WHO TO BELIEVE DONALD TRUMP OR JAMES COMEY ?

Note:  After some further thought I have decided to add this addendum to my below-noted Blog.  In particular, I had no difficulty with Director Comey's leaking his notes in a bid to protect his reputation.  Indeed, I would have done that too in a similar situation.  But Comey confessed that his real motivation for the leak of his notes was in the hope that it would lead to the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the President which is what in short order happened.  No one person should have that power and if that was indeed his motivation as he has professed, the guy has lost any respect I earlier had for him.  G   

My Blog:

Well surprise, surprise, I believe the former FBI Director.

But don't get too excited, the matter falls far short of an Impeachable Offence.

With that let's review today's testimony:

• Comey testified that President Trump said he hoped the investigation into former Security Advisor Michael Flynn would be dropped.  And that he correctly, in my opinion, viewed that as an order coming directly from the President of the United States.

My Note:  Trump was wrong to have done that.  Full Stop.

• Comey also testified that officers in the Obama Administration had similarly made unethical advances to him to get matters they did not like deep-sixed as well.

My Note:   They were wrong to have done that as well.

• Senator John McCain asked Comey how come he came out and stated, before Election Day, that Hillary Clinton was no longer being investigated by the FBI even though reports were swirling that the Russians may have been hacking into her unprotected emails.  McCain called it a double standard.

My Note:  Seems like a double standard to me.  

• The former FBI Director went on at length to bitterly complain about how the President and his Administration went out of their way to belittle Comey's management of the FBI by suggesting that it was ill run and the morale was a record low.

My Note:  Trump and Company were wrong to vilify the former FBI Director in this way but don't forget right or wrong this is Trump's modis operendi as his fellow candidates in last year's Republican Nomination Process can well attest.  Electors knew full well when they voted for Donald Trump this was the beast they were getting.

There was more but for me the above was the gist of today's testimony.

Now a fuller analysis:

As I said, Trump was wrong to have asked Comey to let go of the investigation of Flynn even though as as Comey himself admitted today, there was no suggestion that the President had anything whatsoever to do with the Russian Shenanigans.  I have said from the beginning that when this Russian Investigation finally and thankfully comes to an end, Trump will be vindicated.  Why I say 'thankfully comes to an end' is because it is taking up so much time and resources that could be better allocated to truly important matters such as the economy and restoring health care both of which Obama damaged.

Second I see much of Comey's testimony being an effort to restore his own credibility which to me took a fatal hit during last year's election when he came out say that Hillary was not under investigation by the FBI and then mere weeks later came out to say she was.  Although I think Hillary should have been prosecuted for deliberately exposing top sensitive emails on her unprotected server, the FBI should never have said merely days before the vote that they had reconsidered and were once again investigating her.  Comey should have been fired right there and then since even Hillary did not deserve that type of treatment.  (Trump should have cashiered Comey the first week of his new mandate given the seriousness of Comey's mistake.  Had he done so this farce could have been avoided.

What is at stake here transcends Trump, Comey and Politics in general.  What we are witnessing is a fight for Democracy.  Trump was fairly elected President by the non-elites and ever since the Elites have gone out of their way to derail him.  He is admittedly a Bull in the China Shop ...when he asked Comey to cease and desist he thought he was talking to one of the boys...just making a deal as he so often pats himself on the back for being able to do.  He has rough edges but so to do many of his supporters throughout the hinterlands of America.  A lesser man would have folded by now...I know I would have, but if Elites and their minions throughout the bureaucracy are ultimately successful in getting rid of Trump it will mean that Democracy will have likely taken an irreparable hit. 

As I see it...

'K.D. Galagher'

KINGSTON PENITENTIARY...A VISIT TO HELL WOULD BE PREFERABLE.

Yesterday, I visited the now closed Kingston Penitentiary (KP) which was once our country's largest maximum prison for the very worst of society and ...it left me shaken.

