Well, I finally did it, I read James Comey's book, "A Higher Loyalty." What did I glean from the book?  A lot more than what the pundits said/wrote when they reviewed it.  To be specific, very little of the book deals with Comey's actions as they relate to the Clinton investigation or interactions with Donald Trump.  In fact, most of the book provides a foundation for the man's view of the world and how it was shaped by life events experienced (just like all of us).  Unlike the reviews from Conservatives that Comey wrote the book as some sort of "Mea Culpa", I found it to be a fairly genuine rendition of  the life as it evolved for the man and how he came to view his role as Director of the FBI.  
         But some things are disclosed in his book that warrant repeating.  The FBI's review of Hilary Clinton's emails was to Comey, a "routine investigation." He also went to great lengths to clarify that the FBI determined Clinton did not intentionally violate any laws by using a private email server.  I state this because amidst the fire-storm engulfing the investigation at the time, I read countless opinions on social media (and they still exist today) FaceBook demanding Clinton be "locked up" for just using private servers.  As usual, Comey enlightens readers as it relates to the investigation process and specifically, why the FBI determined there was no case to prosecute against Hillary Clinton.  I'm not going to spoil it for those still waiting to read the book, but the bottom line is simple - non-lawyers should always refrain from pontificating about what the law "really means." Strict Liability in criminal instances are very narrowly defined and as Comey plainly states, that at the end of the investigation (which included interviewing Clinton at FBI headquarters for over three hours), "there was nothing in her comments that we could prove was a lie beyond a reasonable doubt.  There was no moment when investigators caught her in a lie."  "This case was done."
            In addition to laying out why the FBI would not recommend Clinton be prosecuted, Comey lays out how poorly Right Wing Media, the GOP and Donald Trump misled the public on the investigation.  Now most of us already knew this, but Comey confirms that partisans and their supporting media used the entire matter to pursue strictly political aims, without regard to the truth or the Rule of Law.  So when it comes to ignoring the Rule of Law, Comey especially slams Donald Trump and his Administration. Why?  Because according to Comey, after briefing Trump and his team on the Russian interference in our election, no one (including the President-elect") asked any questions about what was being done to stop the cyberattacks or what our strategy was to respond.  Not only did Trump and his Senior staff not ask these important questions relating to National Security, they "were keen to emphasize that there was no impact on the vote, meaning that the Russians hadn't elected Trump."  Comey found it more suspicious because Trump wanted the FBI to publicly state the election was legitimate (the FBI would not) rather than how to protect the nation from further election interference.  
          I could go on, but to do so would spoil the read for others.  What I will add though is Comey's recollections of lies and distortions from Trump.  More importantly, the observation that Trump rambles from topic to topic without allowing others to chime in.  By doing do, Comey observed the president reinforces his skewed perception of events while taking the silence of those listening as assent and approval. "His assertions about what 'everyone thinks' and what is 'obviously true' wash over you unchallenged...because he never stops talking." "As I sat there, I watched the president building with his words a cocoon of alternative reality that he was busily wrapping around all of us."  
       And then came the "I hope you can let this go" part of the book.  Comey says he does not know what Trump's intent was in making this statement about ending the FBI investigation into Michael Flynn and the Russians, but by the end of the book he indicates it seemed just part of a pattern he has seen before - one that fits the definition of "Obstruction of Justice."  Comey points out that Mueller will have to determine whether obstruction occurred, but he makes no bones about how it appeared to him (like Trump repeatedly bringing up matters and claiming innocence when no one raised any of the issues or claimed he was guilty of).  That isn't good for Trump. 
          One last tidbit to enlighten Trump supporters.  Comey learned of his firing as FBI Director while addressing the LA FBI office staff.  As he began his comments at the office, television screens in the room indicated that Comey had been fired.  After completing his remarks, he contacted everyone in the chain of command up to the White House for clarification.  None would be forthcoming until calls of support began to come in.  When asked how he was to return to Washington, Comey reveals the decision was made by the "interim FBI Director" Andrew McCabe to allow him to fly back on the FBI jet that took him there (reasoning that the plane and crew had to return to DC anyway).  What we did now know prior to Comey's book was how incensed Trump was over McCabe allowing Comey to return on the FBI jet. "The president exploded. He ordered that I was not to be allowed back on FBI property again, ever."  Any wonder why McCabe then became the target of Trump's wrath (and the subject of a very public firing with Right Wing Media support)?
       And the icing on the cake.  James Comey, a Republican who served directly under two presidents (Bush and Obama) concludes that Donald Trump "makes me worry for my country."  "...the current president will do significant damage in the short term.  Important norms and traditions will be damaged by the flames."  One thing is for sure after reading Comey's book - In Mueller we trust!  Have a great week!
