Category: Editorial

David Shadrick “Protest Problem”

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David Shadrick “Protest Problem”

 

David Shadrick “Protest Problem”

Calamity News and Politics is happy to welcome Dave Shadrick back with some valuable information if you intend to join a protest demonstration. Stay tuned, stay informed.

 

Editorial: Surprisingly Unsurprised

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Editorial: Surprisingly Unsurprised

Editorial: Surprisingly Unsurprised

**The House of Representatives has drafted a Resolution of Impeachment against Donald Trump for “incitement of insurrection” following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. President Donald Trump spoke to his supporters at a rally on the National Mall prior to the mob breaching the Capitol. House Democrats are charging Trump with “willfully inciting violence against the government of the United States.”  “He also willfully made statements that encouraged — and foreseeably resulted in — imminent lawless action at the Capitol.”

By Trevor K. McNeil

Predictability

Humans like predictability, to know, within a reasonable margin what will happen next. If, for no other reason, so they can be prepared for it. We make up rules and reality for ourselves, and get very upset when these rules are violated. One of the mythical theories of the American context, is that of American exceptionalism. American exceptionalism is the idea that America is somehow superior to other nations or that it has a unique mission to transform the world.

How Dare They?

Using this theory as its banner and its hammer, America acts as though it can do whatever it wants in terms of foreign policy or damn near anything else. And boy do Americans get upset when there is any kind of push back. As in the case of the psychological meltdown after 9/11. The Bush administration and most American citizenry were unable to fathom that a small group of Saudi terrorists were able to pierce the bubble of American security.  A theme going all the way back to the civil war with Confederate surprise attacks. ‘How dare they?’ The populace would ask indignantly, ‘don’t they know who we are?’

Strike First, Then Lie

One of the most hilarious examples of this, is the one that has come up in the wake of the events at the Capitol in recent days. Everything is showing the siege was planned, but it was not well planned. The events quickly descended into a chaotic riotous seizure of the U.S. Capitol. The resulting mayhem familiar in the tradition of South America, such as when American troops helped to install Augusto Pinochet as the president of Chile. The shock of such events, despite the clumsy execution, having otherwise intelligent commentators, on CNN no less, referring to when “The British attacked us in 1812.”

We Started It

Two corrections are in order. First, while the war started in 1812, it did not end until 1814. Second, the United States absolutely started it by thinking they could annex Canada from Britain. A notion of which they were disabused when British troops, with the help of Native strategy, drove the invading, that is invading now, Americans back across the border.  The offended Brits burned down the White House and nearly every public building in Washington D. C. in retaliation for the farms the American troops routinely sacked and razed during the course of the war. Still making sure to spare civilian homes. Because the Brits didn’t gain ground in the war, which was never their intention, Americans now mistakenly think that they won the war. The end result being closer to a Vietnam-style stalemate. Neither nation really gained or lost anything but British-Canada maintained its sovereignty.

This Could Be Anywhere

The main cause of dismay in the aftermath of the Trump rioter’s insurrection is that they would dare to attack the Capitol. A sacred temple of holy democracy watched over by God himself. Never mind that there is meant to be a separation church and state. The only problem with this line of thinking is that it is entirely symbolic.

Just A Building

The Capitol is just a building with doors, and can be entered like any other building with doors. There is no force-field around it keeping evil-doers at bay. Nor was there around the capitol building in Serbia when Slobodan Milosevic was dragged out in 2000 by a mass of angry citizens. Capitols are just buildings and governments are made up of people. Right now investigations are underway. The power of social media deserves close examination. Details are emerging by the minute. We may even learn that there were Capitol Police involved in allowing insurrectionists into the Capitol. All we can do is try to learn and see where improvements need to be made.

https://www.calamitypolitics.com/2018/10/05/there-is-one-born-every-minute/

OPINION: First Ladies of Style

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OPINION: First Ladies Of Style

The First Lady is a style inspiration in the United States and around the world.

