Tag: Government

JUST SAY NO!

Flake asks for a delay. A delay of the vote. A limited time delay. A very limited time delay. It is only fair to have a delay in the vote for Brett Kavanaugh. Not only should there be a delay, but the FBI, that is the Federal Bureau of Investigation should investigate the charges. Which charges? The charges that the President tells them to investigate. Who should be investigated about the charges? Ask the President. How long should be the delay? Ask the President or ask Senator McConnell. Senator McConnell knows how long the delay should be. Sen. Flake just wants a delay. A reasonable delay, with a reasonable FBI investigation. Everyone is very reasonable – almost congenial – or as the President would say, almost conjugal.

Conversation in the Senate building hallway. The woman, Harriet is from Ellenville, New York, and the man, Paul is from Lake Forest, Illinois.

Harriet: Say Paul, is there any official that has the strength of character – so they say no time constraints. Who can say all persons demanding a voice will be heard.
Paul: How many persons?
Harriet: Who knows?
Paul: But if the number is large, what do they do?
Harriet: They extend the ‘delay’.
Paul: But how long will the ‘delay’ be – how long?
Harriet: We shall see.
Paul: You say, “Who knows?” “We shall see”. Nothing is clear. No limit on time for the investigation, or the number of persons testifying, or the relevance of their testimony. We cannot run a government with such indecision. The nation needs a new Justice. They have a decision that must be made. It’s helpful to have time constraints, and witness limits.
Harriet: Okay, I grant you that there must be some order to the investigation. The President, Senator McConnell and Schumer should meet and agree about the focus of the investigation, the issue of time, and the number of witnesses.
Paul: They can’t do that.
Harriet: Why not?
Paul: It’s the Presidents job. The President is the commander of the Justice Department. The FBI is part of the Justice Department. The President has the constitutional authority to order an investigation by the FBI, and every part of the investigation.
Harriet: So?
Paul: Well, that means the President can decide exactly what the FBI staff can do, and not do.
Harriet: That’s not right. Are you certain about the President and the FBI?
Paul: Yes. Absolutely certain. What’s more, you and I cannot know what instructions the President has given the FBI.
Harriet: You’re kidding. You can’t be serious. This is America.
Paul: Harriet, I’m not kidding. Furthermore, when the report is written, only the Senators, and some aides can read the report.
Harriet: No way!
Paul: One thing more. Only one copy – do you hear me. Just one copy will be made available to the Senators and aides. The copy is read in a secured room. Each Senator will have a fixed time to read the copy of the report.
Harriet: Why one copy? I mean this is getting dumb. Why are the aides in the room? Who the hell are the aides? Do the Senators need aides to read a report? This is unbelievable. Really, I can’t believe what you are saying.
Paul: Well, get this. When the Senators have read the report, they and their aides cannot say anything about the content of the report.
Harriet: Nothing?
Paul: Absolutely nothing.
Harriet: Forever?
Paul: Who knows. Maybe after the nomination is over, or after the election in November.
Harriet: Leaks. What about leaks?
Paul: Let’s hope so.
Harriet: Is there anything a Senator can do?
Paul: Of course.
Harriet: What?
Paul: Senators can just say NO! No to every demand. No to the time delay. No to the limit on charges. No to the limit on witnesses. And if the no is ignored – don’t participate for one more moment. Don’t attend any sessions. Do not vote on any issue. Do not engage in what you know is a sham – a political maneuver to suggest legitimacy. Just say no, and act on that no. Do not even read the FBI report.
Harriet: Well decisions will be made without them.
Paul: That’s true.
Harriet: But what good is that?
Paul: You asked what good is it that they say no?
Harriet: Yes, I do not understand.
Paul: Harriet, sometimes you say no, and NO is as good as it gets!

The End
Tom Golden, 2018

Just Seven Days

Flake did his maneuver today. Saved his various reputations as anti-trump, decent conservative, and looking for work. Poor Flake gets cornered by several distraught women. They announce their torment, and painful assaulted history. Startled, good ole Flake says: “O.K. 7 days – not one minute more. Let the FBI go at it. Let’s get a complete investigation by the FBI. That is fair, and justice will be served – Amen!!!” Seven days – just seven days. Not bad. God did a lot in seven days.