        

      As I peruse the newspapers included in my daily readings, I can't help but think something positive will still come from the chaos created by the Trump Administration. Today it was reported that the Russian lawyer that met with Trump aides (Kushner and Manafort) has not been called yet as a witness by special counsel Robert Mueller.  Is this something to really care about?  Does anyone really think Mueller needs to interview this person about their meetings with senior Trump advisors when he already possesses mountains of documents already on the subject of the meeting?  One thing we can learn from this little tidbit.  Mueller will interview witnesses when Mueller is good and ready.  And when that happens, who knows what will come out of it. (See: www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/russian-lawyer-questions-why-mueller-hasnt-contacted-her/2018/04/22/7729fb82-4651-11e8-8082-105a446d19b8_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.aae0df448f81). 
       Regardless, Trumplings still take to social media to proclaim their idol (Donald Trump's) innocence.  In fact, some Trumplings continue to submit their "proof" of the president's innocence by submitting Letters to the Editors of newspapers nationwide.  Of course there is one problem with all of these letters.  They all proclaim Trump is innocent because the Mueller investigation has yet to come up with evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Mr. Trump or his campaign - except Flynn,  Papadopoulos, and Gates have already pled guilty while others are hanging out - probably for a plea bargain. (See: www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/2/20/17031772/mueller-indictments-grand-jury).  So next time Trumplings claim the Mueller investigation is a "Witch Hunt" based on nothing more than "Liberal political hackery", remind them people don't get indicted by Grand Juries and then plead guilty when there is no evidence of wrongdoing.  Obviously something is still "in the cards" with the Mueller team and to demand his investigation stop short of hunting down every shred of evidence that may prove or disprove collusion or illegal activity by anyone, including the President of the United States is mind-numbing.
        Speaking of mind-numbing, while the media focuses in on virtually everything except what goes on in the halls of Congress, Americans seem "out of the loop" when it comes to the shenanigans being played by the Congressional GOP.  How so?  According to the Associated Press, the GOP-led Congress engaged in more political games this past week.  In the House, the GOP blocked "a parliamentary attempt by Democrats to force a floor debate on a bill that would require all presidents (including Trump) to publicly disclose their tax returns for the three years preceding their candidacy for the Oval Office." (H.R. 305).  The GOP defeated the effort by a vote of 226-189.  Why would members of Congress be so cautious when requiring presidential candidates disclose their tax returns?  Do they know GOP candidates that may have "suspicious" returns? So the beat goes on.  Party politics seems to take a step forward and common sense is again tossed into the "back seat."  Are Americans aware that our Congress is run by political sellouts?  Probably, but what will they do about it come election time?  Instead of complaining, voting for change would be a great help to a nation afflicted by partisan tribal politics instead of patriotic concern for the well-being of our great nation. 
            As President Andrew Jackson once wrote; "It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their own selfish purposes."  Midterm elections can't seem to come fast enough.  Have a great week!

        And the ride in Washington continues to twist like a two lane route through deserted lands.  Huh?  Month after month of disarray and confusion coming from our esteemed president and his sycophantic followers, we just can't seem to get low enough when it comes to "slime factors."  You read that right, the slime factors coming out of the "Trump Swamp" include every move to strip environmental regulations, ignore ethical rules and norms and to attack anyone that opposes the man in the Oval - including attacks that denigrate both the target of the criticism but also the reputation and integrity of the attackers.  Yes, we are evolving America - and sadly it's going the wrong direction! 
          Just this week, after rounds of speculation and denials, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan has announced his  retirement (surprise) at the end of this Congressional term (See: www.cnbc.com/2018/04/11/house-speaker-paul-ryan-tells-confidants-he-wont-run-for-reelection-report.html).  He claims it's to spend more time with his family, but what are the real reasons for his "sudden" announcement?  Could it be that he was the financial beneficiary of political ($$$) support from the NRA that may have come directly from Russian Oligarchs interested in influencing our elections?  Could it be that Ryan has a closet full of skeletons - including efforts to destroy the balance and norms traditionally embodied in the House of Representatives?  Could it be that Ryan "achieved" his goals of meeting every one of his financial backers' policy demands and now that he has put them into place, he wants to go and hide before they blow-up in America's face?  It certainly would be beneficial for him to conveniently "disappear" from public view once the tax cuts come back to haunt us all.  Kind of difficult to profess an ideology of balanced budgets and anti-spending while promoting huge deficit busting tax cuts and spending favorable to his "handlers."  Could it be he wants to avoid having the public learn he does not support Trump, but his lack of a spine made it necessary for him to "go along" with the man?  Could it be that history will not treat him well once it is revealed for all time that all of the Congressional investigations into Hillary Clinton were designed and implemented to destroy a candidate for the presidency based upon pure political manipulation (putting Party over Country again and again)? (See: nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/10/trey-gowdy-stops-pretending-admits-this-is-politics.html). 
