Partial Sense Topical Index

[Note: This is an old index of the Sense Blog that covers the early years of the blog through July 2009].

I have put together this topical index to the Sense from Seattle postings, which I update with each new article posting. To view a posting, return to the Sense home page, where the current month postings are displayed. For prior months click on the month link to go to the postings for that month. Each month starts with the last post of the month at the top of the page. When there was more than one post on the same day of the month, only the top post for that day is dated. Note: A topic heading may not list all the postings referring to that heading, because some headings were added to the index later than others. The "search this blog" feature at the top of the blog might help locate any earlier postings.

AbortionCatholic Court Apr 19, 07
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06

AfghanistanIt's Over Feb 22,07
Nukes Oct 16, 06
Tom's Top Ten Terrorist Topics Sep 9, 06

Animal Treatment

Passing Thoughts on Some “X”, "Y" and "Z" Topics July 16, 06
Cheney's Misfire Feb 16, 06
No Brain, No Pain Feb 14, 05

ArtThe Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics June 26, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06

Bankruptcy LawsAin't We Got Fun Mar7, 06
Forgive Us Our Debts Mar 1, 05

BlogsConfession Apr 11, 07
End of the Alphabet July 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “B” Topics May 12, 06
Absent without Leave May 10, 06
Glorious Whitewashing Feb 1, 06
Top Concerns Report 2005 Dec 28, 05
One Year of Sense Oct 28,05
Dog Days of Summer Aug 11, 05
Sense Report Card July 26, 05
Mozilla Firefox June 1, 05
Revisions for Sense Apr 22, 05
Structure of This Blog Dec 18, 04
Introduction Oct 28, 04

Books
Choices - Part 1 May 13, 07
The Dilemma of Democracy Aug 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “W” Topics July 13, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “K” and "L" Topics Jun 5, 06
2005 Book Report Jan 17, 06
Ho Ho Ho, Hosanna and Humbug Dec 22, 05
Language Oct 10, 2005
Who Knows What You Read? June 7, 05
Question for Readers: Libraries June 7, 05
2004 Book Report Jan 5, 05

Bush Administration

Gonzales Testifies Apr 19, 07
Bush Balks Again Apr 3, 07
Here's Your Hat - What's Your Hurry? Mar 28, 07
If You Did Not Watch the Plame Hearing Mar 20, 07
Presidential Pardons Mar 12, 07
Scooter and the Jury Feb 22, 07
Budget This Feb 7, 07
Some Random Notes Jan 31, 07
State of Various Jan 24, 07
Abraham, Martin and John Jan 15, 07
The Clock is Running Jan 10, 07
What's New in 2007? Jan 6, 07
Surging to Victory Dec 20, 06
Studying Iraq Nov 14, 06
The People Have Spoken Nov 8, 06
Election Significance Nov 6, 06
Non-Hypothetical President Oct 26, 06
Two Weeks from Tomorrow Oct 23, 06
Nukes Oct 16, 06
Learning from Failure Oct 9, 06
October Surprise Oct 3, 06
Torturing Terrorists Sept 27, 06
Primary Elections and Fall Campaigns Sep 19, 06
Tom's Top Ten Terrorist Topics Sep 9, 06
Global Free Pollution Aug 28, 06
Economic Update Aug 1, 06
Devastation in Lebanon July 27, 06
Stem Cell Veto July 24, 06
Israel and Lebanon July 17, 06
Potty Mouth President July 17, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “W” Topics July 13, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “U” and "V" Topics July 11, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “T” Topics July 10, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics June 26, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “O” Topics June 20, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “I” and "J" Topics May 29, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “F” Topics May 21, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “E” Topics May 18, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “D” Topics May 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06
Three Dollar Gas May 2, 06
Fearing China Apr 17, 06
Immigration Reform Mar 27, 06
Texas Takeover Ending Mar 15,06
Ain't We Got Fun Mar7, 06
Republican Deadly Sins Feb 27, 06
Cheney's Misfire Feb 16, 06
Lowering the Zenith Jan 20, 06
Death with Dignity Jan 18, 06
Top Concerns Report 2005 Dec 28, 05
One Hundred Thousand and Counting Dec 15, 05
Give Peace a Chance Dec 10, 2005
Wild Blue Yonder Dec 7, 05
What About the Oil? Nov 29, 05
Attack the Messenger Nov 20, 05
Two Kinds of Leakers Nov 20, 05
Scooter Scoots Oct 28, 05
Miers Withdraws Oct 28, 05
Bursting Bubbles Oct 20, 2005
Death in Vain Sep 30, 05
Cut and Run Sep 30, 05
Bianca? Sep 23, 05
Hurricane Katrina Sep 5, 05
Some Iraq Musings August 1, 05
Watergate Deja Vu? July 11, 05
Frist Flip Flop June 21, 05
Bush Stranglehold Loosening May 25, 05
Presidential Spandex May 13, 05
Gas Gougers Mar 31, 05

Pictures on the Wall Mar 16, 05

Who Benefits by Lebanese Assassination? Mar 10, 05
White House Softball Feb 18, 05
Misoverestimating Christine Feb 12, 05
Windshield Cowboy Feb 10, 05
Bush Budget Shafts Students Feb 5, 05
Condoleeza Rice, Next Sec. of State Jan 18, 05
Undressing Dr. Sheep Jan 12, 05
See if He Floats Jan 6, 05

Democracy Comes in Many Flavors Jan 4, 05
Top 10 Concerns of 2004 Dec 31, 04
Christmas Compassion - Bush Style Dec 26, 04
Reinstating the Draft Dec 20, 04
Social Insecurity for the 19th Century Dec 15, 04
The Values Thing Dec 4, 04
The Downward Spiral toward Theocracy Dec 4, 04
Terrorism Is a Tactic Nov 24, 04
Is Iraqi Oil Paying for War? Nov 23, 04
Liberators Or Conquerors? Nov 23, 04
Bush Second Term -the Legacy Nov 19, 04
Econ 101 -Whose Ox Gets Gored? Nov 19, 04
Condescending Condoleeza Rice Nov 17, 04
Permanent US Military Presence in Iraq Nov 10, 04
Good Riddance to John Ashcroft Nov 10, 04
Commerce Secretary Evans Resigns Nov 10, 04
Bush Declares Mandate Nov 3, 04
Clandestine Bushes Nov 2, 04
Bush and the Saudis Oct 31, 04
Changing Horses in Mid Stream Oct 30, 04
New Bin Laden Tape Oct 30, 04

