Canary In A Coal Mine

I am sitting here and wondering if there any way that Canadians or other foreign 'Berniecrats' can help support the Brand New Congress (BNC), a movement within the Democratic Party to get grassroots non-establishment non-corporate candidates to shun big money and listen to the people, all of them. We are your closest neighbor, and I believe that Canada and the US will both thrive with a true Liberal Progressive government. I will absolutely not violate any laws or restriction on PAC donations from non-American citizens. I can however donate time and energy - phone banking or getting the word out in other ways. As a Registered Nurse, I am thrilled to see the BNC reaching out to those in the Healthcare field who have seen the problems of the uninsured and underinsured first- hand.

Canada, and much of the allied world, is incensed with the current political climate in the US. Though our elected leaders have to be careful and diplomatic about the words they use, the majority of Canadians chose as their Prime Minister a man with one of the most progressive agendas we have seen on the current political stage. We chose a Populist leader too, but we were very lucky. It is shocking to me that the DNC did not predict this wave of populism, while at the same time it doesn't surprise me at all. The DNC should have paid more attention to what was going on in the 51st State (aka Canada). Justin Trudeau was not an accident, people wanted change. While they are still sorting it all out on the legislature side, no one truly fears our leader and his ability to lead all Canadians, even those who did not want his government.

They stopped listening to the electorate, stopped checking in with their base and were apparently blindsided by the low turnout, anger, and frustration of the people.

I need to find a sort of FAQ with ideas that non-American Progressive advocates can pursue in the hopes of seeing a more decent, honest, informed and worthy candidate in line for the POTUS. I think most Americans will be fixated on having better presidential candidates in the future, regardless of policy or party. Just like the majority of Democrats, I honestly think that voters on both sides were motivated by who they 'didn't like' more than they want to admit at the moment. Buyers remorse will begin to settle in rather quickly when President-elect Trump ignores the very working class that put him in office. He can't bring back jobs that efficient robots have replaced, he will repeal the affordable care act and leave in it's place a gaping vacuum, and he can't force anyone into bringing back foreign assets to be taxed. The Republicans will never punish corporate America or the companies that choose to move their ventures offshore or across borders.

It is going to be brutal for a while and it's going to take some time but we need to move beyond the blame game, it keeps our energy in the past. I am still working through it, it takes time to get over what for many was a shocking outcome. We all need to use our voices to let the DNC know that their reign of elitist corporate puppets is over and the people are ready, able, and willing to take their party and country back from the hands of a man and his Republican Enablers who supported a man who stands for everything and nothing at the same time.

So I ask the corporate media shills, can you see him now?

This horrid election season gives me hope that the DNC and its candidates will smarten up and not allow this to happen again. Superdelegates and the current DNC chosen by the party have to go; they forced Clinton on the voters, not the other way around and that's why they lost. They stopped listening to the electorate, stopped checking in with their base, and were apparently blindsided by the low turnout, anger, and frustration of the people. Progressive got it right all along, and they are still correct in the light of all that's happened.

I am thinking of all my American friends and family constantly, but I have hope that in two years the new Democrats will get this right and begin to flip the House/Senate. In four years the job of the Presidency will be filled by the most popular President America has ever seen, if the DNC does this right. I really believe this will galvanize future voters and generations to take elections more seriously and use their voting privileges regardless of party preference. That is a good thing for a true Democracy. More voices, not less, are needed now and in the future to steer the US in the right direction. The next two years will be a painful cautionary tale, but America will bounce back stronger and better if they learn their lessons and embrace the power of community. Kids growing up today will understand the seriousness of future elections, they have access to information that we never did, they are savvy and will not easily fooled by another hateful conman-in-chief. Just pray and/or protest all decisions that will destroy our climate and environment - that can't be undone. Everything else can be fixed or negotiated. We know better now so we can be better in the future, that is an incredibly important lesson to take away from this election. Bernie Sanders was the "Canary in the Coal Mine" of American politics and the DNC treated him like a joke. Now Americans have a dangerous joke as a president. Way to break America DNC, you couldn't have planned for a worse outcome. So I ask the corporate media shills, CAN YOU SEE HIM NOW?

Calling Out 'Nasty' Behavior

Why That 'Nasty' Comment Got Us All Riled Up

It is the comment heard around the world, the "Nasty Woman"-gate if you will. During the third and final presidential debate, if Mr. Trump had said "That was a nasty dig/comment/thing to say" instead of calling Secretary Clinton a 'nasty woman', this entire nasty incident would be a non-issue.