Opened in June of 1835, it closed the 30th of September 2013 and at its peak, 'housed' if I can use that word, upwards of 500 convicts and an equal number of guards.

I am no bleeding heart, but I quickly sympathized with the masses of prisoners and even the guards who were unfortunate enough to spend any time there.

Other than for the above, I am not going to recite a bunch of facts and figures to exhaust your mind, nor am I going to deal much in the way of descriptives or personalities, rather I am going to focus on my own feelings that surfaced during the 1.5 hour tour.

My background is Law and in 1971 I was slated, along with members of my law class, to visit KP. The course we were taking that required these visits was Criminology where Reform Buzz Words like 'rehabilitation, re-integration, and restitution' were bandied about in place of 'punishment and retribution' .  And, for the most part, the institutions we visited that term were consistent with this 'new way of thinking'. But they were Medium and Minimum Security Facilities.

I now know from yesterday that my own personal thoughts on penal reform would have been dramatically altered back then but for the fact that our tour got canceled due to a large and violent riot.  
So back to yesterday.  Kingston is called the limestone city and in that regard KP fits right in with its limestone construction and high intimidating limestone walls.  The iron doors at the entry are a foot deep and the inside walls are a bleak grayish brown...there is no joy to be had in the olde girl's decor or demeanour.  

As you move further in you soon reach what the guards called the guts of the beast where, in a very small area for upwards to its 500 inhabitants, ranges of cells reach skyward, all enveloped in a thick wire mesh.  It is like a commercial chicken-coop for humans and just as inviting.

It is also soul-destroying.  My sister, was part of a KP tour in the days just prior to the infamous 1971 riot and to this day she regrets having accompanied her class. Even these many years later, her face goes pale and she shutters at the memory.

Try as I might rationalize the inmates' living conditions with the evilness of their deeds I come up short, nobody should have been put through what they endured, many for the entirety of their   remaining life.  

Most would have come to KP young - victims themselves of violent upbringings.  To face serious time in such dehumanizing circumstances defies understanding but goes along way to explain why so many of them became mere animals in their captivity. 

Where was the compassion? Where were their Human Rights?

Our Tour Guide told us that in the 1800s Charles Dickens inspected Kingston Penitentiary and came away impressed.  Rather explains how really bad it was. 

As I see it...

'K.D. Galagher'

FOR THOSE OF YOU ON THE LEFT WHO ARE HOPING THAT PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP WILL BE IMPEACHED...

Note:  My Following Blog is not intended for those of the Progressive Left persuasion since nothing I nor any of us can say that would convince them of the validity of what is being said here.  Rather it is for the Rest of Us - you know, the ones who work hard for their families ...the doers and not the takers...the ones that are too busy to tell us others what to think and how to live their lives. G


YOU WILL BE IN FOR GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT !!

In other words ... It Ain't Gonna Happen.

In a recent Post, I promised to continue with this follow-up to explain why America's Justice Department appointed an Independent Special Counsel and although probably necessary given all the histrionics on the part of the Progressives, it will end with a Whimper... not a Bang.  

Barely 100 days in and the Left is clamouring for Trump's Head yet not a peep out of them during the 8 years Obama was in power.

You might rightfully think that he had no scandals and yet...several come to mind:

1. IRS targets Obama's enemies; 2. Benghazi; 3. Spying on The Associated Press; 4. Rosengate; 5. The ATF's Fast & Furious; 6. HHS  Sebelius demands payment from companies HHS might regulate; 7. The Pigford scandal; 8. Solyndra; 9. The New Black Panthers (voter intimidation in the 2008 Election); 10.  Waging war in Libya without the okay from Congress; 11. Top CIA Operative in Afghanistan outed by Obama White House; etc. etc.

Plus prior to being elected Prez, he sat in his Church's pew and listened to his Pastor of 20 years condemning the very essence of America while the same pastor was living in a $10 million dollar home in a white conclave.  And even his dear wife was quoted as saying she had no use for the United States until it deigned to elect her husband President.

