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Republicans and independents must read

The 2024 presidential election is critical to the future of the United States. We all are tired of the barrage of political posts and rhetoric. Friendships have been tested. Families have been divided. I implore you to not allow politics to come between relations. Whatever path this nation takes, we as a people will continue to thrive if we stand united. Our civic duty to be politically involved remains. The weeks ahead will be tumultuous as our elected leaders and courts fight for the outcome of this election but it will primarily be out of the hands of the people.

Trump is not a Republican. The Republican party is not represented in this election. This election is between the Democratic party and the MAGA party. The Democrats are currently more right leaning and closer to conservative than ever. The MAGA party is extreme radical right, and authoritarian.

Trump is a traitor to this nation. Those in his administration and the elected officials kowtowing to Trump are complicit in Trump’s treasonous actions. Those of you voting for these ill reputes are enabling the demise of our democratic republic.

My grandfather did not go to Normandy to allow Trump to bring authoritarian fascism to America. Those of the silent generation who gave their service, and many their lives, during World War II would be ashamed of you standing in defense of the wannabe dictator Donald J Trump.

“Fascism (/?fæ??z?m/ FASH-iz-?m) is a far-right, authoritarian, and ultranationalist political ideology and movement, characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived good of the nation or race, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. Opposed to anarchism, democracy, pluralism, egalitarianism, liberalism, socialism, and Marxism, fascism is placed on the far right-wing within the traditional left–right spectrum.” Sound familiar? You can quit calling the left fascists now.

The US Armed Forces Oath of Enlistment begins “I, (state name of enlistee), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;”

On January 6, 2021, Donald J Trump led an insurrection against this country in a failed coup attempt to usurp the will of the people. We watched it live on television. I am befuddled how anyone who took a military oath for the United States can in good conscience cast a vote for Donald J Trump to become president once again. The man should be in prison. Instead, he is actively planning the next coup by using the electoral college to instill Trump as president instead of accepting the votes of the people.

Trump wants to be a dictator. He has flat out said it. Reported by the Atlantic, the former president also said he needed “the kind of generals that Hitler had.” He admires the likes of Putin and Kim Jung Un. He has compromised our nation’s military secrets and outright sold secret information to foreign nations. His racism is in the open. He does not look to unite our nation. He looks to serve only his bank account and the white man. Elon Musk is on record stating that Trump wants to crash the economy. He wants to tear this nation down to nothing and rebuild it as a nation of the corporation for the corporation. Crashing the economy will allow the wealthy to buy up and control this country at fire sale prices while the commoners suffer or die.

Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden was intentionally chosen as an homage to the Nazi rally of February 20, 1939 at the same location. MAGA is not hiding who they are. The question you must ask as you look in the mirror is who are you? Have you allowed a single issue magnified in the media and lies to blind you from the MAGA party’s intentions? MAGA disguised as Republicans will bring atrocities to this nation and the world. Mark my words.

We lived through four years of his administration’s revolving door of incompetence. Why would anyone want that again?

I beg those of you considering voting independent and those of you who are die hard Republicans to vote Blue, vote Democrat, on November 5, 2024. Republicans, clean up your house and once that is done then return to voting party line if you don’t see the benefit in having a government of Democrats. Please don’t vote for MAGA to own the libs because you will be owning us all.??

Vote Harris Walz! Vote blue down the ticket!

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Today’s Letter to Tim Burchett

I am a constituent of Mr. Burchett. On May 24, 2023 at 11:53am, Mr. Burchett tweeted:

“The Biden administration thinks that Americans don’t care about what happened on the ground during the Afghanistan withdrawal and have obstructed our efforts to conduct oversight. Someone needs to be held accountable and these families need vindication and closure.”

I now email Mr. Burchett instead of replying to his tweets. I encourage everyone to email their representatives. Stop giving elected officials dopamine by replying to the social media prompts. Put them to work by sending emails which they must give a reply.

My letter to Mr. Burchett:

I expect more professionalism from my elected officials. Mr. Burchett is attempting to stir up people instead of doing his job which is in part to inform his constituents. Being intentionally ambiguous is just an attempt to get people riled. Instead of saying “someone needs to be held accountable” list their names. If Mr. Burchett does not know, then find out before sending the message.

In this case, I can answer Mr. Burchett’s ambiguity. “Someone needs to be held accountable.” That someone is Mr. Trump and Mr. Pompeo.

Drop the sensationalism and provide us the information and represent us as you were elected to do. You are a representative not a Hollywood personality.

Thank you,
Doug McCaughan

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Today’s Letter to Tim Burchett

People in the United States, I encourage you to stop replying to people of power in social media. Instead, every time a congress person or elected official puts out a statement in social media, contact them via phone or email. They can ignore your social media replies but should not ignore your emails and phone calls.

