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The Fools at DHS

2026-06-01T12:22:17-05:00

June 1, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 20) - CNN ran an excellent report last weekend about how the Trump administration is trying to undo the incalculable damage it has done to the nation's ability to respond to emergencies, focusing specifically on the disaster that FEMA has become. I highly recommend it. The report speaks to not only the callous disregard for public safety that this administration has shown. It is also emblematic of this administration's total incompetence and corruption.

Because of my background in crisis communications and emergency management, this is not the first time I have taken this administration to task for its public safety failures. Most recently, I wrote about this administration's total disregard for communities in need. Almost a year ago, I excoriated Trump and his cronies for their inept response to flooding in Texas (pictured above). And that rebuke came on the heels of a condemnation in the form of a scathing letter to the editor of the local newspaper complaining about Trump's reckless cuts in both FEMA and the National Weather Service. And these are just a small sampling of my concerns I've expressed in this blog over the years about the government's flagging emergency response capabilities under the Trump regime.

If you have not read the CNN report, it is a doozy. It details that at the end of last year, FEMA was sitting on $15 billion of unspent disaster relief waiting for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's signature. In fact, FEMA's electricity, phones, internet and email services were almost cut off because of unpaid bills. Corey Lewandowski, Noem's adulterous lover and chief-of-staff, blocked so-called blue states from getting much-needed (and rightfully deserved) funding while expediting payments to his cronies and allies. This haphazard funding slowed the response to the aforementioned Texas floods as well as severely restricted communications between FEMA and its state and local partners. As I noted in one of my recent posts, reckless DOGE cuts to the National Weather Service have resulted in communities receiving little or no warning of severe weather such as tornadoes. The CNN report (linked in the first paragraph) is not comfortable reading or viewing, especially when you remember that today is the first day of hurricane season.

Of course, Noem and Lewandowski are gone and have been replaced with a man whose chief qualification was that he was once a plumbing contractor. This kind of creative stafing is not limited to Homeland Security. Just look at the secretaries of Defense and Health & Human Services. And Education. And Treasury. And Vice President. And, of course, the fat, incompetent and incontinent fool in the Oval Office. Trump is more interested in naming things after himself and building his billion-dollar ballroom than he is in bringing down gas prices and ending a war he started without cause. And let us not forget that the Trump crime family is robbing the American people blind through a systematic pattern of blackmailing, grifting and outright theft. And oh, yes, there are strong indications that Trump is a rapist and a pedophile.

America, we are in for a bumpy - maybe I should say bumpier - ride. All indications are that the Republican Party will take a well-earned drubbing in the midterm elections. We also know that Trump and his syncophantic legions will do anything - re: January 6 - to maintain power. We must remain vigilant. Most of all, we must vote. Let 2026, the 250th anniversary of our nation, be the time we successfully shed the shackles of yet another tyrant. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Pissed at CBS

2026-05-20T13:34:38-05:00

May 13, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 19) - OK, I admit it. I am thoroughly pissed at CBS. First, they caved into and settled a Trump lawsuit that he had no chance of winning. Then they screwed around with a 60 Minutes segment on the Trump administration's controversial deportation of undocumented - and occasionally documented - immigrants. Then, Bari Weiss turned the CBS Evening News into a "MAGA approved" broadcast. Of course, all of this comes on the heels of last fall's shocking announcement that it was cancelling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, late-night TV's top-rated broadcast. Tomorrow night will be his final broadcast. I noted my displeasure at the time of Colbert's cancellation. Unfortunately, we've also seen other efforts at silencing late-night voices over at ABC. However, to their credit, Disney has recently shown some backbone in the face of threats from the Big Orange Turd. Still, I doubt that will stop him from the Commode Commander's late-night rants on antisocial media.

Back when I was a radio-television major at the University of Maryland - back when the earth was still cooling - I learned that broadcasting had a special place in American law. Operating under the premise that the airwaves belong to the public, the government could license broadcast radio and television stations, requiring that they operate in the public interest. However, with the introduction of new media, mainly the Internet, during the 1980s, the Reagan administration eliminated what was known as The Fairness Doctrine, which led to the explosion of conservative talk radio. It was also a period which saw the growth of a new class of media ownership, corporate types more interested in profits than the public interest. That arrangement worked for a while until Donald Trump chose to weaponize the government's regulatory authority to force less critical (if not more favorable) broadcast content.

For me, this trend harkens back to a Freedom Forum conference I attended in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1997. I wrote about it in February 2025. In that session, Russian journalists said they were nervous about their country's movement away from government-controlled media to that owned by oligarchs. To American ears, that sounded like backwards thinking. It was better to trust regulated corporations than to leave the media in the hands of unregulated (and potentially out-of-control) government. Twenty-nine years later in a Trumpian world where the government is run by oligarchs, it is virtually impossible to differentiate between the two positions. Media conglomerates run by the ultra-rich pay lip service to the concept of "public interest" in much the same manner that Fox News is "fair and balanced."

I cannot state this forcefully enough: Healthy and strong democracies depend upon an informed and enlightened citizenry. I would argue that in the current media environment, there is no such thing. As a result, the global standing of the United States has suffered from this absence. How else could a vulgar, fraudulent, misogynistic, seditious rapist pedophile become President of the United States? Yes, I am pissed at CBS. But I am more pissed at Donald Trump and his legion of sycophants and miscreants who first elected him and still give unwavering support to him despite his systematic destruction of America's greatness. (Yet another broken promise from the man who would be the MAGA King.) Assuming we still have fair elections this fall - and that is much more an open question than ever before - those may be our last chance to save us from ourselves. If we fail, then may God have mercy on our souls. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Asleep at the Wheel

2026-05-13T13:44:42-05:00

May 13, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 18) - After years of constantly disparaging Joe Biden as “Sleepy Joe,” we have more than ample evidence that Donnie Daydream is the one who has been asleep at the wheel. Who can blame him? I doubt he gets very much sleep when he sits on his golden toilet into the wee hours of the morning spewing hate on his poorly named “Truth Social” platform.

Late Monday night/Early Tuesday morning, our commode commander posted 50 mostly hateful lies about his political opponents. Trump’s frenetically false posts included attacks on former President Barack Obama, who he said had planned a “coup” against him and branded Obama as a “traitor.” No wonder Donnie Daydream fell asleep during the next day’s Oval Office event focusing on the nation’s declining birthrate. (Perhaps his day-napping is a defensive mechanism for him to avoid listening to some of the stupid things said by Dr. Oz and RFK, two of the dimmest bulbs in his Klown Kabinet.)

Don’t get me wrong, Trump asleep is preferable to Trump awake. It’s when his eyes (and mouth) are open that he does the most damage. Just this week, his administration:

lied to the American people about the cost of his war-of-choice against Iran. The administration says it has cost taxpayers $29 billion. But the truth is that it is at least twice that amount.

lied about the amount of damage the America offensive has done to Iran’s military capabilities. Trump & Company claimed that the Iranians are virtually defenseless as a result of American actions. However, our own intelligence assessments say Iran still has considerable defensive/offensive capabilities.

continued to lie about the cost of Trump’s vanity ballroom. If you remember, Trump initially said that there would be no cost to the taxpayers. Then the price tag was $200 million. Then $250 million. Then $400 million. Now, congressional Republicans are pushing a $1 billion appropriation for a ballroom that an overwhelming majority of Americans do not want. Trump says it is “under budget.”

defiled yet another place on the National Historic Registry, the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. Trump literally called in his “pool guy” on a no-bid contract to change the pool’s color from a dark gray – which allows it the “reflect” – to standard swimming pool color. President Liesenhower said this atrocity would only cost $1.3 million. The Washington Post reports that the true cost will be closer to $15 million. I wonder if that cost will include beach cabanas.

bilked 600,000 members of his own MAGA crowd who placed $100 deposits on golden Trump telephones, only the find out that that phones may never be produced and that the Trump Organization is under no legal obligation to return any money. (The lesson here is read the fine print.)

slapped American taxpayers in the face. He told reporters that he doesn’t care about the financial strain on them created by his Iranian adventure. (It appears that the only thing that evokes empathy from Donnie Daydream is his ballroom.)

And today is only Wednesday. I shudder to think of the kind of trouble Trumplestiltskin may get into while he is in China. He may deal away Tiawan in exchange for a new Trump property in Beijing. Trump says he has “all of the cards” as he negotiates with China’s Xi. If he’d look closely, Trump will see he’s holding a handful of Jokers.

It is hardly an exaggeration that there’s not a day that goes by that our Dear Leader doesn’t commit an impeachable offense and the sycophantic sheep of the Republican caucus look the other way. That’s why Democratic voters cannot be asleep at the wheel this November. They need to GOTV – Get Out The Vote. Otherwise, American will continue to descend into Donnie Daydream’s nightmare. That’s it for now. Fear the Turtle.

There's Just No Fixin' Stupid

2026-04-30T08:30:48-05:00

April 30, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 17) - There he was yesterday, sitting all smug and cocky in his deliberately undersized suit. Puffed-Up Petey Hegseth, the self-proclaimed "Secretary of War," was gracing Congress with his presence and wisdom for the first time since the Trump Administration launched its unnecessary and unconstitutional war against Iran. While Republican members of the House Armed Service Committee lobbed softball questions to the former Fox TV host, Democrats lobbed hand grenades. In his typical arrogant bastard tone, Hegseth didn't answer their questions. Instead, starting with his opening statement, Puffed-Up Petey hurled insults and invective in a manner none of his predecessors would have imagined.

During his first term, President Donald Jackass Trump claimed he hired "the best people" for his Cabinet. He made no claim his time around - for good reason. As I have often cataloged in this space, Trump has himself a Klown Kabinet, a motley crew of misfits, miscreants and sycophants. None is more emblematic of this descent into chaos than our 45-year-old former National Guardsman turned into a self-proclaimed "war fighter." To be fair, Hegseth earned a Bronze Star while his Minnesota guard unit was deployed to Iraq. For that sir, I honor you for your service. However, once the Princeton-educated conservative left the service, he veered off into Neo-Nazi-like think tanks, eventually landing at that paragon of broadcast journalism, Fox News. Never in the history of this country have we had someone in such a critical position who was so under-qualified - with the exception of Donald Trump, himself. During his confirmation hearings, Hegseth faced allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement and excessive drinking. He needed Vice President J.D. Vance's - another under-qualified miscreant - to cast the tie-breaking vote to be confirmed by the Senate.

We were treated to classic Puffed-Up Petey in yesterday's hearing. He announced that the widely unpopular war, which has no end in sight, has cost the American taxpayer $25 billion. He was on Capitol Hill to push for the Pentagon's $1.45 trillion budget request. He brushed off the very real concern that Trump's version of "shock and awe" had critically depleted the supply of essential munitions such as air-launched cruise missiles and ground-launched precision strike missiles. At one point, Puffed-Up Petey lied to committee when he said that the Biden administration had spent "hundreds of billions of dollars" in defense of Ukraine. The actual figure is closer to $67 billion. He also defended actions that even first-year law students can identify as war crimes by saying the administration will give Iran "no quarter and no mercy." (That's the kind of language that sounds like it came out of Mein Kampf.) He was dismissive of the impact that Trump administration's war had cost the global economy. Puffed-Up Petey's response was to pose the false question of whether the Democrat Congressmen would prefer Iran have a nuclear weapon. My response: If you, as you claimed, "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program last summer, why was any of this necessary? What was the urgency? Did it have anything with Trump's record low approval ratings and the Epstein files? If so, this was one distraction that royally backfired.

So, what's the status of the war? Both sides have blockaded the Strait of Hormuz. As of this morning, this globally important waterway's traffic has been reduced to just five percent of normal. The two sides are not talking. Instead, they are willing to play "chicken" with each other at the expense of the global economy. Trump says he has "all of the cards." Yet, I am willing to bet that it will be the U.S. that will be the first to blink. As for the enriched uranium Iran has stored away deep inside of the mountain, I seriously doubt they would ever give it up. Would you, considering America's actions of the past two months? The only way the U.S. can secure the uranium is through the introduction of ground troops. Trump doesn't have the backbone to do that and the American people will not stand for it.

In his opening statement yesterday, Puffed-Up Petey said Congressional Democrats and some Republicans pose the greatest threat to peace. To that, I call "bullshit." Iran would not have a nuclear program today if our demented and defecating president had not torn up the nuclear agreement his processor had negotiated. By all independent accounts, the deal President Obama made was working. Now, in the face of American aggression and war crimes, there is not a snowball's chance in hell that Iran will give up its dream of becoming a nuclear power. Trump and Puffed-Up Petey haven't made us safer. If anything, we are now in more danger than ever before. Trump and his Klown Kabinet may talk big and bold, but they are dumbest people in the room. And as comedian Ron White had famously said, "There's just no fixin' stupid." That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Trump to America: "You are on your own."

2026-04-23T06:18:05-05:00

April 26, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 16) - I have been deeply involved in emergency management for most of the past half-century. That involvement was on many levels: as a reporter, as a member of the North Carolina State Emergency Response Team, as an instructor, as an academic researcher and as a volunteer. I am retired. But that doesn't mean that I don't continue to care about how people prepare for and deal with crises.

With this background, I couldn't help but take note of an action taken yesterday by Rep. Shanice Davids (D-Kansas). A news release distributed by her office said she has "demanded" answers from the National Weather Service following tornadoes that struck her district last week. Particularly hard hit was Ottawa (pictured above). Fortunately, no one was killed. Davids said she had "serious concerns" about Trump Administration budget cuts that have created "potential breakdowns" in forecasting and warning systems. In part, she was reacting to reports that multiple NWS offices in the region failed to conduct standard morning weather balloon launches and that the Storm Prediction Center failed to identify the weather threat in a timely matter. "These irresponsible decisions at the NWS have direct, real-world consequences for the safety of communities across Kansas and the country," Davids said.

Because of reckless cuts by Elon Musk's DOGE thugs, there are hundreds of staffing vacancies in NWS offices nationwide, At one point, 30 offices lacked a chief meteorologist. Critical roles such as "warning coordination meteorologists" were eliminated. These cuts have damaged the NWS's ability to help the public prepare for extreme weather events. Additionally, the cutting of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research programs will create long-term scientific and technological setbacks.

Unfortunately, DOGE's slash and burn approach to budgeting also gutted FEMA, which has lost 20 percent of its workforce. That translates Into irreplaceable lost expertise, a slow response to disasters, reduced planning and training activities, and increased pressure on local and state governments. We saw how these cuts impacted disaster responses in North Carolina, Tennessee, and California. I also believe these cuts played a critical role last year when 137 people died, including 27 children at a summer camp, during the July 4 flood in Texas.

The actions of the Trump Administration constitute criminal negligence. Cutting public safety agencies in order to bankroll the President's ICE raids, tax cuts for the uber-rich, and his unnecessary and unpopular war is immoral. Until the Democrats take control of the House and the Senate in the midterm elections, there is little were can do about it. I live in an area where potentially dangerous storms are forecast for this evening. Thanks the Musk and Trump, I understand the essence of federal government emergency preparedness and response: Pray for good weather. Otherwise, you are on your own. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Actions Speak Louder...

2026-04-15T12:07:25-05:00

April 15, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 15) - "I am the Lord thy God. Thou shall not have strange gods before Me," is the First Commandment of the Ten Commandments. Based on the give and take of recent days between Pope Leo and President Trump, it is apparent that the Current Occupant of the Oval Office does his worshiping in front of a mirror. After the Pontiff dared to quote gospel against war during his Easter message, America's own Pompous Pilate took offense and made his hurt feelings known on his Truth Social platform. The confrontation then escalated following a 60 Minutes interview featuring three prominent American Catholic Cardinals highly critical of the president. In response, Trump wrote his longest tweet, with three times as many words as in Lincoln's Gettysburg Address:

That was just the beginning of the weird. Trump next tweeted an A-I image that was widely depicting him as Jesus Christ. After intense criticism from both sides of the aisle, he unapologettically pulled the image from the Internet, His Unholiness said that the image actually depicted him as a doctor. It has since been followed by other A-I imagery showing Trump being embraced by Jesus. This is the kind of crap we've known to expect from our fat ass president. But it has been painful to watch sycophantic Republicans like House Speaker Mini-Mike Johnson and Vice President J.D. Vance get their panties in a twist trying to justify Trump's outrageous conduct. Johnson said he believes Trump's explanation for his tweets while the spineless Vance, about to release a book about his conversion to Catholicism, basically told the Pope to "be careful" when talking about Trump's Trumped-Up War.

"Remember to keep holy the Lord's day," Commandment 3. Of course, that means nothing to Cardinal Sin. Trump saved one of this most profane tweets for Easter, the holiest day on the Christian calendar:

In my last post, I made my case for removal of Trump from office. Nothing has really changed since then, so I will not repeat it here. I invite you to follow this link if you are interested in reading it. In the spirit of a full disclosure, I also invite you to read (or reread) this post that explained my recent conversion to Catholicism. The focus of this post is to speak to the hypocrisy of the Mini-Mike Johnsons and the J.D. (Jokingly Devine) Vances of the world. These folks, all of whom profess deep Christian faith, regularly violate the First and Third Commandment, as well as Number Eight, "Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor." Nor do they concern themselves with Trump's well documented violation of Number Six, "Thou shall not commit adultery." (I am confident pedophilia is covered under that Commandment.) The same could be said for Trump's adherence to most of the remaining Commandments.

I know that no one is completely above reproach. I acknowledge that, as a mortal human being, I have sinned and have, in my own way, sought penance, This begs the central question: Why have so many people who claim to be devote Christians continue to blindly follow the man who has scorned the Constitution, the law of the land, and the Ten Commandments, the word of God? Before the Johnsons and the Vances of the evangelistic right wrap themselves up in blankets of holy hypocrisy, they must remember that their actions speak louder than their words. If you are a devote Christian, you have to walk the walk if you are going to talk the talk. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

The Case For Removing Trump From Office

2026-04-11T09:55:04-05:00

April 11,2026 (Vol. 20 No. 14) - The question of whether Donald J. Trump should be removed from office is one of the most serious constitutional issues American democracy has ever faced. It has centered on concerns about constitutional limits, abuse of power, the rule of law, the long-term stability of democratic institutions, truthfulness, and the President’s personal physical and mental stability. Beyond that, the Congress or the Cabinet must remember that no individual, regardless of position, is above the law and that the presidency must be exercised in a manner consistent with democratic norms and constitutional obligations.

Trump’s lack of accountability is at the heart of the matter. It is bad enough that this wannabe dictator takes impulsive actions such as gutting agencies such as FEMA or the Centers for Disease Control. He also wants to interfere in the administration of elections, a power the Constitution explicitly and exclusively reserves for the states. Now, the U.S. is engaged in an undeclared war without constitutionally required congressional approval. In a constitutional system built on checks and balances, the executive branch is not meant to operate without oversight. Congress is in the best position ensure in that presidential power is not abused. Unfortunately, the Republican-led Congress has behaved like sycophantic minions subserviently bowing out of fear to President Manchild’s latest whim.

Another key argument involves the concept of precedent. The actions of any president set examples for future leaders. If certain behaviors are tolerated or go unpunished, they may become normalized, potentially eroding democratic standards over time. For example, let’s look at the President’s recent tweets on the ironically named Truth Social platform. Trump chose Easter morning, the holiest day on the Christian calendar, to release a profanity-laced threat against Iran. Then, on Monday, Trump angerly and profanely tweeted that he was prepared wipe out Iranian civilization by attacking civilian infrastructure – in other words, a war crime.

The issue of public trust is also central to this debate. A functioning democracy depends on the confidence of its citizens in their institutions and leaders. When a president’s actions lead to widespread skepticism or distrust—whether justified or not—it can have lasting effects on civic engagement and political stability. A large percentage of his fellow citizens believe the President’s main goal for this morally and constitutionally questionable “excursion” is to distract the public from the Epstein files. Ironically, it was Melania Trump, the pole-dancer turned First Lady, who thrust Epstein back on the front pages with her own unsolicited denials of involvement with her husband’s “best friend” turned sexual marauder. Critics argue that restoring public trust may require decisive action, including removal from office if warranted by the circumstances. Without such measures, the gap between the government and the governed may continue to widen.

Then there is the central tenant of leadership – the need for truthful, credible communication. The Washington Post recorded more than 30,000 presidential lies in this first term. I’ve not seen a count of how many lies Trump has told during the first 15 month of his second term, but I am confident he will surpass the “pants-on-fire” count from his first term if he is allowed to complete his second term.

Trump apologists say his crazy Easter tweets were strategic communications designed to force Iran into negotiations. Even if we accept that questionable assumption as gospel truth, it ignored the fact that the rest of the world gets very nervous with the thought of madman in the Oval Office with his plump, discolored finger on the nuclear button.

What does that matter that the President lies through his teeth? Ask yourself this question: When Iran and Trump announced conflicting versions of the so-called ceasefire agreement, did you wonder which version you should believe?

And then there’s TACO, “Trump always chickens out.” After threatening to the blow Iran off the face of the earth if it didn’t open the Strait of Hormuz, President TACO said it wasn’t all that important to him. Now he says keeping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is his main concern – one he raised only after intense public criticism about his failure to focus on it in the first place.

It is also important to consider the international dimension. The president of the United States is not only a domestic leader but also a global figure whose actions influence the country’s standing in the world. Almost everything this president does has the effect of giving aid and comfort to our enemies while alienating our friends. Allegations of misconduct or instability at the highest levels of government can affect diplomatic relationships, alliances, and the perception of the United States as a model of democratic governance.

In conclusion, the case for removing President Trump through impeachment or the 25th amendment is compelling. The United States is approaching a period of maximum danger. Our enemies are getting strong while Trump is rotting the nation’s resolve from within. We need to remove Trump from office now. Absent the necessary congressional and cabinet action, there is a compelling case for removing congressional obstructionists in the November elections. That’s it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Takin' It to the Streets

2026-03-29T06:55:17-05:00

March 29, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 13) - Millions and millions of Americans took to the streets yesterday in support of democracy. In fact, protesting is one of the most pro-democracy things one can do. We live in a country where First Amendment rights to speak freely and to redress our grievances against the government are revered. I attended one of the No Kings rallies yesterday in Lawrence, Kansas. It had an almost festive atmosphere. However, the message my fellow citizens and I delivered was deadly serious: Donald Trump's descent into autocracy with congressional republicans' blind adherence to their dear leader is the greatest threat American Democracy has ever known. This is the time to make our voices heard in the halls of government, the streets of our towns and cities, and in the voting booths. The good news is that the Lyin' King and the members of his Turd Reich have never been more unpopular than they are now. And considering the current trend of public opinion ratings, Metamucilini's numbers will likely go lower. However, Democrats should not take anything for granted. General Liesenhower has shown a willingness to do anything to change the subject - even go to war. There is also the very real threat that he will try to "fix" and possibly cancel November's midterm elections to maintain power. I find Flabio's conduct of the war with Iran especially troubling. It is plain to see that the only strategy he had going into this debacle is to "blow stuff up." While I have no problem administering a beat-down on the Iranian terrorist regime, we needed to more clearly define our goals, explain them to the American people, and gain congressional approval before the first bomb was dropped. Despite the heavy damage and casualties the U.S. has inflicted upon the Islamic Republic, there are troubling signs this weekend that the war is widening. God help us if Uncle Scam decides we need the proverbial "boots on the ground." It seems we haven't learned the lessons of Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. As Pete Seeger once put it, it won't be long before we are Neck Deep in the Big Muddy. It is always easier to start a war than end one. The war was among dozens of reasons me and my fellow Americans took to the streets yesterday. It is not only our right, but our solemn duty to oppose Dictator Tot and to help reenforce the sacred American values of equality, truth and justice for all. As in the quotation widely attributed to British politician Edmund Burke,, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

2026-03-25T14:57:56-05:00

March 25, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 12) - Hope springs eternal - especially if you are a baseball fan. And the more things changed, the more they stay the same. And that's the real charm of baseball.

The Major League Baseball season officially opens tonight with the New York Yankees visiting the San Francisco Giants in a game being telecast on Netflix. For the streaming platform, it's a first. Netflix joins ESPN and MLB.com in this nontraditional distribution approach, as will Peacock later this season. There's a new television contract this year, one that spreads the grand old game over a number of networks, including Fox and NBC. Things are also different for local broadcasters, but for a less positive reason. The failure of the a major distribution network has left several MLB franchises scrambling to find a television home for their games. If you are wondering where your favorite MLB team's games are being broadcast, click here.

Much is being made of the introduction of the ABS (Automated Balls and Strikes) system this season. Through the use of sophisticated radar imaging, an umpire's balls/strike call can be challenged. MLB is limiting each team to two challenges per game. Only pitchers, catchers and batters can challenge the call, and it must be done immediately. From what I have seen during the preseason, the system works very well. There isn't much lag between the appeal and the decision being flashed on the scoreboard. It has also shown that umpires are more often correct in their calls than the fans would believe. That adds to the credibility of game results. For those fans who decry the introduction of technology into the game, let me remind them that the introduction of the pitch clock a couple of years shorten the playing time of games by nearly a half-hour. That's a good thing.

For all the changes that have taken place in recent years, such as inter-league play and expanded playoffs, the game is essentially the same game I learned to love while growing up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the 1960s. I was, am and will always be a fan of the Baltimore Orioles. The 1960s was the era of Brooks Robinson, Jim Palmer and Frank Robinson (pictured above in a 1966 photo). Those were heady days. They went to four World Series in six years, winning in 1966 and 1970. They went to another World Series in 1979. They won it all in 1983. I painfully remember the 1988 Orioles, who opened the season 0-21. However, true Birds fans did not give up hope. I also remember the 1989 "Why Not?" Orioles who came within a game of winning the division. That took us into the 1990's and the amazing saga of Cal Ripen, Jr. (below) who broke a consecutive games record that most people had thought would never be broken. His accomplishment became a national celebration.

After lean years in the 2000s, the Orioles returned to prominence winning the AL East in 2014 and 2023. And as this season begins, this Orioles fan is full of optimism for the future. I only hope they will win the World Series all at least one more time before my time on earth runs out. That's why hope spring eternal. At the start of every season, every fan's team has a chance - at least theoretically - of being the next World Champion. In a time of social and political unrest, isn't that expression of hope a good thing? That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. And Let's Go O's!

Patriotism Takes Many Forms

2026-03-15T08:00:34-05:00

March 15, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 11) - Noted and widely respected attorney David Boies published a widely read commentary in the Wall Street Journal this week entitled "Partisanship on Iran is Dangerous for America." I encourage you to read it, although it is behind a paywall. For those not wishing to subscribe to the WSJ, the subhead of the article gives you its gist. "Trump is doing the right thing for America, and we Democrats should judge the war on its merits." To put it another way, Boies is arguing we should support the war even if Trump is doing the right thing for the wrong reason.

While I generally agree with Boise's thesis, I think his commentary is based on a false premise, that patriotism is a form of blind allegiance that says we support the actions of our nation whether they are right or wrong. Patriotism, like most things in life, has many layers. It is possible to judge this war on its merits and be opposed to it while, at the same time, supporting the goal of disarming Iran's nuclear program. My opposition to carpet bombing that kills civilians is not an indictment against our troops. In this case, my opposition to this war is based on my love for and desire to protect the Constitution. No president should be allowed to go to war on a whim.

Under our system of laws, only Congress can declare war. Boies correctly points to earlier examples of presidents unilaterally taking military actions. "Many Republicans supported Mr. Clinton's military actions and President Obama's surge into Afghanistan and (at least initially) Iraq," Boies wrote. "More Republicans than Democrats probably supported President Lyndon B. Johnson's action in Vietnam."

That may be true. But in each of these cases, the president either sought prior authorization or the actions were brief reactions to a provocation. Neither of these conditions existed when President Trump attacked Iran. This is especially true since the Administration claimed to have "obliterated" Iran's nuclear capacity during a brief bombing raid last summer. If that was true, where's the urgency to attack now? Trump and his cronies have fumbled all over themselves trying to come up with a justification for this war. However, I believe that Secretary of State Marco Rubio accidentally told the truth when he stated that we attacked because Israel forced us to. There's also another widely believed reason, Trump's need to distract from the ever-widening Epstein files scandal.

There's another part of Boise's commentary to which I take exception. He said that every president since Clinton had declared Iran should not have nuclear weapons, but none of them had done anything. That is false. President Obama had reached a negotiated agreement with Iran to dismantle its nuclear program. And by most independent accounts, Iran was doing so. Donald Trump, the proverbial bull in a China shop, unilaterally tore up that agreement. That left Iran little choice but to resume its nuclear ambitions. In light of this history, if you were in Iran's shoes, would you be willing to negotiate with the United States? The current war with Iran is virtually the same as Mr. Trump sending in the fire department after he stated the fire.

I support our troops. I favor the goal of achieving a nuclear-free Iran. But I do not like Donald Trump's trashing of the Constitution at the beck-and call of the corrupt Benjamin Netanyahu. (By the way, opposing Israel's actions does not automatically make one an antisemite, either.) Nor do I like the lack of planning and the failure to recognize the unintended consequences of Trump's Operation Epstein Distraction. (Have you bought gasoline lately?) I believe it is my patriotic duty to oppose the conduct of this war. That means I will engage in public protests against our wannabe king and will encourage my fellow citizens to vote these rascals out this November. That's my right and responsibility as a patriotic American. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Puffed-up Petey Stumbles on "60 Minutes"

2026-03-08T21:39:14-05:00

March 8, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 10) - Against my better judgment, I watched Secretary of Defense, wannabe warrior Pete Hegseth, interviewed on tonight’s edition of 60 Minutes. Not that I had high expectations for enlightenment coming out of the interview. I was just curious as to how he might handle himself when being interviewed by a legitimate journalist, Major Garrett, as opposed to the Trumpian sycophants that now inhabit the Pentagon’s press room. He did not disappoint: Puffed-up Petey was as vapid and nonsensical as I had expected. But don’t take my word for it. You can watch the interview here.

There were two particular aspects of the interview I found objectionable. The first was his repeated insertion that the United States has the ability to bomb the Iranians into submission. People smarter than I say that isn’t true. Nazi Germany’s Blitz didn’t bring Britain to its knees during the Second World War. Nor did the Allies’ bombing of Germany force the Nazis to quit. The same was true in Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. A determined foe doesn’t wilt under aerial bombing, no matter how withering it is. Victory doesn’t occur until there are boots on the ground - something that I doubt TACO Trump has the stomach to do. That takes me to my second point.

Puffed-up Petey also circled around Garrett’s question about what the “unconditional surrender” President Bonespur is demanding would look like. He clearly thinks that the bombing will do the trick. That ignores two realities. First, the Iranians - and not without cause - hate our guts, even more than they hate the Islamic regime that has ruled the country with an iron fist. Second, and probably an even more important reason is the fact that Iran has more than 650,000 soldiers in uniform and another 350,000 reservists on standby. Do the math: That one million folks standing ready to spill a high volume of American blood. And while this USA Today analysis clearly demonstrates that the United States is more powerful than Iran, I again question how much pain the Trump administration is willing to accept in what is already, at its outset, an unpopular war. And that doesn’t take into consider other conflicts in which we are currently engaged (Venezuela and Ukraine) or are considering (Cuba). No one in his right mind believes that Iran is going to fold like a cheap lawn chair.

Here are a couple of cogent points not covered in the interview. First, how are we going to pay for this adventure? At a billion dollars a day in a failing economy, how long can this nonsense last before the economy totally craters? Second, if you saw tonight’s broadcast, you will know that CBS dedicated most of the hour to a report on a secret microwave weapon used to harm American diplomats and security people both overseas and at home. You may recall that Trump bragged about a use of a “secret weapon” at the time we kidnapped the Venezuelan leader Nicholas Maduro. He called it a “discombobulator.” This may have been no more than Trump telling the tall tales for which he is famous. However, if such a weapon exists, I wonder if that’s what Trump was referring to? Just speculation on my part. However, you know how careless Trump has been in the past when it comes to state secrets.

Donald Trump and his Clown Cabinet have put us in peril in so many ways. And now we have this Iranian adventure - one with no rationale and no end game. I think Fearless Leader has bitten off more than he can chew. Unfortunately, he’s not the one who will play the price. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

A Leap of Faith

2026-03-01T05:07:02-06:00

March 1, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 9) - Much to the surprise of almost everyone I know, I made a decision late last summer to convert to Catholicism and undergo instruction that will lead to my confirmation during the Easter vigil next month. It may have seemed to others that this was a sudden decision. However, I had thought about it for a long time. It may be that the sudden and unexpected death of my younger brother in August finally spurred me to action. Confronting one's morality often brings with it clarity of purpose. Whatever the reason, I finally decided at 73 years of age to take, literally, a leap of faith.

I was raised and confirmed in the Episcopal church. However, the last time I attended an Episcopal service was my grandmother's funeral more than 50 years ago. Since then, my church attendance has been almost exclusively Catholic. My first serious girl friend in college was Catholic, and I would often attend services with her. That experience was like dipping my toes to test the waters. My first wife, Jan, was Catholic. While I had not converted to Catholicism at the time, I agreed that we would raise our daughter in the Catholic Church. I traveled with our church choir on a pilgrimage to Rome in 1996. My wife, sister and I attended the papal Easter mass in St. Peter's Square in 2004. The late Monsignor Vince Kirsche of KU's St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center referred to me at a "reindeer" because I usually showed up at Christmas. (I even sang in the Christmas choir twice.) When Jan passed away in 2007, her funeral service was at St. Lawrence. (It is my wish that when my time comes that I have my service there, as well.) A little over three years later, I married another Catholic woman, Maureen. (Anyone notice a pattern here?) Even then, I was still moving along the periphery of the Catholic Church.

So, why now, after 50 years of practicing a form of "drive-by Catholicism" did I decide to take this leap of faith? Even now, I am not completely certain of the answer to that question. However, I know that much of my motivation has to do with the search for inner peace. I have faced many hurdles and challenges in my life. Some were unavoidable and unintentional. Others were of my own making. I know that I am a flawed human being. I also know that even without a formal affiliation to any church or religious creed, I have tried to live a moral and values-driven life. While I have differences over some of the positions of the Catholic Church, I am attracted to its commitment to social justice. I will admit that have not always felt that way. But, as I passed my 50th birthday and reached a point in my life where I felt I had nothing left to prove to anyone but myself, I emotionally and intellectually matured. In a sense, I unconsciously moved toward the gravitational pull of the church. In the last couple of years, I came to realize that more often than not, the Church's and my values were aligned.

This is not to suggest that I have reached full maturity and see the church as a comfortable safe harbor. Quite the opposite is true. Becoming a Catholic presents me with serious opportunities and challenges. I have reached a point in this, the latter stages of my life, that I believe my soul is in need of divine guidance - some might even say healing. I need to rid myself of a lifetime of anger, mistrust, and self-ridicule. There have been times that I have found myself wallowing in my own self-victimization. Following the teachings of Jesus and his church can help me reach an inner peace I have never known - but only if I work at it. For example, during last week's Catholic instruction, Father Luke Doyle spoke about the power and necessity for forgiveness. In short, a good Catholic should be willing to forgive anyone. I understand the concept. However, if you are a regular reader of this blog, you'll know that granting my forgiveness to Donald Trump, someone who stands for almost everything I am against, will be a tall order. Frankly, because I am my own worst critic, I often find it difficult to seek forgiveness for my own thoughts and deeds. This is just one area in which I feel I can benefit from the guidance and teachings of the church. And at long last, I think I am ready to listen.

I do not share this very personal journey with you out of a need to draw attention to myself. Nor is it an attempt to influence anyone else's personal relationship with God. Consider this my profession of faith. It is not so much as declaration of who I am, but one about who I aspire to be. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. (Photo by David Guth, 2004)

Who is the crazy one here?

2026-02-24T22:34:19-06:00

February 24, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 8) - For 108 minutes Tuesday night, the American people were subjected to a stream of lies, taunts, tantrums and unmitigated arrogance from the racist self-defecating sexual predator we laughingly refer to as our nation's leader. Truth be told, President Pinocchio is the leader of a quickly diminishing minority of sycophants and brown-nosers. He proclaimed this as a "Golden Age of America." However, an overwhelming majority of Americans know the truth - that our nation is facing a period of maximum danger where our economy has been engineered to serve those who are the richest at the expense of the rest of us and that our nation's security has been undermined by Felon 47's cow-towing to our enemies while destroying America's standing among our most trusted allies.

He claimed the economy is doing great. Have you been to the grocery store or the doctor's office or tried to buy a home lately? If you have, then you know Fearless Leader isn't telling you the truth. And does anyone believe that foreign governments are actually paying for his tariffs? (Tariffs on those nations are actually taxes on you.) Do you remember when he campaigned against the U.S. being engaged in what he called "endless wars?" But the truth is that it was his predecessor Joe Biden who ended America's longest war while the Current Occupant is planning to launch a war against Iran. He said he would bring manufacturing jobs back to the nation. However, just the opposite is true. He has promised to Make America Healthy Again. However, by dismantling many of the public health agencies and scientific research initiatives that made the United States the world's health leader, Metamucilini has been millions of Americans, especially children, at risk. And don't get me started on immigration, where he has unleashed masked, poorly trained and ill-tempered thugs upon Democrat governed cities and states in the name of border security. Our borders may be more secure, but that same can't be said for those places where ICE has violated constitutional rights and murdered American citizens exercising those rights.

Trump even said that he is placing Vice President J.D. Vance - a man who has changed his name more times than Trump soils himself during a cabinet meeting - to oversee "a war on fraud." And he says the Democrats are crazy?

Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of Americans can see through this charade. Come this November's midterm congressional elections, there should be Blue Tsunami to send these Republican charlatans packing for home. (In the case of Kansas Senator Roger Marshall, that home is in Florida.) However, tonight's Rump Speech at the Reichstag is also a cautionary tale. It is not enough for Democrats to oppose Trump. They have to tell voters how they will make their lives better. The angels and the messages are on the Democrats' side, if only they are willing to speak to the America people as friends and not, as has too often been the case in the past, as folks to be talked down to and scolded. Let's roll up our sleeves and fight this MAGA madness before its propels our nation to the trash heap of history. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

No Pain, No Gain

2026-02-18T08:44:29-06:00

February 18, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 7) - If you are among the few who consider yourself a regular reader of this blog, you may have noticed that I have been unusually quiet the past few weeks. Lord knows that Felon 47 and his Klown Kabinet have provided enough fodder for numerous blog posts. However, I have been largely silent on the Trump Daily Atrocities because I am recovering from hip replacement surgery. And believe me, it has not been easy. Today is the first day that I have felt comfortable enough to sit at a keyboard for more than a few minutes. This is not to say that I am not recovering well from the operation. It's quite the opposite. I am doing quite well, thank you. However, the post-surgery period has its challenges. I am still using a walker, although I can venture a few steps away from it as long there is something nearby to steady my balance, such as a counter or a piece of furniture. When I took my first post-operative steps in the early morning hours of February 6, my right leg felt like it was 100 pounds. After that short journey to the bathroom and back, I went back to bed. As anyone who has spent a night in the hospital knows, doctors and nurses operate in their own time zones. While eight hours is most widely accepted period for restful and restorative sleep, my experience has been that the hospital staff will wake you up every three hours to check your temperature, blood pressure and other vital statistics. The good news, though, was that I was allowed to go home later that day. That's been quite an adjustment, as I am sleeping in a living room recliner, need assistance dressing, and find going to the bathroom a major production. I am grateful that I have a compassionate and tolerant wife to help guide me through this adjustment. Still, I don't regret having the surgery. My arthritic hip had become intolerable. The surgery comes with a promise of a pain-free tomorrow. In other words, no pain, no gain. In writing this, I am sharing an experience. I am not looking for sympathy. However, I do ask one favor: Please don't join the dozens of the people who have told me "hip replacements are easier than knee replacements," That may be true. There's also a chance that a knee replacement or two may be in my future. But for now, let me wallow in my own pain without someone trying to minimize it. That doesn't help. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

When Fair Isn't Fair: A Free Speech Debate

2026-02-01T11:09:48-06:00

February 1, 2026 - Vol. 20, No. 6 - With all that's going on these days, it is possible that you may have missed a statement by the head of the Federal Communications Commission. Chair Brendan Carr, a Donald Trump sycophant, called for stronger enforcement of a broadcast rule requiring television and radio broadcasters to offer equal time to all legally qualified opposing candidates. This may sound fair to you. But it is a naked attempt to curb free speech and protect the Trump administration from much-deserved criticism.

An example of what Carr proposes would be if a Democrat appears on a late-night talk show. He would require that program to give equal time to a Republican. He is proposing a dramatically expanded interpretation of Section 315 of the Federal Communications Act of 1934. Under Section 315, better known as the equal time provision, whenever a legally qualified candidate for a public office appears in a radio or television broadcast at no cost, all other candidates for that office must be offered to same opportunity at no cost. The exception to this rule is if the candidate appearance is in conjunction with news reporting and programming. The key words here are legally qualified candidate - meaning someone who has actually filed for elective office and is eligible for that office. For example, California Governor Gavin Newsom is a likely candidate for President in 2028. He is conducting fund raising and making personal appearances in key electoral states. He's also appearing on shows such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. However, Colbert is not required to provide equal time to others because Newsom has not formally declared his candidacy and has not filed the necessary paperwork with election officials. Keep in mind that the next presidential election is two and one-half years away.

Carr would have you believe that the above example would fall under an FCC regulation known as the personal attack rule. It requires stations to provide free air time to persons subject to character attack. The rule doesn't necessarily require equal time, per se. But it does require stations to provide the people whose character has been attacked a reasonable opportunity to respond. Using the Newsom example, the Governor may be critical of President Trump's policies, but that doesn't qualify as a personal attack. It is considered political speech, something the U.S. Supreme Court has historically protected. And why not? A democracy requires vigorous public debate if it to operate at its full potential.

What the FCC Chair is proposing is an expanded interpretation of the equal time provision and the personal attack rule. Stations will have to provide equal time if the broadcast was "motivated by partisan purposes." That is a highly subjective standard. Using our Newsom example, Carr would argue that Trump - or more likely a Trump administration spokesperson - should have an equally opportunity to respond. But is a Late Show appearance a partisan event or an entertainment program? And would the threat of constantly having to give equal time every time someone criticises the administration serve to stifle free speech and public debate? I argue that is exactly what Donald Trump wants. His is a failed and incompetent presidency. The only way he can save it from certain electoral debate to limit free speech.

Here's the irony of the situation. What Carr is proposing is, in essence, the resurrection of what was once known as The Fairness Doctrine, a requirement stations provide all sides on any controversial issue. The doctrine had the effect of inhibiting stations from covering controversial issues lest they been inundated with equal time requests. Conservatives, in particular, hated the rule because they felt they were unable to get their views heard. The Reagan administration abolished the rule in 1987, thus opening the door to an explosion of conservative talk radio and the rise of Rush Limbaugh, a most effective and articulate conservative propagandist. Republicans credit him with the growth of a new, more conservative Republican Party in the 1990s. Now, with voices of opposition to Trump and his MAGA minions reaching a crescendo, Carr wants to roll back the 1980s.

It is important to remember that the equal time provision and the personal attack rule apply only to broadcast stations and networks. Because the FCC's mandate is to regulate the nation's airwaves, it does not have jurisdiction over cable outlets such as Fox News and MS-Now. However, as Trump continues to tighten his authoritarian rule, I wouldn't be surprised if he tries to squelch these media voices, as well.

These are dangerous times. The President, who is of both questionable mind and body, is using the power of his office to act vindictively against his enemies real and imagined. It has never been more important for the majority of disaffected citizens of the United States who do not support the President to pay close attention to what is happening and that they voice their dissatisfaction at the polls. Otherwise, the Man-Child Who Would Be King may take away some of your most basic freedoms - and there would be nothing you could do about it. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Enough Is Enough

2026-01-26T10:29:37-06:00

January 26, 2026 - Vol. 20, No. 5 - This one is different. The video leaves no room for any interpretation but one – that federal Border Patrol agents shot and killed an innocent man on a Minneapolis street Saturday morning after taking away his legally possessed and non-brandish weapon. It has evoked outrage and protests. The anger is real - and justified.

This was not a "justifiable homicide." It was cold-blooded murder. It is also a product of the Trump administration's campaign of terror against Democrat-controlled cities and states. Under the guise of immigration enforcement, masked and poorly trained thugs with police credentials have used excessive force against anyone who opposes their tactics.

The federal government launched "Operation Metro Surge" late last year, sending thousands of Department of Homeland Security agents — including ICE and Border Patrol — into Minneapolis and Saint Paul. As a matter of principle, I have no problem with federal agents enforcing the law. However, the deployment of 3,000 agents – five times the size of the local police force - is militarized and disruptive, and have been accompanied by widespread constitutional violations.

A lawsuit filed by city and state officials accused ICE and DHS of using excessive force against peaceful people, targeting bystanders and unarmed citizens, conducting enforcement at sensitive locations like schools and churches and violating the Tenth Amendment by displacing local law enforcement and public safety priorities. These allegations argued not only violations of constitutional rights but also breaches of administrative law — asserting that ICE's behavior is arbitrary, capricious, and therefore unlawful. For example, ICE officers have been told they can enter private homes without warrants.

ICE's own policies — including use-of-force standards — are intended to align with broader federal law enforcement norms and constitutional safeguards. For example, ICE policy outlines strict criteria for when force may be used and emphasizes respect for civil rights. Critics argue, however, that in practice the agency consistently fails to live up to these standards. And there is ample video evidence to support those charges.

An ICE agent fatally shot 37-year-old U.S. citizen Renee Good in south Minneapolis earlier this month. Federal authorities claimed self-defense, but local officials and human rights groups have sharply criticized the use of lethal force in the context of immigration enforcement. Human Rights Watch described the circumstances of the Good shooting as part of a broader pattern of questionable use of force by federal agents within immigration enforcement contexts, pointing to international standards which allow lethal force only when absolutely necessary to protect life. Just this past weekend, another fatal shooting occurred — that of Alex Pretti — during a confrontation involving federal immigration agents, sparking protests across the Twin Cities and nationwide.

