Category: Current Events

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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American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Posted on by Jack

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 also known as H.R.1319 passed the House of Representatives with only Democratic support. All 210 Republican who voted cast their vote against this bill. One Republican did not vote (Bost of Illinois). The final vote was 219-212. For those interested, HR 1319 and actions on this are summarized at congress.gov.
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What part of all do you not understand?

What part of all do you not understand?

Posted on by Jack

The vast majority of Senate Republicans voted to prevent the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump for incitement of insurrection in the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Their position was that a trial is unconstitutional because Mr. Trump is no longer in office. Many voted to acquit for that reason despite the Senate voting it was constitutional.

If this view stood is that any future President (and others) could do something that is clearly wrong, be impeached by the House, and then never face trial or be convicted by simply resigning before the Senate starts the trial.
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Both sides can agree on PPE

Both sides can agree on PPE

Posted on by Jack

There is no question than this country and our congress face a huge divide. It is important to try to bring them together. Here is one issue I hope they can agree on.

When the pandemic hit, there was a huge shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the US and we were dependent on foreign sources who gave us only a limited supply since they needed the PPE for their domestic use. American manufacturers tried to increase the domestic supply.

A recent article discusses several small manufacturers who invested to increase the national supply of N95 masks.

Surely we can agree than since we should increase our national stockpile of PPE, we can Buy American in order to do so.

2021 impeachment may have consequences

2021 impeachment may have consequences

Posted on by Jack

A few days ago I wrote about Republicans who believe the 2021 impeachment of Donald Trump is unconstitutional because Mr. Trump is no longer in office. Impeachment has been done before under these circumstances, but never for a president. Yesterday his lawyers did their best to present their case that this is unconstitutional.

Unfortunately for the ex-president, they did not do a very good job. Continue reading “2021 impeachment may have consequences”

Senate Republicans favor no consequences

Senate Republicans favor no consequences

Posted on by Jack

The vast majority of Senate Republicans voted to prevent the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump for incitement of insurrection in the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Their position was than a trial is unconstitutional because Mr. Trump is no longer in office.

The problem is if this view stood is that any future President (and perhaps others) could do something that is clearly wrong, be impeached by the House, and then never face trial or be convicted by simply resigning before the Senate starts the trial. Do Senate Republicans favor no consequences for any act against the United States if the person is smart enough to resign before going to trial? Is this any way to run a country?

Republicans can choose power

Republicans can choose power

Posted on by Jack

Republicans in Congress have a choice. They can choose to continue opposing the majority in everything or they can choose to exert their power as a minority. This is an important point so let me repeat it another way. Simply put, Republican power is a choice.

The Democrats have a small majority is the House of Representatives. They can pass bills with a party line vote, although a bipartisan votes is preferred. One reason is President Biden’s desire for bipartisanship. Another would be that it just looks better to the American people.
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Hypocrisy of some Republicans

Hypocrisy of some Republicans

Posted on by Jack

It turned out that all the election challenges did not work. Joe Biden was inaugurated as President of the United States yesterday. And the hypocrisy of some Republicans serving in the House of Representatives and the Senate was on display at the inauguration.
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Republicans oppose democracy

Republicans oppose democracy

Posted on by Jack

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. I liked them better when the were opposing “big D” Democrats, not “little d” democracy. The party now seems to be about retaining power at all costs. See my previous post Are Republicans the enemy of democracy? for more.
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Are you worried yet ????

Are you worried yet ????

Posted on by Jack

The number of arrests related to the recent terrorist attack on our nation’s Capitol continues to rise and may amount to hundreds.

The obvious question for those who participated in the attack and have not be arrested to date is: Are you worried yet ?

Another good question would be: Is President Trump worried ?

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

Posted on by Jack

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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