Trump and the GOP allowed Congress to force the Epstein files out. Then, they delayed. Then they edited and redacted and withheld and withdrew what they released. Covered up, but ineptly and in full public view. But now other countries are digging into this international crime set. Get the popcorn.

Just one special election item, a replacement levy for education. Vote every time, vote like it's a right someone is trying to take away. #voting #rights

His election comments and the Epstein files coverup and ICE crimes and many other actions compel the conclusion that we must remove the orange Mussolini before the mid-terms. He's toxic and the nation is ill. #remove47 #nokings

Madison, in the Federalist 46, said that the ultimate authority resides in the people alone. Let's embody that in the face of a lying, cynical despot. #remove47 #democracy

Amidst the turmoil, this theme:

Add "arresting journalists on pretexts" to the list. Orange Mussolini is doing exactly what fascists in any era do. #remove47 #FirstAmendment

I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Stay free

This anti-constitutional regime must end. We may not have until the mid-terms. I'd love to be wrong about that, but based on recent events, that's a poor bet and getting worse. #remove #resist #nokings

We are not obligated to allow this country to fall into fascist authoritarianism. Resist--and the Democrats who don't will forfeit their power. #remove47

Who is going to step up and lead the effort to remove him? We can't wait for the mid-terms. It's time for a major political figure or five to stand up. If someone does not, this could get bloody. Much prefer a peaceful effort but the clear priority is that this regime must go.

Saw a post earlier (now can't find) about how we'll still have Vance et al. if orange Mussolini dies or is removed. We'll need to deal with them, too. It's going to take a sustained effort to turn us back into a democracy and to reform it so that the systemic flaws now on display are addressed.

There is no strategy www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...

Is Trump a Russian agent? Don't have any direct evidence. But if his actions match what a Russian agent would do--as is the case--then that doesn't much matter. He's destroying the US and ruining longstanding alliances in ways that benefit the dictator Putin. #removetrump #stop 47

My brother is visiting for a few weeks. It's 26° and foggy right now. Of my four football teams, one is left (go Canes). Tonight we'll concoct a casserole to polish off a rotisserie chicken. Tomorrow features a doctor's appointment for Mom and coat shopping. Taking a day off from the fascist regime.

Who gets blocked: people using illogic, those sniping at others from a different faction in their party, doomsayers, fonts of vast generalizations, alleged mind readers, and people who predict the future with utter certainty. Who gets followed: people who want to fight for democracy together.

In an interview with Reuters, Trump said yesterday about the November midterms, "We shouldn't even have an election" because he has accomplished so much. Get him the hell out of office, right now. #remove

Some governor, or general, or senator will need to say in public, on camera, what more and more ordinary people are saying--the president is exerting authoritarian power and must be forcibly removed from office. Since Congress will not impeach, this is what's left. No kings or dictators. #remove

Trump’s second term summed up nicely.

It'll take a bunch of us. But we've already got millions.

Perhaps it's time to merge protests in Baltimore, Philly, and Richmond with protests in DC and occupy the capital. How might the protestors choose to act? As Madison said, "The people are the only legitimate fountain of power." #Federalist49 #removetrump #stop47

I've updated my occasional blog. This short post is entitled, "An Amendment to Limit the Presidential Pardon Power." rockonaswamp.blogspot.com

Based on current approval ratings, if an election were held today, the orange one would get 68 electoral votes for certain. The states of KS, LA, MO, NE, TN, and UT would be toss ups. The Democrat, if a reasonably consensus choice, would win 424 electral votes. Let's remove him. #remove #stop47

When will it be time for an uprising to topple the orange Mussolini and his entourage of shame? I really want to know. The US has met the conditions described in the Declaration of Independence paragraph two--clearly. We are not obligated to let this proto-fascist regime continue. #remove #stop47

Life in the kindergarten model is play some, learn some, work some, snack, nap, exercise, and enjoy the company you keep. It's a good model for recent retirees, too. Trump only has nap and snack going as far as I can tell.

Gallegos is a Democrat and veteran from Arizona. He's considered a moderate.