In both instances, the fatal encounters were well documented through bystander video cameras. The footage in both instances create doubts about initial federal claims about the circumstances of the shootings. Frankly, the attitude of Homeland Secretary "Dress-Up Barbie" Kristi Noem, Border Patrol Director "Pocket Hitler" Greg Bovino, Attorney General Pam "Blondie" Bondi and White House Press Secretary "Beauty-School Dropout" Karoline Levitt toward this visual evidence has been "who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes?"

Protests against ICE's presence in Minneapolis have grown tremendously, evidenced by the above picture taken Sunday in the city center. Civil liberties advocates — such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) — have sued on behalf of Minnesota residents, alleging that ICE agents used pepper spray, pointed rifles at peaceful observers, and in some cases detained or followed people without cause. Federal judges have ruled that ICE agents cannot arrest, detain, retaliate against, or use chemical irritants on peaceful protesters or observers when no reasonable suspicion of interference exists. This reflected judicial concern that ICE's tactics chilled First Amendment rights. Unfortunately, appeals courts have temporarily lifted these restrictions while the government's appeal proceeds, allowing more aggressive tactics to continue.

These legal actions highlight tensions between law enforcement objectives and constitutional protections like free speech and assembly — especially when enforcement operations occur in residential neighborhoods. Under the Trump regime, oversight mechanisms within the Department of Homeland Security have been weakened — including staffing cuts at the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties that would normally investigate misconduct. Reduced oversight allow exacerbate policy violations going unchecked.

Public opinion polls show that a majority of Americans disapprove of ICE and believe it mistreats immigrants and citizens alike. In a recent CBS News poll, 52 percent of respondents said ICE is making communities less safe. Fifty-four percent said they disapprove of the administration's deportation efforts. The poll, taken before the most recent shooting, also showed that 54 percent felt the shooting of Good was unjustified and 53 percent felt that ICE's operations in Minnesota should be decreased. There's little doubt that there will be increased negativity toward the Trump administration's immigration efforts following the Pretti shooting. Moreover, United Nations human rights officials have criticized what they describe as "routine abuse" of migrants in U.S. custody, urging respect for human dignity.

It is noteworthy that these kind of overt, aggressive and constitutionally-questionable enforcement activities have focused on Democrat-run cities and states. To provide some perspective, there are only an estimated 130,000 undocumented immigrants in Minnesota. However, in Texas and Florida, where ICE has not aggressively surged its ill-trained and ill-tempered focus, there are more than a million undocumented immigrants in each state. Additional proof that this is a politically motivated effort came from Attorney General Bondi, herself, when she wrote Minnesota officials over the weekend that she would pull back the administration's enforcement efforts if that state would provide it voter registration information to which it is not entitled.

For me, an additional concern is the conditions of confinement under which detainees are being warehoused throughout the nation. Hundreds – and in some cases – thousands are imprisoned in spaces that, more often than not, were not designed for either that purpose or volume. For example, ICE is looking at converting an industrial building in the Kansas City area that would house up to 7,500 people. There is no prison in the United States that houses that many inmates.

In the late 1980s, I was the spokesman for the North Carolina Department of Correction, an agency under constant legal pressure over the housing and treatment of inmates. I became an expert in understanding what federal courts considered to constitutionally defensible conditions of confinement. I have not seen evidence that ICE, the Border Patrol or Homeland Security have met those standards. People are sleeping on floors in crowded rooms. That would not be permitted in any correctional facility. Keep in mind that unlike prison inmates, the overwhelming majority of those detained are not guilty of anything more than illegally crossing the border in search of a better life. Most have been model residents within their communities. It is immoral and illegal to treat these people as if they are livestock.

I find it obscene that people who complain about excessive government regulation are the first to support ruining people's lives for no other reason than they came across the border without proper authorization. In a nation of immigrants, this attitude is both heartless and counter-productive. These people are not taking jobs or public benefits from anyone. They often do the jobs that no one else is willing to do.

Ronald Reagan was not a flaming liberal. One might disagree with some of his policies. However, by all accounts, he was a literate and decent man. It is notable that in his last White House remarks as president, Reagan spoke passionately about the importance of embracing those who seek refuge in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The madness that Donald Trump and his Cabinet of Clowns have brought Minneapolis and other cities must stop. And those who violate the rules and murder our fellow citizens should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Noem should be impeached and Bovino fired. Common decency demands it. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Ignorant and Arrogant

2026-01-21T12:54:37-06:00

January 21, 2026 - Vol. 20, No. 4 - Two words best describe Donald Trump's remarks before the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, today: Ignorant and Arrogant.

In what may be the most embarrassing moment in the history of American foreign policy, Metamucilini stood on the world stage for more than an hour telling blatant lies and hurling insults. He may have thought he was showing strength, but all he demonstrated was his own mental instability. Thanks to the folks at Politifact, here are just some of the tall tales that stretched the limits of credulity:

"I settled eight wars." He may have had a hand in several ceasefires, but he hasn't actually settled anything. Yes, he made notable progress in achieving a Hamas-Israeli ceasefire. But I ask, at what cost? It came only after Trump encouraged Benjamin Netanyahu to wage war on innocent civilians. Hardly Nobel Peace Prize-worthy.

"I lowered gas prices." While it is true that gas prices are lower, he has exaggerated the amount of the decreases and his administration's role in bringing about lower prices.

"China has no wind farms." Wrong on that, buckaroo. China has 44 percent of the world's wind farm capacity.

"The 2020 election was rigged." Enough with that bullshit. Besides, who was President of the United States in 2020?

"We gave Greenland back to Denmark" We never had it. We established bases there during the Second World War and have had a military presence there ever since. But it has been Danish territory since the 1740s and its status as a Danish territory has been reaffirmed by the U.S. and international courts several times since. Frankly, this whole Greenland nonsense is a product of the diseased mind of Stephen Miller, a/k/a "Pee Wee German." It also didn't help Trump's case when he appeared to confuse Greenland with Iceland. Or maybe Graceland?

"The U.S. has gotten nothing from NATO." The only time NATO has invoked Article 5 of the Washington treaty that created the organization occurred on September 11, 2001, when NATO came to the aid of the United States. That doesn't even take into account the value of collective security - unless President Bone Spur would have preferred a Soviet Europe.

"Stopping fraud would balance the budget." Not even close. Losses due to fraud in the United Staes is estimated at $521 billion - considerablly less than the budget deficit of $1.75 trillion. By the way, whose administration added more to the budget than anyone else's? Clue: Every Democrat administration since LBJ has lowered the deficit, while every Republican administration has increased it.

On top of all that horse manure, the Count of Mar-a-Lardo repeatedly cited incorrect - or just made-up - statistics for things such as oil production, gas prices, and drug seizures. Our Fearless Leader seems to think he lives in a world where saying it makes it true. However, worst than that was the constant implied threats. "I could have done this" or "I could have done that" as a means of reminding us how omnipotent he is. Actually, it is a sure sign of his impotence and inability to grasp the complexities of governing in the 21st century.

Several hours after the speech, Trump said he had reached a "framework" for settling the Greenland issue - an issue that was solely the product of his own dementia. But in true Trumpian style, it was nothing but an empty promise. There's no plan. There's nothing on paper. There's only the promise that he will announce something "soon" - right after he announces the comprehensive health care plan he promised in 2016.

I've said it before, and I will say it again: Donald Trump is morally and mentally unfit to be President and should be removed from office. Unfortunately, his protectors, congressional Republicans, have not yet realized that they are merely rats clinging to a sinking ship. However, they certainly will learn that by November. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

25 or 6 to 4

2026-01-16T03:34:30-06:00

January 16, 2026 - Vol. 20, No. 3 - Aside from the Bibical reference, an epiphany is defined as a "sudden insight or realization." While that insight may come suddenly, that doesn't mean that the process of achieving that insight did not percolate in one's subconscious for a long time. I had an epiphany just this week that I actually have been ruminating about in the deep recesses of my mind since the time of my high school graduation in June 1970. That was the same month as group calling itself The Chicago Transit Authority released as a single the song that has since held place as my favorite, 26 or 6 to 4. I've always thought I knew the reasons I love that song. But it was this week, I came to the ultimate realization of why.

First, let me tell you about the song, itself. It was written by Robert Lamm and it describes the sometimes agonizing creative process that goes into writing a song. Instead of describing how Lamm created the song, you can hear from the source, himself, by clicking on this link to an interview he had with Dan Rather. If you clicked on this link earlier, recorded live in 1970, you will see (and hear) famed vocalist Peter Cetera playing the famous opening riff on his bass guitar and the late Terry Kath playing the amazing guitar solo. It is an infectuous song, sometimes misunderstood. The authorities in Singapore once banned it because of its alleged drug content. (If you looked at the Rather interview, you'll hear that drugs had little to do with it.) I feel I'm in love with it for a number of reasons, not the least of which was that it was a popular song at the very moment in my life, high school graduation, where I was beginning to leave the nest and launch out on my own. It was a happy, scary, exhilarating and remarkably open-ended moment in my life. The song reflected my mood. But, unlike most popular hits on the radio, this one continued to stick with me through the years. It was never, in at least my mind, relegated to the dustbin of most Top 40 hits.

It is important to understand that folks my age, those who grew up in the 1960s, are practically morally obliged to say "The Beatles" when asked who is their favorite group of all-time. Don't let me wrong: I love the Beatles. But now that I am in my 70s and don't really care what most people think, I'm proud to proclaim Chicago as my favorite. It's not that I really identified with the band members, a long haired and liberal-minded crew out of the urban streets of the Windy City. Hell, I was a rural, Republican clean-cut kid from Maryland's Eastern Shore. The only member I really had a connection with was Jimmy Panko, who successfully mastered the trombone, an instrument I failed miserably at during the eighth grade. Still, I was amazed at their collaboration and amazing string of hit after hit after hit. And, perhaps, there was an aspirational aspect: An Eastern Shore boy wishing he could be like his rock and roll heroes. Fortunately, considering some of the destructive behaviors of the group - including the accidental gunshot death of Kath - I never did become one of the boys in the band.

Beyond that which I described, I never gave a lot of thought as to why I so much admired the group and this particular song - that is, until earlier this week. Because of hip and back problems, I have not slept very well for the better part of year. More nights than not, I have slept in my living room recliner, the only place I could come close to being comfortable. Often, when can't sleep, I'll slip on the ear buds and listen to music to relax me. As you may imagine, Chicago is a frequent group of choice. And, yes, 25 or 6 to 4 is a mandatory selection. On the night in question, as the final chords faded, I turned off the music and glanced at the clock. Not wearing my glasses, it wasn't sure whether it was 3:35 a.m. or 3:34 a.m. And then it struck me: It was, literally, 25 or 6 to 4. I thought about the hundreds of times I have been barely awake and not quite asleep at that hour during the years. Throughout my life, I have always had trouble sleeping. The reasons varied from dealing with loneliness or unrequited love in my youth, career-related issues into adulthood, or tragedy and health-related issues in my later years. Yes, I admit that the Maryland Terrapins and the Baltimore Orioles occasionally disturbed my slumbers, as well. And then came the epiphany: The song isn't about Robert Lamm's creative process, but my own. I have gone through my days reinventing myself and constantly adjusting the trajectory of my life - often at the expense of a good night's sleep. To me, the song is about a sleep-deprived boy from Royal Oak, Maryland, always trying to figure out - to borrow inspiration another from Chicago song - Where Do We Go From Here?

I hope you found this personal journey interesting - although I did say that at my age, I don't really care what others think. I wanted to write it because I am sick and tired about writing about America's dysfunctional politics. At times like these, it is often best to look inside ourselves to define our journey. I certainly will get back to writing about the daily dramas soon. But, for now, I choose to veer down another path while waiting for the break of day. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. (Photo by David Guth)

Bonespur, Pete the Pirate and Dress-Up Barbie

2026-01-10T13:20:42-06:00

January 10, 2026 - Vol. 20, No. 2 - While one tries not to be over-reactive to world events, this past week certainly felt like our nation has reached a tipping point. And what are you going to do about it?

Commodore Bonespur and his minion, Pete "the Pirate" Hegseth, have taken their criminality to the high seas. Under the pretext of an international embargo, the United States is seizing Venezuelan oil tankers and claiming that the oil belongs to America. Even if you accept the interdiction of illegal oil exports, how can you claim American ownership of the oil? Trump's shaky logic is that the oil is reimbursement for when Venezeula nationalized its oil industry. That logic ignores the questionable circumstances under which American oil companies won the "right" to drill, as well as the most pertinent point: It's Venezuela's oil. Plus the optics of the U.S. Navy engaging in high seas piracy are bad. Let's not forget that some of the oil we hijacked was headed to Russia and China. What happens if those nation's decide to escort those tankers? We almost had a confrontation with Russia in the waters north of England this week. Do we really want to play chicken with nations with megalomaniacal leaders? (And do they?) Let's not forget that oil executives, summoned to the White House yesterday, told the President point-blank that his vision for American reinvestment in Venezuela's oil industry is a pipe-dream.

In Minneapolis, Dress-Up Barbie Kristi Noem and her masked and thuggish ICE agents have spent the last few days trying to convince the world that we didn't really see what we saw. They have gone to ridiculous lengths to convince everyone that they did not murder a 37-year-old mother of three in cold blood. I discussed my analysis of the shooting of Renee Good at length in a Substack post earlier this week, so I will not repeat it here. Suffice it to say that I, along with most observers, question the Administration's version of these events. I also condemn Vice President J.D. Vance's assertion that Good was some sort of radical agitator trying to destroy America. (One is tempted to add that it takes one to know one.) My years of expertise in an around law enforcement tells me that this was an excessive use of force by an ICE agent who did not follow his training and escalated the situation into a deadly confrontation. His own words - "That fucking bitch" - caught on his own camera showed us his state of mind. Ask yourself this question: Do you have confidence that the FBI and Department of Justice will engage in an honest, impartial investigation of the shooting? (I thought not)

I say that we are at a tipping point because both domestic and international law are being flaunted and ignored by this nation's most criminal President. He told The New York Times this week that he has only his "own morality" to limit his authority as President. I dare say that comes as news to the overwhelming majority of Americans. It certainly would shock our Founders. And let us once again thank Chief Justice John Roberts and his kangaroo court for the ridiculous and possibly democracy-killing ruling on presidential immunity. I can only hope that we can actually get to the midterm elections this fall when the Republicans will take a historic ass-whipping. But don't be surprised if Trump tries to cancel them. He will use something drastic - perhaps a war of his own making - to justify it.

Yes, I fear that this country has gone that far off the rails. Until we have no choice, patriots who love this country and the values upon which it is based should resist Bonespur, Pete the Pirate, Dress-Up Barbie and the entire Klutsy Klown Kabinet. That means public protests, pressure on our elected representatives, financial contributions to like-minded candidates and committees, and, ultimately, your vote. The United States is still the world's best hope for democracy. At least for now. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

The Year of Accountability

2026-01-02T11:24:33-06:00

January 2, 2026 - Vol. 20, No. 1 - It seems fitting that I begin the 20th year of this blog with an iconic Norman Rockwell illustration and an appeal to civic responsibility. The illustration is entitled "Freedom of Speech," published in 1943 by The Saturday Evening Post as part of a series of paintings based on President Roosevelt's "Four Freedoms" speech. The civic responsibility I am encouraging is implicit in Rockwell's painting, a citizen's responsibility to hold elected officials accountable for both their actions and inactions.

This new year should - and must - be a year in which we hold our elected officials accountable. The year 2026 is a year of inflection. We are at a crossroads in deciding the kind of country our children, their children and their children will live. There are dark forces afoot in our land, ones that undermine the very principles upon which our nation was founded two and one-half centuries ago. Will we continue our steady progress toward the democratic republic our Founders envisioned or will we continue the Trump inspired erosion of equal rights in favor of an oligarchical society? How quickly we have gone from the Great Society to the Great Gatsby. It is a trend that threatens not only our individual economic well-being, but also our national security. America today is a weaker nation, economically, militarily and morally than at any other point in my lifetime. Sure, some of you will say, I plan to vote in November and that's how I will hold our officials accountable. And I certainly hope you will, but we don't have to wait 11 months to begin to hold our elected leaders accountable now.

The first step is to remain informed on the issues. This will involve more than a cursory look at the morning newspaper or watching some television network's nightly 30-minute summary of the news. It involves reading and watching multiple news sources. I don't have to tell you that Fox News and MS-Now have differing perspectives on today's events. Your duty is to triangulate the truth by listening and reading those and other sources. Don't let someone else decided what is "the truth" for you. That's your responsibility.

Second, communicate your concerns to your leaders. How are they supposed to reflect your concerns if you are not willing to let them know what they are? Send letters, write emails, go to their town halls - those who have the courage to conduct them - use social media (such as I am going) and otherwise send politicians signals that you are paying attention.

Next, show up. Go to city council meetings and public hearings. Join and support civic and political organizations that reflect your values. You say you are a champion of education? Then show up at the school board and give the members tangible evidence that you actually care about the issues. Do you think many Republican members of Congress are now talking about restoring Affordable Care Act subsidies out of the goodness of their hearts? Perhaps it has more to do with the millions of Americans who have taken to the streets during the past year to express their dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Demand transparency and ethical standards of our elected officials. Don't let that paralyzing "They are all a bunch of crooks" mentality keep you from calling them out when they fail to meet your values. Frankly, sitting back and doing nothing about evil when you see it is intellectually lazy and morally reprehensible. They need to know that when they veer from an acceptable path that there are consequences.

Your vote is one of democracy's most precious gifts. Don't waste it by automatically voting for a member of "your tribe." I take great pride in the fact that I am a habitual ticket-splitter. I vote for the candidate, not his or her party. I also vote even when I don't necessarily like either candidate. I owe it to those who fought and died for our freedoms to make touch choices when exercising those freedoms. Not voting is the greatest sin of all, although I will admit that the late George Carlin once voiced an interesting and amusing dissent. Carlin's take is funny, but far more cynical than I care to embrace.

Let's make 2026 The Year of Accountability - not just for our elected leaders, but for ourselves. Actions do speak louder than words. That's it for now. Happy New Year and Fear the Turtle.

Crappy New Year?

2025-12-24T07:42:05-06:00

December 24, 2025 (Vol. 19. No. 49) - The year 2025 will not be fondly remembered by many. It was the year that Donald Trump returned to power and immediately began abusing it. Instead of stabilizing what he called a bad economy - one that was actually pretty good - he ruined it through a system of haphazard tariffs and by creating instability in American foreign policy. The man best known for the friends he keeps (see above photo) looted the Treasury for his family's benefit while graciously accepting bribes, er, excuse me, gifts, for foreign leaders. Economic anxiety, political division, environmental strain, and social exhaustion combined to make 2025 feel less like a single bad year and more like a warning.

Economically, 2025 was difficult for ordinary people. Inflation may have slowed in some regions, but the cost of living remained stubbornly high. Housing, healthcare, and education continued to feel out of reach for millions. Thanks to the Republican Congress, healthcare costs for millions of Americans will skyrocket after the new year because of a stubborn refusal to continue subsidies under the Affordable Care Act a/k/a Obamacare. Wage growth lagged behind expenses, forcing families to rely on credit or deplete savings. Job insecurity persisted as automation and artificial intelligence reshaped industries faster than workers could adapt. Even those who were employed often felt trapped—working harder for less security and fewer prospects for upward mobility. Buying a new home - especially a first home - remained out of reach as housing prices and a housing shortage persisted.

If 2025 seemed bad, 2026 threatens to be even worse—not necessarily because new problems will appear, but because unresolved ones will compound. Economic pressures could intensify as government debt rises and public patience thins. Political polarization may harden further, making compromise even more elusive. Environmental damage, once done, cannot simply be undone, and its impacts tend to accelerate rather than stabilize. Perhaps most troubling is the psychological toll. By the end of 2025, many people were not just struggling; they were tired. Constant crises eroded optimism and resilience. When societies become exhausted, they are more vulnerable to fear-driven decisions, authoritarian impulses, and social breakdown. That emotional fatigue could define 2026 if meaningful change does not occur. The one hope is that there are signs of a growing schism in the MAGA movement. However, that hope is tempered by the knowledge that Democrats seem to have an inexhaustible ability to shoot themselves in the foot.

Yet acknowledging how bad 2025 was is not an act of surrender. It is a recognition that denial no longer serves us. If 2026 is to avoid becoming even worse, it will require deliberate effort, cooperation, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Without that, the difficulties of 2025 may look, in hindsight, like the calm before a deeper storm and we will have a crappy, not happy, new year. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

2025-12-18T07:13:55-06:00

December 18, 2025 (Vol. 19. No. 48) - You've got to hand it to Donald Trump. He doesn't care if the glass is half-full or half-empty as long as he owns the glass. In a rare televised national address last night, Felon 47 tried to convince Americans that this is not the season to rejoice in the coming of Christ, but instead a time to revel in the second coming of Trump. He failed miserably.

Humpty-Trumpty started by saying he inherited a country last January with a failing economy - despite the fact that the U.S. economy at the end of Biden's term was, according to Bloomberg, the envy of the world. Trump blamed Biden for inflation - ignoring the fact that the inflationary spiral was created during the first Trump term when he destroyed the supply change by largely ignoring the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump said grocery prices are going down. While the cost of certain items has dropped in some areas, the overall cost of food shopping has risen. And let's talk about health care. The Republicans are willing to go home for Christmas without restoring Affordable Care Act subsidies cut by Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill." That means that the cost of health care insurance for millions of Americans - a majority of whom are Trump voters - will dramatically spike after the new year. (Don't worry, Trump's fabulous health care plan is only "two weeks away," the same place it was nine years ago.) He announced $1,776 bonuses for the more than one million active duty service men and women. He says his tariffs will pay for it. Those are the same tariff receipts that are going to pay for the bonus checks he's promising American taxpayers and subsidies to farmers. The problem is that Trump's tariffs are raising far less money than necessary to pay for these and other Trump schemes. It also ignores the truth about tariffs: Foreign nations do not pay the tariffs. American businesses pay them and that fuels inflation.

What the nation saw last night was an angry, unhinged vulgarian masquerading as a president. He's also a lame duck who is losing control of the Republican Party. Trump was trying to convince voters that it was Biden, not him, who should be held responsible for an increasingly fragile and flagging economy. However, those voters aren't buying it. By an almost two-to-one margin, they have told pollsters that it is Trump, not Biden, who is to blame. Even worse (in Trump's eyes) is that he is beginning to lose his grip on MAGA Republicans in the House. Against his and Speaker Mini-Mike Johnson's wishes, some have joined with Democrats to force a vote on extending the ACA subsidies. (Unfortunately, Mini-Mike is up to old tricks. He's going to send the House home for Christmas to delay that vote. It's the same strategy he used to delay - but not stop - the release of the Epstein files.) Republicans are scared that they are going to lose big in next year's midterm elections. These MAGA minions are moving into self-preservation mode, one that does not include Trump in their futures.

The sun is beginning to set on Emperor Orange's reign of terror. But the midterms are still a year away and three years left in his term (assuming he lives so long). There are countless ways an unhinged, demented and self-absorbed wannabe dictator can make our lives miserable in the interim. We must remain vigilant. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Rhymes and Reasons

2025-12-09T10:43:34-06:00

December 9, 2025 (Vol. 19. No. 47) - As this dreary and dark year 2025 enters its final days - death throws is perhaps a more descriptive characterization - I have been reminded of some lyrics penned by the late John Denver:

So you speak to me of sadness and the coming of the winter. The fear that is within you now that seems to never end. And the dreams that have escaped you. And the hope that you've forgotten. You tell me that you need me now. You want to be my friend. And you wonder where we're going. Where's the rhyme? Where's the reason?

These are the opening lines of Rhymes and Reasons, one of Denver's earliest compositions that reflects the idealism/arrogance of the youth culture of the 1960s. I use those descriptors advisedly, because that was a time when the youth of our nation looked upon with sometimes self-righteous indignation at the supposed mess our parents had made of the world. It was a time of Vietnam, race riots, changing morals, the fear of nuclear Armageddon and outright disillusion. Truth be told, our parents didn't do all that badly. Their scientific achievements, combined with significant social and cultural advancements, weren't all that bad a track record. And, of yes, they survived the Great Depression and won the Second World War. However, people my age focused on the jobs left undone and the challenges we would have to tackle. And, of course, being young also meant that we were impatient as hell.

And now, it is we - the folks of my generation - being called to task by our children for our failings and the things we appear to have neglected. And, just as my generation did 50 years ago, this generation may have a point. Certainly the country is more divided than it has been since the Civil War - even more so than it was in the turbulent 1960s. However, my generation has also made scientific, social and cultural strides that have made life better. There are some things that are cyclical - although I can't imagine a more dysfunctional and incompetent president than the senile, feeble and immoral jackass we have now. That takes me back to the poetry of John Denver:

And its you cannot accept it is here we must begin to seek the wisdom of our children and the graceful way go flowers in the wind. For the children and the flowers are my sisters and my brothers. Their laughter and the loveliness could clear a cloudy day. Like the music of the mountain and the colors of the rainbow they're a promise for the future and a blessing for today.

You may interpret those lyrics differently than I. However, I believe they are saying that everything we need to deal with the problems of the moment are available to us today. So, I choose to focus on the positive message even while sitting in the shadow and chaos of today's trial and tribulations. I am not being Pollyanna and naive. If anything, embracing the positive may be the only way we can maintain our sanity and become the problem solvers our society surely needs. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Thankfulness

2025-11-27T05:45:39-06:00

November 27, 2025 (Vol. 19. No. 46) - To be quite honest with you, this hasn't been the happiest of years. I'm not talking about the idiot in the White House or the fact that my favorite teams have underperformed. My focus is on more serious stuff, such as the passing of my younger brother and a panoply of health issues confronting me. On this Thanksgiving Day, it would be easy for me to say "bah humbug" and hold a personal pity party. Simply put, life ain't a Norman Rockwell painting. But that negativity wouldn't accomplish anything and ignores the people and things around me that make truly thankful.

Let's start with family and friends. Those are the folks who give true meaning to anyone's life. If you have loving family and friends, then you should consider yourself rich in spirit and thought. There are poor souls out there who are lost and alone. I am thankful I am not one of them. I cannot tell you how exciting it is to see one's children mature and thrive. And, of course, there are grandchildren for whom you can give - and get - unqualified love.

As I approach my mid-70s, I am also thankful for the medical breakthroughs that have transformed life-threatening illnesses to things that are manageable. We are not just speaking of medicines and surgical advances. Because of vastly improved diagnostics, doctors are able to address many ailments in their earliest and most-easily treatable stages. Because of this, senior citizens are living not just longer lives, but are also able to enjoy a higher quality of life. Yes, as I have learned all too painfully, that doesn't mean that there aren't those among us who depart far too soon. But at least I feel that I have a fighting chance to stick around for awhile.

Technology is another blessing. Not only have social media and video conferencing made it easier for me to stay connected within my own social circles, it has also widen my outreach. For example, Facebook has allowed me to reconnect with friends with whom I had lost touch - including people who were in my first grade class in St. Michaels, Maryland. As a grandparent and great uncle, technology also allows me to follow the growth and maturation of people I hold very dear.

I'd like to think that society has given seniors such as myself greater respect than, perhaps, it did with my own grandparents. That may well be because the sheer size of the Baby Boom Generation demands it. Certainly, volunteering for organizations such as the American Red Cross or for some other church-related or nonprofit activity helps give retired senior citizens added purpose during a time when they would otherwise feel rudderless. This period of my life is also a time of reflection. In my case, that has resulted in a renewed spirituality and deeper compassion for those less fortunate.

There's a popular saying that "getting old ain't for sissies." That is certainly true, especially when you remember that no one leaves this planet alive. I have no idea how long this final chapter of my life will last. But I do know that it is far more agreeable when one remembers those people and things for which they should be thankful. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

November 22, 1963

2025-11-22T05:45:56-06:00

November 22, 2025 (Vol. 19. No. 45) - There are a few days during the course of a lifetime when one retains a vivid memory of events that remain for the rest of one's life. For me, November 22, 1963, was one of those days. That was the day America lost its innocence with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I was only 11 at the time, but my recollection of that chilly Friday afternoon are clear and detailed, even 62 years later. As a journalism historian, I have extensively read and lectured about the assassination and how it changed the mass media landscape.

For the first few minutes after JFK was wounded while riding in an open limousine, the shooting was exclusively a local media news story. However, at 12:34 p.m. CST, United Press International transmitted across its teletype network that "three shots were fired at President Kennedy's motorcade today in downtown Dallas." The source was UPI Senior Correspondent Merriman Smith, using a radio telephone riding in a press pool car a couple of cars behind the President. Two minutes later, as President's Kennedy's car was pulling into the emergency room at Parkland Memorial Hospital, Don Gardner of ABC Radio became the first to announce the news to the nation. The news spread like a wildfire. According to the University of Chicago study, 83 percent of U.S. adults knew of the shooting by 1:00 p.m. CST. For the first time, the nation - and the world - shared a simultaneous common experience. The nation's three television networks dropped their scheduled programming and covered the assassination and subsequent events non-stop for the next four days. For the first time, it was television - not newspapers - that America was turning to for the latest information.

It is important to remember the media landscape of 1963. It was not like today, when it is easy to report live from anywhere in the world. Because of 1963's analog technology, reporting live from Dallas immediately following the shooting was as easy as reporting live from the moon. The broadcast networks relied on special telephone transmission lines to get a video feed out of Texas. It is amazing how rapidly they were able to do so. During that first crucial hour, CBS-TV, the first of the major networks to broadcast news of the shooting, relied heavily on a feed from its Dallas affiliate and reports from the two major wire services, UPI and AP.

Watching a breaking news story develop is a lot like watching sausage being made. It can be very messy at first. During the most intense hour in the history of American journalism, mistakes were made. For example, some media outlets reported that Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson had been wounded during the shooting. Those reports had been based on seeing LBJ walk into the hospital holding his arm. There were also the false reports of a Secret Service agent being killed in the line of duty. They soon discovered that it was Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippett who had been gunned down on a Dallas street while questioning assassin Lee Harvey Oswald. Despite these and other errors, American broadcast media did a remarkable job that weekend bringing the news to a traumatized nation in mourning. Of course, that coverage included the first-ever murder covered on live television, when NBC and Mutual cameras captured images of strip club owner Jack Ruby shooting assassin suspect Oswald at point-blank range during a prisoner transfer. I have long held that Oswald's death was a result of a Dallas Police Department so intent on accommodating crush of the world's media that it forgot its primary responsibility - to protect their prisoner.

Sixty-two years ago today, a horrific event occurred that has forever been burned into the consciousness of those old enough at the time to remember it. Even today, there are still questions of who actually shot the President and whether or not it was the result of some sort of conspiracy. As I have previously stated in this space, I believe that, for the most part, the Warren Commission's conclusion that Oswald acted alone and Ruby acted alone. However, I'll leave that debate for another place and time.

November 22, 1963, is always close to me in memory. One can't help but wonder how history would have change if Lee Oswald had missed his target. But without question, it was a day that altered America's political and media landscape - and me - forever. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Elizabeth at 150

2025-11-12T06:56:41-06:00

November 12, 2025 (Vol. 19. No. 44) - Today marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of my grandmother, Elizabeth E. Harry (1875-1973). To say she was a remarkable woman would be an understatement. In my family, she was a savior. She moved to our home on the Eastern Shore of Maryland from her native Hagerstown to help stabilize a family in crisis somewhere around the late 1950s or early 1960s. My mother and father, both alcoholics, were in the process being divorced. To put it kindly, my father was a bad drunk. While my memories of my personal interactions with my father are good, I also remember that he was abusive to my mother. Five of their seven children were still at home at the time. My oldest brothers Carey and Charles were on their own, often spinning out of control. The State of Maryland was questioning whether it should intervene on behalf of the children. The economic stability of the family was in question. We were not the typical American family.

Enter Grandmother Elizabeth, the only one of my four grandparents still alive. She was the rock on which the family survived. I was too young to know or understand the underlying family dynamics. But what I do know is that Elizabeth was the calm in the eye of the storm. Grandmother Elizabeth relied upon her Quaker background to help bring order to disorder. Even when my mother remarried an alcoholic, the family somehow continued to function. That was especially true when my mother and stepfather "fell off the wagon." (To their credit, they lived their last quarter century together sober.) It would be a lie for me to suggest that everything was smooth sailing once Grandmother walked through the door. But one should not underestimate the value of her presence.

She was often the person I turned to for emotional support. I actually lived with her for two years in a small cottage next to the family home. I would wake up each morning for school and hear The Lord's Prayer sung on the radio precisely at 7:00 a.m. Because it is a prayer of David, she had me memorize it. When I caught my first fish, she cleaned and cooked it for me. She was the one who sewed on the merit badges and assorted patches on my Boy Scout uniform. I watched the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show with her. That our birthdays were within four days of each other created an additional bond. Even to this day, more than four decades since her passing, I think of her often. My daughter carries her name, as does one of her daughters. I cannot let November 12 pass without reflecting on the lifelong influence Elizabeth Harry had on me and my siblings. We were blessed to have had her in our lives. That's it for now. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Grandma! Fear the Turtle.

Another Trip Around The Sun

2025-11-08T08:26:11-06:00

November 8, 2025 (Vol. 19. No.43) - It is with amazement - and amusement - that I today celebrate my 73rd birthday. It is somewhat a surprise that I am still around considering the utter contempt with which I have held my body through the years. I am reminded of a Jimmy Buffett lyric where his girlfriend tells him, “I treat my body as a temple. You treat yours like a tent.”

In many ways, this is a difficult birthday. Within the last week I learned that I am going to have a hip replacement, a root canal and I broke tooth. I’ve started moving around the house like Walter Brennan. There are also outside environmental effects that dim today’s celebration. This is my first birthday without my younger brother Howard, who unexpectedly passed away in August. And as a regular reader of my writings will know, I am not happy that Donald Trump is still counted among the (barely) living. (Did you see where the Orange Buffoon fell asleep during his own Oval Office news conference this week?)

Despite the fact that my body sounds like a bowl of Rice Krispies whenever I stand up, I still feel pretty good for an old guy. I’m an active writer and video editor volunteering for the American Red Cross. I also spend much of my days promoting my latest book and working on my social media presence (such this post). And, of course, I play my greatest role, as husband, father and grandfather. It is amazing how the joy generated by one’s family can blot out the so many negatives the world throws at you.

As I start my 74th trip around the sun, I have plenty of concerns for what’s ahead. But I am optimistic that I will meet all challenges with the same pluck and determination that got me to where I am today. As the other Old Blue Eyes once said, “Regrets, I’ve had a few. But then again, too few to mention.” After all, I did it my way. That'a it for now. Fear the Turtle!

Adventures in Writing: A Sentimental Journey

2025-10-30T07:45:07-05:00

October 30, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 42) - My latest book, In the Moment: The Journey of the Class of '70, is an attempt by me to straddle the worlds of fact and fiction, reality and fantasy, and reflection and projection. I’ve always wanted to write about the time and place where I was raised. And this book clearly shows my bias toward and love of the Delmarva Peninsula.

Some may find it hard to believe, but Maryland’s Eastern Shore was a very interesting and exciting place in the 1960s. It was a battleground over civil rights and school desegregation. It also saw many a politician glad-handing “the locals” from the Kennedy brothers to Spiro Agnew to George Wallace. It was also an area undergoing great social and environmental change, largely due to the influx of new residents lured by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Places such as St. Michaels and Easton were being transformed from sleepy towns that only a few seemed to treasure to the tawny tourist destinations they are today.

I chose to write about these and other issues from the perspective of my own cohort, school kids who graduated high school in June 1970. I also used as my setting the town where I attended my first eight years of school, St. Michaels. But here is where fact versus fiction straddling comes into play. I wrote historical fiction, meaning that most of the local, national and world events mentioned are true. Even some of the family names used in telling my story are ones common to the Eastern Shore. But the characters and their actions, for the most part, are fictional. Even those events based on my personal experience have been fictionalized to improve the plot line. An example of this is my description of the classroom reactions to the Kennedy assassination. But everything else is a product of my imagination. My goal was to tell a story about those times. I left it up to my classmates to tell their own stories. (One of them, my life-long friend Klaus Liebig, has, in fact, done so in a book entitled The Things I Remember.)

So, what’s next? I have no earthy idea. I’d like to get a sense of how well my latest book is faring before launching into another two-year project. While I have a good few ideas for the topic of my next book, none of them have yet ignited my passion for another literary adventure. I will also turn 73 within a couple of weeks. My health will also be a determining factor in my decision to continue my literary career.

This series of posts about my writing began innocently in May when I wrote about the publication of In the Moment. It made me ask the big question: Why do I write? Upon reflection, I think I know the answer: I love telling stories and I know how to do it. That's one of the reasons I became a journalist. If you look in the lower right corner of the picture above, you'll see my grandchildren. In a sense, these books are for them, as well. I’ll admit there may be some ego involved, but exposing one’s thoughts to others can prove to be a double-edged sword. The readers may love you or hate you. The writer must have enough confidence in himself or herself to gracefully handle either outcome. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

No Kings, No Sh*t

2025-10-19T10:30:51-05:00

October 18, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 41) - While millions of Americans took to the streets yesterday in protest of the Trump Administration's increasingly authoritarian approach to governing, the President of the United States used a crude and disgusting A-I generated video to literally crap upon the American people.

In more than 2,600 communities throughout the nation and including some overseas as well, millions of people exercised their free speech rights to express their opposition to an administration that has used masked agents to detain persons of color they believe may be in the United States illegally. Often they are indiscriminately arresting American citizens and people who are properly documented to be in the United States. These protesters object of the weaponization of the Justice Department in vengeful pursuit of Trump's perceived enemies. They are angry about the dismantling of federal safety net programs at the expense of the poor to pay for tax breaks for Trump's ultra-rich friends. Trump's tariffs have already negatively impacted America's farmers by driving China's soybean import market from the United States to Argentina. Speaking of Argentina, why is Trump endorsing a $20-40 billion bailout of Argentina's flailing economy while gutting healthcare, public safety, education and safety net programs for everyday Americans? Let's not forget the immorally pliant Republican Congress that has shutdown the government to avoid any compromise with Democrats - and in an attempt to avoid the inevitable release of the Epstein files. (Based on what we already know about Trump's attraction to young, underage girls, does anyone doubt that Trump is a sexual pervert?) It looks like Trump is again cozying up to Vladimir Putin at the expense of Ukraine. (Could it be because of the pee-pee tape?) Trump turned a blind eye to Israel's genocide in Gaza, only now to claim he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. And what's with giving Qatar an airbase in Idaho? (It likely has more to do with Trump's personal business interests than with national security.)

Those are just some of the reasons that millions of Americans - including myself (above) - were compelled to raise their voices and say "enough is enough." Here in Lawrence, Kansas, approximately 1,000-2,000 people gathered in a downtown park in a non-violent, albeit noisy protest. To put those numbers in context, they are significantly higher than those during last June's nationwide Trump birthday protests. Based on the pictures I have seen from other cities, that sharp increase is indicative of a growing and engaged national opposition to Trump and his party of sycophants. Yesterday's protests should give every Republican pause. Surely some of them are wondering just how long they can afford to ride that one-trick pony. Even with their attempt to redraw congressional district maps to rig next year's midterm elections, the Republicans may well lose both the House and the Senate.

And how did the President of the United States, the erstwhile leader of the Free World, react to yesterday's protests? After yet another round of taxpayer subsidized golf, he posted an A-I generated video of him as a pilot in a fighter jet. He was wearing a crown. As the plane swooped over protesters in a city that looked a lot like New York, he unleashed a bomb load of a brown liquid substance upon the crowd. It takes no imagination as to what that disgusting substance was. Metaphorically, King Donald was joyfully taking a dump upon the people he is supposed to serve. To make myself clear: If you are one of those MAGA morons who thought that disgusting, juvenile and immoral display was funny, you can go to hell. Undoubtedly, you will. You can't pretend you are Christian or a loyal observant of any faith if you endorse such a vile display. As for Trump himself, even he has acknowledged that it isn't likely that he will wind up in heaven. That leaves him only one final destination, the place where his good buddy Jeffrey Epstein undoubtedly presides.

Yesterday's protests were huge. And they are only going to get bigger as Trump's policies hurt more and more people - especially those who voted for him. The die is cast. Against Trump's wishes, the tide of democracy is rising. Eventually, it will cover everything, including Donald Trump's crown. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Adventures in Writing - A Touchy Subject

2025-10-15T15:43:30-05:00

October 15, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 40) - Sometimes a writer's passion takes him or her to a place others may wish they did not go. That was the case with my first fiction novel, Thirteen Minutes: Death of an American High School. As the name suggests, it is a story about a school shooting at a fictional high school. I characterize Thirteen Minutes as a contemporary fiction that blends a fictional story with the real-life facts about the causes and effects of school shootings.

I am a passionate gun control advocate. I am not a left-wing, "take away your Second Amendment rights" kind of guy. I happen to believe that the Second Amendment and reasonable regulation of firearms, ammunition and gun magazines can peacefully coexist. Unfortunately, those who disagree with me often doing so by expressing their anger - including the occasional death threat. Needless to say, this was not an easy topic to write about. When it came to the matter of gun violence in America, I made certain that my narrative was supported by verifiable research. I also tried to avoid a gun control slant in the story. As was the case in real life, some of the characters were strongly in favor of gun control while others were equally strongly opposed. I laid out their arguments and left it to the readers to form their own opinions.

However, that was hardly the biggest challenge in writing Thirteen Minutes. I quickly discovered that writing fiction is, in many ways, harder than writing nonfiction. When I wrote my first novel, Bridging the Chesapeake: A 'Fool Idea' That Unified Maryland, I was dealing with a known set of historical facts. In Thirteen Minutes, the entire plot was a creation of my own imagination. I had to keep track of the characters and their actions. Because mine was a story with a few twists and turns, it was easy to become confused with who did what to whom. For example, in my third edit of the manuscript, I realized that I had one of the main characters killing himself - which, of course, would have confused the heck out of the readers. To avoid that kind of confusion, I had several pages of notes reminding me who the characters were, what their jobs/roles were and what was motivating them to do what they did in the story. I'm not sure that is what successful fiction writers do, but it sure helped me.

Honestly, Thirteen Minutes is my least succesfull book in terms of its sales. (If you'd like to help me in that regard by buying it, I'd very much appreciate that!) However, I believe it may be my most important book because it shines a light on a tragically singular American issue. I also think it is good, albeit dark, story. Of course, as all authors know and must accept, that's for others to judge. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Adventures in Writing - The Bridge

2025-10-09T10:29:27-05:00

October 9, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 39) - The idea for my first solo-authored book was conceived in the Italian village of Paderno del Grappa in the spring of 2004. I was privileged to be teaching two journalism courses at Consortium International University during that semester. During those memorable four months, I was relieved of the normal research and service obligations of a tenured professor. Instead, I had time to ponder how I might move forward into the remaining 10-20 years of my academic career.

Perhaps over a glass or two of limoncello on a balcony overlooking the Italian Veneto, I came to the realization that I would be best-served and most-happy if I pursued projects for which I was passionate. That may sound like a no-brainer, but it was really an epiphany for me. Up until that time of my life, I was pretty much saddled with what I have to do. But now, a tenured professor and with my daughter off to college, I realized that I could do what I want to do. So, the central challenge during those soft Italian nights was to identify what I was most passionate about.

To the surprise of everyone I know, I decided that I wanted to write a book about the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. "Really. A book about a bridge?" was the general reaction. I understood their befuddlement. Unless you had grown up on Maryland's Eastern Shore, the political, social, historic and psychological significance of the structure alluded you. The 4.3 mile span made access to what had been the remote Delmarva Peninsula available to all. It removed the final barrier that had severely inhibited interaction between the peoples of the two shores from the days the Maryland colony was founded three centuries earlier. (The above picture is one I took during construction of the bridge's parallel span in 1972.)

Based on a content analysis I conducted of Bay Bridge coverage of eight Maryland-area newspapers in 1947 (when the bridge received legislative approval) and 1952 (when the bridge opened to traffic), I determined that the span symbolized different things for different people. To generalize those findings, I determined that the people on the Western Shore saw the new bridge as a good thing, while the folks on the Eastern Shore saw it as a threat to their way of life. A historical review also revealed a fascinating story of the competition between the two shores and the long, difficult journey toward construction of the span. There were heroes and villains. There was also the amazing sweep of American history that influenced this saga from conception to completion. In short, it was a great story. Why wouldn't I write about it?

Bridging the Chesapeake: A 'Fool Idea' That Unified Maryland was first published in 2013 by Old Line Publishing. When that publisher went out of business, the book was republished under the Archway Publishing banner in 2017. I feel the publication of this definitive history of the Bay Bridge - now known as the Willian Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial Bridge - is one of the greatest achievements of my professional career. I believe it established my credentials as a thoughtful contemporary historian. Frankly, there are few titles one can own that brings more satisfaction than being called "an author." It fueled a passion to write that continues to this very day. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

The Performative Presidency

2025-10-04T12:42:27-05:00

October 4, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 38) - John F. Kennedy is considered to be the first television president - although one can argue that his predecessor, Dwight D. Eisenhower, was the first to really embrace what was then a relatively new medium. One can also argue that no president benefitted as much from the medium as the current occupant of the White House. Donald Trump’s appearance on The Apprentice softened the edges of the Manhattan vulgarian and helped propel him to the presidency.

The key is understanding Donald Trump is knowing that he’s not so much interested in governing as he is in being seen as a strong leader on television. To put it another way, he doesn’t want to be president as much as he wants to be seen as president on TV. And because he is media savvy, Trump has also embraced social media at a much higher level than any of his predecessors. One could call it the “Twitter Presidency” if Elon Musk hadn’t changed its name and ruined the platform. So Trump invented his own form of Twitter, Truth Social. (Ironically, his posts on that platform are neither truthful nor sociable.)