All hands-on deck. FBI agents from all over the country will be called to the 7-day investigation. Clean the polygraph machines. Sharpen the pencils. Cancel all leaves. Retake any oaths that they have taken. We must be certain that there are no bad apples in the FBI as in the case McCabe.

One problem – more than one. Who are we to investigate? Can we subpoena any persons? Can we demand that they be investigated? There are no criminal charges. Must the persons speak to the FBI, or is it voluntary? And most important where are they right now?

A preliminary investigation just completed today, September 28, 2018 revealed the following about the potential witnesses.
Christine Blasey Ford – Someplace with her family. Address unknown. Perhaps FBI knows.
Russell Ford – Husband of Christine. Likely with her. Works every day, and not certain if he can miss much work time.
Keith Koegler – Children’s coach. Last known to be in France attending the Ryder Cup.
Rebecca White – Christine’ neighbor, when Christine lived nearby. Now not a neighbor.
Leland Keyser – Dear friend of Christine. Important witness. Recently had extensive oral surgery, and has difficulty speaking. May improve over the next week or so.
Brett Kavanaugh – Currently involved in daily, intensive psychotherapy. Senate sessions were traumatizing. Not certain if he can withstand more questioning. Spending a lot of time in prayer.
PJ Smyth: At function. Currently thought to be skiing in Utah. Last great summer skiing.
Adela Gildo-Mazzon: Friend to Christine. Will possible speak to FBI, but only if her Mother is present. Adela’s mother is currently in a senior citizens home with late state dementia.
Deborah Ramirez: Additional person charging Brett with sexual assault, drinking. Likely to testify, but only to female FBI agent. Preferably an agent who has suffered sexual assault.
Julie Swetnick: Claimed assault by Brett on Washington street. Currently on a cruise to Cancun. Has said that she will ask Captain to turn back and let her off at Guantanamo Base. Likely available and can’t wait to testify.

The FBI has got their work cut out for them. But as they say: “A stitch in time saves nine.” (Benjamin Franklin, 1789)

Tom Golden, 2018

Mid-Year Resolutions 2018

I will not scream at the television any more. I will not bother my son with my rants. I do find some solace in writing, and in tending to my geraniums. At 16 he touched her vagina, and breasts. At 18, he displayed his penis, and wanted it to be kissed. What else is new? FBI investigators have some manners when questioning a young woman, or a Federal Judge. Once in a while, they might go over the edge.

FBI Investigator: “Your Honor, did you ever dry hump a 14 year old, and fondle her vagina, or touch her breasts. One more thing, your Honor, did you ever ask a Yale classmate to kiss your penis.”

Leave the poor guy alone. Brett is clearly over his head. But, to disdain a persons’ outcry about abuse, any abuse, and to then suggest the cry is born with political roots, or reflective of memory dysfunction is depraved. To offer such a position evidences a total lack of empathy, moral or ethical principles.

The Asterisk

While riding down the New Jersey Turnpike, I noticed on the right-hand side a huge billboard with a photo of the newly appointed associate justice of the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh. The Justice had his right hand on a Bible. Just above his head was a large asterisk.
When we see an asterisk we usually scan the item to see what the asterisk refers to. Try and scan a billboard on the New Jersey Turnpike while driving at 65 miles per hour. I was able to pull on to the right shoulder. As with most writing following an asterisk, the print was quite small. I climbed over the guard rails to get a closer view.

* “Supreme Court Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh has allegedly fondled a 15 year old classmate when he was 17 years of age. Judge Kavanaugh has allegedly revealed his penis, and requested it be kissed by a college classmate while at Yale University. Judge Kavanaugh has been accused of participating in “gang rape” of high school girls. Judge Kavanaugh has been accused of excessive drinking that resulted in sexually assaultive behavior while in high school. In his mid-thirties, Judge Kavanaugh has been accused of attempted sexual assault of an adult female in the streets of Washington, D.C. It must be noted that none of the drinking or sexual allegations have been proven in a court of law.”
Tom Golden, PhD. Copyright, 2018

Economics 101: Supply and Demand

The Veterans Administration is the second largest government employer. The first is the Department of Defense. The VA employees 377,805 persons. The Department of Defense employs about 1.3 million persons on active duty, and 800.000 on military reserve. As of 2014, there were approximately 21.8 million veterans. Veterans of what? War!  Or perhaps a Police Action, or some activity where people get injured. Regardless of the name, we have a very large VA to service a very active Department of Defense. The Department of Defense offers a constant supply of veterans to service the employment needs of the Veterans Administration. Now that is a classic example of a supply and demand economy.