 

*Anna Hessel loves fashion. Anna wanted to write about our incredible array of fashionable and not so fashionable First Ladies. Her first article for the new year focuses on this cavalcade of stylish women. The incoming Biden-Harris administration is going to make history. The first woman Vice President Kamala Harris is an empowering image of the most diverse presidential administration in history.  2021 is going to be in part about breaking the glass ceiling. Go Team Biden-Harris. Enjoy. DSM

 

First Ladies of Style

By Anna Hessel

First in Style

For centuries, American women have looked to our presidents’ wives for style inspiration.  Of course, now we also have a female VP, Kamala Harris, with a unique look all of her own.  Dolley Payne Todd Madison is considered to be the first of the First Ladies, even though Martha Washington and Abigail Adams preceded her – they were then just called, “the President’s wife”.  She served as a hostess for Thomas Jefferson’s presidency, along with his daughter Martha.  Jefferson’s wife Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson passed away before he took office.  She is said to have been physically weakened by the bodily strain of numerous pregnancies.  Mr. Jefferson, at his wife’s request, never remarried.  Dolley Madison was an enormous help to him during his presidency.

Dolley In

She easily stepped into the First Lady role when her husband James Madison was elected president, serving from 1809 to 1817.  Dolley, a former Quaker, was thrilled to finally be able to wear high fashion attire.  Her inaugural gown of buff velvet worn with pearl bracelets was loved by the press of the time, securing her place in fashion history.  Mrs. Madison had a penchant for turbans and French style.  She was known for always carrying a book and having a colorful tropical bird as a beloved pet.  Dolley defined so many of the roles of the First Lady and White House conventions, including the State Dinner and the Easter Egg hunt.  A blue-eyed beauty, she has also been credited with introducing ice cream to the ‘President’s Mansion.’

Lincoln Togs

Although most historical records refer to her as Mary Todd Lincoln, she did not use her maiden name “Todd” after she married Abraham.  Rumor has it the Lincoln’s wedding cake was still warm when they cut it.  At 5’ 2”, Mrs. Lincoln was a petite powerhouse of style, preferring to wear flowers on her clothing and in her hair.  She was said to have once forced a former beau to wear a circle of flowers that she was fashioning upon his head for a walk around the square.  Mary was a stunningly beautiful and genteel First Lady from 1861-1865. She however was frequently criticized for buying and wearing extravagantly expensive ball gowns during the Civil War.

Taft And Teddy

From March 4th, 1909, to March 4th, 1913, Hellen Herron Taft served as First Lady.  Educated at the University of Cincinnati, Mrs. Taft stylishly wore tall floral brimmed hats, elegant gowns with frothy and billowing wraps, and even carried a fan.  She was followed by the first Mrs. Roosevelt, Edith, the second wife of President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, for whom “Teddy bears” were named.  The adorable bears  were dubbed by a Brooklyn candy shop owner, with Roosevelt’s permission, in honor of an incident during a famous hunting trip the President took in 1902.  “Teddy” had refused to shoot a bear that hunting guides had corralled and tied to a tree.  While Teddy was running about the backwoods in hunting duds Edith delighted the fashion conscious women of the country with large hats and lots of lace.

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EDITORIAL: Peace On Earth

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Christmas and Pagans

EDITORIAL: PEACE ON EARTH

I.B. Freely

A Matter of Tradition

There are many traditions around Christmas. One of the more recent traditions being the speech, usually given by the sort of edgy atheist who moves all the Bible’s in a book store to the fiction section. The local TV reporter goes out to listen to the rant that basically goes on about how Christmas is bullshit because it was stolen from the pagans. Which path of paganism is rarely, if ever, specified. This isn’t technically wrong, the modern version of Christmas contains several traditions dating back to early Germanic pagans but it is not as simple as some would have you believe.

Common History

There are many Christians who aren’t going to want to hear it-but the church is not eternal. There were large swaths of history when much of Europe, particularly the north-west area was dominated by, if not entirely pagan. One of the definitions of paganism being those who worship the old gods. Old gods, as opposed to the new gods of monotheism.