Capital Punishment

Demise of Tyrants Dec 30, 06
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Victims and Perpetrators Dec 15, 05
Who Speaks for Islam? July 26, 05
Purpose Driven Hype? Mar 22, 05

The Public Thumb Mar 1, 05

Charities & Conscientious Giving
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics June 26, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “C” Topics May 15,06
Charity Navigator Jan 27, 05
George the First and Bill Jan 3, 05
Colin & Jeb Jan 3, 05
Mickey & Johnny Jan 3, 05
Is the US Stingy? Dec 28, 04
Magnet America Dec 6, 04

China

Economic Update Aug 1, 06
Fearing China Apr 17, 06

Computers & the Internet
Passing Thoughts on Some “X”, "Y" and "Z" Topics July 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “M” Topics June 9, 06
Internet - Combat Zone Jun 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “I” and "J" Topics May 29, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “G” Topics May 23, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “C” Topics May 15,06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06
Fearing China Apr 17, 06
Mozilla Firefox June 1, 05

Congress 
Here's Your Hat - What's Your Hurry? Mar 28, 07
If You Did Not Watch the Plame Hearing Mar 20, 07
Budget This Feb 7, 07
Some Random Notes Jan 31, 07
State of Various Jan 24, 07
The Clock is Running Jan 10, 07
What's New in 2007? Jan 6, 07
Surging to Victory Dec 20, 06
The People Have Spoken Nov 8, 06
Election Significance Nov 6, 06
Non-Hypothetical President Oct 26, 06
Two Weeks from Tomorrow Oct 23, 06
October Surprise Oct 3, 06
Learning from Failure Oct 9, 06
Coupless in America Sept 21, 06
Economic Update Aug 1, 06
Stem Cell Veto July 24, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “W” Topics July 13, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “K” and "L" Topics Jun 5, 06
Three Dollar Gas May 2, 06
Immigration Reform Mar 27, 06
Texas Takeover Ending Mar 15,06
Gallery Standards Feb 1, 06
Lowering the Zenith Jan 20, 06
Death with Dignity Jan 18, 06
Top Gun Shot Down Dec 1, 05
Hurricane Katrina Sep 5, 05
Better Late or Never June 22, 05
Frist Flip Flop June 21, 05
Who Knows What You Read? June 7, 05
Bush Stranglehold Loosening May 25, 05
Pillars of Freedom Apr 6, 05

What’s in It for the Indians? Mar 22, 05

Let Live or Let die Mar 21, 05

Protecting Poor People from Minimum Wage Increases Mar 8, 05
Civility Caucus Feb 26, 05
Cooperation Does Not Require Support Jan 6, 05
Appearance of Fairness Jan 0, 05
Robert & Shirley Jan 3, 05
Econ 101 -Whose Ox Gets Gored? Nov 19, 04

Corporations

Home Economics Nov 29, 06
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Economic Update Aug 1, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “T” Topics July 10, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics June 26, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “C” Topics May 15,06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06
Three Dollar Gas May 2, 06
What's the Problem Apr 11, 06
Ain't We Got Fun Mar7, 06
What About the Oil? Nov 29, 05
Exporting America August 3, 05
Secret Trade Negotiations with Iraq July 13, 05
Judicial Incompetence June 1, 05
Socially Reponsible Investing Apr 6, 05
Do Corporations Have Souls? Nov 8, 04

DemocracyThe Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
The Dilemma of Democracy Aug 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “D” Topics May 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06
Prophet without a Face Feb 9, 06
What's the Issue? Nov 4, 05
Democracy Comes in Many Flavors Jan 4, 05

Economics

Winkdome Feb 22, 07
The Pie Shop Feb 17, 07
Budget This Feb 7, 07
Some Random Notes Jan 31, 07
Home Economics Nov 29, 06
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Non-Hypothetical President Oct 26, 06
Global Free Pollution Aug 28, 06
Economic Update Aug 1, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “W” Topics July 13, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “U” and "V" Topics July 11, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “T” Topics July 10, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics June 26, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “O” Topics June 20, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “M” Topics June 9, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “K” and "L" Topics Jun 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “G” Topics May 23, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “F” Topics May 21, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “E” Topics May 18, 06
Republicans and Taxes May 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “D” Topics May 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “C” Topics May 15,06
Passing Thoughts on Some “B” Topics May 12, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06
Three Dollar Gas May 2, 06
Fearing China Apr 17, 06
What's the Problem Apr 11, 06
Immigration Reform Mar 27, 06
Texas Takeover Ending Mar 15,06
Ain't We Got Fun Mar7, 06
Exporting America August 3, 05
Socially Responsible Investing Apr 6, 05
Greenspan the Magnificent Apr 5, 05

Econ 101 -Whose Ox Gets Gored? Nov 19, 04

Education

Choices - Part 2 May 19, 07
The Clock is Running Jan 10, 07
Home Economics Nov 29, 06
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Learning from Failure Oct 9, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “U” and "V" Topics July 11, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “T” Topics July 10, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “N” Topics June 17, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “E” Topics May 18, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “C” Topics May 15,06
Sex Offenders Mar 21, 06

Elections & VotingRepub Debate #1 May 4, 07
Dem Debate #1 Apr 27, 07
Can I Sell a Vowel Please? Mar 5, 07
Surging to Victory Dec 20, 06
Wind and Water Dec 7, 06
2008 - Eighty Years in the Making Nov 30, 06
Home Economics Nov 29, 06
The People Have Spoken Nov 8, 06
Election Significance Nov 6, 06
John Kerry's Blooper Nov 2, 06
Non-Hypothetical President Oct 26, 06
Two Weeks from Tomorrow Oct 23, 06
Learning from Failure Oct 9, 06
October Surprise Oct 3, 06
Coupless in America Sept 21, 06
Primary Elections and Fall Campaigns Sep 19, 06
The Dilemma of Democracy Aug 16, 06
Lieberman Loses Aug 9, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “U” and "V" Topics July 11, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “T” Topics July 10, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics June 26, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “K” and "L" Topics Jun 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “G” Topics May 23, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “E” Topics May 18, 06
Three Dollar Gas May 2, 06
More Presidential History Apr 25, 06
Texas Takeover Ending Mar 15,06
Sense Presidential Poll Feb 20, 06
What's the Issue? Nov 4, 05
Rossi Rolls Over June 7, 05
Election by Statisticians? May 4, 05