What makes it an issue is that it is the epitome of who Donald Trump is. What Trump lacks is the basic ability to understand the impact of his choice of words. It is a sign of immaturity. It is a matter of higher understanding to be able to separate an act or comment from the person(s). What he claims is a war on 'political correctness', is actually his lack of interest, after some seventy years on this earth, in the feelings or basic dignity of others.

You can dislike someone's behaviour or actions, you can disagree with a person's politics, that is absolutely essential to the American democratic system. But one of the first things you learn as you develop relationships is that you can be civil, close, kind, and maybe love someone, even if you don't happen to like their behaviour or opinions on certain things. It should be the basis of every marriage, parenting relationship, work environment, government, educational environment, etc.;

When your toddler throws a down on the floor flailing screaming tantrum in the grocery store, you may be righteously pissed or embarrassed or frustrated, but you still love your child. You still can empathise with being a little person who is having a meltdown, maybe because they are frustrated too, or tired, or hungry, or thirsty, or they don't understand what they are experiencing. They are not 'bad' or 'nasty' children, they are acting/saying/behaving in a manner that you dislike greatly in the moment, but as an adult - we can still see the individual as deserving of respect and decency and compassion even. We do our best as parents and remember that we love these people desperately, we want them to be successful and able to moderate their emotions and thrive, we want them to learn compassion and empathy too.

I know Secretary Clinton made a calculated comment in reference to the lack of proof that Mr. Trump has ever paid federal taxes. I wasn't impressed by it, I know the story about Trump's refusal to release his taxes, I know there is serious speculation that a billion dollar loss he took may have allowed him to defer taxes for some 18 years. I don't approve of 'nasty' comments and asides during a debate, they are not relevant and waste time. But it had the desired effect, Trump couldn't help himself. Instead of using that moment to be the bigger person, to be the adult he should be, he attacked her entire person - not her comment, not to refute the claim and explain why it was wrong, not to advance the discussion, Trump attacked her very essence and then tied it to her being a woman. He didn't say "You are a nasty person', he was caught in the moment and it was absolutely candidly Trump, referring to women with particular terms; weak, lacking stamina, ugly, and yes, nasty.

Even if you don't agree with them, they still deserve civil behaviour

The point of all my rambling is thus, when you are seeking public office, and you are trying to represent all your constituents, the people in addition to your party and platform - even if you don't agree with them all they still deserve your respect and civil behaviour, because you are charged with the mantle of representing their views and needs; not your own. So you need to measure your words, they have impact, think of the most famous Presidential remarks in history. Think of moments of crisis, the ability to see people separate from their beliefs or acts is essential for any leader. Seeing civilians in war zones as human, even if their governments or leaders are acting in a way that is meant to provoke the US into a conflict.

In addition, American children are in the process of learning about the American Democracy System. They will be exposed to elections, campaigns, and events that are happening in real time. As future politicians, voters, tax paying citizens - they deserve to see the best examples of campaigns and ideals, ones they can watch without a censor to evaluate it's appropriateness for children. Certain things, world events, disasters are not meant for a child's unprepared consumption, parents understand that they have a job to do. But a child growing up in US needs to be able to have a president they can respect and maybe even admire for their positive attributes, one they can watch undertaking one of the most important jobs in the world.

Trump has no ability to moderate his impulses, he doesn't think before he speaks. It's not about being politically correct, it's about showing others the respect they deserve as human beings. Understanding that there are circumstances where that is very difficult. We may not condone a sexual predator, we may despise his acts, but you understand he is still a person, a person that will hopefully be met with the full force of the judicial system and public scrutiny, be brought to justice, whatever that might mean.

I might add, I felt similar the moment I saw the tape of Hillary Clinton refer to some of Trump's loyal base as a 'Basket of Deplorables'. It was precisely the wrong thing to say because it can be taken out of context by anyone who was leaning towards the former Secretary of State's opponent. It was a poor choice of words to say the least, and not befitting a candidate for President who is hoping to eventually represent all those 'deplorables' if elected. It is also glaring because Clinton is a lawyer.

There are certain inalienable rights that apply to even the most heinous individual

One reason that lawyers in particular may be more successful politically. They learn to carefully consider their words in the courtroom, they learn that there are certain inalienable rights, including constitutional rights, that apply to even the most heinous individuals. That may be a changing trend, I hope it is. Nurses and teachers, engineers and innovators, business moguls and volunteers, everyone who is self-actualised understands that government is meant to represent all the people, and their unique skills and perspectives can only make a good system better, not perfect, just improved.

