Trump's "Normal" Address to Congress

Just because for 80 min. one evening Trump decides to ACT normal, the press falls all over him. They overlook this exploitation, this moment of manufactured sympathy (rather than his typical hateful rhetoric) believing that one speech shows he's "pivoted." What they don't do is analyze the substance of the speech which was shallow, discriminatory, and misleading.

Lap Dog

Remember when Prime Minister Tony Blair was President George W. Bush's lap dog? Modern version: Paul Ryan is Trump's lap dog....always wagging his tail and never growling no matter how ridiculous Trump's behavior.

Alternative Facts

Paul Ryan has a heart.

Donald Trump is a member of Mensa.

8 out of 10 Trump supporters won their town's spelling bee.

ISIS has had a decline in recruitment since the ban on Muslims entering the United States.

Trump is leading a book club of White House staffers.

Christians who hate LBGTQ, Muslims, and women have a deep understanding of Jesus's teachings.

Mass shootings are all done by refugees.

Republicans are repealing Obamacare because of its flaws, not because of its name.

Betsy DeVos is a master educator who has a razor sharp grasp of educational philosophies and practices.

Mike Pence donated 10% of his income to the Human Rights Committee.

The Democratic Party has announced a progressive agenda.

Million Women's March

All across the world women came together yesterday to march in protest of Donald Trump's blatantly misogynistic statements about women. Protesting in a peaceable manner is constitutionally sanctioned and a time honored method used to show unified disapproval, yet I see posts disapproving of such protests. This is so curious.

For Americans, if they understand the Constitution and the origins of the creation of this country, to disparage civil demonstration is for them to disparage the rebels during the Revolutionary War, to criticize the Suffragettes, look down upon the marches against the war in Vietnam – protests that changed history. Too often, the years between notable public decries have been beset by lengths of apathy. And in that apathy grew practices that harmed minorities and the middle/lower classes. What I have observed, typically, is people who criticize those who take action, who exercise their rights to protest are the very people who do little to engage in political expression. They do not protest, write letters, make phone calls, run for office, or do much other than complain and criticize.

Trump supporters suggest that protests toward this President are Un-American and disrespectful of the office. There is a very fine, thread thin line between the President and the Presidency, and there were times in history as there is at present when the person holding the title has not earned the respect bestowed upon the office. And respecting a President who displays little courtesy and civility toward the country and civilians is a tough request. Now, people should not stoop to a crass, violent low as they would then risk becoming what they disdain, but critics would do well to distinguish between peaceable assembly and behavior encouraged by this President during his campaign. I would say that the marches today displayed a tone rarely shown by this President.

So, to those who criticize protests and protestors, who disdain peaceable expressions of opposing opinions ....get used to it. To the Fox broadcasters, Piers Morgan, Michael Flynn and others who needed to broadcast their stereotypical 1960's anti-women sentiments, the marches and those who support them just high-fived because you validated the very reason for the protest.

President Trump has mobilized Americans as they have not been mobilized since Vietnam, and here's hoping it is a healthy, sustained protest.