Thomas Golden, March, 2018

 

 

Follow the Leader

Roy Moore, the likely new senator from Alabama has a very loyal following. Perhaps as many as 30 percent of the citizens of Alabama. That probably equals about 67 voters – they are loyal. The reasons they hold firm in their support of Mr. Moore, are varied, but the most likely reasons are the following: Mr. Moore believes that homosexual behavior is illegal, and so do his followers. Mr. Moore believes in man/woman marriage, and so do his followers. Mr. Moore believes in the right to carry arms, and so do his followers. Mr. Moore believes in preserving the Civil War statues, and so do his followers, and Mr. Moore believes that a ten commandments sculpture should stand on the state capital grounds, and so do his followers. Mr. Moore is a down home, god fearing, family man, and he was fairly granted the Republican candidacy. And one more thing. Mr. Moore is a Republican. Mr. Moore is not a Democrat. The distinction is not only a label. For many the distinction is as profound as that between gay and straight, or Black and White, No and Yes, or a 31-year-old pervert and a 14-year-old cheer leader.

Not a Photo-OP

We are here at the San Juan airport, and await the landing of Air Force One with the President, and the first lady, Melanie. My first reporting assignment, and I can’t tell you how excited I am. This is the first visit of the President to our island. Porto Rico is devastated, and we are looking forward to the President’s visit. Our hope that his stay is not just a photo opportunity, and just another opportunity to gain personal favor with his base. The advance notice suggested that we would all be surprised by the President’s visit.

The plane is just landing. I am trying to get close to the tarmac, but the Black Water security personnel are refusing to allow us to move any closer.  I must tell you, those men look serious, and somewhat mean. I just heard one of them speak to a colleague, and they spoke in German. Another guard was holding a AK 14, and softly singing in Hebrew. Interesting international group of personnel.

The doors of the plane have just opened. Several assistants have exited, and now the President is standing in the doorway, and climbing down the stairs. It is hard to see him clearly, since several aides and guards are standing in my sight line. It appears that the President is wearing what looks like a hard hat. Yes, it is a hard hat. His typical baseball cap seems to be underneath the hard hat.

I am about 30 feet from the President, and I now can clearly see him. He appears to be wearing combat fatigues, and black boots. Around his waist is what looks to be the typical carpenters belt – full of tools. I can see a claw hammer, several chisels and a large tape measure hanging on the right side. He just turned around to answer a MSNBC reporter, and he is carrying a back pack. I can see at the top of the pack what looks like a reciprocal saw, or at least some type of saw. The sight of the President is remarkable. He looks like a walking Tractor Supply. Draped over his right shoulder is a coil of heavy duty rope, with large hooks on each end.  Just beside the rope is a holster with a hatchet. In his left hand he is holding a crow bar that looks to be at least 4 foot long.

I just noticed that the first lady, Melanie Trump has exited the plane and she is also wearing a hard hat. It seems to have a decal of the football Patriots on the side. Holy cow, she too is dressed in a workman suit, but in black with gold trim. She is carrying… I can’t believe it, but I was just told that she is carrying the Jaws of Death machine. The machine that helps cut through steel, or concrete. It is clearly heavy, and a guard with a very heavy Italian accent offered to help her with the equipment, but she has refused.

The President and the First Lady are entering an armored personnel carrier. They have just sped away. No questions have been asked of the President. Clearly, this was not the typical photo op. It appears that the President is here to do something. What, who knows, but hopefully he and his wife will not hurt themselves.

A Parent Interview

On Thursday, October 5th, during her daily White House news briefing, Sarah Huckabee Sanders offered that during the investigation of the massacre at Las Vegas, the FBI, ATM, local authorities, and family members of persons killed or wounded would be included and interviewed as part of the process of investigation. Sarah’s inclusion of family members concerns this writer, and resulted in the following interview.