Two Questions for Readers: Popes and Presidents Apr 24, 05

Do the Crime, Serve the Time Mar 1, 05
You Can’t Touch This Mar 1, 05
Iraq Election Turnout Jan 31, 05
Clean Elections Jan 31, 05
Iraqis Should Vote Jan 23, 05
How to Hold an Election Jan 06, 05
We Need Better Voters Dec 4, 04
The Values Thing Dec 4, 04
Purple America Nov 26, 04
Sorry Everybody Nov 16, 04
Where Are You on the Political Compass? Nov 15, 04
Advice to the Iraqi People Nov 8, 04
Whorehouse Morality Nov 8, 04
Move to Canada? Nov 6, 04
Is Youth to Blame? Nov 8, 04
Divided We Stand? Nov 8, 04
Exit Poll Failure Nov 3, 04
Ohio Voting Booth Shortage Nov 3, 04
Kerry Concedes Nov 3, 04
Bush Declares Mandate Nov 3, 04
Kerry Missing Message Mantra Nov 3, 04
Nader Nada Nov 3, 04
Has the Electoral College Survived? Nov 3, 04
What About Ballot Spoilage? Nov 3, 04
Military Advice to a Prospective Candidate Nov 3, 04
Homophobic Factor Nov 3, 04
Two Americas Nov 3, 04
Hispanic Vote Nov 3, 04
The Florida Vote Nov 3, 04
The Wrong Democrat? Nov 3, 04
The Popular Vote Nov 3, 04
Court Oks Voter Challenges at Ohio Polls Nov 2, 04
Young Cel Phone Users Prefer Kerry Nov 1, 04
My Prediction on the Election Nov 1, 04
The Networks Were Right in 2000 Oct 31, 04
Changing Horses in Mid Stream Oct 30, 04
Disenfranchisement by Republicans Oct 28, 04

Environmental Protection & Energy Policy

Bush Balks Again Apr 3, 07
The Clock is Running Jan 10, 07
Power to the People Dec 19, 06
Wind and Water Dec 7, 06
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Nukes Oct 16, 06
Global Free Pollution Aug 28, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “W” Topics July 13, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “T” Topics July 10, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “O” Topics June 20, 06
Some Political Updating June 17, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “E” Topics May 18, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06
What's the Problem Apr 11, 06
Cut and Run Sep 30, 05
Questions for Readers -Two Different Hummers May 2, 05

Greenspan the Magnificent Apr 5, 05

Gas Gougers Mar 31, 05

What’s in It for the Indians? Mar 22, 05

Biodiesel Fuel Feb 19, 05

Health, Health Insurance and Medical

Catholic Court Apr 19, 07
The Clock is Running Jan 10, 07
Wind and Water Dec 7, 06
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
The Vision Thing Nov 1, 06
Economic Update Aug 1, 06
Stem Cell Veto July 24, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “O” Topics June 20, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “I” and "J" Topics May 29, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “H” Topics May 25, 06
Prayer and Politics Apr 4, 06
Ain't We Got Fun Mar7, 06
Death with Dignity Jan 18, 06
Passing of the Pope Apr 4, 05

Let Live or Let Die Mar 21, 05

Undressing Dr. Sheep Jan 12, 05
Red States Hazardous to Health Nov 9, 04

Homosexuality
HUMP Feb 10, 07
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “H” Topics May 25, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “G” Topics May 23, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “F” Topics May 21, 06
Sex Offenders Mar 21, 06
Republican Deadly Sins Feb 27, 06
Sense Presidential Poll Feb 20, 06
She Said / He Said May 17, 05
Homosexual Bomb Jan 18, 05
Homophobic Factor Nov 3, 04

Immigration
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “I” and "J" Topics May 29, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06
What's the Problem Apr 11, 06
Immigration Reform Mar 27, 06
Texas Takeover Ending Mar 15,06
Ain't We Got Fun Mar7, 06
Question for Readers: Culture Shock May 9, 05

Illegal Immigration Apr 25, 05

IndiaNukes Oct 16, 06

Israel

Nukes Oct 16, 06
Some Random Notes Jan 31, 07
Torturing Terrorists Sept 27, 06
Devastation in Lebanon July 27, 06
Israel and Lebanon July 17, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “I” and "J" Topics May 29, 06

Journalism & News Reporting

Bush Balks Again Apr 3, 07
Presidential Pardons Mar 12, 07
Scooter and the Jury Feb 22, 07
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “N” Topics June 17, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “M” Topics June 9, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “I” and "J" Topics May 29, 06
What's the Problem Apr 11, 06
Cheney's Misfire Feb 16, 06
Prophet without a Face Feb 9, 06
Super Seattle Feb 5,06
One Hundred Thousand and Counting Dec 15, 05
Attack the Messenger Nov 20, 05
Two Kinds of Leakers Nov 20, 05
Bianca? Sep 23, 05
Purpose Driven Hype? Mar 22, 05

White House Softball Feb 18, 05
The Networks Were Right in 2000 Oct 31, 04

Judicial System, Courts and Crime

Gonzales Testifies Apr 19, 07
Catholic Court Apr 19, 07
Guns and Me Apr 17, 07
Bush Balks Again Apr 3, 07
Here's Your Hat - What's Your Hurry? Mar 28, 07
Presidential Pardons Mar 12, 07
Scooter and the Jury Feb 22, 07
HUMP Feb 10, 07
Some Random Notes Jan 31, 07
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
The Vision Thing Nov 1, 06
Torturing Terrorists Sept 27, 06
Coupless in America Sept 21, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “I” and "J" Topics May 29, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06
What's the Problem Apr 11, 06
Death with Dignity Jan 18, 06
Alito Will Be Confirmed Jan 11, 06
Miers Withdraws Oct 28, 05
Judge Roberts Hearing Sep 20, 05
Chief Justice - Some History Sep 6, 05
Justice O'Connor Resigns July 1, 05
Judicial Incompetence June 1, 05
Let Live or Let Die Mar 21, 05
Forgive Us Our Debts Mar 1, 05
Classless Suits Feb 18, 05
Undressing Dr. Sheep Jan 12, 05

