Who doesn’t love a kaleidoscope? (Okay okay, you got me. Somebody out there has a medical condition that might be set off by viewing the changing image.) Today I am using it as a metaphor. Even as the image we’re viewing appears to be changing, the basic components of each kaleidoscope remain the same. Trump would have us believe we’re looking at a new kaleidoscope every day.
While viewing the Trump kaleidoscope there are still many things occurring. One of those things this week is the passing of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. RIP Aretha!
No matter what your personal feelings about John Brennan, Trump’s decision to pull his security clearance was petty, personal and a dangerous precedent by a President. The Administration knows it’s position is weak, but they also know no member of the GOP in Congress is going to challenge them. (but McCain!) Words are cheap. What action is any one of them willing to do? We only need two with the courage. The courage to become independent and then caucus with the Democrats, taking away the shield McConnell is providing while holding a slim majority.
Mueller is breathing down Trump’s neck and Trump is feeling the pressure. The action used by Trump to silence Brennan can be used against Mueller. And don’t think it hasn’t been discussed. We’re the frog, Brennan was just the flame being turned on under the pot of water. Think about it, much of the information Mueller initially used came from classified intelligence. Whether from our allies overseas or our own NSA, CIA, DIA etc. Mueller needs clearance to view and review the intelligence. Deprive Mueller and his team of their security clearance and you can do a lot of damage. On the bright side, I think Mueller is probably 3-5 steps ahead of Trump and his corrupt cadre, getting as much intelligence declassified or reclassified to make it accessible as possible for his team to finish their work.
We may know Paul Manafort’s fate before the end of the day. I’m looking for some sort of split decision. Guilty on many of the charges. But a Not Guilty on a few. Mueller’s team won’t be batting 1000. The good news is neither will Manafort. However, this sets up the next trial. Lessons learned, new judge.
Admiral McRaven (Ret.) has given an example of how true patriots should act. The GOP has so sullied the phrase true patriot I was almost reluctant to use it. He’s retired, so how many still drawing a paycheck would be willing to step up and resign if Trump goes too far? Too far as in pulling the security clearance of all his critics or anyone Trump deems a threat, including Mueller.