September 11 2001

Midterm Elections With Presidential Approval Ratings Below 50 Percent

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The history of Midterm Elections and Presidents has, historically, not been a good one for almost all Presidents in modern history,

The one major exception is 1934, two years into the first term of Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his New Deal, when his party gained supermajorities in both houses of the 74th Congress, up from 60 to 75 seats in the US Senate, and up from 309 seats to 333 seats in the House of Representatives.

In the 106th Congress (1999-2001) under Democrat Bill Clinton, his party gained five seats in the House of Representatives, and one seat in the Senate, although the Republicans kept the majority.

And in the 108th Congress (2003-2005), under Republican President George W. Bush, and after September 11, Republicans gained six seats in the House of Representatives, and one seat in the Senate.

Finally, in the 118th Congress (2023-2025) under Democrat Joe Biden, the Democrats actually gained one seat in the Senate, while losing the House of Representatives majority to the Republican opposition.

Otherwise, the party in the White House has suffered major losses in seats, connected particularly with the modern approval ratings of Presidents falling below 50 percent.

So in 1946, under President Harry Truman, the Democrats lost 55 House seats and the majority in both houses.

Lyndon B. Johnson lost 48 seats in 1966; Ronald Reagan lost 26 seats in 1982; Bill Clinton lost 54 seats in 1994, and control of both houses; George W. Bush lost 30 seats in 2006, and control of both houses; Barack Obama lost 64 seats in 2010 and control of the House of Representatives; and Donald Trump lost 42 seats in 2018 and control of the House of Representatives.

King Charles’ Brilliant Speech To Congress Reminded Donald Trump And Republicans Of Basic Principles!

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King Charles’s brilliant speech to Congress yesterday emphasized where Donald Trump and Republicans have gone awry.

In a lofty, historic address, King Charles spoke about:

Checks and Balances, as expressed in the Magna Carta of 1215 and the English Bill of Rights of 1688-1689, expressing the principle that executive power needs to be regulated in a democratic republic, governed by the rule of law.

The importance of preserving the environment, by dealing with climate change for the future, a lifelong commitment begun when Charles was a young prince and heir to the throne.

The significance of the NATO alliance and the defense of Ukraine, calling for continuation of the more than 75 year alliance, and defense of a nation under horrendous attack for more than four years against a nation which threatens European stability.

Additionally, King Charles reminded America that after September 11, the NATO alliance unified behind the US in fighting against the shocking terrorist attack against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The importance of the US-UK relationship was emphasized, even if the two nations have had their differences over specific issues and matters at times.

King Charles also emphasized the need for Christianity to work toward the goal of interfaith tolerance of all religions and peoples around the world, resisting hatred and violence.

King Charles will do well in history for his brilliance in addressing the issues that need to be dealt with by the United States for a secure and stable future for the nation and the world.

The question is, however, whether Donald Trump and the present sycophantic Republican Party in Congress will take the steps needed to insure that future.

Growing Concern About Hegseth Meeting With All Military Leadership In Virginia: Is Its Purpose A Danger To American Democracy?

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There is growing concern about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calling for hundreds of Generals and Admirals around thw world to leave their posts, and all arrive in Quantico, Virginia this coming Tuesday for a meeting, without announced purposes, and now, with President Trump stating he would attend.

This endangers readiness and preparedness for our national defense and national security, and there is the potential threat that enemy nations could attempt a potential attack on this mass group of military leaders from all the military branches being in one location that is known publicly.

It may seem hysterical to some, but the idea that Russia, China, North Korea, or Iran, could coordinate a potential December 7 or September 11 type of attack by drone warfare or otherwise, is not believed by some observers to be outside of possibility.

We must all pray that such a horrendous event, underminining our national security, would never happen, but it is concerning.

There is also the thought that this meeting could be a stepping stone to an isolationist turn in American foreign policy and national defense, toward the concept of “America First”.

This could lead to the feared idea of our militery being turned on Americans in so called “sanctuary cities” and on implementing much greater mass ICE raids on immigrants, and even American citizens, therefore undermining and threatening American democracy itself!

