Honoring our Presidents

As we celebrate our former presidents this week, what would they think of today's White House Resident?  Would they approve of his...

Reliance on fake news *

Constant lies and boasting

Selection of counsel and cabinet

Disrespect of Australia

Embrace of Russia

Disregard of the Constitution

Conflict of Interest

Lack of interest in briefings

Discriminatory immigration policy

Attack of Journalists

What am I missing...?

Lifting us Up

There is NO gratification in the dysfunction of this current administration.   "Rising tides lifts all boats".  We are one country with citizens (who are natural born, immigrants, resident aliens, from all races, religions, genders ...) who want their families to succeed.  But we can only succeed as a nation if we work together not against each other.  Differing opinions is the heart of our valued diversity but we most work harder to respectfully, agree to disagree and find compromises for the majority of us who resides in the center of our political spectrum.  Even without a functioning Administration, we need to continue to encourage our DC reps to work together, not in separate offensive silos. Bravo to Senator Marco Rubio who gave an impassioned speech on the Senate Floor about the divisive road we are on.  Here is a sample:  "I don't know of a civilization in the history of the world that's been able to solve its problems when half the people in a country absolutely hate the other half of the people in that country."  For the full 7 minute speech, click here: https://goo.gl/P62YRM

Out of Control

Now back to the dysfunction.  Real events are trumping the creative minds of the TV show "Scandal".  Just how much Russian contact did Trump and his Trumpettes have before, during and after the election.  Putin is a dictator, thug and killer yet  #45 seems enamored by his presence.  Mazel Tov to General Flynn for breaking the world record on the shortest serving National Security Advisor in history at 24 days. But the real story is the fact that Flynn continued his role even after Trump was told of his indiscretions (that he most likely knew about since the beginning). Where does the Rot from the Fish originate...?  Trump blames this whole incident on the (illegal) leaks to the media and insists Flynn is a "great guy" and was treated unfairly.   How dare the American people be exposed to the Truth? And now POTUS' Sec. of Labor pick (Hardee's CEO who opposes minimum wage, hired an illegal worker and mistreats his workers and wife) has withdrawn his nomination. Trump's picks are a verifiable deck of jokers. 

In a  Chokehold

Despicable multiplied by infinity isn't strong enough to describe the NRA's chokehold on our legislators and with Trump in the White House, their power is only growing stronger.  A regulation (implemented after the horrific Sandy Hook school shooting of 20 children and 6 staff) to prevent guns from landing in the palms of people with mental illness, was repealed this week in Congress.  This only affects 75,000 people who have requested disability from Social Security. Some may not be unfit to carry a gun but instead of improving the regulation, they decided to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Gun control, in this Trump and GOP controlled DC, will be a major uphill battle.  https://goo.gl/B2Kjwa  "We lose eight children and teenagers to gun violence every day. If a mysterious virus suddenly started killing eight of our children every day, America would mobilize teams of doctors and public health officials. We would move heaven and earth until we found a way to protect our children. But not with gun violence." Elizabeth Warren

Bring us Together

Jews were the primary victims of the Holocaust...right? As we've heard, the WH this year decided to be more inclusive of all victims by NOT singling anyone (6 Million) out of their Holocaust statement.  So, last week 100 Democratic congressmen/women proposed a resolution that would in effect state "the indisputable fact that the Nazi regime targeted the Jewish people in its perpetration of the Holocaust and calling on every entity in the executive branch to affirm that fact."
But the Republicans (in their silo) choose to block the vote on this resolution protecting the White House over the Jews. 

https://goo.gl/P79aDW

Rise is Real

The college Republican group of Central Michigan University couldn't explain how this highly anti-semitic Valentine's card got into the gift bags they were distributing, but glad to know they condemned it immediately.  These types of incidents have increased dramatically since our last election.  Bravo to the ADL on their constant effort to combat Hate but BS on Trump's response on the rise of anti-semitism at this week's press conference.  See this issue, 3 paragraph down. 

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/02/10/cmu-college-republicans-anti-semitic-valentines-day-card-mistake.html

Back at Last

*Yeah!!!... John Oliver is back.  If you missed last week's rant, I've got the full 23 minute video describing Trump's lack of interest in facts and reality, his reliance on Fake (and scary) News and John's brilliant and comical actions that will help (not so) subliminally educate Donald while he's in his comfort zone.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xecEV4dSAXE

To Bee or Not

Humans have a symbiotic relationship with Bees as they are a major factor in our food chain. We need bees on this Earth to pollinate our food, which is why it is concerning that the Trump administration is dragging its feet on listing the Rusty Patch Bumblebee as an endangered species. Even POTUS' favorite KFC chicken is made with ingredients connected to bees.  http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2017/0215/Every-day-counts-Group-sues-Trump-for-delay-on-rusty-patch-bumblebee-protection

Friend or Foe

My Friend's Friend is still my Enemy. Bibi and Trump met this week amid the White House's tumultuous Russian scandal. After the "no love" relationship of Bibi and Barack, Israelis were hoping for a lovefest with Trump.  But his promise of a Jerusalem US embassy is now stalled and he is backpedaling on his Settlement endorsement. Then of course there is Trump's BFF status with Putin while Putin's BFF status with Iran puts a thorn in Israel's side.  According to the former US ambassador Dan Shapiro, the timing of this first meeting is "absolutely crazy". https://goo.gl/jk21rP  But most disturbing was Trump's flippant attitude toward the serious questions at the press conference. "1 State, 2 State...whatever suits you best".  Sound like Dr. Suess.  Then his answer on the rise of anti-semitism was frankly, bizarre.  He started by referencing his electoral victory, then moved on to his Jewish daughter and her family and ended with "we're going to see a lot of love".  He NEVER condemned or acknowledge anti-semitism and Bibi had to step in to save his "friend".  Here's the video and transcript.  http://time.com/4672402/donald-trump-anti-semitism-netanyahu/

Israel the Beautiful

Boycotts by NFL players are flying from the White House to Israel.  There were suppose to be 11 football superstars visiting Israel this week so they could return home and describe the real Israel,  but pro-Palestinian propaganda and anti-Israel celebrities convinced some of them to skip their journey.  5 of the 11 did make the trip but their social media was quieter than usual. Let's hope they were able to see the beauty in the people, places and things of the Holy Land. 

http://www.timesofisrael.com/five-remaining-nfl-players-touch-down-in-israel-for-post-super-bowl-tour/

Fear of Farrakhan

For the 2nd year in a row, the Nation of Islam will hold host their National Convention in Detroit this Sunday.  They expect 30,000 people to crowd Cobo Center and I expect more anti-semitism spewed from their perch. I will update this story next week unless I'm mistaken and they leave the Jews off their agenda. 

Reconnect to Others

Disconnect from Technology and Eat Together.  Hope you enjoy this meaningful Feel Good Canadian commercial to encourage real connections:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDuA9OPyp6I

Amazing Talent 

Ed Sheeran's Grammy performance of his new song, "Shape of You" was my favorite act that whole evening. He sang it last Saturday on SNL but his Grammy version was mesmerizing as he juggled all his musical talents. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgzWjmyUZH8

May 22 (Monday)

The Emily Stillman Foundation 

Night of Laughs

The Berman Theatre (West Bloomfield)

Featuring: Heather McDonald (from Chelsea Lately)

http://www.foreveremily.org/