Lorraine Evanoff's Blog, page 7
September 4, 2022
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ZARAGOZA takes the reader through the turmoil of 1960s civil unrest, offering a wider perspective over a generation that changed America. Matson’s Case No. 4 focuses on the unsolved murder of a mysterious and truly impressive self-made woman who rose from prostitute to prominence, pulling others up with her. The twisty turns come to a wild finish and disturbing conclusion.
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★★★★★ – “Just read Foliage. Great read, beautifully written, I highly recommend.” ~ Matthew J. Dowd, Chief Political Analyst, ABC News
★★★★★ – “Being a major Bond fan, I have read all of Ian Fleming’s novels. It was so refreshing and entertaining to get the female spy’s perspective. Pinot Noir is an intoxicating tale even to readers who are as sober as a monk.” ~ David Kempf, Award-Winning Author
★★★★★ – “On par with Dan Brown novels, the historical aspects of the novel are intriguing and thoughtfully included in a way that intelligently elevates the novel.” ~ Literary Titan
September 2, 2022
The Real Trump Mystery
The word “confederate” is synonymous with accomplice. Many accomplices make a confederacy. The 1980 best-selling novel “A Confederacy of Dunces” follows Ignatius Reilly, a “slob extraordinary, fat Don Quixote, perverse Thomas Aquinas rolled into one.” Like Trump, Reilly is an overweight grouch, perpetually wearing a floppy hat that seems to symbolize Trump’s garish hair style.
Both are slovenly, lazy, prideful, arrogant, easily wounded, with massive egos. They even share a New York best friend helping them to escape. Where the similarities end, Reilly is highly educated, with a fragile self-worth. Trump is the opposite. He eschews critical thinking, and truly believes he is the greatest gift to the world.
Another literary persona, “Gargantua” from 16th-century French author François Rabelais, also epitomizes Trump. A grotesque giant who leads a well-orchestrated brutal assault against an enemy for some bread. The book was initially rejected for the depictions of Gargantua being too offensive. Sounds about right.
Both characters evoke the venality of Trump. The best explanation I’ve come across for Trump skirting decades of crimes is that he is perhaps a confidential informant for U.S. Intelligence. That would explain his tendency to easily roll over on confederates for his own gain. Quid pro quo is his default. Last year, I speculated which crime would most likely bring Trump’s first indictment, all of which seem quaint now that Espionage looms. Shocking new evidence from the FBI raid of MAL has many experts now predicting an indictment any day.
For me, two things I hope to finally understand form the gargantuan cache of classified documents stolen by Trump: To whom was he offering to sell our most confidential secrets; and what compromising information has he been using to coerce the GOP to fall in line. Understanding the reason for the about-face of so many former Trump haters like Lindsey Graham into devout loyalists of such a monster would allow the puzzle pieces to fall into place.
Whether it is incriminating evidence of dark money from Russia, unifying to fill the SCOTUS with Federalists, or just a cynical power grab, Republicans are all cowards.
August 16, 2022
Merrick Garland Really Is A Ninja
In hindsight, it seems no coincidence that Trump aligned himself with the latent militant white nationalist movement from the beginning, determined to remain in office at all costs. Worse, the republican party is largely united behind Trump, attacking federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI and the IRS with a midterm strategy to erode confidence in our institutions. After all, Trump got “elected” promising to “drain the swamp.”
It’s also no coincidence that militant white nationalists are taking increasingly radical action. Starting in 1995, Timothy McVeigh pushed the boundaries of domestic terrorism by targeting large numbers of innocent people. McVeigh used a truck bomb to destroy Oklahoma City Murrah Federal Building, killing 168 innocent people, including 19 children in the building’s daycare center, and injuring 800 more. The bombing was intended to ignite a revolution against the U.S. government in response to the federal agents killing Branch Davidian religious sect in Waco, Texas, and Randy Weaver’s remote cabin in Ruby Ridge, Idaho.