Further North

It was the 5th century before Christianity reached the southern portion of the Germanic nations. The population of the far north, what is often referred to as Lapland, held strong to paganism until the 17th century. Many in the far north still practice their pagan traditions.

Rebranding

It isn’t fair to say that Christianity ‘stole’ Christmas from European paganism. The truth of it is more a matter of rebranding the familiar. Many of the traditions and beliefs having been held by the peoples of the area for a thousand generations. The primary difference in terms of Yule (pagan winter solstice) and Christmas is that Christmas is specifically the celebration of the birth of Christ. Christ of course had nothing to do with any European traditions. But it was a convenient holiday that just needed a name change to take it from pagan to Christian.

Survival

Truthfully, the Yule celebration was a big deal. When Christians wanted to celebrate the birth of Christ what better way than to choose a time on the calendar that was already marked by celebration. Christmas is based in European pagan traditions that have carried over and survived into the 21st century. Nearly every element of the Christmas celebration draws its origins directly from the European, particularly Germanic pagan tradition.

O Christmas Tree!

The Christmas tree is the most obvious example of the cross-over between Christmas and Yule. Christmas trees, are a pagan symbol of the strength of nature, standing up to the harshest weather without yielding. The ritual cutting of a tree to set up and then decorate, originally with candles against the winter dark, dates back thousands of years in Germanic nations. It was originally a way of paying respects to nature by bringing it into the home. The lights are meant to represent the coming of the new sun.

Another Log On The Fire

An element of the Christmas celebrations that makes no secret of its Yule origins is the Yule Log. This is a particularly long burning log used by the occupants of the Northern European region to keep warm during the long winter nights in the time before heaters. A tradition later picked up by the British and then Christianity in general as a part of Christmas. It is also interesting to note that the popular seasonal song “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” has an explicit reference to ‘make the Yuletide bright’ a reference to this. The main way to do such a thing for centuries was to put a Yule log on the hearth. This is also the basis of the popularity of candles in both Christmas and Yule celebrations.

Deer and The Fat Man

Another easy and obvious one, reindeer are indigenous to northern Finland and are a main resource for the indigenous Sami people. Santa, a Germanic name when pronounced correctly, while commonly believed to have been invented by the Coca-Cola company, actually has his origins in the pagan notion of the Holly King. Being the son of this self-same deity. A connection hinted at by the Ghost of Christmas Present from A Christmas Carol, in nearly every depiction or rendition, with his holly crown and Santa-style fur-lined coat. The hat that has become synonymous with Santa is also of a Norse origin.

Mistletoe 

Then there is the origins of the mistletoe tradition. Mistletoe was used by Druids for millennium to increase vigor and sexuality. We now hang it in doorways hoping to get caught under it. It is also worth noting that Santa’s sleigh is of a distinctly Germanic design, one much like it, pulled by a reindeer no less, showing up in Frozen which is set in an old Germanic region. The names – Ana, Elsa, Olaf etc. – make that abundantly clear. Yule even has its own tradition of seasonal music, which can have a lot in common with Christmas carols, if you listen closely. Much of the original sound surviving the conversion to Christianity.

Breaking Bread

Rather than focusing on the supposed difference, which are actually pretty slim, I propose that this Team Jesus and those on the side of the old gods, set aside the precise difference, possibly their suspicions, to enjoy this lovely, shared season together. Generally taking a tow-may-tow, tow-maah-toe approach to the exact terminology.