There is no such thing as perfect. There is only 'better'. You can work to do better next time, to study more, practise harder, to improve; but there is no end marked perfect. You just need to embrace the concept that there will never be a perfect outcome, you do your best, and you learn from the process. Trump needs to go back and be that father in the grocery store with a toddler in meltdown, he needs to go back to learn that it's OK if everyone doesn't think or act exactly as he wants them to, and that's why America is already great.

Opinion: Why I Can't Handle Hillary's 'Baskets' Comment

Maybe it's because my brain works differently than Hillary Clinton's. Maybe someone said it as a joke in Hillary's presence and she picked it up and just blurted it out under pressure, the laugh of a crowd pushing her to exaggerate. Maybe this is a common political term that I had been simply unaware of in my 44 years on this planet. Whatever it is, I have to admit I am a little disgusted and frankly disappointed by Clinton's suggestion that "half of all Trump's supporters are,... a basket of deplorables".

Hillary, it's not the 'worst mistake of the political season' as Donald calls it, his candidacy is the worst mistake, but it's one of your worst. 

I am a nurse, I work with people, I love my work. I have never had two patients alike in all my years of experience. No two people I have ever met had identical experiential, cultural, religious, traditional, or intellectual presentations. Some were openly saying politically incorrect or bigoted things, but I always understood the difference between a nurtured  or commonly held racist views, and I always felt compassion for a persons unfortunate beliefs. I just don't understand, I suppose, anyone's ability to label a group of people in such an ignorant, blanketing way.

I am the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, my Grandfather the only young man to survive amongst almost a dozen siblings, his parents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, entire jewish community of the town; his entire world was buried in a mass grave in what was Poland, in a city renamed. I learned early in life that prejudice and bigotry can lead to the decimation of millions of innocent people. I learned through reading on the Holocaust that even in the ghettos or concentration camps, people were still people, they did what they had to do to survive or they didn't survive, there were kind people, but not all people were kind, nor can I ever judge a single one. Some christians lost their lives for hiding or helping jews, others stood alongside Hitler himself, there is no one-size fits all standard for Christianity.

I just don't understand, I suppose, anyone's ability to label a group of people in such an ignorant, blanketing way.

So when Hillary Clinton, the only woman who is currently capable of keeping an impulsive bigoted misogynistic xenophobic narcissist from taking the office of the President of The United States, says something that is so dismissive of 'half' of the people currently supporting her opponent, I was shocked.  Clinton herself has said "words matter", they do matter, and there was no need to wholesale offend and unify Donald Trump supporters in one fell swoop.

I am aware that Donald J Trump, the current Republican nominee for President, has said and done the following (and a novel's worth more);

• Demanded the first African-American POTUS prove he was 'born in America', while insinuating he was a secret-muslim
• Mexicans are criminals, rapists, and that they are a danger to citizens both bodily and economically
• Called for a ban on 'all Muslims' from entering the United States
• Retweeted offensive materials and compliments from known white supremacists and racists
• Has a history of using derogatory terms to refer to women, has publicly body-shamed a pageant contestant, rating women on their looks
• Insulted a Muslim-American Gold Star family by insinuating the mother didn't speak because perhaps her religion represses her, as opposed to her obvious grief
• Etc.;

I am also aware that at many Trump public rallies there is crystal clear evidence that there are white supremacists, KKK members, anti-hispanic, anti-muslim, bigoted, and racist individuals in attendance. People say atrocious things about Hillary Clinton that specifically take aim at her gender, and nothing else. Chants of 'lock her up' are the norm. There are definitely deplorable individuals within his most ardent supporters.

A President must act in the interests of all Americans, even the deplorable ones, maybe especially the deplorable ones.

So yes Hillary, there may be a number of Trump 'people' who are indeed deplorable human beings, but guess what, there may be a percentage of that group that is sick, by which I mean mentally unstable. There are also some who grew up in an environment where this is a 'learned hatred', as all hatred based on the color of one's skin is learned, they were raised with these beliefs. Others have chosen the radicalize because they feel they are missing something and belonging to this 'group' will fill that 'hole'. Some have been radicalized by tactics I can only imagine, almost a cult-like indoctrination into a hate-group. Some have been raised to believe that politics is a game of sport, you 'root for your guy' and you play to win. Some may honestly have such low IQ, or lack the mental capacity, to question or critically analyze fact from fiction.