Before McVeigh’s attack, most extremists like the Ku Klux Klan targeted specific people and made threats in advance. They also mostly distanced themselves from McVeigh’s approach. Until Trump. Now armed with AR-15s, individuals brazenly attack soft targets in mass murders of innocents for maximum horror. Imagine if militant white nationalist Ricky Shiffer armed with an AR-15 had successfully entered the Ohio FBI building. And yet, Republicans continue inciting these attacks.
It is also no coincidence that Biden nominated Merrick Garland as U.S. Attorney General. Who better than a top Justice Department official who already had multiple convictions of domestic terrorists? Garland’s “Do not bury the crime in the clutter” style was instrumental in the speedy conviction of McVeigh who was executed in 2001. Garland also convicted infamous Unabomber, Theodore Kacynski, in 1998. Garland’s nomination as A.G. was confirmed two months after the January 6th insurrection.
While Republicans push their midterm message of divisiveness and destruction, Democrats risk life and limb to promote inclusivity, safety, and a better life for all. Is it a coincidence that the symbol of redemption of mankind is the garland? I think not.
August 10, 2022
The Political Climate Is Shifting Rapidly
My daily meditation reminds me to stay present, let go of the past, not speculate about the future. But, with the global climate on the brink of collapse, it’s hard not to mourn what could have been, or worry about the future.
In 1979, Jimmy Carter was the first president to use renewable sources, installing solar panels on the White House as a symbol of his faith in “the power of the sun.” Carter’s presidency was limited to one term when the religious right installed Reagan, who promptly removed those solar panels and the Reagan/Bush era marked fierce battles with environmental groups.
In 1997, Clinton/Gore launched the $6.3 billion Climate Change Technology Initiative (CCTI) and helped write the Kyoto Protocol. In 2000, the conservative SCOTUS, assisted by Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, handed the presidency to G.W. Bush, who promptly killed the Kyoto treaty.
In 2006, Al Gore’s Oscar-winning documentary AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, sounded the alarm about climate change. In 2010, Obama restored solar panels to the White House roof, enacted aggressive climate policies and signed the Paris Agreement. In 2017, Trump ended six of Obama’s climate policies and withdrew from the Paris Agreement.
Now 43 years after Jimmy Carter’s solar panels, Senate Democrats passed the largest climate investment in America’s history, with the goal to reduce greenhouse gases to 40% below 2005 levels in 8 years! Zero Republicans voted for it. The bill is headed to the House on Friday and then Biden’s desk. Oh, and on his first day in office, Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement.
Meanwhile, Republicans continue to destroy our institutions, and refuse to vote for life-changing legislation. Their only goal? To harm Democrats. Their annual CPAC featured a speech by white supremist tyrant Viktor Orban who destroyed Hungary’s democracy, and they proudly displayed a banner, “We Are All Domestic Terrorists.”
Just imagine if Al Gore or Hillary had been president… Take a deep breath, let go of the past. Climate Change is a huge issue for Democratic voters. We cannot let Republicans undo our progress again. There’s no turning back now. Vote Democrat up and down ballot in the midterms.
August 5, 2022
Looks Like The Democrats Know What They’re Doing After All
My professional background is primarily finance and accounting. But I do have an irrational obsession for politics, so I’ll chime in on a few of Tuesday’s election results.
First, the mixed messages. In Michigan, some on the left are criticizing the DCCC for promoting Trump-endorsed extremist John Gibbs, over Rep. Peter Meijer, one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump. Meijer defeated Democrat Hillary Scholten two years ago by six points and the DCCC wants to flip this seat blue.
Many on the Left complain that Democrats keep bringing a knife to a gunfight. For example, in Michigan’s 11th District democratic primary, Rep. Haley Stevens defeated Rep. Andy Levin after a pro-Israel anti-left-wing super PAC invested millions to beat Levin, who is Jewish. But when the DCCC uses a similar strategy, some on the Left are complaining? Whether you agree with this strategy or not, after Gibbs was announced the winner, Cook Political Report changed that contest from toss-up to “lean Democrat,” in Hillary Scholten’s favor.