         On top of this news, Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen is now under criminal investigation for shady dealings pre and post election.  What worries the Trumplings the most?  It appears Cohen may have kept recordings of conversations with those intent on pursuing criminal affairs or perhaps with those intending to interfere with our elections or at least in a position to sway an election to Trump. (See: www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trumps-allies-worry-that-federal-investigators-may-have-seized-recordings-made-by-his-attorney/2018/04/12/16d6345a-3e89-11e8-912d-16c9e9b37800_story.html?utm_term=.3742cf2f8402).  Either way, another bad sign for Trump, right? 
           And now Trump and his lawyers have moved the Court allow them to review all material recovered in the FBI - Cohen raids claiming they alone can determine whether "evidence" seized is protected by the Attorney-Client privilege. (See: www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2018/04/15/michael-cohen-trump-review-seized-evidence/519408002/).  Seems rational right?  Except by doing so, the president is insisting he cannot rely upon the judgment of his own Justice Department to determine the legality of its investigation and raids.  Let that sink in.  Trump is arguing with his lawyers the Justice Department cannot be trusted to make the right call when it comes to investigations and evidence legally obtained via subpoenas issued from a Federal Court. Additionally, there is now rampant speculation Trump may create a constitutional crisis by outright firing Mueller as Special Counsel or Assistant FBI Director Rod Rosenstein (existing law requires the president to first fire his FBI Director in charge and require his replacement the authority to fire the special counsel).  And no one knows if Trump will act in accordance with his emotional will - which makes him more dangerous as ever. (See:
nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/04/will-trump-actually-fire-mueller-rosenstein-or-sessions.html).
           On top of this, Former FBI Director James Comey's new book was published and it's filled with nuggets of insight into a number of issues - especially those relating to the president's lack of fitness to serve as POTUS. Par for the course, Trump reflexly tweeted out insult after insult directed at Comey, including allegations the man should "go to jail" for leaking classified information - except there is no evidence of any such leaks. (See: www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-assails-comey-in-tweetstorm-calls-for-ex-fbi-director-to-be-imprisoned/2018/04/15/af00c178-40af-11e8-ad8f-27a8c409298b_story.html?utm_term=.6d555075769d).
Once again, when Trump feels threatened, he resorts to name calling and insults void of any factual basis.  Why?  Because his official propaganda network (Fox news) amplifies his lies and insults to the delight of his loyal and otherwise brain-dead base of Trumpling supporters.  It seems they believe the notion that honesty be damned as long as they perceive themselves as "Winning" (even though we all lose from this attitude). 
      While the Cohen raids were unfolding, Trump surprisingly issued a full pardon to Scooter Libby, once convicted of lying to the FBI in covering up the wrongful outing of Valerie Plame as an active CIA operative. Coincidence?  Perhaps. (See: www.nytimes.com/2018/04/13/us/politics/trump-pardon-scooter-libby.html).  But the week couldn't end on that simple note,  No, instead the president used the military to strike Syria over their use of chemical weapons on its own citizens.  Afterwards, Trump proclaimed "Mission Accomplished".  (See: www.cnn.com/2018/04/14/politics/trump-bush-mission-accomplished-reaction/index.html). Except what exactly was accomplished by these strikes -except to distract Trumplings from his own very, very bad week?
         As President George Washington once wrote; "Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness." The direction of America is now misguided by a president unfit to serve.  We cannot expect the GOP to do anything about this problem and we certainly cannot expect Trumplings to come to their senses (they seem to have lost theirs somewhere along the line).  We must stay diligent and not allow anyone, including Donald Trump to pursue policies pursued by licentiousness because we have no other option.  Try to have a great week!

           Now that I am safely back in front of my desk, I thought I'd share a conversation I had this weekend with a Trump supporter.  This was not just any ordinary Trumpling, this was someone that routinely voices respect towards me whenever the issue of the Constitution and politics arises.  You see, he bought my book a few years ago and he seems to think I am the "Answer Man" when it comes to American history and politics.  SO you can imagine my impression when he came out and asked me what I thought of our president.
           Knowing that asking such questions can inevitably lead to argument, I simply replied that Mr. Trump is a far cry from the president I grew up to respect.  I simply said I believed Trump was not "fit to be president" and reminded him that respecting the individual in the office can be different than respecting the institution of the office.  So I then clarified that I don't "hate" Trump, but seriously dislike what he is doing to the institution.  When asked to clarify, I told him I never imagined we would ever have a president that routinely lied openly and notoriously on virtually every matter.   Amazingly, this did not faze the other guy.  In fact, he chuckled and said he supported Trump because he was "going to turn everything on its head!"  But lying?  Being genuinely dishonest?  And then the rebuttal began in earnest - "but look at all Trump has accomplished!"  Okay, I give - tell me.  His response was glaring and perhaps straight out of the Fox news playbook.
