A Wild and Weird Weekend in Russia

 This past weekend proved one thing for sure. You never know what those wild and wacky Russians are going to do next. Well, that and Vladimir Putin and his military commanders are more akin to soap opera characters than they are actual strategists and tacticians.

So much so an ex-convict and former restaurant owner appears to handle combat situations better than they have. At least that is the way it seemed 48 hours ago. 

Yevgeny Prigozhin is the sole owner of what is called the Wagner Group. They are a high profile mercenary outfit. Before the quagmire in Ukraine they were primarily known for their, let's say, work, in Africa. So much so they are the de facto rulers of the Central African Republic where they provide their services to the so called president of that nation. In exchange they get to cart away huge amounts of gold and diamonds. 

It isn't clear if Vlad Putin asked for the Wagner Group's help in Ukraine, or he accepted an unsolicited offer from Prigozhin. Whatever the case Putin provided them with ammunitions and arms and allowed them to deploy alongside his troops. In other words he made the same mistake the Rolling Stones did at the Altamont concert. He let a Russkie version of Hell's Angels work security.

As one can guess the Russian army, especially it's field commanders didn't appreciate the situation. There was antagonism, and mistrust between both sides which became so bitter there were even a few instances of outright violence. Then last week Prigozhin accused Russian higher ups of launching a missile attack which killed a dozen, or so of his men.

On Friday, Prigozhin went into an uncontrollable snit and ordered his group to march on Moscow. Wagner Group mercenaries quickly moved into Rostov on the Don, taking over the Russian army's southern command headquarters. Then their tanks began to roll north. Prigozhin refused to call the action a coup, or a mutiny. It was a march for justice, he said. He added the Wagner Grup wasn't out to depose Putin, but they were going to get rid of the senior army commanders. 

Then came the weird part.

Wagner Group armor was within 125 miles of Moscow when Prigozhin suddenly called the whole thing off. Official accounts said a deal was struck, brokered by the president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko. Prigozhin would go into exile in Belarus while his men could either walk away free,, although unarmed, or be accepted into the regular Russian army. 

All this only a day after Prigozhin claimed his men would shed their blood for justice and Putin had called his former buddy a back stabbing traitor..

The entire bizarre affair began and ended so quickly American media and politicians are at a loss to explain what actually took place. One Fox correspondent claimed the whole episode was a false flag operation meant to lull Joe Biden into thinking Putrin is weak. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was convinced the American deep state had paid Prigozhin to pull off a coup. Of course her analysis might be a tad suspect. A little later she tweeted she believed the television in her home was being used to spy on her. (It came on by itself, she wrote, and the screen showed a man with a laptop computer looking at her.)

A whole gaggle of contributors to all three major cable news outlets felt Putin had been politically wounded by the brief uprising. Others noted the Wagner Group took the headquarters in Rostov without a fight and was virtually unopposed on the road trip toward Moscow. More than a couple pointed out the Russian president had no one to blame but himself for the situation.  After all, he is the one who helped arm Prigozhin's boys and allowed them to operate on Russian soil. 

A good point. Other Russian elites in power have to see this too. Just as they have to see how badly botched the entire Ukraine adventure has been. 

All of which leads to the final question raised by the events of the weekend. Exactly how long will those around Vladimir Putin put up with this sort of humiliating shit?

We might know the answer to that one sooner than we think.

6-26-23  

Donald Trump Arrived Thinking He Was Invisible

 Donald John Trump has been on this planet since June 14th, 1946. During his 77 years here Mr. Trump has done whatever he has wanted whenever he wanted with very few consequences. Oh he has lost financial judgements on occasion, but they've never been stiff enough to slow him down. Litigations and lawyers come and go, but Don Trump just keeps merrily rolling along.

Decades of legal success and impunity, abetted by brigades of toadies who affirm his every decision, has convinced him that that he, Donald Trump can do no wrong. He can, "grab 'em by the pussy." He can alter the paths of hurricanes with a map and sharpie. He can go home with secret documents that include the nuclear capabilities and weaknesses of the United States, its friends and enemies. He can even show off proposed options for American strategy in the event of a war with Iran.

All of it, not because he was president, but he is Donald Trump and what he says is his, by God, is his. Hey, what do you expect from a man who years ago told a reporter he never asks the Good Lord for forgiveness. 

