Author: Jack
I retired in 2008 and so I have more time now to devote to several of my interests The blog here is mainly for my interests in some current events but may have the occasional rant on other subjects. I have also decided to keep my genealogy posts and book reviews here instead of 2 additional blogs (and so simplify my life a little).

Can we keep our republic ?

Can we keep our republic ?

Posted on by Jack

After the Constitutional Convention Benjamin Franklin was asked what type of government we would have. He replied “A Republic, if you can keep it.” That is old news. Well over 200 years old.

Now the question to us is ‘ Can we keep our republic ? ’ I asked this several years ago in a different context.

But now the same issue arises again as Republican state legislators pass a host of bills to suppress the vote and even override vote.

Can we keep our republic ? I hope so. It seems now is the time to act to save the republic known as the United States of America

Finding members for January 6 select committee

Finding members for January 6 select committee

Posted on by Jack

We need to understand why and how the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol occurred. It is a shame that Republicans blocked the National Bipartisan Commission but the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol passed the House at the end of June and that should help. It was disappointing bit not unexpected to see so much Republican opposition.
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This flag is our flag

This flag is our flag

Posted on by Jack

This flag is our flag. It is the flag of the United States. It belongs to all Americans. Sadly, it is often used by one side who feel they are the true Americans.

All American citizens should see the flag as a symbol of America, not one party. They only citizens who seem to be hypocritical in displaying the flag are those who assaulted our Capital and especially those who used our country’s flag to attack police officers protecting Congress or those who supported that Insurrection.

Speaking of the Insurrection. Has Kevin McCarthy named anyone to committee investigating the Insurrection? It has been 5 days. Is there a deadline or can he stall indefinitely?

Insurrection based on a lie

Insurrection based on a lie

Posted on by Jack

Insurrection is defined as “the act or an instance of revolting esp. violently against civil or political authority or against an established government”. Seems to describe well the events of January 6 in our Capitol. And was based on Donald Trump’s lie and his direction to his followers.

An Insurrection based on a lie.

The NY Times put together a video of the attack on our Capitol and it is well worth watching.

Although Republicans have blocked a bipartisan Congressional inquiry into the insurrection, the House has been able to form a select committee to learn what went wrong and how we can fix it.

January 6 House select committee

January 6 House select committee

Posted on by Jack

We need to understand why and how the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol occurred. There is something very wrong and we need to understand it. We also need to know how on how we can prevent future attacks.
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The Uniform – Scottish crime mystery

The Uniform – Scottish crime mystery

Posted on by Jack

I’ve enjoyed the Scotland mysteries I’ve read so I thought I would give this new series a try. The book is THE UNIFORM by Jodie Lawrance. I enjoyed this book and thank Netgalley and Joffe books for the chance to read it before publication.

Detective Sergeant Helen Carter is having a hard time . It is not just that she is working a very difficult case. There is also the difficulty she is having with co-workers, including her boss. This mystery is set back in the day when a female detective is a very unusual addition to the mostly male police force. To make matters worse her father was high-up in the police and some believe she got job because of nepotism. Then there is her fiancé who would like her to quit her job and be the lady of his house.

A very good detective story with a character that is engaging and well written. It is a promising beginning to a new series: I am looking forward to the second.

For the People Act of 2021

For the People Act of 2021

Posted on by Jack

The For the People Act of 2021 passed the House as HR 1 with no Republican votes. On March 17 it was introduced to the Senate as S.1 by Senator Markley and 48 Co-Sponsors. It was notable that that all were Democrats or Independents.

Republican also united in the Senate Rules Committee to oppose the bill.

Is there any specific part of the bill they do not like or is it just generally opposition to fair elections?

What are Republicans afraid of ?

What are Republicans afraid of ?

Posted on by Jack

The Republican party was once an important part of our democracy but now it is just a disgrace.

On January 6, 2021 the United States Capitol was attacked by an angry mob. This act of domestic terrorism was certainly a threat to our democracy. We need to understand how and why this attack on the United States Capitol occurred and find ways to prevent future attacks.
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Modify the filibuster

Modify the filibuster

Posted on by Jack

The filibuster allows a minority in United States Senate to prevent a measure from being brought to a vote. The filibuster ends when “three-fifths of the Senators duly chosen and sworn” vote to close debate by invoking cloture under Senate Rule XXII. Since there are 100 Senators now, 60 votes are required for cloture.

The recent failure of cloture on the bill to establish the bipartisan Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol. Under the current Senate Rule XXII 60 votes are required for closure. The vote was 54 to 35 and closure failed.
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Republicans again disgrace the United States

Republicans again disgrace the United States

Posted on by Jack

The Republican party was once an important part of our democracy. Now it is just a disgrace. There are some Republicans who still believe in the principals that made the party great but much of the party disgraces our county.

On January 6, 2021 the United States Capitol was attacked by an angry mob. This act of domestic terrorism was certainly a threat to our democracy. We need to understand how and why this attack on the United States Capitol occurred and find ways to prevent future attacks.
Continue reading “Republicans again disgrace the United States”

Update: WIN by Harlan Coben at a bargain price

Update: WIN by Harlan Coben at a bargain price

Posted on by Jack

I wanted to let you know about a reading bargain. I just got an email that the Kindle version of WIN by Harlan Coben is on sale for only $4.99. When I had reviewed the book it was ten dollars more.
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The need for a 1/6 commision or Jan 6 commision

The need for a 1/6 commision or Jan 6 commision

Posted on by Jack

I think it is obvious that we need to understand why and how the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol occurred with recommendations on how we can prevent future attacks. Yet this investigation is opposed by many Republicans in Congress. They should be ashamed.
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Save the Republican Party

Save the Republican Party

Posted on by Jack

I have often written about the Republican Party, For the past 5 years or so, it has usually been negative. Before that it was a bit mixed. The Republican party used to be highly principled and an important part of our democracy. But now they seem to oppose the very idea of democracy.

That is why I was glad to see a group of Republicans stand up for democracy and our Constitution. A Call for American Renewal specifically calls “for the Republican Party to rededicate itself to founding ideals—or else hasten the creation of an alternative.”
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