 

https://www.calamitypolitics.com/2018/12/28/truth-about-wiccans-wiccan-religion-7323/

OPINION: Generalissimo El Trumpo

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OPINION: Generalissimo El TrumpoGeneralissimo Trumpo

OPINION: Generalissimo El Trumpo

I. B. Freely

Bad Loser

There have been lots of bad losers through history. Though few have been as sore as Donald Trump in the wake of the 2020 Election. There were few of the citizenry still awake when Biden was announced president-elect a week later. The announcement wasn’t official, however. Trump has enlisted an army of sycophants to attempt sedition. He is willing to use  every dirty trick available to him to keep up his delusion that he was the winner. Like a little league player refusing to go home after losing  a game. Am I comparing trump to a child? Yes I am. He is such a bad loser he is refusing to accept that the loss is real. The problem seems to be he has convinced a large portion of his Kool Aid drinking, UZZI carrying supporters that he won. Now that is a problem.

State of Mind

It is no secret why Trump is taking things so badly. While he is president he is shielded from criminal and civil prosecution His office has uniquely protected him from prosecution for numerous financial crimes. The legal wolves are already sniffing around the White House door. Even more than this, as his niece, Mary Trump, has pointed out, Trump reserves the worst of his boundless vitriol for those he considers “losers.” Including those who were captured or killed in war. He doesn’t seem to mind most of the insults about his orange complexion or candy floss hair, but call him a loser, and he will unleash the powers of hell.

Martial Law

It sounds ridiculous but Trump does have one last card up his sleeve. According to current U.S. law, either congress or the president can declare national martial law any time, for any reason. At least the congress has to have a vote. Putting the entire country under military lock-down is within the purview of a Trump executive order.  It is a power only a few presidents have used and only regionally.  It wouldn’t be the first time that Trump would be a trend setter. Biden may well be the president-elect, but it might be difficult for him to take office if there are troops and tanks on the White House lawn commanded by Trump.

Been Here Before

There are many who doubt that Trump would actually go that far. Then again, most people laughed at the idea of him getting nominated, and then winning. Most pundits expected that the great orange one would be impeached and removed from office. Sadly the impeachment happened but, in fact, his exoneration by the U.S. Senate, emboldened him.  There is no reason then, to think that the powers of the absurd won’t be brought to bear again, leading to the very first American Junta. Goodness knows American foreign policy has  supported enough of them over the years. While they didn’t go quite that far, Canada actually had a degree of martial in the early 1970s. Pierre Trudeau, father of Justin Trudeau, enacted what was called The War Measures Act when the nation came under threat from a militant French separatist  group called the Quebec Liberation Front.

By Association

If it still sounds to weird to be true, consider who Trump had decided to call friends over the past few years. While not all military dictators, Kim Jung-Un an exception, there tends to be a narrow separation between State and Legislative power, particularly in terms of China and Russia. All of them considered “strong men” in nations with a long history of warlords. We have been tipping toward a military dictatorship for the last four years, only noticing now when it might well be too late. We can only hope Trump’s disdain for Trudeau will keep him from following through.

 

https://www.calamitypolitics.com/2020/11/16/opinion-trump-sorest-loser-ever-15444/

OPINION: While Trump Moves Out, Let’s Smile

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Time we stopped and smiled

OPINION:

While Trump Moves Out, Let’s Smile

D. S. Mitchell

While Donald Trump continues to fight the 2020 election results he is taking on the Republicans as well as the Democrats. There are plenty of us grabbing our pearls and wondering if he is going to be able to pull off his intended coup. I am praying he and his allies fail. But, I am not convinced. His behavior has become a national outrage. You LOST stupid. Move on. For God’s sakes, the state of Georgia has now counted and certified the election result three times! The American people told Trump in  a big way, “We are done with you. Goodbye. Get lost.”

As we kick Trump out of the people’s house we might want to come up with a few things to smile about, cause the next couple weeks are probably going to get dirtier and uglier than the last four years.  Here’s 35 good reason to smile while we watch as the U-Haul trucks load up the Orange Golfer’s personal affects.