It is more appropriate to think of this cacophony of chaos as a Performative Presidency. It’s all about the performance. He announces new policies and initiatives on Truth Social and in his encounters with journalists. As for the details, he lets someone else figure that out. An example was yesterday’s big Gaza announcement. Trump said the Israeli hostages will be freed, but admitted that those details have yet to be worked out. One would think that when it comes to the Middle East, you’d want to have all of the ducks in a row before making promises you may not be able to fulfill. That’s also why he will say some bombastic and often obscene things for the cameras. Felon 47 thinks it makes him look strong and invincible. Trump doesn’t understand when his words do not match his actions, it exposes him for the weak wimp that he really is. That’s why some may call this the TACO Presidency, as in “Trump Always Chickens Out.”

To Trump, leadership is a performative art. And there’s some truth to that. Leadership requires clear, unambiguous and motivational language. Solid communication is the key. Dwight Eisenhower, who I consider one of this nation’s greatest leaders, understood this. Both as Supreme Allied Commander during the Second World War and later as the 34th President, Ike understood the value of unambiguous and quiet leadership. Historian Fred Greenstein has referred to Eisenhower’s two terms in the White House as The Hidden Hand Presidency. Much of what Ike did - and he did a lot more than most presidents - was out of the sight of reporters. In so many ways, Ike is the antithesis of President Bone Spur. Ike rarely raised his voice. Trump’s knob is stuck at full volume.

The danger, of course, is that while Trump doesn’t pay attention to the details, his evil minions like Steven Miller, Pete Hegseth, Pam Bondi, Russ. Vought, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. do. These unelected ideologues are shaping - some would say they are dismantling - the federal government without regard to congressional oversight or the laws of the land. As Trump gets older, more feeble and fragile and his dementia (and incontinence) accelerates, the peril for American Democracy increases.

Barring his death, resignation or impeachment, we are stuck with three more years of Trump’s Performative Presidency. However, if Democrats can get their act together, they can seize both the House and the Senate in next year’s midterm elections. That, in turn, will have the effect of neutering an already impotent president. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Adventures in Writing - Collaboration

2025-09-27T07:59:14-05:00

September 27, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 37) - That dapper young man on the left is Dr. Charles "Chuck" Marsh, the best writer and editor I know. (This selfie was taken in May 2019 at the last University of Kansas commencement prior to my retirement.) Chuck and I have collaborated on three successful textbooks this century: Public Relations: A Values Driven Approach, Adventures in Public Relations: Case Studies and Critical Thinking, and, with Bonnie Short, Strategic Writing: Multimedia Writing for Public Relations, Advertising and More. (Upon retirement, Bonnie, Chuck and I turned over the writing/editing of Strategic Writing to two very capable colleagues, Angie Hendershot and Lisa Loewen.) Chuck and I have been friends for more than three decades. I can tell you without reservation that my collaboration with Chuck Marsh has been the most rewarding experience of my professional life.

We are, in many respects, very different people. He comes out of corporate public relations, was a magazine editor, and has a doctorate in English. I came out of government public relations following a career as a radio reporter/anchor and earned a Masters degree in journalism. I can be a hot head while Chuck is always Cool Hand Luke. They say print and broadcast folks don't mix. My collaboration with Chuck proves otherwise. I think Chuck would agree that I am a good "macro editor" or big picture guy while he is a better "micro editor," focused on grammar, punctuation and style. However, in a partnership such as ours, these roles often switch. It's not necessarily something is planned. It just happens as the occasion arises.

Engaging in a writing partnership is something that evolves over time. The partners develop their own rhythm of communicating with one another and their own systems of accomplishing their common publication goals. We have different writing styles but learned over time to blend them so our books had one consistent voice. However, the first thing that has to happen before anything else is that they must develop a common sense of trust believing that the partners share a common vision and respect for one another. As it turned out, that came naturally. I've liked and respected Chuck from the very first time we met when I came to Lawrence for a job interview in April 1991. He and I now are embarked on our own solo writing careers. But we still frequently talk, often over lunch, and share our ideas and stories of our journeys along the winding paths that authors take. Other than the women I have loved and married, this has been the most important partnership of my life. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Adventures in Writing - The Diamondback

2025-09-23T09:37:50-05:00

September 23, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 36) - That dapper young man sitting on the couch on the right in the above photo is Phil Jacobs, my friend and fellow housemate. The other guy on the couch with his head cocked to the right is me. That picture was taken in Fall 1973 in the office of the Chancellor at the University of Maryland. Phil, a second reporter - I believe his first name is Maury - and I were interviewing Chancellor Charles Bishop for the student newspaper The Diamondback. My experience writing and editing the student newspaper was a pivotal moment in my life. Up until that time, my focus was on launching a career in broadcasting. As I noted in a blog post 13 years ago (Vol. 6 No. 24), Johnny Carson was my hero. Journalism was not on my radar until I took an Introduction to Journalism class as a summer school elective. I was required to find, write and edit stories for the newspaper - something that proved to be very hard to do. But once I produced something the editors felt was worthy of publication - boom! - there it was in what we referred to as The DBK. Seeing my byline in the paper was like a magic elixir. I was hooked. I realized that I enjoyed being a storyteller. From that moment forward, my career path became a fusion of my two loves, broadcasting and journalism. I was so immersed in the journalism culture that I moved out of my apartment in nearby Langley Park and moved into a house with Phil and three other DBK journalists. The front and lower floor of the house was a bicycle shop, The Speed Shop, located on U.S. Route 1 in College Park. (Despite what the name suggests, no drugs were sold or consumed there.) It was the time of Watergate, Spiro Agnew's resignation, the Saturday Night Massacre and War in the Middle East. On campus, I covered a range of stories, including a scandal involving a vice chancellor's use of state employee labor for private purposes, a Board of Regents meeting in Baltimore and tragic series of suicides on campus. I also wrote some humor columns, including my favorite, "The Great Coffee Shortage." The premise of the column was that a 1973 coffee shortage was the result of the arrest Juan Valdez, a fictional character promoting Columbian coffee. I claimed that Valdez, who the commercials had depicted as the only person lovingly picking Columbian coffee beans one-by-one, had been implicated in the Watergate affair. (At least I thought it was funny!) My college journalism experience was challenging, fun and life-altering. It is also an example of the value of a liberal arts education. Without being exposed to the possibilities of journalism, I may have spent my life playing records on a small AM radio station in a rural town. There is nothing wrong with that, per se. But considering what I have accomplished since, that would have been a waste of talent. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Quivering Media Quislings

2025-09-18T07:33:12-05:00

September 18, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 35) - I am scared. And I am pissed. The news that Disney/ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! because of comments he made in the wake of the murder of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk has raised alarms across the country. Jimmy's "offense" was to suggest that the MAGA crowd was quick to brand without any evidence Kirk's accused assassin as a leftist when, in reality, he is one of their own. Offensive? Only if you are someone burned by the truth. Even today, we do not have enough evidence to determine where - if anywhere - the murderer lies on the political spectrum.

Now let's clear up a central point in this controversy. Disney/ABC did not deny Kimmel his First Amendment rights. The amendment prohibits the government from abridging free speech, not private companies. However, Disney was threatened by Trump's hand-picked FCC chairman over Kimmel's remarks, saying "we can do it either the easy way or the hard way." When the government pressures private companies the way this White House has, that is a First Amendment issue. This is the second time Disney/ABC has bowed down to the Count of Mar-a-Lardo. It paid Trump $16 million to settle a defamation suit that would have been laughed out of court. It did do because of pending business before the government. CBS paid Trump to settle a bogus lawsuit against 60 Minutes (one it would have easily won) and then cancelled Late Night with Stephen Colbert for the same reason. (CBS will tell you the cancellation had to do with costs and declining ratings, but that's a lie.) What makes all of this both laughable and infuriating is what happened this past weekend when Fox News host Brian Kilmeade suggested that homeless people should be given "involuntarily lethal injection." He apologized and then nothing happened. So, let's get this straight: Kilmeade sprouts stuff that could have come out of Mein Kempf and nothing happens while Jimmy Kimmel tells the truth and gets cancelled? Our country is venturing down a slippery slope. Free speech in America is under attack by a ruthless tyrant in the White House and is being aided by a bunch of quivering quisling media companies who have put profits over principles.

What can we do about it? Plenty. First, boycott Disney, ABC and its network affiliates. Hit these bastards in their pocketbooks. Second, take to the streets. Join local protests to let your local politicians know that there will be a price for allowing this tyranny to continue. Finally, vote Democrat next fall. Never, ever vote again for the Republican party, the spineless gaggle of quislings who have facilitated the fat oligarch's rage. It is time to resist and fight back to reclaim our country. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Not In My Name

2025-09-16T10:42:51-05:00

September 16, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 34) - Without regard to either world opinion or its own past, Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel continue to engage in a campaign of starvation and genocide in the Gaza Strip. It has been almost two years since the hideous attacks by Hamas against Israeli citizens. Israel had every right to react and retaliate against the barbarism of its sworn enemy. However, Israel has gone too far through indiscriminate bombing, forced resettlements and using food as a weapon of war. Isn’t this exactly what the Nazis did? The Trump administration has turned a blind eye to this. While publicly condemning Israel’s recent murder of Hamas officials in Qatar - a country that, up until that time, had been working with the United States to mediate the conflict - it isn’t like Trump threatened to punish or restrain Israel. Things continue the way they always have, with the U.S. giving Netanyahu a blank check to murder, maim and starve in the name of righteous retribution. Not in my name. The world is condemning Israel and the United States for the atrocities currently being carried out in the Middle East. At the same time, the U.S. is alienating countries with whom we have curried favor for decades and driving them into the orbit of the seemingly rationale Chinese. Most of the American people - including myself - are horrified by the actions of Israel and believe Netanyahu’s actions constitute war crimes. But Donald Trump, himself devoid of any semblance of a moral backbone, will do nothing that he perceives threatens his standing with the evangelical community. (How these evangelicals can say they love Jesus and support Donald Trump is beyond any logic I know.) It may already be too late, but the time has come to sanction Israel for its war of aggression in Gaza. We should do so if for no other reason than to let the world know that the United States of America stands for human rights - even for those groups and individuals with whom we disagree. Trump, you may not be complicit in war crimes in my name. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

He Never Fails To Fail

2025-09-11T07:31:10-05:00

September 11, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 33) - In a rare Oval Office address last night, President Trump called the assassination of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk "a dark day for America." He didn't realize just how right he was.

For the first few minutes of the speech, Trump was surprisingly presidential. He paid tribute to Kirk and his message and sent condolences to Kirk's family. He also deplored political violence, something every president should say. But then he went off the rails, making a "dark day" even darker. He blamed the "radical left" for the assassination - although at the time the speech was delivered, the suspect had not been caught nor did we know his/her motive. He cited a series of attacks on conservative politicians - failing to mention the Capitol Insurrection of January 6, the ball peen hammer attack on Nancy Pelosi's husband, the arson attack at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's home, or the murder earlier this summer of two prominent Minnesota Democrats. Trump then said he would use all federal agencies and the military to bring force to bear upon the radical left - harkening to his immoral and unconstitutional use of the military to police American cities. He said the radical left needs to tone down its heated rhetoric - totally ignoring the fact that it was he who undermined social discourse more than any other person in American history. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! I was disappointed in the President, but not surprised.

Late yesterday afternoon, I wrote in a Substack post, "I hate to say it, but this is a time for presidential leadership. What President Trump says may well determine whether or not we are beginning an endless cycle of violence. I'm afraid to admit it, but I have little faith in Donald Trump doing the right thing." There are several things to note about last night's Oval Office speech. First, is its location. Oval Office speeches during Trump's two terms can be counted on one hand. Second, it was recorded for release on social media. That suggests to me that Trump and his advisers did not want to risk having the President - famously known for having no filter between his warped brain and his big mouth - going off on a wild rift saying words he and the nation would regret. That's smart strategy, which makes the address that more frightening. He said exactly what he wanted to say, which means his threats are that more real and cannot be dismissed as "Trump being Trump."

As I said yesterday, political violence cannot be condoned, whether it be from the right or the left. Nor can we condone a lack of presidential leadership. How many times has Donald Trump been given the choice between doing and saying what is right and what is wrong, only to have him turn to the dark side? And how many times have congressional Republicans willfully traveled with him down that that dark rabbit hole? Unfortunately, when it comes to being a calm and reassuring voice during times of crisis, Donald Trump never fails to fail. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Dear Marlee and Hayden:

2025-08-19T09:40:13-05:00

August 23, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 32) - Today is a very special day. If it wasn't for what happened on this date 50 years ago, you would not be here. For it was on August 23, 1975, that I married your mother's mom - a person you know as Grandma Jan. The photo above shows that moment, taken at the Catholic church in Hawesville, Kentucky. As your mother has told you, Grandama Jan was a very special person. Jan was very smart, determined and kind. When she passed away in March 2007, I received more than 100 sympathy cards. Practically every one mentioned her smile. Her enthusiasm for life was there for all to see. And when it came to her family, immediate and extended, she was incredibly loyal. As one who married into the Fillman family - a "Fillman Outlaw" - I really appreciated that. (FYI - Because your mother was born a Fillman, you are considered "Fillman In-Laws.") Of course, I am sad that your Grandma Jan is no longer with us. But she continues to live through your mother and you - and I know that she is so very proud of you. It is also important for you to know how blessed you are to have your Grandma Carla and Grammie Maureen. They are two very special women from whom you can, and undoubtedly will, learn a lot. When it comes to Grammie, I consider myself blessed to have found everlasting love in my life for a second time. That I miss Grandma Jan does not diminish that. On this very special day, I ask that you think of your third Grandma. She may not be there with you here on Earth, but is surely casting a loving embrace on you from heaven. That's it for now. Happy Heavenly Anniversary. And Fear the Turtle.

Good Night, Chet

2025-08-09T08:05:24-05:00

August 9, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 31 - This blog's 900th post) - I was returning from a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, when I received the news that my younger brother, Howard, had unexpectedly died at the age of 70. William Howard Guth was the youngest of the seven children of Jane and Evan Carey Guth, He had been preceded in death by three older brothers. Of the surviving Guth children, he was arguably the healthiest - which made his sudden passing that much more a shock to all.

Because Howie (as he was called back then) and I were the youngest - I was two years older - our youth was spent in tandem, playing football, whiffle ball and basketball. More than that, we spent many years as roommates in our rural Talbot County, Maryland, home. We developed a nightly routine that mimicked one of the most popular news broadcasts of the 1960s, The Huntley-Brinkley Report. As we turned off the lights to go to sleep, I would say "Goodnight, Chet." Howard would respond, "Good night, David. And goodnight for NBC News."

As brothers are apt to do, we occasionally fought. But we mostly laughed together. Those bonds remained strong into adulthood. Our families would frequently visit one another. Howard's son and my daughter were born within a few months of one another. Howard's daughter came along just a couple of years later. They played well together. My wife Jan and Howard's wife Linda became close friends. Tragically, Howard and I would share another bond we would have rather declined, as death claimed our wives at a too early age. We were there for each other in the worst of times. However, we mostly celebrated life in whatever form it took. And we were there in the best of times, as we were both blessed to marry special women who allowed us to open new chapters in our lives.

Howard was a dedicated brother, husband, father, grandfather and educator. I knew of no one who was more hard-working and focused on the task at hand than he. He never did anything half-way. Howard had a centered sense of right and wrong. He wasn't as demonstrative about his political beliefs as I am, but he wasn't afraid to let you know what was on his mind. One fault that he and I shared is that we often didn't suffer fools kindly. Most of all, when Howard Guth spoke, we listened because his opinions were ones we valued. And now, without warning, he is gone.

My oldest brother, Carey, passed way in 1969. The second oldest, Charles, died in 2011. The fourth oldest, Tom, left us in 2015. Now, only three of the seven Guth children remain. While I deal with my grief for the loss of my lifelong brother and friend, I also celebrate the accomplished and joyous life he led. To his wife, children, grandchildren and all who loved him, my wife and I send our deepest sympathies and condolences.

Good night, Chet.

When Did the GOP Embrace Stupid?

2025-07-31T07:47:54-05:00

July 31, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 30) - There is a reason historians consider Dwight D. Eisenhower as one of America's greatest presidents. He was smart. During a dangerous decade, he kept a lid on things through quiet diplomacy and behind-the-scenes strategy. As historian Fred Greenstein wrote in his seminal work The Hidden Hand Presidency: Eisenhower as Leader, Ike was able to affect major changes and influence public option without anyone realizing he was doing it. Imagine that, a politician willing to make major changes without worrying who got credit for it.

There were other Republican presidents who, despite their flaws, were equally smart. Richard Nixon masterfully ended China's international isolation and cooled down an overheated Cold War with Russia. Ronald Reagan took things a step farther by restoring a sluggish economy, bringing down the Berlin Wall and forcing communism into the dustbin of history. George H.W. Bush masterfully managed the reunification of the two Germanys and the fall of the Soviet Union. While George W. Bush made serious mistakes in his War on Terror, he embraced a vision of "compassionate conservatism" that resulted in much-need reforms in education and Medicare. If Congress had followed the younger Bush's approach to immigration, we would not have the current White House occupant building concentration camps for the undocumented.

Unfortunately, by the time George W. Bush left the presidency, the DNA of the Congress and the Republican Party had changed. The party's leaders were influenced by nationalists and evangelists who embraced anti-intellectualism, tax reductions, limiting immigration and shrinking the public safety net. The GOP's policies are being dictated by the sentiment of the mob instead of through rigorous open-minded analysis. And in Donald Trump, they found a charismatic leader whose policies have been based on an anti-intellectual bias, personal whims and a desire to inflict retribution upon those who dare to criticize him. American primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities. This twisted philosophy has infected local school boards and state legislatures. Here in Kansas, GOP lawmakers are challenging tenure and are questioning professors' workloads. (I spent nearly 30 years as a professor and I can tell you that it is hard work that often requires 50-60 hours a week to get the job done.) Since the days of Dwight Eisenhower and his thoughtful, quiet public policy analysis, today's Republicans have devolved into latter-day Know Nothing Nativists, whose "America First" anti-intellectual and anti-globalization policies have severely damaged this nation's standing in the world community.

We are swimming in dangerous waters. Eisenhower knew that the world needed a stable United States to keep the peace. All this current president knows is that he resents all who, whether real of imaged, oppose him. Trump spends his time grifting, tweeting and deconstructing two and one-half centuries of constitutional power-sharing. In his desire to enrich himself and punish his detractors, Trump is putting us all at risk. Russia and China are poised to take advantage of the Trumpian chaos. Even France and Britain are preparing for a post-American future. To put it simply, MAGA is little more than an empty hat. And that is just plain stupid. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

CBS Cow Tows To Trump

2025-07-19T07:37:28-05:00

July 19, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 29) - CBS's decision to end its top-rated late night show. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, is just the latest example of media corporations cow towing to threats made by Donald Trump. The network claims that the show's content, often featuring some of the most blistering attacks on the White House's incompetence, has nothing to do with decision to end The Late Show next May. There's some truth to that, as the audience for late night television has been dwindling. But it is also true that the decision to axe Colbert comes as CBS is merging with Skydance, a corporation owned by Trump allies. Another consideration is that the merger requires Trump Administration approval. Trump has been exalting over the decision to cancel the show. This is just the latest in a series of legal battles in which Trump has won meritless victories over the media. Disney, ABC's parent company, and Paramount, CBS's owner, have recently settled lawsuits, each paying $16 million to Trump, to end lawsuits that legal experts say were slam-dunks for the media. They did so out of fear. Now the Big Orange Turd has filed a $20 billion lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal for its reporting of the close connections between Trump and Jeffery Epstein, the sexual predator who hanged himself in his cell in 2019. This suit pits Trump against Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul who helped put Trump into office in the first. Once again, it isn't a question of whether Trump can prevail. For Trump's claim to stick, he will have to show that he has been defamed, that the defamation has been communicated to a third-party, that he has clearly been identified as the target of the defamation, that the defamation has resulted in damage, and that The Wall Street Journal's reporting is false. Because Trump is a public figure, he carries the additional burden of proof: actual malice, which is defined as a knowing falsehood or reckless disregard for the truth. Considering the careful editorial process used with this story, Trump has a snowball's chance of hell of winning such a lawsuit. The only question whether Rupert Murdoch, once a close ally of Trump, is going to back down when confronted by the wannabe dictator. To put it another, albeit ironic, way: Rupert Murdoch, the father of Fox Faux News, has now been cast as the latest champion of press freedom. May God have mercy on our souls. Before you celebrate yet another attack on the media, consider this: You cannot have a democracy without a free press. Trump's ongoing assault against media companies is just another example of him undermining our nation's institutions to enhance his oligarchical and dictatorial powers. If you are rooting against the media in this barrage of meritless lawsuits, you are rooting against your own best interests. It's time to pick sides. Choose wisely. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

It Didn't Have To Happen

2025-07-12T02:06:56-05:00

July 12, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 28) - Regardless of the sentiment among local, state and federal officials that the July 4 flash flood in Texas could not have been predicted, the fact is that it could have - and should have - been anticipated. Maybe we can't stop Mother Nature's wrath. But with forethought and planning, we certainly can mitigate it. While Texas's lame-ass governor refers to questions about finding out who is to blame as "the word choice of losers," the fact remains that "blame" is just another way of saying "accountability." And the people of Texas and the United States have a right to know who is behind the colossal failures that have led to at least 120 deaths with many more still missing.

There are four stages to any crisis: the prodromal or warning stage, the point of no return where damage is unavoidable, the clean-up stage (in this case, the search and rescue of victims), and the period when things return to "new normal." The biggest failures in Texas came in that first stage, when there were warning signs of a potential disaster but they were ignored. The local government officials and the state knew that the region had experienced serious flash flooding in the past. Yet they did nothing. One local official railed against the idea of installing flood warning sirens for aesthetic reasons. The MAGA following commissioners initially turned down $10.8 million in federal COVID recovery funds because they felt President Joe Biden was a corrupt communist. They eventually accepted the money, ostensively to deny it from being distributed in a blue state. However, they did nothing with the money to address the flood warning system. Governor Abbott and the state legislature should have taken responsibility for the health and well-being of their fellow Texans by installing updated warning systems in the flood-prone region. The state had the resources to do it. But - again - they did nothing.

When the flood hit the "point of no return stage," the Trump administration's evisceration of the National Weather Service and FEMA made matters worse. The short-staffed Weather Service did an admirable job warning of the impending threat. However, the key official charged with coordinating with local emergency management officials had been fired by DOGE. That left a critical gap in the response. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a/k/a "Dress-Up Barbie," established reckless budgetary restrictions on the federal government's response. In short, she had to personally sign-off on expenditures over $100,000. During any major emergency, FEMA would spend several times that amount in rolling out resources to respond to the emergency. Secretary Noem was sent the budgetary request on Friday morning. But she didn't get around to signing it until Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, thousand of calls to FEMA from frantic citizens went unanswered. And, the man who actually heads FEMA has been nowhere to be found. When President Trump toured the disaster area yesterday, he used his press conference to vent old grievances. The practice of his predecessors has been to act during disaster responses as a "comforter-in-chief." But that's not Trump's style. At least he didn't throw paper towels to the victims.

In my May 29, 2025, post, I warned that the Trump administration has gutted the government's ability to respond to disasters. I take no pleasure in saying "I told you so." But make no mistake about it: The actions of the local, state and federal officials in this matter borders on criminal mismanagement.. There are signs that the Texas legislature is finally motivated to do something about a flood warning system. And the Trump administration appears to be quietly shelving its idiotic plans to eliminate FEMA. But that is not enough. Kristi Noem should be fired, as should the elusive head of FEMA. Voters need to hold their elected official accountable at the polls. The massive death toll from the Texas floods should have never happened. But it did and the "new normal" stage of the crisis should result in a reckoning on Election Day. That's it for now. May God bless the victims and comfort their families and friends. Fear the Turtle.

An Unpardonable Sin

2025-07-04T06:57:46-05:00

July 4, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 27) - During the 19 years I have been writing this blog, I have reserved the post nearest to Independence Day for an offering that is often nostalgic and/or aspirational. I find that hard to do this year. The events of the past 24 hours have made me seriously question the future viability of this nation. The battle over Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" was not your typical Capitol Hill budget battle. It was a fight over the heart and soul of America - and America lost. What congressional Republicans did yesterday was an unpardonable sin. They turned their backs on two and one-half centuries of American values to embrace neo-nationalist policies that echo Germany in the 1930s. Of course, the President's supporters laugh off this kind of talk as being "woke" - whatever the hell that means. I'll let you decide if that's true.

Despite their public protestations to the opposite, the fact remains that the Republicans severely cut Medicare funds to low income Americans. They tell you that they are just making more of these poor wretches do what "real" Americans do, get jobs that pay for their healthcare. This ignores the fact that most of these people already work for employers who do not provide any form of health care. They tell you they've cut your taxes. And, in a sense, that's true. But what is also true is that Congress yesterday raised the tax rate among the lowest income levels while lowering it among the top one-tenth of one percent of earners. They've slashed many of the safety net programs to fund their "take from the poor and give to the rich" priorities. They are pouring money into defense programs and so-called border security. Much of our defense spending goes in support of Israel, an expansionist Middle Eastern power that has been waging a war of aggression - some even call it genocide - against Palestinians. However, it's on the latter point, immigration, that Republican hypocrisy rings loudest. They want to deport everyone who came to this country illegally — except the cheap labor farm workers who are the backbone of American agriculture. They want to deny birthright citizenship, even though it was a right memorialized in the original Constitution. Republicans plan to expand their immigration enforcement efforts by establishing what amounts to little more than concentration camps for the undocumented. ("Sieg Heil," anyone?) They've been sending out masked agents to arrest and deport non-whites, including American citizens. The basic argument Republicans have for their draconian approach is a warped view of what they call fairness, a belief that these "illegals" jumped-the-line ahead of those who immigrated properly. They need to wait their turn. Of course, one can't believe in "fairness" while denying due process. They tell you that only American citizens enjoy American rights. That's not what the Constitution says. Anyone within the borders of the United States enjoys constitutional protections.

But wait, there's more! The bill enacted yesterday cuts food subsidies for the poor, a policy that will severely impact farmers. Congress not only removed tax credits for alternative forms of energy such as solar and wind, but it has chosen to tax them. (A big win for the petroleum industry.) This is a policy that will cause Midwest consumer energy prices to soar. These Republicans are trying to eradicate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in favor of their ill-defined view of meritocracy.. However, one need look only at the disparity of opportunities between whites and non-whites in this country to know that the U.S. is a long way from becoming a meritocracy. I also suggest they re-read the Declaration of Independence, America's founding document, which proclaims that "we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal." And to top it off, these "fiscally responsible" Republicans who like to bitch and moan about the budget deficit, adorned this legislation with pork barrel spending for pet projects that will raise the federal debt by nearly $4 trillion. They say the increased productivity produced by this bill will offset the deficit. Unfortunately, those are the same claims Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and Trump made with their own tax cut measures. They didn't work then and they won't work now. Instead, they choose to pay for their donors' golf club memberships by stealing from your grandchildren. For the record: Democrat presidents Clinton, Obama and Biden all reduced the federal deficit during their times in office. Republican presidents Reagan, both Bushes and Trump all increased the deficit.

On this day after the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" was narrowly enacted, it's increasingly hard to take pride in what our nation has become, an oligarchy that serves only the rich and does so at the expense of everyone else - even you. We should be ashamed of what Congress has done - and polls suggest that a majority of Americans (53 percent), in fact, are appalled by this abandonment of basic American values. The greatest irony of the "Big Beautiful Bill" is that the very Americans who support Trump's vision of America are going to be the ones hurt the most by his policies. When the full impact of yesterday's betrayal becomes apparent, real change may finally occur. Until then, we must fight to preserve the values that made this nation the greatest on earth. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Now What?

2025-06-23T16:49:23-05:00

June 23, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 26) - So, he did it. Less than two days after he indicated he was willing to give Iran two weeks to come to its senses, President Trump launched a preemptive surprise attack against Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday. Although Trump says he made his "two weeks" statement to misdirect Iranian intelligence, to many it smacked of the Japanese sending peace negotiators to Washington while their planes attacked Pearl Harbor. Whatever it is, it is now water under the bridge. The key question is what happens next? Just this afternoon, it appeared that Iran sent a decidedly understated and non consequential missile attack on an American base in Qatar. It could be a signal that Iran wants to deescalate. It could also be a ruse, just like the one Trump just pulled off that is designed to disguise Iran's true intentions. Again, only time will tell. And as much as I mistrust this President, I am willing to give him some wiggle room. But if he continues offensive military operations in the Middle East, he must get approval from Congress under the War Powers Act of 1973. I don't care what our hillbilly Vice President said on the network talk shows Sunday morning, when you bomb someone else's country, it is an act of war. Nor to I buy our spineless House Speaker's notion that calls for triggering the War Powers Act is "partisan." Congressmen and Senators from both sides of the aisle have raised that objection. And, of course, there is the little detail that only the Congress has the right to declare war. Nothing Trump says changes that fact. So, now he's done it. I hope for his sake and, most importantly, the country's sake, that this past weekend's buster-bomb parfait will be the end of it. However, my instincts tell me that we haven't heard it all from Iran or, most dangerously, its independent friends in the world of international terrorism. The retaliatory attack may not happen in the Middle East. It could just as easily happen in the Midwest. And there is something we know for certain following last weekend's events: The United States can no longer present itself as facilitator for peace in the Middle East. By bombing Iran over the weekend, we threw off that neutrality facade by picking sides. And we know what they say: In for a penny, in for a pound. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo courtesy of the Associate Press.

War? Maybe, But Not Now.

2025-06-18T11:39:07-05:00

June 18, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 25) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unilaterally declared war on Iran last week. He did so in the name of self-defense, saying that Iran is just "weeks away" from developing its own nuclear bomb. That maybe true. However, he used the exact same language in 2012, 2015, 2017 and last year. (I'm sure there were other times, I just don't have the exact dates.) In light of past pronouncements, there's reason to be skeptical about Netanyahu's claims. They may be more related to his domestic political problems than they are about national security. It is Netanyahu's political situation that has dictated Israel's gross overkill in Gaza. But let's for arguments sake say that it is true and Iran is really "weeks away" from having the bomb. Netanyahu is pressuring President Donald Trump for American intervention. That's because America is the only nation with the bunker-busting weapons capable of destroying Iran's underground centrifuge facilities for enriching uranium. That being the case, it may be necessary for American intervention. Under no circumstances should Iran be allowed to have nuclear weapons. However, it is important to remember that war should always be the path of last resort. Diplomacy should always be the first choice. In fact, the U.S. and Iran were making progress - the Trump Administration's word, not mine - toward an agreement that would have achieved the desired end. However, that's not the solution Netanyahu wants. That's why he attacked Iran last Friday, just before another round of U.S. - Iran nuclear negotiations. The Prime Minister's war lust has effectively sabotaged those talks. Of course, we should also remember that the current talks, as well the current hostilities, would not have happened if President Trump had not torn up an agreement President Obama negotiated in 2015. Organizations outside of the U.S. have confirmed that Iran was in compliance with the treaty when Trump tore it up. That left Iran with no other choice than to relaunch its nuclear program. And here's the greatest irony: The treaty that Trump is currently negotiating looks a lot like the one Obama negotiated. In short, the current mess is as much Trump's fault as it is Israel's and Iran's. Now Trump is pondering whether the U.S. should enter the fray. Iran claims - and Trump's own words suggest - that the U.S. is already involved. The President needs to be reminded that the decision to go to war is not his alone to make. That little annoyance known as the Constitution says it is the Congress, not the President, who decides whether this nation goes to war. And not all Republicans are in favor of war with Iran. There's likely a split among Democrats, as well. Let me make my position clear: If there is any nation in the world that America has serious grievances with, it is Iran. Attacking Iran would feel good. If we have definitive proof that Iran is near its goal of developing nuclear weapons and the missiles necessary to deliver them, then war is an absolute must. However, a war with Iran would not be the cakewalk that Trump, the draft dodger, thinks it would be. That's why diplomacy should come first. A war with Iran would lead to another generation of hostility between the Western and Islamic worlds. But is war the politically smart and morally right decision? That's a matter for serious public debate and congressional consent. Let's not let Trump march us blindly into a war that is largely of his own making. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Trump's Bizarro World

2025-06-09T21:39:34-05:00

June 10, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 24) - Even if you were only a casual fan of Superman comics, you no doubt remember Bizarro Superman, who came from an alternative universe where everything was the exact opposite: Bad was good, the planet htrae was square while earth is round, and criminality is the norm. In short, welcome to Donald Trump's world. His Incontinence has turned this country upside down and inside out during the nearly five months he and his Cabinet of Clowns has infested the White House. Take the upcoming military parade in Washington on June 14, a Soviet-style display allegedly to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, but suspiciously coinciding with Don Dementia's 79th birthday. At a time his administration is gutting education, health and public safety programs, this dumbass display of America's might is going to cost upwards of $45 million. So, we are gutting FEMA, the weather service, air traffic control, medical research and other silly stuff. At least some Republican contractors will benefit from the $16 million job they will get for repairing the Capital's streets damaged by tanks. But it doesn't stop there. President Bizarro takes his special form of terror coast-to-coast. Instead of trying to calm the people of Los Angeles who are upset over his Draconian immigration policies, President Bone Spur has chosen to pour gasoline on smoldering embers by sending in troops where they were neither wanted nor needed. At a time the Great Dealmaker has positioned himself as the only man who can broker peace between Ukraine and Russia, he makes Vladimir Putin's war of aggression that much easier by transferring much needed weapons away from Ukraine toward the Middle East. (It makes you wonder just how much Donski Trumpski is in debt to the Russians.) Then there's his on-again, off-again bromance with Elon Musk. Donald has said he hires the best people and that Musk is brilliant. Now the Count of Mar-a-Lardo says Elon is a long-time drug user, begging the question of how Donnie defines "brilliant" and "the best." Speaking of the "best and brightest," Robert "Worm Brain" Kennedy, Jr. embraced his role as the nation's guardian of health yesterday by firing all of the vaccine experts in the Centers for Disease Control. But that's OK. It's not like we will ever experience something like, say, a pandemic. Yes, this is a Bizarro world with a Bizarro President who wears stupidity and cruelty as if it were a badge of honor. And there's nothing "super" about that. May God help us through his reign of terror. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

You Are On Your Own

2025-05-29T07:55:54-05:00

May 29, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 23) - Even with today's news of Elon Musk's departure as the Trump Administration's main hatchet man, I am concerned about the damage he has left in his wake. As one who has spent most of his adult life working, covering or researching emergency management, I am especially concerned after the damage Musk wroth to the health of safety of people facing disasters. In that vein, I wish to share with you a letter published in today's Lawrence Journal World:

When a disaster strikes, the reality is that, at least for a period of time, those affected are on their own. That's why mitigation efforts, such as having a first aid kit and storing emergency supplies, are important. However, the expectation has always been that the government will soon come to the aid of victims through either rescue or recovery efforts.

Under the Trump administration, there is no such expectation. Through reckless and undisciplined cuts, there is an increasing likelihood that when disaster strikes, you will have to fend for yourself

Under the guise of the constitutionally questionable Department of Government Efficiency, the Trump administration has fired or offered early buyouts to more than 1,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency employees. DOGE has recklessly cut research grants and community resiliency programs designed to mitigate disaster effects. They have denied emergency relief funds for disasters in Arkansas, Missouri and North Carolina. The administration has also slashed weather service funding that has left some areas of the country, including western Kansas, without 24-hour weather coverage.

Instead of making America great, the Trump administration has made us less safe. That leaves us with two conclusions. First, you will be well served to visit the FEMA or Douglas County Emergency Management websites for valuable information on how you can prepare your home and business for the worst. Second, when a disaster comes, at least for a while, you are on your own because Donald Trump doesn't care about you.

I could have said a lot more, but the newspaper has a 250-word limit to its Letters to the Editor. Needless to say, it is painfully clear that these and other DOGE cuts are designed to do one thing: Pay for the administration's proposed tax cuts for the uber-rich. In my well-considered and somewhat expert view, it is immoral for the government to fail to provide these basic services - especially emergency services - as outlined in the preamble the United States Constitution. But Trump doesn't care about the Constitution. And as I said in my letter, he also doesn't care about you. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo courtesy of the American Red Cross.

Public Enemy #1 (of 215)

2025-05-23T07:41:19-05:00

May 23, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 22) - That smiling mug belongs to U.S. Representative Tracey Mann, the person who is allegedly my congressman. Keep in mind that he represents the ridiculously gerrymandered Kansas First Congressional District, which reaches out to Lawrence (the most liberal community in the state) before engulfing all of Western Kansas (see the map below).That map is an obscenity. And so is Representative Mann, especially after voting along with 214 other Republican colleagues for Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill." In its present form, the bill effectively raises taxes for the poorest of Americans while rewarding the richest among us with a tax windfall. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill's effect - thanks to budget cuts in food aid and Medicaid - would lead to the bottom 10 percent of Americans seeing their household resources reduced by 4 percent, while the top 10 percent would see their increase by 2 percent. That's Robin Hood in reverse. In what world does "take from the poor and give to the rich" square with a professed American value of all people being created equal? Under this legislative monstrosity, parents and older American face more stringent work requirements for food assistance - requirements designed to trim the food stamp roles to help pay for Trump's tax cuts for the uber-wealthy. The bill also spends $46.5 billion for a border wall (which won't work), $4 billion for border agents, imposes a fee on migrants seeking asylum (as if they had any money in the first place), $25 billion for Trump's spurious and ridiculous "Golden Dome," and a $330 billion assault on higher education. In the end, this "Big Beautiful Bill" adds $4 trillion to the deficit. There are also hidden provisions within the bill designed to undermine the ability to courts to put a check on Executive Branch overreach. While the Senate may soften some of the more obscene aspects of this Bogus Boondoggle Bill, the fact remains that Congressman Tracey Mann voted for it. And now he owns it. What he has done is unconsciousable, immoral and unforgivable. And I am going to make certain that every voter in this congressional district knows it. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

The Journey

2025-05-18T09:58:47-05:00

May 18, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 21) - It is graduation season across the U.S.A. From kindergarten ceremonies to doctoral hoodings, this is the time of year we mark milestones and passages in our lives. However, as we are often reminded, it is not the destination that matters as much as the journey. That it is why I wrote my newest novel, In the Moment: The Journey of the Class of '70, to be released by Pegasus Publishers on May 29. It follows the exploits and times of students in a small rural town during the turbulent 1960's. Its setting is St. Michaels, a historic community located on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It is a time and a place with which I am intimately familiar. I went to school in St. Michaels (pictured above) during the 1960's and graduated from nearby Easton High School in 1970. While the story about students such as Blake Hopkins, Freddy Harrison, Liz Langford and Sammy Releford is purely fictional, the surrounding narrative in which the story is set is not. For kids growing up in Talbot County schools, it was a period of civil rights, integration, war and political upheaval. While I don't envy the young men growing up in today's discordant society, at least they did not face the very real threat of being drafted into military service to fight in a war few understood and even fewer supported. The first time I ever saw a black person in one of my classes was the seventh grade. A young man named Gilbert became my first black acquaintance. (I wrote about that experience in a February 16, 2013, blog post.) After losing touch with him after transferring to Easton two years later, we have reconnected in recent years. In fact, his insights into being one of the first black students to attend a previously all-white school were invaluable. It was a time dominated by bigger-than-life personalities, such as John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon. There were a number of cultural interlopers who many today may have forgotten, such as George Wallace and Spiro Agnew. Of course, there was the music that matched the time's sometimes inspirational, sometimes revolutionary, often times reactionary and occasionally raunchy vibes. For those of us in the Class of '70, they were exciting times. However, I have no doubt that the students graduating from high school and college this month - most of them born after the 9/11 attacks - believe this is the most interesting of times. And yet I hope that as they cross that stage to be handed their diploma, they have been instilled with the same values my generation and those before were. I'd like to think those are values of decency, humility, kindness, compassion and a willingness to demonstrate a generosity of the heart. I know that I have not always lived up to those values. But I have tried. As, the students of the Class of 2025 embark upon the next phase of their lives, I hope they recognize it is not about the piece of paper they've just been handed. It's about where they've been and where they're going. It is not about the destination. It is about the journey. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. (Photo courtesy Talbot County Historical Society)

Beware of False Economies

2025-05-05T12:47:53-05:00

May 5, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 20) - I may not be the one in my household who balances the checkbook or regularly checks our bank account, but I’m obviously someone who knows a hell of a lot more about the economy than the fool in the White House. Donald Trump is ruling the country by fiat. He believes that in what is supposed to be a constitutional democracy, what he says goes and cannot be challenged. His attention to things such as illegal immigration, tariffs, and liberal universities is what I would call an attack on the margins. These are not really things that Americans think a lot about. In fact, for the most part, these are things Americans benefit from. For example, let’s look at illegal immigration. Trump‘s rationale is that these “illegals“ are bringing crime and drugs to our country. Yes, there are some instances where that is true. But it is not true to the extent that Fearless Leader would have you believe. Drugs are not brought to this country by just "undesirables" from Central and South America. They’re also brought in by white collar, well dressed, well-educated Americans looking to make an easy buck. (If you really want to stop the flow of drugs into this country, stop the flow of American-manufactured guns out of the country financed with drug money.) But Trump has overreacted and overreached, as usual - and on purpose. Immigrants have become his straw dogs for vilification. What the Orange Fuhrer wants to do is round up the 11 million undocumented persons in this country and send them packing. However, he does so at the risk of our economy. The dimwitted governor of Florida seems to understand this. He’s talking about of a shortage of farm laborers because of deportations. Of course, his response is a purely Republican nonsensical approach: Let’s lower the working age so we can put children to work in the fields. Of course, Elon Musk believes Social Security - a program you pay for - is a Ponzi scheme. He wants to get rid of it and has made its services less accessible to those who need it. Then there’s Trump‘s attack on universities, such as Harvard. They are too liberal, too "woke," for his liking. He wants to take a slash-and-burn approach by denying them their federal funding. Of course, doing this undermines the very research and education components of our economy that has - to borrow a phrase - made America great. For example, does it make sense to slash funding that might help find a cure for cancer, cheaper energy sources, or safer modes of transportation? Of course it doesn’t. But that doesn’t matter in Trump World. There is no strategic vision coming out of Washington these days, just retribution. In turn, it is creating a false economies that will lead this country toward an unpleasant reckoning. What Mr. Trump isn't smart enough to realize is that this ugly reckoning will also become his own. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Governments Are Not Run Like Businesses. Nor Should They.

2025-04-27T11:38:50-05:00

April 27, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 19) - The Elon Musks and Donald Trumps of the world are quick to tell all who would listen that government should be run like a business. Of course, in the case of Musk and Trump, this sage advice comes from people who have famously run businesses into the ground. (RE: Tesla and Trump Casino.) However, government should not be run like a business. The ultimate goal of a business is to make money for its owners and shareholders. Its efforts are focused on producing goods and services that will prove most profitable. Government, on the other hand, must produce the goods and services that meet the needs of everyone without regard to whether doing so is profitable. For example, pharmaceutical companies produce and price their products based upon consumer demand. If you are someone with a rare, therefore less profitable disease, tough luck. On the other hand, the U.S. Postal Service is expected to provide mail service everywhere from New York City (population 8,8 million) to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (population 1,300). While there is undoubtably waste in government, the same is true in spades for businesses. The difference is that governments operate in the open. Businesses bury their mistakes. While publicly held companies and non-government organizations face certain disclosure requirements, that is nothing compared to the transparency under which governments must operate. Frankly, a lot of business disclosure is gobbly-gook. I defy you to read any company's creatively crafted 10K filing and to come away with a sense you have received the straight scoop. Financial analysts are experienced at reading between the lines to unearth hidden truths. Of course, the Trump administration has adopted a psuedo-businesslike approach which places cost-savings ahead of agency missions. Does anyone really believe that gutting the Centers for Disease Control and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are good ideas? The DOGE slash-and-burn approach to budget cutting has been anything but strategic. Musk's minions have been cutting entire agency budget lines without regard to their congressionally mandated missions. That's how they wound up firing all the folks who oversee the nation's nuclear arsenal, only to have to call them back (if they could find them). That's also why judge after judge has reminded DOGE that it is Congress, not the White House, that dictates the role and existence of federal agencies. There is one other key difference between government and the private sector: government's mandated transparency over the private sector's often spurious self-policing. As a result, the incidence of business corruption is much higher than you will find it in the public sector. If you want to know where corruption exists, just follow the money. An obvious example of how some businesses put greed over public needs is the Trump Organization. (How's that Trump University degree working for you?) The next time someone tells you that government should be run like a business, laugh in their face and hold tight onto your wallet. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Pope Francis (1936-2025)

2025-04-22T05:09:30-05:00

April 22, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 18) - His death shouldn't have come as a surprise. After all, Pope Francis had been in failing health for some time. Still, his passing on Easter Monday came as a shock to many, especially after his greeting the throngs in Vatican City on Easter morning and his surprise meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance. I am not Catholic. However, I am married to a Catholic and my late first wife was also Catholic. As a confirmed Episcopalian, you might say that I am "Catholic light." For that reason, I pay close attention to the Pontiff who sits on St. Peter's throne. I very much liked Pope Francis, primarily because he was a Franciscan, meaning he put spirituality and humanity ahead of the trappings of his high office. At a time in world history when human beings have demonstrated a shocking capacity for hurting one another, this Pope's compassion and empathy toward the downtrodden and suffering was a welcome relief. Nor was he afraid to speak truth to power. On his very last day on earth, he spoke up for the immigrants who flee oppression in their homelands only to have barriers thrown in their paths where they seek refuge. His calmness and serenity stood in sharp contrast to the chaos we are experiencing here and in other nations. Was Pope Francis without fault? No one is. For example, his response to the church's ongoing sexual abuse scandals had been underwhelming. However, from this non-Catholic's perspective, Pope Francis was the right person at the right time for his very important job. Even to non-Catholics, the person who serves as Pope, the moral leader among 1.6 billion Catholics worldwide, matters. The Pope carries with him a moral authority that few other world leaders enjoy. Here's hoping that the next Pope will speak with the humility and humanity with which Pope Francis blessed us. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo courtesy Time

Pat Paulsen For President

2025-04-16T15:54:30-05:00

April 16, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 17) - Tired of writing about that schmuck in the White House, I decided to turn my attention to one of the great leaders of America's not-too-distant past, Patrick Layton Paulsen. OK, I realize that most Americans under the age of 70 may be scratching their heads and saying, "Who?" But he was an inspirational leader introduced to us in 1967 as a writer and performer on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, a show that provided some of the most astute political commentary at that time. Paulsen was a deadpan satirist who we first came to know for his outrageous editorials. However, during the presidential election year of 1968, the Brothers took things a step further, showcasing Paulsen as a candidate for president running on the Strait-Talking American Government (STAG) Party. And, as you will see in this clip, the man could really turn a phrase. Unfortunately, Paulsen lost that election to Richard Nixon - and, in fact, to everyone else as well. He made one of the greatest concession speeches in American history. One of my favorite books on my personal bookshelf is Paulsen's How to Wage a Successful Campaign for the Presidency, published in 1972 at a price of only $2.95 a copy. In it, he wrote, "In America, any boy can grow up to become President. Or, if he never grows up, Vice President." One of the chapters in the book is entitled "Choosing Your Party: Democrat, Republican or Tupperware." Why did Paulsen want to become President? He said it was because with the job you get "a big house, a big plane, $100,000 salary and it's the only government job that does not require a civil service examination." In light of the outrageous lunacy of today's political scene, how could you not vote for a man like Paulsen? Unfortunately, Patrick Layton Paulsen died in 1977 at the age of 69. Come to think of it, that changes nothing. Considering today's offerings, how could you still not vote for a man like Paulsen? That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Takin' It To The Streets

2025-04-07T08:57:13-05:00

April 7, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 16) - Millions of Americans took to the streets this past weekend to show that democracy and free speech are alive and well - at least for now. There were "Hands Offs" rallies in more than 1,200 communities, including right here in my hometown of Lawrence, Kansas (photo above). Of course, many butt-kissing MAGA sycophants in Kansas would tell you that Lawrence is the "Lib-tard" capital of Kansas. However, I was one of the 500+ people standing at a busy downtown intersection. While there were some individuals who may have come from the outer fringes of society, most were mainstream folks - some of whom identified themselves as Republicans - who were fed up with the reckless, heartless and unconstitutional dismantling of government that has occurred since President Poopinpantz took office in January. (And, by the way, did you see the strange life forms that attended last summer's GOP convention?) It is important to remember that this national day of protest was called weeks ago, before President Manchild single-handedly sent the American economy into free-fall by announcing "global across-the-board reciprocal tariffs." Many of the harshest penalties were levied against some of this nation's closest allies. He called them "The Dirty 15," although there were actually 29 nations on that list. (We are trusting our economy to a guy who can't even count?) One particularly onerous tariff was imposed against Heard Island and McDonald Islands, an Australian territory comprised of no people and maybe a million penguins. (It's a good thing the movie Happy Feet came long before penguins got on this administration's enemies list.) And guess who was not included in his "across-the-board" tariffs? Russia, of course. Maybe that's because we are going to need all of the vodka we can get to dull the economic pain Felon47 has inflicted upon us. Of course, our Demander-in-Chief says we should trust him, just like his voters did last fall when, as a candidate, he promised us that tariffs will not cost the American people any higher costs. If you believe that, why not go out and buy a new car? Of course, it is not his fault that he lied. It was his voters fault that they believed him. (Shame on you!) And I haven't even begun to discuss his unconstitutional mass firings, deportations and dismantling of vital government agencies - all on the behest of a psychopathic oligarch who wants to repopulate the earth with his own offspring. Millions of my fellow citizens took a page out of Howard Beale's script and said "they are as mad as hell, and they are not going to take it anymore." Some Republicans are beginning to take note. Those that don't, do so at their own risk. GOP elephants are not the only creatures with long memories. The mid-term elections are not that far off that we, the people, are unlikely to forget. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo copyright David W. Guth, 2025

Just How Stupid Do They Think We Are?