So there is rampant ignorance, but I can't help that for the most part, I feel sorry for those who put so much energy into hate. It seems such a waste of human potential, so much time wasted on the wrong priorities. So many children being raised in the same ignorant way. So much work left to be done to root out hatred in all it's forms and expose people to a kinder and gentler way of being in the world. So much work to be done it is often daunting.

But Hillary, you are not helping your party or your campaign when you suggests that all those who act out at Trump rallies or respond to his dog whistle politics are equally deplorable. There is nuance, this is not a binary subject. Yes some of the individuals supporting trump are acting in a deplorable way, that does not make their value as citizens lesser. Statistically, you are equally capable of attracting 'deplorable' people into your party and even right on to your campaign staff. A president must act in the interests of all Americans, even the deplorable ones, maybe especially the deplorable ones. Maybe, just maybe we need to be hopeful that these people see the truth from the lies and vote in their best interests.

Honestly Secretary Clinton, I just expected better from you, but maybe that was my bias showing, I thought you were a better human being. Your 'morning after' attempt to explain that you "grossly exaggerated and didn't mean half" doesn't help me, since you are merely reinforcing the stereotype but ascribing it to fewer people. Maybe what the 'Trump people' are reacting to is something that they find more objectionable than his openly unapologetic ways, maybe in their way of reasoning, there are worse things that a fraudulent BS artist. Maybe the 'worse things' they see have to do with transparency, corruption, and 'short circuited' mis-spoken explanations from a regular human being who is supposed to be intelligent and honest by profession. I frankly don't understand any serious appeal for Trump, he is an ignorant narcissist, but then I have had practice of engaging with a really diverse cross section of the population, and through a habit of curiosity, the world in full. Not everyone is so privileged to have had the safety, security, healthcare, education, economic advantage, and mentors that I have, the opportunities, and the inspired passion for learning.

Maybe I am being too hard on you, Hillary Clinton, many will argue that I am.

Maybe I am being too hard on you, Hillary Clinton, many will argue that I am. Many voices on my Twitter feed are already arguing that you were right on the money, the media reactions biased based on all of Trump's uncalled BS. Some suggest that the criticism is purely sexist, one way or the other. I have written many blog posts where I carefully dissect candidate Trump, a person that brings out my anger in a way that I am uncomfortable with. I rarely criticize you so harshly Hillary, for I see you as the more capable, competent, and sane 'choice' left [if a two-party election represents choice]. You are meant to try to inspire the 'Basket of Deplorables' to want to be better people, to want to learn, to want to trust government, to be politically engaged. If I was running for office that is what I would want to inspire in everyone I possibly could. I just couldn't write off that many Americans with a poorly chosen analogy, they are human beings with potential. Hillary, it's not the 'worst mistake of the political season' as Donald calls it, his candidacy is the worst mistake, but it's one of your worst.

Relax Secretary Clinton, you didn't actually lose a vote here. I don't get to vote, I am Canadian after all.

To Tell The Truth

It has been said that people who tell the truth rarely have difficulty defending their remarks, while those who lie on a regular basis can rarely defend themselves without telling yet more lies. This is as true of a five year-old child who scribbled on the bedroom wall with crayon, as it is of a politician or public figure that makes wildly incendiary statements, then leave the mess behind to be tidied up by their public relations staff or spokespersons.

In the past few weeks we have watched individuals in both the Clinton and Trump camps try to spin public perceptions of comments or data coming out about their candidate.  The difference between the two camps is remarkable in one key way. The Clinton campaign seems to have a united voice, even when addressing some very troubling information, they seem to be on the same page and have plausible, if not appropriate, explanations for their candidates ongoing controversies.

The Trump camp displays the exact opposite to a co-ordinated effort to address the increasingly incendiary remarks coming from the person of Donald J. Trump. Try as they might to explain away his comments, assert that Trump was being sarcastic, or shift the focus of scrutiny back to Trump's opponents, each spokesperson or surrogate seems to have a different take on deciphering Trump's bizarre rhetoric or outright lies. On a regular basis, Trump spokesperson Katrina Pierson is caught in outright lies, revisions of history, and deflections.  Prominent Republicans including Rudy Giuliani and Trump's VP candidate Mike Pence, among others, have participated in efforts to explain Trump's behavior or even suggest that media bias is the true villain.

