Author: Ronald

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.

America Has The Most Corrupt And Abusive Presidency In Its 250 Year History, Undermining The Celebration Of The Semiquincentennial

Ronald 27 Comments

Tomorrow, July 4, is the 250th (Semiquincentennial) Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, establishing a Republic and condemning Monarchy.

Now, tragically, America and the world face the most corrupt, unethical, immoral, and abusive Presidency in its history, with the threats well established of the damages and danger Donald Trump and his sycophants have brought to undermine American domestic and foreign policy.

The revelation of Trump’s unprecedented enrichment as President, more than $2 billion in the first year of his second term, while tens of millions of Americans have lost their health care;

have faced mounting economic hardship;

have confronted pure racism, nativism, misogyny, and promotion of extremist Christian white supremacy nationalism;

have faced arrest and prosecution without the protection of the Bill of Rights;

have faced the danger of illegal obstruction of the upcoming elections for Congress in 2026 and the Presidency in 2028;

faced the undermining of a multitude of government agencies and endangering American democracy, the rule of law, and national security and international alliances;

and so many other violations of law, morals, ethics, and constitutional norms that it is impossible to list all of them in a brief essay.

NO President or his administration comes close to the level of corruption, malfeasance, immorality, and lack of ethics of Donald Trump.

The most corrupt administration before Donald Trump is clearly Richard Nixon.

And there were disgraceful evidence of corruption also in other Presidencies—specifically, in chronological order:

Ulysses S. Grant
Warren G. Harding
Ronald Reagan
George W. Bush

with all of these Presidents being Republicans in party affiliation.

But none of these Presidents, other than Nixon, were so personally involved in scandals, while presiding over them, and therefore, having to be criticized and condemned for the people who served under them who engaged in abuses of power.

Even Richard Nixon, as much as he was horrendous in so many ways, accomplished some major positives, and knew when it was time to resign, and had a Republican Party who forced his hand, unlike the 2026 Republican Party which is unwilling to take action against the abuses and corruption that mounts daily.

This major historical moment, while very much in the midst of negative and horrible events, must be a clarion call for all decent Americans to resist the movement toward Fascism and acceptance of a new Monarchy, which was rejected in 1776, and must be vehemently opposed in very way imaginable in the coming weeks, months, and years!

Israel And Iran Will Cause Massive Political Turmoil In Midterm Elections Of 2026 And Presidential Election Of 2028!

Ronald 19 Comments

Foreign policy will take front stage in the Midterm Elections of 2026 and the Presidential Election of 2028, due to the heightened controversies involving Israel and Iran, with Israel having a controversial effect on the Democratic Party in particular, and Iran having a clearcut effect on the Republican Party in particular.

The decision of the United States and Israel to go to war against Iran, along with the continuing massive loss of life in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian West Bank caused by Israeli policies, will reverberate over the next two years. It likely will have a dramatic impact on not just the 120th Congress (2027-2029), but also on the likely prospects of a multitude of Democratic and Republican Presidential contenders.

Division and tumult regarding the appropriate policies toward both Israel and Iran will provoke major political splits in ways not yet possible to perceive.

One Issue Dealt With Properly By Right Wing Majority Supreme Court: Protection Of Birthright Citizenship!

Ronald 13 Comments

The right wing Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Roberts has created, overall, a disgraceful record in recent years, and has kowtowed to Donald Trump too often, and promoted the concept of a “Unitary Executive”.

But at least on one issue, Birthright Citizenship, the Court by a 6-3 vote (which should have been 9-0)—Chief Justice John Roberts, Associate Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Ketanji Brown Jackson)—upheld the basic right that anyone born on US soil is a citizen at birth, added to the Constitution in the 14th Amendment 160 years ago. However, Kavanaugh based his vote on the concept that Congress could modify the 14th Amendment by legislation, so not a full support of the other five Justices who backed Birthright Citizenship completely as a basic right under the 14th Amendment.

The idea that Donald Trump wants a constitutional amendment to change that basic right is a non starter, as it would require a breaking of the Senate filibuster, and would require a two thirds vote of each house of Congress, followed by three fourths (38 states) to ratify.

It is clear, however, that with the Supreme Court as now constituted, IF and when the Democrats regain Senate control, they must work toward expansion of the Court membership; set up term limits of 18 years for future members of the Court; set up that each future President has two appointments in a four year term, leading in the future over time to constant turnover and change on the Court.

Also, there is need for the promotion of an ethics code, so that we do not see the kind of corruption that has been displayed by Associate Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, which would be banned; and also reform the so called “emergency” or “shadow” docket to limit unsigned or unexplained rulings on pivotal cases, promoting transparency and accountability, sorely needed.

Prospect Of Young Senate Democrats After Midterm Elections Of 2026

Ronald 51 Comments

A “Youth Movement” seems likely after the Midterm Elections of 2026, with the prospect of new and young Democrats joining the US Senate.