2025-03-27T10:39:15-05:00

March 27, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 15) - Just how stupid does Trump and his band of thugs think the American people are? Based on their behavior this week, I'd guess they think the people are dolts and dim-witted slugs. And an argument can be made that a core percentage of the electorate - the people who blindly support Felon 47 - believe everything the Administration and Fox News tells them. However, in light of this Administration's behavior during the past week, it appears that the folks making up the White House's national security team are the dolts and dim-wits. Against all national security protocols, they used a public messaging app, Signal, to chat up operational plans for an attack on Houthi terrorists in Yemen. It is bad enough that Signal is easily hacked by foreign operatives, but one of this little chatty group was actually in Russia at the time the chat took place. (Hell, for all we know, he was allowing Vladimir Putin to read over this shoulder.) If that is not enough, the Gang that Couldn't Shoot Straight accidentally included a reporter, the editor of The Atlantic, into the chat, Make no mistake: A premature release of these war plans could have resulted in American deaths. Fortunately, the reporter was ethical and wasn't willing to disclose these operational plans until after the attack had been completed. Frankly, at first, he didn't think anyone was as stupid as to allow reporter to listen in on a classified operation. Yet, they were. The White House's response to the justified outrage among Republicans, Democrats, the military and the American public has been to lie. They looked square into the camera and said they did not discuss specifics of the operation. Trump and his chatty minions were basically using the Wizard of Oz defense: "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain." Faced with those claims, The Atlantic published the entire chat, including specific details regard what weapons would be used and the timing of the attacks. Still, as late as the time of this writing, President Bone Spur is calling the whole controversy "a hoax." Read that chat yourself. Make your own judgment as to whether this ill-considered dialogue among officials at the highest levels of the U.S. government could have put our service men and women in harm's way. Which takes us back to the core question: Just how stupid do they think we are? Perhaps the better question is: Just how doltish are the people running the country and shouldn't someone or several people be fired for what is, metaphorically and really, criminal stupidity? That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. AI Image Copyright David W. Guth, 2025.

Safeguarding Bridges

2025-03-23T10:16:06-05:00

March 22, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 14) - I have had a lifelong obsession with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. My first memory of it is in Fall 1955 when as a two-year-old I sat in the front seat of the family car between my mother and father as the family moved from Baltimore County to the Eastern Shore. It also made a strong impression on me when I attended a church camp just south of the Bay Bridge in 1962. I spent a lot of the week gazing at the bridge, watching the traffic flow to and fro, and wondering about where all those people were going. My "love affair" with the bridge was cemented in spring 1973, when I was permitted to photograph construction of a parallel span for a college television production class project (picture above). This passion eventually resulted in the publication of my first self-authored book Bridging the Chesapeake - A 'Fool Idea' That Unified Maryland. (By the way, it makes a great gift!) Recently, the bridge - officially the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge - has been on my mind for a very serious reason. Ever since a gigantic cargo ship destroyed the Francis Scott Key bridge across the opening of Baltimore harbor last year, one cannot help but wonder if the same fate confronts the Bay Bridge. I didn't really give the question of bridge vulnerability much thought when I wrote the book more than a decade ago. However, I did report that the bay ferry John M. Dennis lost its steering on July 6, 1952, and crashed into one of the bridge's main piers. This was three weeks before the bridge opened. No one was hurt and the bridge received minimal damage (page 269). One should note that loss of steering was the same issue that led to the destruction of the Key Bridge. It is also noteworthy that a bay ferry is minuscule compared to the humongous container ships that traverse bay waters today. Last week, the National Transportation Safety Board identified 68 bridges - including the twin spans of the Bay Bridge and the Chesapeake City Bridge that crosses the Chesapeake and Delaware canal - that should be evaluated for the risk of collapse from vessel strike. The NTSB was critical of Maryland officials for not proactively conducting these reviews, suggesting that this tragic situation could have been avoided. For its part, the Maryland Transportation Authority pushed back at the critical report, saying the Key Bridge collapse was solely the responsibility of the ship owners. They have also noted that a bridge risk assessment has been underway since last fall. In yesterday's edition of The Baltimore Sun, Johns Hopkins civil and systems engineering professor Michael Shields said, "Hindsight is 20/20. The important thing is that we acknowledge the risk now." Former President Joe Biden knew of importance of repairing and upgrading the nation's infrastructure by successfully passing his $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, something his predecessor promised to do but failed, and his successor now criticizes as extravagant spending. As the current administration in Washington continues its slash and burn approach to the nation's budget, let's hope that common sense will prevail and this and other infrastructure projects will be allowed to continue. Failing to do so would result in a false economy and result in real consequences in the future. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 1973

Sunshine Week Sheds Light on "Doc" Marshall

2025-03-18T07:36:05-05:00

March 15, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 13) - This week is being observed as Sunshine Week, a nonpartisan effort to shed light on the importance of open records. This is nothing new: Sunshine Week has been observed annually for several decades. However, never has the need for governmental transparency been greater than now. We have an unelected oligarch given free range over government agencies and a President predisposed to defy the courts. In the spirit of Sunshine Week, I choose to shed some light upon the junior senator from the state of Kansas, Roger "Doc" Marshall. There is some question whether Marshall actually lives in Kansas. He has a so-called "ranch cabin" in western Kansas and an expansive (and expensive) $1.2 million home in Florida. While it is not unusual for our elected congressional officials to have a big home in Washington, a place where they are supposed to be. But having a primary residence outside their election district is not only unusual, but illegal. (So far, the senator has Dodge Citied the question of where he calls home.) I'll let you judge where you think the junior senator from Kansas lives. Of course, Marshall's affinity for things not-Kansas doesn't stop there. Of the nearly $8.7 million Marshall raised from 2019-2024, a majority came from out-of-state. More than a quarter of those donations were $5,400 or higher - suggesting that Roger likes his rich friends. In fact, more than half of the senator's campaign donations come from the largest donors - suggesting that he is not the "man of the people" he'd like you to think he is. Not surprising, 72.6 percent of those campaign donations came from men - which explains a lot about his anti-women voting record. While the Kansas City metro area contributed the most to Marshall's war chest ($121,427), the Washington, D.C. area was second ($96,069) and New York was fourth ($70,750). The largest chunk of the senator's $852,566 in Political Action Committee donations during that period came from, ideological/single issue PACs ($295,516), followed by Healthcare PACS ($161,300) and agribusiness PACs ($72,250). For the record, Marshall serves on the Senate agriculture; health education, labor and pensions; homeland security; small business and budget committees. I'll leave it for you to decide whether there is any conflict of interest there. His largest donors were Nuterra Capital ($49,400), the National Republican Senatorial Committee ($44,600), McKee Foods ($28,900) and Goldman Sachs ($26,400). Again, I will leave it to you to decide whether any conflict of interest exists. And what else do we know about the junior senator from Kansas? We know he recently walked out of a western Kansas town meeting when the audience had the audacity to challenge him on Trump's and Musk's dismantling of government. We also know he has a temper and used personal influence to erase his arrest record. What about the man's voting record? You can check it out here. Needless to say, Marshall is one of Trump's MAGA minions. And, oh yes, he is coming up for reelection next year. I just thought my fellow Kansans might like to know more about their state's junior senator before casting a ballot. After all, those of us in a democracy should make our decisions in the bright light of government transparency. Happy Sunshine Week! That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

They Are Coming After You

2025-03-11T08:15:15-05:00

March 11, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 12) - There's an old saying that you should be careful what you ask for because you may get it. The 77.3 million Americans (49.8 percent) who voted last November for Donald Trump indicated that they wanted someone to shake things up in Washington. Well, they have certainly gotten their wish. The first seven weeks of the Trump administration has shaken the federal government to its very core. However, only now the people who wanted this to happen have begun to realize how these disruptions will affect them personally. The Office of Personnel Management, following an edict from Department of Government Efficiency guru Elon Musk, has advised agencies to terminate 200,000 workers hired within the past year who are still on probation. Do you like to fly? The Federal Aviation Administration has laid off 400 employees, including maintenance mechanics and aviation safety assistants essential for passenger safety. If you are a veteran, you will feel the impact of the 10,000 Veterans Administration employees laid off and the additional 70,000 they plan to cut by June. Additionally, it has been reported that 175,000 fewer vets held jobs in February, partially attributed DOGE. That's because veterans make up a substantial portion of the federal workforce. If you receive Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid benefits, look out. DOGE's twenty-something trolls are rummaging through your private data. Musk and his minions justify this unwarranted interference on the basis of unsubstantiated claims of fraud in the Social Security Administration. Tiffany Flick, former chief of staff at SSA, says these actions, along with substantial layoffs within the agency, could result in the late delivery of Social Security benefit checks for the first time in their 80-year history. By the way, if you haven't heard, Elon Musk says Social Security is a "Ponzi scheme" and wants to do away with it. Trump and DOGE have committed so many reckless acts they are too numerous to mention here. But they affect the health, safety and general wellbeing of every American - including the 77.3 misguided Americans who voted for this dumpster fire. And don't get me started on the economy and the looming "Trumpcession." Bloomberg says Joe Biden left Felon 47 with the strongest economy in the world. In less than two months, Trump has made a mess of it. Foreign policy? Forget it. Trump has embraced America's enemies and shunned our friends. If you wondered who Trump and his Clown Cabinet would be coming after in their misguided effort to "Make America Great Again" - ignoring the fact that it was already great — now you know. Regardless of who you voted for, they are coming after you. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. AI Image Copyright David W. Guth, 2025

Satan's Little Helper

2025-03-04T22:14:16-06:00

March 4, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 11) - Donald Trump spoke for 107 minutes tonight, full of sound and furry, signifying nothing. If he was trying to lay out his vision for the country, it was rendered indecipherable by his constant barrage of insults, arrogance, half-truths and outright lies. The man who has sewn little more than chaos during his first 43 days in office tried to convince us that somewhere in that pile of crap he has heaped upon us is a Christmas pony. Remember when he said he would solve inflation during his first day in office? That hasn't happened. In fact, the unjustified tariffs he imposed today on the nation's three-largest trading partners — and more coming next month to the rest of the world — virtually assure that prices will rise across-the-board. It may surprise you to know that Fearless Leader spoke longer tonight about trans-gender issues than he did on the economy. He claimed his immigration crackdown will stem the tidal wave of violent crime in America. Of course, he lied on both counts: Violent crime in America is at the lowest level it has been in years and his administration's illegal immigrant deportations are at pretty much the same level as under the previous administration. To summarize his approach to foreign policy: Threaten our friends and cow-tow to our enemies. (Look out, Greenland!) There was nothing of substance tonight. President Pinocchio wants us to confuse process with real action. Many of the executive orders and presidential proclamations he has "flooded the zone" with in recent weeks lack legislative authority or are unconstitutional. Truth be told — and there was very little truth being told this evening — this address to the joint session of Congress was more a campaign rally than a serious discussion of President Bone Spur's vision for America. It's Demented Donny's idea of governing by temper tantrum. (Just ask President Zelenskyy.) The boy who would be king boldly said this evening that God saved him from assassination last summer so he can make America great again. I actually believe his survival was the work of Satan, who wanted to make certain that America will have hell to pay over the next four years. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss

2025-02-28T09:44:38-06:00

February 28, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 10) - There has always been a tension - and sometimes open hostility - between the American government and the journalists who cover it. No less than George Washington was subject to blistering attacks by Benjamin Franklin's grandson, who wrote in the anti-Federalist newspaper Aurora after Washington's Farewell Address that "if ever a nation had been debauched by a man, the American nation has been debauched by Washington." Under the short-lived Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, a New Jersey tavern owner was fined $150 for suggesting that a cannonade in honor of President John Adams should have been fired into the Second President's butt. But even during Watergate, when Richard Nixon developed his infamous "Enemies List" that included prominent journalists, the government has largely kept its hands off the media. In fact, the greatest threat to the independence of the American news media has come from within. While media companies have been loathe to self-criticize from Day One, we began to see significant movement toward self-censorship in the 1980s, when America's transformation to a digital economy motivated big corporations such as Viacom, General Electric and Disney swallow up not only the content producers (publishers and film/TV production companies), but the means of distribution (newspapers and television networks). This was especially felt in broadcast news, where the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine by the Reagan Administration led to the rise of conservative talk radio and the traditional "hands-off-the-news division" ethic was abandoned in favor of a more intrusive "how-does-it-affect-our bottom-line" approach. Recently, it has been implied threats from the openly hostile Trump Administration that has forced digital media such as Facebook and even traditional media like The Washington Post to abandon their editorial functions for a safer harbor to avoid content that may offend Felon 47. As I have been observing this disturbing trend - on top of all of the daily atrocities that are coming out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - it has occurred to me that I have heard this all before.

Let me take you back to June 1, 1998. It was my first full day of my first of what would be four trips to St. Petersburg, Russia on behalf of the U.S. State Department to the newly-minted Russian Federation. These were the Boris Yeltsin years before the rise of Vladimir Putin. I was attending a "Free Press - Fair Press: Europe Conference" sponsored by the American-based Freedom Forum. (Photo above.) The attendees were grappling with the role of a free press in the less-than-decade old democratic Russia. In what I found strange to my American sensibilities, the Russian journalists in the room seemed more comfortable with government control of the media than the prospects of media owned by giant corporations. This was a period when the so-called "New Russians" benefited from a more open - and often corrupt - unregulated economy. To quote from a 1971 song by "The Who," it was a case of "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss." After the thousand years of repression, the Russian people had gotten adept at reading between the lines no matter who was delivering them. And it was easier to decipher the many shades of gray when it came from just one instead of multiple sources. That's why Russian media are, for the most part, "All Putin, All The Time." In the context of today's perilous times, I am reminded of that song I heard in a hot, sweaty hall in St. Petersburg just before the turn of the century. Now, it seems that today's corporate American media - once priding itself on the diversity of voices in the marketplace of ideas - is reverting the to Russian model. (No surprise, considering who our President is.) Out of fear for retribution - Trump's word, not mine - and a threat to their bottom line - American media, especially broadcast media, are backing away from their traditional "public service comes first" position. We are not being well served by our news media at a time when we need them most. However, that is not entirely the media's fault. We, the people, have chosen to abandon many of our most basic America values of free expression, justice and compassion for the less fortunate to pursue short-term political gains. The Irony is that many of the people who have bought into the so-called "Make America Great Again" movement are the ones who will most victimized by the MAGA agenda. We are substituting the imagined oppression of the Obama/Biden years for the real thing we have today. It seems as if the new boss isn't the same as the old boss. He's much worse. And unless we openly challenge him and the media who are too scared to oppose him, the new boss will be living in Moscow or wherever the hell Elon Musk hangs his goofy hat. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 1998

When No One Is In Charge

2025-02-19T08:23:58-06:00

February 19, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 9) - This picture from a recent Oval Office news conference tells you everything you need to know about the current status of the United States of America. A South African interloper - the richest man in the world who apparently can't afford a babysitter - drones on about how he is saving the country from unelected bureaucrats while a mentally unstable and cognitively impaired man, allegedly the most powerful man on earth, sits helplessly by. Elon Musk, the godfather of DOGE, the Department of Government Evisceration, has been sending out his minions to haphazardly cut government spending by gutting vital public and national defense agencies. It has been widely reported that Musk's teenage mutant minions have been surgically slashing what they recklessly have called government fraud with the same skill as a blindfolded butcher. They have had to backtrack on at least a couple of occasions after firing the people who oversee the nation's nuclear weapons program and those with the CDC trying to avoid the outbreak of global AIDS and Ebola pandemics. More ominously, Elon's marauding minions are demanding - and receiving - access to highly sensitive tax and defense databases. Is there waste in government? Yes, of course there is, as it is true in almost any gigantic organization. Does waste, in and of itself, constitute fraud? No, it doesn't. And the fact that Felon 47's press secretary, a clueless blonde bimbo who never gives a direct answer to any question, has provided no tangible proof that Musk's minions have uncovered fraud stretches credibility to its breaking point. If that is not bad enough, just yesterday the White House said in a court filing that Musk is not, in fact, in charge of DOGE. Nor did they say who was in charge. And lest we forget, DOGE is not an agency that has been legislatively created by Congress. To put it another way, it has no legal standing to be exercising the powers it has. So here's where we stand: The President, whose electoral campaign was backed by Musk's $240+ billion contribution, gives every impression that Musk is calling the shots. The optics from that ridiculous Oval Office news conference appear to confirm that. Meanwhile, Dr. Evil is financially benefiting from his mentorship of Felon 47 and even dictating U.S. relations with South Africa. Considering the reckless manner in which Felon 47's stealth administration is sowing chaos throughout government and now into American foreign policy, you have to wonder if anyone is in charge in Washington. Congressional Republicans are afraid to assume their constitutional role of oversight. The Democrats are impotent and still licking their wounds from last November. And who knows what the highly conflicted U.S. Supreme Court will do when challenges to Musk and DOGE reach their chambers? Just like the ill-fated Titanic, the U.S. government and economy appear headed into dangerous waters with no one clearly in charge at the helm. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Life in the Key of G

2025-02-12T07:20:39-06:00

February 12, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 8) - I will never be confused with Glen Campbell, Ricky Staggs, Roy Clark or Jimmy Reed. But I love to play guitar and prefer acoustic music. It was in that context that I attended the Bluegrass Unlimited Workshop this past weekend at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky. To be honest, I have only passing knowledge of Bluegrass music. I first became aware of it when I moved to Western Kentucky in 1974 to work at a country music radio station. I married a Kentucky woman and, thus, married into the Bluegrass culture. In recent years, my sister-in-law has been the director of development at the Hall of Fame and Museum. It was she who convinced me to attend the workshop. I went to Owensboro with some trepidation. After all, I am a self-taught guitarist who was joining far more accomplished musicians in playing a gendre of music mostly unfamiliar to me. However, any fears I had proved unfounded. That's because I found the Bluegrass community to be one that is very supportive and willing to embrace newcomers. Another attractive aspect of the Bluegrass culture is how it encourages collaboration. After two or more Bluegrass musicians get together, it doesn't take long before a jam follows. And because the most popular Bluegrass songs are found in the keys of G, C or D, it is relatively easy to pick up the tune and lyrics and to join in. On several occasions this past weekend, I witnessed and participated in these jams. I even played and sang Gentle on My Mind in public - something this self-conscious musical novice would have never imagined. Then, to top it off, I joined other students and the instructors at the end of a concert to perform Will the Circle Be Unbroken, pictured above. I still tend to be a folk-rock kind of guy. But, I left this experience with a deeper understanding and admiration for Kentucky and the music it has blessed us with. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2025

On Empathy and Compassion

2025-01-29T11:24:33-06:00

January 29, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 7) - Individuals — and even nations — act in their own self-interests. It is basic human nature. However, think of how life would be dramatically different if people - and nations - didn't occasionally work against their self-interests to serve the greater good. Think how different the world would have been if there hadn't been a Marshall Plan. And where would your parents, grandparents or possibility yourself be without Social Security and Medicare? The impulses to do something for the greater good comes out of the human impulses of empathy and compassion. Empathy is the ability to sense and understand the feelings of others. Compassion comes when we are motivated to act upon our empathy for others. Americans tend to have a self-image of a people who are empathetic and compassionate. To put it another way: We see ourselves as the good guys. And, until recently, the rest of the world bought into that narrative with certain reservations. The America the world knew was that of a well-intentioned giant that occasionally stumbled into messes such as Vietnam and Iraq. They forgave those "sins" because they also knew an America that was generous in providing less fortunate nations with financial, technical and medical assistance. However, that narrative has changed. This is no longer an empathetic and compassionate nation. Judging by the results of the most recent national election, nearly half the voting population is comfortable with the idea of deporting millions of people whose only crime is that they lacked proper permission when they sought refuge in the United States. Yes, some of these undocumented individuals have committed crimes — but nowhere near as many as certain public figures would have you believe. In fact, more than half of those who have been arrested and deported since the current purge began have committed no other crime than illegally crossing the border. When someone tells you that other nations are emptying their prisons and sending the dregs of society here, that is a lie. In our fervor seeking to cleanse America of illegal immigrants, we are forgetting where we came from and how we got to where we are today. Unless you are of Native American ancestry, your family is not from here. The President's mother and current wife immigrated to this country. There were reasons your ancestors left their native lands to start a new life here. For whatever reason, they were seeking a new start. What is wrong with that? Do we lack empathy to allow people who are trying to escape drug lords and government oppression to seek a new life here? Have we forgotten that our nation has been morally, spiritually and financially enriched through the assimulation of these refugees? Must we set them up as scapegoats or fodder for political rantings? And, while we are at it, is it necessary or morally correct to picture dedicated career government employees, those who work for NGOs or anyone receiving government assistance from welfare to college loans as deadbeats and slackers? In questioning their humanity we are devaluing our own. If we embrace our traditional American values and show empathy and compassion for others less fortunate, perhaps we can be an America that actually is what we'd like to think it is. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Disobiedience - Civil and Otherwise

2025-01-22T20:30:21-06:00

January 22, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 6) - In protest to the Mexican-American War, Henry David Thoreau refused to pay some of his taxes and ended up spending a night in jail. From that experience, Thoreau penned one of his most famous essays, Civil Disobedience, in which he contended that the people's first obligation is to do what they believe is right and not to follow the law dictated by the majority. In Thoreau's time, the moral issue was slavery. In the century and a half that followed, many have wrongly interpreted the essay's meaning. They get the part about standing up against what they see as wrong. But just because they see something as wrong does not mean that their view is the moral view and the opposing view is immoral. Not everything is a moral issue. Nor does it suggest that taking a moral stance protects one from repercussions - Thoreau did spend a night in jail. This week has shown us what a muddled mess determining right from wrong and the moral from the immoral can be. A mob attacked the United States Capitol four years ago. The man most responsible for unleashing the hounds of insurrection has gotten away with his crimes and, in turn, made it possible for the mob to get away with its crimes, as well. Those of us who oppose this Master of Disaster are righteous in our indignation. We are equally bothered by his scapegoating of immigrants to our shores. And we are confronted with news that he has instructed the Justice Department to prosecute any elected officials in so-called "sanctuary cities" who fail to enforce immigration laws. There are those among us who feel that blocking forced deportations would be the moral stance to take. I am going to let the readers decide that for themselves. But let me share with you three salient points. There's a difference between non-cooperation with federal officers and obstruction of justice. Just because a city may not block arrests, doesn't mean it has to facilitate them, either. Also, don't assume that just because you deem your stance as a moral one doesn't mean that there are not consequences for disobeying the law. (Of course, the other guy believe his is the moral position.) Finally, this is not a tit-for-tat situation. Just because the party currently in power flaunts the law and undermines democratic government doesn't mean that the loyal opposition should, either. Failing to follow the requirements of immigration law as they are currently being exercised does as much to question the legitimacy of our government as does, say, storming the Capitol to overturn a fair election. Elections have consequences, even if we don't like them. In other words, you can't have it both ways. If you are upset over the events of this week, take heart. You may have lost the most recent battle. But there are other battles to come and we've just begun to fight. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Thank You, Joe

2025-01-18T07:30:15-06:00

January 18, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 5) - When Joe Biden took office as the 46th President of the United States, our country was in chaos. The incompetence of his predecessor had led to more than a half-million deaths in the COVID-19 pandemic, left the economy in a shambles, generated a insurrection that threatened to overturn a free and fair election, left our allies to wonder if they could trust us and gave aid and comfort to our enemies. Now, four years later, America is much better place than President Biden found it. The pandemic is behind us, the economy is the strongest in the world, democracy has - at least for now - survived, our allies trust us and our enemies fear us. That's because with Joe Biden in the White House, America finally had an adult in charge. Of course, as President Biden leaves office, we will hear a lot of Republican revisionism. They will say that inflation is out of control, ignoring the fact that the disruption of the supply chain created by the former (and soon-to-be current) President's incompetence is its root cause. They will say that Biden cut-and-ran from Afghanistan, weakening our position in the world. Again they will ignore that is was Biden's predecessor that set the sudden withdrawal of American troops into motion with an ill-conceived agreement with the Taliban. And while it was Biden's predecessor who pledged to put an end to a seemingly never-ending war, it was Biden who actually did it. Republicans will complain about Biden's spending for COVID relief and much-needed infrastructure improvements increasing the budget deficit. They will also point out that not a single Republican voted for these measures. But that will not stop them from sending out news releases - at taxpayer expense - claiming credit for projects they voted against. Also of note is that the deficit created under Biden is a mere fraction of that created by his predecessor - the worst in American history. Did President Biden make some mistakes? Sure he did. There are two that stand out. First is his appointment of Merrick Garland at U.S. Attorney General. His snail-like approach to addressing the crimes of the 45th President has ensured that the son-of-a-bitch will never be held accountable for his seditious actions. The second is Biden's failure to recognize his own limitations. He should have dropped out of the race in February, opening the door for a true selection process to determine his party's nominee. I'm not saying that Vice President Harris would not have won that campaign. However, whoever the Democratic nominee was would have been in a much stronger position to challenge the felon who will take the oath of office next Monday. However, that's all water under the bridge. At the stroke of noon on January 20, Joe Biden will conclude a half-century of service to this nation. He was the man we needed at the very time we needed him the most. He is a decent, God-fearing man - something no one will ever say about his successor. His public opinion polls may be under water as he leaves office. However, no President since the days of Lyndon Johnson got as many things done as Biden did. As Citizen Biden heads home to Wilmington, Delaware, I am compelled to say - from one Delmarvan to another - "Thank you, Joe." That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

You Get What You Pay For

2025-01-11T11:17:07-06:00

January 11, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 4) - I have been watching the unfolding horror in Southern California with more than passing interest. While many may know me as a fiction writer, I have a lifetime of considerable expertise in disaster responses - especially the public information aspects of it. As one can see by surfing the various cable TV channels or online news sites, the finger pointing has begun even while the fires are burning out of control. This is not surprising, as it happens in virtually every disaster. This one is a bit different, though, as certain MAGA media outlets are using this crisis to bludgeon Democratic office holders. Predictably, they say this wouldn't have happened in the Republicans were in charge. Let me make one thing clear: I favor holding public officials accountable. But I also believe that we need to gather all of the relevant facts before pronouncing judgment. My experience has also told me that the public has unrealistic expectations when it comes to disaster relief. A common complaint this week is that fire officials have done too little too late to stop these fires from destroying whole neighborhoods. During one media briefing, I saw the mayor of Los Angeles say they wouldn't have been able to halt the march of the massive wildfires even if they had an extra one thousand fire engines to dispatch. Let's suppose, for one instance, they had those additional one thousand fire engines. What would they do with them in normal times? Are the citizens of LA willing to pay the additional taxes necessary for the purchase and maintenance of a fleet of engines that will stand idle 99 percent of the time? I see where local officials are receiving intense criticism for cutting $17 million from the fire department's budget. (That, by the way, represents less than 5 percent of their $300 billion+ budget.) I suspect they are cutting costs to avoid raising taxes that their constituents hate to pay. Then there's the public's unrealistic expectation that the government should be any to "fix" any problem overnight. Even with unlimited resources - which governments do not have - that just isn't going to happen. There is a period in every disaster, depending on the size and scope, the individuals are on their own. I am looking at the massive amount of resources needed in Southern California and remember that FEMA and other agencies are still responding to disasters in a variety of other locales, including Florida and North Carolina. No government, whether under control of the Republicans or Democrats, is going to be able to give an anxious citizenry instant gratification. The world just does not work that way. The great irony is that many of our citizens who are crying about getting "the government off their backs" are the same ones who cry "bloody hell" when it is they are in need of government assistance. When one thinks about the proper role of government in our lives, you need to ask yourself just much much money (taxes) are you willing to spend? For in the final analysis, you get what you pay for. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Trump's "Manifest Dysentery"

2025-01-08T14:19:59-06:00

January 8, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 3) - On January 7, just one day after the Congress peacefully and without bloodshed certified Donald Trump's victory in the Electoral College, Felon 47-elect decided there are new worlds he would like to conquer. In a rambling, disjointed and unhinged news conference, the soon-to-be Commander in Chief said he would not rule out the use of military force to annex the Panama Canal from Panama and Greenland from Denmark. He also said he was willing to use economic and political pressure to force Canada to become our nation's 51st state. He also wants to place tariffs against all nations of the world. Oh, yes, I almost forgot: He says he will rename the Gulf of Mexico to become "The Gulf of America." (Perhaps he doesn't know that Mexico is one of 35 nations that comprise North and South America.) In any event, the Count of Mar-a-Lardo says it is in America's vital interests to control these territories. And, because he wants it, he seems to believe that he can have and make it so. Every President wants to have his own doctrine, like the Monroe Doctrine or the Truman Doctrine. If I may humbly suggest, this unique desire to expand American influence by threats and intimation should be called "Manifest Dysentery" if for no other reason that it is inherently messy. For a fellow who wants to correct America's trade imbalances, why is he messing with Canada and Mexico, America's two biggest trading partners? Denmark is a charter member of NATO. If we intervene militarily to take Greenland, does that mean NATO might have to take up arms against us? And they say Joe Biden isn't mentally fit to serve as President. This guy - who now holds the record for being the oldest man elected President - is demonstrating signs of dementia. And the bloated old man hasn't even taken the oath of office yet. Delusional Don may embrace Manifest Dysentery as an answer to our nation's needs. But the fact that he even uttered such verbal diarrhea out loud is already causing this nation embarrassment and costing us credibility. After his crazy talk this week, one thing is clear: Donald Trump needs an enema. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. AI Image Copyright David W. Guth, 2025

Radio Days: Snowmagedeon

2025-01-06T07:56:34-06:00

January 6, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 2) - The weekend blizzard in the Kansas City area evoked in me some vivid memories of my days in broadcast news. For local newsrooms, snow storms and other forms of bad weather are like covering the Super Bowl. Not everyone is interested in what the city council has done nor the what the local planning commission proposes. But everyone has a stake in the weather. I accumulated a lot of anecdotes about covering snowstorms during my days as a radio journalist. Do you remember that famous Volkswagen commercial which asked "Have you ever wondered how the man who drives the snow plow gets to the snow plow?" Of course, he drives a VW, a rear engine car that gives one great traction driving in the snow. I decided to borrow my wife's VW to drive on snowy Sunday afternoon my radio station in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, during a late winter 1980 snow storm. I got to the station with no trouble at all. Getting out was another issue altogether. I ended up spending the night at the station, a place where there was no food and hard floors nonconductive for restful sleep. Of course, that was better than the time I was a morning DJ at a radio station in Madison, Indiana. The station is located on top of Telegraph Hill. One icy morning, my VW was unable to navigate the hill. I'd go up 10 feet and then slide backwards. So, I parked it at the bottom and hiked up the winding driveway. I ended up signing on the station 45 minutes late. Then there was the time in North Carolina, when local meteorologists predicted a massive snow event for the Research Triangle Area. Our newsroom was ramped up for Snowmagedeon. Unfortunately for us, we ended up with egg on our faces when the predicted blizzard never materialized. Of course, my snow stories are not limited to my radio days. After I left broadcasting to take a position in public affairs in North Carolina state government, I thought "At last, I will no longer have to venture out into snow storms to tell people about something they already know." Silly me. As a member of the State Emergency Response Team, I was expected to go to the State Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh even when other state employees got to stay home. The first time I was called in due to bad weather, I almost successfully navigated the seven miles from my home to the EOC. However, I got within two blocks of the place when my car skidded on some ice, hit the curb hard, and bent the car's frame. On another occasion, one where there was no way I could get my car out of the driveway, damned if they didn't send someone with a four-wheel drive truck to get me. (My wife wasn't pleased to be left at home alone overnight during a blizzard.) Of course, during the nearly 30 years I was on the faculty of the University of Kansas, they rarely shut down the school because of snow. (Ironically, in the wake of this weekend's blizzard, they have today!) For those of you familiar with Lawrence, Kansas, will know that navigating the hills near the campus on icy roads can be a life-altering event. The good news regarding this weekend's blizzard is that I am retired and don't have to go anywhere - as long as there is plenty of food and Irish whiskey. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2025

Stormy Weather Ahead

2025-01-01T03:08:25-06:00

January 1, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 1) - Never have I been as pessimistic about the dawn of a new year as I am today. In less than three weeks, a mentally deranged, vindictive and narcissistic oligarch will take the reins of power. I am not going to re-litigate last November's election. Even though Felon 47-elect's victory was built upon a mountain of lies, bigotry and ignorance, it was still the choice of the American people. And unlike his followers four years ago, no one is going to attack the Capitol next Monday to stop the official counting of the electoral votes. But that does not mean that the majority of American voters who cast their ballots for someone other than the King of Mar-a-Lardo should not resist. If the incoming President does half of what he says he's going to do, he will wreck the American economy. Between deportations, tariffs and reckless dismantling of regulatory guardrails designed to protect the American people, the Republican President, Congress and Supreme Court will plunge the country into new Depression. Before he even returns to power, President-elect Bone Spur is suggesting it will take longer "to fix" the economy than he promised during the campaign. Everything this man does weakens relationships with our allies while giving aid and comfort to our enemies. Despite the government takeover by Neocon Disruptionists such as Steve Bannon, there is some small room for hope. The genius of the American system is the decentralization of power. There are lots of things state and local governments can do to blunt the outrageousness spewing out of Washington. Even the corrupt and compliant U.S. Supreme Court has shown there are limits to how far they are willing to go to appease the madman soon to infest the White House. As history has shown us, these MAGA morons are their own worst enemies. In just the past week, we have seen infighting between Bannon and Elon Musk over who will get to sit at the right hand of their false God. (Musk thinks he is the real President.) Finally, there's the reality of American presidential politics. It won't be long before those wishing to become the 48th President of the United States, Republicans and Democrats alike, will start to differentiate themselves from the Lame Duck in the White House. All we have to do right now is say our prayers, hunker down and do our best to weather the storm ahead. May God protect us and our nation. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. AI Image Copyright David W. Guth, 2025

The MAGA crowd can learn a lot from FDR's "Purge"

2024-12-20T11:50:00-06:00

December 20, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 52) - As the United States Congress descends into chaos, South African import Elon Musk and his puppet, Felon 47-elect, is urging the removal of RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) from the MAGA-infested Republican Party. Before they go much farther in this dubious venture, they should learn the lessons of history. Following his easy victory over Kansas Governor Alf Landon in the 1936 election, FDR unveiled an aggressive liberal agenda. To his dismay, much of it was derailed by a coalition of Republicans and dissident conservative Democrats. Frustrated, FDR took to the airwaves during one of his Fireside Chats to attack the dissident Democrats (photo above). He then used a tactic today's Republicans are very familiar with: He "primaried" them by supporting a slate of liberal candidates. He accused the conservative Democrats of being traitors to the cause of reform. Unfortunately for the President, the plan backfired. His opponents evoked the image of Stalin brutally eliminating his opponents in Russia by calling FDR's actions a "purge," and then they suggested he was trying to establish a dictatorship. In the end, all but one of the dissident Democrats were reelected. FDR's botched efforts also produced major gains for the Republican Party in the 1938 midterm elections. Felon 47-elect and his minions should remember that FDR was reelected in 1936 in a landslide. The incoming President did not even garner half of the popular vote. If I were a congressional Democrat, I'd sit back and let the Republicans eat their young. History has shown us that, like Icarus of Greek mythology, if you try to fly too high, you will get burned. That's it for now. Merry Christmas and Fear the Turtle.

"Someone Stole My Truck!!!"

2024-12-10T21:37:07-06:00

December 13, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 51) - If I were to write my own Hallmark Christmas movie, we would return to the idillic - and make-believe - village of Evergreen, Vermont. It's a magical place where everyone holds the Christmas spirit close to their hearts, that welcomes total strangers without reservation and the streets are slush-free even though it is always snowing. (By the way, it is also the only town in Vermont where no one seems to ski.) This Christmas season, a gang of bikers who call themselves "Heck's Angels" - remember, this is a Hallmark movie - stops in town. The leader of the pack, "Snake Eyes" O'Malley, surprises his distant cousin Dr. Allie Shaw, the local veterinarian. She's famous for driving around town in an antique red pick-up truck that is always decorated for Christmas. (Despite the constant presence of snow, those decorations remain remarkably pristine, just like the truck.) The two had a falling out some years ago when he shaved her pet Cocker Spaniel. We learn that he plans to apologize to his cuz for that distant dirty deed. But before he can, some of the boys decide to go joy riding her Little Red Truck. (Hence, the title of our movie: Christmas in Evergreen - Someone Stole My Truck!!!) If you have seen any of the previous three Christmas in Evergreen movies, you would know that Dr. Shaw's truck is the closest thing Evergreen has to mass transit. More people in town have driven the truck than those who haven't. Commercial activity in town grinds to a halt and the Christmas Eve Festival is in danger of being cancelled. However, a white-bearded old gentleman named Nick - someone who doesn't appear to have any gainful employment but people still seek out his sage advice anyway - invites Heck's Angels to participate in the annual Christmas cookie baking contest. And when old "Snake Eyes" wins, he and his gang are filled with the spirit of Christmas. However, we learn that the truck was totaled when it ran off the side of Jingle Bell Lane into — wait for it — the town's Christmas tree. All seems lost until someone shakes the snow globe at the Kris Kringle Kitchen (a business with a most unfortunate acronym) and makes a wish. Sure enough, while some of the bikers cut down a tree near the Ice Skating Pond and decorate it for Christmas, the others hold a bake sale with their award-winning Christmas cookies. They make enough money to buy Dr. Shaw a new red truck. And when the governor of Vermont, who just happens to be in town for the Festival, sees what the biker boys have done, she issues the gang a full and complete pardon. The Governor then rides out of town on the back of Snake Eye's bike and they live happily ever after. Now THAT's the Hallmark movie I'd pay good money to see! That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. AI Image Copyright David W. Guth, 2024.

America's Faustian Bargain

2024-12-02T07:40:35-06:00

December 2, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 50) - Faust is a character in German folklore who gave his soul to the devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasure. It is from that legend that the phrase Faustian bargain was born. It is said that one who sacrifices something of great moral or spiritual value to gain something they desire has made a Faustian bargain. That is what almost half of America (49.9 percent, to be exact) did on November 5. In voting to place Donald Trump back in power, they had to overlook basic American and religious values. Trump is a convicted felon, a certified sex offender, an incompetent administrator with the language skills of a fifth grader, a seditious conspirator who tried to overturn the government of the United States, a racist who preys upon the voter's darkest fears, and a oligarch wanting to dismantle the Constitution so he can consolidate power to himself. Can you think of anyone more un-American than the whisper of a man I just described? And what did Trump voters get in return? They think he will Make America Great Again. They think Trump will make the economy stronger. They think he will restore America's place as the world's greatest nation. In reality, it is unlikely that their expectations will be met. If Trump and his sychophantic zealots do just half of what they say they will do, the United States will be headed toward a Depression worse than that experienced in the 1930s. Our stature in the world, revived by the Biden administration, will be irrepairably be damaged. Trump's "America First" world view is more likely to force the nation into a war worse than the one President Biden just ended. For Failure 45 - soon to become Felon 47 - it's the perfect bargain: He gets everything and everyone else gets nothing. It may take a few months, but his voters will eventually realize that they got less out of their Faustian bargain than they thought they would. And the rest of us will say we told you so. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Radio Days: Santa and the Fire Truck

2024-11-23T07:25:13-06:00

November 23, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 49) - Everyone who has worked in commercial radio has a story - at least one story - about some of the dumb things they had to do to please station management. Everyone remembers the famous WKRP Turkey Drop. One of my stories has to do with the "traditional" arrival of Santa Claus in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on the day after Thanksgiving. Local lore was that Jolly Old Nick would kick off the holiday shopping season by arriving at the local mall in a fire truck. Sounds strange, but the kids loved it. After all, we are talking about fire trucks and Santa. However, for some Godforsaken reason, the Jolly Ol' Elf's arrival was simulcast live over each of the town's three AM radio stations. Which station broadcast the arrival rotated every year. One year, it was my station's turn and our crack programing director's idea was to put News Director David Guth "live" in the fire truck with Santa as he rode through town. With today's technology, that sounds easy. But this was 1978. To pull off that little bit of magic required a broadcast transmitting unit called a "Marti." It was big, bulky and required a power source. The only place we could place it on the fire engine was on one side of the open bay - the place where the firefighters jump out of the truck to battle a blaze. There's no door - just the street below. However, the microphone, other necessary equipment and Santa were placed on the opposite side of side of the open bay. For technical reasons too boring to explain here, when I got my cues to go "live," I would have to cross the open bay to turn on the Marti before I could broadcast live from the fire truck. At first, the system worked just fine. The only "problems" with the broadcast was that the Santa I interviewed was monosyllabic and spoke in a thick Southern accent. (Maybe he lived at the South Pole?) However, there was one moment of shear terror. At the very moment I got my cue to cross the open bay, turn on the Marti and start broadcasting, the fire truck made sharp left turn. Next thing I know is that I am halfway out the door on my way to the street. With one foot inside the engine and one foot out, I grabbed onto a fireman's hand railing. With a microphone in one hand and me holding on for dear life in the other, I calmly broadcast live that Santa was getting closer to the mall. I survived and Santa arrived. And I made sure that I was out-of-town every Thanksgiving thereafter. That's it for now. Happy Thanksgiving. And Fear the Turtle.

An Appeal for Sanity

2024-11-13T15:15:23-06:00

November 13, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 48) - In our nation's founding document, we asserted this country's most basic values: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and pursuit of happiness." Eleven years later, those same Founders created a governing architecture that more than 237 years later remains the nation's guiding principals. They wrote the Constitution of the United States, a remarkable document that national around the world emulate, "to form a more perfect union, establish justices, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and to ensure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." From its very beginnings, the United States has been an aspirational nation, one always striving to improve itself morally and materially. From these founding documents, a number of core American cultural values have emerged, including individualism, equalitarianism, optimism, and a society that embraces free enterprise, directness/honesty an an orientation toward taking action an engaging in hard work. At least these are some of the values we profess when we speak of American Exceptionalism, that America is a unique, even morally superior country. But are we? Is today's American Mythology true to those same founding values upon which we stake our claim?