But if Trump continues to blame the 'crooked' media, to talk about banning whole networks or publications from having access to his campaign, he is only biting the hand that has been feeding him heaps of free advertising for well over a year now.  The moment a media source disagrees with Trump's assertion of facts, or question his inability to stop drawing focus to himself, and in doing so distract from the very real concerns facing his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, he blasts them on Twitter or at one of his many rally stops.  Why telling the truth is so foreign to Trump and his campaign staff is such a challenge, particularly when the candidate himself can't seem to stick to the issues that voters want to focus on, is incongruous with a serious attempt to make a play for Commander in Chief.

Here are the last seven Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump Twitter feed, all posted within the last 12 hours. Each and every Tweet blames the media for misdirecting the conversation away from Hillary Clinton's very real potential conflicts and lack of separation between her role as Secretary of State and the machinations of The Clinton Global Initiative charity. What each tweet fails to recognize in spectacular fashion is that Trump is the reason the focus is being pulled away from Clinton, his actions and behavior are drawing attention, not any particular media bias. It is a case of 'thou doth protest too much, methinks'.

I am not saying in any way that Hillary Clinton is the more truthful of the two candidates, I don't know that to be the case, but what I do know is that Donald J. Trump can't seem to tell the truth from a lie, even when it is a lie he himself is telling. Trump's assertions that he is a non-politically correct, shoot from the hip, truth teller would be perfectly acceptable to his base, if truth had anything to do with what was coming out of the man's mouth or Twitter account. But when a 'truth-teller' seems to have no handle on truth, and no concern for accuracy, no awareness of the right granted under the US Constitution; his claims of media bias simply don't add up.

In the last week, Trump has made wildly untrue accusations about ISIS, complained that the only way he could lose is if the voting stations are rigged against him, he even made crass so-called jokes about 'Second Amendment Solutions' to deal with his political rivals.  The fact that the media has covered these events is not about bias, it is about Trump's loose association with the power of language, the truth, and the seriousness one must have when speaking as a politician on the world stage.  The media didn't suddenly develop a bias, it has been there all along. Trump's complaints about that bias seems rooted in his belief that he is being misrepresented, that others are at fault for his behavior, and that he the media, not his own actions, are shifting focus away from his opponent.

To tell the truth, Mr. Trump, if you want to halt the media in it's tracks, stop being such an outrageous fame-whore and start talking issues. If the Trump campaign could get their act together for even a brief moment, then maybe Hillary Clinton would be forced to deal with the very real issues voters are having with her campaign and it's maneuvering.  As long as Trump turns his anger away from Clinton, and towards the media, he is only making his precarious position in the polls worse, and risking further backlash as one media outlet after another becomes the focus of a Trump attack.

For a man who claims to be a strong winner, a non-insider, a maverick if you will, Trump is all talk, weak excuses, and finger pointing. For a 'tough guy', Trump does an awful lot of whining and complaining about fair treatment. This all tends to lead media and voters alike to question whether Trump is even serious about winning the election, or whether this is just a ridiculous publicity stunt orchestrated to secure Clinton her Presidency, or cement Donald J. Trump as the most ridiculous man to ever have designs on taking public office. I am starting to wonder if both scenarios might be true, simultaneously, and that is my honest truth.

A Reminder For All Feminists

Whatever you think of Hillary Rodham Clinton's politics or person, you have to admit that she has faced the scrutiny and scorn of countless individuals and groups during her time in the public sphere. I don't find her to be a credible or progressive candidate, I find she has a very unique relationship with the truth [to put it mildly], and I abhor some of the behind the scenes arms-length efforts to discredit her every political rival with ruthless precision as opposed to focusing on the issues. No matter my personal position on Hillary, it's undeniable that she has faced unrelenting attacks as either being too aggressive and un-first ladylike, or subjugating her pride as a modern woman in favor of upholding her marriage vows.

The first argument suggests that any woman who wants to hold public office deserves the kind of treatment that so many have gotten away with. The second argument is more puzzling as it is bandied about by so-called Conservative Christians, that Hillary is somehow less of a woman for staying in a marriage with a man who grossly embarrassed her in front of the world when his philandering nature was uncovered. As far as I am concerned, Hillary's personal relationship with her husband is her business and no one has the right to tell her how to conduct herself in the very private and complicated bonds of a marriage. In either case, this one point can be clearly seen in this small 3 minute clip that shows just a tiny sample of the asinine and archaic questions Hillary has faced over the last 30+ years.