So 8 years of Obama and zip about investigations or impeachment and but 100 days in for Trump and half the country is screaming for exactly that.

Something stinks here.

And we won't even get into Hillary and her escapades other than to say the FBI (Comey) was severely negligent in not having brought charges against her.  If she had been a Martha Stewart, or a you or me, she'd currently be a resident of the crowbar hotel.  

With those anomalies in mind, let us now look at the alleged charges against The Donald:

The Special Counsel is authorized to investigate “any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated” with the Trump campaign.

This of course is consistent with the Left's claim that Russia interfered in the recent election with the purpose of derailing Hillary's Campaign.  Let's be honest here, Hillary did not need any help in this...she was quite capable in doing that all by herself.

Second, it would be surprising if Russia was not involved in this, in some fashion, since this is the state of world affairs today and for long past.  I suspect other countries like China and North Korea were in there like dirty shirts too.  And to think that the good olde United States of America is too good to engage in such antics is to laugh...I can recall back when I first got interested in politics President Kennedy and his Administration were actively involved in the assassination of South Vietnam's President Diem.

For the Leftist to express shock reminds me again of Inspector Renaud's pretend shock in finding out that gambling was taking place in Bogart's (aka Rick's) Bar.

And their Hypocrisy extends even further in the Left's silence in the face of Obama's recent open campaigning for the eventual winner of France's Election ...Emanuel Macron.  

A related part of the current investigation includes what if any business associations, may have existed or currently still exist, between Russians vis a vis Trump and his Administration.

Well blow me over with a wet noodle.  Just imagine Trump and Company having international business dealings all over the world and not having ties with a country as large as Russia.  Of course they would and it would be out of the ordinary if they did not.

That said, there is one chap who has rightfully come under the microscope ...Trump's former National Security Advisor General Flynn.  He who was in his new position for a grand total of 6 days. And dear Reader, it was President Trump who swiftly saw to his removal. 

Flynn'a alleged offence was failing to disclose that he worked for Turkey as a Consultant.  Don't forget Turkey, like the USA and 20+ others are members of NATO.  So the allegations did not even relate to consulting for a non-friendly especially if his work was prior to and not during his appointment.  The investigation will rightfully shed light on this issue.


The bottom-line in all of this is that the Left and their Media Lackies will go to any lengths to discredit / destroy President Trump and his Administration.  The fact that Donald Trump has such strong faith in himself and his abilities is the only thing that stands in Their way.

But realize this is not about Trump rather it is about the changing face of America.  Big Government, Big Taxes, Big Entitlements and much Less Personal Freedom are the Progressives' Goal and Donald Trump is but today's convenient target.  Should Trump resign tomorrow, Their insidious campaign would continue unabated.

We the People still have a choice but the Window is slowly but surely closing.

As I see it...

'K.D. Galagher'

MANCHESTER....Suffer The Little Children...

Most of whom were little girls.

President Trump calls these Islamic Terrorists "Losers"...I would add to that descriptor the word 'Cowardly'.

I was going to release today a Blog on why the Appointment of a Special Prosecutor into Donald Trump's alleged ties with Russia is going to turn out to be a monumental waste of time but have held it back since yesterday's senseless killing of innocents provides a much better answer.

Simply stated, we may not like Putin and his Oligarchy but it is ISIS that has Declared War On Us...not Russia: and as the 4th Century BC saying so aptly puts it...'your enemy's enemy is your friend'.

Just think what Obama would have done...or, to be more precise, what he would not have done.  If you, as a Progressive, say he would not have worked with Russia to help to bring these Terrorists down you'd be correct.  But in fact, Obama would not have worked with any country to see this done...including Israel which has the most skin at risk. His policy throughout his long 8 year term was to disengage America from the World Stage and in so doing he allowed this vile cancer to grow.

And something else Obama would never have done ...and that is to call these cowardly losers ...Islamic Terrorists.  Sort of on par with calling the Manchester Slaughter an incident.