Fascism is expansionist. That's one of its key characteristics, and any excuse will do. If Congress won't stop the orange one, then we the people must. #remove47 #stoptrump

Constrained fandom: if a football game featuring one of my teams makes me too nervous, I don't watch it. Might check the score occasionally. If my team wins, I watch the highlights package. No longer willing to let the performance of strangers in a team sport from a city I don't live in ruin my day.

I have just updated my occasional blog with a post entitled, "A Presidential Recall Amendment." Find it here: rockonaswamp.blogspot.com

Best books I read in 2025: Flagrant Conduct, Dale Carpenter; This Changes Everything, Tyler Merritt; When the Moon Hits Your Eye, John Scalzi; East of Eden, Steinbeck; On Tyranny, Timothy Snyder; Invisible Cities, Italo Calvino; How to Love a Country (poems), Richard Blanco; Surfacing, Atwood.

All else aside, what should disqualify Trump is his persistent, habitual, and egregious lying. #removetrump #liarinchief

Today's achievements: returned a defective gift, bought a couple of needful items, ordered books with a gift card, found good Mexican food for lunch, took a walk, and ordered more books. Next up: Christmas leftovers (ham, sweet potatoes, baked mac & cheese, green beans, homemade pumpkin pie). 🥧

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate.

I walked today in sunlight and now, a few hours later, dark clouds are dropping rain. Tomorrow the daytime will be seconds longer as we in the northern hemisphere draw closer to the equinox step by step. Darkness will not forever abide. Death, thou shalt die. These are my political thoughts today.

A month ago, I said this: "If they [the files] are heavily redacted, that will be almost as bad for him as if they were untouched." That's playing out now. And the attempt to show only Democrats in photos is also backfiring. Few are buying it. Once a coverup is exposed, continuing it is pointless.

Enjoyed the Tacoma Art Museum with Mom today. Chihuly blown glass always draws me in.

On my mind: the Epstein files. The discharge petition for an ACA extension vote. Walked rain free this afternoon. A message to all friends--the flooding is elsewhere. Tua got benched. My to-read list keeps lengthening. Still enjoying Christmas decor. Imagining retirement projects. That is all.

Not a shred of human decency in the orange one, not a trace of of kindness. He's a disease and it's symptoms are slander, corruption, and baseless pride. #remove47

I just updated my occasional blog about my retirement: rockonaswamp.blogspot.com

On today's walk, rain and drizzle free. #Olympia #WAstate #democracy

One of many reasons I have taught history.

The orange despot has delivered unhinged rants before. But now, in the wake of rants and assorted absurdities and overt racism and word salad, it seems as if he's genuinely damaged. Dementia? Encroaching senility? A psychological deficit? Whatever is wrong, he should be removed. Now. #removetrump

It's been raining for a couple of days and will continue for several more. I go about my business anyway, which I suppose makes me a citizen of the region. We've been here almost 10 months and increasingly it feels like home. #Olympia #EvergreenState #PNW

A Saturday: walked at Grass Lake Park mostly in drizzle in my hooded rain jacket. Then, Christmas shopping and my oh my it was crowded and busy. Not like 25 years ago, but still. Malls without record or book stores don't interest me much. Soup is in the slow cooker and already smells wonderful.

From Thanksmas, a made-up holiday for closest friends and family, almost three years ago. We had our own traditions including a wind-up toy at every place setting, both turkey and a beef dish, two kinds of gravy. My lifelong friends who always hosted are no longer able. Missing all who gathered.

Rest in peace, Steve Cropper. Great guitarist for Booker T and the MGs and others, fine producer, a legend. He played on most of those brilliant Stax/Volt hits.

Listen to Mr. Douglass, please.

Some, not all, of what used to be on my office bulletin board. Only common theme: people who did work I like or love. How many can you name?

Posting about horrible things Trump has done or said every day would be both possible and enervating. I long for the day when he'll be gone, fascism will be forced to retreat, and I can focus more fully on what brings me joy. For instance: China Mountain Zhang, a terrific novel by Maureen McHugh.

Thanksgiving for Mom and me featured a turkey breast, dressing, mashed potatoes, biscuits (because carbs must be tripled), green beans, cranberry sauce with whole berries, and homemade pecan pie, plus two football games. So it was a light and simplified version this time but still delightful.