I don't care what your politics are, there is no way I could have stayed calm while being compared to fictional characters like 'Lady MacBeth' or being labeled a 'nagging wife'.  So today I want to remind women everywhere, and particularly those who are thinking of a future in the political arena, that feminism means that all women move ahead, the ones we love and the ones that we definitely do not love. The point is that men do not have an exclusive monopoly on 'toughness' and women do not have an exclusive claim to 'gentility'. The most impressive argument I have ever heard for women standing up for all women and the injustices we face daily is in a poem by Melissa Newman-Evans, a piece called "9 Things I Would Like To Tell Every Teenage Girl". I am not going to say anything more, it speaks for itself and I hope that you will overlook a few cuss words and embrace the heart and intention behind this passionate plea.

Bad News for 'Disgusted' Donald

Most normal people have moments where they are generally offended by something gross or disgusting. Let's face it, life is messy. Most parents or pet owners have cleaned up snot and vomit, not to mention other bodily fluids, the whole deal. At some point you have to plug your nose, put on the latex gloves and get to work. While we all have something or other that absolutely sends us into the 'nope' zone, we generally mature past the point of making a public spectacle every time we are put off by an odor, sound, or sight.

After nearly a year of watching Donald Trump tweet, repeat the same speech over and over, and use his incredibly limited vocabulary of 'the best words', one word has come to symbolize everything that is immature, underdeveloped, and quite frankly alarming about this likely narcissistic sociopath. 'The Donald' uses the word 'disgusting' an awful lot when referring to almost any normal bodily functions, particularly as they relate to women's bodies. Here are some prime examples of 'disgusted Donald' being his rude, self-centered, and sexist self using his most favorite word.

In December of 2015, Trump referred to rival Hillary Clinton's seconds late return to the debate stage after an apparent restroom break 'disgusting'. To a group of adoring approximately 7,500 supporters he said in an almost sing-song voice, "I know where she went -- it's disgusting, I don't want to talk about it." Affecting a look of mock-horror, as the crowd laughed and cheered, Trump continued,  "no, it's too disgusting. Don't say it, it's disgusting."[1]  I am not sure most actual children would say something quite so childish about something as simple as a bathroom break. I defy Donald to try to rush in a restroom break while wearing a pair of Spanx, if you have never worn a pair, it is rather like trying to escape from a straitjacket while suspended over a water tank, as a clock ticks down. In this particular case, I am definitely 'with her'.

This is hardly his most noteworthy use of his favorite word. In 2011, Trump famously called a female lawyer 'disgusting' when she asked for a brief pre-approved break during his deposition. Trump's lawyers had objected to the request. It seems Trump was once again in court facing claims of defrauding investors, when opposing counsel, Elizabeth Beck asked the court for a medical break. Facing this objection, Beck, a breastfeeding mother of a 3-month old infant, took out her breast pump to show the urgency of the situation, one many women can well relate to, particularly in the workplace. Trump's reaction was off the charts, even for him. Beck recalled the incident for an interview on CNN this year, “[Trump] got up, his face got red, he shook his finger at me and he screamed, ‘You’re disgusting, you’re disgusting,’ and he ran out of there”. This from a man that continually asserts that in his organization, women are equally respected and valued for their contributions. Beck referred to Trump's behavior “an absolute meltdown.” Trump's lawyers have agreed with Beck's recollections of the event. [2]

Women aren't the only target of the 'disgusting' label, as Trump made glaringly clear when describing his Republican opponent, Ohio governor John Kasich, in the primaries. In April 2016, having been photographed and interviewed while at several eateries during his campaign stops, Kasich often was seen eating meal after meal. Trump must not have appreciated anyone else being in the spotlight when he opined to an encouraging crowd "I have never seen a human being eat in such a disgusting fashion." The Donald decided us simple folk needed context for his rather below-the-belt attack adding "This guy takes a pancake and he's shoving it in his mouth. It's disgusting. Do you want that for your president? I don't think so. I don't think so. Honestly, it's disgusting." [3]

This is apparently a catch-all term from the Trumpster, as he has painted everything from his media coverage [4], the fatal police shootings of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling [5], and a protester at one of his rally stops [6] as disgusting. Trump seems incapable of nuanced descriptions, seemingly equating the way a man eats with the filmed aftermath of a tragic police shooting. It becomes utterly clear that Trump's language, behavior, and blatant bullying are not just signs of being a 'tell it like it is' straight-shooter, but rather a man incapable of weighing the relative gravity of events while being completely devoid of any sign of human empathy.

