There are two Trump flags being displayed in my neighborhood. I can't recall what, if any other flags accompany both of them, but one is not hanging up next to an American flag.

It stands by itself, and like the other, is large and bold with the name emblazened upon it. This is not some sign staked out during campaign season to announce a household's political preference. This is a grand standard declaring a specific allegiance.

Now, I admired (still do) the hell out of Obama. However, it would never have occurred to me to fly a flag that fairly shouts out his name.

That is the mind set favored by those who follow Trump that disturbs me. It is not just that they have ideas and support policies that diverge from my own. I expect that in a democracy.

The support extended to Trump goes beyond that which one sees in a democracy. George W. Bush's supporters were not so enamored of him that his name was waved about on banners as an everyday expression of loyalty.

Trump devotees may talk about there love of country; however their focus on one man is akin to worship.

How an ordinarily terrific reporter got sucked in by the conspiracy theories about the Al Franken accusations
Amanda Marcotte / Salon July 22, 2019

The defenders of Sen. Al Franken are perhaps the single most embarrassing group of allegedly progressive people in the Democratic coalition.

https://www.alternet.org/2019/07/how-an-ordinarily-terrific-reporter-got-sucked-in-by-the-conspiracy-theories-about-the-al-franken-accusations/

So, I guess that I am an embarassment. And I'm not one to buy into conspiracy theories. I think Roger Stone and Leeann Tweeden decided to exaggerate a stupid situation with the hopes of thwarting the voice of an elected official who spoke clearly and forcefully against the tide of self-serving, borderline (and sometimes over the border) criminality that is the hallmark of this current administration.

The Democrats who piled on in the aftermath were also self-serving, if not criminal. Their interests were not first and foremost the pursuit of truth or the advancement of the protection of women. I think that they strategized rather than conspired.

And I think that some of the writers at Alternet and Vox are the embarassment because they can't budge an inch or even entertain the possibility that the treatment afforded to Franken was out of proportion to the charges made against him.

I really hope that someone decides to communicate this concern to the publications in question. I'm tired and I'm angry and I'm done apologizing for somehow not being liberal enough.

Has passed away. He was an adorable corgi who featured in many very funny plot lines. It was impossible not to smile when he appeared on screen.

I know that I am pretty obsessed with the show, but everyone on DU should check out Brooklyn Nine-Nine if they have a chance. The cast is diverse and inclusive and funny. They are good people and good cops who have goofy moments. The characters defy stereotypes even though their odd quirks are dialed up to 11.

Cheddar may have been the cuddliest member of the cast but they are all pretty lovable in their own weird ways.

Oh, beautiful for spacious skies, and amber waves of grain,

For purple mountains' majesty above the fruited plains,

America! America!

Goddess shed her light on thee,

And crown thy good with Sisterhood

From sea to shining sea!