There is a gap between the American values we tell the world we embrace and those we actually practice. After all, even the Founders acknowledged this disparity in admitting that our union was not perfect. They spoke of what we, as Americans, should aspire to be. However, by the recent vote of the people, we now appear to be ready to steer a course that abandons the very constructs we claim as essential to our national identity. Is there truly equality in our tax laws, our criminal justice system, or the manner in which we govern women? How does our expressed belief in liberty square with the incoming administration's desire to detain and deport more than 10 million undocumented citizens? Does it make sense to appoint a man who has been under investigation of sex trafficking, illicit drug use and obstruction of justice as your new attorney general? Of course - the president-elect, himself, is a convicted felon. The incoming administration's cabinet picks clearly demonstrate that loyalty to the new president is more highly valued than competence. Have we become a nation that embraces a leadership that routinely lies to the people, demeans and dehumanizes those who oppose it, circumvents the very constitutional safeguards it has sworn to protect, and enriches itself at the expense of the very people who put it in power?

We are in need of a new American Revolution, not one born of violence but spiritual in nature. We need to acknowledge who we really are and work toward become the nation we say we want to be. Maybe aspiring to be Ronald Reagan's "Shinning City on the Hill" is unrealistic. After all, the very concept of American Exceptionalism is in conflict with our most basic founding principle that "all men are created equal." Who knows? Maybe we are special. But before we make that claim, we must act like it. We need to develop a tax code where everyone pays his or her fair share. We have to respect the rights of women to make their own financial and health care decisions. Rather than treat those who seek refuge on our shores as criminals, we should welcome them in helping us grow our economy and culture. And we need to lower the temperature in our political discourse. But that political and social sea change must come from those we choose to lead us. Simply put: Those who claim to lead the country need to do so in their deeds, not their words. If they are not willing to do so, we, the people, have the power. If this recent election has shown us anything, the American people have the power to effect change. Hopefully they do so wisely. Yes, I know my words will seem to some as being naive. Others, still pent up in partisan battle mode, will see these thoughts as dangerous. I see them as an appeal to sanity and as a challenge to become the people and nation we have always said we are. That's it for now. May God bless America. And Fear the Turtle.

Election Hangover

2024-11-12T07:54:39-06:00

November 12, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 47) - Election season is a lot like the Christmas season - after months of build-up and frenzied activity, it comes and it goes. And then it is over. The commercials (thank God) are gone. The intrusive emails (for the most part) are done. And, perhaps best of all, the uncertainty has disappeared. Just like knowing exactly what Santa left you under the tree, the voters know exactly what they got once the votes are counted. (Of course, one week out, there are some races where those votes are still being counted.) Whether your side won or lost, a certain sense of relief comes over us that allows us to take a deep breath. Of course, after the results of this particular election, some of us will be taking even deeper breaths. The newly elected or reelected officials will not take the oath of office until after the new year, which will give us six weeks of some small measure of relief. Once the new year arrives and the new crowd is handed the keys to the kingdom, the din of the political strife will rise once again. In the meantime, it is a time for planning for the winners and a time of introspection for the losers. And, assuming the Constitution is still in force after the next four years, politicians on both sides of the aisle will spend their time jockeying for position in the 2028 presidential sweepstakes. Yes, there is a period of post-election hangover. But the truth is that in 21st century America, election season never ends. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

American Carnage - Part II

2024-11-06T05:18:35-06:00

November 6, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 46) - After Donald Trump completed his inaugural address on January 20, 2017, Former President George W. Bush turned to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and said "That was some weird shit." That was Trump's infamous "American Carnage" speech, a dark vision of an America being driven to destruction by self-serving political elites. Well, you ain't seen nothing yet. With his election to another term as president, we can expect nothing less than American Carnage II - The Retribution. During his vile, disoriented, off-the-rails run to reclaim the White House, Failure 45 made it perfectly clear what his number one agenda item will be in his second term - getting even. After Trump takes control of the Justice Department, he plans to weaponize it to "hold accountable" those who dared to try and hold him accountable for the January 6, 2021, Capitol Insurrection. Those are his words, not mine. Are you ready for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directing this nation's health care policies? Looking forward to the return of Steve Bannon as a White House advisor? How about fascist and convicted felon Michael Flynn as National Security Adviser? And speaking of convicted felons (and convicted sexual offender), I can't wait to see the once and future president's unique vision of moral authority as he once again infests the Oval Office. On the morning after the January 6 Capitol Insurrection, I quoted Abraham Lincoln from his 1838 Lyceum Address: "If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time or die by suicide." Only time will tell whether the reelection of a doddering and mentally unstable oligarch will mark the end of the nearly 250-year American experiment in democracy. But to quote the 43rd President of the United States, we are in for some weird shit. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

The Glory of Scrapple

2024-10-29T16:16:24-05:00

October 29, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 45) - If you are from the Mid-Atlantic states, you either love it of loathe it. If you grew up elsewhere, you probably haven't even heard of it. It is Scrapple, manna from heaven. It is exactly what it sounds like, pork scraps mixed with cornmeal to produce a sausage-like meat. Just like sausage, it is probably best to not know its precise ingredients. (I have the same attitude toward a lot of Japanese food - I really like it but really don't want to know what's in it.) The subject of Scrapple came up recently in my household because it was my turn to host an annual reunion of my surviving siblings. We were all raised on Maryland's Eastern Shore and Scrapple frequented our family meals. I remember liking it, especially with ketchup. But I hadn't had it in the 50 years since I left college and moved away from the Delmarva Peninsula. I thought, "Gee, wouldn't it be a treat to surprise my sibs with a culinary blast from the past?" I went on Amazon, typed in "Scrapple," and there it was! I ordered it in mid-September, thinking it would arrive in a few days and that I would have some time to practice cooking it. Unfortunately, it took nearly a month for this Pennsylvania Dutch treat to arrive. That gave me only two practice runs at cooking it. The first time has mixed results - some undercooked and others overcooked. The second time was more successful - except that the pork patties put off so much smoke that they set off my home fire alarms. (Note to self: Cook Scrapple outdoors.) When my siblings and their spouses arrived, I decided to solicit the help of my younger brother Howard to cook the Scrapple (outdoors) while I tended to the rest of the meal. He, in turn, sought cooking advice from his son Ryan, who still lives on the Eastern Shore and regularly consumes the stuff. The Bottom Line: It came off well. Everyone tried it. No one said they hated it. Nor were there any last-minute trips to the emergency room. I like it - even though its flavor is a bit stronger than you'd find in your run-of-the-mill sausage patty. My advice: Give it try. Oh, and cook it outside. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2024

Two Weeks To Go

2024-10-22T20:21:25-05:00

October 22, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 44) - Down the stretch they come!!! The quadrennial horse race we call the presidential election is reaching its final stages. However, the horse racing metaphor doesn't really work here. This year's race for the White House has been more like a blood feud. And, as it has been since the turn of the century, the outcome is going to depend on GOTV - Get Out The Vote. Based on reports across the country, advance voting suggests that this year's turnout will exceed 2020's record turnout of 158 million. However, we have to remember that 2020 was a COVID year with a different dynamic, altogether. Who will a higher early turnout favor? In 2020, it clearly favored the Democrats. But this year, who knows? The Republican nominee, who saw advanced voting as fraudulent, this year has been sending his supporters mixed messages. (I wonder if he really thinks whoever is leading the vote count at midnight Election Night would be declared the winner?) All indications are that the margin of victory this year is going to be razor thin. And there is still plenty of time for an "October surprise," such as an escalation of the war in the Middle East or (God forbid) a terrorist attack someplace. In the meantime, Failure 45 appears to have run off the rails, using profanity this past weekend to describe Vice President Harris and engaging in a vulgar description of golfing great Arnold Palmer's manhood. Even more disgusting is the continuing deliberate misinformation about FEMA's hurricane disaster relief efforts in western North Carolina. (No one, including Republican office holders in the affected states, support the Defeated Former President's characterizations.) There has been an ongoing chorus of psychatric professionals who question the aging candidate's sanity. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris has told her voters to cast their ballots on November 5. The Count of Mar-a-Lardo told his to vote on January 5. I'm fine with that. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2024

Somewhere between Ted Baxter and Clark Kent

2024-10-16T02:55:04-05:00

October 16, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 43) - With this year's election less than three weeks away, it is only natural for me to look back at the elections I covered as a working journalist. I'd like to think I was pretty good at my job. And I have a number of local, state, regional and national awards as my bona fides. However, I also realize that I worked with journalists who, in hindsight, were much better than me. (Bill Leslie, Jim Axelrod and Bill Whitaker come to mind.) Truth be told, I was somewhere between Ted Baxter, the bumbling anchor on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Superman's alter-ego Clark Kent. No, I could not leap tall buildings in a single bound. But I could crank out a lot of stories under intense time pressure. The picture above was taken on the floor of the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. Working a national political convention is hard work. However, it is also an experience I will forever cherish. It was also during that campaign year that I gave one of my best live reports from the middle of a rally with Democratic vice presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro in front of an overflow crowd on the Fayetteville Street Mall in Raleigh. As you listen to this live report, you will hear that the reporting was solid and my timing was impeccable. Of course, I covered other campaigns in Rocky Mount, North Carolina; Beacon, New York: Americus, Georgia; and Milledgeville, Georgia. It was in Americus, just nine miles from Plains, Georgia, that I met and interviewed then-former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter. After meeting him, I knew he would become president. (My family thought I was crazy.) Election season is almost like Christmas for journalists. And I remember spending long nights covering election results. Jimmy Carter wasn't declared the winner in his 1976 race against Gerald Ford until three o'clock in the morning. I also remember working late into the evening at the North Carolina Democratic Election Night Headquarters in 1984. For those who don't remember, Ronald Reagan took 49 states that night. Covering the Democrats that night was like covering the house band on the Titanic. Come this Election Day, I will miss being out there in the trenches. However, since it is very unlikely we will know the winner of the presidency on Election Night, I will, at least, have the option to go to bed at a decent hour. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 1984
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Lies, Damn Lies and Republicans

2024-10-01T22:16:38-05:00

October 1, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 42) - Call me old fashioned, but I remember the days when most politicians didn't openly lie to voters. Instead, they would engage in what is known as "spin," where the candidates would disclose only those facts that are most advantageous to them. For example, politicians may say they are experienced in the private sector, not mentioning that their only "experience" was running a lemonade stand in their neighborhood at the age of five. Maybe it's not the whole truth, but it's not an outright lie, either. However, as we were reminded yet again tonight, the Republican Party has abandoned all pretenses of telling you the truth. In tonight's vice presidential debate, we witnessed J.D. Vance living in his own warped reality. I agreed with CNN's Abby Phillip who said Vance's role was "to launder Donald Trump's policies to Middle America." Remember, it was Vance who first accused Haitians of eating people's pets, later admitted that he had lied, and then continued to double-down on the lie. Even this evening, he tried to weasel-word his way out of that crazy word salad. Hell, Vance couldn't even admit that Trump lost the last election. Of course, he is an amateur in disinformation when compared to his running mate, The Cowardly Liar. Just this past weekend, Failure 45 accused Vice President Harris of being "mentally impaired." It doesn't take a Sigmund Freud to determine that it is Former President Pinocchio who is a few fries short of a Happy Meal - not to mention that he is also morally and criminally corrupt. Of course, Vance is the classic Trumpian sycophant, one has sharply criticized The First Felon in the past, only to flip 180 degrees to curry favor with the devil. I was once a proud Republican, even when it put me at odds with my fiercely Democratic community. Those were the days Republicans had backbones. However, the Republican Party of Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan - and, yes, even Richard Nixon and both George Bushes - is dead. It has been replaced with a confederacy of jellyfish. When the facts are against them, the Republican go-to strategy is to lie and make up crap. This trend continues down ballot, where Republicans such as Josh "Senator Skedaddle" Hawley run television ads filled with racist sludge and full-blown falsehoods. They have no idea what integrity is. Many of them can't even spell the word. Sure, tonight's debate was far more civil than the one last month. However, putting lipstick on a pig doesn't change the fundamental fact that it is still a pig. The fact remains: There are lies, damned lies and Republicans. And we don't need any of them. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Closure

2024-09-18T21:12:03-05:00

September 18, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 41) - I went to my high school reunion this past weekend, the first one I have attended since my graduation in 1970. It is not as if I didn’t want to attend earlier reunions. It was simply a case of living half a country away, being unaware of the reunions and/or having scheduling conflicts. I didn’t know what to expect - I hadn’t seen most of these people in half-a-century. The lasting image I had of my former classmates was of them as high school seniors. Remember when you were a high school senior? If you do, you probably remember those you liked, those you disliked, those who were friendly and those who were unfriendly. I hear it is not unusual for people to carry high school scars - real and imagined - for the rest of their lives. So, as I walked through the doors of the VFW Hall in Easton, Maryland, last Saturday night, I had some trepidation. However, those fears were quickly eased. As it turned out, these people were no longer the high school kids I remembered. They had a lifetime of living behind them. These silver-haired folks had matured into friendly, outgoing people who had either forgotten or forgiven all of the traumas associated with high school. I even had an opportunity to talk to a woman who, 54 years ago, was the center of my universe until she no longer was. Neither of us held any bitterness and we both reconnected at the level that had made us friends in the first place. The most touching part of the night was looking a board that displayed the names of my fellow classmates who are no longer with us. I was aware of the passing of some, but surprised and saddened to see the others. After three hours of reminiscing, it was time to go. The VFW wanted their hall back. After we said our goodbyes and scattered into the Eastern Shore night, I was left with a feeling of closure. All of the high school wounds and traumas no longer mattered. After all, I realized that we all had two things in common: We were all proud Easton Warriors and we were all survivors. And that’s not a bad lifetime. That’s it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2024

Trump Beat Up by a Girl

2024-09-10T22:05:49-05:00

September 10, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 40) - From the moment she walked across the stage and extended her hand to her startled opponent, Kamala Harris owned Donald Trump tonight during their first - and likely their last - presidential debate. While she presented a vision for a future devoid of the rancor of the past eight years, Vice President Harris successfully goaded the Defeated Former President into his familiar quagmire of grievance politics. Frankly, at times, Harris made Trump look silly. Illegal immigrants eating family pets in Ohio? Abortions after birth? Convicted January 6th rioters as innocent victims? And those represent just the icing on the crap cake that Trump has baked. She even distracted him from his potentially strongest argument, the border crisis, by making him passionately defend the one issue that is most important to him, crowd size. Yes, size does matter. And in so many ways, Failure 45 is deficient. It is inevitable that within the heat of a political debate, politicians either deliberately or accidentally misspeak. CNN reported that Harris once misrepresented Trump's economic record. However, the cable network said that Trump "lied" at least 35 times. (And those are just the big lies. There were too many small ones to count.) I was impressed that Harris resisted calling Trump a racist or sexist. She just laid out the facts that could lead no reasonable person to any other conclusion. Harris has already challenged Trump to another debate. And why shouldn't she? To use a phrase Humpty Trumpty used repeatedly this evening, "everyone" knows she won. And Donald, the misogynistic, adulterous, sexual assaulter, must now live with the knowledge that the whole world tonight watched him get beat up by a girl. And all the wannabe king's horses and wannabe king's men could not put Humpty Trumpty back together again. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

In the Hands of Children?

2024-09-06T07:20:05-05:00

September 6, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 39) - You can't help but wonder what the hell Colin Gray was thinking when he gave his 14-year-old son Colt an assault rifle as a Christmas present. And what is he thinking now that he has been arrested for "knowingly allowing" his son to have the weapon, the one Colt used to kill four people and injured nine others at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, this week? According to CNN, this was the 45th school shooting this calendar year. That's the lowest number for this time of year in the past five years. But that's nothing to brag about. The failure of Republicans in Congress to enact reasonable gun restrictions has perpetuated this national disgrace. However, as I have noted in my book Thirteen Minutes: Death of an American High School, Americans have become desensitized to these sorry statistics. At the time of this writing, we don't know Colt Gray's motivation behind killing two of his fellow students and two of his teachers. As I cite in my book, there are several factors that motivate mass murderers: A desire to be famous, isolation, rejection, bullying and mental illness. However, it is virtually impossible to create a profile of a "typical" mass-casualty shooter. Each case is different. But there is one thing we know for certain: Don't give weapons of mass destruction to children. Period. End of Discussion. I was surprised - and pleased - that authorities in gun-crazy Georgia arrested the boy's father. This follows the precedent set in Michigan last April, when a teenage shooter's parents were sentenced to 10 years in prison following another school shooting that left four people dead. While Colin Gray may be legally innocent until proven guilty, he is certainly guilty of incredibly stupid judgment. After all, who in their right mind puts assault rifles in the hand of children? There should be a law against it. Come to think of it, there is, but in only 20 states. How much more blood will be shed before Republicans in Congress come to their senses, do the right thing, and enact reasonable gun control regulation that protects both our children and the Second Amendment? That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo courtesy Associated Press.

Who is "Flip-Flopping" Now?

2024-08-30T11:27:34-05:00

August 30, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 38) - Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris sat down with her running mate Tim Walz and CNN's Dana Bash last night for a much anticipated interview. Trump had been clamoring for such an interview, saying that she had been hiding from having to answer tough questions. Of course, Failure 45's position is dripping with irony, considering that the only interviews he does is with sycophantic pseudo-journalists such as Dr. Phil and Sean Hannity. While Republicans will tell you something different, privately they must be dismayed at the Vice President's performance. There were no misstatements or flubs. When asked about Trump's racist questioning of her credentials as a black person, she was perfectly dismissive, calling it "the same old playbook." The best the GOP could do was call her a "flip-flopper" on issues such as fracking and immigration. Again, these charges are ironic since Donald Trump, at almost the same hour as the interview, was dramatically trying to change his position on abortion and in vitro fertilization. Of course, he has also been backpedaling as hard as he can from Project 2025, a litany of draconic measures conjured up by group of ex-Trump administration officials. So who is the "flip-flopper" now? Maybe a better question is whether we will allow politicians to change their minds and alter their positions over time. I'll bet that you, the reader, has modified some of the positions you held over time. I know that I have. For example, I am much more sympathetic to Lyndon Johnson today than I was when he was in office. A bigger question is do you really want a president who refuses to modify his or her positions based on new information? If you do - as many Republicans suggest they do with their criticism of Harris - then they have to hate Ronald Reagan. After all, the man was a union boss and a staunch Democrat in his early days. Of course, it is reasonable to wonder whether a politician's change of heart is sincere. Perhaps in this year's presidential election, you should ask which candidate has more credibility when it comes to making promises. (Hint: Mexico didn't pay for the wall. And, by the way, for all intents and purposes, there is no wall.) If you are honest with yourself, then the choice of who should be the next president is crystal clear. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Joy Comes in the Morning

2024-08-23T05:35:48-05:00

August 23, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 37) - If you are among the few Americans who are undecided in your choice of who will be the next President of the United States, I can help you. I suggest you contrast and compare the acceptance speeches of the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees. This is the transcript of Donald Trump's rambling, often vitriolic speech in Milwaukee on July 21. Compare it with the transcript of the acceptance speech given last night by Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. Her remark's lasted only 35 minutes, just one-third of the time that Trump used to lay out his litany of lies and imaginary grievances. Vice President Harris told us her life story, how her presidency would differ from her opponent's and her vision for America's future. She could have been like her opponent and gone for the low-hanging fruit of personal insults. But she didn't. While Harris was hard on Trump, her criticisms were fact-based. Most of all, the two acceptance speeches gave us a look at the very soul of each candidate. Donald Trump's soul is a very dark place, one that is full of self-loathing and an insatiable desire to be respected. If he weren't such an evil and dangerous man, I would feel sorry for him. On the other hand, we see that Kamala Harris's soul is one that filled with joy and a determination to make this a better world. To some, my assessment of Harris may seem gullible and naive. But for millions of American who are tired of the nine years of chaos that followed Donald Trump down that escalator in 2015, the Vice President's remarks were a breath of fresh air. Several times during this week's Democratic National Convention, the 30th Psalm, a Psalm of David, was cited. It captures the feeling we are left after living in the wretched darkness manifesting Donald Trump's soul. The psalm concludes with this verse: "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning." Yes, if we elect Kamala Harris, we will once again be able to proclaim that it's "Morning in America." That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

What Happened to Editors?

2024-08-15T20:17:58-05:00

August 15, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 36) - When I went to journalism school at the University of Maryland a half-century ago, I learned that a basic tenant of the profession is that a journalist must edit and verify information one gathers before he or she disseminates it. A reporter doesn't just parrot what a source says. A reporter also checks its validity, culling out the hyperbole and untruths before sharing with the audience. Most newspapers, magazines and broadcast networks do this. Unfortunately, cable news networks apparently don't believe this is important. Take this past week, for example. Twice the Republican presidential nominee has been given unlimited air time to spew forth lies and personal insults in "so called" news conferences. While the print journalists and broadcast networks covered the sessions and then summarized the cogent news points that came out of them, the CNNs, MSNBCs and the Foxs just turned on the camera, pointed the microphone and let the candidate speak unchallenged and uninterrupted for more than an hour. Never mind that there was little in the way of actual news in these unholy homilies. They were nothing more than non-stop verifiable lies and personal insults. What public service is done if these so-called cable journalists do not fulfill their basic editorial function? And it is not just Trump. Why should Kamala Harris or any other candidate be given what amounts to a one-hour free campaign commercial full of blah, blah, blah? If there is news coming out of these alleged "news conferences" or, for that matter, campaign rallies, report it. Otherwise, don't let the candidates clutter the airwaves with these mind-numbing - and, in the case of Trump, mindless - infomercials. How can the American people hold these candidates accountable when journalists are not willing to do it? Sure, there will be times when, in exercising one's news judgment, the decision should be made to carry these events live. However, it lately seems as if cable TV's news judgment has atrophied. Not every campaign speech or news conference is worthy of live coverage. How about serving your editorial function, for once? Otherwise, just turn your facilities over to the My Pillow Guy and call it a day. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

When the System Worked

2024-08-08T09:07:19-05:00

August 8, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 35) - I was proud to cast my first vote ever for president on behalf of Richard Nixon back in 1972. At the time, I thought he had done a fabulous job on both the foreign and domestic fronts during his first term. Fast forward to October 1973, after 10 months of startling and disturbing information coming out of the investigation into the break-in at the Democratic National Committee's headquarters at the Watergate in Washington. I had thought that it was still possible that it was Nixon's people, not Nixon himself, who had been responsible. But after the Saturday Night Massacre, when he fired Watergate Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox, my patience had run out. Much to the dismay of my Nixon-loyalist mother, I openly called for Nixon's impeachment or resignation. After a long and messy struggle, that finally happened 50 years ago today. It could not have happened without the leadership of Nixon's own party going to the White House and telling the president that the gig is up. It may have been too slow for some, but that was a case of the system working. And it only worked because members of both political parties put the Constitution ahead of partisan issues. Unfortunately, at least for now, those days are gone. Republicans saved former president and future inmate Donald Trump from impeachment not once, but twice. And Trump's high crimes and misdemeanors were far more serious than anything Richard Nixon had done. And now those same Republicans are four-square behind Trump's attempt to reclaim the presidency. Never mind that Trump's main motivation is to avoid prosecution and imprisonment for his fraudulent and seditious actions. Oh, the hypocrisy! Fifty years later, we have abandoned any semblance of democracy. That is why I will repeat what I have said in this space.before — not one single Republican in the House and Senate deserves reelection. And some, such as Jim Jordan and Josh Hawley, deserve to be in prison. Remember this come November: Friends don't let friends vote Republican. Ever. And that is written by a man who once was proud to call himself a Nixon Republican. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Chicken Don

2024-08-06T07:49:37-05:00

August 6, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 34) - Yet another major milepost has passed in Campaign 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris, the democratic nominee for President, has chosen Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate. It's a good pick because Walz is authentic and has a wicked sense of humor. Of course, there's also the comparison between Walz and his Republican counterpart, the faux-hillbilly J.D. Vance - a male version of Sarah Palen. Now, the next milestone is/are the upcoming Presidential debate(s) or non debate(s). Failure 45 had said he was ready to debate the Democratic presidential nominee "any time, any place." When President Biden stepped away from the race and the Vice President was anointed the new nominee, the Defeated Former President's backbone turned to Jello. Now he says the deal is off and he has conveniently arranged a new debate at Trump-friendly Fox News, with two Trump-friendly moderators, and in front of Trump-friendly audience (mob). How brave is that, former President Bone Spur? The problem for Candidate "Any Where, Any Place" is that a deal is a deal. Vice President Harris has done exactly what I would have told her to do, say that she's showing up at ABC for the previously schedule debate. The network, to its credit, has said the debate will go on as scheduled with or without Chicken Don. This singular act of cowardice is just another recent example of the Count of Mar-a-Lardo's growing desperation. In the past week, he has gone off the rails, saying the Vice President is stupid, questioned her sanity and, most famously, questioned whether she is really black. You tell me who is the unhinged candidate? Don-OLD really is in trouble. The polls are trending Democratic, his legal problems haven't gone away and his running mate is as dumb as dog dung. And there are still 13 weeks until Election Day. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Passing the Torch

2024-07-23T10:58:45-05:00

July 23, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 33) - President Joe Biden's decision to bow out of the 2024 presidential election really shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone. It has been clear since his disastrous June 27 debate meltdown that the end of his reelection campaign was growing near. It is a proper, but sad ending to the most successful presidency since Ronald Reagan's. Despite entrenched and fanatical opposition from the MAGA-infested Republican Party, Ol' Joe got quite a lot done. You should remember that the next time you drive on a recently repaired street or bridge. If you know someone on insulin, you can thank President Biden for capping its prescription price. And lest we forget, it was Joe Biden who help lift the American people and economy from the depths of a pandemic disaster mismanaged by his incompetent predecessor. I find it funny that Trumpian sycophants are trying to blame Biden for inflation when it was their guy who created the economic disruption that caused it. They also blame Biden for the disorderly withdrawal from Afghanistan while ignoring that it was Trump who lit that fire. Lest we forget, it was Trump and his allies who have repeatedly torpedoed bipartisan legislation to address immigration. While Biden has had amazing success in restoring America in the eyes of the world and has resisted Russian aggression in Ukraine, the Russo-Republicans have done nothing. And how can we forget Trump's attempt to overthrow a free and fair election? In what may be Biden's greatest act of public service, he is passing the torch to a new generation that is more interested in solving problems than sowing chaos. In an amazingly short period, Vice President Kamala Harris has managed to rally her party and much of the country around her. There's a new energy in the campaign. Whether it is enough to propel her the presidency, only time will tell. But the Democrats are now in a much stronger position, as an experienced prosecutor is ready to take on the convicted felon. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

This is the Best We Can Do?

2024-07-19T02:49:19-05:00

July 19, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 32) - If any one picture sums ups the recently concluded Russo-Republican Party National Convention, this is it. Thursday's final night festivities could well have been called "Wrestling Night" with the conventioneers wrestling with everything but their own consciences. The speakers included Linda McMahon, former WWE executive, Dana White, UFC CEO, and that renown foreign policy expert Hulk Hogan, who thrilled the audience with his incredible shirt-tearing strength. There was also the golf pro at one of The Donald's golf courses, a Trump attorney who has been widely panned as incompetent, and Franklin Graham, who continues to sully his late father's reputation with every political appearance he makes. Of course, the "highlight" of the evening's freak show was the 93-minute long ramblings of Failure 45, himself. It was the longest acceptance speech in nominating convention history. (I'll bet even William Henry Harrison would have been telling the Bandaged Bandido to wrap it up.) After it was all said and done, the Milwaukee Madman's Marathon Missive amounted to a little more than a great-big nothing-burger. There was little of substance offered to the American voter. Instead, the entire week came across as if it was a Ralph Edwards production of "This is Your Life - or at least This is Your Life as You Would Have Us Believe It - Donald Trump." At home in bed in Wilmington, Delaware - assuming he stayed up that late - was Joe Biden thinking, to borrow a famous line from Saturday Night Live, "I can't believe I'm losing to this guy." And yet, he is. While Biden's refusal to drop out of the race continues at the time of this writing, there are reports that could change within the next 48 hours. Meanwhile, voters are left with the choice of a benevolent, but rapidly aging incumbent and his malevolent - some say demented - and rapidly aging challenger. This is the best we can do? May God - Franklin Graham, you remember him? - have mercy on us all. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Screw you, Judge Cannon

2024-07-15T09:16:28-05:00

July 15, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 31) - In a rank act of partisan bias, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon this morning threw out the classified documents case against Former President Donald Trump. Her excuse: The appointment of Special Prosecutor Jack Smith violated the Constitution. I am not an attorney, nor have I played one on TV. However, there is a legal term - I think it is Latin - that covers the judge's action: Bullshit. Special prosecutors have been used in this country - with the full support of the judiciary - for decades. This is just another example of Judge Cannon bending over backwards to help her political benefactor. Several times during this case, Judge Cannon has made spurious rulings - some of which have been roundly rejected by higher courts. I have absolutely no doubt today's decision will be overturned. Even the Supreme Courts' recent ridiculous ruling on presidential immunity only covers official acts that occurred during the a president's term of office. In this case, Donald Trump's illegal actions and obstruction of justice occurred after the voters kicked his fat orange ass out of the White House. The timing of this decision is also questionable, just hours before the opening the Republican National Convention. This Stepford Judge has given the neocons in Milwaukee a talking point they will undoubtedly beat to death. In appealing this nonsensical decision to the U.S. Court Appeals, Smith should also seek sanctions against and removal of Judge Cannon. Trump had no business elevating this minimally talented attorney to the federal judiciary. She was grossly under qualified - not that it mattered to the Republican controlled Senate. In Trump World, the only qualification that matters is sycophantic devotion to Failure 45. Because of this past weekend's failed assassination attempt, Trump is now being worshiped among his followers as a martyr. (For the record: I abhor all acts of political violence ) With the Democratic Party in disarray and Trump-appointed judges turning the Constitution on its ear, I fear we are entering the most dangerous period in our nation's history. Donald Trump, I hope you recover from your wounds in time for the American people to reject you, again. Judge Cannon, I hope there is a special place in hell for people who sell out their country for positions of power. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Should Joe Go?

2024-07-08T08:59:10-05:00

July 8, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 30) - Following his disastrous performance in the CNN presidential debate, President Joe Biden has been under pressure from within his own party to step aside and let another Democrat challenge Failure 45 in the November general election. To put it in its simplest terms: Should Joe go? Biden is the only person who can answer that question and the only person that can make that happen. There is no doubt in my mind that Joe Biden has slowed down. But that doesn't mean that his ability to make decisions has. One's performance on the debate stage is not a measure of cognitive ability. Unfortunately, it does influence the public's perception - which is all that matters in a presidential election. The questions about Biden have overshadowed the obvious physical and mental decline of the Defeated Former President. An objective evaluation of one of the Count of Mar-a-Lardo's rambling and often incoherent campaign speeches leaves one with the impression that The Orange One is a few fries short of a Happy Meal. There is a very real danger of a Republican victory this fall. That would be a disaster for not only the United States but the entire Free World, as well. It all hinges on what Biden chooses to do, whether that be to step aside or to take actions that will change this negative narrative. I can understand his reluctance to leave. If he were to run solely on his record - and in contrast to his predecessor's chaotic and clamorous term - Biden would win in a landslide. However, the American people are justified in worrying about the mental health of the person steering the ship of state. Frankly, neither candidate fills me with any sense of confidence. However, for now, Biden is the issue. To force him out would be unfair and would split the Democratic Party. Even if he chooses to go under his own volition, there is no scenario that does not threaten to shatter the Democratic coalition. It all comes down to this: It's Joe's decision to make and no one else's. Let's hope he makes the right one. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Empty Words?

2024-07-02T05:57:57-05:00

July 2, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 29) - How many times have you stood erect, hand on heart facing the flag, and recited these words: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all?" A better question is: Did you mean it when you said it? I'd like to think that most people did - and still do. However, based on the prevalence of American nationalism among millions of our fellow citizens and their loyal adherence to a convicted felon who brags he'd be a dictator on his first day in office, I have my doubts. It was 248 years ago in the very room pictured above, that the Continental Congress dared to proclaim under penalty of death that "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." I ask my MAGA friends, do you still believe these immortal words penned by Thomas Jefferson? And do you believe in the nation's Constitution, which was first written and adopted in this very same room? The presumptive nominee of the Republican Party - the same party created 170 years ago to secure the rights of all people - has made it clear that he does not believe that, as president, he can be restrained by any court or constitutional precedent. That, despite the fact that he has taken, and may do so again, an oath to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution." Add to that the horrific ruling this week by the U.S. Supreme Court that gives presidents immunity for prosecution for "official acts" while in office. It is the most dangerous precedent that court has ever set, one that essentially makes presidents de facto dictators. As a result of this and other politically-partisan rulings, the Trump-infected Supreme Court has lost touch with and the support of the American people. That is what makes a Democratic Party victory in November's election so imperative. I cannot remember an Independence Day with as much doubt for the survival of our nation as this one. If we cannot take this annual observance of our nation's birth to reaffirm the values the Founders put forth on the day our nation was born, then we are truly facing the "American carnage" Failure 45 declared in his 2017 inaugural address. During last week's presidential debate, the felon who would be president described the United States as a "failing nation." Do you believe that? I don't. I believe the First Felon's words are less a description of our nation than they are an attempt at a self-fulfilling prophecy. On Independence Day 2024, our nation is at a crossroads. Will we follow the path of adherence to the nation's founding values first articulated in the room pictured above or will we blindly follow a man whose only belief is those things that will benefit himself? As you ponder how you will vote in November, ask yourself if the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are living documents that should guide this nation, or are they just empty words on faded parchment? That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2007.

Trump's Optics Better Than Biden's Substance

2024-06-27T22:42:02-05:00

June 27, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 28) - America should not rest easy tonight. Donald Trump has come out the clear winner of his CNN-sponsored debate with Joe Biden. It's not that Trump won the day on his debating points. Practically everything the man said this evening was pure, unadulterated bullshit. But that's what we've grown to expect from Donald Trump. What America was really interested in learning tonight was whether Biden could reassure us that he isn't too old for the job. He didn't. The first 15 minutes of the debate were disastrous, with Biden's voice crackling and weak and some of his answers almost incoherent. It wasn't until Trump suggested that it was he who had been far more supported of the military than Biden - something the record clearly shows is patently false - did Joe get his Irish up and start effectively counterpunching. In fact, if this was your high school debate club, Biden won the night hands down. His answers were more specific to the questions being asked and more grounded in the truth than the babble Trump spewed forth. However, this isn't high school. It's the major leagues. While many of Trump's answers were scattershot and devoid of reality, his optics were much stronger than Biden's. Trump came across as more vibrant than his opponent, much like a snarling wolverine does when pouncing upon its prey. I can't help but remember the reality of the first-ever televised presidential debate back in 1960. It was a tan and rested Jack Kennedy squaring off against a pale, just-out-of-the-hospital Richard Nixon. Those who heard the debate on radio thought that Nixon won. But the millions more who saw it on television thought Kennedy had won. Biden's people still have some things working in their favor. Despite what happened tonight, I doubt that many minds were changed. Biden's supporters are going to overlook his weak debate performance, just as Trump's supporters will overlook his immoral and criminal conduct. Then there's the fact that Trump will be sentenced on July 11 for his conviction on 34 counts of fraud and could wind up in prison. Tonight's debate also could be quickly overshadowed within a few hours by a Supreme Court decision that is likely to rule that Trump has no claim for presidential immunity - especially for acts committed after leaving the presidency. And it is a long way until November and Trump continues to be his own worst enemy. But much of that may be wishful thinking. The fact remains that tonight - one hour after the conclusion of the debate - Donald Trump's supporters are happier than Joe Biden's. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

A Fool's Game

2024-06-19T06:52:17-05:00

June 19, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 27) - It's big news in the sports world. The state of Kansas has put in its bid to lure the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals across the state line. The state legislature yesterday approved a measure that would divert millions of dollars in sales tax revenues for the construction of new stadiums for the NFL and MLB teams. This brazen move to steal the teams from Missouri comes after Kansas City, Missouri, voters rejected a move to extend an existing sales tax that would have funded stadium construction/renovations for the teams. Now, Missouri officials are scrambling. They are also whining about the start of a new border war with Kansas. And the clock is ticking: The Royals say they want to be out of Kauffman Stadium by 2031. The teams have great emotional and political leverage in their brazen attempt to extort millions of public dollars to support their private businesses. In fairness to the teams, both Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums are more than 50 years old. And while they may look fine on the exterior, there is no saying how solid their internal infrastructures are. And just as Kansas City upgraded its airport to meet the needs of 21st century travelers, we need to recognize the business model of sports franchises have changed in the years since the stadiums were built. While folks in Kansas and Missouri dream of economic development dollars flowing from the construction of new stadiums, the fact remains that most people who have studied this question say that, in the long run, there is no public benefit from subsidizing sports stadiums. And since when do the Hunt family and John Sherman's ownership group qualify for welfare? I am not opposed to building new stadiums. I am not even opposed to some public investment in them. But we should not give away the farm because the teams are holding a gun to our heads. Here's what I see as an ideal solution. Allow to the Royals to build a downtown stadium in either KCMO or KCK. Raze Kauffman stadium and in its place build a domed facility that could attract events currently out of KC's reach, such as the Final Four and the Super Bowl. Add to that a light rail line that runs from downtown to the stadiums so the fans will not be gouged by ridiculous parking prices. Finally, whatever these teams do, they should do it transparently. Their failure to come clean with their plans is the major reason the sales tax vote failed so miserably. Neither Kansas nor Missouri should be forced to play this fool's game. They need to be partners, not patsies. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2025

Give the Gift of Life

2024-06-13T10:16:19-05:00

June 12, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 26) - The lifeblood of America is, literally, dependent upon the kindness of strangers. Most of the blood used in hospitals and clinics for emergency and elective procedures is donated by folks like you and me. We are talking about accident and burn victims, heart surgery and transplant patients and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. While there are a number of worthy community-based blood donation services across the nation, the organization for which I have volunteered over the years, the American Red Cross, collects, processes and distributes about 40 percent of the nation's blood supply. As a communications volunteer, I have engaged in publicity efforts to encourage people to give what the Red Cross calls "the gift of life." According to the organization, it needs to collect about 13,000 blood donation each and every day to meet America's blood needs. And because of the perishable nature of blood, the need for donations is constant. I know all the facts. I used to donate my own blood until medical restrictions changed my eligibility. However, to be honest, this was all an intellectual exercise for me - a sort of "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" issue. At least it was until last week when what appeared to be a simple nosebleed turning into a two-day hospitalization. It turned out that I have developed a non-cancerous condition that dramatically diminishes my supply of blood platelets. (I'm not a doctor, but I can tell you that's not a good thing.) Once the doctors diagnosed my problem, I got a quick transfusion of platelets. I'm better now. It will be some time before I know whether this is a short-term or long-term issue for me. But it has not escaped me that I am alive today because of generous gift of a total stranger. And that's how the system works: You pass it on to someone else never knowing whether that "favor" may be returned. In essence, that's the very definition of living in a community. I am grateful for the unknown hero who came to my aid last week. That's why I am encouraging you to consider giving the gift of life yourself - whether through the American Red Cross or some other worthy blood donation organization. If you are interested in learning more about how you can help the American Red Cross meet the nation's ever-present need for blood donations, go to https://www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-Red-Cross. Whether you donate through to the Red Cross or some other agency, please give blood. You never know when you might need it. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2021

"Guilty" X 34

2024-05-30T21:07:13-05:00

May 30, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 25) - Remember this guy: The Smug Mug? This photo was taken last year after he was criminally indicted for the third time in five months. He was self-assured that, once again, he would beat the rap. After all, he's "a winner." Really? Doesn't look that way. The Cowardly Liar had already lost not one but two defamations lawsuits brought by E. Jean Carroll and now faces $83.3 million in civil judgments. And then there's the $454 million judgment he is facing in a civil fraud case involving false representations of his wealth. Well, today, things got worse. Much worse. A Manhattan jury of seven men and five women found him guilty on 34 counts connected to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels in a scheme to protect his chances of winning the 2016 presidential election. Now, he faces the very real prospect of jail time. Many have said it is unlikely that he will be sentenced to prison. But one shouldn't forget that Michael Cohen, his chief accuser, was sentenced to three years in prison for essentially the same crimes - and Cohen cooperated with prosecutors. One observer noted that judges rarely give jail time to underlings and then let the "crime boss" go scott-free. Of course, the morally bankrupt Republican Party is rallying to the Felon-in-Chief's defense. People such as House Speaker Mini-Mike Johnson, Kari "The Botox Barbie" Lake and Senator Josh "The Skeedaddler" Hawley have already claimed that the verdict was bogus and a political witch-hunt. This is incredibly sad, when you consider that Johnson and Hawley have taken oaths of office that require them to defend the Constitution. Of course, these are the same people that engaged in a failed coup-'d'tat on January 6, 2021. As President Joe Biden's campaign noted in a written reaction to today's verdict, this conviction does not prevent the Count of Mar-a-Lardo from getting on the November ballot. "There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box. Convicted felon or not, Trump will be the Republican nominee for president." Our work is not done. The time has come for real Patriots to come to the defense of our nation by voting Democratic this fall. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

The Real Meaning of Memorial Day

2024-05-24T07:51:40-05:00

May 26, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 24) - The world will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion in just under two weeks. One can easily argue that June 6, 1944, was the most important day of the 20th century. Whether millions would live in freedom or under totalitarian rule hung in the balance as troops from Allied nations stormed the beaches of Normandy to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe. It is hard for me to believe that it has been 20 years since I visited those beaches, explored those battlefields, and walked through villages where the fighting was fiercest. However, my visit to the American Cemetery at Colleville-Saint-Laurent above Omaha Beach was the most emotional moment of my four-day tour. I was so moved that I wrote an essay that was published in the Lawrence Journal-World on the 60th anniversary of D-Day in 2004. In it, I noted that of the 9,350 American graves laid out on this now-peaceful plain above the English Channel, 307 of the crosses bear the inscription "Here rests in honored glory a comrade in arms known but to God." As we approach this Memorial Day weekend, my thoughts do not automatically turn to the fun and joy of the coming summer. They first take me back to that date 20 years ago when I saw tangible evidence of the price of freedom on that bluff above what was once a bloody killing ground. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. It is not Veteran's Day. The day for honoring those who have served in our armed forces is in November. Memorial Day is the day we remember those who made the supreme sacrifice so that present and future generations may live in freedom. One way we honor those who Abraham Lincoln said "gave the last full measure of devotion" is to respect the values for which they fought and died. Those values include equal justice and opportunity for all, fair and free elections, and respect for individual rights within a broader social context. It saddens me that many of our fellow Americans have lost sight of these fundamental tenants that form the basis of our civil society. The partisan tribalism that has defined the American 21st century experience runs contrary to those values we claim to hold dear. This is not a knock on conservatives or liberals, the religious or agnostic, and the rich or the poor. In a free society, all are entitled to have their voices heard within the marketplace of ideas. However, I will say that from the moment he rode down that escalator in his New York highrise in 2015, Donald Trump's craven and profane approach to governance has poisoned our public discourse. This does not mean that all of Trump's followers are - to use Hillary Clinton's ill-chosen characterization - "deplorables." We need to listen to them. And yes, they need to learn to listen to others, as well. After all, freedom of speech and the right to redress our grievances is one of the values for which service men and women have died over the nearly 250 years of the American Republic. If you truly want to honor our fallen heroes this Memorial Day, live the values for which they died. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo of the American Cemetery at Colleville-Saint-Laurent, France, Copyright David W. Guth, 2004

"Make My Day, Pal."

2024-05-16T06:30:39-05:00

May 16, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 23) — You've got to hand it to Joe Biden. That boy's got moxie! Not only did the current and future President of the United States accept the challenge to debate the Defeated Former President, he threw down the gauntlet. “Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020, since then he hasn’t shown up for a debate,” Biden said in a post on the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again. Well, make my day, pal.” To add insult to injury, Dark Brandon then taunted the Cowardly Liar by saying he is willing to debate him any time, noting that the Orange One is "free on Wednesdays," a reference to the only day of the week the indicted buffoon is not in court. The best the former president and potential convicted felon could say in response was to bellow on Truth Social - which, by the way, is neither truthful or sociable - "Let's get ready to rumble." And so they will, in June and in September. Both candidates are unpopular and see the debates as a chance to separate themselves. I agree. These debates will provide a sharp contrast between the empathetic, self-deprecating incumbent and the pathetic, self-deficating loser from Mar-a-Lardo. It's a long way to November, but the contest to save American Democracy will be joined in earnest on June 27. May the best man win - just like he did in 2020. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Deja Vu for the Class of 2024

2024-05-07T06:03:19-05:00

May 7, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 22) - You have to feel some sorrow for the college class of 2024. This is the time of year that students at colleges and universities across the land take that final ceremonial walk that signifies the end of childhood and the start of adulthood. It is a rite of passage one remembers for the rest of one's life. However, this year, many schools have been forced to cancel their graduation ceremonies because of the ongoing campus protests and counterprotests over Israel's military actions in Gaza. Unfortunately, the class of 2024 has been here before. Four years ago, it was the high school class of 2020 - the COVID class. Most of that year's graduation ceremonies were either cancelled or dramatically altered by the pandemic. To those students - victims of circumstances beyond their control - I send my heartfelt sympathies and congratulations. Here, in Lawrence, Kansas, there have been a few, small protests at the University of Kansas - not enough to alter graduation plans. However, these graduating Jayhawks have another obstacle that will affect their graduation. The football stadium where the ceremonies are traditionally held is under "renovation." (I put "renovation" in quotation marks because the university is, in reality, building a new stadium.) The ceremonies will be held in what's left of Memorial Stadium - which means the KU class of 2024 will graduate in a construction site. That will make for less-than-great pictures. As you can see from the picture above, there is only one section of the grandstand remaining. That means each graduate is forced to limit the number of family/friends who come to see their big day to just six people. In fairness to KU, administrators have no other choice. Allen Field House, which has in the past been a bad-weather back-up site for graduation is, itself, in the midst of a major renovation. However, to its credit, the class of 2024 is a savvy lot. It has had a lot of stuff thrown its way the past few years and managed to not only survive, but thrive. Congratulations, graduates! May you enjoy success as you venture forth into this wacky, unpredictable world. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo courtesy KCTV-5.