Monday night the former president went on Fox News to do an interview with correspondent, Bret Baier. Unlike the fools at CNN Baier came prepared and to what had to be Trump's surprise he isn't a Sean Hannity style sycophant. In addition the people at Fox refused to let Trump play to a studio full of adoring fans, depriving his ego of the nourishment it constantly craves. The setting was stark and simple. Him, Baier, and the unflinching eye of the camera.

What happened next led more than one TV wag to wonder aloud how many Trump staffers and lawyers jumped out of windows during the broadcast. Yes, it was that bad.

When asked why he kept the boxes of documents Trump began to babble. He went from, they are mine, to they are part of the presidential records act, to they weren't classified, they were newspaper and magazine clippings, to the government never asked for them nicely, to he hadn't had time to look through all of them, to they were mixed in with golf shirts, pants, and shoes and he didn't want the National Archives to get his personal items.

It was a performance so unhinged, Fox contributor, Brit Hume remarked afterward that the former president's answer, "verged on being incoherent.'

Hume was being too kind. Most came away believing Donald Trump, in his own grammatically warped way, had just confessed to committing a federal crime. Even those who didn't see it that way had to acknowledge they had just witnessed a man completely out of rational excuses. Indeed, it appears the next stop for Big Don is the, "I thought the dog ate them," defense. 

There was more. When Baier asked him about how he would regain the confidence and votes of suburban women--a demographic which heavily contributed to his 2020 loss--Mr. Trump denied he had lost the election. He ranted about magical tapes which show hard evidence of election misdeeds committed by those who hate him. He completely ignored those suburban women he needs so desperately. It was a display of delusion so profound one has to wonder what sort of terrible drugs he was on.

Reports now say after the interview Donald Trump came away thinking he had nailed it. Those who saw him say he believed his answers were a display of strength and competence which proved his innocence and value as president. 

Not exactly. What was actually proven Monday is Mr. Trump isn't an unstoppable messianic leader, or even some Lex Luthor evil genius type. Instead, he looked to be a stammering old uncle with dementia. One who showed up for a family reunion stark naked, convinced no one could see him.    

6-21-23

Sometimes Being a Martyr is Good

 There is one thing that we all have to admit about Donald Trump. The crazy fuck owns the media, even that part of it which hates him. You just can't get that ol' boy off the news. That and he knows exactly how to build a cult following which is as unshakeable in the face of disaster as Herr Hitler's SS was in 1945. 

At his Bedminster Country Club Tuesday night he called Special Prosecutor, Jack Smith things like a radical left thug and a lunatic. The audience laughed and applauded. When he told them, "I alone can save the nation." they cheered in wild ecstasy. Later, as Fox News showed a split screen shot of the speech along with Joe Biden giving an address at the White House, a chyron read, "Wannabe dictator speaks at the White House after having his political rival arrested." 

Today Mr. Trump posted on social media, "Really big fund raising, even greater polls since the radical left indictment hoax was initiated by the misfits, mutants, Marxists, and Communists."    

Ah yes, quite presidential. And just think, the 2024 election is still, 17 months off. The mind reels when trying to imagine the tone and content of Trump's campaign a year from now. 

Now, here is the weird part about the whole indictment thing. Donald J. Trump could have walked away from it with little, or no legal consequences.  

According to a Wahington Post report, before Mar-A-Lago was ever searched Trump lawyer, Chris Kise offered to make a deal with the DOJ. Trump would offer to return all the documents he had in return for a promise of no federal charges being filed. Other lawyers retained by Trump urged him to take a more aggressive position with the feds. Their advice played right into Trump's conviction the boxes in the bathroom were his and his alone and his monumental ego.    

Trump told Kise no. No one, approached the DOJ, Chris Kise resigned, and as we saw Tuesday Donald Trump ended up in the dock facing charges so serious he could spend the rest of his life in prison. Whether he truly understands that, or not is still up in the air. 

Well, sometimes being a martyr is a good thing, and you can't get beatified without a little persecution. Besides, what are a few criminal charges compared to a quick two plus million bucks,--especially when Walt Nauta is available to take the fall.

After his arraignment Donald Trump made a brief campaign stop at a Cuban joint called, the Versailles Cafe. He told the adoring crowd, "Food for everyone." Minutes later he skipped out, leaving his supporters to fend for themselves. If someone were to confront him about the moment there is no doubt he'd look you in the eye and say something along the lines of, "I never said the food would be free."

There couldn't be a more perfect metaphor for Donald Trump's presidency and his messianic bloviating. He says a lot really loudly but comes up short on the fish and loaves. Then, in the end, he always let's somebody else get nailed to a cross to pay for his sins.