Labor Relations & Employment
The Pie Shop Feb 17, 07
The Clock is Running Jan 10, 07
Wind and Water Dec 7, 06
Home Economics Nov 29, 06
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Labor Day History Sept 3, 06
Global Free Pollution Aug 28, 06
Economic Update Aug 1, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “W” Topics July 13, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “U” and "V" Topics July 11, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “M” Topics June 9, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “K” and "L" Topics Jun 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “E” Topics May 18, 06
What's the Problem Apr 11, 06
Immigration Reform Mar 27, 06
Texas Takeover Ending Mar 15,06
Ain't We Got Fun Mar7, 06
Republican Deadly Sins Feb 27, 06
Protecting Poor People from Minimum Wage Increases Mar 8, 05
Costco or Wal-Mart? Mar 8, 05
Working Hard, Or Hardly Working Feb 11, 05
Labor Unions 101 Feb 11, 05
Nickel and Dimed Jan 31, 05

Lebanon

Torturing Terrorists Sept 27, 06
Devastation in Lebanon July 27, 06
Israel and Lebanon July 17, 06
Who Benefits by Lebanese Assassination? Mar 10, 05

Memories

Choices - Part 2 May 19, 07
Choices - Part 1 May 13, 07
Guns and Me Apr 17, 07
Confession Apr 11, 07
Home Economics Nov 29, 06
John Kerry's Blooper Nov 2, 06
The Vision Thing Nov 1, 06
Learning from Failure Oct 9, 06
Prayer and Politics Apr 4, 06
Prophet without a Face Feb 9, 06
Super Seattle Feb 5,06
Glorious Whitewashing Feb 1, 06
Wild Blue Yonder Dec 7, 05
Language Oct 10, 2005
Dog Days of Summer Aug 11, 05
A High School Memory June 28, 05

MoviesPassing Thoughts on Some “X”, "Y" and "Z" Topics July 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “N” Topics June 17, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “M” Topics June 9, 06

Music

Passing Thoughts on Some “M” Topics June 9, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “I” and "J" Topics May 29, 06

Nuclear Weapons and DisarmamentIt's Over Feb 22,07
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Nukes Oct 16, 06

PakistanIt's Over Feb 22,07
Nukes Oct 16, 06

Palestine
Death of Arafat Nov 11, 04

Personal Relationships & AttitudesChoices - Part 1 May 13, 07
HUMP Feb 10, 07
Power to the People Dec 19, 06
Wind and Water Dec 7, 06
Learning from Failure Oct 9, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics June 26, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06
Glorious Whitewashing Feb 1, 06
Be It Resolved Jan 6, 06
Moving Isn't Easy Aug 30, 05
Two Questions for Readers - Moving Aug 30, 05
Let's Talk July 26, 05
Pucker Practice Feb 14, 05
Good News of 2004 Jan 3, 05
Where Are You on the Political Compass? Nov 15, 04

Politics & Political PartiesRepub Debate #1 May 4, 07
Dem Debate #1 Apr 27, 07
Gonzales Testifies Apr 19, 07
Bush Balks Again Apr 3, 07
Here's Your Hat - What's Your Hurry? Mar 28, 07
Presidential Pardons Mar 12, 07
Can I Sell a Vowel Please? Mar 5, 07
HUMP Feb 10, 07
Budget This Feb 7, 07
State of Various Jan 24, 07
The Clock is Running Jan 10, 07
What's New in 2007? Jan 6, 07
Demise of Tyrants Dec 30, 06
Surging to Victory Dec 20, 06
Wind and Water Dec 7, 06
2008 - Eighty Years in the Making Nov 30, 06
Home Economics Nov 29, 06
The People Have Spoken Nov 8, 06
Election Significance Nov 6, 06
John Kerry's Blooper Nov 2, 06
Non-Hypothetical President Oct 26, 06
Two Weeks from Tomorrow Oct 23, 06
Learning from Failure Oct 9, 06
October Surprise Oct 3, 06
Coupless in America Sept 21, 06
Primary Elections and Fall Campaigns Sep 19, 06
The Dilemma of Democracy Aug 16, 06
Lieberman Loses Aug 9, 06
Economic Update Aug 1, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “U” and "V" Topics July 11, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “T” Topics July 10, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics June 26, 06
Some Political Updating June 17, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “M” Topics June 9, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “K” and "L" Topics Jun 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “H” Topics May 25, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “G” Topics May 23, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “F” Topics May 21, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “E” Topics May 18, 06
Republicans and Taxes May 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “D” Topics May 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06
Three Dollar Gas May 2, 06
What's the Problem Apr 11, 06
Prayer and Politics Apr 4, 06
Immigration Reform Mar 27, 06
Texas Takeover Ending Mar 15,06
Republican Deadly Sins Feb 27, 06
Bursting Bubbles Oct 20, 2005
Language Oct 10, 2005
Bush Stranglehold Loosening May 25, 05
Don't Bury Mr. Sense Yet Apr 20, 05

Civility Caucus Feb 26, 05
We’ve Been Framed Jan 25, 05
What Kind of Father Is Best? Jan 25, 05
Cooperation Does Not Require Support Jan 06, 05
The Search for Common Ground Dec 13, 04
The Values Thing Dec 4, 04
The Downward Spiral toward Theocracy Dec 4, 04
Purple America Nov 26, 04
Where Are You on the Political Compass? Nov 15, 04
Conservative Impostors (Neocons) Nov 10, 04
Who Controls the State Legislatures? Nov 8, 04
What Party Would Jesus Be In? Nov 8, 04
Divided We Stand? Nov 8, 04
Kerry Missing Message Mantra Nov 3, 04
Nader Nada Nov 3, 04
The Wrong Democrat? Nov 3, 04

Race RelationsSome Random Notes Jan 31, 07
State of Various Jan 24, 07
Abraham, Martin and John Jan 15, 07
Wind and Water Dec 7, 06
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “F” Topics May 21, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “E” Topics May 18, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “B” Topics May 12, 06
What's the Problem Apr 11, 06
Texas Takeover Ending Mar 15,06
Sense Presidential Poll Feb 20, 06
Super Seattle Feb 5,06
Horrible Comparisons Jan 23, 06
Better Late or Never June 22, 05
Condoleeza Rice, Next Sec.of State Jan 18, 05