             According to this Trumpling, Trump has single handedly accomplished the following; "Reformed the Tax Code and in doing so lowered everyone's taxes"; "Eliminated wasteful and unnecessary regulations"; "Raised interest rates to help those on fixed incomes"; "Reformed a broken immigration system"; "Created thousands of new jobs"; and "He got a new Supreme Court Justice onto the Court." You can bet it took me less than a minute to begin my rebuttal to such nonsense.
              Congress passed the Tax Cuts.  According to experts (I do consult CPA's and Tax Attorneys in my "other line of work"), changes to the tax code are contradictory and are still considered too "muddled to model after."  The tax cuts come no where close to being justified considering the hole it blew in the deficit.  When I reminded my friend that the Republicans blocked any similar deficit spending under Obama because a "Balanced Budget" was required and Obama "skyrocketed" the deficit, all he could do was shrug. Spending by the GOP-led Congress is nothing more than a shiny example of hypocrisy. 
              Many of the regulations tossed aside by Trump via Executive Order have been successfully challenged in federal courts - often on the grounds they can not be overturned by Executive Order but require action by Congress. I reminded him of the days when the environment was fraught with dirty air and water -  seemingly a time before he was born.  Protecting Americans from inherently unsafe working and living conditions makes sense for everyone. 
             Giving Trump credit for raising interest rates illustrates the vast ignorance of Trumplings.  The Federal Reserve determines prime lending rates.  The "Fed" is independent of the Executive and cannot be controlled by the president.  I then added that Trump and members of his Cabinet calling for Congress to give the president the ability to "line item veto" spending bills also illustrates their glaring ignorance.  Line item vetos are available to governors, but not to presidents as the Supreme Court ruled years ago that only Congress under Article I has the sole authority to create and pass spending bills.  The president can either allow it to go into law without his signature, sign the legislation or veto it in its entirety.  There is no option for a line item veto. (See: www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/03/25/mnuchin-pitches-line-item-veto-congress-could-pass-a-rule/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.c0c7f7a58e20).  Obviously, facts don't seem to matter to Trumplings.
          Only Congress can reform immigration laws.  My friend then gloated about the DREAMERS being shut down by Trump.  When I asked him should there be exceptions for those DREAMERS that serve in our military, he said "certainly!'  Perhaps he should let Trump know that even his supporters think there should be a road for amnesty.
            Although new jobs have been created while Trump has been president, employment outside of the Federal government is not actually tied to anything a president does.  When my friend responded that the stock market has soared under Trump, I reminded him that too has little to do with the president.  When he claimed that it really does, I then asked him if Trump is then responsible when the markets tumble too?  Before he could respond, I asked him when I could expect my losses to be recovered since Trump's trade war has already created significant losses in my portfolio.  He then admitted, he can't afford to own shares on the stock market.  Oy!
         Last but not least, getting Gorsuch on the Supreme Court should not be viewed as an "accomplishment."  Why?  Because after the Obama-Garland fiasco in the Senate, anyone with an "R" after their name could get virtually any nominee confirmed to the High Court.  What would have been a real accomplishment?  Getting a nominee from a Democratic president to the High Court confirmed by the GOP-led Senate would be a real accomplishment! 
          Was anything settled by this discussion with a Trumpling?  Could it be possible their thinking about Trump might change after every one of their claims of "accomplishments" are debunked?  Nah, Trumplings have ceded their ability to think in favor of following anything that seems to to appeal to their emotions.  How do I know this?  Because the guy I spoke with is struggling to make ends meet.  He does not have a profession.  He does not have a career job paying a decent wage.  He has no money invested because he can't afford to invest, let alone save.  He cannot travel abroad because his job does not require it and he cannot afford personal travel.  Virtually everything he feels needs to be corrected by Trump are matters that have no impact on his life - yet he feels compelled to argue in support of Trump come "hell or high water!"  And folks like him number in the millions!  Regardless, they are factually wrong and it's past time those that know better do something about taking our government back from shysters and the gullible that support them!  
          As Abraham Lincoln once wrote; "How many legs does a dog have if you call his tail a leg? Four. Saying that a tail is a leg doesn't make it a leg."  We can only hope (one day soon) Trumplings realize just saying Trump is a successful president doesn't just make it so.  Have a great week!

        Many apologies for not letting you all know I have been out of town with family and business for the past couple of weeks.  Right in the middle of my time in Ohio, we received word that a cousin passed away and my wife and I spent time traveling to Chicago to be with family.  I hope to get "back at it" next week when I am finally back home in Florida.  In the meantime, stay safe, be well and pay attention to the nonsense going on in Washington.   Have a great rest of the week!