The March of Trump's Toadies

Just as the migratory behavior of the lemmings leads to mass suicide, so the inevitable march of the toadies will lead the walking dead of the Republican Party straight down to hell, courtesy of the AntiChrist himself, Donald J. Trump.  Who are the most notable toadies?  A closer look is in order…

Toadie-in-chief:  “Moscow Mitch” McConnell, one of the most vile and reprehensible individuals in the history of the Senate… and a certified racist to boot--which ought to be surprising, given his marriage to fellow swamp creature Sec. of Transportation Elaine Chao... but the way he behaved throughout the Obama years left no doubt.  Meanwhile, estimates of Moscow's net worth vary widely, from $13-54 million... Perhaps an investigation is in order.  Incidentally, Satan wants his soul back, Mitch.

Lindsey Graham – the less said the better.  From combative Trump adversary in 2016, to apologist extraordinaire.  Speculation that Graham has suffered numerous concussive events would at least provider an explanation for his behavior.  John McCain would no longer recognize his old friend.  Sad.

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Tom Cotton –this guy is a real piece of work.  A veteran who opted to embrace DJT’s ludicrous assertion that soldiers (stationed in Iraq) who were injured in the Iranian missile attack following Soleimani’s assassination were actually suffering from “headaches”, not traumatic brain injuries.  Way to turn your back on your comrades in arms, “Captain” Cotton.  Pick any topic… civil rights?  Cotton opposes a woman’s right to choose, same-sex marriage, stem cell research, and the Violence Against Women Act.  His depressing resume plays out in similar fashion across the board. I have a sneaking suspicion he participated in the Unite the Right march in Charlottesville back in 2017…

Ben Sasse—dubbed the preeminent intellect in the new conservative movement (scary!).  He spent his time during the impeachment trial passing notes and giggling with S.C. Senator Tim Scott.  At least this noted Chinaphobe didn't share his views (for the most part) in a public forum, though it was evident he’d made up his mind before proceedings began.  No need to deliberate thoughtfully if you're an intellectual icon!

Joni Ernst – the train ran off the tracks a long, long time ago.  Joni has supported privatizing Medicare, rolling back clean water protections, opposes a federal minimum wage, has never met a gun she doesn’t love (in any setting), and has been a staunch supporter of Steve King and his racist rhetoric.  Iowa has done so much better...

Marsha Blackburn – might be more dangerous "if she only had a brain" (witness her inexcusable attack on Lt. Vol. Alexander Vindman’s patriotism).  Also, is it just me or do her eyes appear to spin counter-clockwise?  Remember Michele Bachmann?

Roy Blunt – even after the Bolton bombshell this character opposed calling witnesses.  Blunt didn't  want to “prolong” the trial, and made it clear that no new witnesses, or evidence, would change the outcome.  The “not guilty” verdict was predetermined..  As far as these folks are concerned, DJT and Jesus must be one and the same.

Josh Hawley – Missouri rookie grandstanding for the Donald, demanded that the Bidens, Schiff, and the whistleblower all be called to testify if the Senate voted to hear from new witnesses, i.e. Bolton.  Amusing notion, rookie, but irrelevant to the Trump impeachment case.  Back to the bench Josh.

Martha McSally – might be taken more seriously if she behaved in an appropriate (human) fashion.  She lashed out at CNN reporter Manu Raju, alleging he’s a “liberal hack”.  I find it hard not to wonder if his name (i.e. ethnicity) contributed to her rage.

Rand Paul – “The Senate will not continue this partisan abuse of power and should at once put an end to the charade.”  His arrogance and intransigence helped the outside observer at least place his neighbor's actions in context.

On the plus side:  six of these individuals are in reelection battles this year.  It's always possible that lightning could strike, and decency prevail.  Lord knows, the country deserves better.

Joni Ernst??? Seriously, what's up, Iowa???

Watching the “official” Republican response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address left me with a question that keeps gnawing at my gut: what the heck is wrong with Iowa?
Joni Ernst, the freshman senator from that state read off the response (watching her eyes follow the teleprompter became fairly distracting; she possesses a certain Bachmannesque quality whereby you expect a counter-clockwise movement to develop at any moment), and she nearly drowned in her own sea of platitudes before the first few minutes had passed. She’s a mother, she’s a soldier; she came from poverty, not privilege. She shared her story of plowing the fields, working construction, and owning only one pair of shoes. You would think we’d be safe in assuming that here is a legislator with genuine empathy, and perhaps an understanding of income inequality.
Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. In doing a little research into her record, it became obvious that Iowa replaced Senator Tom Harkin with a right-wing extremist. What’s up, Iowa?

Ernst talked about stagnant wages, but she vehemently opposes any increase in the federal minimum wage. She talks about the virtue of being raised to live simply, but demonstrates a fanatic allegiance to the 1% by opposing any tax increases that could affect them adversely – even if it means enacting a series of proposals to benefit the Middle class: universal free community college, guaranteed paid sick leave time, cutting mortgage costs, and tripling the childcare tax credit. Ernst is so determined to gut the Affordable Care Act that it sounds as though she’s perfectly likely willing to sacrifice the insurance policies acquired over the past two years by over 10 million previously uninsured Americans. What’s up, Iowa?

Ernst is an anti-choice extremist who supports fetal “personhood”. Ernst is an avowed opponent of same-sex marriage. Ernst has consistently called for state nullification of federal laws, even as the courts consistently rule this unconstitutional. Ernst recklessly called for President Obama’s impeachment and referred to him as a dictator. It’s clear she has no real understanding of our nation as a whole, of its checks and balances, and of due process. In her extremism she’s called for the elimination of the Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency (a fierce opponent of Clean Water legislation), and the IRS (given their popularity this is a brave stance indeed!). What’s up, Iowa?

One thing Joni Ernst does love is guns; here, there, and everywhere. No questions asked.
Tom Harkin was such a thoughtful Senator… what’s up, Iowa?