I am a constituent of Mr. Burchett. At 5:14pm on 4/18/2023, Mr. Burchett Tweeted “I went to the Treasury with some of my @GOPoversight colleagues to go through documents related to the Biden family’s shady business dealings.

I can’t get into specifics just yet, but I suspect a lot of people are very nervous at the thought of these things coming to light…”

I want Mr. Burchett to stop embarrassing Tennessee and to focus on issues that matter. If Mr. Burchett wasn’t willing to prosecute or hold account the criminal Trump, then he needs to quit with the same on Biden. Tweeting with ambiguity like “I suspect a lot of people are very nervous at the thought of these things coming to light” is sensationalism and designed to rile people up. This is childish and not to the level of propriety expected of a congress person. Put out a statement when you have facts to share not gossip.

That brings us to your job. Instead of making up issues for political purposes, please focus on issues that concern Tennesseans. Do your job as if you are not going to be reelected and you want to leave a wonderful legacy. Tennessee wants you to address gun safety. We are tired of children dying and wasting money on LEOs in school is not the solution, arming teachers will only get more people killed faster, turning schools into prisons is a horrible idea as it scares children instead of making them feel secure and a scared child is a child that will act out. Permitless carry is crazy. We need background checks, training, regulation, and no one needs something that spits lead at 45 rounds per minute. We need public education fortified in Tennessee instead of privatized. Dick DeVos on Dec 3, 2002 described to the Heritage Foundation that charter schools and vouchers can be used to destroy public education. Moving tax dollars to privatized schools is nothing short of theft. Tennesseans want gerrymandering ended and voter rights prioritized rather than suppressed. Tennesseans want the attack on drag shows ended. Drag shows are not harming children but every week we see another news article about priests and Republicans abusing children. Tennesseans want mass transit not toll roads.

I personally want you to look at the actions of Governor Bill Lee and objectively ask why he is turning Tennessee into a fascist state. Do something to save our democratic republic. Do your job! You are a congress person not a FoxNews host. You have plenty of meaningful work to do. Stop wasting your time and my tax dollars on political theater!

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Today’s letter to Tim Burchett

People in the United States, I encourage you to stop replying to people of power in social media. Instead, every time a congress person or elected official puts out a statement in social media, contact them via phone or email. They can ignore your social media replies but should not ignore your emails and phone calls.

Today I contacted Tim Burchett:

I am a constituent. On April 21, 2023 at 6:37am, Mr. Burchett tweeted, “We are broke yet ?@POTUS? keeps funding Foreign countries. Why?”

I request that Mr. Burchett refrain from such rhetoric without substantiating it. As your constituent, I’m asking that you show in documentation or reputable publications that “we are broke.” I want to see the numbers and Mr. Burchett’s sources.

As for why are we sending funds to other nations, well, if Mr. Burchett cannot answer that question then clearly he is not qualified for this job. For that matter, it is his job to tell us, his constituents, why. So I demand that Mr. Burchett answer his own question. Why are we funding foreign nations?

Thank you.

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Drag Time Story Hours are about acceptance which is why Republicans hate it

Saw this comment on Reddit and thought it may help people who may be wondering why drag time story hours exist. Once you understand this you may question why the GOP wants to attack such a thing.

“[Drag time story hours] are times when local drag queens will read stories to children while in costume. As one would guess, these stories tend to be focused on accepting people who are different and promoting positive self-image for people who don’t fit the standard mold. They started for just this reason – to help children see that there is nothing to be ashamed of if you are different than other kids.

Keep in mind that drag is not inherently sexual – it is just men dressing in flamboyant female costumes. There is nothing sexual going on at these story hours.”

Also
“That last bit is important to remember. They’re performers and they do a different act for a different audience. Bob Saget, for example was super wholesome on Full House, but his standup act was absolutely filthy. Drag queens are the same way: they’re entertainers who can do a different act for different audiences.”
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/OutOfTheLoop/comments/11wkjtw/what_is_the_deal_with_drag_time_story_hours/

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Do your civic duty

When I look at the Trump administration, I feel like the Russian government instilled a dictator the way the US government for so many years interfered with governments around the world and we’ve blindly let it happen.

The GOP all but admitted they’ve been ignoring the pandemic for blue states. Yesterday they rolled back auto pollution rules because the moron in chief doesn’t believe in climate change and our health doesn’t line his pocket and nobody noticed or cared.

Last week the EPA said fuck it, destroy what you want.

Do you think Roe v Wade will survive to November? Equal rights? Civil rights? Will we have an election?

And the gun advocates who claimed they need the second amendment to reel in an out of control administration aren’t doing a damned thing while the GOP throws the balance of powers out the window. If we the people allow this administration to continue unchecked, the free America you claim to love is ancient history.