FBI Agent: Mrs. Pierce, I understand that your daughter was killed at the concert.
Mrs. Alice Pierce: Yes, she was killed. She was only 19 years old. My only child.
FBI Agent: I am so sorry. Can you tell me how you feel at this time.
Mrs. Alice Pierce: Terrible, just terrible.
FBI Agent: Yes, I understand.  I truly understand how you must feel. Can you offer any suggestions about the investigation.
Mrs. Alice Pierce: What do you mean?
FBI Agent: Well, the FBI, and other authorities need your help in the investigation.
Mrs. Alice Pierce: My help? How can I help?
FBI Agent:  Well, do you have any ideas that could help in the investigation?
Mrs. Alice Pierce: Sir, my daughter is dead. My daughter is dead. What do you want from me?
FBI Agent: We think that you and other families may be able to help in the investigation.
Mrs. Alice Pierce: Please, I can’t speak anymore. Please forgive me.
FBI Agent: I understand, but maybe you have some thoughts that could help the investigation.
Mrs. Alice Pierce: I am very sorry, but somehow you haven’t heard me.
FBI Agent: What do you mean, Mrs. Pierce? Can you help in any way?
Mrs. Alice Pierce: Sir, my daughter is dead. Have you no feelings?
FBI Agent: I do, but we think that relatives of the dead can help in the investigation.
Mrs. Pierce: Please, I must go.
FBI Agent: You mean you won’t help. We need your assistance. The FBI, and police can’t do it alone.
Mrs. Alice Pierce: Please.
FBI Agent: So you won’t help – not at all.
Mr. Frank Pierce: Mister – Fuck off!!

“You’ll Know – You’ll See”

President Trump is inclined to hint at his future actions. Trump will tell us that he has very important plans, and joyfully offers little clarity, other than the phrase: “the calm before the storm.” When asked what he means by that phrase, he will say, “you will know.” That lack of clarity, yet foreboding causes some minimal concern in Kingston New York, Bangor, Maine and Des Moines, Iowa. But the concern is much more provocative in….

North Korea: “Considering that the President of the United States has announced that a storm is coming, we have put our armed forces on 24-hour alert.”

Paris, France: “The Prime Minister, has ordered that all French ships near Iranian waters are to immediately return to the nearest French Ports.”

Ottawa, Canada: The Defense Minister declared: “We have learned that the President of the United States has declared that he will be making a decision that sounds rather ominous. In that light, we will be closing the Peace Bridge at 1400 hours on Sunday to all traffic entering from the United States.”

Teheran, Iran: “We have every reason to believe that the President of the United States intends to cancel the Iranian Treaty. As such we will immediately initiate the rehabilitation of all equipment that is needed for our nuclear production.”

Caracas, Venezuela: “Citizens of Venezuela, we have long feared that the United States is prepared to invade our territorial waters. President Trump has stated that a “storm” is coming. In the light of his threatening comments about our nation, we are ordering our Navy to intercept any naval vessel of the United States that enters our waters.”

Secretary General of the United Nations: “I have informed the members of the Security Council that we will meet tomorrows morning to discuss the implications of President’s Trumps announcement that portends some harmful international event is likely to occur. We have absolutely no idea as to the meaning of “calm before the storm”, but I have no other choice but to require an immediate gathering.”

Not a Photo-OP

We are here at the San Juan airport, and await the landing of Air Force One with the President, and the first lady, Melanie. My first reporting assignment, and I can’t tell you how excited I am. This is the first visit of the President to our island. Porto Rico is devastated, and we are looking forward to the President’s visit. Our hope that his stay is not just a photo opportunity, and just another opportunity to gain personal favor with his base. The advance notice suggested that we would all be surprised by the President’s visit.

The plane is just landing. I am trying to get close to the tarmac, but the Black Water security personnel are refusing to allow us to move any closer.  I must tell you, those men look serious, and somewhat mean. I just heard one of them speak to a colleague, and they spoke in German. Another guard was holding a AK 14, and softly singing in Hebrew. Interesting international group of personnel.

