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).

The New Great Depression by James Rickards

The New Great Depression by James Rickards

Posted on by Jack

I thought I would not like this book after I read a little bit.  But I was wrong and am glad I continued.  Despite our very different opinions about the handling of the Covid-19 crisis, I think this book teaches a valuable lesson.

The full title is The New Great Depression:  Winners and Losers in a Post-Pandemic World  by James Rickards.  The differing opinions do not matter here.  We agree as to the economic problem. I come at this from a public health background.  The author from the world of finance. 
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Pennsylvania Supreme Court and HB38

Pennsylvania Supreme Court and HB38

Posted on by Jack

It seems to me that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has done a good job. it also seems to me that a proposed bill Pennsylvania HB38 is an attempt to diminish the Court by the altering its makeup and giving more power to the state legislature.

Why do I say that?
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Is it time to impeach yet?

Is it time to impeach yet?

Posted on by Jack

Back in September I thought President Trump should be impeached for his refusal to commit to peaceful transition of power if was is not re-elected. Now that his refusal and associated events has lead to a terrorist attack on our Capitol is it time to impeach yet?

It’s only the beginning of the Capitol terror hunt

It’s only the beginning of the Capitol terror hunt

Posted on by Jack

Federal prosecutors in the District of Columbia are beginning to find and charge some those who invaded the Capitol on January 6 (1/6 if need a short term). The apparent goal of the terrorists was to overturn the results of the 2020 election. They failed.
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Brief history of terrorist attacks on the Capitol

Brief history of terrorist attacks on the Capitol

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I am still trying to understand the recent terrorist attack on our nation’s Capitol. The apparent goal of the mob was to overturn the results of the 2020 election by preventing the counting of Electoral College votes. No matter what your political views, you should find this very disturbing.
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2 types of Republicans

2 types of Republicans

Posted on by Jack

I have asked Are Republicans the enemy of democracy?. I do not think all are against against democracy. There are certainly those who accept the results of an election only if they win. Many of these seem to prefer an authoritarian system that allows their party to always win.

Then there are others who accept the results of a democratc election.
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Republicans against freedom or just servile puppy dogs

Republicans against freedom or just servile puppy dogs

Posted on by Jack

Senator Ted Cruz is now talking a stand against the free and fair election we had a few months ago. He is the leader of a group of 12 Republican Senators who will not allow the Electoral College votes to be certified without another investigation into voter fraud.

I do not think this is the way to go. (See Are Republicans the enemy of democracy? ) There have been repeated claims of widespread voter fraud in this election by Republicans and there is just no credible evidence backing the claim. Over 50 lawsuits have been rejected. Attorney General Barr sees no evidence. Do we really need another investigation?
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Josh Hawley stands out

Josh Hawley stands out

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I have previously written Are Republicans the enemy of democracy?. I think that is generally true but one Senator stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has announced his intention to object the Congressional certification of the electoral college vote. This is extremely unlikey to succed but if it did, it would disenfranchise millions of American voters.
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Who is rich? Don’t ask Mitch!

Who is rich? Don’t ask Mitch!

Posted on by Jack

Earlier I had reminded Georgia voters that the run-off Georgia election has big consequences. If either David Perdue or Kelly Loeffler are returned to the Senate the Republicans have a majority. This would almost certainly mean that Mitch McConnell would have control of the Senate.

In a not-so-surprising way he reminded us why this would be a disaster. You see old Mitch seems to think folks making $75,000 a year or less are rich and they don’t deserve help getting through this pandemic. If you don’t believe this of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, read the article that starts this way,
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Georgia election has big consequences

Georgia election has big consequences

Posted on by Jack

The run-off Georgia election has big consequences. If either David Perdue or Kelly Loeffler are returned to the Senate the Republicans have a majority. Mitch McConnell is in power and and we can expect more gridlock and paralysis in the Senate. On the other hand, if Georgia elects both Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock then the Democrats control the Senate and Joe Biden can do things such as providing relief when needed, improving voting rights, and healing the country.

The latest example is how Republicans are blocking emergency COVID-19 relief.
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Putin and Moscow Mitch congratulate Joe Biden on his win

Putin and Moscow Mitch congratulate Joe Biden on his win

Posted on by Jack

It took a while for Vladimir Putin and Mitch McConnell to congratulate Joe Biden on winning the election. It took more than a month after normal human beings recognize the winner of the 2020 presidential election for these two to come around but they did.
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Are Republicans the enemy of the people?

Are Republicans the enemy of the people?

Posted on by Jack

I don’t think I need a reference to convince anyone that the people of the United states are facing hard economic times. There are probably some who are doing OK or better but a good number of people could use a bit of help.

The Democrats in the House realized the Covid-19 relief bill (H.R.6800 – The Heroes Act) passed May 15, 2020 was not enough. Some benefits were insufficient and others were set to expire. For example the federal supplement to unemployment benefits would expire at the end of July.

Of course the Senate Republicans have done next to nothing to address this problem. Except the occasional complaint about unemployment benefits being too high. They are now in the process of trying to look like they are helping while spending as little as they can get away with and eliminating worker protections.

It appears the Republicans are the enemy of the people, at least those who work. And Democrats are trying to help. I hope Georgians consider this in the run-off elections.

Are Republicans the enemy of democracy?

Are Republicans the enemy of democracy?

Posted on by Jack

I’ve been thinking about this a lot since the election. It took a few days to get the results but they were clear. Joe Biden won and President Trump lost. It was not especially close. Biden won and clear majority in the Electoral College and won the popular voted by 7 million.
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Mask Madness

Mask Madness

Posted on by Jack

Wear a mask. Protect yourself and those you come in contact with. It is madness not to wear a mask. Masks are a commonsense public health method to stop the spread of the coronavirus that has caused several hundred thousand deaths in the US. This is not a political statement.
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