Campus Action and Reaction

2024-04-28T08:29:36-05:00

April 28, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 21) - It shouldn't surprise anyone that protests have broken out on many of our nation's college campuses over the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. As I have noted in this space on several occasions, Israel's response to the October 7 terror attacks has been both justified and excessive to the point of alienating many of its most ardent supporters. Spring campus protests are almost an American right of passage. Above are pictures of my personal right of passage - anti-Vietnam war protests at the University of Maryland on May 1, 1971. There had been even more violent protests one year earlier after President Nixon announced a military incursion into Cambodia. To be truthful, I was more of a small town spectator than a street activist. However, my attitude changed when I was tear-gassed by trigger-happy members of the Prince George's County Sheriff's Department. However, getting back to the present, students today have a right to protest Israel's actions, just as those who support Israel enjoy the same free-speech rights. The rub comes over the time, place and manner of the protests. Protesting students are occupying public spaces, thus disrupting normal campus operations. College administrators are struggling to straddle the fine line that exists between First Amendment rights and legitimate operational and public safety concerns. Their efforts are further complicated by a small percentage of protesters whose rhetoric crosses into the realm of antisemitism. On the top of that is the disingenuous and artificial outrage generated by people like Mini-Mike Johnson, the perhaps not-for-long speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and faux-journalistic outlets like Fox News. They are just looking for another way to blame Joe Biden. (I think they blamed Biden for last week's solar eclipse.). And let's be clear on one point: Criticizing Israel and its leadership is not, in and of itself, antisemitic. The struggle between the legitimate right to protest and the need for law and order — especially on college campuses — is as old as the nation, itself. American philosopher Henry David Thoreau challenged the world order in his 1849 essay Civil Disobedience, in which he explained his rationale for refusing to pay federal taxes to support what he felt was the immoral U.S.-Mexican War. He wrote that when a government is unjust, people should refuse to follow the law and distance themselves from that government. Thoreau was a disciple of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Transcendentalism, a belief that people find truth within themselves in the spiritual world. The reality is that people who proclaim they absolutely know what is right and wrong are probably more often wrong than right. One of the great challenges of a democratic society is the ability to find - and respect - the fine balance between competing values. We call those who choose to do so leaders. Those who don't are most often known as MAGA-Republicans. Of course, they will protest that characterization. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photos Copyright David W. Guth, 1971

"Oh, Say Can You See..." In Context

2024-04-20T09:21:01-05:00

April 20, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 20) - I guess it was inevitable. Within days of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge at the mouth of the Baltimore harbor, a self-appointed group of community activists proclaimed that the replacement bridge should be christened under another name. It seems that, at least in their eyes, Francis Scott Key was an unredeemable racist who should be stricken from our history. They propose that the replacement bridge be named for the late Congressman Parren Mitchell, a civil rights pioneer and first black man elected to Congress from Maryland. Make no mistake about it, Mitchell is worthy of the honor, However, as a historian, I happen to believe that Key is, as well. There are those among us who want to view history through a 21st century filter that ignores the context of past events. Yes, there are aspects of Key's record that do not appear favorable in the light of today's reality. But here's the rub: Francis Scott Key did not live in the 21st century. He lived in the 19th century, a time where he was honored among his peers and was even considered somewhat liberal when it came to his attitudes toward race. I have no problem in pointing out the flaws in the man. But can't we do so with an understanding of the social, moral and political constraints of his time? I have no problem removing confederate civil war statutes that glorify "The Lost Cause" from public grounds. After all, by definition, the confederates were engaged in treason. On the other hand, I have no problem of public remembrances of the Civil War, including the recognition of those who sacrificed their lives for a misguided cause. I feel the same way about Key. Frankly, whether or not he was "a good man" is not a slam dunk either way. My view is, that in the context of his time, the good Key did for the people of Baltimore, Maryland, and the United States - black and white - outweighs the negatives. I don't believe we should whitewash our history. But I also don't believe we should erase it, either. The only ethical approach to the study of history is to do so within the context of the times. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Time to Keep Our Heads Cool and Our Powder Dry

2024-04-14T08:04:58-05:00

April 14, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 19) - No one should be surprised that Iran launched a heavy drone and rocket attack against Israel yesterday. From the Iranian perspective, they had no choice. The unprecedented direct attack from Iran on Israeli territory was a response to Israel's deadly attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria. And make no mistake about it, Israel's attack on a foreign embassy was a violation of international law. However - no surprise here, either - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doesn't give a damn about international law. Yes, Israel has the right to defend itself. I have said as much in this space. But it also has a moral imperative to conduct itself in a civilized manner - something I have also said in this space. (In fact, it is an argument I have been making for literarily decades, long before anyone had even dreamed of the idea of blogging.) The actions of Israeli troops under his command in Gaza constitute war crimes - not that anyone will be held accountable as long as the West is held hostage by its strategic need to defend Israel. As I stated in an earlier blog post, Israel has become America's albatross. And as long Netanyahu is in charge over there, the world is becoming an increasingly dangerous place. Let's be clear: Netanyahu wants war. He needs war. He's using the events in Gaza as a political cover to help keep his corrupt administration in office. Make no mistake, this is a dangerous moment. And cooler heads should prevail. I saw former Trump stooge and national security advisor John Bolton on network television this morning blaming President Biden for the attack - an attack Biden had known was coming and warned others about for days - and urging Israel to "hit back hard" at Iran. Considering that the drone and rocket attack was ineffective, did little damage and resulted in one minor injury, I'd say that old Joe and the Allies did a pretty damn good job of protecting Israel. Bolton's advice is stupid and should be rejected. There are ways Israel can respond to his latest provocation without starting World War Three. And consider this: It may be that Iran's attack was deliberately ineffective because they had the same goals in mind. They don't want a war with the West any more than we want one with them. In the meantime, House Republicans need to get off their oversized arses and pass national security funding that will aid Israel, help Ukraine, and provide additional resources to deal with the crisis at the southern border. In other words, it is time to keep our heads cool and our powder dry. We can protect Israel, prevent Russian aggression and secure our borders at the same time. At least, the Democrats can. The Republican House of Representatives has yet to show that it can both walk and chew gum. That would be funny if they weren't putting us all at risk. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

The Man From Vlad

2024-04-11T11:36:19-05:00

April 11, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 18) - One can't help but wonder what Vladimir Putin is holding over his favorite American politician, Donald Trump. Is it the alleged "Pee-Pee Tape?" Perhaps it is an illegal loan he got from his Russian pals to help prop up Trump's phony financial empire. Or maybe it is just that America's Flim-Flam Man is enamored with a guy is who just as morally corrupt as he. In any event, the Defeated Former President continues to do the Kremlin's bidding at the expense of our nation's security. His latest gambit is an attempt to block reauthorization of a critical surveillance program, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), that helps American intelligence agencies keep tabs on people who want to do us harm. It should have been easy for Congress to dispose of this matter. However, the Moron from Mar-a-Lago continues to do what he does best - sow chaos that benefits America's enemies. A handful of MAGA minions joined with House Democrats, reveling in the GOP's discord, to block consideration of the bill. (By the way, the Democrats run the risk having blood on their hands if they continue to play these silly games.) Trump stooge Marjorie Taylor Greene is angling to oust Speaker Mini-Mike Johnson if he allows a vote FISA, gives money to Ukraine or does anything that may draw the ire of the already angry MAGA maggot mob. Meanwhile, Putin is smiling, drinking his vodka and riding his horse shirtless and bareback. He helped engineer the election of a useful idiot to the presidency in 2016 and, if you believe the polls, he has a good chance of doing it again this fall. And make no mistake about it, his favorite presidential candidate, The Man From Vlad, is planning to dismantle constitutional checks and balances the minute he reenters the White House. How do we know this? Just listen to what the philandering and seditious sexual offender has been saying. And the crazy thing is that about one-third of the American electorate seems happy at the prospect. They do not realize that a return of the Republican chaos of 2017-2021 would have a direct and dramatically negative impact on their lives. The Man From Vlad and Putin's Puppets in Congress will destroy the world's faith in the United States - not that they haven't significantly damaged it already. Foreign adversaries will attack us on a variety of fronts. Their "lazy-fair" approach to government (as opposed to laissez-faire) will lead to an erosion of individual rights, a significant weakening of the nation's economy and, quite possibly, a war. This year's presidential election is not only the most important of our lifetimes, if it goes the way Putin and our adversaries hope, it well could be our last. The stakes are that high. To repeat something I have said before, there is not a single Republican in the House, Senate or the White House, who deserves your trust. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Why Age is Just a Number

2024-04-01T06:29:54-05:00

April 1, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 17) - As Americans debate whether the two men most likely to be elected President this November are too old for the job, it is important to remember the effective presidency of one of the oldest men to occupy the Oval Office, Dwight David Eisenhower. Ike was (gasp) 70 years old when he left office in 1961. Historians and pundits at the time said that the Eisenhower presidency had been inconsequential. Sandwiched between the Roosevelt era's war and Depression and the legendary Camelot of John Kennedy, the Eisenhower years had been described as serene. However, with the passage of time and declassification of 1950s government documents, historians have come to realize that Ike was sitting on a powder keg. It was only through his enlightened leadership that Eisenhower navigated the United States and world away from a third, more deadly global conflict. The man who was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force that liberated Europe during World War Two, was a champion of peace. It was historian Fred L. Greenstein in his seminal book The Hidden Hand Presidency: Eisenhower as Leader, who was the first to redefine how Ike led America through dangerous times. I am currently reading Eisenhower 1956: The President's Year of Crisis by David A. Nichols. It describes how President Eisenhower, despite his own personal health crises, guided America and the world during the Suez Crisis, a potential East-West conflict that could have resulted in World War Three. Since then, Eisenhower's stature among historians has risen. Ike has been described as one of best presidents in American history. (To no one's surprise, Donald Trump is listed among the worst.) I still like Ike. And for anyone who suggests that the 81-year-old man currently occupying the White House is too old, I suggest that you look past the number and look at what he has actually accomplished - especially in comparison to his do-nothing bumbling predecessor. If Dwight Eisenhower has taught us anything, it is that age is just a number. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo courtesy Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library.

Disaster at Key Bridge

2024-03-26T07:38:40-05:00

March 26, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 16) - Bridges are more than traffic infrastructure. They are conveyances of communication, culture and commerce. They are literally lifelines for communities. As one who has written a book about bridges in the state of Maryland, specifically the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, news of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that spans the mouth of Baltimore harbor comes as a shock. At the time of this writing, rescue operations are underway with at least seven people reported missing. Considering how cold the water is and that sonar has indicated that are several automobiles detected under the water, there could be a high human toll. That it be a major economic disaster for the nation's ninth busiest port. Key Bridge, a major component of next of I-695, the Baltimore Beltway, handles 31,000 vehicles daily. This is not just local traffic - much of it is interstate commerce traversing the East Coast. Cross-harbor traffic will now to diverted to the city's two already congested harbor tunnels. A larger consideration is the impact on shipping. Baltimore harbor handled record tonnage last year - a welcome development follow the COVID-related economic slump. It may be weeks or months before ships can enter the port. The Key Bridge is among several water crossings - including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge - made possible by the state's innovative Primary Bridge Program. The PBP is a toll-revenue sharing program that gives the state budgetary flexibility to meet the state's transportation needs. As officials move from rescue to response operations, the first order of business will be to open the shipping channel to keep commerce flowing. Obviously, there will be federal, state and private investigations into what happened. This may result in criminal charges. It most certainly will result in major lawsuits. As for the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland, the loss of the Key Bridge is a disaster of major proportions. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Raging Racism in Topeka

2024-03-22T09:23:02-05:00

March 22, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 15) - To virtually no one's surprise, Republicans in the Kansas legislature have put personal pettiness ahead of the needs of its citizens. Despite overwhelming public support and the testimony from 900 Kansas citizens, the legislature has once again blocked Medicaid expansion. Wichita Republican Rep. Brenda Landwehr, chairman of a house committee considering the bill, made the remarkable - and insanely stupid - excuse, "Why would you expand a broken system?" To that I say, "Where's your proof that it's broken?" On the contrary, the Lawrence Journal World reports that it would bring much-needed aid to 150,000 Kansans and would unlock $700 million in federal aid. The apparently dim-witted sheriff of Sedgwick County testified that the cost of paying for inmate health care would be "devastating" - despite the fact that local and state officials are required to deal with inmate health care needs anyway. If anything, the failure to expand Medicaid may actually increase their costs. The equally moronic Republican house and senate leadership says they are opposed to "the expansion of the welfare state." What welfare state are they referring to? The United States ranks near the bottom of industrialized nations in providing support to its less-fortunate citizens. So, why are Republicans dead-set against expanding Medicaid? Hint: It has nothing to do with cost. There are two reasons the Republicans in Topeka refuse to expand Medicaid. First, most of the people who would be served are black and poor - not generally considered a Republican constituency. The second reason is because of the Medicaid expansion's popular nickname, Obamacare. And, boy do Republicans hate Obama. Even eight years after he left office, these Republican hold a deep resentment for the uppity, intelligent and articulate black man with the family from central casting. When you throw away all the rhetoric and obfuscation, it's all about race. And it's all about the racists running the Kansas legislature. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David Guth, 2021

Radio Days: Hammerin' Hank

2024-03-18T04:36:27-05:00

March 18, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 14) - During the period of my life that I was a broadcast journalist, I was privileged to meet people and experience events that I otherwise would never have. Such an event occurred April 15, 1977, when I was on the field at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium to witness the uniform number retirement ceremony for the greatest (non-steroidal) home run hitter in Major League Baseball history, Henry "Hank" Aaron. I was the news director of WXLX-AM in Milledgeville, Georgia. Along with our sports director Steve Stoddard, we obtained press passes for the Atlanta Braves opening night game against the Houston Astros. The Braves won in front of a crowd of 46,969 by a score of 4-3 on the strength of two-run home runs by Jeff Burroughs and Jerry Royster - both off of the oddly named pitcher Mark Lemongello. But the real draw that night was the "Hammerin' Hank" retirement ceremony. It occured exactly three years and one week after Aaron hit his 715th home run to pass Babe Ruth. My media pass allowed me to be on the field before the game and to take fabulous photos like the one above. That's then-Braves owner and media mogul Ted Turner at the mic, which was situated at home plate during the ceremonies. While on the field, I got a chance to talk briefly with Turner. (I met him a second time seven years later at the Pierre Hotel in New York City when we both won Peabody Awards.) I also had the honor of meeting Georgia native Keith Jackson of ABC Sports, who served as master of ceremonies on this special night. I got great photos of Aaron, but did not talk to him. I gave that honor to Stoddard, who taped an interview with him. After the ceremonies, I covered the game in the press box and went into the Braves locker room after the final out. It was a heady experience for a small town radio guy. One of my strongest memories of that locker room visit was watching MLB players being interviewed while sitting at their lockers completely in the nude. Frankly, I just stood in the back, held out my microphone and kept my mouth shut. I was too intimidated - and embarrassed - to ask questions of naked men headed to or from a shower. That's the only time in my journalism career I gathered soundbites from anyone sans clothes - although there were a few politicians I suspected conducted public business while buck naked. Nevertheless, it's a night I will always remember: Hammerin' Hank and baseball in the buff. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo copyright David W. Guth, 1977.

Game On

2024-03-08T06:26:55-06:00

March 8, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 13) - If anyone doubted that Joe Biden is up to leading our nation, those doubts should have been dispelled last night. President Biden's third State of the Union address was feisty, combative and unusually partisan - exactly what the times called for. He didn't pull any punches when it came to citing the failures of his predecessor, although he didn't mention him by name. (You may have noticed that I go to great lengths to avoid mentioning the name of our Defeated Former President.) And, as he did last year, Biden suckered unruly and undisciplined Republicans into highlighting their own failures. One could not help but feel sorry of House Speaker Mini-Mike Johnson as he sat behind the President in view of the television audience for the entire hour-plus long speech. At times, the Speaker was like a bobblehead doll, unintentionally showing agreement with Biden's statements. It was humorous watching Mini-Mike try to hide his applause of approval for things the President said by putting his hands under the desk. (Was the Speaker adjusting his woofers and tweeters? Just sayin'.) On one occasion, Mini-Mike noticeably sat quietly, refusing to applause Biden's call to defeat Russian aggression in Ukraine. (Ronald Reagan was spinning in his grave.) Many, if not most political commentators gave Biden high marks for his speech. The SOTU was followed by a response from Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama. Sure, Britt gave a youthful face to the Republican Party. However, any advantage the GOP gained from that was lost once she opened her mouth and talked. The Stepford Senator's response was weak, condescending and poorly staged. When she asked the question if America is better off today than it was four years ago, I said to myself a resounding "hell yes!" Britt may be pretty and smart (perhaps Sarah Palin smart), but she parroted the same old lies and choked back phony tears in a pathetic performance. Did Joe Biden give a flawless performance? No. Will the speech force MAGA Maggots to sing another tune? Unlikely. However, early polling suggests that Biden accomplished exactly what he wanted (and needed) to do - energize his base and sway reticent independents. Game On. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

How Old Is Too Old? (Part 2)

2024-03-05T07:56:47-06:00

March 5, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 12) - On this Super Tuesday, a day when the defeated and demented former president is about to sow-up the Republican presidential nomination, it is time once again to ask the question "How old is too old to be President of the United States?" Six months ago in this very space, I asked and answered that question. In that blog post, I said "To me, it is not a question of whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump should win the next election. Donald Trump is the most corrupt, morally deficient and dangerous politician America has known since Huey Long. The question is whether Joe Biden is up to the job. If one judges by the merits of his accomplishments and failures in office - in other words, judging him by his record - I believe the answer is still a resounding 'yes.'" Nothing since has happened to change that point of view. If anything, the bumbles and stumbles of the moron from Mar-a-Lago have reenforced my position. Even if we ignore the evidence that shows that former President Man Child is a seditious and fraudulent sexually abusing grifter - and that's a hell of a lot to ignore - it isn't hard to see that the old fool is losing it. He mistakes President Biden for former President Obama. (Yeah, they look so much alike, don't they?) He has difficulty speaking a complete sentence, rambles incoherently and slurs his words when he talks and shuffles along like the late Tim Conway's "Oldest Man" character on the old Carol Burnett Show. Yes, Joe Biden is showing his age. And am wild about the prospects to two men born in the 1940s running for president? I am not. But let's be clear on this one point: Biden is showing no signs of dementia and his opponent is. That's not a standard I'd like to set for the presidency. But it is what it is. And, as it has been said, would you rather have a president with 81 years behind him or 91 indictments in front of him? That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Fifty Years Ago Today, She Took My Breath Away

2024-02-22T05:43:06-06:00

February 22, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 11) - Fifty years ago on this very day, my world changed forever. It was already guaranteed to be a memorable day. Late on a rainy Friday afternoon, I rounded a curve on U.S. 60 in my blue VW bug and entered the sleepy - and on this day, dreary - little town of Hawesville, Kentucky. I had taken a job sight-unseen as an announcer and ad salesman for daytime country music radio station WKCM-AM. It was my first job out of college. The country was in the middle of a recession and it was the first job I could find after several months of looking. At the end of a grueling two-day drive from College Park, Maryland, I drove up to the station, located in a small white-frame house just a stone's throw from the Ohio River and met my boss and co-workers for the first time. After brief introductions, the group went down to a small restaurant near the Ohio River bridge that takes you into Indiana. The name of the restaurant - which no longer exists - was the Captain's Table. It was much like downtown Hawesville itself, unpretentious and tiny. Over a dinner of ribeyes and baked potatoes, the trajectory of my life changed. A pretty young waitress with light brown hair and wire-rimmed glasses wearing a white dress and blue stockings walked into my life, took my dinner order and, eventually, captured my heart. She was a high school senior named Jan Marie Fillman. I was only 21. She was 17. Yet I knew right away that Jan was someone special. She literally took my breath away. Little did either of us know that 18 months and one day later we would become husband and wife. That encounter 50 years ago today launched us on a 33-year adventure punctuated by the birth of our daughter Susan in December 1983. Marriage to Jan also brought with it the added bonus of becoming a part of the extended Fillman family - something I consider a blessing. The picture I have chosen to accompany this blog entry was taken on what was, other than the day our daughter was born, my favorite day of our nearly 32-year marriage. Jan and I were dining at a street cafe along the Champs-Elysées in Paris on May 1, 2004. We spent four days in The City of Light at the end of a four-month teaching assignment in Italy. The French capitol was beautiful, the weather was perfect and our time together was golden. I had no way of knowing that my loving wife would be gone in less than three years from a cerebral hemorrhage. That's why I hold memories of that May Day, our life together and that magical encounter a half-century ago today so dear. Emily Dickinson wrote "unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality." There is also a Vietnamese proverb that is fitting on this very special anniversary: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2004

"Hello, Mr. David"

2024-02-20T07:01:41-06:00

February 20, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 10) - The phone rings, usually at an inopportune time. My smart phone screen warns me that it is a spam call. It also says the call is from an unfamiliar number - often from Houston, but sometimes from rural Kansas. But I know better. It is probably originating from India or the Philippines. Out of curiosity, I answer the phone. For a few seconds, there is no one at the other end - a sign that the spam warning was spot-on. Finally, I hear someone with a heavy, barely understandable accent ask if I am David Guth, the author of Thirteen Minutes: Death of An American High School. When I acknowledge that I am, the voice on the other end of the line says "Hello, Mr. David" - a greeting I find annoying, insulting and presumptuous - and proceeds to tell me that my book has been "specially" selected by a panel of editors for their company's promotional opportunities. It is a spiel I have heard literally dozens of times. Operating from a boiler room script, I am told how exceptional my book is and that they are prepared to give it the "worldwide" publicity it deserves. Let me unwrap this. First, while I am proud of my book, my first effort at writing fiction, I am a realist. I have absolutely no expectation of it suddenly rocketing to the top of The New York Times Best Seller List. (Don't get me wrong: I think it is a good story and I invite you to read it.) Second, absolutely no one on the other end of the line has actually read my book. The caller always speaks in generalities based on previously distributed promotional materials for my book. (That's where they got my name and number.) When I ask the callers what they think of my story's surprise ending, they usually tap dance for a few moments before proclaiming that it was "great." Next, they say they can provide me "worldwide" publicity for my book, usually for just a few hundred bucks. However, when I drill down into what these promotional efforts entail, I learn that they are based on a mass e-mail distribution of a news release about my book. Unfortunately for the caller, I taught college students about news releases and promotions for nearly three decades. What the caller is proposing is load of crap and would result in me just throwing away my hard-earned money. When these companies show me examples of news releases they have prepared for others, I shudder in disbelief. If any of my students had submitted that garbage to me, they would have rightfully earned a failing grade. Writing a book is a very personal experience. Exposing oneself to the critiques of others requires almost reckless courage. Unable to attract a traditional publisher, I published Thirteen Minutes through a hybrid publisher, where I assumed some of the up-front costs and will keep all of the royalties until I recoup my costs. In short, I invested in myself. If it pays off, great. If it doesn't, at least I tried. I have a second fiction coming out later this year, In the Moment: The Journey of the Class of '70. It is story about growing up on Maryland's Eastern Shore in the turbulent 1960s. Because of its regional focus, I am confident that it will be moderately successful, just like my first single-authored book, Bridging the Chesapeake: A 'Fool Idea" That Unified Maryland. I am under no illusion that some Indian or Philippine-based company channeling its marketing calls through American telephone exchanges is going to make me "The Next Big Thing." (If you want to get a sense of just how many of these vultures exist, click on this link.) I refuse to let them prey on my ego and wallet. I may not become a best-selling author. I can live with that. What I am not be willing to live with is being a gullible and stupid author. Caveat emptor. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

The Outrage at Union Station

2024-02-15T05:07:20-06:00

February 15, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 9) - Mass casualty shootings can happen anywhere at anytime. And it happened again yesterday when gunfire broke out at the conclusion of a parade and celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' recent Super Bowl victory. At the time of this writing, there is at least one person dead, more than 20 injured - most of those children - and an entire community emotionally scarred. What should have been a joyous event evoking a pleasurable lifetime memory is now forever soiled by this act of senseless violence. Why did it happen? The police will be spending the next hours and days attempting to figure out the motive of the shooter or shooters. However, in a deeper sense, we already know the answer. This sort of tragedy happens daily in the United States because of the prevalence of easy-to-obtain automatic weapons. When one watches video of the atrocity that happened at Kansas City's Union Station yesterday, you can clearly hear the "pop-pop-pop-pop" of an automatic weapon being fired. Who brings such a hideous device to a football rally and for what purpose? Why on earth do we allow the sale and possession of military-style weapons by civilians? We don't allow them to have rocket launchers, flame throwers or nuclear weapons. Automatic weapons that are designed for only one purpose, to kill human beings, should be no different. Regardless of what gun companies, gun organizations and right-wing nut jobs claim, the Second Amendment is not a blank check. Just as it is the case with every other aspect of the Constitution, reasonable limits can be imposed. Just as you can't yell "fire" in a crowded theatre, you shouldn't be allowed to bring a weapon of mass destruction into one, either. I've said it before and I'll say it again: The Second Amendment is not a hunting license. Kansas City will bury its dead. The wounds will eventually heal. But none of the hundreds of thousands of people who attended the rally or watched it live on television will ever again be able to drive by Union Station without remembering the carnage that occurred there yesterday. Until we enact reasonable restrictions against the sale and possession of automatic weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, outrages like the one that happened at Union Station will continue. May God - and our elected leaders - protect our people from senseless gun violence. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Israel: America's Albatross

2024-02-14T07:29:13-06:00

February 14, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 8) - As the world's only democratic superpower, the United States has an imperative need and a moral responsibility to maintain peace. And make no mistake about it, playing the role of peacemaker is in our own vital interests. Unfortunately, there are those who choose to sow the seeds of chaos. It is not just the usual suspects - Russia, Iran, North Korea and China. It is also a nation that should be one of our closest friends, Israel. Under the erratic leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu, the public image of the only real democratic nation in the heart of the Middle East has been transformed from a sympathetic victim of the October 7 terror attacks into that of a callous, mass-murdering bully. As I noted in this space on November 1, Israel has a moral imperative to behave in a civilized manner, even in the midst of a war. And yet, as evidence from the above photograph (courtesy The New York Times), the Netanyahu government has been anything but civilized. That picture was taken after Israel this week conducted a raid to rescue two hostages. They were successful in liberating the hostages, but managed to kill dozens of women and children in the process. And Netanyahu has proposed a plan to force 1.5 million residents in Rafah to flee before engaging a military operations against Hamas. However, Netanyahu has no plans regarding where these poor people should go. In a 20th century context, we would call this ethnic cleansing. Don't get me wrong, Hamas are the bad guys and Israel has the right to defend itself. As I noted earlier this month, we also need to hold the Usual Suspects (Iran, Russia, North Korea and China) accountable for their bad behavior. However, Israel's actions in Gaza are beyond the pale and threaten the security of not only the Middle East, but of the United States itself. Because we are fully committed to Israel's existence and the Israelis know it, Israel has become an albatross around America's neck. There is not only increased danger of attacks on Americans abroad and in the homeland, but the controversy over Israel's behavior is threatening to splinter the Democratic Party at a time the nation is facing it's greatest threat, the candidacy of a racist, rapist, seditious, fraudulent, intellectual lightweight named Donald Trump. The Biden administration has to walk a fine line between unambiguous support for Israel and tampering down that nation's reckless and immoral behavior. To put it simply: Friends don't let friends commit mass murder. If we don't stop this madness, that albatross around our neck may strangle us. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Mini-Mike's Misery

2024-02-07T05:55:01-06:00

February 7, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 7) - You should be careful what you ask for - you may just get it. That's a hard-learned lesson Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is trying to cope with today. Mini-Mike suffered two embarrassing defeats yesterday inside of one fateful hour. First, the GOP-controlled House lost control and failed by four Republican votes to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. It's not that they had any justification to do so. The charges against him were, literally, Trumped-up. And when push came to shove, Mini-Mike's Sedition Caucus was unable to do what it said it would do. A few minutes later, Mini-Mike's Clown Caucus failed to deliver a much-needed aid package of Israel - something else the Speaker said he could deliver. The fact is that Mini-Mike is the weakest Speaker of House of Representatives since before the American Civil War. The Louisiana Loser, who originally wanted to be a firefighter like his heroic dad, has found that he is incapable of putting out fires of his own making. More importantly, he and his predecessor, the disgraced Kevin McCarthy, have shown the nation and the world how feckless and spineless the Republican Party has become. Although most Republicans on the Hill despise former President Bone Spurs, they are afraid to say or do anything that will upset him and the MAGA-maggots. This became painfully evident this week, when Republicans started backing away from a bipartisan immigration deal/foreign aid package within hours of the announcement of its details. They did so, despite the fact that it contains most of what these so-called conservatives have said they have wanted for more than a decade. And why the sudden reversal? Because former President Man Child said so. He wants the immigration chaos to continue so he can blame President Biden. Well, guess what? As of Sunday, February 5, 2024, the day the Republicans scuttled real-immigration reform, the Republicans own that issue. Every person who comes across our southern border illegally from that date is on them. The only accomplishment the Republicans have achieved during the last eight years is the removal of govern from government. With Mini-Mike in the House and Moscow Mitch McConnell in the Senate, American Democracy has ground to a halt. That's why this November we should remember that friends don't let friends vote Republican. Any party that puts politics above the national interest and adopts a mentally-challenged sex-offender, tax-cheat, seditionist as its standard bearer is unworthy of anyone's vote. That includes all spineless Republican representatives and senators who blindly follow the Orange Traitor as he tries to drive the country over the cliff. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Stop Dithering With Iran

2024-01-29T06:17:51-06:00

January 29, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 6) - Iranian-backed terrorists killed three American servicemen and injured dozens more in a weekend drone attack in Jordan. President Biden says the United States will respond to this atrocity. I am certain it will. But will the response be strong enough? The time has come to stop dithering around with Iran, a nation with which we have been in various stages of conflict since the hostage crisis of 1979. I urge President Biden to strike Iran directly, especially its military and naval forces in and around the Red Sea. We've done it before. President Reagan ordered air strikes in 1988 that destroyed half of Iran's navy in one afternoon. That is the very least we should do at this time. I'm not a war monger. However, the time has come to remind the Iranians, the Russians and the Chinese that we have a military budget larger than the next 14 nations combined. Let's face reality: As long as we are the world's only significant superpower, there are a bunch of other nations that will always take potshots at us. However, in the case of Iran, we are faced with a criminal and morally corrupt nation that is trying to export its bastardized version of Islam. (Make no mistake: Iran is to Islam as much as Nazi Germany was to Christianity.). The only action that currently makes sense is for the United States to begin a significant and sustained bombing campaign against the Iranians. However, at the same time, we also need to begin a strategic disengagement from Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu has used the Gaza attacks of last October to wage much wider war designed to overshadow his political scandals at home. Israel has become an albatross around the neck of the United States. We can ensure the security of the Jewish State without becoming entangled in its domestic affairs. I know that whatever President Biden chooses to do, he will be roundly criticized on his right and his left. Guess what, Joe? That comes with the job. And as I see it, Job One right now is to give Iran a bloody nose and reminder her that we are willing to use EVERY weapon in our arsenal against her if these proxy attacks on American forces continue. Damn it, we are a superpower. It's time to remind the rest of the world of that. That''s it for now. Fear the Turtle.

A Confederacy of Cowards

2024-01-23T07:29:35-06:00

January 23, 2024 (Vol. 18 No.5) - A rose by any other name is a rose. And a coward by any other name is a coward. Nikki Haley is a coward. So is Ron DeSantis. In fact, you can name almost anyone who claims to be a leader of the party formerly known as "Republicans" - they are all cowards. And we all may pay a dear price in the loss of our basic freedoms and human rights because of their criminal spinelessness. Nikki Haley, a former governor of South Carolina who does not appear to understand the role her state had in leading the original insurrection against the United States in 1861, would have you believe that she is the only brave person standing up against the chaos that was - and still is - the mental midget of a moron America kicked out of the White House in November 2020. But as late as Monday, the day before the New Hampshire presidential primary, she could not give a straight answer to the question "Is Donald Trump mentally fit to serve as president?" Her answer - "He is, but he is in decline" (paraphrase) - was just as lilli-livered as her inane response to the question about the cause of the Civil War. (Apparently, slavery had nothing to do with it.) She is now the only "viable" challenger left between The Serial Sex Offender and the Republican nomination. That's because her last remaining rival for the exalted position of "last loser," mushy-mouthed Ron DeSantis, dropped out of the race over the weekend. He failed to stop The Man Who Would Be King - and Haley also will fail - for a fundamental reason: They are afraid to take him on. Unfortunately, they are not alone in their absence of a moral backbone. Practically every elected official in the Neo-con Republican Party (a/k/a "The New Nazis") has fallen in line with the Most Dangerous Man-Child in America out of the fear of offending his "base." (When used as an adjective, base means "of a person or a person's actions without moral principles.") Some of these erstwhile "leaders," such as New York congressman and political prostitute Elise Stephanik, are groveling at the Orangutan's feet in the hope of becoming his vice president or a member of his cabinet. No one in this Confederacy of Cowards is willing to call him out for what he really is: A convicted rapist, tax cheat, seditionist, mentally incompetent and morally bankrupt wannabe dictator. During The Defeated Former President's reign of terror, he undermined our allies, gave aid and comfort to our enemies, condoned racial and political violence and treated the death of more than a half-million Americans during COVID-19 as a political inconvenience. Don't get me wrong: These party leaders are not stupid people. They know what he is and many do not like him. But they are scared of him and his ability to summon his Proud Boy followers. Leaders lead. They don't cower in fear. As one who grew up as a Republican and worked in politics for a Republican governor whom I still admire, it pains me to say this: If you truly want to make America great, don't ever, ever vote Republican. In a world in need of vision, they have given blind loyalty to charlatan, a crook, and a Cowardly Liar. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Do Not Fear The Reaper

2024-01-20T08:45:09-06:00

January 20, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 4) - When we are younger, let's say in our teens, we are invincible. While still immature in many ways, our bodies and minds are at the best they will ever be. We have no concept of our own morality. For that reason, as well as lacking real-world experiences, we are willing to take risks we will not dream of in our later years. Fast forward - and that seems an appropriate term - 50 years to the present. When you are in your early 70s, one's world perspective changes. Sooner or later, there will come a time when you are reminded that you have a temporary lease on this planet and that, eventually, you will receive your eviction notice. Such a realization is a rude and, dare I say, frightening experience. My moment came his past week, when seemingly out of nowhere, I was presented with such severe back and hip pain that I could hardly walk. If I had been living alone, I would have been unable to take care of myself. Fortunately, my loving life-partner was present to help. But even she has her own aches and pains to address. The worse was not knowing what was wrong. Under those circumstance, the mind can take you in a number of dark places. Now I know: I have degenerative spondylosis with in the lumbar spine. (English translation: The Old Gray Mare She Ain't What She Use To Be.) That's a lot better diagnosis than I had feared. My medical team will now develop a plan to lessen my pain. But the reality is that I will likely have to live with this the rest of my life. My cane may now be a constant companion. The sad fact is that unless one dies of a virulent virus or in a sudden accident, we all face the ravages of old age. Anyone who believes he or she can escape the effects of Mother Nature or Father Time is delusional. This is not to say that I fear The Reaper. I just know that the bastard lurks in the shadows. The best that I can do is tackle each day's challenges the best I can with the tools I have available. That's all any of us can do. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle - not The Reaper. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2024

Iowa: Three Questions

2024-01-16T03:43:56-06:00

January 16, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 3) - The 2024 presidential electoral process began in earnest last night with the Iowa Caucuses. As expected, former President Man-child won an easy victory, winning half of that state's 40 delegates to the Republican National Convention. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Niki Haley ran a distant second and third, respectively. Now that this quadrennial ritual is behind us, I have three questions. Question 1: Why caucuses? This antiquated system is an anti-democratic vestige of English parliamentary elections that discourages voter participation. The 109,000-plus people who participated last night represented only 5.2 percent of Iowa's registered voters and only 15.2 percent of its registered Republicans. It's said Iowans cherish the caucus tradition. Apparently, most do not cherish it enough to brave sub-zero conditions on a winter's night. A traditional primary election would be more representative of the will of the people - and a heck of a lot more practical for the elderly, those who work at night and/or care for children. Question 2: Why Iowa? Starting the presidential nomination process in this lilly-white, ultra-conservative Midwestern enclave doesn't make any sense. Can you think of a state that is less representative of the diversity of America than Iowa? (OK, maybe New Hampshire. I'll save that for another day.) Regional multi-state primaries would force candidates to address a wider range of issues than farm subsidies, ethanol and the Butter Cow at the State Fair. Question 3: What the hell are these people thinking? Let's see if I got this straight: Iowa Republicans want a seditionist, rapist, tax-cheating, mentally ill, inarticulate, criminally stupid, Constitution-denying, wannabe dictator to be our next president. Really? That's the best we can do? In the movie Field of Dreams, Iowa is referred to as Heaven. But if this is the best Iowa Republicans can do when selecting a president, a more apt description of the place would be Hell. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2023

Fragility

2024-01-09T06:58:19-06:00

January 9, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 2) - Practically every astronaut, cosmonaut and erstwhile space traveler says the same thing when he or she looks back down on the earth for the first time. They see that the dividing line between life and death is a relatively thin layer of atmosphere. No doubt, they're struck by the fragility of life on earth. Frankly, if more people had the opportunity to see the earth from this vantage point, there would be fewer global warming skeptics. Metaphorically, our tenuous hold on life on earth is similar to our equally tenuous hold on democracy in the United States. Just like the air around us at ground level, our democracy is omnipresent, seemingly limitless and secure. But when one steps back and takes in the context of our times - much like viewing the earth's atmosphere from space - there is a different picture. We see more and more of our citizens abandoning fundamental values in favor of vague and unrealistic short-term goals. In their caucuses next Monday, the Republican voters of Iowa are likely to give their support to an oligarch who wrecked the economy, stood by and did nothing while hundred of thousands of our citizens died in the pandemic, gave aid and comfort to the enemies of the United States, and, after losing the 2020 election, ruthlessly tried to overthrow the government. (It makes you wonder about the color of the sky that Iowa voters see.) The Defeated Former President has openly said he'd be a dictator "for a day." He calls the people jailed for attacking the Capitol on January 6, 2021, injuring dozens of police officers, "hostages." The Orange One speaks of vengeance and retribution should he return to the White House. Some may try to convince you that the whore-mongering man-child is only joking when he says these outrageous things. But considering his track record of lawlessness and self-indulgence, how can we afford to ignore what he says? Just like the oxygen we breathe, if you take away our democratic values, institutions and principles, America as we know it will die. Even with all of its flaws, the United States still represents humanity's best hope on earth. Should it fail, the world will plunge into a new Dark Age. For more than a century, America has stood in the breach, preventing global tyranny. But - completing the metaphor - there are those willing to poison the air we breathe in support of a False Messiah who stands for nothing more than himself. Our democracy has never been more fragile than it is now. We must resist these evil forces, defeat the Cowardly Liar, and protect our democracy - even to our dying breath. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Sunrise or Sunset?

2024-01-01T05:23:56-06:00

January 1, 2024 (Vol. 18 No. 1) - Is this a photo of a sunrise or a sunset? Without context, you have no way of knowing. That's kind of the way I feel about the new year. There are lots of reasons to feel positive about the new year. Yet, there is cause for trepidation, as well. As I take time to look ahead to 2024, it may be useful to look back at this blog's 17 other New Year's Day attempts at prognostication. The track record has been good - for the most part. In 2008, I wrote that "the war in Iraq moves into its sixth calendar year with no end in sight." It wouldn't end until 2021. As we were still in the depths of the Great Recession at the start of 2009, I wrote "We are bordering on a national emergency and I have serious doubts that our elected representatives - Democrat and Republican - are up to the task." They weren't. On January 1, 2010, I expressed doubt that President Obama would be beaten in the 2012 presidential election. Correct again. However, I did not predict the strength of the Tea Party Movement - the forerunner to today's MAGA nonsense. Nor did I think in 2014 that Hillary Clinton would be the Democratic presidential nominee in 2016. However, I was spot-on at the start of 2016 when I wrote "The United States will elect a new president - and God help us if either of the frontrunners (Clinton and Donald Trump) actually win." When Trump "won" despite having 3.5 million fewer votes than Clinton, I wrote at the start of 2017 that "America today enters a new year with the highest level of anxiety that I can remember in my lifetime." That sentiment was certainly justified, as the next four years can be accurately characterized as (using CNN correspondent Dana Bash's famous description) "a shit show." This blog was dominated by expressions of disbelief and moral outrage during the four years of the Trump presidency. On this date in 2021, I said that the "real story" of previous year - the Year of COVID-19 - "was the callousness and incompetence of the Republican Party in the face of a disaster." My two New Year's Day posts during the Biden administration were more personally focused - a reflection that the return of an adult in the White House had brought a renewed sense of normalcy. But today, we enter another critical presidential election year. It appears that the greatest hope of saving American democracy rests on the shoulders of an octogenarian. The election of Donald Trump might be the last free election this country will ever have. On this date five years ago, I called 2019 "The Year of Living Dangerously." Unfortunately, that is even more true today than ever. We can only hope that the American people have the good common sense to embrace the light and reject the darkness when they go to the polls. That's it for now. Happy New Year and Fear the Turtle.

A Prayer For Peace

2023-12-25T05:11:20-06:00

December 25, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 53) - The greatest gift the world could receive on this Christmas morning is the gift of peace. However, that is a hope and dream that continues to allude us. From Ukraine to the Gaza Strip to the bullet-riddled streets, shopping malls and schools of our own country, violence continues to reign. Humanity's edges seem frayed this Christmas season. It is not something that has happened overnight. Nor is there a single culprit to blame. But the fact remains that there is discord across the globe that gives rise to warnings of a coming storm. One need not be a Christian on this Christmas morning to embrace its most basic tenants, especially those that teach us to love thy neighbors as ourselves and to pursue righteousness and practice mercy and justice to everyone. Essentially, we are talking about the Golden Rule - do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Unfortunately, we have slipped into a period in which our personal wants, needs and desires take precedence. It is a rebirth of the Gilded Age, a period where the attainment of wealth and power superseded our impulses toward empathy and social justice. One need not be a liberal to voice concern over the emergence of disharmony here and abroad. In fact, this amoral cancer gathering strength should be a prime concern of every conservative. As we move into a new year, one cannot help but fear the prospects for the coming year. There are threats, foreign and domestic, to the American experiment of democracy. Our nation and the guiding principles under which it was founded will be supremely tested during 2024. That is why, on this Christmas morn, one offers a prayer for peace - and not just on the world's too numerous battlefields. May we enjoy a peace of mind that not only brings comfort in the realization of who we are, but also motivates us to become the people and the nation we claim we aspire to be. That's it for now. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2025

If It Quacks Like a Duck...

2023-12-19T08:44:34-06:00

December 19, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 52) - During this past weekend, there were two troubling events that caused me concerned about the direction of the American nation. There were reports of bomb threats made against synagogues and other Jewish establishments from across the country. It appears as if there is a growing wave of anti-semitism in this country, recently heightened by the tragic Israel-Hamas War in Gaza. Of course, anyone who has studied American history knows that anti-semitism and Jewish scapegoating has never been far beneath the surface of our body politic. At the same time, the leading candidate for the Republican presidential nomination has repeatedly used racist campaign rhetoric that closely parallels the language spouted by Adolf Hitler in Mein Kampf. The Orange One also has praised the leadership styles of Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un. It is hardly a coincidence that this uptick in anti-Jewish activity is a result of his constant empowering of those "very fine people" who goose-stepped through the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia, carrying tiki torches in 2017. Not only have few Republicans rejected his neo-facist language, many prominent members of his party have defended it. They say the language is campaign hyperbole and purely coincidental. Really? We have known for years that this amoral oligarch has kept a book of Hitler's speeches at his bedside for years. Just as disturbing is news that recent polls have shown that most Republican voters in the early caucus state of Iowa agree with his twisted sentiments. I guess these good self-proclaimed patriotic Americans have forgotten the values that their fathers and grandfathers fought and died for in the last century. On top of this, we are faced with a Republican House of Representatives that is totally dysfunctional and willing to undermine our national security in order to score meaningless political points. They are not interested in "fixing" the immigration problem. They are more interested in scapegoating immigrants for political gain. In order to impose Draconian measures against those seeking refuge in this country, the members of the Grand Old Politburo are willing to give aid and comfort to the enemies of the United States by denying funding to trusted allies. Screw Israel and Ukraine. And does anyone believe that the defeated and often-indicted former president is kidding when he speaks about "retribution" and being a "dictator for a day?" For those who say that we shouldn't take the Nazi-like utterances of the Cowardly Liar seriously, I say this: If it walks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. (Photo courtesy of Intelligencer.)

