, hard to pinpoint, but the feeling one gets when one meets someone and has a bad vibe about such person, something everyone has with some people they encounter in life.

The revelation of his past shortcomings and disgraceful behavior did not stop Maine Democratic voters from supporting him over Maine Governor Janet Mills, but the new revelations accusing Platner of rape was the turning point, forcing him out of the race.

A key issue was clearly the fact that Janet Mills is 78, and would be the oldest first term elected Senator in history, leaving office after one term in her mid 80s.

The fact that Republican Senator Susan Collins would be 80 years of age herself in six years, made for an unusual situation, as Maine already has the oldest age population of any state, with average age of 45.1, and 23 percent of the population being over the age of 65.

Of course, already, Maine’s other Senator, Independent Angus King is age 82, so would be 86 at the end of his present term in 2030.

Susan Collins has managed to win five terms, more than any Maine Senator in history, and win in a state that is very “Blue” in Presidential elections, and she has always gained the majority of women in Maine.

So the tragic situation with Graham Platner is a major negative for Democrats, as it seems clear that if the Democrats do not win Maine, the chance of them controlling the US Senate in the 120th Congress (2027-2029) will go by the wayside.

With Platner’s announced withdrawal last night, a state convention of 500 delegates will be arranged before the state deadline of July 27.

It is urgent for unity to occur in the aftermath of the Platner disaster, as winning Maine for the Democrats is a priority.

Many Octogenarian US Senators, With Need For Younger Generation Entering The US Senate!

Ronald 6 Comments

It is disturbing that the US Senate now has more Octogenarian members than ever before, even though some are retiring:

Dick Durbin of Illinois
Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire
Mitch McConnell of Kentucky

However, the following Octogenarians remain in the Senate:

Peter Welch of Vermont 79–will reach 80 in May 2027
Ed Markey of Massachusetts 80
Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut 80
Angus King of Maine 82
Jim Risch of Idaho 83
Bernie Sanders of Vermont 84
Chuck Grassley of Iowa 92

Markey and Risch are running for reelection in 2026, while the others come up for reelection in 2028, except King and Sanders who have their seats until 2030.

Interestingly, of these ten Senators listed above, two are Independents (King and Sanders); three are Republicans (McConnell, Risch, Grassley); and the remaining five are Democrats (Durbin, Shaheen, Welch, Markey, Blumenthal).

Also of interest, six of the ten Senators are from New England—Shaheen, Welch, Markey, Blumenthal, King, and Sanders—with that section of the nation having the overall oldest average age population.

It is essential that a younger generation of US Senators are elected to the chamber, and there are many inspiring potential Senators who are in their 30s, 40s, and early 50s, as outlined in this blogger’s entry on June 30, 2026!

Medical Doctors Running For Senate And Governorship

Ronald 2 Comments

Three medical doctors are running for public office, two for the US Senate, and one for a governorship, who have a good opportunity for possible success.

Abdul El-Sayed seems to be the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for the US Senate in Michigan, with the primary occurring on August 4. Senators Bernie Sanders and Chris Van Hollen have endorsed him. Congresswoman Haley Stevens is his primary opponent, backed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Former Michigan Congressman Mike Rogers will be the Republican nominee.

Annie Andrews is the Democratic nominee for the US Senate in South Carolina, challenging Lindsey Graham, who has been in the Senate for 24 years.

Amy Action is the Democratic nominee for Governor in Ohio, challenging billionaire and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to replace Republican Governor Mike DeWine.

All three have a tough race ahead, but if they won, it would represent a challenge to the looney health leadership of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Trump’s Phony Attack On “Communism”, When He Consorts With Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, And Kim Jong Un!

Ronald 64 Comments

Donald Trump is now promoting a new tactic, attacking “Communism”, which to him is being critical of progressives, liberals, and “democratic socialists”, who have won some Congressional seats for the upcoming 120th Congress (2027-2029).

Trump, meanwhile, consorts with “true” Communists, such as Vladimir Putin of Russia, Xi Jinping of China, and Kim Jong Un of North Korea, idealizing their totalitarian bent, and working to model himself after their strategy and tactics.

Trump is preparing to use the old, worn out tactic of promoting a “Red Scare”, as was conducted by Woodrow Wilson Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer from 1919-1921 after World War I, and by Wisconsin Republican Senator Joseph McCarthy, and a whole slew of Republicans and Southern Democrats in Congress from 1950-1954, including Richard Nixon.

These attacks on the Left were designed to scare people into promoting violations of the Bill of Rights, and to promote white supremacist Christianity, by utilizing ignorance and fear of “Communism”, to promote a right wing abuse and violation of the Bill of Rights.

So Trump is using the tactics that his close associate Roy Cohn utilized first with Joseph McCarthy, and now, three quarters of a century later, and nearly fifty years after Roy Cohn’s death, again his ghost is being revived.

Brilliant Messages Of Unity On Semiquincentennial Anniversary By Pope Leo XIV And NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani!

Ronald 1 Comment

At a time when Donald Trump is feverishly working to divide America, on its Semiquincentennial Anniversary, two true “statesmen” spoke of the “better angels” of America, and promoted tolerance and appreciation of the role of immigrants in the success of the American story over 250 years.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, demonstrated how statesmanlike both of them are, and give Americans who care about decency and open mindedness a sense that despite the divisiveness promoted by Donald Trump, that there is hope for revival of the American belief in Democracy and the Rule of Law.

Commemoration Of Bicentennial Anniversary Of Passing Of Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson And John Adams

Ronald 9 Comments

On this Semiquincentennial Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is also notable that it is the Bicentennial Anniversary of the passing of two Founding Fathers, who collaborated on the Declaration of Independence; then became dire political “enemies”; and then reestablished fast friendship by letters until they jointly passed away on July 4, 1826.

Thomas Jefferson passed away early on the 50th Anniversary, and John Adams died in the evening, uttering the statement: “Thomas Jefferson still survives”, not accurate, but an indication of their closeness and collaboration on the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of a new nation.

Interestingly, the 5th President, James Monroe, died on the Fourth of July five years later, in 1831, making three of the first five Presidents and “Founding Fathers”, who died on that most significant national holiday.

On The SemiQuincentennial Anniversary Of America, A Salute To Immigration Which Is The Nation’s Lifeblood Long Term!

Ronald 1 Comment

Here we are, on America’s Semiquincentennial Anniversary, and the immediate thought that comes to mind is that America is what it is today, the greatest experiment in democracy in world history, and so much of it due to IMMIGRATION, from all over the world.

In the past, there was discrimination and prejudice against Irish and German immigrants in the 1840s-1850s; the Jewish and Italian and Polish immigrants in the 1870s-1920s; Asian immigration and Hispanic immigration through most of American history; and Middle Eastern and African immigrants in recent decades.

But through all of the ups and downs of immigration history, it was such immigrants of all stripes and backgrounds who contributed mightily to American progress, and made the nation a better place.

We live in a time of overt racism and nativism, but the nation will, over time, get past this.

When one studies the history of immigration, one finds a primarily “welcoming” attitude overall by Presidents of all political persuasions until the 1880s-1890s; again in the 1920s and early 1930s; and again since the rise of Donald Trump.

The Presidents most negative toward immigration include:

Chester Alan Arthur, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Donald Trump.

Notice with the exception of Grover Cleveland and Woodrow Wilson (who were Democrats), all of the remaining 9 nativist Presidents were Republicans.

At the same time, Republicans, such as Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush were very open minded and tolerant on immigration.

While immigration is a negative right now under Donald Trump, one can be quite assured that in the long run, the role and contributions of immigrants will, once again, triumph in the post Donald Trump years.