But these GOP campaigning tactics may backfire on them in the midterms. Apparently, some candidates are too extreme even for the GOP. In Missouri, Republicans were relieved that Trump endorsed (sort-of) Eric Greitens – the shotgun wielding maniac encouraging supporters to get a “RINO hunting permit” – has lost.
Republicans have been banking on benefiting from a weak economy in the midterms. But, but as of today, the NASDAQ hit a three-month high and gas prices have declined 50 days straight. The GOP were also betting on Biden’s approval rating, which took a huge hit from a stellar 55%, after the mainstream media negatively reported on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. But Biden just announced killing al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri thus demonstrating that “over the horizon” strikes allow the U.S. to stanch the threat of terrorism in Afghanistan without having to station troops there.
Saving the best election news for last, in Kansas, despite a misleading ad campaign by conservatives, 60% voted against removing abortion protections from the state’s constitution AND the voter turn-out almost double the 2018 primaries. A blue wave is possible in the midterms.
August 3, 2022
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DEVIL’S LEDGER is a FINALIST in the
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Meanwhile, VOTE for the Readers’ Choice Award
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July 24, 2022
A Vote For The Devil
HUGE NEWS!
DEVIL’S LEDGER is a
2022 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award
FINALIST for BEST THRILLER!!
Winner to be announced August 20th.
Please also VOTE for the Readers’ Choice Award
by selecting “Devil’s Ledger / Lorraine Evanoff”
Fans of historical fiction will love how author Pablo Zaragoza weaves story with fascinating real-life figures and events. Doctor-turned-author Zaragoza seamlessly blends science with fiction, in this case, to bring awareness to our beloved wildlife and nature.
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THE GOODNEWSLETTER is one of my faves.
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★★★★★ – “Just read Foliage. Great read, beautifully written, I highly recommend.” ~ Matthew J. Dowd, Chief Political Analyst, ABC News
★★★★★ – “Being a major Bond fan, I have read all of Ian Fleming’s novels. It was so refreshing and entertaining to get the female spy’s perspective. Pinot Noir is an intoxicating tale even to readers who are as sober as a monk.” ~ David Kempf, Award-Winning Author
★★★★★ – “On par with Dan Brown novels, the historical aspects of the novel are intriguing and thoughtfully included in a way that intelligently elevates the novel.” ~ Literary Titan
July 20, 2022
Donald Trump’s Ultimate Failure
Biden is not on the ballot this November. But in case Republicans try to make it about Biden, here’s an awesome thread of our President’s accomplishments, including aggressive action on the climate. This doesn’t even include the first gun safety bill in decades that Biden just signed into law. Nonetheless, Republicans and much mainstream media are falsely attacking Biden to stoke fear and increase ratings.
The latest is Biden fist-bumped the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) at a diplomatic meeting. Mainstream media finds this Shocking! What they fail to say is Biden did the gesture to reduce direct contact and avoid being photographed shaking hands with MBS. They also don’t mention that Biden made his position on the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi very clear to the Saudis. Compare that to Jared Kushner being paid $2 billion after approving of and protecting MBS from Khashoggi’s murder. But the media is outraged by a fist bump?
January 6th Select Committee member, Rep. Jamie Raskin said it best, “American carnage is Donald Trump’s true legacy.” Here in Northern Idaho, when I see homes waving outsized Trump flags alongside their Gadsden (Don’t-Tread-On-Me) and Confederate flags, I feel terror. What message are they trying to send, and to whom?
According to a political stability rating system modeled by the CIA and experts, Republicans are preparing for civil war. The system rates unstable countries like North Korea and Saudi Arabia a Negative 10, and stable countries like Denmark and Switzerland a Positive 10. The U.S. has always been a Positive 10, until now. The U.S. was briefly downgraded to a 5 and is now an 8. The system also examines reasons, such as if a political party is based on identity. In this case, the GOP’s identity is extreme radicalism. That makes the U.S. more likely to have a civil war.