6-15-23

Arraignment Day: Chris Christie Gets It: The Bathroom Doors at Mar-A-Lago Lock: And, There are a Lot of Them

 Here is an idea. Let's blame him. He's the one who did it.

Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie speaking about Donnald Trump's federal indictment.

When it comes to the 2024 race for the republican nomination the former New Jersey governor is the only one in the field who seems to get it. All the rest of that growing herd of clowns and jokers seem to think they can somehow eat into Donald Trump's base by not saying bad things about him. Christie alone appears to understand that strategy just won't work. Let's face it, no one ever got a Manson family disciple to leave George Spahn's ranch because they claimed Charlie was being persecuted.

In many cases it is almost as if defending Donald Trump's acts and pronouncements, no matter how indefensible they are, has become an involuntary response. You know--like your heart beating faster when you are fleeing from a threat. Then again it might simply be because the GOP has had so much practice doing it over the years they see no reason to stop now.

Whatever the case, some of those supporting Donald Trump, especially House members, have made statements that are, let's say, a tad out there. Speaker Kevin McCarthy reassured us the strategic plans for an invasion of Iran were safe because the bathroom where they were being kept had a lock on the door. It is unknown if the Speaker, who is third in line for the presidency, knew the lock was located on the inside of the door, or not. Florida republican Congressman, Byron Donalds speculated that because there are 33 bathrooms at Mar-A-Lago the one where the papers were stored was probably not accessible to the public.

Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs didn't bother with either bathroom locks or availability. He cut straight to the promise of violence. On Twitter he told readers we had entered, "a war phase." Like his pal, Donald Trump, Congressman Biggs has never served in the military and has never seen combat. Neither has failed gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, but that didn't stop her from telling a crowd the government would have to go through her and 75 million other NRA members to get to Donald Trump.

Trump himself has said repeatedly, "The boxes are mine." Now he is hinting that the FBI planted the secret documents during their search of his residence. And as always he has attacked Special Prosecutor, Jack Smith with a series of personal insults, some of which include Smith's wife,

Yes, you can say many things about Donald Trump, but you'll never be able to accuse him of mature, or even rational behavior. 

On MSNBC last night, Trump's niece, Mary told Lawrence O'Donnell her uncle has no fear of going to jail. The reason he doesn't is because Donald John Trump cannot imagine a universe that includes him being incarcerated.

Maybe that universe doesn't exist. Or, maybe it does. Yesterday Bill Barr, former Attorney General and Trump toady told FOX News, if even half the stuff in the 37 counts brought against him are true, Donald Trump is, "toast."

We can only hope.

6-13-23

Donald Trump Isn't in Juvie Anymore

 First things first. An indictment isn't a guilty verdict. An indictment is a decision that simply means the grand jury has found sufficient evidence for a suspect to be charged and tried for a crime. When someone is indicted he, or she remains innocent until proven guilty by prosecutors and a trial jury. That jury is completely separate from the jury which issued the indictment.

In short, all the liberals out there need to keep the cork on the champagne bottle and the party balloons in the closet. At least for now. Donald Trump has yet to be convicted of anything in the federal legal system. He is, at the moment, an innocent man.

How long that will last remains to be seen. Mainly because Donald J. Trump himself won't keep his mouth shut He continues to behave like some teenage punk who has gamed the juvenile court system his whole life and doesn't realize he is now being tried as an adult. The days of bragging about your shoplifting sprees and crude acts of vandalism don't help your cred anymore. That's right, no more slaps on the wrist, Donnie boy. You could be headed to a place where the only luxury is getting to shower once a week and possession of a cell phone is just another criminal offense.

Charges in the indictment include, Willful retention of national defense information, Conspiracy to obstruct justice, and Concealing a document in a federal investigation. There are four more counts and they all came about because the former president repeatedly claimed the documents were his, or were magically declassified by his thoughts, then, finally, was taped saying he knew they were classified, but he'd kept them anyway. 

All of that, after he and his legal team had signed a statement, swearing every last one of the sensitive papers had been turned over to the national archives. 

Indeed, it appears The Big Orange Guy's hubris is so profound he simply cannot fathom that he, like the rest of us, is subject to the rule of law.  This arrogance has, in fact, rendered him into a complete imbecile. If Bugs Bunny was around his only comment about Donald Trump would be, "What an ultra maroon."