The Happiest Day

2023-12-13T05:19:10-06:00

December 13, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 51) - Today is the 40th anniversary of the happiest day of my life. My daughter and only child, Susan Elizabeth Guth, was born at 8:31 p.m. EST on December 13, 1983, at the Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was a moment that my wife Jan and I had worked, prayed and cried over for several years. Coming from a family with seven children, I had no idea that becoming parents could be such a long, drawn-out and difficult process. But finally, our prayers were answered. Every parent has a childbirth story. Ours was the public nature of the event. I was working as a reporter-anchor for WRAL-FM in Raleigh at the time. When Jan went into labor around 11:00 p.m. on December 12, I called the radio station to let the folks there know that childbirth was imminent and that I would not be coming into work. As we were driving to the hospital, the morning DJ, a good man who called himself "Famous Bob Inskeep (FBI)" announced that the baby was on the way - which was how many of our family and friends learned about the impending arrival of our first child. When we arrived at the hospital and introduced ourselves, the nurse said, "Yes, I heard about you on the radio. We've been expecting you." It wasn't until the next evening that our daughter was born. Above is our first family picture. This is the link to a special video I produced to celebrate this special birthday. Now, 40 years later, our daughter is married to a generous and loving man and they have two fabulous daughters of their own. I am proud of the woman my daughter Susan Novotney has become. My only sadness is that Susan's mother is not here to celebrate this milestone with us, as she passed away in 2007. But I know she is looking down on us with her loving smile remembering that day 40 years ago that gave both of our lives new hope and meaning. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 1983

America's Social Contract

2023-12-06T06:44:43-06:00

December 6, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 50) - For democracy to succeed, the people who live in it must abide by a social contract. They must agree to majority rule while respecting minority rights. They must respect the outcome of elections, court rulings and allow others to express unpopular opinions. In short, they need to listen to one another. They must observe each individual's right to worship - or to not worship - in whatever manner he or she chooses. For democracy to work, it is imperative that we be willing to compromise and seek common ground. That is the social contract. For those who suggest this sounds a lot like socialism, check your Bible or Koran. These values have been gleaned from practically every major religion. (Check out the Ten Commandments.) Actually, America's Social Contract is The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Sadly, America's 18th century gift to humanity, the idea of a democratic-republic based on a foundation of individual rights, is foundering in the 21st century. It is bad enough that a large percentage of our fellow citizens support the election of morally corrupt man who has been judged to have committed sexual assault and is facing 91 charges relating to his attempt to overthrow the government after the last presidential election. As bad as that is, I was repulsed when the Speaker of the U.S. House Of Representatives yesterday said he was censoring videos of the January 6 insurrection, blurring out the faces of the participants so they could avoid prosecution by the Department of Justice. Amazingly, he said that he was doing so in the name of "transparency." That kind of muddled reasoning comes right out of George Orwell's 1984. For the man who is second in the line of succession to the presidency to declare that he must protect lawbreakers from the very government he represents is obscene. It is not just Republicans who are violating the social contract. There are Democrats who become unhinged when anyone suggests that Israel is not an innocent victim in the current Middle East crisis. While it is true that Hamas is guilty of unspeakable aggression and atrocities, it is also indisputable that Israel has a long history of committing human rights violations against the Palestinians. It is not a binary situation: There is blood on the hands of everyone involved, including the United States. Then there are those unwilling to listen to the legitimate concerns of conservatives about the unchecked flow of illegal immigrants across our Southern border. Can't we find common ground to preserve our national sovereignty while providing refuge to the poor and oppressed? It appears that at times like these that we have forgotten to abide by America's Social Contract. It's a lot easier to scream at one another than it is accept the challenge of finding a middle ground in complex issues. American Democracy - and by extension the freedom of billions of people living here and abroad - has never been in greater peril. Instead of being destroyed by enemies abroad, we are rotting from within. We have forgotten the lessons we should have learned in our 8th grade civics classes. Instead, we are choosing to follow the lead of people who act as if they are still in the 8th grade. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Wordcloud Copyright David W. Guth, 2023

Enough is Enough

2023-11-29T06:02:48-06:00

November 29, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 49) - I can be a very patient man. But enough is enough. As a 71-year-old retired college professor who is signed up for Medicare, I have been inundated with more than 100 telephone calls from telemarketers this month, alone. During the Medicare open enrollment period, they are trying to sell me some sort of Medicare coverage plan. Most of these are robocalls. Usually, when one answers the phone, one is greeted by several seconds of silence. If you wait long enough, either a real person who, from the sound of the background noise, is sitting in a boiler room operation, or a recorded voice - probably AI (as in Always Irritating). I hang up, because I know I have little reason to trust these people. However, receiving telemarketing phone calls at all hours on my cell phone borders on harassment. I actually received a call during Thanksgiving dinner and another while watching the play "Annie." My greater concern is for less media-savvy seniors who could become victims of potential Medicare scams. While I am a First Amendment advocate - I use to teach journalism and strategic communications at KU - I believe this level of telemarketing abuse goes beyond the pale. Frankly, if it isn't against the law, it should be. I feel so strongly on this topic that I have contacted a member of Congress about these concerns. Whether it does any good or not, remains to be seen. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2023

The Sixth Floor Window

2023-11-22T06:31:39-06:00

November 22, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 48) - John Fitzgerald Kennedy was elected the 35th President of the United States on my eighth birthday. He was murdered 60 years ago today, just two weeks after my 11th birthday. The assassination happened on a Friday, just a few hours before St. Michaels, Maryland, Boy Scout Troop 147 gathered for its weekly meeting at the Scout Cabin in St. Mary's Square. The hours after the assassination were filled with angst, anger and confusion. Of course, an 11-year-old's perspective on events - some of which he couldn't understand - was quite different. A first concern had to do with classmate Jim Rodney's birthday party on Saturday. Was it still on? (It was.) The second had to do with that night's Boy Scout meeting: Was it still on? Troop 147's Scoutmaster Arthur Southard lived on the same rural road as I and he drove me to the meeting. Normally, the evening's activity would focus on matters such as how to tie certain knots, tips on camping in the woods, or instruction toward earning a merit badge. However, this night was different. After the normal Pledge of Allegiance and recitation of the Boy Scout Oath and Law, Mr. Southard delivered a monologue that I remember to this very day. At that hour, we did not know very much about Lee Harvey Oswald, the man with the rifle who stood in a sixth floor window of the Texas School Book Depository and murdered President Kennedy. But in a strong, almost angry tone, our scoutmaster told us how Oswald had broken every tenant of the Boy Scout Oath and Law. After only 15 minutes, there was a moment of silence and the meeting was dismissed. Any of the scouts who had not appreciated the gravity of the national tragedy did so now. It wasn't until March 2007 that I had the opportunity to visit Dealey Plaza and the Texas School Book Depository. I had gone to Dallas to attend a University of Kansas Journalism School alumni gathering. When I entered the plaza, my first thought was how small it was compared the huge space it had occupied in my memory. The death of President Kennedy was a point of demarcation for me and our nation. I visited the Sixth Floor Museum and got to see where Oswald sat, munched cold fried chicken, and waited to disrupt the course of world history. Sixty years on, the events that were launched by that madman lying in wait at that sixth floor window still loom large. We can't help but wonder how the trajectory of American history would have changed had Oswald's rifle shot had missed its mark. (Of course, having visited the scene of the crime and seeing how small it really is, it is unlikely that any experienced shooter could have missed the mark.) Arthur Southard has been gone for 18 years. However, his words on that dark, cold November night still resonate. How, in the name of God and country, could that man in the sixth floor window have done such a dastardly deed? Oswald is also gone, the victim of another vigilante. So we will never definitively know the answer. However, 60 years on, during a period of raucous discord in the American family, that question remains relevant. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2007.

Rope-A-Doped Republicans

2023-11-08T04:36:12-06:00

November 8, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 47) - Every time the Republicans think they have their opponents on the ropes, the Democrats borrow a strategy from the late Muhammad Ali and "rope-a-dope" them into submission. Like a punch-drunk boxer swingly wildly and hitting nothing, the Grand Old Party was once again a Grand Old Flop in yesterday's off-year elections. In Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky, things didn't go the way the MAGA crowd wanted. They thought they could ride the apparent unpopularity of President Joe Biden to victory in the Kentucky gubernatorial election, Virginia legislative contests and Ohio abortion and marijuana referendums. But guess what? Joe Biden wasn't on the ballot. Freedom was. And the Republicans, who once prided themselves as being a champion of individual freedoms, are now seen as autocratic bullies on the wrong side of the issue. And it has been that way in practically every major election since Donald Trump stumbled into the presidency in 2017. You might say that the voters in those states "woke" up to the realization that Republicans are a dystopian bunch who don't want people to make personal decisions on how they live their lives. They think they know better. Yet, time and time again, the American people show them they are wrong. Of course, Democrats are not worry-free one year out from the 2024 presidential election. Joe Biden's popularity polls are anemic, at best. And he is confronted with a host of foreign and domestic issues that would be a drag on any president's popularity. But to count him and the Democrats out is foolish - mainly because Donald Trump will be on the ballot next year. (That is, of course, assuming that the Great Grifter isn't in a prison cell or doesn't flee the country to avoid one.) Trump is King Midas in Reverse - everything he touches turns to lead (or gets indicted). The only reason Joe Biden is president today is because Donald Trump was on the ballot in 2020. And while less than four out of 10 Americans say Biden is doing a good job, that doesn't mean that they won't vote for him anyway when presented with the alternative of four more chaotic years of the seditious, self-engrandizing and morally corrupt Donald Trump. The Republican Party is rudderless. And if it shuts down the government or allows the Russians to run roughshod over Ukraine, it will be headed toward electoral disaster. Remember: "Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee." As long as the Democrats stick to the real issues - personal freedom, social justice, a strong economy and national security - they will win. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2022.

Israel's Moral Imperative

2023-11-01T06:17:37-05:00

November 1, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 46) - I made it clear in my blog post of October 12 that I support Israel's right to to defend itself in the wake of horrific attacks by the terrorist group Hamas. I have also made it clear in personal comments and social media posts through the years that because of its history, Israel has a moral imperative to follow the Geneva Convention and to avoid making war on the civilian population. These pleas have repeatedly fallen on deaf ears. And yet, yesterday, Israel's so-called defense forces took things to a new low. They killed dozens of people and wounded hundreds more in a crowded refugee camp in the name of killing one "high-value" Hamas leader. To be totally honest, these are the same kind of tactics Germany used in the Second World War. Of course, the Allies did it, as well. Does Israel really want to follow those examples? We have heard Israel's claim to have warned the residents of the refugee camp to shelter elsewhere prior to the attack. But where were they supposed to go? Gaza is one great big prison where no one goes in and no one goes out. Under Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership, Israel has repeatedly provoked the Palestinians through the commission of a series of civil rights - some may say human rights - violations. I doubt that he is the man to lead his nation out of this crisis. How do you expect him to "fix" this problem when the only tool he seems to have in his tool box is a hammer? Yes, Israel was attacked. And yes, the United States should stand with her against Islamic extremists. But we have to be more forceful in telling our friend that there is a line that has been crossed and that she needs to return to the side of sanity and humanity. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Thoughts on Leadership

2023-10-26T06:49:31-05:00

October 26, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 45) - In about a year, we will be electing the "Leader of the Free World," as well a numerous state and local officials. In the interim, there are dozens of issues that will require unselfish and inspired leadership. It's one thing to be appointed "a leader" and quite another to actually lead. And we need more of the latter than the former. One of my favorite movie lines comes from 1976's Midway. In it, a bedridden Admiral Halsey tells Ray Spruance, the man who will replace him in the upcoming battle, "When you are in command, command." I agree, with one important stipulation: My idea of leadership is someone who pulls instead of pushes. You may be the ultimate decision-maker, but that does not preclude seeking consensus. Nor does it preclude listening to others and, when necessary, demonstrating empathy. (In the aforementioned battle of Midway, Admiral Spruance took advice from subordinates that ultimately led to victory.) There is no such thing as communication if it doesn't involve listening to the ideas of others. Nor is it a bad idea to let people know why you have chosen a particular path to follow. Good leadership requires consistency in one's actions. This involves leading by example. (Don't talk about "being bipartisan" if you are not willing to act in a bipartisan manner.) The best path to successful leadership is through values-driven decision making. That means adhering to the values of the organization you lead, the society in which you live and the God you choose to follow. It is also important to understand that the very nature of leadership can tend to be isolating. I noticed this when I was associate dean of the KU School of Journalism. The very day I was appointed to my new role, my colleagues - some of whom I had known for 13 years - treated me differently and at a distance. Some did it out of respect. Some did it out of fear. Still others acted out of jealousy. This isolation can lead to a sense of loneliness. It can also lead to arrogance, a compulsion to take unilateral action and, sometimes, even anger. Those are feelings I — sometimes unsuccessfully — tried to avoid. To me, the most important aspect of being a leader is to remember who you are, where you came from and where you want to lead others to go. In other words, need to know your goals. History provides us valuable lessons about leadership. George Washington is more than a picture on a dollar bill. He was an inspirational leader who, at the height of his popularity, voluntarily stepped away from the presidency - something that had never been done in the history of the world. In the final analysis, great leaders know to make the best of their time on the stage and when to yield the limelight to others. If those who claim to lead our nation - people of all political parties and philosophies - would follow Washington's example, we can take comfort in the nation's prospects for the future. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2007

I'll be your Speaker

2023-10-22T08:00:04-05:00

October 22, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 44) - I am announcing my candidacy to be the next Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. As it has been noted so many times - especially by those fools who fantasize about Donald Trump being Speaker - one doesn't necessarily have to be a member of the House to be Speaker. Granted, it's a dumb rule. But it is no dumber than allowing an alleged child sex trafficker lock down the House for the better part of a month. And I am uniquely qualified for the job. First and foremost, I am an adult. No other candidate for this post can honestly make this claim. Sure, they have all reached the age of majority. But really, have to seen the way they've be acting? My five- and three-year-old granddaughters behave better than these blunderkiden do. Representatives who act up would be sent to "time out." I would also require them to take mid-afternoon naps. (They obviously need them.) Second, I know what being a true Republican is. Yes, I am currently registered as a Democrat. But I was a Republican for most of my adult life and even worked for a Republican governor before the Grand Old Party morphed into the obscene nationalistic radical right cluster bomb it is today. Real Republicans stand for individual freedoms, including one's right to choose whether or not to have an abortion and one's right to come to America in search of liberty. Somewhere along the way, these Neo-con bootlickers forgot that. I also know how to herd cats: You don't even try to do it. Support those who are willing to follow you and ignore the rest. And, oh by the way, that includes the cats who happen to be sitting on the other side of the aisle. The Speaker of the House is supposed to be the leader of the entire House, not just those on the left side or the right side of the room. My final reason for being elected Speaker is that I've got nothing better to do. I'm retired. I am not running for elected office (other than this one) and have made no promises and taken no campaign contributions. (However, if you are inclined to contribute big bucks to my campaign, I'd appreciate it. After all, I just had to replace my washer and dryer. And Daddy needs a new pair of shoes!) I've said this before: America is a much better place now that we have an adult in the White House. Elect me as the next Speaker and the same will be said for the House. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Joe Is Right

2023-10-19T20:48:32-05:00

October 19, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 43) - For anyone willing to listen, President Joe Biden tonight made a persuasive case for providing $100 billion dollars in military aid to American allies under threat. There is broad consensus - although not unanimous - for providing assistance to Israel, which is still reeling from the October 7 attack by the Islamic terrorist group Hamas. There is less consensus about continued aid to Ukraine, which has been under attack by the equally barbarous Vladimir Putin for more than 600 days. And yet, Biden's essential argument for continuing support in both struggles is essentialy the same: Pay now or pay a much steeper price later. Anyone who has paid attention to American history knows that appeasement of dictators and murderous thugs has never been a successful strategy. Unfortunately, for too many Americans, knowledge of American history and American values go no farther back than last night's Sean Hannity diatribe. Biden is correct, our nation is at a point of inflection. There are too many storm flags flying for America to crawl back into an isolationist cocoon. The more we retreat from our responsibility as the world's greatest defender of liberty and freedom, the more vulnerable we become. Unfortunately, in a democracy built upon a system of a diffused balance of power between three branches of government, the Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are letting us down. Tomorrow will be the 17th straight day that the House will be paralyzed because Representative Matt Gaetz had a burr up his butt and decapitated Kevin McCarthy's speakership. As I write this on Thursday night, the latest news is that the thuggish and morally bankrupt Jim Jordan will try for a third on Friday to win the Speaker's post - and (hopefully) will lose for a third time. (If Jordan does prevail, Vladimir Putin will be dancing shirtless in the street.) Until adults prevail in the House, the United States is entering the most dangerous period since the Americans and Soviets engaged nuclear saber rattling during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Joe Biden is right: We must make the hard choices now or we will face less viable options in the future. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Barbarians at the Gate

2023-10-18T13:31:48-05:00

October 18, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 42) - For the second straight day, Jim Jordan has been a loser. And as long as he keeps losing, America wins. It's been 15 days since a small band of Republican zealots threw the House of Representatives into chaos by ousting one of their own, Kevin McCarthy, as Speaker. The shirt-sleeved schmuck from Ohio has tried to position himself as the heir-apparent. But, as Lee Corso of ESPN might say, "Not so fast!" The thought that Jim Jordan, a man deeply involved in the January 6, 2021, attempt to overthrow the government, might become the second person in line to the presidency is both repulsive and frightening. That Donald Trump's useful idiot is even in Congress is an obscenity. He is a man, who as an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State University, turned a blind eye to a sexual abuse scandal and should be disqualified from public office. That a leach with such a woefully thin legislative record is being considered as Speaker is a sick joke. And yet, in today's ultra-conservative, nationalistic and oligarchical Republican Party, Jim Jordan has received a majority of that party caucus' support for this constitutionally critical role in two votes. (The good news: Opposition to Jordan's candidacy appears to be growing.) Remember, Jordan has repeatedly taken an oath to "support and defend" the Constitution. And yet, it has been proven that he was deeply involved in the January 6 insurrection. Worse, he remains an acolyte of Donald Trump, who recently said that he, as president, had no responsibility to support the Constitution. The battle for the speakership may seem like little more than an "inside Washington" kerfuffle. But it is a lot more than that. The very future of this Republic is at stake. To be sure, there isn't a Republican in Congress who has shown the backbone necessary to do the job. However, there could be few worse choices than Jordan. He has been doing Trump's bidding - which means he's been doing Russia's bidding. Indirectly, he's also doing Iran's, North Korea's and China's bidding. The longer American Democracy appears to be in chaos, the more our adversaries will exploit the power vacuum. Make no mistake about it: The barbarians are at the gate. Do we really want to give Jim Jordan the keys? That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Atrocity

2023-10-12T05:24:11-05:00

October 12, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 41) - War, even that waged on behalf of a just cause, is intrinsically evil. It doesn't matter whether you are an adherent to the Ten Commandments or just someone who wants to stay on the right of the law, the killing of human beings is unacceptable. That being said, there are times when wars must be waged for a noble cause, such as wars of liberation or self-defense. A cruel fact of life is that sometimes innocent people are killed - so-called collateral damage. The fact that some people were in a wrong place at the wrong time doesn't necessarily justify their deaths. It just explains them. However noble or justified the cause, it is never morally or legally acceptable to target civilians. And yet, all nations have done it. For example, consider the fire bombing of Dresden in February 1945, in which Allied bombers killed 25,000 civilians in an effort to break German morale. One can argue that it served a greater good. But nearly 80 years later, can we be certain? This week, we have seen a new low in the panoply of human atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists against the state of Israel. In last Saturday's attacks, civilians were not collateral damage. They were brutally targeted. How in the name of anyone's vision of God can one justify the slaughter of infants and children? During the 17+ years of this blog, I have occasionally criticized Israel for its treatment of the Palestinian people. In my view, they had - and still have - legitimate grievances that should be addressed. But let me make this point absolutely clear: There is absolutely no justification for what Hamas perpetrated this week. And Israel is well within its rights to prosecute a war with the aim of eradicating Hamas. But I say that without joy, for I remember the words most-often credited to Mohandas Ghandi: "An eye for an eye will leave everyone blind." And is there any greater atrocity than that? That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Who's In Charge?

2023-10-08T09:26:53-05:00

October 8, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 40) - Constitutionally, the United States has a government divided into three co-equal branches. And one of those branches, the Congress, is bifurcated into two equal divisions, the House of Representatives and the Senate. However, we learned this past week that there is now a new branch of government, the fascist and racist nut job caucus of the House majority that is hell-bent on fomenting chaos to God-knows-what end. Matt Gaetz, Florida's fascist fornicator, is the leader of the gang that, for the first time in American history, ousted a sitting Speaker of the House. And what was Kevin McCarthy's sin that cost him his job? He compromised with Democrats to keep the government open. Never mind that this is exactly what the American people wanted. Mad Dog Matt decided to, literally, bring the House down. Believe me, I am not sorry to see Kevin McCarthy go. Without a lengthy explanation - not that it is necessary - let's just say that the spineless wimp got EXACTLY what he deserves. But now we face the spectacle of a power struggle among a group of radical right politicians seeking to take McCarthy's gavel. One of the leading candidates is the shortsleeved sexual-abuse enabler Jim Jordan, slightly more intelligent and significantly more dangerous than Gaetz. And all of these wanna-be Speakers have been pliant stooges to the most evil and dangerous politician in American history, Donald Jackass Trump. (I don't need to recount the sins of this tiny-handed, dim-witted Mussolini-wannabe. Just read this blog.) Meanwhile, the Congress is stalemated. There are wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, a humanitarian crisis at our southern border and a constant attack on our personal freedoms. Unfortunately, the only noteworthy thing Congress has done recently is have one of its least-distinguished members perform a sex act in a Colorado theater. Congress diddles while America burns. So who is in charge? It may surprise you, but YOU ARE. At least for now, you have the power to vote. So, remember this nonsense the next time you cast your ballot. Vote your conscience. In my view, there is not a single Republican deserving of your vote. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Thanks, Brooks

2023-09-27T07:36:42-05:00

September 27, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 39) - It is a measure of greatness when a famed artist like Norman Rockwell is compelled to paint your likeness. It is also a measure of Rockwell's greatness that his painting so successfully captures the essence of his subject, Brooks Robinson. Brooksie (as his legions of fans called him) was best known as the slick fielding third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles. For 23 seasons, the Little Rock, Arkansas, native set the gold (glove) standard for all who played the position. However, Rockwell chose to depict Robinson as he was off the field, as a genuinely nice, kind and considerate man. That was my personal experience with my childhood hero. I met him once in 1983 in Raleigh, North Carolina. I was a reporter for WRAL-FM and Robinson had come into town as making a personal appearance for the Crown Oil Company. When I found out that he was in town, I threw journalistic integrity out the window and conjured an excuse to interview him. At the time, Robinson was a color commentator on Orioles telecasts. He had flown into Raleigh following a late night game in Kansas City. One could reasonably be grumpy and impatient when a guy with a microphone shows up on a late Friday afternoon. However, the opposite was true. He was a gracious as he could be. He probably knew from the outset of the interview that was a big fan of his. And when I broke a host of journalistic tenants by asking him to sign an Orioles Media Guide that featured his upcoming Hall of Fame induction. He signed it "David, Best Always. Enjoyed being with you. Brooks Robinson." My only other personal contact was a couple of years ago, when my wife and children arranged for Brooksie to send me a video birthday greeting. (It remains my favorite birthday present of all-time.) In the hours after Brooks Robinson's death yesterday at the age of 86, there's been one quotation credited to a Baltimore sportswriter that sums up the man. It goes something like this: "In New York, they name candy bars after Reggie Jackson. In Baltimore, they name their children after Brooks Robinson." I didn't name my daughter Brooks. But I named my first dog Brooksie. If my daughter had come before the dog, it might have been the other way around. The loss of a childhood hero is almost the same as the loss of a member of the family. I am sad he is gone, but grateful for the joy he brought me through the years. That's it for now. Thanks, Brooks. Fear the Turtle.

Homeless in Lawrence

2023-09-21T05:40:21-05:00

September 21, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 38) - Down by the Kansas River, just behind Johnny's Tavern, is a city-sanctioned 21st century Shanty Town. It is the City of Lawrence, Kansas's, attempt at addressing an issue that has plagued this country from its very beginnings, homelessness. There have always been a group of people who, by either the vagaries of a free-market economy, personal bad luck or (in some cases) by personal choices or actions, find themselves without a permanent domicile. They are forced to either fend for themselves in the elements or rely on the kindness of strangers. In Lawrence, the kindness and compassion in which we pride ourselves is being strained. In either a city-provided shelter or an outdoor encampment (such as that shown in the above Lawrence Times photo), the people of Lawrence have attempted a compassionate response to a human crisis. Unfortunately, there are forces at work that make such a response increasingly difficult. There is the conduct of some of the people the city has tried to assist, misdeeds such as theft, violence and public urination. There is also the cold, calculating and Un-Christian response of neighboring communities that have decided that it's better to give the homeless a bus pass to Lawrence than to deal with the issue in their own communities, much like how the immoral and godless governors of Texas and Florida have chosen to deal with immigrants. And there is the frustration among residents, such as myself, who want to do the right thing, but also realize that offering public shelter hearkens to that famous line from the movie Field of Dreams, "If you build it, they will come." I don't pretend to have a solution. But, as a historian, I believe that there is much to be learned from past experience. During the height of the Great Depression, the Roosevelt administration created public outlets for channeling the human energy and the power of free expression from those who society had seemed to forget. These efforts went by many names, such as the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. They gave the unfortunate an opportunity to live their lives in dignity and with purpose. In return, America was enriched by the creation of public works and cultural projects that still bring benefits nearly a century later. As I said, I can't provide you with any answers. All I can say is that we, as a people, will be remembered by how we chose to either live by or ignore our stated values. For me, I'd rather by known as someone who did not turn a blind eye to the homeless, refugees seeking asylum, the infirm or the mentally ill. Ignoring problems is always the easiest choice. But it is not a solution. We should also remember that America's greatness was not forged by taking the path of least resistance. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

How Old Is Too Old?

2023-09-10T07:47:46-05:00

September 10, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 37) - How old is too old? To me, someone who will be 71 years old in a couple of months, this is more than an academic question. American voters apparently feel the same. President Joe Biden's approval ratings are historically low despite the fact that he has been - at least in terms of getting his agenda through Congress - the most successful president since Ronald Reagan. The reason is clear: Americans are nervous that their president is 80 years old. Republicans are beating that drum to death, ignoring the fact that their front runner is only two years younger than Biden and obesely out-of-shape. (Does anyone actually believe that our bloated former president is 6'3" and 215 pounds?) They also forget that many thought Reagan was too old when he was first elected president at age 69. (Of course, he may well have been in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease near the end of his second term.) This is not to suggest that concern about Biden is unfounded. After all, he is 80 years old and shows signs that he has slowed down physically - and possibly - mentally. Then there's Mitch McConnell, who has "frozen" in mid-speech twice in recent weeks. Does anyone really believe he's fit for office? Dianne Feinstein? When she actually shows up for work, it's everything her staff can do to keep her awake in meetings. Nancy Pelosi, 83, announced this week that she is running for her 19th term in Congress. While I think she is still physically and mentally capable of doing the job, I wish she wouldn't. It's time to infuse the Democratic Party with more youthful leadership. Of course, I have expressed this same opinion about Pelosi in this blog for more than a decade. As one who has a personal stake in this debate, no one can legitimately accuse me of ageism. Speaking for myself, I know that I have slowed down both physically and mentally as I grow older. I am also confident in my ability to take care of myself, drive a car, make important decisions and, yes, even write a blog post. However, there may come a time that my family will question my ability to these and other things. That's a moment of truth all families eventually face. And now it's the question that the United States of America must also face. To me, it is not a question of whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump should win the next election. Donald Trump is the most corrupt, morally deficient and dangerous politician America has known since Huey Long. The question is whether Joe Biden is up to the job. If one judges by the merits of his accomplishments and failures in office - in other words, judging him by his record - I believe the answer is still a resounding "yes." That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

800

2023-09-02T10:28:05-05:00

September 2, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 36) - What started 17 years ago this month as a form of self-therapy following a deeply personal tragedy reaches a milestone with this post. Amazingly, this is the 800th Snapping Turtle post. Some may say this is a tribute to my perseverance. Others may suggest it is an exercise in ego based upon an overinflated sense of self importance. To be honest, there may be some truth in both interpretations. However, I'd like to believe that the primary motivation is nothing more than I fact that I like to write. Between the six books I have either written or co-written, the dozens of academic research papers I have had published, the scores of news stories and news releases I have crafted, and, of course, the creation of this blog, I have quite literally written millions of words over the past half-century. There is a certain self-satisfaction when it comes to turning a clever phrase, such I did in writing the headline for my most recent post about the former President's arrest, "The Smug Mug." (See below) There's also a lot of satisfaction in simplifying a complex story to increase the reader's understanding, such as I did back in 1986 when I wrote the media kit for the state of North Carolina's bid to host the Superconducting Supercollider. (As it turned out, the $6 billion atom smasher was awarded to Texas, only to have Congress pull the plug on funding after spending $2 billion to dig a big hole in the ground.) While subjects relating to politics and current events have been most prevalent in this series, a significant number have been testimonies about things going on in my own life or have expounded upon my personal philosophies. My personal favorite is a post on May 20, 2010, entitled "The Gold Dress," about an unexpected final gift from my late wife Jan. Another favorite is a more recent post from this past July 4, "An Aspirational America." It speaks of my love of our country, reverence for the principles on which it was founded, and my confidence in its future. I have no idea how many - if any - actually read this blog. However, Snapping Turtle has helped me remain sane in a sometimes insane world by giving me a creative outlet to say what's on my mind. So, for the 800th time, that's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2021

The Smug Mug

2023-08-26T10:44:26-05:00

August 26, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 35) - And there he is, angry and arrogant. Most of his fellow Americans see the mugshot of 45th President of the United States as an embarrassment. He sees it as a marketing opportunity. I have no doubt that the Defeated and Indicted Former President, huddled with his synchophantic and seditious advisers strategized his Fulton County Jail photoshoot. He certainly didn't want to look happy. I'm certain he wasn't Nor did he want to look scared, although those who know him claim he is. Instead, the Tangerine Terrorist chose his default position, angry oligarch. And who can blame him? In his world, no one ever challenges the Big Orange. That's what January 6 was all about - how could 81 million American people have possibly voted against him? The election had to be rigged. Because he repeats this Big Lie over and over, many of his followers automatically believe him. They can't let the truth get in the way of a good story. And boy, can this loser lie! In one of his first interviews after he was booked and fingerprinted last Thursday, he told the viewers of one of the ultra-right television networks that he was grateful for the large crowd of supporters outside of the jail. This despite the fact that television cameras on the ground and in the air showed that absolutely no one was there for him at the courthouse. He might have seen a dozen or so flag-waving MAGA maggots on his route between the airport and the jail, but that was it. But who are you going to believe, the Coward-in-Chief or your own lying eyes? This entire episode would be comical if it wasn't for the fact that the consequences of this man-child with 91 criminal indictments getting anywhere near the White House again would prove catastrophic for American democracy. Already, MAGA legislators in Georgia are planning to invoke a new constitutionally questionable state law that would allow them to remove elected District Attorney Fani Willis from office. The House Judiciary Committee under the leadership of pedophile-enabler Jim Jordan - which is beginning to look more like the Nazi courts under Roland Freisler — is also planning to investigate her. And these people have the gaul to suggest that it is the Democrats who are weaponizing government. These are dangerous times. We need to be vigilant. We cannot let this Smug Mug and his Band of Thugs destroy nearly 250 years of American liberty. The only weapon the good guys have to stop this slow-motion coup d' etat is the vote - at least until they take that away. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Thank you, Harry Dexter White

2023-08-22T03:53:47-05:00

August 22, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 34) - I will bet that most reading this blog post have never heard of Harry Dexter White. However, adults living in the late 1940s and early 1950s may recall the brief, but intense, controversy surrounding this career government bureaucrat. White had been employed with the U.S. Treasury Department since 1934 and rose to the rank of assistant secretary after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. After the war, he became the first American Director of the International Monetary Fund. However, it would later be learned that he was a communist and had spied for the Russians. As I outlined in a scholarly paper published in American Journalism in 1996, White mysteriously died three days after testifying before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1947. (I suggest you read the paper - it's a fascinating story!) Dexter was at the center of a public relations controversy during the early days of the Eisenhower administration in 1953. That's what sparked my interest: As an assistant professor at the University of Kansas, my research concentration was crisis communications research. The Harry Dexter White affair was a great case study - and the editors of American Journalism agreed. As a result, the article was published and became one of my first major research publications. By the time I went up for promotion and tenure later that year, I had a total of three "major" publications. During my first four years at KU, I had produced none - but not for trying. Those publications - a key performance metric at a major research university such as KU - helped me gain promotion and tenure. Without them, I would have lost my job. (When someone says "publish or perish," that's what they are talking about.) So, I cannot overstate the importance of this research and the impact it had on my life and that of my wife and daughter. Was Harry Dexter White a spy? Yes, he was. When the Soviet Union fell in the early 1990s, Russian NKVD files were recovered that confirmed that White had, in fact, engaged in espionage. So, in the broad scheme of things, Harry Dexter White was not a good guy. But the opportunity to tell his story was life-changing for me. So, dripping with irony, allow me to say "Thank you, Harry Dexter White." And then let me add, "But you shouldn't have spied for the Rooskies, you lying bastard." That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Indicted. Again. And Again. And Again.

2023-08-15T06:23:50-05:00

August 15, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 33) - It seems like a broken record, doesn't it? Donald Trump has been indicted again. For those keeping score, the indictments handed down last night in state of Georgia mark the fourth time this year that the former president has been charged with engaging in criminal activity. In a New York state court in April, he was accused of falsifying business records as part of a scheme to hide an extramarital affair from voters before the 2016 election. Next, in a Florida federal court, he was charged under the Espionage Act with illegally retaining highly classified materials after leaving the presidency. Then the Lyin' King was charged by a Washington, D.C. federal grand jury in connection with the January 6 Capitol Insurrection. Last night, the state of Georgia weighed in with a 41-count indictment involving 19 people in a criminal racketeering conspiracy designed to steal that state's electoral votes from Joe Biden. Trump, himself, faces 13 of those counts. In total, the Defeated Former President now is facing 91 criminal counts in four jurisdictions. (Now that's what I call Making America Great Again!) What makes this latest round of indictments different is its breadth, casting a net over Trump's entire rat's nest of election deniers, including former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and several of his high profile attorneys. (I have to admit that I take particular pleasure in seeing that nut job Sidney Powell called before the bar.) But this is only the beginning. Trump needs to stand trial before American voters choose their next president in 2024. Trump and his cronies want to run out the clock in the hope he will be elected and in a position to pardon himself. That would destroy all semblance of American jurisprudence. As Special Prosecutor Jack Smith is arguing in the January 6 case, the people of the United States have as much a right to a speedy trial as does the defendant. There is also the ongoing threat by Trump and his MAGA mob to threaten and intimidate witnesses and jurors. He's already been warned twice by the judge in the D.C. case, yet he persists in attacking judges, prosecutors, witnesses and anyone else who tries to stand in his way. Trump would have you believe that his First Amendment rights are being violated. However, there is no protected speech when it is part of a criminal enterprise. The time for leniency is over. The time has come to revoke Donnie's bail. Justice demands it. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

A Special Announcement

2023-08-08T11:42:23-05:00

August 8, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 32) - It is with great pleasure that I announce that I have signed a contract with Pegasus Publishers of London for the purpose of publishing my second foray into historical fiction, In The Moment: The Journey of the Class of '70. It is set in Talbot County on Maryland's Eastern Shore during the turbulent 1960s. It was a time of race riots, school integration, political assassinations, Vietnam, Beatlemania, George Wallace, Richard Nixon, Spiro Agnew, the Space Race and "the generation gap." The story focuses on St. Michaels High School's graduating class of 1970, a group of young people who were on the front lines of dramatic social change. While the characters and their actions are purely fictional, the surrounding context has been painstakingly researched to ensure historical accuracy. For me, it's a very personal story as I attended school in St. Michaels through the eighth grade and graduated from nearly Easton High School in 1970. Although I now live in the Midwest, I still consider myself an Eastern Shoreman at heart. As a journalist and historian, I am committed to telling the whole story, both the good and the bad. I am not one to whitewash history to protect fragile sensibilities. Depending on whichever source you believe, the phrase "May you live in interesting times" is either an ancient Chinese curse or was first uttered by American politician Frederic R. Coudert in 1939. Regardless of its origins, In The Moment: The Journey of the Class of '70 describes the coming-of-age adventures of young boys and girls in what was arguably the most interesting post-war decade. It doesn't matter where you grew up. If you are a Baby Boomer or know someone who is, I think you find this to be a fascinating story. I've been thinking about project for a long time, but did not start putting words to paper until April 2022. I am told that the editorial process will take approximately a year. The book will be printed in hard cover and soft cover. A digital edition will eventually follow. I will share more details on this process as they become available. As you can imagine, I am looking forward to the book's publication. I hope that you are, too. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2023

Indicted. Again. And Again.

2023-08-01T19:16:45-05:00

August 1, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 31) - It's becoming a familiar scene - the Defeated President of the United States being hauled into court for a litany of crimes he has allegedly committed since being run out of office by 81 million Americans. First, he was charged with fraud in a New York State case. (Above - Trump at his first arraignment.) Then, a federal court in Florida indicted the Feckless Leader for possession and reckless mishandling of highly classified material. And now, a third indictment coming out of Special Prosecutor Jack Smith's investigation into the Trump-provoked January 6th Insurrection. He is charged with four counts, including conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding - in this case, the official counting of the Electoral Votes and the formal election of Joe Biden as president. Just last week, Smith's grand jury added three more counts against the former commander-in-cheat, including a particularly damning count involving the destruction of evidence. That brings the total number of criminal counts against former President Bone Spur to 78 - and his problems do not end here. Within a few days or weeks, he may face indictment in Georgia for corruptly trying to overturn the 2020 election. And yet, he is still the favorite to win the Republican presidential nomination. The Republican field is weak and the party faithful are more interested in winning than they are in American and democratic values. (It appears as if the moral compass of most Republican voters is spinning.) More frightening: A New York Times poll this week morning shows Trump in a virtual tie with President Biden. In what world can this pathetic frat boy even carry Joe Biden's water? Make no mistake about it: American Democracy - and the very nation, itself - are still in peril. The sooner we dispose of these legal cases - and this wannabe dictator and his sick band of sycophants - the better. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

A Nation of Sgt. Shultzes?

2023-07-12T16:01:18-05:00

July 12, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 30) - According to a Gallup Poll issued yesterday, America's confidence in higher education has fallen to 36 percent. That's down from 57 percent in 2015 and 48 percent in 2018. And it doesn't take a Ph.D. to figure out the reason: Donald Trump. Since that Man Child rode down his gilded escalator to announce his candidacy for the presidency in the summer of 2015, anything even closely related to the truth has been under constant attack from the right fringe. It is true: There has always been an anti-intellectual undercurrent throughout American history. There have always been certain politicians who refuse to let facts get into the way of a preferred narrative. And certainly, the Defeated Former President didn't start the current wave of anti-intellectualism. However, the twice-indicted scam artist and convicted sexual assaulter successfully exploited it in 2016, tried to ferment a coup d'etat in early 2021 and hopes to ride its wave back into the White House in November 2024. His lemming-like allies in state legislatures across the land have embraced Trump's "Alternate Facts" philosophy, trying to ban the teaching of inconvenient truths, such as slavery, racial discrimination, sexism and oppressive oligarchical policies that have led to a widening and unethical distribution of wealth and benefits. Much of this anti-intellectualism was fed by the frustration coming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists like Dr. Anthony Fauci, acting on the best available information, urged Americans to make sacrifices to halt the spread of the most deadly virus to hit the planet in a century. But that didn't fit into Donald Trump's reelection narrative - and he was willing to allow hundreds of thousands of Americans die because of Trump's callous inaction and incompetence. Instead, Dr. Fauci is the target of right-wing nut jobs who want you to believe he is the real villain. To be fair, Gallup notes that confidence in higher education has fallen among both democrats and republicans. Democrats express concerns about rising costs. Among republicans, the concern is purely political. (This is what the poll respondents said, not Gallup.) They apparently want their children to believe that everyone in America has an equal opportunity to succeed - even though there are mountain ranges of evidence to the contrary. Donald Trump says that's how he became rich - he pulled himself up by his bootstraps. Of course, like practically everything else that orange creature says, that's a lie. What we are experiencing is a 21st century version of the Know-Nothings, a pre-Civil War nativist movement that sought to maintain the status quo of powerful white slave-holding landowners. Slavery may be dead in America, but fear of the country's changing demographic composition is what has been driving the Republican Party for decades along a disastrous anti-intellectual course that threatens to destroy the nation and all it supposedly stands for. (How else do you explain the presence of Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress?) If we had it their way, we'd become a nation of Sgt. Shultzes from the 1960s TV series Hogan's Heroes whose oft-repeated line was "I know nothing, nothing!" That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

An Aspirational America

2023-07-04T04:32:52-05:00

July 4, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 29) - Some may call me naïve. Others may accuse me of being a Pollyanna. However, it is within my DNA to believe in America and in its founding principles. On this Independence Day, I share the concerns many of my fellow citizens have about crime, discrimination, injustice and gun violence. I am especially concerned about the moral and political corruption that reaches deep into the three branches of the federal government. However, despite all of this, I still believe in America. I believe that even with these flaws, our country still stands as the world's best hope. No, I don't blindly believe in America as is it. I believe in an aspirational America, one where democracy and meritocracy are one in the same. I know that cannot happen until all are accorded equal opportunity. I also know that our nation must set a higher standard for ourselves than we do for others. We can't lecture others on the merits of a civil society when we don't practice civility among ourselves. We can't preach about the merits of democracy when some of us engage in blatant voter oppression and others are involved in open sedition. And what about those who aspire to become Americans? Unless you are a Native American, we all came from somewhere else. I find it ironic that those who tell us they worship the memory of Ronald Reagan don't appear to know what he stood for. Listen to the last speech he gave as president. It was a love letter to the immigrants who forged this nation into what he called "A Shining City on the Hill." In a 1982 speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Reagan boasted that American hasn't built walls to keep people in. He should have added that we - at least for the most part - hadn't built walls to keep them out, either. Neither Reagan - nor I - favored uncontrolled open borders. But we both agreed that people seeking freedom and opportunity afforded within this nation should have it. Reagan had faith in the Founders. So do I. Sure, there's a lot to fret about on this Independence Day. And it is our duty as citizens to seek the changes we desire through meaningful and civil public discourse that is ultimately decided at the ballot box. America today is far from perfect. But, our Constitution proclaims in its preamble that it was created "in order to form a more perfect union." If we love our country as much as we say we do, let's not make it a confrontational America that tears down people because they are different than us and tries to build walls to keep people out. It should be an aspirational America — one that taps into the best that all of us bring to these sacred shores. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2023

The American Dream

2023-06-28T09:24:23-05:00

June 28, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 28) - The American nation will celebrate the 247th anniversary of its independence next week. It should be a time for celebration. Our nation is at peace, the economy is on the mend and our nation has, once again, is seen as the leader of the Free World - a delightful change from where we were just three years ago. However, there are millions of American who approach our nation's birthday with a sense of fear and dread. They have chosen to live as LBGTQ+. And they are under attack by politicians and demagogues who find it easier to win votes by stoking a fear of people who choose to live a non-traditional lifestyle than by tackling the real problems that threaten public safety, such as gun violence, Big Pharma's price gouging and climate change. It's a lot easier to attack a bogeyman than it is to address real issues. This is not to say that some of the issues that have been raised do not merit serious public discussion. I know that things such as gender-assignment surgery for minors and the role of transgender athletes in women's sports are not black and white issues. Nor do I claim to have any answers. But I do know this: Our nation was created under the premise outlined in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Are these mere words on a paper, or do we honor them as our founding principle? In simple terms, those sacred words tell me that as long as you are not doing something that harms me or anyone else, you should be free to live your life as you choose. In short, I don't care what your pronouns are. However, I do care what kind of person you are. It is interesting that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. evoked those very same words I quoted from the Declaration in his "I Have a Dream" speech. Another line from King's speech asked that his children - and all God's children - be judged by not what they look like but by "the content of their character." As we approach this Fourth of July holiday, I do not think that is an unreasonable request. Yes, there are some issues that we need to figure out. But let's engage in a thoughtful conversation and measured tones and not at the top of our voices. And the only guiding principle that should govern these discussions is an understand that we will respect everyone's pursuit of their American Dream. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2012

Audacity

2023-06-21T04:02:33-05:00

June 21, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 27) - In this, my 71st year on the planet, I have reinvented myself - again. Upon graduation from college just before Christmas 1973, I set out on a career as a broadcaster. Over the next decade, I was a disc jockey, ad salesman, reporter, anchor and play-by-play announcer. I eventually reinvented myself as a public relations practitioner, first for a small private college and later in several roles in North Carolina state government. Because I knew that my government job was totally dependent on the man or woman sitting in the governor's office, I reinvented myself again. I earned a master's degree from the University of North Carolina, a move that made it possible to change my career path for a third time and to become a college professor. In addition to being a teacher, I was also researcher with much of my focus on public relations history. That's a role I filled for nearly three decades. Now that I am retired, I have spent much of my time reinventing myself yet again. I have become a writer of historic fiction. I recently published my first attempt in this genre, a novel about a school shooting in an imaginary Missouri town (above). How successful is it? I have no clue. I've only received one quarterly sales report to date, one that doesn't reflect any of my marketing efforts. To be truthful, I didn't write the book to make myself rich. I wrote it because I have great interest in the subject of tragic gun violence. That passion for a subject is the same reason I wrote an earlier book, the history behind the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1952. Now, I am in the long, tedious and often frustrating process of finding a publisher for my second attempt at historic fiction, a story about growing up on Maryland's Eastern Shore during the 1960s. It is not autobiographical. However, it does reflect the times, events and places where I spent my formative years. I admit that trying to become a fiction writer in one's 70's takes a certain audacity. I like my newest novel. But there is absolutely no guarantee that others - especially publishers - will agree. But you don't know until you try. And, if this doesn't work, I have enough audacity left in me to reinvent myself again or, to put it another way, to keep on keeping on. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2022.

Indicted. Again.