If things go well, we could have the following new Democratic or Independent US Senators in their late 30s, 40s, or early 50s:

Alaska–Mary Peltola
Florida–Alex Vindman
Iowa–Josh Turek
Kentucky–Charles Booker
Maine–Graham Platner
Massachusetts–Seth Moulton (if Octogenarian Ed Markey is defeated in September 1 primary)
Michigan–Abdul El-Sayed, Mallory McMorrow, or Haley Stevens after August 4 primary
Minnesota–Peggy Flanagan or Angie Craig after August 11 primary
Montana–Seth Bodnar (Independent)
Nebraska–Dan Osborn (Independent)
New Hampshire–Chris Pappas
South Carolina–Annie Andrews
Texas–James Talarico

In reality, the “best” bets are in Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire, all Democratic states presently–and hopefully, Alaska, Florida, Iowa, and Texas, with possibilities in Montana and Nebraska with Independent contenders. Kentucky and South Carolina are real “long shots” at this point.

Add to this list the following Democratic US Senators who are part of the “Youth Movement”:

Arizona–Ruben Gallego
California–Alex Padilla
Connecticut–Chris Murphy
Georgia–Jon Ossoff, only sitting Democrat running for reelection this year of this “Youth Movement”
Hawaii–Brian Schatz
Michigan–Elissa Slotkin
New Jersey–Andy Kim

Roy Cooper in North Carolina and Sherrod Brown in Ohio are NOT part of the youth movement, but also have a good opportunity to put their states in the Democratic Senate column in November.

Alarming Ignorance And Stupidity Of JD Vance About Richard Nixon: A Danger Sign For A Potential Vance Presidency!

Ronald 2 Comments

It is truly shocking how ignorant and purely stupid Vice President JD Vance is, despite his Ivy League education.

It makes one wonder about his basic knowledge and intelligence, when he makes light of Richard Nixon and the Watergate Scandal, and says it is a series of events that has been overdramatized, and was caused by what he terms “the deep state”.

Trying to sanitize Richard Nixon on the scandal that brought him down is simply an attempt to undermine and trivialize the massive scandals that have occurred under Donald Trump, both in the first term, and now his second term, which make Richard Nixon look, as a “choir boy” by comparison.

Richard Nixon had some real accomplishments in his Presidency, far more than Donald Trump, but his accountability for his scandals that caused his own Republican Party to turn against him a half century ago, sadly are not being repeated by the modern day Republican Party, which is totally sycophantic and submissive in a way that will condemn individual Cabinet Officers, and members of both houses of Congress in the long run of history.

It is very concerning that the possibility exists that JD Vance would NOT follow the same course on counting the electoral vote in the upcoming Presidential Election of 2028 that Mike Pence pursued on January 6, 2021. It endangered his life at the hands of the US Capitol Insurrectionists on that day, insurrectionists which have disgracefully been pardoned for their crimes, a massive abuse of the pardon power of the Presidency.

It should be seen as very worrisome also that one wonders whether JD Vance is aware that Richard Nixon in 1961; Hubert Humphrey in 1969; and Al Gore in 2001, all had to count and verify the votes of the Electoral College where they were the losing candidates in the recent presidential elections, and did so in a distinguished and appropriate manner.

It is also very concerning whether JD Vance is indeed qualified to be Commander in Chief with such lack of historical knowledge, truth, and understanding, as no responsible person should be trying to “whitewash” the Watergate Scandal, which assisted in strengthening American democracy and the rule of law.

Temperamental, Unstable Donald Trump Cancels Ceremony For Bipartisan Housing Legislation, Obsessed With “Fixing” Midterm Elections!

Ronald 78 Comments

Donald Trump has just undermined his own Republican Party, by canceling on Wednesday a ceremony to sign an overwhelmingly bipartisan Housing bill, which would have been a major positive for his party, as the Midterm Elections of 2026 arrive about four months from now.

But instead, the temperamental and unstable occupant of the White House has demanded passage of the so called “Save America Act”, which would, if passed, mandate that all Americans provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering, and present a photo ID when voting, including for absentee ballots.

It would work to end voting by mail, and cause a major expense for millions of voters to have to purchase a passport, or pay for a copy of their birth certificate if one is not readily available.

It also would cause problems for women when they marry, and their name changes, and for rural, younger, and lower income individuals. It is designed to discourage and make voting more difficult.

This proposed legislation has been unable to advance, since it would require a 60 vote threshold to overcome the filibuster tactic, which means members of both political parties would have to agree for such legislation to move forward.

Trump has pressured Senate Majority Leader John Thune to work to end the filibuster tactic, but Thune and other Republicans are concerned that doing so will cause grief in the future when Democrats again control the majority in the US Senate.

Trump wants this legislation enacted to suppress voting, as he is concerned that his party is likely to lose control of at least one chamber of Congress, which is also part of the usual reality of midterm elections, that the party in the White House loses seats and often, control of the majority in one or both houses of Congress.