Far from an ideal parental role model, Trump's two eldest sons seem to be following right along in their father's inflammatory footprints. Donald Trump Jr. seems particularly disposed to using his father's most favorite of adjectives. In May of this year, Donnie Jr. was in downtown Vancouver, Canada while promoting the highly controversial 'Trump International Hotel and Tower'. Several politicians as well as local residents in the region have openly railed against Donald Trump, calling him a racist, and demanding his name be removed from the development. Donald the younger responded in the most Trump-like way possible, by suggesting the Mayor of the city and members of local city council "should be disgusted by themselves”. Trump Jr. did admit that his father's views are controversial, but doubled down on his wordsmithing by adding “to throw it out there like that, it’s a shame. And it’s disgusting.”[7]

If Donald J. Trump is disgusted by the mere idea of a woman having to use a restroom, he has another think coming. The joke's on Trump it seems, currently many of Trump's fellow Republicans are absolutely obsessed with the topic of public restrooms. Specifically, many GOP conservatives are hell bent on not allowing transgender citizens to freely choose the restroom that they feel most comfortable using. Cries of pedophilia and grown men throwing on a dress and being in bathrooms with little girls are preposterous and statistically non-existent. What we do know is that the GOP seems less concerned with actual facts about pedophilia or the abuse of minors, particularly among its own members, than it does for actually keeping children safe [8]. There is going to be a lot of 'potty talk' around Mr. Trump if he remains the Republican nominee for President. Somebody get that poor delicate turmeric-tinted man a few dozen boxes of latex gloves and a nose plug, and while you are at it, get me some ear plugs. 

Dragonette Talked Me Into It: I'm With Her (I Guess)

I have a number of issues with the slogan "I'm With Her". First, in a largely two-party system, almost everyone is either with the Blue Team or the Red Team. Hillary Clinton is currently with the Purple Team. Also, when you are trying to stop a Neo-Fascist Egomaniac from taking office in any capacity, millions are adding the silent "I Guess" to the end of the slogan. It also seems to be written to give women, the same women who are still not earning equal wages, the guilt trip about daring to vote for anyone other than a 'Her'. Let me be clear, it is long past time that women should have to justify voting for a not 'Her', particularly if the "Her" is a problematic candidate to say the least.

I have a brain that easily gets pulled in tangential thinking. It might start with an image or a voice, something I read, 10 steps later I find myself rushing to sample music the moment some random lyric comes to mind. You know what they say about those songs that get stuck in your head and drive you up one wall and down another. I know if I don't make a point of jotting it down, it may be lost again for a while. Today I caught a whisper of 'I Get Around' by Dragonette.

Dragonette hails from my hometown in Toronto, and have some brilliant electronic music. Their first studio album Galore lent itself to some of my favorite remixes. One in particular is featured below, a digital download remix by Australia's Midnight Juggernauts. The 2007 remix is pure pop and fun, but the song is actually about a woman who 'gets around', unapologetic and comfortable with her sexualtiy, but clearly suggests that she will "say yes when I ought to say no". All I can say is girl, you do you, be safe, you are my sister. I doubt Dragonette ever imagined that this particular song would inspire this response, or if they would even agree to my interpretation of it.

The lyrics that made me finally say "I'm With Her" (I guess) are all through this catchy tune. But in particular, the following;

The radio alarm clock is set for soon, I know your friends and you know mine too. You don't tell on me, I won't tell on you. I get around

Put a little lipstick back on my face. Blow a little kiss to you from the doorway. Walk the hall right past the staircase. Here I come when I better go.

I say "Yes" when I ought to say "No"

I say "Yes" when I ought to say "No"

I say "Yes"

I say "Yes"

I say "Yes"

I say "Yes"

I say "Yes"

Say "Yes"

Say "Yeah"

Allow me to explain. I am not an American citizen, I am not voting in your election, I can't. But if I could, if I had to face the reality of explaining to my child why America allowed Donald J. Trump to become President, I would go and get in line to cast my vote for "Not Donald Trump". Unfortunately, that means electing someone who hardly walks the walk of a Progressive Democrat. That is a hard call for those that do have a vote to cast.

Hillary Clinton, the time has come, the alarm clock is ticking. I know what nasty, unethical, and illegal things some of your 'friends' have done, and you know what the Progressives and Bernie supporters are willing to do to get the right people into office, those are my friends. If you screw Bernie Sanders over, there will be a revolution like you have never seen, if you do the right things by the American people, all of them, even the one who didn't fund your campaign, then we will give you a chance to prove us wrong. 