I, for one, am glad that finally the West has a Leader who is not afraid to stand up against this Evil and for Lives of Our Little Children.

As I see it...

'K.D. Galagher'

I QUIT and ...........IT"s ALL TRUMP'S FAULT.

From My Wednesday Morning Discussion Group That Is.

Some of you may remember me referring to my Wednesday Morning Group which, until yesterday, I fondly referred to as the Chat Room where a bunch of us retirees came together to discuss matters of current events ...especially politics.

You may also remember the set-up;  a series of tables placed in a horseshoe shape with the Conservatives/Republicans on one side, the Liberals/Democrats on the opposite side and the Uncommitteds along the bottom.  At the top and alone sat our Chair a retired Air-force Pilot by the name of Peter.  On a good day, one could expect 40 or so attendees, yesterday there were but 30, counting myself.

For various reasons, I have recently missed a bunch of these meetings and was looking forward to getting back into action ...so to speak, but something had dramatically changed.  The Conservative side of the Room sat empty save for Yours Truly and I was soon to feel like Custer alone at his Last Stand.


The morning's first topic set the tone...'Should President Donald Trump Be Impeached'?  All but one (me) thought this to be a splendid idea.

But it went beyond this, whatever the topic the gang of 29 spewed forth Politically Correct, Left-Wing Drivel.

What had happened to our group where not that long ago all sides of an issue had received fair and considered thought?

It soon dawned on me that the Toxic Mix now contaminating America was clearly having a negative affect beyond their borders. This Brew consists of Trump and his Supporters but also the Progressive Left and their supplicant Media.  There is fault enough for all but one thing that is clear to me is that the Left is Hysterical in their efforts to destroy the Republican President. And it goes way beyond Donald Trump...simply stated, America is at War with itself.

It is the proponents of Big Government vs. those fading numbers who continue to support a Limited Role for It and for Personal Independence.

The Gloves are off and I am not optimistic for a successful outcome.

This battle is so important because it has already been lost in all other Democracies... where Rights and Freedoms have been lost without a Bang but a Whimper.  America is the World's last Hope and if the War is lost there, We will all be left with Cradle to Grave Suffocation to the point where we will be told what we can and cannot think.  

Back to yesterday's Discussion Group... You would have been proud of me... for 2/3rds of the meeting I fought back with valour but in the end realized I was out-gunned and out-personed.  For the last half-hour, I couldn't wait to get out there and pledged to myself that I would not be coming back.

On my way out I shared my feelings with the Chair and commiserated with him.  He too was visibly discouraged with what has transpired with respect to our group.  I don't see him staying on as Chair or even as an participant much longer. 

In the meantime, I hope the 29 enjoy their future meetings where they can all sit back and agree with each other when spouting their Politically Correct Nonsense. 

The Lastest Development in this War, is the appointment by Justice of a Prosecutor to look into such things as Russian Involvement in the Recent Election. I will use a future Blog to explain why, although this now is sadly necessary, the final outcome will show it to be both a waste of time and money. And regardless of the outcome, it will not diminish one iota the Hate America's Left has for those who do not fully share their Beliefs and Values. 

As I see it...

'K.D. Galagher'

WHAT'S TO BE DONE WITH ... TRUCKS ?

Hardly a day goes by ...certainly at least once a week - when the area media reports collisions between trucks and passenger cars.

And guess which ones usually lose out?


Even my good Catholic wife has a pet name for Trucks ...a name which the word 'Truck' itself contains most of its letters.

Over the years, we have traveled many times to Florida ...a 1,500+ mile journey and in the early years the trip was most enjoyable.  We were able to stop off a points of interest - both coming and going which served to enhance the holiday experience.

But in recent years that has changed...so much so that we now fly and I hate flying. But the overall traffic has increased dramatically as has the poor abilities of today's drivers.