Religion

Choices - Part 2 May 19, 07
Choices - Part 1 May 13, 07
Catholic Court Apr 19, 07
Confession Apr 11, 07
HUMP Feb 10, 07
Wind and Water Dec 7, 06
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Learning from Failure Oct 9, 06
Tom's Top Ten Terrorist Topics Sep 9, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “X”, "Y" and "Z" Topics July 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “W” Topics July 13, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “U” and "V" Topics July 11, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “T” Topics July 10, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics June 26, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “N” Topics June 17, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “M” Topics June 9, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “K” and "L" Topics Jun 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “I” and "J" Topics May 29, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “H” Topics May 25, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “G” Topics May 23, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “F” Topics May 21, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “E” Topics May 18, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “C” Topics May 15,06
Passing Thoughts on Some “B” Topics May 12, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06
What's the Problem Apr 11, 06
Prayer and Politics Apr 4, 06
Republican Deadly Sins Feb 27, 06
Sense Presidential Poll Feb 20, 06
Prophet without a Face Feb 9, 06
Super Seattle Feb 5,06
Ho Ho Ho, Hosanna and Humbug Dec 22, 05
Unlikely Angel Sep 29, 05
Who Speaks for Islam? July 26, 05
Celebrating Independence July 4, 05
A High School Memory June 28, 05
She Said / He Said May 17, 05
Two Questions for Readers: Popes and Presidents Apr 24, 05

The New Pope Apr 24, 05

Pillar of Freedom Apr 6, 05

Passing of the Pope Apr 4, 05

Purpose Driven Hype? Mar 22, 05

Spiritual & Secular Feb 5, 05
The Downward Spiral toward Theocracy Dec 4, 04
Do Corporations Have Souls? Nov 8, 04
What Party Would Jesus Be In? Nov 8, 04
Divided We Stand? Nov 8, 04
Two Americas Nov 3, 04
Disenfranchisement by Republicans Oct 28, 04

Saudi ArabiaTom's Top Ten Terrorist Topics Sep 9, 06
Gas Gougers Mar 31, 05

SexHUMP Feb 10, 07
October Surprise Oct 3, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “W” Topics July 13, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics June 26, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “M” Topics June 9, 06

Social SecurityThe Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Robbing Peter to Pay Peter Feb 16, 05
Social Insecurity for the 19th Century Dec 15, 04

SportsBush Balks Again Apr 3, 07
Winkdome Feb 22, 07
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Learning from Failure Oct 9, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “K” and "L" Topics Jun 5, 06
Cheney's Misfire Feb 16, 06
Super Seattle Feb 5,06

SyriaIsrael and Lebanon July 17, 06

TelevisionGuns and Me Apr 17, 07
Passing Thoughts on Some “T” Topics July 10, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics June 26, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “N” Topics June 17, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “H” Topics May 25, 06

Thailand

Coupless in America Sept 21, 06

Travel

The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Culture Shock Redux Aug 26, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “T” Topics July 10, 06
Super Seattle Feb 5,06
Moving Isn't Easy Aug 30, 05
Two Questions for Readers - Moving Aug 30, 05
Question for Readers: Culture Shock May 9,05

United NationsNew Faces at the UN Dec 14, 06

Wal-Mart

Economic Update Aug 1, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “W” Topics July 13, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “O” Topics June 20, 06
Republican Deadly Sins Feb 27, 06
Netflix Beats Wal-Mart May 19,05
Wal-Mart Oranges and Washington Apples Mar 14, 05
Costco or Wal-Mart? Mar 8, 05

Voting With Your Feet Mar 2, 05
Everyday Lowest Price Feb 11, 05
Nickel and Dimed Jan 31, 05

War & Defense

Guns and Me Apr 17, 07
If You Did Not Watch the Plame Hearing Mar 20, 07
It's Over Feb 22,07
Scooter and the Jury Feb 22, 07
Some Random Notes Jan 31, 07
Abraham, Martin and John Jan 15, 07
What's New in 2007? Jan 6, 07
Surging to Victory Dec 20, 06
New Faces at the UN Dec 14, 06
Wind and Water Dec 7, 06
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
Studying Iraq Nov 14, 06
The People Have Spoken Nov 8, 06
Election Significance Nov 6, 06
John Kerry's Blooper Nov 2, 06
Non-Hypothetical President Oct 26, 06
Nukes Oct 16, 06
October Surprise Oct 3, 06
Torturing Terrorists Sept 27, 06
Tom's Top Ten Terrorist Topics Sep 9, 06
Economic Update Aug 1, 06
Devastation in Lebanon July 27, 06
Iraq Deaths July 24, 06
Israel and Lebanon July 17, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “W” Topics July 13, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “U” and "V" Topics July 11, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics June 26, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “N” Topics June 17, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “M” Topics June 9, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “I” and "J" Topics May 29, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “D” Topics May 16, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “A” Topics May 10, 06
Texas Takeover Ending Mar 15,06
Ain't We Got Fun Mar7, 06
Gallery Standards Feb 1, 06
Lowering the Zenith Jan 20, 06
One Hundred Thousand and Counting Dec 15, 05
Give Peace a Chance Dec 10, 2005
Wild Blue Yonder Dec 7, 05
What About the Oil? Nov 29, 05
Attack the Messenger Nov 20, 05
Scooter Scoots Oct 28, 05
Death in Vain Sep 30, 05
Cut and Run Sep 30, 05
The Ultimate Sacrifice Aug 16, 05,
Some Iraq Musings August 1, 05
Secret Trade Negotiations with Iraq July 13, 05
Watergate Deja Vu? July 11, 05
Celebrating Independence July 4, 05
Vietnam Plus Thirty June 21, 05
Question for Readers: Prayer for Permanent Peace May 30, 05
Presidential Spandex May 13, 05
Chest Full of Ribbons Mar 16, 05
Suicide Bombers & Collateral Damage Feb 14, 05
Continuing Coverup of Prison Torture by USA Feb 3, 05
Iraq Election Turnout Jan 31, 05
Iraqis Should Vote Jan 23, 05
Homosexual Bomb Jan 18, 05
Reinstating the Draft Dec 20, 04
Grumbling from the Troops Dec 8, 04
Magnet America Dec 6, 04
War Is Heck Dec 6, 04
Terrorism Is a Tactic Nov 24, 04
Is Iraqi Oil Paying for War? Nov 23, 04
Liberators Or Conquerors? Nov 23, 04
Where Are the Iraqi Women? Nov 19, 04
What is the Purpose of this Battle for Fallujah? Nov 11, 04
Veteran’s Day is a Morph Nov 11, 04
Permanent US Military Presence in Iraq Nov 10, 04
Where Are the American Women? Nov 10, 04
Advice to the Iraqi People Nov 8, 04
Military Advice to a Prospective Candidate Nov 3, 04
New Bin Laden Tape Oct 30, 04
Cheney Lies about Explosives Oct 30, 04
Another Looted Explosives Site Oct 30, 04
Video Proof re Missing Iraq Explosives Oct 29, 04
How Many Iraqis Have Died? Oct 28, 04