Historically, a woman putting on her lipstick was her way of saying "this woman is ready to face the world, bring it on". But lipstick isn't just for the gals anymore, anyone can work it. So I am ready to put on my metaphorical lipstick, my kiss from the doorway is my promise to never let Trump win this election if I have any power to stop him, my promise to future generations never to let this piece of history repeat itself.

So I say "Yes" to her I guess, just like in the song, when I ought to say no. When my heart isn't really with "Her", when my trust isn't with "Her" either. I say yes, yeah, I suppose. Because I do not believe Hillary Clinton is a psychopath, because I do not believe she is evil or a racist, and I do not believe every ridiculous conspiracy aimed at her by her Republican opponents. But I do believe she has been so focused on becoming the POTUS, particularly since her 2008 failure to secure the nomination, that she has used every legal and illegal loophole to fund her campaign and that her absolute resolve to become the Democratic Candidate has meant a huge slide towards a centrist agenda and willfully (with the help of 'friends') orchestrating the elimination of any challenger. This is well documented fact, as we learned from the Wikileaks bombshell last weekend, and can be seen in the way Clinton has funded her campaign. We all know where this is headed. So a song has talked me into putting on my big girl pants and fighting for 'Not Trump', which means I say "Yes" even when everything in my being is screaming "No". Wake me up when November comes.

Trump vs Clinton: A Democratic Disaster

Myles Dyer breaks down the "Democratic Disaster" that is the current political scene in America. This is a must-watch video that will give you a moment of clarity. Myles recognizes that we all have been disenfranchised, and that it is absolutely essential that Bernie Sanders supporters are treated with respect and understanding, not derision and dismissal.

Please continue to support independent media like The Young Turks and Myles Dyer so that you have access to unbiased and balanced information and commentary.

Lisa Ann Magerman

Debbie Wasserman Schultz is 'Stepping Down', Eventually

Image: truthinmedia.com

It's the eve of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA and as the sane world awaits any indication that the American two-party political system is still relevant, the chickens have come home to roost for one unlucky Democrat. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Democratic National Committee chair and Congressperson from the state of Florida, has finally amazed all her many critics, those from within the Democratic Party, and those looking on, by doing the only thing she could to attempt to mend the shattered image of DNC. Wasserman Schultz is 'stepping down' as the DNC Chair at the end of this week's DNC Convention.

Wasserman Schultz has been exposed as having some degree of dishonorable participation in the Democratic Primary process that appeared to highly favor former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the coveted Presidential ticket. This is hardly a bombshell bit of news for the Clinton campaign, as Wasserman Schultz was perhaps best known as the Co-Chair of Hillary Clinton's failed 2008 run for the Presidential Nomination. After the release of over 20,000 private documents regarding the committee's activities in the lead up to, and during, the 2016 Primaries, particularly with an eye to discrediting former Clinton opponent Senator Bernie Sanders, Wasserman Schultz could no longer shrug off the accusation that many Sanders supporters have been alleging since his campaign began in April of 2015. The so called "DNCLeaks" scandal was precisely the last thing the Democrats needed on the eve of convention, and that is precisely why the documents were released just this past week after the fear mongering paranoia show called the Republican National Convention.

Already, the Republican Nominee, Donald J. Trump has come out blasting Wasserman Schultz, Clinton, and the DNC for it's 'rigged' game against Bernie Sanders as he again tries to swoop in on Bernie Sanders supporters. While no sane progressive would actually vote for Trump in this election, the man does know how to capitalize on a good dead horse beating when he finds one. Always happy to chip in his negative take on any number of issues, Trump was is good spirits this weekend when interviewed by CNN's regarding the document leak.

What will be most important in the week to come will be the ability of the DNC to put aside ego, put aside finger pointing and hurt feelings, acknowledge where they did a great disservice to Bernie Sanders, the Committee, and the voters. The Clinton Campaign will have to woo many voters back to their cause, to make citizens believe that there is a moral compass within the party. As has been said before, there is perhaps nothing more important that preventing a Trump Presidency, but will the party be able to sway an abused membership, the disenfranchised, and independents alike? It remains to be seen.

The weight is now squarely on the shoulders of the Clinton Campaign, the DNC, and those speaking at this week's Convention in Philly, to unite this deeply fractured party if they expect to have any positive momentum to carry them into the polls in November of this year. While this win for Bernie Sanders supporters is cold comfort after the fact, it does throw the Democratic Party's nomination and primary process into question, questions that will need to be addressed in the very near future.  For now, Wasserman Schultz will no longer have her coveted speaking slot at the Convention, which begins tomorrow and will run through till Thursday, July 28th.