1.) Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade cook book series  2.) “Doing” lunch  3.) Blowing bubbles  4.) Saturday night Roller Derby  5.) Popeye cartoons  6.) Aquariums  7.) Tug boats  8.) Winning 9.) Tootsie Roll Pops  10.) Costco food samples  11.) Fitted sheets  12.) Window seats  13.) Spa Day  14.) KoolAid  15.) A freshly sharpened pencil  16.) Chasing rainbows  17.) Day hikes  18.) NASA 19.) Birdhouses 20.) Caves  21.)  Beach bonfires  22.) Song birds  23.) Hot fudge sundaes  24.) Balconies  25.) Gymnastics  26.) Playing Frisbee with the dog  27.) Windsurfing the Columbia Gorge 28.) Clam Chowder in a bread bowl  29.) The shape of water 30.) Indian summer  31.) Hot tea  32.) Wishing on a star  33.) Baskets of Geraniums  34.) Toddler’s in snowsuits  35.) Secret family recipes.

I’m happy now. Hope you found something to smile about. I pray this will all be over soon and all we will see is Trump’s diapered ass in our rearview mirror.

https://www.calamitypolitics.com/2017/10/08/29-things-to-make-you-smile/

OPINION: The U.S. Is NO Melting Pot

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The Amish are just one of the sub cultures of the United States
OPINION: The U.S. Is NO Melting Pot

By Trevor K. McNeil

White Like Me

Every nation has it’s own mythology, some of them more literal than others. Cultures such as the Greeks and the Norse largely outsourced in terms of national mythology to celestial deities. Younger nations like, say America, to pick a name out of a hat, tend to mythologize themselves, having no real history to speak of before the Industrial Age. Seriously, Norway has trees that are older than the nation of America. One of the first myths perpetrated by the new nation was they had the right to lay claim to a name applying to no less than two continents, namely North and South America.

Silly Myths

Other myths of the ‘American Nation,’ aside from the silly ones like being discovered by Christopher Columbus, despite him getting close, Leif Erickson actually beat him by about a thousand years and the Polynesians may have beat him to the Southern Hemisphere by 10,000 years. And what about this American democracy “thing?” The U. S. “democracy” everyone ballyhoos has never actually been a democracy at all. If in fact, America was a democracy or even intended to be one, there would not have been every effort, imaginable to methodically deny suffrage to women, immigrants, blacks, and Native American peoples. Other myths include the idea of America as a melting pot.

My Definition Is This

There is some disagreement about what the term melting pot actually means. The general idea is that America has cultural identity that is not only distinctly identifiable but also consistent across all individuals. This holistic, and frankly absolutist, notion implies that anyone born or naturalized into the ‘American Culture’ will be speaking English, playing baseball, and eating apple pie within a couple of months. A somewhat odd claim considering the massive cultural difference between many of the states, in part thanks to states rights, that lead to a literal war in the 19th century. Any Yankee who thinks ‘Rebel Pride’ isn’t still a thing is just wrong. Southern Americans, of all races, are an example of cultural diversity in America. There still being hardliners who identify as ‘Confederates’ or ‘Southern’ before even ‘American.’

Pardon My French

Another primarily southern group, mostly ignored and dismissed by the melting pot idea are the over one million Acadians living within America’s borders. Known variably as ‘Acadians,’ ‘Cajuns,’ and sometimes ‘Louisiana French,’ the Acadians are a distinct cultural group, originating in both France and Eastern Canada. They speak a dialect of French. Often it is the first language. The largest population of Acadians reside in Louisiana. In Louisiana they constitute a major voting block and have a major influence on the culture of the state. Famous Cajuns in popular culture include Gambit from the X-Men universe, Marg Simpson [nee Bouvier] in The Simpsons and Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desire. The first major acknowledgement of the Louisiana French, that I know of in national politics, recognizing them as distinct voting group came when then candidate Joe Biden acknowledged their voting impact when campaigning in Louisiana.