The doors of the plane have just opened. Several assistants have exited, and now the President is standing in the doorway, and climbing down the stairs. It is hard to see him clearly, since several aides and guards are standing in my sight line. It appears that the President is wearing what looks like a hard hat. Yes, it is a hard hat. His typical baseball cap seems to be underneath the hard hat.

I am about 30 feet from the President, and I now can clearly see him. He appears to be wearing combat fatigues, and black boots. Around his waist is what looks to be the typical carpenters belt – full of tools. I can see a claw hammer, several chisels and a large tape measure hanging on the right side. He just turned around to answer a MSNBC reporter, and he is carrying a back pack. I can see at the top of the pack what looks like a reciprocal saw, or at least some type of saw. The sight of the President is remarkable. He looks like a walking Tractor Supply. Draped over his right shoulder is a coil of heavy duty rope, with large hooks on each end.  Just beside the rope is a holster with a hatchet. In his left hand he is holding a crow bar that looks to be at least 4 foot long.

I just noticed that the first lady, Melanie Trump has exited the plane and she is also wearing a hard hat. It seems to have a decal of the football Patriots on the side. Holy cow, she too is dressed in a workman suit, but in black with gold trim. She is carrying… I can’t believe it, but I was just told that she is carrying the Jaws of Death machine. The machine that helps cut through steel, or concrete. It is clearly heavy, and a guard with a very heavy Italian accent offered to help her with the equipment, but she has refused.

The President and the First Lady are entering an armored personnel carrier. They have just speeded away. No questions have been asked of the President. Clearly, this was not the typical photo op. It appears that the President is here to do something. What, who knows, but hopefully he and his wife will not hurt themselves.

Tom Golden, writers cramp, September 2017.

WPRD Nightly Quiz Show

President Trump: Puerto Rico is an island. A big island surrounded by water, big water.
Announcer: Correct. Mr. President. Now for the next question. What is the difference between Long Island and Ellis Island?
President Trump: Well that’s another island question. I like island questions. I really like Long Beach Island. My friend, Chris Christy has a home on LBI. That’s Long Beach Island if you like – I really like it a lot, it’s just great. Big, huge, and right on the water. Real salty ocean water. I like water in a lake. Do you?
Announcer: Mr. President, about the difference between Long Island and Ellis Island?
President Trump: Okay, you are stuck on island stuff. That’s o.k. Ellis Island is for refugees, lotsa of refugees from all over the world. Not from Iraq, or Syria, or Sri Lanka. Say did you ever visit Sri Lanka?
Announcer: Mr. President. No, I have never been to Sri Lanka. Now for Long Island.
President Trump: What about Long Island? It’s nice – real nice. Just near Jones Beach, and Fire Island.
Announcer: Forget that question. Just one more question that was submitted by a Mr. Omar Quor.
President Trump: What did you say?
Announcer: Mr. Omar Quor sent in a question for you.
President Trump: What is the question?
Announcer: Mr. Quor asks if you will release your tax return.
President: Who is this Omar person?
Announcer: He is a listener to our show.
President: Is this show on line? Is this being broadcast?
Announcer: Of course, Mr. President. Didn’t your daughter tell you that we would be broadcasting a quiz with the President.
President: Who?
Announcer: Your daughter, Ivanka said that you would be pleased to be on the show.
President: Well I’ll tell you something I love my daughter, Kelley Ann and even Rachel Maddow.
Announcer: Yes?
President: That’s it. I love a lot of people. Even not in my family. I even love you.
Announcer: Thank you – thank you Mr. President.
President: Say, you can call me Donald, or you can call me anytime. Get it? Call me anytime!

Tom golden, writer’s cramp, September 2017

I Represent…

Recently I heard a congressman state the following: “Get this straight. I was elected by my constituents. I was chosen by those citizens to represent their concerns, and that is my duty under the constitution. So when you ask me how did I feel about the Alabama election of Mr. Brown to the United States Senate I stated that he is responsible to his constituents, as am I. That Mr. Brown has stated that September 11 deaths were due to God punishing us for the issue of homosexuality, that is for his voter’s concern. I have my voters to consider.”

What about national issues. is the President the only person in government who is answerable to all of us? Why isn’t any representative elected responsible to all of us, regardless of district, and party?