WelfareEconomic Update Aug 1, 06

WomenChoices - Part 2 May 19, 07
Choices - Part 1 May 13, 07
Dem Debate #1 Apr 27, 07
Some Random Notes Jan 31, 07
State of Various Jan 24, 07
Wind and Water Dec 7, 06
Home Economics Nov 29, 06
The Best Thanksgiving Ever Nov 22, 06
The People Have Spoken Nov 8, 06
John Kerry's Blooper Nov 2, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “W” Topics July 13, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “S” Topics July 5, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “Q” and "R" Topics Jun 27, 06
Passing Thoughts on Some “P” Topics Jun 26, 06
Sense Presidential Poll Feb 20, 06
Hooray for the Little Difference! Aug 24, 05 
Let's Talk July 26, 05 
Justice O'Connor Resigns July 1, 05
Rossi Rolls Over June 7, 05
Question for Readers: She Said / He Said May 17, 05
She Said / He Said May 17, 05
Two Questions for Readers: Popes and Presidents Apr 24, 05

Where Are the Iraqi Women? Nov 19, 04
Where Are the American Women? Nov 10, 04

Two Months Later

Much has happened in the first days of the Trump Administration since I asked the question "What's Next" in my posting here on January 11^th.  Things happen too fast for me to keep up with events on this blog, but here is contextual view.

Bob Woodward's book "Shadow" came out in 1999. In it he discussed the impact of the special counsel law enacted in the aftermath of Watergate and how it affected the five subsequent Presidents through Clinton. That particular law was allowed to expire after the abusive Ken Starr led witch hunt. It is still possible to get a special prosecutor appointed but the process for doing so is not as specific. One takeaway from the book is that four elements have to be present in order to remove a president: low public opinion polls, a bad economy, a hostile media, and incontrovertible evidence of wrongdoing. In the case of Trump: the polls are low and will probably keep going lower; the economy is in a delicate stage with stocks overpriced and the uncertain and likely ill-conceived Trump and Republican policies possibly leading to a downturn; the corrupt Trump is hostile to the media and they are starting to do a better job of investigating his corruption which makes them technically hostile to him; and the investigative process is apparently already taking place in the judicial, intelligence and ethics sectors of our government and spilling over to the Congress, all of which may at some point produce the incontrovertible evidence.

The big picture for me is simple and is already playing out with the Trump Administration and Republican Congress. Republicans are for tax cuts on the rich and reduced regulations that increase profits regardless of the damage done to the non-rich and the environment. They "pay" for such tax cuts and regulatory reductions by reducing services and safeguards for the non-rich and disregarding any harm to the environment. The "Tea Party" Republicans continue to be a thorn in the side of the more traditional Republicans and now the party has to deal with the corrupt and cuckoo Trump as well as a newly energized Democratic Congressional contingent.

After seven years of demonizing the ACA, Republicans have to come up with its "promised" replacement, something which never existed and which they cannot legitimately create. All they can do to get the Tea Party to go along is cut the tax portions of the ACA while at the same time reducing the actual benefits and number of insured without those who will be affected complaining. Judging by the hostile receptions Republicans received at their local Town Halls, the smoke and mirrors act is not going over well so far.

For now, I will bypass economic analysis except to say I cannot see Trump and the Republicans actually doing anything to give it a shot in the arm. Infrastructure spending is a need on which everyone seems to agree, but how to pay for it is the problem. The obvious answer is to raise the modest federal gas tax which has been at the same rate since 1993, but Republicans will never agree to that, especially since the fossil fuel industry is a huge part of their donor base. More likely is another "smoke and mirror" attempt involving "public and private partnerships" that tries to make it look like minimal tax money is being used when in fact the public debt is actually going to be increased. I doubt the Tea Party will fall for that, but some version of it might be worked out with the Democrats.

The Judicial branch of government has a significant role to play now. Cases can be brought to block specific Trump actions, as was done with the Muslim ban. Trump has always used threats of lawsuits as a bludgeon in his business dealings and it is time for payback by anyone with a grievance against him. As I wrote earlier on this blog, "Sue the bastard". Personal suits against Trump and suits to block his governmental abuses open the door to the discovery process to obtain evidence. This process needs to be as widely used as possible to pry open the door of secrecy he has always hid behind. He is actually proud of his lack of business ethics and flaunts it to bully those unfortunate enough to get engaged with him. Once elected he tore off any mask of propriety and openly says no conflicts or ethics rules apply to him or to those who work in his White House. There is a germ of truth in that, but blatant conflicts and lack of concern for appearances of propriety will erode further his already historically low favorability ratings. Flying down to Florida every weekend at a cost of $3 million to taxpayers and having to pay for secret service protection for his globetrotting sons and daughters is going to get old fast. 

All the talk of Trump connections to Russia is not fully registering with the public yet. Congressional Republican committees are reluctant to seriously pursue Russian inquiries until they see what legislation they can get enacted before Trump's favorability drops even lower. Democrats on the committees will have to take the lead in trying to expose Trump and raise the call for deeper investigations. John McCain, no Trump fan, may probe some through his Armed Services Committee. For now it is the media doing the hard investigative work and publicizing their findings. What the FBI and intelligence agencies are investigating in this regard is being leaked a little but the bulk of it will probably only be disclosed to Congress behind closed doors. For Trump to fall, this line of inquiry must lead to incontrovertible evidence of his wrongdoing.

45

Presidential inaugurations according to the US Constitution are pretty simple: just a 35 word oath of office and then the peaceful transfer of power is complete. But through the years lots of trappings have been added, what some might call bells and whistles. Trump is the most unpopular incomer since polls have been taken, so there will be lots of counter demonstrations also.