24 Years After September 11: Nation Is Not Safe Under Donald Trump!

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The nation is arriving at the 24th Anniversary of the September 11 World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks by Al Qaeda, and with a sense that the world and the nation are at a difficult and dangerous time.

Donald Trump is undermining American foreign policy, alienating our allies in NATO and in Asia, with his tariffs, and his willingness to see tyrants such as Vladimir Putin in a more friendly manner, despite the Russia-Ukraine War.

Trump has undermined our defense capabilities with his incompetent choice of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense, and Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence.

Trump boasts about our defense and power, but America is not safer with his unstable leadership.

There is a lot to be concerned about regarding safety for the American people and nation in future years under Donald Trump’s Presidency.

Mass Pardons To January 6 Insurrectionists, And Potential Prosecution Of January 6 House Committee Members Beyond The Pale!

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Donald Trump’s declaration that he will give mass pardons to January 6 Insurrectionists at the US Capitol; and his promotion of the prosecution of all of the January 6 House Committee members who investigated and exposed the whole story of that tragic day, is beyond the pale!

It will insure that Donald Trump, already in the bottom five, and in many cases, dead last, in assessments of Presidents by historians, political scientists, and others, will remain solidly last in the rankings of Presidents!

It will stain him for all time with being the most corrupt, most abusive of the rule of law and the Constitution, of any President, and far more than even Richard Nixon.

It will undermine American democracy as we come up to the 250th anniversary of the American Republic!

A poll was taken about giving pardons to the insurrrectionists, and by vast margins, college educated, Democrats, African Americans, Latinos, urban, and young voters are opposed.

It will be a very obscene day when Trump shows that he has no respect for the loss of life and limb, and destruction of property, that occurred on January 6, 2021, one of the darkest days in American history, alongside December 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001!

61st Anniversary Of JFK Assassination: It Still Hurts!

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As I write this blog entry, the time of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy arrives, the most tragic event of my lifetime until September 11, 2001!

A young, vibrant, charismatic, good looking young President, murdered at a time when there was hope and optimism about the future of America.

This is very different than the present sense of pessimism and dread that millions of Americans feel after the nation has put into the White House a man who represents the worst elements of the American experience.

The fact that two women–Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris–who represented the sense of hope and change that Kennedy represented six decades ago, lost to Trump is very much a source of disappointment.

It is not as if John F. Kennedy was perfect or had a perfect rcord in office, but he inspired millions by being the youngest elected President in American history.

And the fact that his nephew, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has so damaged the historical memory of both his father, Robert F. Kennedy, who was also taken from the nation by assassination, and his uncle, by his horrendous and lunatic conspiracy theories about health and medicine, is tragic.

And the fact that RFK Jr. is about to work with Donald Trump in undermining the health care system, makes the anniversary of the JFK Assassination more depressing than ever before.

Kamala Harris MSNBC Interview With Stephanie Ruhle A Homerun On Substance!

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It has been two months since Kamala Harris began her Presidential race, having a late start, and many critics saying she was not being specific on policy, and not agreeing to interviews.

The idea that a new campaign could please all critics overnight was preposterous, and meanwhile, Kamala Harris’s public opinion rating has improved by 16 points in two months, the most since George W. Bush after September 11, 2001!

Harris has been very busy and committed, and has come across as a charming, knowledgeable, intelligent, and very likeable woman, who is surging ahead in polls against Republican nominee Donald Trump, after being ridiculed and underrated by those who thought she should not be the Democratic nominee.

The fact that Harris stayed in the background as Vice President was misunderstood, as no Vice President would be so bold as to try to draw attention away from the President who they serve.

Harris was involved in all policy making and shares the successes of President Joe Biden, and now she has been interviewed on MSNBC by Stephanie Ruhle, a very impressive performance with precise details on her economic plans, and making clear how she is a great alternative to the flailing and incoherent Donald Trump.

Harris has hit a homerun, and anyone who avoids being prejudiced against her because she is a woman and of mixed race Black and Asian Indian ancestry, would have to accept that Harris has proved her mettle, and that she is well qualified for the Oval Office, and will save the nation from the Fascist demagoguery of Donald Trump!