But most especially, it is the Trucks which have ruined it for us. If traffic generally has increased...as it has, the number of trucks on the road has skyrocketed.  Plus they go way too fast, and lane change with abandon rendering it literally life-threatening if you get in their way.

As an aside, another big problem with driving today are the big passenger vehicles...SUVs, Vans and the like. What one really needs, in addition to seat-belts and air bags are periscopes to enable you to see what is happening ahead of the big box vehicle directly in front. I should patent the idea.  

But today's blog is about the Truck and what to do about it.

First, force all Trucks to drive in just the driving lane and be prevented from passing.  Second, limit their speed to no more than 55 miles per hour. Third, strictly limit a driver's time at the wheel to no more than 9 hours with a sufficient number of 15 minute breaks to ensure their driving reflexes are kept sharp and Fourth, compulsory and frequent alcohol / drug checks. 

All of this would greatly enhance safety on the road and it would also help ensure a level playing field for all truckers. Currently, they try to adhere to unrealistic and dangerous time-tables and are literally falling asleep at the wheel.  This was the fate of one of my close in-laws who at the time of his death was the same age as me.

But there is still one more thing in regard to Trucks and the danger they pose on our highways.  Often they are carrying hazardous materials which puts far more lives at risk than in the collisions themselves.  Rarely are these Trucks identified as carrying such dangerous loads.

Such Trucks need to be convoyed - ideally police vehicles in front and in back with lights flashing.  A second driver should also be in the cab to monitor the driver and step in if and when the need arises.

Unless and until this happens I am going to keep to the air.

As I see it...

'K.D. Galagher'

YOU GOTTA FIRE HIM.

THE "YOU" IS PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP;

THE "HIM" IS FBI DIRECTOR JAMES COMEY;

AND THE 'SPEAKER' IS THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES.

So as you now know, the 'You' did indeed fire the 'Him' and the Democratic Party is apoplectic.

How so?  It was that Party that until yesterday had insisted Trump do just that ...fire Comey.

So what gives?

Petty Politics of course !!  The Dems outrage is of course the pretend variety... there is no other way to describe it.

In asking for Comey's head, the Dems rightfully concluded that He played a significant and needlessly insensitive role in seeing Hillary Clinton defeated in last November's Election.

And they were correct. Indeed, as a Conservative, I too was appalled by Comey's actions and which may surprise some of you, I truly felt sorry for Hillary.  Moreover, I called for his dismissal back then but also naively believed that Comey would inevitably do the proper thing and resign.

The fact that he failed to do 'the right thing' left Trump with no choice but to cashier Him.  

But now it gets rich.  These self-same Democrats are feigning outrage pretending that President Trump's real motive was to deep six Comey since his FBI investigation was getting uncomfortably close to Trump.  This is nonsense since, as I have also said from the beginning, there is really zip to the suggestion that the Russians helped to influence last year's Election to Trump's benefit.

 I have read everything I could from the beginning of this farce and there is nothing so far in support of this nonsensical claim.  And more the point, there is zip, nada to suggest Trump personally had any role in any of this whatsoever.  Full Stop.

I see a hand at the back ...Yes,

"How is it that former President Obama directly intervened in the recent French Election yet the Left has had boo to say?"

Good point - thanks for paying attention.

'Hypocritical', is the word to use here.

Certainly Obama's interference in the Election in France is a fact unlike the spurious innuendo against President Trump which will never go anywhere.  

That is not to say that this matter could not have been handled better.  Trump should have fired Comey at the outset of his term and having failed to do that, should have awaited the conclusion of the Russian Witch-hunt. 

This error in judgment may compel Trump to bring in an independent prosecutor and if so, bring it on.  It will be an expensive process that in the end will end up with zilch but at least it will put an end to America's preoccupation with this non-subject.

And for that, it will be a blessing.

One more thing.  I find it peculiar that many in the United States are concerned about Russian interference in their elections since back a long as I can recall ...America has done that over and over again in countries throughout the world.

As I see it...

'K.D. Galagher'