So there is a stalemate, and it makes clear that Trump does not care about the need for housing legislation, but ironically, even if Trump vetoes the legislation, it would likely pass over his veto, and if it did not, the Republican Party would further suffer in public opinion support.

And if Trump does not sign the legislation, it would become law without his signature in the next week or so.

So this whole controversy demonstrates how crazy Trump has become, undermining his own party.

Supreme Court Majority Abandons Statue Of Liberty Image Of Welcoming Immigrants, Will Carry Shame Of Future Deaths Of Returned Migrants To Dangerous Nations!

Ronald 15 Comments

In a shocking turn of events, the six right wing members of the Supreme Court abandoned the Statue of Liberty image of welcoming immigrants, a basic premise of the American historical tradition, and have allowed the Trump Administration to prevent asylum for 1.3 million people wishing for a better life, and wishing to escape persecution, bloodshed and war in other nations.

Most specifically, the Court’s 6-3 decision in Mullin V Doe will end TPS (Temporary Protected Status) and lead to Haitians and Syrians being forced out of America, people who have not committed crimes, and have established a life of decency and accomplishment in America. Also, nationals from about 10 other nations will eventually face deportation as well.

This will undermine the economy, causing a labor shortage in senior care institutions, hospitals, construction, hotels, agriculture, and many other fields of work, and it is purely based on racism, since Donald Trump is a pure white supremacist, who promotes cruelty and death as his agenda!

The Supreme Court and Donald Trump will carry the shame of future deaths of returned migrants to dangerous nations as part of their historical record, a blot on their reputations, but clearly they have no concern for basic human rights.

The poet Emma Lazarus wrote the famous poem “The New Colossus”, about the Statue of Liberty–“Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor, Your Huddled Masses Yearning To Be Free”, now being repudiated by the majority of the Supreme Court and the Trump Administration.

It is a shame long term on the American historical tradition of freedom and opportunity.

The Growing Optimism About A Democratic Controlled US Senate In The 120th Congress (2027-2029)!

Ronald 5 Comments

We are still a bit more than four months until the Midterm Elections of 2026 take place in the first week of November.

But based on trends and public opinion polls, it is looking more likely that the Democratic Party will gain control of the majority of the US Senate for the 120th Congress (2027-2029).

These estimates are based on the collapsing public opinion polls for Donald Trump, due to the disastrous Iran War and the economic fallout that has occurred as a result.

It is also based on the irrational, unpredictable, and dangerous behavior and utterances of Donald Trump.

The Democrats need to keep their own Senate seats in Georgia, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Minnesota, and all of those seats seem safe, although as of this writing, Michigan and Minnesota have not yet settled contested party primaries, which will take place on August 4 and August 11 respectively.

Beyond defending their own seats, which seems likely, the Democrats now seem clearly ahead in:

North Carolina with former Governor Roy Cooper

Ohio with former Senator Sherrod Brown

Maine with Graham Platner

Alaska with Mary Peltola

Additionally, prospects look good in

Texas with James Talarico

Iowa with Josh Turek

Florida with Alex Vindman

Nebraska with Independent Dan Osborn

Just winning four of these eight races, and retaining the four seats they have, would insure a Democratic majority in the US Senate, and guarantee a changed situation politically for Donald Trump in his last two years in the White House.

Democratic Party In Danger Of Destroying Their Chances Against Republicans!

Ronald 8 Comments

The Democratic Party has the opportunity to advance to a potential majority in both the House of Representatives and the US Senate in the Midterm Elections occurring in a little more than four months from now.

But the victories of “Democratic Socialists” in a number of New York City races for the House of Representatives and the state legislature endangers the ability of New York Governor Kathy Hochul in her Gubernatorial race against right wing Trump supporter Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County Executive, and also endangers the possibility of Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to become Speaker of the House if the party wins the majority in November.

Two newly nominated and certain to be elected women for New York City Congressional seats—Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez– will be a danger to political stability as the upcoming Presidential race begins after the Midterm Elections, and it also undermines Mayor Zohran Mamdani, due to his strong anti Israel stand, which is shared by the two new women who will be in the 120th Congress.

“Democratic Socialists” sounds fine, until one looks at what they propose that is “pie in the sky” and also will only help MAGA Republicans.

They want:

Defund Or Abolish Prisons and the Police

Tax the Rich

Guarantee Free Health Care

End Military Aid to Israel

Expand the Social Safety Net

Raise the Minimum Wage, Shorten Work Week

For this author and blogger, ONLY Expanding the Social Safety Net is reasonable, along with “some” minimum wage increase and “some” taxing the rich.

To suggest Defund or Abolish Prisons and the Police; Guarantee Free Health Care; and End Military Aid to Israel–are all non starters.

These two new Congresswomen will get lots of attention, and become regarded as more extreme than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been perceived, but it will only undermine the Democratic Party as it looks to the long term future beyond Donald Trump.