OK, so most everyone with an IQ higher than a philodendron by now KNOWS that Trump did not

kill Soleimani because of any " imminent threat". The public statements made by Esper, Pompeo and Trump himself admit as much and were delivered with a defiant unspoken "So what?" attitude.

Can someone point me to something that indicates that anyone will pay a price---of any kind--- for the unconstitutional murder?

Has "No one is above the law" become a total joke; a saying voiced only by naive fools?

This will be a very simple post. And, yes, I understand that some would term it "simple- minded".

What I believe to be an obvious but often overlooked truth struck me as I listened to a succession of Republican Congressmen screw on their "earnest" faces and then proceed to lie through their damned teeth about how the White House's briefing about why Trump killed Soleimani was "complete" and "crystal clear" and proved the attack was "legally justified". And, what is the "often overlooked truth" that I rediscovered while listening to this nauseating mendacity?

There are NO good Republicans. Period. Full stop.

I confess that, over the past several years, I have often let myself slip into the "Yeah, but---" frame of mind: "Congressman/Senator Asshat campaigned with Trump!" "YEAH. BUT---Asshat is basically a decent American. He/she will never support unqualified judges; will never support racism; will never look the other way when shown clear evidence of corruption and criminality." But, I'm all better now. I once again see clearly.

Some may occasionally vote with us, but they do so only when their own personal position, profit or liberty is threatened. (Looking at you, Matt Gaetz!)

If they make a statement, it is either false or a temporarily convenient truth.

If they ask a question, they are up to something because they don't need to ask questions---they know everything.

If they shake your hand, count your fingers.

"Good Republicans", like "left-over wine", may exist in theory, but I haven't seen any lately.

I just saw Louie Gohmert --- IN DRAG! --- spewing his usual amazing ignorance

on the House floor and --- get this!--- he's using an alias: "Lesko".

Why do so few Democratic politicians get pissed off? By "pissed off", I mean openly and

righteously indignant; passionately and justifiably angry.

I disagree with just about everything Senator Mike Lee says or does, but he was rightfully pissed off about the "insulting" briefing Trump's people offered today as justification for killing Soleimani and he did not try to conceal that fact when he was interviewed by the press. Several Democrats were also interviewed and they also were not satisfied with the briefing. The difference was that Lee was visibly angry and disgusted. He was animated in his manner and his speech and he said the briefing was the "worst" he'd received in his nine years in the Senate. The several Democrats who spoke conveyed a sense of resignation; a somewhat sad "this is just the way things are" attitude. They said the briefing was "insufficient" and "fell short" of what they expected.

Where's the fire? Where's the quavering voice PASSION that can hardly contain itself when confronted with the daily outrages of the Trump regime?

If you want an example of what I'm talking about, listen to how my Senator, Tammy Duckworth, handed Trump his ass on the floor of the Senate today.

Say it like you mean it and want everyone to know you mean it.

Our government's most pressing need is simply stated: more good people to get involved.

When our kids were growing up, what they "wanted to be" when they were grown sometimes changed from month to month. And, we would smile and tell them---as each new career choice was announced, "Go for it! Give it all you've got a d be the very best there is. You can do it! But,--- before you become the best architect, teacher, electrician, deejay or sno-cone vendor, be a good person."

Good people aren't perfect, but the mistakes they make are honest ones. They try to do the right thing as they see it. They try to be kind and tolerant and are willing to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of others. Good people have a conscience and a sense of shame which function as guardrails for their life's journey. They value love over money or power and do their level best not to do harm to anyone.

I am proud go tell you that neither of my children would fit into the Trump regime. They are "good people".

Let this sink in: Politico is reporting that polling shows Trump is more distrusted throughout

the world than Putin or Xi------and we live in a nation where he very possibly will be re-elected.

Having given his penchant for over-the-top schmaltsy stage craft a trial run this morning,

(25 minutes late to build anticipation; emerging from a "heavenly" burst of blinding light; flanked by uniformed "centurions" ) here's what we might see at the State of the Union address next month:

Instead of entering the chamber by way of the center aisle, 10 minutes after his scheduled appearance the lights will be cut and a baby-blue spotlight will focus on the podium. The spot will slowly expand to reveal a soft blanket of fog produced by concealed machines. A round section of the floor just behind the podium will silently slide aside and Commander in Chief Donald Trump---in full "military" uniform designed by Ivanka---will rise majestically through the floor on a stage lift as "Thus Spake Zarathustra" booms through the sound system.

Once the orgasmic GOP side of the chamber has worn itself out and screamed itself hoarse, the 2001 Space Odysey tune will fade and be replaced by a gospel choir belting out "I love him! I love him! I love him! And, where he goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow!---"

Eventually, Trump will mumble, slur and snort his way thru a large bowl of word salad and depart by waddling away down the center aisle as "Das Valkyries" assaults everyone's eardrums. Through genuine tears, Lindsey will mewl into the microphones "I LOVE that man!"

That's how I see it.

The Republican assessment of Trump's speech? "Hey, he didn't say 'fuck', didn't call the Iranians

'towel-headed motherfuckers', didn't grab anyone's pussy and did not announce a nuclear attack! What a great presidential speech!"

Listening to Trump--- Anyone think he could pass a drug test? nt

I haven't watched much TV this morning, but the several commentators and "consultants" I

have sampled for a few minutes all seem to be making the same basic mistake: they speak as if there was still some possibility that Trump will finally "get presidential" when he speaks this morning.

The comments are filled with "what we need to do now---" and "he needs to avoid chest-thumping" and "we should now discuss alternatives with Iranian leaders".

Really?

These suggestions are all reasonable, but they all presume Trump cares about something other than getting re-elected and making more money.

NOTHING in our long term good will happen as long as he remains in power as defacto dictator.