Trump and several republicans, including House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy blame the charges on Joe Biden and his administration. In Trump's own words, "it's election interference." Oklahoma congressman, Josh Brecheen claims Trump was indicted because the latest polls show him in the lead. Even presidential opponent Mike Pence, who thanks to Trump nearly got lynched, said the democrats have politicized the DOJ.

Meanwhile, as everyone should know, you can run for president while being indicted, tried, or even a jail. It does put a crimp in the campaign---they don't let you hold rallies in the exercise yard--but it has been done before. In 1920 socialist candidate, Eugene V. Debs ran while serving time for sedition, Despite the limitations he pulled in 3.4% of the popular vote that year. 

Of course the election is still over a year off and The Donald's first priority remains getting nominated. Luckily for him the GOP field is growing almost daily. They all make noise, but none of them, including Ron DeSantis, have the twisted charisma of Don Trump. Many won't survive Iowa and more will be gone after New Hampshire. Most importantly, not a man, or woman among them commands the blind loyalty Trump does. The truth is the guy could be sentenced to life without parole and still get at least 30% of republicans to vote for him. Chris Christie might be able to savage Donald Trump, but he can't beat him.  

Well, as the Magic Eight Ball sometimes says," It will soon be revealed." Until then, Donald Trump would be well advised to tread lightly. Federal judges are a notoriously ill-tempered bunch with little tolerance for bombastic chicanery and Roy Cohn's strategy of endless delays. As Cohn knew, you can pull that shit on a poor construction contractor with limited funds, but the government owns the printing presses. They never run out of money when they come after you. 

Not to mention relying on the Aryan Brotherhood rather than the Secret Service for protection in the joint is always a tad dicey.

6-9-23

From Witch to Woke

Oh, how things change. One day you are a celebrated ally, the next a despised enemy guilty of a heinous crime--wokeness. Indeed, it doesn't take much in some eyes to decide treason is afoot; heresy has been committed. 

Such is the fate of the clan Cathy of Georgia.

The Chick-fil-A fast food chain was founded by S. Truett Cathy. Cathy was a life long member of the Southern Baptist Church who taught Sunday school classes for over 50 years. His religious beliefs were so strong he refused to open his stores, or allow franchise locations to be open on Sundays. Truett handed off the chain to his son, Dan Cathy. Over the years Dan has pumped millions into campaigns to defeat same sex marriage bills across the country. He has even bankrolled, "conversion therapy," programs which are meant to, "cure," people of homosexuality. 

As one can guess, conversion therapy doesn't work, but it was a pretty lucrative grift pulled by quack pseudo scientists over the years. A few of its side effects included frustration, self loathing, massive depression, and substance abuse. 

It now appears Dan Cathy figured all this out at some point. A while back, just when is a little murky, Chick-fil-A began a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) program. No one, perhaps even Dan Cathy, knows what guidelines, or corporate policies the Chick-fil-A DEI department has implemented, or if they do, they aren't saying. 

However, that doesn't really matter to those blood thirsty ghouls lurking in the far right corner of the root cellar. All they know is it exists and for them, that's unacceptable. 

Right wing influencer Ian Miles Cheong posted, "Chick-fil-A has gone woke." Another, Todd Starns, wrote the very presence of a DEI department, "explains the fried cauliflower sandwiches and kale salad," on the menu.   

Host of the self-titled, "The Benny Show," Benny Johnson claimed Chick-fil-A was now pursuing a, "Anti-White, Anti-Christian Woke Agenda." He demanded the chain be boycotted by one and all. while accusing it of, being, "The biggest fraud ever pulled on American Christians.." Then young Mr. Johnson let us in on a little known theological tidbit. "Read your Gospels," he told his online audience. "Let me tell you someone who wasn't tolerant--Christ. Tolerance is not a Christian virtue."  Anyone like, Dan Cathy who believed differently he said was suffering from, "the Woke Christian mind virus." 

For those getting ready to write gruesome rubes like Cheong and Johnson off as insignificant fools who no one listens to, it should be noted Ian Miles Cheong has 600,000 social media followers. And, while Benny Johnson's viewership is unknown, thanks to the ravings of Ron DeSantis, it is difficult for anyone to describe him as out of touch with the current GOP mainstream. 

Between February 1692 and May 1693, 200 people in and around Salem, Massachusetts were accused of being witches These days it's woke instead of witch, although right now the odds are Dan Cathy doesn't see any difference between the two.

And who can blame him? His former pals certainly don't.

6-3-23