Through the years the extended inaugural ordeal has been too tedious to hold my attention. I do remember the JFK line "ask not what your country can do for you", I remember Carter walking for part of the parade and I did watch central parts of the first Obama inaugural because it was so encouragingly historically significant, but mostly I have no profound memories of these events.

My not watching today is particularly intentional due to what I consider the disgracing of the Presidency by the election of Trump, an utterly unqualified man, born with a silver spoon who has lived his entire life as a selfish boor, conducted a repulsive campaign and who seems to have no understanding or appreciation of our form of government. This is especially reprehensible since he is taking over from a man of color born and raised in humble circumstances who has devoted his life to public service, who fully understands and reveres the Constitution and has graced the Office of the President with great dignity.

I have been thinking about how Presidents achieved the office during my lifetime. Here is a somewhat flippant but still fairly accurate list of who or what brought them to power:

TRUMAN – FDR did not survive his fourth term and the Democrat power elite had limited options for VP;

IKE – WWII – he could have won running as a Republican, Democrat or independent;

KENNEDY – some say Mayor Daley of Chicago stuffing the ballot boxes, or the lousy makeup job Nixon got for the TV debate;

LBJ – an assassin's bullet;

NIXON – secret plan to win the Vietnam War – which if there ever was one must have been to expand it and then quit it;

FORD – Watergate (and I do not believe there was a deal to pardon Nixon);

CARTER – Watergate, the Nixon pardon and smart campaigning to get a delegate jump;

REAGAN – Iranian hostage takers, hokey Hollywood hooey and anti-government baloney;

BUSH I – Willie Horton;

CLINTON – "Read my lips" and Ross Perot;

BUSH II – Ralph Nader, the archaic Electoral College, Congressional Republican staffers pretending to be irate Florida voters, and five unelected Justices of SCOTUS;

OBAMA – The Audacity of Hope, overdue change and a truly fresh breath of air;

DRUMPF – an unbelievably stupid electorate, the FBI, Putin, fake news, "reality" TV, xenophobia, the lack of another fresh young Democrat and that same archaic Electoral College.

I cannot stop myself from engaging in "what if" history, so here are some contenders from my lifetime who came in second and were never inaugurated:

DEWEY

STEVENSON

GOLDWATER

HUMPHREY

MCGOVERN

MONDALE

DUKAKIS

DOLE

GORE

KERRY

MCCAIN

ROMNEY

HILLARY CLINTON.

There are four "losers" who were nevertheless inaugurated at some point in time:

NIXON who lost to Kennedy later beat Humphrey and McGovern;

FORD who had been appointed and lost to Carter;

CARTER who was defeated for re-election;

BUSH I who was also defeated for re-election..

What's Next"?

This question goes two ways for me. One is regarding our country and our planet, and what will happen to them under a Trump Presidency starting out with a Republican Congress. The other aspect is what does this mean for me with regard to expressing my views on this blog.

Regarding our country and what will happen, the answer is another question, "Who knows?" The pundits really do not know what is going on, which was amply demonstrated by their failure to predict the outcome of the election. Congressional Republicans have been split since the rise of the Tea Party in 2010,  have lost their bogey man Obama and are now sharing power with the disruptive huckster Trump. Democrats have been devastated and are still in a state of weakened shock. For the next two years there is going to be an interesting power match between the Congressional parties and factions within the parties and Donald Trump, with some role also being played by the Federal Judiciary eventually. This is another round of the way our national government works, but with a new twist that Trump owes less allegiance to the Republicans in Congress than any other Republican President in modern times.

There is also the matter of Trump taking our level of civil discourse to a new low and encouraging groups and individuals to act out of hate. But the reality is that our civil discourse has been low for a long time, our citizenry does a poor job of making themselves a well-informed electorate and there is much hate and resentment in our country. As a progressive I believe there has been for many decades a reactionary conspiracy funded by dark money from a small cadre of super wealthy individuals to exacerbate these flaws in our system. Trump used his skills as a huckster to successfully exploit these flaws to get elected.

Regarding our planet, there are several issues of concern, including international aggression, civil and military wars, trade wars, global warming and nuclear weapons. On these issues the under informed Twittering Trump has been at times vague, incoherent, inconsistent and unbelievable. Russian aggression does not seem a worry to Trump; in fact he seems to almost be encouraging it. How he handles ongoing and new hot spots and incidents could very likely be by knee jerk reaction to new developments. Trade agreements and trade wars gets more complicated for him because of shared Congressional power over these areas. Global warming is a long range problem and there is no reason to expect Trump and the Republican Congress will do anything to address it other than to continue false skepticism. The scariest issue is nuclear weapons, with Trump having a long record as a vindictive retaliator, and having famously asked (not particularly rhetorically), why do we make them if we wouldn't use them.

Trump and the Republicans may bring about domestic changes, but those changes could be undone in the future by a Democrat President and Congress. Foreign policy changes can be harder to undo if long term alliances are made or broken or if relatively permanent changes are made such as new borders or new governments. Adequately managing global warming requires global agreement maintained permanently, the sooner the better. But the reality is we are not making progress fast enough and a few more years of American foot dragging will not make or break the deal. Limitation and ultimate banning of nuclear weapons should be the goal. Growing the arsenal would be foolish, but some day could be undone. Actually using nuclear weapons would be an irreversible disaster.

Since the election I have assembled many computer folders with numerous links on a myriad of matters that could be discussed on this blog. But I am mindful that the real reason for writing here is to put my thoughts down for myself and my future reference. With that selfish purpose in mind and listening to my own inner voice, I have decided to take a wait and see attitude and create time and space to put politics in perspective in my life. For a year and a half I intensely followed every aspect of the Presidential campaigns. I do not want to continue that intensity. I will only write here when my inner voice tells me I need to, most likely when something concrete actually happens like legislation passes Congress and is signed by Trump, major regulatory changes are adopted or a serious foreign policy development occurs.

Finally, it is hard not to have some Pollyannaish thoughts about the Trump Presidency. Trump has no particular saving grace; he is a seriously flawed human being. The leopard does not change its spots, particularly at age 70.  But Trump owes no political debts and is as wild a card as any President we have elected. Maybe some weird confluence of fearful Republicans, pragmatic Democrats and Trump lusting for popular adulation will lead to a worthwhile step, such as the often cited infrastructure spending. When and if it happens, I expect to mention it here.