Get mad! Get organized! Get in the fight!

We are all tired. That’s part of their strategy. Keep us distracted, poor and hustling, keep us broke and under resourced, and exhausted so we don’t have time to fight or care. But you cannot relent. You cannot give into apathy. Visit congress.gov. Call a politician every day. Make it something you do like breathing and brushing your teeth. See who is on the committees and let them hear your voice. A government of the people, by the people, for the people requires The People. Do not abdicate your power. We are Americans! We are one people, one tribe. You are not alone. United we stand! I implore you. Stand up now! Our nation needs you.

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It is 2020. Leave your gun at home.

When I see someone walking the streets of the United States with a gun on their hip or slinging an AK while wearing a bulletproof vest, I do not think of freedom or patriotism. I think sad thoughts for the coward who is so fearful that they cannot function in our society without a weapon and I wish them the freedom I feel from day to day knowing I do not need a gun. I do not view these citizens as protectors as their display distracts our law enforcement from their duties. Instead, I see adult children playing a dangerous game of soldiers. Your arrogance does not make me more confident. It makes me apprehensive as I have to watch for your temper, your clumsiness, your accidental discharge as you are not a good guy with a gun but a wild card and hazard to our free society. Leave your gun at home.

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Syria

"What the nightmare is, which many of my republican colleagues appear to want, is to not have learned the lesson of Iraq. To get young men and women involved in perpetual warfare in the quagmire of Syria and the Middle East would be an unmitigated disaster that as President I will do everything in my power to avoid." -Bernie Sanders, Jan 17, 2016

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Why are we in this media mess?

Dear People, the popularization of the words “fake news” should be incredibly disturbing as discrediting the media is how dictators are born but that is an entirely different discussion.

I want to help everyone realize that the state of the media we are in dates back to 1928 but has its key moment in 1987 under Ronald Reagan.

Have you heard of the Fairness Doctrine? It is why those of my generation remember the news of our childhood so differently.

Let me allow Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to explain:

“The devolution of the American press began in 1986 when Ronald Reagan abolished the Fairness Doctrine.

We had a law in this country that we passed in 1928 that said that the air waves belong to the public. The broadcasters can be licensed to use them, but only if they use them to promote the public interest, to inform the public and advance democracy. That’s why we have the 6 o’clock news. They didn’t want it. The broadcasters didn’t want that because the news departments were chronic money losers.

But they were forced to put on the news at 6:00 and even today you hear news on the music radio stations and that’s an artifact of the Fairness Doctrine. They said, if you’re using the broadcast air waves, you have to do that…

They no longer have an obligation to serve the public interest. Their only obligation is to their shareholders. They serve that obligation not by informing us, telling us the things we need to understand to make rational decisions in a democracy, but rather by entertaining us…

We know we’re the best entertained, the least informed, people on the face of the world. They got rid of their investigative reporters. 85 percent of them lost their jobs in the last 15 years.

They got rid of their foreign news bureaus so the Bush and Cheney administration can say to the American people, ‘Oh, we’re gonna go into this 800-year-old fist fight in Mesopotamia and they’re gonna meet us with rose petals in the streets’ and the Americans believe them.
The Canadians didn’t believe them because the Canadians still have a Fairness Doctrine…

England has the same kind of rules and in Europe, but in our country, we lost those rules and, as a result, we know a lot about Britney Spears’ gradual emotional decline and we know a lot about Charlie Sheen, but we don’t know much about global warming or the fact that the Appalachian Mountains essentially no longer exist.”

The elimination of the Fairness Doctrine in 1987 set the stage for today’s fake news dilemma and is attributed with contributing to the polarized politic party situation we have with Congress and the American people.

“The Fairness Doctrine had two basic elements: It required broadcasters to devote some of their airtime to discussing controversial matters of public interest, and to air contrasting views regarding those matters. Stations were given wide latitude as to how to provide contrasting views: It could be done through news segments, public affairs shows, or editorials. The doctrine did not require equal time for opposing views but required that contrasting viewpoints be presented. The demise of this FCC rule has been considered by some to be a contributing factor for the rising level of party polarization in the United States.”

We are in this mess as a failing of the media because President Reagan removed the obligation of the press to serve the American people to focus on serving their corporations.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairness_Doctrine

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2016 – the year the United States elected a lunatic

Would you elect Howard Hughes to the presidency? Every Howard Hughes film today focuses on his mental illnesses.

History will record 2016 as the year the United States elected a mentally unstable man to the office of the presidency. If we still have our freedom of press years from now, we will see movies, documentaries, and history books depicting the mental illnesses of Donald Trump in the same way movies, documentaries, and books today depict Howard Hughes.