Father Land

Take a look at the Pennsylvania Dutch. Generally a sub-group of the Amish break-away sect of the Mennonite religion. The term refers both to the Amish of the Pennsylvania community in Pennsylvania, made famous in the Harrison Ford vehicle Witness, and the language spoken by them and other Amish groups. In terms of ethnic groups in America and cultural diversity the Pennsylvania Dutch are a sterling example. Not only do they have a clearly distinct culture they also have a unique language officially recognized as a sub-set of the German language family, often used in place of English unless they are addressing an English speaker. I’ve read that the Amish refer to American non-Amish as ‘English.’

More Not Less

Some would say a few examples don’t matter and they are the exception that proves the rule. Usually they would be right. Except in cases of absolutism, one exception brings down the entire notion. Despite the oft repeated idea that America is a melting pot, just look around. There is much more cultural diversity in America than most people would like to admit or even understand.

Salad Bowl Theory

Many are suggesting the term “melting pot” needs to be replaced by the more sociological correct “salad bowl.” We are all together, as one, but we also all have distinct cultures. Chinese-American citizens still celebrate the Chinese New Year, Mexican-Americans  celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Day of the Dead. They are American, but they still celebrate elements of their own culture.

On The Other Hand

Some would still argue the metaphor “melting pot” is applicable. Most immigrant families celebrate traditional American holidays, even if it is not part of their own culture.  The most common measurement of assimilation into the American culture is the adoption of the English language. Being non-English speaking in the United States is costly in every avenue of life. There seems to be little tolerance for the non-English speaker. So, in this case there is extreme social pressure to become English speaking as if the language would bind the society into one monolithic culture.

https://www.calamitypolitics.com/2020/01/27/minority-identity-representation-mainstream-art-culture11689/

OPINION: Trump Sorest Loser Ever

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Trump is a sore loser

OPINION: Trump Sorest Loser Ever

By Trevor K. McNeil

Human Frailty

There is no accounting for human behavior. Particularly in times of trouble. Stress and panic are capable of leading to seemingly irrational behavior on the part of the American electorate. Such as the re-election of Richard Nixon in 1972 despite his actions in Asia. And then there’s the insanity of George W. Bush’s two elections. Why the comfortable re-election in 2004, after stealing the 2000 election from Al Gore? The 2004 victory still makes me shake my head in bewilderment. The stupid idiot (#43) started two wars that we are still fighting nearly two decades later. A shockingly high number of troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan were not even born when the Twin Towers fell. The unpredictable American electorate and their often obvious disconnect from reality is a forever unknown. Which is part of why the Biden-Harris landslide was far from a fore gone conclusion, despite the polls.

Making History

The 2020 US election made history in many different ways. Some of them better than others. For starters there was the highest voter turn-out ever. Both despite and because of the pandemic. Leading to one of the longest vote-counts, lasting nearly a week from kick-off to final whistle. Something closer to what would be expected somewhere like India which has a much larger population base. Kamala Harris has risen higher in American politics than any woman before her, minority or otherwise, now named Vice President-Elect. With Biden declared President-Elect he is the oldest incoming president and one of the few to come from a modest economic background, as well as the first to attend a public university. Even George W. Bush,  somehow managed to get into Yale and Ulysses S. Grant attended West Point.

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OPINION: Paying Tribute To The Dead

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OPINION:

Paying Tribute To COVID-19 Dead

D. S. Mitchell

Trump Terror Campaign

Total COVID-19 cases in the United States surpassed 9 million on Friday, October 30, 2020. Close to 235,000 people are dead in America. Most states are experiencing spikes unseen since the pandemic peak back in July. CDC reported that today there were an astounding and record setting 98,580 new cases. The pandemic is rapidly expanding. This is a runaway train. The Trump terror campaign is in full swing. The U.S. has only 4.25% of the world’s population but we have nearly 20% of the worlds deaths from COVID-19.

Incompetent, Ineffective and Unfit

969 Americans have died needlessly since yesterday. Brothers, sisters, mothers, husbands, sons, friends and family who are no longer with us. I said these folks had died needlessly and I meant it. If Donald Trump had taken the virus seriously in January we would not be experiencing these shocking death totals. A study from Columbia University estimates that 210,000 of those American deaths could have been avoided. Donald Trump had the power to change the dynamics. If Donald Trump hadn’t been an incompetent, ineffective, and unfit president a total of  24,000 Americans would have died from COVID-19 instead of nearly 235,000.