There is a world of difference between a Politician and a Statesman. The Politician represents their residents. The Statesman represents all. Pitifully, the Congress of the United States is populated by Politicians. There are no Statesman.

Thomas Golden, Ph.D.
30 Riveredge Road
Tenafly, New Jersey 07670
201-567-1913

Hurray for Bipartisanship

On Wednesday, September 27, the Congress of the United States displayed a fervent, unanimous welcome to Representative Scalise of Louisiana. Congressman Scalise has recovered from a near death shooting, and entered the hallowed halls to 20 minutes of a standing ovation from both sides of the aisle – the no man’s land of our government.

Several weeks prior, Senator John McCain returned to the Senate after undergoing surgery and radiation treatment for a stage 4, brain cancer. As the Senator entered the capital building, the entire congress regardless of party affiliation applauded and cheered the Senators return.

It is clear that when one of their brethren is ill, the members of Congress can join hands in sincere brotherhood. Many of them teared on each occasion. It appears that the illness must have a terminal quality. No one gets cheers for the flu, or gout. The enthusiasm is reserved for that congressman who almost die, or at least face imminent death. Under those dire circumstances, bipartisanship reigns supreme.

When millions of civilians are faced with severe illness, terminal disease or possible medical intervention, health care rests in the congressional no man’s land. The proverbial aisle is inviolate.

Tom Golden, Ph.D,
Writer’s Cramp, 2017

Forget Bi-Partisan

I am in favor of partisan politics. Partisan politics reveals character, view points, personal history, biases, prejudices, and profound commitments. Partisan polemic allows us to realize the meaningless of such phrases as ‘my dear Friend from Georgia’, or my Honorable Senator Doe, or my Dear Colleague on the other side of the aisle. Other side of the aisle is code for ‘other side of the tracks, or wrong side of town, or just *&^>?$#+!@>:+*&@.

Partisan commentary allows us to hear the unvarnished, unadulterated principles that characterize a political figure.  The partisan comments announce the heart-felt biases, and systemic private allegiances of the politician. The truth and nothing but the truth, so help my prejudices. We should welcome the partisan perspective in order to better understand the opponent. We should demand complete partisan expression, since only then can we accurately assess the person, and run for cover, or attack as only a partisan can.

Be weary of the politician who is devoted to bi-partisan rhetoric. Such politicians have an appeal in that they seem to favor progress, and to avoid gridlock. They appear to seek consensus, cooperation, and accommodation. Remarkably such a politician appears to have rid himself of familial history, cultural influences and color perception? Beware, and never forget  Goldilocks.

All is not lost, in that frequently the Partigiano win. They win even though much heartache was endured. Remember the Alamo!

Did I Say That?

 

And now, the President of the United States – Donald Trump

“Thank you for the invitation, and the great welcome by such a great audience. I mean great – really great. First, I must give my thanks to the representatives who have come from far and wide. Very far. Not around the corner. Sometimes I wonder how come people come at all. I mean why do they come. I mean it, why? Then I say to myself that they really care. Not only do they care, but they really care – really. I say it, they care.

We are gathered today to celebrate the most important day of the month of October. You may not believe it, but all my life – I mean a long, long time, I loved Halloween. The fake news, all those fake news people sitting in the back. You see them – the fake people of the fake news. Say hello to the camera, you fake people. Forget them, I mean they love to hear me say fake news. Then they can say I called them fake news persons, love it, they love it. So, Halloween is a simple holiday. No religion, no racial things, just fun, fun. Real fun. You betta believe the fake news, yeh the ones in the back. Say cameraman, show the fake news persons. Okay forget it. They know they are fakers. The fake networks will say that President Trump made a big deal about Halloween. Yeh, that’s what they will say. I did make a big deal – it is a big deal for millions of my friends in Alabama, Ohio and mostly Pennsylvania. Would you believe I won Ohio, and Pennsylvania? Would you believe it. Believe it. Oh, poor Hillary, poor Hillary. What a bad candidate- really bad, so bad.

I have got to go to Mara Lago tonight. Big night there and thousands of kids -thousands are coming for their candy. Lotsa candy and things. Would you believe it thousands and with their mom and dad? Not just kids, but mom and dad, and maybe others. Thank you very much. A lot.”

Tom Golden, Writers Cramp, 2017