So, my trepidation and that of many Americans when we see a Trump flag is justified. In just four years, 2026 will mark the United States’ Semiquincentennial. If we don’t vote Democrat this November, America probably won’t make it to our 250th anniversary.
July 12, 2022
I Will Not Apologize For This
Dear 50% of America This 4th of July, I sincerely wished you a happy birthday. You are wonderful and have a huge heart. After January 6, 2021, I apologized for saying I couldn’t wait for the older generation to be gone so we could get our country back. Our U.S. Capitol had just been attacked in an attempted coup, led by a corrupt defeated “president” who had put us through four years of divisive anguish. Those were not my own words, but the words of the younger generations sick of a generation that seems hellbent on destroying America. I just repeated what I had heard.
You also claimed you are “fiscally conservative” but that is another Republican lie. Democrats keep saving the U.S. economy after Republican presidents destroy it.
But I will not apologize for skipping the fireworks this 4th of July. Two of my friends had just been murdered in yet another mass shooting in the Chicago area. I told my husband I didn’t want to go out that evening, but he insisted. At the dinner table, other guests brought up the shooting, not me. I tried to end the conversation saying I was having panic attacks. They continued to make excuses for the shooter and said it was not Trump’s fault, even though the shooter had attended Trump rallies, was a known white supremacist, and Trump literally campaigned on white supremacy.
50% of the people at the dinner table were Republicans. Yet none of them will ever take responsibility for letting the assault weapons ban lapse in 2004 under G.W. Bush and the Republican controlled Congress. They just continue to live in denial and make excuses so there is never any gun reform.
As far as I’m concerned, on the 4th of July, I was the polite one, quietly leaving the table and skipping the fireworks. But I will not leave my home in America. I will not be polite and remain silent as the corrupt conservative SCOTUS grants states the right to take away a woman’s right to choose, while taking away state’s rights to regulate guns, and breaches the separation of church and state. Next, they’ll try to take away our voting rights.
Frankly, I’m shocked you aren’t as angry and outraged at what is happening in America as I am. You want to make me a pariah. So be it. But I will not apologize for loving my country. Happy Birthday.
July 5, 2022
Six Monsters Mashing
The SCOTUS has changed America from a democracy into a DEMOCRAZY. The recent attack on our constitutional rights by the unelected SCOTUS has also been an attack on our two ELECTED branches of government. This is not normal. Our top court is the most unrestrained in the world’s advanced democracies. For these six “conservative” power-crazy justices, nothing is sacred, least of all the planet.
It’s like a dystopian horror film where six evil overlords ignore precedent, take away our rights, and all but guarantee the destruction of our home. In the latest ruling, not only has the SCOTUS gutted the EPA, it has also placed a “constitutional straitjacket on the ability of Congress and the executive branch, to address the nation’s public health and environmental problems.”
One thing I have been closely tracking is the effects on the environment of greatly reduced human activity, (automobile, airplane, shipping), during COVID. Even Greta Thunburg couldn’t have wished for a greater decrease in human activity. According to studies, the benefits to the environment have been positive, at least in the short term, indicating that unfettered human activity has a negative impact on the environment. The unprecedented heat and raging wildfires in Australia, the United States, India, Pakistan, and elsewhere over the past two years have had a devastating impact on all living species.
Imagine if destructive human activity had not ceased for two years?
The current SCOTUS has been destructive, but we must make it short term. The constitution says Congress can regulate the court’s jurisdiction, including telling the courts it needs a supermajority to declare a law or precedent unconstitutional. This would be a radical change to the SCOTUS, but it would be more in line with the norms of other advanced democracies.
In its next term, the SCOTUS will take up a case that could give the states the power to overrule federal regulations in extremely gerrymandered red district maps. But the SCOTUS is not all powerful. Ignore the fake doomsday narrative. Focus on what we can do now. Vote Democrat up and down ballot in November.