Carrot or Stick

Trump is milking the Carrier job saving deal for all it is worth. Some say it is the first leg of his 2020 re-election campaign. The actual facts of the deal confirm what will be the Trump Presidential management style when dealing with big business. Though in the campaign he threatened the stick (a 35% import tax for companies which offshore jobs), his first deal is to give them a carrot (a huge tax break). This should not be surprising since Trump is a big businessman and Republicans always believe a big part of the solution to any problem is to give tax breaks to those who are the most affluent.

All the details are coming out and it seems that Carrier is a subsidiary of United Technologies, a huge federal contractor making billions of dollars in profits. There will be about 1000 jobs staying here, but the company will still be moving that many or more jobs to Mexico. The carrot the company got was actually negotiated by Pence, who is still serving as Indiana Governor and who was given authority to offer tax breaks to companies to not move jobs. Carrier is being given about $7,000,000 in tax breaks spread over ten years. The deal may have escape clauses for Carrier down the line. Neither Trump nor Pence, who both have new jobs in Washington DC, has to answer for the taxes being lost; that burden falls on the taxpayers of Indiana.

This is not even a drop in the bucket when it comes to dealing with loss of manufacturing jobs, and it sets a dangerous precedent encouraging companies to jack up the taxpayers like NFL owners threatening to move their teams to different cities unless the taxpayers build them a new stadium. If any more Carrier style deals are announced, we should check whether the company had announced the job move before or after the election, because post-election threats are going to smell fishy.

Many lost manufacturing jobs will not be coming back because of automation and greater efficiency. A long range solution for workers is job training for the new jobs that will be coming available, and this is where the government could offer a legitimate stick to help employers train their own workers for these new jobs. NPR has a good article discussing the hierarchy of American jobs and how the ones in the middle have been more decimated than those at the top and bottom.

There is a stick for Trump and Congress could use in dealing with federal contractors. They can pass a law to tie job outsourcing in with denial of federal contracts. Democrats have proposed such legislation and it will be interesting to see if Trump and the Republican Congress will give it serious consideration.

Sue the Bastard!

Among the many lies Trump tells is that he never settles lawsuits because that only encourages more suits. In truth he has settled many of the thousands of lawsuits in which he has been involved. A nasty litigant like Trump with perceived deep pockets and a stable of lawyers on call can refuse to pay his legitimate debts and force people to sue him, then drag it out and starve the other party into agreeing to pennies on the dollar. One drawback for Trump is that the other party to the suit can take a recorded deposition of Trump and if Trump is unable to get the deposition sealed, then his incriminating testimony under cross examination can legitimately harm his image.

Now that he has unexpectedly, even to him, been elected President, his image has suddenly become important to everyone, even those who could care less about him before. That is why he settled the Trump University fraud case that was coming to trial this month.  So now it is time for those with viable claims against Trump to rush to the nearest courthouse and file suit and proceed with as much haste as possible. I would not be surprised if there are numerous attorneys who would be delighted to handle such suits. Trump has every reason to settle such suits in his own self-interest, even as he claims as he did in the Trump University fraud case that he is putting the interests of the American people first.

Efforts by Trump to use the Presidency as an excuse to have the cases put on hold will run into the US Supreme Court Ruling in the Paula Jones case against Bill Clinton which said such suits can proceed. Ironically one of the lawyers dogging Bill Clinton in that case is reported to be the husband of Kellyanne Conway, the last campaign manager for Trump.

Digesting the Numbers

Three weeks of digesting the results and a little historical digging have helped me understand a little better how we got into the mess of DJT being elected. As this is being written, the Clinton popular vote lead is approaching 2.5 million, but the Electoral College perversion, which is covered in another posting, gave Trump the victory.

America may be the oldest democracy in the world, but our low voter turnout is not a ringing endorsement. About 6 out of 10 voters were participating in our Presidential elections in modern times until the Watergate scandal caused one more voter to drop out. Presidential elections without an incumbent running usually produce a higher turnout, but this time around the drop in percent of voters from the percent voting in the previous election was the largest in almost 100 years. Both candidates had historically high unfavorability ratings. It was a "change election" and the "change" candidate for the Democrats, Bernie Sanders, was not quite able to knock off the "anointed" insider Hillary Clinton. Some "never Trump" Republicans and a lot more Sanders and Obama voters sat it out or went third party. But the simple fact is that most voters have a party preference on which they base their vote. So even though the particular candidate is not liked, he or she gets the party line vote. Among many mistakes made by the Clinton campaign was trying to peel off Republicans because of Trump being so disagreeable, without realizing that Clinton herself was seen by many Democrats as an undesirable candidate compared to Sanders and Obama.

Changing demographics are supposed to be giving Democrats a growing advantage, but Democrat voters need to be motivated to turn out and vote for the Democrat candidate. One slippage in traditional Democrat party lines has been with white non-college educated voters who Trump peeled off with talk of protecting them from threats to their jobs by trade agreements, immigrants and factories moving out of the country. Clinton allowed herself to be portrayed as not really caring about these workers and her campaign failed miserably by disregarding them. I do not recall her actually visiting a factory and talking to workers; in fact she did not make even one campaign stop in Wisconsin.

In the primary run, Sanders beat Clinton in a dozen states that Trump won in the general. Ten of those were solid Republican, while two were part of the supposed Democrat "Blue Wall", Wisconsin and Michigan. Assuming Sanders had been the nominee and won every state Clinton did against Trump, adding Wisconsin and Michigan would have produced 26 more electoral votes, but Trump would still have won the Electoral vote 280 to 258. 

Though Trump got less than 50% of the popular vote, seven other Presidents have received even a lower percent than Trump in the 48 elections held since popular vote totals were first reported in 1824, when John Quincy Adams in a split field got just over 30%. Others with a lower winning percent than Trump include Lincoln, Wilson, Clinton and Nixon in their first terms, all of whom were elected by higher percentages for a second term, Buchanan considered by many our worst President and Grover Cleveland the only man to win then lose then win again. In fact, there were eleven more Presidential elections where the winner got a higher percent than Trump, but still under 50%, including Cleveland, Wilson and Clinton on their second election, Harry Truman, John Kennedy and George W. Bush who was outscored by Al Gore.