“Operation Warp Speed”

Trump is actually out on the campaign stump claiming one of his top achievements during his first term was “ending COVID-19.” I don’t know if Donald is hallucinating, on drugs or just a pathological liar, but I’m shocked and disgusted at his claims.  The fact that his pronouncement came at a new peak of a raging pandemic should be no shock to anyone. While the pandemic gets worse in our country the toxic psychopath masquerading as a president babbles absurdities completely divorced from reality. If the pandemic is over, why is the Trump administration still desperately trying to bring out a vaccine “any day?”

It Could Be Different

Take New Zealand for example. Jacinda Ardern is the Prime Minister of New Zealand. From the beginning of the pandemic she and her government enacted a nationwide lockdown and the widest ranging and toughest border restrictions of any country in the world. Despite the strict crackdown she earned the respect of her citizens. She has shown care and compassion and her actions have saved thousands of lives. As of today less than 30 of her citizens has died from coronavirus. Adjusted for population, that is the equivalent of 1,650 Americans, which is clearly even better than the Columbia University study mentioned above.

Between Now And January 20th

Out-of-control incompetence. It is anticipated that 150,000 to 250,000 more Americans will needlessly die between now and noon on January 20th. Hopefully that is the same day that we see Joe Biden replace Donald Trump. I think the death toll could be even greater than estimated. I hope not. All we can do is wear our masks, wash our hands religiously, social distance and avoid groups. Even with that, half the population resists these simple measures.

Poor Example

The primary reason for the resistance to masks is named Donald Trump. He is the poorest example of what to do during a public health emergency.  I wonder if we will ever be able to track the deaths directly related to Trump’s rallies. The carnage of fifty more 9/11 deaths will occur between now and January and based on recent rally rhetoric it looks like Trump is going to blame “doctors and the nurses for making money on COVID deaths.”

No More Trump 

We can stop this. We can step up and vote the diseased Orange Menace out of office. I truly believe this country cannot tolerate another four years of Trump and his goons. What we need to do is vote. We must make sure Trump is  removed from the White House as soon as the Constitution provides. There are thousands of reasons why Donald Trump is unfit to be president of the United States, his response to the virus is one of his worst failures. The best tribute we can give to our lost loved ones is to Dump Trump.

https://www.calamitypolitics.com/2020/06/21/covid-19-is-taking-a-mental-toll-14467/

OPINION: Introducing The Redneck Revolt

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OPINION: Introducing The Redneck Revolt

Redneck Revolt is an American far-left political group that organizes predominantly among white working-class people. The group supports gun rights and members often openly carry firearms. Its political positions are anti-capitalist, anti-racist and anti-fascist-Wikipedia

Trevor K. McNeil

Close the Gap

In this age of populism and division it can be easy to forget that there were once politicians who claimed to be uniters not dividers.  The current political divide, which is exactly why there is a political divide, are driven by extremists on both sides.  The refusal to even look for common ground and tear down and vilify everyone and anyone who disagrees is a greater threat to democracy than nearly anything else. The Trump administration is a manifestation of the problem not the source. A certain amount of  partisanship is required for democracy to work. Otherwise we might as well be in Russia. Where one ruling party runs unopposed. People are a lot more complicated than that. As the Redneck Revolt shows.

Not What You Think

Far from the banjo-plucking, cousin marrying, right-wing gun nuts of the cultural imagination, the Redneck Revolt presents a more nuanced view of Southern culture. Founded in Lawrence, Kansas, the group is a less militant and more political off-shoot of the distinctly leftist John Brown Gun Club. Some may cringe at the 2nd Amendment advocacy and that is fair.  It should be kept in mind that guns really are a part of southern rural culture, and it is unrealistic if not unreasonable to expect that to change.

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