2023-06-09T05:24:51-05:00

June 9, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 26) - I know that a criminal defendant is innocent until proven guilty. However, when it comes to Donald Trump, all we have to do is take his word for it to know that he is guilty of a variety of crimes. Word came out last night that a federal grand jury in Florida indicted Trump on at least seven counts related to his illegal possession of classified documents. These include documents with the highest level of classification, ones that are not supposed to be outside of highly secured areas. And yet, we've seen reports of the former president waving around documents outlining scenarios for an attack on Iran. We've also repeatedly seen Trump make the ludicrous claim that he has unlimited power to declassify documents, even by just thinking about it. He has said enough on the public record to make the federal government's case. So, presumption of innocence aside, he's guilty. The one question that remains unanswered is "why?" Why did Trump want these documents? Are they trophies for him to show off to his guests at Mar-a-Lago? Or is he planning to hand them over to our foreign adversaries, much like he did in giving Russia secret Israeli intelligence during an Oval Office meeting in 2017? Considering his mounting legal bills, there's a legitimate fear that Trump will sell American secrets to the highest bidder. It's no surprise that within minutes of Trump announcing his own indictment, the Great Grifter began fundraising off of it. You have to admit it, the defeated, twice-impeached and now twice-indicted ex-president has chutzpah. And while we are asking "why," we need to ask why so many republicans like Rep. Jim "pedophile enabler" Jordan and Sen. Josh "Sieg Heil" Hawley are willing to trash the foundations of American jurispurdence to provide political cover for a man likely to face additional criminal charges in the coming weeks? So many questions and so few answers. But we do know this: Trump has been indicted by a federal grand jury comprised of his fellow citizens for crimes under the Espionage Act and for obstruction of justice. Tuesday afternoon, he will be under arrest. Again. That's a good start. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

May God Bless the Carters

2023-06-01T05:37:13-05:00

June 1, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 25) - We learned this week that former First Lady Rosalynn Carter is suffering from dementia. And we have known for some time now that her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, is in hospice care. The news has a very personal impact upon me, as I have met both of them and have spent some time in their Plains, Georgia, home. I met Mrs. Carter first. I was the news director of a radio station in Americus, Georgia, which is just down the road from Plains. I interviewed her in her home in September 1975 just as she was getting ready to embark on her first solo campaign trip on behalf of her husband's presidential campaign. She was gracious and, I freely admit, as a 23-year-old reporter I was somewhat smitten with her. I met the former president a few weeks later on my birthday. Mr. Carter, just a few months out of office as governor of the state, was making appearance at a local air show at Souther Field - the place where aviation hero Charles Lindbergh first soloed. The good people of Plains had a celebration in his honor that evening. It was not just for what he had done as a local school board member, state senator, lieutenant governor and then governor. Judging by the huge "Home of Our Next President" banner on Main Street, the people of Plains were also celebrating what he was going to do next. Very few people were taking Jimmy Carter's candidacy very seriously at that time. Even The Atlanta Journal-Constitution famously once asked the question "Jimmy Carter is running for WHAT???" As we would all eventually learn, he was running for president - and would win. On this evening, however, he was home among friends. When I interviewed him, I was honored that he treated me, a small hometown radio reporter, with the same respect he'd show Walter Cronkite. I had already met his son, Chip, a member of the Plains Town Council. I liked him very much. It was obvious that Chip had grown up in a loving and caring household. On the day after Christmas 1975, I gave the Carters a holiday fruitcake my wife baked for them. (He met me at their door and said, "No fruitcake, no interview" with that famous Carter smile flashed across his face.) I've even filled my car with gas at brother Billy's service station. I left that first encounter convinced that Jimmy Carter had the intelligence and political savvy to win the presidency. Our paths would cross several more times. My wife Jan and I were honored to receive an invitation to his inaugural and one of the inaugural balls in January 1977. That was heady stuff for a couple of newlyweds in their early 20s. For those memories, alone, I am forever grateful. Many may debate how successful he was as president. Certainly, it is a mixed record. And to be sure, Rosalynn Carter was not as flashy and socially connected in the role of First Lady as her successor. But no one can question the morality, humanity and simple human decency of the Carters. My prayers are with them, the extended Carter family and the good people of Plains who nurtured them and will forever cherish their memory. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Texas: A State of Shame

2023-05-24T09:52:14-05:00

May 24, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 24) - It has been one year since the horrific shootings in Uvalde, Texas, in which 19 children and two teachers were murdered by an automatic weapon-wielding maniac while local police stood by. The tragedy has been compounded by local, state and federal officials who continue to do nothing about the proliferation of weapons of mass murder. As I have said before, the Second Amendment is not a hunting license. And yet, that's exactly how the Congress, the Texas legislature and the state's authoritarian governor treats it. Adding to the misery of the families of the victims, the investigation into what happened has been slow, secretive and incomplete. Everyone seems to be in a state of CYA. Their inaction borders on criminality. You can't help but wonder what the heck the people of Texas are thinking. As I discuss in my historical fiction novel Thirteen Minutes: Death of an American High School, the birth of the "American Madman With A Gun" was the Texas Tower in Austin in 1966. There have been additional mass shootings in the Lone Star State since Uvalde, in Cleveland and Allen. Governor Greg Abbott had the temerity to call the victims of the Cleveland shooting "illegal immigrants" - focusing on his immoral and un-Christian-like political agenda while failing to show empathy for the innocent victims. Perhaps we should be turning our "thoughts and prayers" toward a political and social awakening in the sorry state of Texas. (Save a few for the leaders in the sorry state of Florida while you are at it.) Texans would have you believe that they live in a special place. In fact, they live in a state of shame. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Don't Give Up On AM Radio

2023-05-15T15:14:27-05:00

May 15, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 23) - The Washington Post reported this past weekend that major automakers are eliminating AM radios from new cars. This move comes despite protests from radio stations, their listeners, first responders and, well, me. My professional life began in AM radio and everything that followed sprang forth from that experience. Not only would I have not gotten the progression of jobs I have had over the past 50 years - broadcast-related or not - because of my radio background, I wouldn't even have the life I enjoy now. There's no way I end up in Hawesville, Kentucky, and meet my first wife if it hadn't been for a job offer at country music station WKCM. Frankly, I probably would not have met my second wife: Without a broadcast news background (see 1978 photo above of me with N.C. Governor Jim Hunt), there's no way I would have taught journalism at the University of Kansas for nearly three decades. Sentimental reasons aside, there are very valid reasons to preserve AM radio in cars. First and foremost, radio remains the most portable of mass media, even in the digital age. It is more adept at providing credible localize information - especially that of an emergency nature - than most other media. It is also important that it is still the medium of choice for much of rural America. Outside of metropolitan areas, no one is providing information vital to the health, safety and quality of life than local radio - which is still mostly AM radio. Hey, I'm not a luddite. I actually listen to satellite radio in my car more than AM radio. But Sirius-XM isn't going to do me any good when there is tornado on the ground or the local schools are being dismissed early for whatever reason. There's only so much information you can get from text alerts - and you shouldn't be reading your phone when you are driving, anyway. I know that commercial AM radio is more than 100 years old and, in so many ways, cannot match the versatility of other media. But - and this is my main point - for millions of people, it still can. The time has come to tell Ford, Tesla, BMW, VW, Mazda and others that since the Americans taxpayers have bailed them out on numerous occasions, act which merit their consideration of our pleas to keep living-saving AM on their radio dials. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 1978

Clint Hill: A Tortured Hero

2023-04-30T10:06:14-05:00

April 30 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 22) - On a recent visit to a half-price book store, I purchased a copy of Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford written by former Secret Service agent Clint Hill with Lisa McCubbin. It was on The New York Times Best-Seller List in 2016, but I was too busy being a college professor at the time to read it. Anyone old enough to remember the assassination of John F. Kennedy remember Hill from the picture above, taken from a frame of the infamous Zapruder film. Within two seconds of the first of three shots being fired, Agent Hill reacted. As it turned out, it was too late to save the President. But he may well have saved the First Lady who, in shock, had climbed on back of the limousine to retrieve a piece of her husband's skull. The book is one of three Hill has written since he was forced to retire in 1975 because of the stress of the job and the toll it took on his health. A recurring theme throughout the book is how much those six seconds in Dallas in November 1963 haunted him - and continues to haunt him. In an 1975 interview with 60 Minutes, Hill told CBS correspondent Mike Wallace that the president's death was his fault, that he had responded too slowly. At that moment, Wallace, as has every one else since, told Hill that it wasn't his fault and that he had acted heroically. Another recurring theme in the book is how the men whose lives he has guarded at the risk to his own can be so cavalier about their personal safety. Even after JFK's assassination, subsequent presidents occasionally took unnecessary risks. There's another message from his book: Presidents are humans with gigantic egos. If they didn't have those egos, they probably wouldn't have been president in the first place. Hill saw Eisenhower as a formal, but polite man. Kennedy was the friendliest and kindest of the presidents he guarded. Johnson was crass and bullying. Nixon was devious and insecure. Ford was "an everyman" who was easy to get along with. Interestingly, he really enjoyed his time on Vice President Spiro Agnew's detail and was saddened by his self-inflicted fall from power. But the greatest message that comes out of this book is that protecting the President of the United States comes with a great personal cost. While Clint Hill has learned to cope with his demons from Dallas, he will forever be haunted by the nagging sense of "What if I had acted sooner?" One can only hope that someday he will achieve that elusive inner piece by realizing that he, too, is human, and did the very best he could under horrific circumstances. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Biden For President...For Now

2023-04-25T07:26:03-05:00

April 25, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 21) - President Joe Biden announced in a video released this morning that he is seeking a second term. I will support him in this effort. I have three fundamental reasons why I'd like to see Biden reelected. First: He's earned it. Forget all the static and Republican bullshit. Look at the facts. Most of this nation's economic problems and America's image in the world have been vastly improved during Biden's first two years in office. While there is still work to be done, you should give him credit for untangling much of the mess created by his criminally-indicted and seditious predecessor. Second: He's a good, decent man. With his election, America began to fill an empathy gap created by the previous oligarchical and amoral tenant in the White House. The late President George H.W. Bush once dreamed of a "kinder and gentler America." Joe Biden is trying to deliver on that, despite intense opposition over gun control, immigration and civil rights by his predecessor - who is facing a civil trial in New York today over a sexual assault - and by his sycophantic and pathetic followers. And third: If him, who else? Certainly not the defeated former president who may well be sitting in a prison cell by Election Day. Certainly not that little dictator - with emphasis on the first syllable - who runs Florida as if it were the Third Reich. Asa Hutchinson or Niki Barbour? I am surprised they can even stand up straight after spending the last six years kissing The Donald's ass. Bernie Sanders or RFK, Jr.? Put them in a barrel and roll them down the hill and you'd have a nut job on top every time. Let's face it: As long as American democracy remains under threat by the former president and his MAGA maggots, Joe Biden is the best we have to steady the ship of state. I do have one qualification: Concern about Biden's age. We are moving into new territory by electing a man who will be 86 when his term ends. However, age is not a disqualifier. He may move and speak like a elderly man, but, objectively, there is no evidence of any serious mental decline And remember: There is a large body of highly qualified physciatrists who believe that the soon-to-be-incarcerated ex-president was - and still is - mentally ill. So, for now at least, Joe is my guy. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Have You Had Enough?

2023-04-17T07:10:57-05:00

April 17, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 20) - Have you had enough? How many people must die from senseless - no, insane - gun violence before state legislators and Congress cuts off the flow of weapons of mass murder? This past weekend marked the 16th anniversary of the Virginia Tech murders (shown above), where 32 students died at the hands of a deranged graduate student. However, we do not have to go back in time to witness such senseless horror. Just pick up your morning newspaper or turn on your TV. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been approximately 300 shootings with 132 deaths and at least as many injuries in just the last 72 hours of me writing this. Some are better known than others, such as the senseless murder of four people and the wounding of another 28 at a "Sweet 16" birthday party in Alabama. Closer to where I live, a teenager was shot by a jittery homeowner in Kansas City, Missouri, when the boy showed up at the wrong house to pick up his siblings. Sixteen-year-old Ralph Yarl was administered the death penalty for going to the wrong block? (Fortunately, the gunslinger was a lousy shot and he survived!) How, in God's name, can anyone argue that this shooting was justified? So far this year, there have been 12,358 gun deaths - 7,062 by suicide and 5,296 by homicide, justifiable shooting or accident. There have been more than 140 mass casualty shootings so far this year. Have you had enough? If the answer is "yes," here's what you should do: Kick out any legislator who does not support a ban on the sale of military style weapons and high-volume ammunition magazines. Anyone who tells you that ownership of such weapons is a sacred Second Amendment right is lying. That right does not exist in constitutional law. The Second Amendment is not a hunting license. Of course, the people who tell you this say they need their weapons to protect them against the government. As we well remember, it was many from this same crowd that tried to overthrow the government of the United States on January 6, 2021. They are represented by an organization that has laundered money for the Russians and paid hundreds of thousands of dollars so its leader can live an opulent life style. And the politicians who support this corrupt organization are spineless sycophants who blindly follow a seditionist, whore-mongering, narcissistic tax-cheat. Demand that your representatives ban these weapons. And vote for those who feel the same way as you do. Make America Great Again? I'd settle for making America safe again. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

We Are Not that U.S.A.

2023-04-12T11:10:25-05:00

April 12, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 19) - There once was a country that systematically undermined the expressed will of the majority of its people by suppressing the votes of minorities, imposed laws and regulations against those with lifestyles they didn't understand, forcibly removed from public office those with whom its leaders disagreed, and bastardized democracy and Christianity to fit its own ego-centric, racist and misogynist world view. Can you identify that country? Sure you can. It's the good old U.S.A. Just to clarify, I'm talking about the apartheid-era Union of South Africa, U.S.A. However, admit it: For a moment, you thought I was talking about the United States of America, the original U.S.A. And you will have to admit, it sure looks like one of this nation's major governing political parties would be quite happy to emulate the country that imprisoned Nelson Mandela and oppressed its black majority for decades. From trying to overthrow fair elections, to false flag operations against immigrants and gays, to removing legislators from office because they insisted their colleagues bend to the will of their own constituencies, the Seditionist Party (previously known as the Republican Party) has been pandering to a demographic segment of America that is, by percentage, growing smaller and will be in the minority by the 2040s. These Seditionists even want to deny our own history, a proud history that also has its moments of shame. They don't want to learn from history. They choose to whitewash it. At the risk of sounding like an old curmudgeon, I am not happy with the trajectory this nation is taking. The irony is that while South Africa appears to be evolving into a true democracy, the ruling class within the Seditionist Party wants to move the United States to a position on the fringes of civil society that the other U.S.A. once occupied. That would be a tragedy from which this world would never recover. As Ronald Reagan said many times, the United States of America remains the world's best hope for freedom, equality and justice. I just wish party that the Gipper once served as its standard-bearer would remember that. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2023

Case File #71543-2023

2023-04-05T08:01:35-05:00

April 5, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 18) - Some say he looked bewildered. Others say he was angry. I say he looked like he always does - the south end of a northbound mule. One couldn't help but take some measure of satisfaction in seeing our whore-mongering former president finally being arraigned for one of the many crimes he has committed during his sordid and scandalous life. However, that pleasure is tempered by two facts. First, as a general rule, no one ever wanted to see a former President of the United States as a criminal defendant - although I suspect most Americans thought this would happen the day this grifter was "elected" by a minority of voters. Second, there's the realization that this sad saga is only beginning. The next hearing in the People of the State of New York versus Donald J. Trump will not come until December. I don't fully understand why this process should take so long. Justice delayed is justice denied. Frankly, the former president's legal team - looking as if it came right out of the cast of The Godfather - is going to try and drag this thing out as long as it can. Its basic legal theory is this: If Donald Trump can win back the presidency, he will be untouchable. That makes me want to ask his supporters this simple question: Do you really think the President of the United States should be above the law? If so, tell that to Joe Biden. I'm sure he will be interested. Another other legal theory being floated about is that you can't make a felony case out of a state crime committed to cover up a federal crime. Using a legal term here, that theory is loadus fullum crapulous. The Manhattan D.A.'s office has been convicting white collar criminals under similar circumstances for decades. So now we wait patiently for case #71543-2023 to work its way through the criminal justice system. In the meantime, there may be additional indictments for other crimes - sedition, insurrections and even rape - just over the horizon. You see, it isn't just the Manhattan D.A. that has defeated President Bone Spur's number. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Indicted

2023-03-31T05:40:55-05:00

March 31, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 17) - April Fool's Day came two days early for Donald "The John" Trump and seven years too late for the rest of us. He was informed yesterday that he has become the first former President of the United States to face an as yet unspecified number of criminal indictments. Some reports suggest that he may face as many as 34 separate counts. It may not be until next Tuesday during an arraignment hearing in a New York courtroom that we will learn the particulars of the case. However, based on what we know, the defeated and now indicted former president is in a whole bunch of trouble. I think something Trump's neice Mary Trump said during an interview last night makes sense. To paraphrase her, it's OK to feel a sense of sadness and joy about Don "The John's" pending arrest. By now, everyone knows the backstory: Tycoon pays hush money to porn star to hide an extramarital affair that could derail his campaign for President of the United States. Another thing we know - at least based on the assessment of legal scholars of various political persuasions - is that this case is not a slam dunk. But is anything having to do with this lifelong grifter ever a slam dunk? The very fact that he was once elected president by a minority of voters should be a cautionary tale. Still another thing we know is that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has a brilliant legal mind with a lot of experience in trying cases such as this, a case of falsifying legal documents. Trump may have added to his list of charges by his recent attempts to bully the prosecution. On several occasions in the past week, he has called for violence by his supporters in the same manner he did on January 6, 2021. Here's another interesting factoid: The United States Supreme Court has ruled on several occasions that no one, not even a President, is above the law. And yes, that shouldn't matter in this case because Trump is not president. Here's another little nugget: It doesn't matter whether Trump was indicted on misdemeanor or felony charges. A crime is still a crime and should be prosecuted. Of course, a felony conviction would cost him his right to vote and make him ineligible to hold any public office. Oh, and there's this: This is not the only criminal investigation Trump is facing. There are far more serious matters under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Georgia. There's a real chance Trump may face charges of sedition. There's certainly enough evidence on the public record to justify it. But for now, New York is the only game in town. As for the charges, should know a lot more by Tuesday's arraignment. So stayed tuned. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

What It's Like To Be Supoenaed

2023-03-24T06:04:26-05:00

March 24, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 16) - Former President Trump's attorney is scheduled to appear today before a Washington federal grand jury to testify about the mishandling - I'd call it theft - of classified documents. It's an unusual case as attorneys do not normal testify against their clients - except when the client may have tried to use attorney-client privilege to circumvent the law. It's not a pleasant thing to be subpoenaed. I know because I have been subpoenaed three times. The first time was in 1976 when I was the news director of a radio station in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. A local dentist had been indicted on Medicare fraud and I had interviewed the district attorney about the case. The defendant accused the DA of violating ethical standards by participating in the interview and subpoenaed me and my tape of the interview. The problem was that I worked for a small town radio station, which meant I used my cassette tapes over and over again. By the time I was served, I had used the audio cassette to cover other stories. I thought, "Oh crap, I'm going to jail." Fortunately, I didn't. Actually, it was my testimony that I had gotten most of my information on the case from the subpoena I had received from the defense that blew the whole complaint out of the water. (By the way, the dentist was convicted.) The second time I was subpoenaed was as a reporter in upstate New York. This time, I was subpoenaed by no less than William Kunstler, famous for his defense of the Chicago 7 following the riots at the 1968 Democratic Convention. I'm not going to go into the details of that case, although it may be worthy of a future blog post. I will say this: Kunstler was one weird dude. The last time I was subpoenaed was in 1991 while serving as chief spokesman for the North Carolina Department of Correction. Some jackass of an inmate had escaped from one of our minimum custody facilities. He was eventually caught in Kansas. I was served a subpoena, along with about a dozen other people. The inmate had claimed that by doing my job and telling the world that he had escaped and that we were looking for him, I had placed his life in danger. (Really. That's just one of hundreds of dumbass defenses used by inmates-turned-Perry Mason during my four years as the spokesman for North Carolina's prisons.) I wasn't worried about the case. But I was told I'd have to testify the very same day I was scheduled to fly to (ironically) Kansas to interview for a position on the faculty at the KU School of Journalism. I considered ignoring the subpoena - I really wanted the job. However, I didn't fancy being a guest in one of my own prisons. In the end, I had the state Attorney General's office stipulate that my assistant could take my place on the stand. As it turned out, the suit was quashed and order was restored to the universe. (And, of course, I got the job!) Because of my experiences, I have some empathy for Trump's attorney. But not that much. After all: If you do the crime, you do the time. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

They Got Capone For Taxes

2023-03-20T07:04:59-05:00

March 20, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 15) - As I went through my morning routine of perusing the news today, this passage from a CNN story about the impending indictment of Donald Trump caught my eye: "Trump lawyer Alina Habba told CNN's Paul Reid Sunday there would be serious consequences if Trump were to be indicted for a mere misdemeanor - one possible outcome of the Manhattan probe. 'It is going to cause mayhem, Paula. I mean, it's a very scary time in our country,' Habba said. But she also said that 'no one wants anyone to get hurt' and Trump supporters should be 'peaceful.'" After reading that, my blood started to boil. Not only did the morally corrupt former president suggest that there may be violence if he is - as he predicted - indicted this week for his alleged payment of hush money to a porn star, his legal mouthpiece went on national television to suggest the same. We have also heard this weekend from a variety of Republican weasels, such as the sycophantic Mike Pence and spineless Kevin McCarthy, who are trying to delegitimize the criminal justice system by criticizing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Let's clear up a few things. The Republican argument comes down to this: How can you take down a former President of the United States on such a minor violation?" First, we are not talking about a misdemeanor. What we have here is a criminal conspiracy to circumvent federal campaign law through the obstruction of justice. Second, if the facts of case would justify the indictment of Joe or Joanne Sixpack, where does the law say that a former president should be treated different? There is no presidential immunity in this matter. That's not my opinion. That's what the federal courts have repeatedly said. Finally, if Trump - a man who may well be indicted in other jurisdictions for sedition, tax evasion, stealing highly classified documents and espionage - is finally taken down for obstructing justice and paying hush money to a high-priced call girl, so be it. After all, the feds took down notorious gangster Al Capone for tax evasion. (It's a damn shame we can't hold Trump accountable for the hundred of thousands unnecessary COVID deaths he caused.) You use whatever tools you have. It's time to shut down Public Enemy Number One: The Don of the Trump Crime Family. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Glory Days

2023-03-09T07:41:39-06:00

March 9, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 14) - With March Madness now fully underway, I can't help but think back to one of the most important days of my life some 55 years ago. On March 9, 1968, the Easton High School Warriors completed a perfect 23-0 season to win the Maryland State Class B Boy's Basketball Championship. (For you editors out there, I'm not certain the championship should be treated as a proper noun. But it sure feels that way to me!) I was the manager of that team, not to be confused with the coach. The coach was a young fella, a basketball player right out of West Virginia University named Gary Shaffer. He would go on to be inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame. I was the manager, a/k/a towel boy, ball boy, water bottle boy…you get the picture. However - and this is important to me - I was there for every practice, every game doing whatever the coach asked me. I worked harder during the game than some of the players who sat on the bench. (I am not knocking them: Even the bench warmers made the same time commitments I made. Those who serve include those who sit and wait.) While I didn't score a single point or gather a single rebound that season, I was still a part of what made that team tick. Sure, I took some ribbing from those who thought I was a glorified janitor in a suit on game nights. But, guess what? On championship night, it was my name the announcer at the University of Maryland's Cole Field House called out to collect the game ball. My name is on the championship trophy. And I was also inducted in the Easton High School Athletic Hall of Fame with the rest of my teammates in September 2019. However, as I noted in my remarks at the Hall of Fame ceremony, the most important thing that came out of my experience was riding Tuesday and Friday nights on the team bus with black players. The Talbot County, Maryland, school system had only recently been integrated. This team gave me my first real exposure to people of a different race and it changed my world view. I began to question a lot of things I had thought were true. More than a champion, I began to become a better human being that magical season. It is natural for a person of my age to reminisce about the past. But, like Bruce Springsteen, I don't believe living in it. Still, where I am going is influenced by where I have been. And that special night 55 years ago today was influential in how I became the man I am today. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 1968

Man's Best Boss

2023-02-27T10:13:43-06:00

February 27, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 13) - Despite two college degrees, almost a half-century of gainful employment and nearly four decades as a parent and, more recently, a grandparent, I have finally reached this conclusion: I work for my dog. I was under the false illusion that my wife and I adopted Randi, a pit-terrier mix, in 2014. However, I have grown to realize that we didn't adopt her. Instead, she hired us. At least, that's the way it seems these days. She will walk up to me at any time of day, stare at me with her big, brown eyes and command me to do something. Of course, since she hasn't yet mastered the ability to speak, I have to go through a long checklist of possible desires. "Do you want to go outside? Do you want to play ball? Do you want a doggy treat? Are you hoping to solve world peace?" At some point, I figure out what she wants, drop everything I am doing, and give in to her demands. (Hint: Ninety-five percent of the time it has something to do with food.) Now that I have reached the age of blissful retirement, I have been reduced to serving as my dog's full-time personal assistant. I buy most of her food, medicines and treats. I drive her to her doctor and grooming appointments. I feed her and give her her medicines - even when she resists. I let her sit on my lap in my living room recliner - even after I have already decided it was time to get up and do something else. You might say that I suffer from a case of canine paralysis. Randi will wake me in the middle of the night to let me know that she wants to go outside. (That's not necessarily a bad thing, until she starts dawdling around the yard at 3:00 a.m. looking for critters.) Why do I put up with this? I ask myself that question every day. The answer is the same reason my wife and I spent thousands of dollars and much of the month of December commuting between Lawrence and the KSU Veterinary Health Center in Manhattan where she underwent major cancer surgery: We love her. And, she loves us. Together, our family would not be whole without her. Yes, there are times she annoys me. But then, she looks at me with her big, brown eyes and lovingly asks: What have you done for me lately? That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2022.

Living a Double (Sports) Life

2023-02-20T07:29:02-06:00

February 20, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 12) - I admit it: When it comes to sports, I am two-faced. After living in Lawrence, Kansas, for more than three decades - longer than I have lived anywhere else - I am an unapologetic Kansas Jayhawks fan. My fandom is not just for the all-time winningest men's basketball program, but all of the teams, even when they don't win. One reason is that for nearly 30 years, many of those athletes were my students and they had my full support. Also, I am loyal fellow, perhaps to a fault - which is why I am two-faced. I cheer for the Jayhawks whenever they play - except when they play my first love, the Maryland Terrapins. I fell in love with the Terps as a freshman in College Park. They weren't all that good when I arrived on campus. But by the time I graduated in December 1973, both the football and basketball programs were nationally ranked and the men's lacrosse team was the national champion (as they are now). Unlike Kansas and most other college programs, the Terrapins labor in the shadow of two major markets competing for attention from six teams in the four major professional sports leagues. Especially during times of economic stress, disposable income required for ticket sales is limited. That's why the Terps don't sell out as often as they should. And yet, those who do show up are incredibly passionate, making Xfinity Center one of the toughest places to play in The Big Ten. However, even a Terps fan must bow to the passion and energy of Allen Field House - the greatest home court advantage in college basketball. This past weekend, my wife and I indulged in our love for the game. On Saturday, we watched the Jayhawks rally from 18 points down to beat Baylor by 17. Then yesterday, after a long drive to Lincoln, I saw my Terps lose a tough game in overtime to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. That's the nature of the sport: Some days you get the Bears, and some days you are shucked and out of luck. As I indicated in my February 1 post (Vol. 17. No. 8) no other sport elicits the pure passion as does college basketball. That's it for now. Rock Chalk Jayhawk - and Fear the Turtle. ( Photo Copyright David W. Guth, 2022

When Will We Ever Learn?

2023-02-15T05:02:02-06:00

February 15, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 11) - We have once gain tragically witnessed the consequences of America's callous and reckless attitudes toward guns. Just this week, there's been yet another mass casualty shooting at a school - this time at Michigan State University. However, truth be told, we have now raised a generation of children from pre-school to graduate school that faces the very real possibility that they will be gunned down in their classroom. According to The Washington Post, there have been more than 600 mass shootings since January 2022. That's an average of more than one each day. That is an obscenity. No one is threatening the repeal of the Second Amendment. I do not object to gun ownership, per se. But I do object to the reckless sale of military style assault weapons with high-volume ammunition magazines. As President Joe Biden pointed out in his recent State of the Union Address, this country once had a ban on assault weapons. And guess what? It worked. No one's constitutional rights were violated and the number of mass casualty shootings dramatically decreased. However, the ban was allowed to expire and our schools have, once again, become a shooting gallery. In what universe does that make any sense? As you may be aware, I have recently published my first fiction novel, Thirteen Minutes: Death of an American High School. It is about the causes and effects of a school shooting in a rural community. The story may come from my imagination, but the scenario that is played out is based on what has happened too many times in real life. I don't expect to make a lot of money on the book. That's not why I wrote it. I wrote it to shed some light on a very dark subject. Every time I see that there's been another shooting, I think of the great Pete Seeger's 1955 composition Where Have all the Flowers Gone? It is a song about the futility of war. With a few minor lyrical changes, it could also be be a warning siren about the need for gun reform. Just as wars come and go in a seemingly endless cycle, so does gun violence. And as the song hauntingly repeats at the end of each verse, "When will we ever learn?" That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. (Photo courtesy AP)

Vision Versus Division

2023-02-07T23:07:20-06:00

February 8, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 10) - If you watched President Joe Biden deliver his second State of the Union Address last night with an open mind, then you should have seen a clear picture of why the interests of this nation are best served when the Democrats are in charge. Biden laid out an amazing record of accomplishments and a vision for America's future. It is undeniable: Biden's legislative record during the first two years of his term is the most successful we have seen in more than 50 years. Last night, he spoke to our nation's most basic values: equality, fairness, compassion and strength. And what did Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders have to offer in her Republican response? Nothing, really. She repeated the litany of half-truths and distortions she became famous for as Donald Trump's press secretary. She took a cheap shot at Biden's age without acknowledging that it was her former boss that wrecked the economy and was responsible for hundreds of thousands of COVID deaths. Not only that, but many of the Republicans in Congress behaved badly - frankly, childishly - during the speech. It was hilarious watching House Speaker Kevin McCarthy squirm in his seat behind the President, not knowing whether to applaud what should have been easy applause lines about basic civil rights, economic justice and the defense of democracy. He wouldn't even acknowledge that the January 6th Insurrection was a bad thing. Having made so many back room deals with the most radical elements of his party, McCarthy couldn't afford to let a wayward smile and misplaced applause cost him any of his razor-thin support. Truth be told, Joe Biden is not a very good public speaker. However, at least when he was speaking, we had every reason to believe the truth was being told - something no one ever felt was the case with his predecessor. While they may be somewhat transitory, the initial flash polls suggest that it was a good night for the President. More important, it was a good night for America. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. (Photo courtesy CNN)

Balloon Baffoonery

2023-02-05T08:16:57-06:00

February 5, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 9) - Our long national nightmare is over. However, the Internet memes about it are only beginning. The U.S. Air Force yesterday shot down a meandering Chinese spy ballon off the coast of North Carolina. Of course, Beijing said the ballon was a civilian aircraft that had strayed off course, predictably accused the Biden administration of a "serious violation of international practice" and threatened undisclosed repercussions. Well, well, well. Where do we begin? First, it wasn't a "civilian aircraft." It was a sophisticated, yet remarkably low-tech spy balloon. Second, this "civilian aircraft" not only violated American airspace, it traversed the entire country. As for those undisclosed consequences, China hasn't even begun to hear from the U.S. about their egregious behavior. The only group acting more stupidly over this dumbass intrusion are - predictably - congressional Republicans. Bless, them: They just can't help themselves. These MAGA-maggots say it is a disgrace that Biden didn't hop into a jet himself and personally shoot down this invader. They ignore the fact that the thing was as big as two Greyhound buses and was flying at 60,000 feet. Indiscriminately shooting it down may have hurt someone on the ground and caused serious property damage. The Republican nay-sayers also claim we allowed the Chinese to continue to gather vital information as it flew across the country. Let me clue you in on a secret: It is likely the U.S. disabled its intelligence-gathering capabilities before the damn thing crossed the border. We can do that, you know. We just don't like to talk about it. Ix-nay on the aser-lay. I suspect some of those mental midgets like Jim Jordan and Marjorie Taylor Greene think the balloon carried Hillary Clinton's e-mails and the contents of Hunter Biden's laptop. Don't get me wrong: The violation of American airspace by this rudimentary Chinese balloon is a serious matter. And I seriously doubt this intrusion was the accident the folks in Beijing claim. If it was an accident, then it should be the Chinese, not us, who should be red-faced. But let's have a little perspective. It is unlikely this clumsy attempt at spy craft gathered any information that the Chinese haven't gathered from other sources. And the only real dangers were having this thing fall to the ground hurting someone and Republicans hyperventilating in an effort to distract Americans from the fact that Biden is getting the job done and, in the process, kicking their collective asses. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2023-02-01T08:08:41-06:00

February 1, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 8) - It's the first day of February, which means there are only 28 days until the Month of Madness. March Madness, that is. If you love - or even if you just like - college basketball, this is the best time of the year. Suddenly, Joe Lunardi's opinion matters. It's all about making the NCAA tournament field. Once you are in, anything can happen. Just ask the folks at North Carolina State University. Like many, I fell in love with college basketball in college. Growing up, I was a passionate fan of the Baltimore Bullets. College hoops were hardly on my radar. However, Charles "Lefty" Driesell came to College Park, Maryland, and totally changed my perspective. That was the year before I enrolled at the University of Maryland. Even then, I noticed that something special was happening. When I got to College Park, I was fortunate to work with a film crew that shot game footage for the Terps. That allowed me to get up close with the players and coaches and to see exciting games on the floor of the arena. The energy and excitement in Cole Field House was unmatched. That included an amazing pre-shot clock game in which the Terps slowed down the game - the score was 4-3 at the half - and upset second-ranked South Carolina on a buzzer-beater. I was even present for the first-ever Late Night, Lefty's way of telling everyone that the Terps were ready to compete. I had never seen anything like it - until I joined the faculty at the University of Kansas and started seeing games at Allen Field House. As good as it was when I was in college, the game time atmosphere at Kansas is the best I've seen. Keep in mind that I've seen games at Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium, North Carolina's Carmichael Auditorium and Dean Dome, Iowa State's Hilton Coliseum, and even a Final Four in Indianapolis. All had great atmospheres - but none can match the electricity of The Phog. As for the NBA - forget it. You can keep the pumped-in music and phony light shows. And who cares to watch 48 minutes of one-on-one basketball? College hoops are beautiful because they are played as a team sport. And at Allen Field House, the fans are an integral part of that team. Bring on the Madness! With apologies to Christmas, this is the most wonderful time of the year! That''s it for now. Fear the Turtle!

Santosia

2023-01-24T07:27:14-06:00

January 24, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 7) - There is a new affliction threatening the health and well-being of our nation. It is known as Santosia, not to be confused with Santosha, a term used in yoga circles denoting contentment and a lack of desire for what others have. Nor should it be confused with the Brazilian plant of the same name - although this particular form of mental illness appears to have originated in Brazil and taken flower on Long Island in New York. Its symptoms include delusionary expressions of grandeur that expotentially grow in their number and scope, particularly during political campaign election seasons. An example would be if I claimed to have won the first of my six Congressional Medals of Honor during the Korean War - which would have been amazing, considering that the war ended before my first birthday. The incidious thing about Santosia is that it not only afflicts its perpetrator, but it also affects those around its carrier who are willing to accept anything they are told because it appears to serve their purposes. Given enough exposure to Santosia, these people eventually lose their spines. The medical term for this condition is known as Kevin McCarthyitus, a sort of Lou Gehrig's Disease for the politically impotent. There is a particularly virulent strain of Santosia in the Mar-a-Lago region of Florida. (That strain also appears to have infected at least one resident of Tallahassee.) But at least in the case of the Mar-a-Lago strain, there's a chance a cure may be found within the U.S. Department of Justice - unless, of course a bad case of Garlandian paralysis takes hold. When it comes to Santosia, there is only one cure: To vote as if the future of democracy depends upon it - because it does. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle!

C'mon, Joe!

2023-01-16T12:01:54-06:00

Jan. 16, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 6) - I am an unapologetic fan of President Joe Biden. He is the least pretentious and most productive president we have had since the days of Ronald Reagan. Unlike the Gipper, who was able to get a lot of things done by garnering support from the other side of the aisle, Biden's substantial accomplishments have been largely accomplished without the help of and, frankly, despite the hinderance of the Republican Sedition Caucus. Our economy is slowly on the mend after the disastrous mess created by his predecessor, the Jipper. Even with the challenges the party in the White House traditionally faces during midterm elections, the Democrats actually gained ground in the Senate while barely losing the House. (And after what we saw last week, can we really say the Republicans are in control of the House?) Does Joe occasionally put his foot in his mouth? Yes, but who doesn't? It is a part of the endearing quality of the man. Yes, Joe has done a good job - even if the polls do not reflect it. However, I am not pleased about these reports of classified documents showing up in Biden's former office spaces and in the garage of his Delaware home. Considering what we have been through with The Con Man from Mar-a-Lago, this should not have happened. I know that the two situations are different. One returned the documents when discovered while the other actively engaged in a year-long deception to hide classified material from the National Archives. The two things are not the same. And yet, the former president's sycophants in the Sedition Caucus and the propagandists at Fox News now claim they are. I am deeply disappointed that Joe and his company have given the Disloyal Opposition even the slightest opportunity to claim of a moral equivalency. Let's not kid ourselves: American Democracy is still in peril. While Dangerous Donnie, Klansman Kevin and Rebel Rousin' Ronnie are plotting their next electoral coup, President Biden has to operate an Administration that is beyond reproach. This is not how you do it. C'Mon, Joe! Stop with the "the documents were safely locked in the garage with my Corvette" crap and keep your eye on the ball. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle!

Volunteering for the Red Cross

2023-01-12T17:37:56-06:00

Jan. 12, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 5) - I have been associated with the American Red Cross since the late 1970s. Back in those days, I was living in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. At first, I served on the "blood committee," mostly because I was news director of the local radio station and my role was to provide publicity for local blood drives. After I left that job to become the public information director of North Carolina Wesleyan College, I took on a more active role. For two years, I served as disaster committee chairman, a role in which I helped develop a disaster response plan that, in turn, made it possible for the chapter to procure its first disaster response van. I was in line to become chapter president when I took a job with the Capitol Broadcasting Company in Raleigh. After that, my active involvement with the Red Cross was put on hold for the next 37 years, After I retired from the School of Journalism faculty at the University of Kansas in 2019, I returned to the Red Cross as a communications volunteer for the Kansas-Oklahoma Region. Because of my association with a former regional communications director who has assumed similar responsibilities in Houston, I am now also a volunteer for the Texas Gulf Coast Region, as well. Volunteering for the Red Cross has been a rewarding experience. First of all, I believe in its mission "to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors." Most people don't realize it, but 93 percent of the Red Cross workforce is made of volunteers. And as one considered an expert in crisis communications and internal relations, I can tell you without hesitation that the Red Cross does a fabulous job of encouraging, training and recognizing its volunteer force. There are dozens of role volunteers can fill, from helping with the collection and distribution of 40 percent of the nation's blood supply to responding virtually and/or in-person to a myriad of natural and man-made disasters affecting our fellow citizens every day. If you have time on your hands and like the idea of associating with the world's most respect humanitarian organization, I invite you to visit www.redcross.org/volunteer to learn more. And if you don't have the time to volunteer, I encourage you to give to the Red Cross. An average of 90 cents of every dollar donated is spent serving those in need. For the record: No one asked me to write this blog post. I have done so because I believe in the Red Cross and its mission. I hope you do, too. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.

Watching Train Wrecks

2023-01-10T07:39:26-06:00

Jan. 10, 2023 (Vol. 17 No.4) - If you like watching train wrecks, demolition derbys, building implosions and other stuff where things end up on a heap of rubble, this has been a good week for you. It started with the U.S. House of Representatives voting to elect a Speaker. Normally, this is a fairly easy vote. The party that has the majority unanimously supports its candidate, ensuring election. But who said the Republican Party is normal? It took 15 ballots over four days - actually five, since the 15th ballot came after midnight Saturday - and one near fist-flight for Kevin McCarthy to finally be given his crown. However, considering all of the concessions he made to the MAGA-maggots on the right, his crown is now nothing more than paper mache. One can only question how long it will last in the rain of criticism and goading he will get from all sides when the really tough votes, such as the debt ceiling and Ukraine, come up. Perhaps that is why the Democratic caucus has ordered a large shipment of popcorn. This will be fun to watch - until it is no longer fun and the nation's citizens and credibility are placed in jeopardy. Across the pond in not-so-jolly-old-England, the Royal family is reminding us about the dangers of inbreeding. Prince Harry and his lovely wife Princess Megan are at war with the rest of the Windsors. I suspect that some of his complaints are justified. Judging by what I have read and seen through the years, especially by watching five seasons of The Crown, the King and his family come across like a bunch of cold fish. Somewhere along the royal blood line those people lost their emotional empathy genes. However, this is not to give Harry and Megan a pass. After all, if they truly want to be left alone to live out their lives in California in peace, why on earth do you write a book and go on a whirlwind tour of television interviews to dredge up dirt on the royal family? The Windsor family definitely puts in the "fun" in dysfunctional. Of course, if you want to talk about train wrecks, we should mention Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. Maybe I will save that for another time. Or maybe not. After all, I want to keep this train on its tracks. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle!

Driving Off The Cliff

2023-01-05T06:12:46-06:00

Jan. 5, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 3) - You may have seen the news story out of California: A family of four was dramatically rescued this week after their car plunged approximately 300 feet off a cliff. At first, it was a story about a miraculous rescue. But now it has changed, as the driver has been accused of trying to kill his wife and children by deliberately causing the crash. That is a perfect metaphor for the Republican caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. The nation has stood witness for the past two days at what President Biden has rightly called "an embarrassment." After six votes, the Republican majority has been unable to elect a speaker. There are nearly two dozen MAGA-maggots who have completely jammed up the wheels of government by refusing to support the man their party's caucus selected as its choice for speaker, Rep. Kevin McCarthy. It's not clear what their complaint against McCarthy is. They haven't really articulated it. (No surprise, since this isn't a particularly articulate crowd.) What this seems to be about is a small group of marginalized neo-cons making a power grab. We are left with a stalemate, as the tail is trying to wag the dog. I do not feel any sympathy for McCarthy. After all, this is a disaster of his own creation. After the January 6 insurrection, McCarthy had the opportunity to severe ties with the seditious former president. Instead, he hurried down to Mar-a-Lago to kiss his ring - or someplace else lower in his anatomy. In short, McCarthy continued to fan the flames of a fire that is now out of control. The irony is that many Republicans are now turning to Democrats in the hope that they can bail them out of this mess. Without Democrat votes - or non-votes - the lower chamber of the U.S. Congress will continue to sink even lower in the murky MAGA swamp it created. At least for now, the Democrats would much rather sit back, eat popcorn and remind the country "we told you so." That may not be the most adult position they should take. And things may change by the end of the day. But, for now, that approach is totally justified. Unless Democrats can swing a deal that will take Hunter Biden's laptop, abortion restrictions and other ultra-conservative non-sequitur distractions off the legislative agenda, they should just sit back and let the Republicans simmer in their own stew. The Republicans have chosen to drive their clown-car caucus off the cliff. There's no need for the Democrats to join them. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle!

The Republican Conundrum

2023-01-03T08:30:00-06:00

Jan 3, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 2) - As the new Congress convenes today, some of the faces may be different, but nothing much will have changed. The midterm elections did not significantly alter Washington's political equation, although Republicans have gained nominal control of the House of Representatives. I say nominal because the Republicans may be in the majority, but I seriously doubt that they will be in control. Kevin McCarthy has sold his soul to become Speaker. And as Paul Ryan and John Boehner before him discovered, his caucus is an ungovernable and undisciplined clown car where numerous factions are steering in different directions. Many of them are members of the Sedition Caucus, an angry and unprincipled group who ignored their oaths to preserve and protect the Constitution and instead tried to overthrow the expressed will of 81 million of their fellow citizens. As I write this, there is no guarantee that McCarthy can muster the 218 votes he needs. Even if he does, he has already made concessions that will cripple his speakership. Because of the GOP's failure to win the Senate - Democrats actually gained a seat - there isn't a lot the Republicans will be able to accomplish legislatively by themselves - other than waste time and money on a silly investigation of Hunter Biden's laptop. The Republicans also start this session rudderless, as their "North Star," the Discount of Mar-a-Largo, is about to go supernova in the wake of a wide range of criminal investigations. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who hasn't attempted to hide his distain for the former President, will be interesting to watch. He may be more willing to work in a bipartisan manner on some issues with President Biden. McConnell is more secure within his caucus than McCarthy is in his, so don't expect him to throw McCarthy a lifeline. That will put the new, and likely temporary Speaker with a conundrum. If he tries to work with the Democrats, he risks ouster by the lunatic fringe of his own party. If he doesn't, he will likely alienate moderate Republicans and Independents who made it clear in November that they are not interested in a continuing congressional stalemate. This is not to suggest that the Democrats are without significant problems of their own that could derail them in the next election. But the Democrats come into this new Congress with two things the GOP does not - party unity and a recent record of significant legislative and electoral success. The Republican Party's failure to realize their projected "Red Wave" last November spells significant challenges for them as they look ahead to November 2024. The battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party has begun. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle!

New Year, New Look

2023-01-01T17:38:12-06:00

Jan. 1, 2023 (Vol. 17 No. 1) - First and foremost, allow me this opportunity to wish you and yours a Happy New Year. For those of you who are regular readers to this blog - and I suspect that is not a huge number - you will notice that there is a new look to this page and to much of the website. It is cleaner, simpler and easier to read. I'd like to say it was my idea, but it wasn't. You can thank Apple - if thank is the correct word - for the change. When Apple upgraded its operating system, the software I had been using to compose and edit this website was no longer functional. In short, Apple screwed me. That forced me to look for website composing software that is essentially WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). I am not, nor do I desire to be, a web designer or HTLM coder. That's why I settled on a program called RapidWeaver - which I am still trying to master. In short, this old dog isn't really interested in learning new tricks. So, here we are. And isn't this what new years are all about, getting a fresh start? One can only hope that 2023 is a better year than the one just past. To me, at least, 2022 was a Dickens of a years - as in "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." I can honestly say that I am in much better health and in a much better frame of mind than I was this time last year. Unfortunately, the loss of three family members last year tampers down any joy I may feel. However, New Year's Day is also about looking ahead to the promise of tomorrow. So, with optimism toward the future, let the latest life chapter begin! That's it for now. Fear the Turtle!