Horrifying Division In America Over The Israel-Gaza Tragedy!

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The shocking Hamas attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip last weekend has caused horrifying division in America over the Israel-Gaza tragedy!

We have seen some young American Jews in law schools and universities denounce Israel, causing a split among American Jews.

We have seen Arab Americans in colleges and universities, and in major American cities, march and demonstrate against American Jews and Israel, and there have been reports of physical assaults by Arab Americans and Israeli supporters against each other, requiring more law enforcement buildup in major urban centers.

There is growing fear of open bloodshed and loss of life occurring as the upcoming invasion of Gaza City by the Israelis begins in the coming days, as Israel has made it clear it will stop at no restraints to destroy Hamas and its terrorist network.

In so doing, Israel may be engaged in the future in violation of international law and basic human rights, and likely to cause massive death and destruction of a captive population which has nowhere to go, and large numbers not supportive of the Hamas terrorism.

Massive loss of life in the Middle East is feared, and already, Israel’s loss of life from the dastardly attack on October 7 and since is the equivalent of 10 September 11’s, as if 30,000 had been killed on September 11, 2001, instead of 3,000!

The war could expand to include all of the nations of the Middle East, including the villainous Iran, and with possible supportive backing by other rivals of the United States and Israel, including Russia and North Korea!

Those who are pessimistic see a gloomy future, and the thoughts of an expanded war make some imagine that we might be on the cusp of World War III!

The Most Historic Turning Point Trial For American Democracy’s Survival!

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American democracy’s survival is the crucial point for all Americans to understand, as Donald Trump, now indicted for the third time, in the most crucial of all cases, will face justice sometime in 2024.

If he fails to be convicted, it will mean that the concept of the rule of law has been destroyed, and it will cause the death of the American experiment two years short of its 250th anniversary in 2026!

If Donald Trump gets away with the abuse of power, what can stop either him or a future authoritarian tyrant from doing it again, and leading to violence, bloodshed, and potential civil war?

America’s place in the world will be compromised if Donald Trump is not convicted, and it will embolden Russia, China, North Korea and Iran to exploit the result, and destroy NATO and our other alliances around the world!

This upcoming trial is one of the crucial moments in American history, alongside the Civil War; the Great Depression; entrance into World War II; the Cuban Missile Crisis; and the September 11 attacks!

Those who continue to defend Donald Trump will go down as villains in American history, their reputations besmirched for a man who has no concerns except for himself!

California Open Senate Seat Requires Having A Senator Who Will Have Longevity!

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Now that it is official that Dianne Feinstein is retiring from the Senate at the end of 2024 at the age of 91, it is urgent that the open Senate seat have a Senator who will have the opportunity to build seniority over time for the Golden State.

So Congresswoman Katie Porter (49), seen as a junior Elizabeth Warren in the sense of copying her strategy and tactics toward corporate monopolies; and Congressman Adam Schiff (62) who has compiled a wonderful record in more than twenty years in the House and was on the committee for the first Donald Trump impeachment trial, should be seen as sensible alternatives.

What is not sensible is that long term Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who has been in the House of Representatives since 1998, and has the distinction of being the only member of either house of Congress to vote against the authorization for use of military force against terrorists resolution (AUMF) after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, be elected to the Senate seat.

The question is why this author feels this way, and the answer is Lee will be past 77 if she took over the seat in January 2025, making her the oldest first Senator in history to have a full term. She has said she would only serve one term, but the concept of electing Lee is just one of ego, as this author sees it.

If however, Feinstein was to retire sooner, it would be perfectly fine for California Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint Barbara Lee to fill the seat, but with the understanding that she would not seek a full term in office.

Lee is a wonderful legislator, but what is needed is the potential of a new US Senator who could gain seniority if reeelected in the future. But my admiration for her as stated in an earlier article on History News Network on March 4, 2022 still stands! And if Lee chose to remain in the House of Representatives, and facing easy reelection every two years, that is perfectly fine!