Three News Stories to Brighten Your Day

by Nomad

Photo by Marcin Ryczek

Every day and all around us, there are people turning tragedies into positive stories. Unfortunately, nine times out of ten, those stories go unnoticed or trivialized. In time, hopelessness overwhelms us and I think, gives us a distorted view of what's happening.
In truth, it is entirely up to us which we would like to focus our attention on, the rotten side of life or the good.

The Colorful Mr. Sater: A Few Notes on Trump's Former Business Partner

by Nomad

Donald Trump, Tevfik Arif and Felix Sater in 2007 / Getty

Postponed Times Two

Soon after the Michael Cohen hearings, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff publicly announced that a former Trump business partner would appear at a public hearing March 14 - later postponed to March 27. It was part of Congress' deeper inquiry into “Russian investment in Trump’s businesses and properties.”

Sanity Sunday Musical Break - Meditation Music from India

by Nomad

For this Sanity Sunday, I have arranged something a little different, meditative music for trying times. 
Even though I have never been too much of a devotee of meditation, I did find this music relaxing and- for want of a better word- soulful. Whether that means anything as far as reducing my stress levels or any other health benefits, I can't tell you.

In any event, I hope you enjoy it.

Trust My Summary: Cartoonists React to the Filing of the Mueller Report

by Nomad

Seeds of Republican Decline and the Myth of the Progressive Eisenhower

by Nomad

A quote from the Eisenhower era suggests, when it comes to social programs and taxes, the Republican party has drifted a long way toward the extreme right. That is, of course, true. However, a closer look at the source of that quote tells us that the problem with the GOP began early on.

Fast and Loose with the History of the Party

Republicans have always had an extremely selective memory when it comes to the historical facts of their party. You will hear, for example, that the GOP is the "Party of Lincoln" and the Democrats were the party of slavery, without much in the way of elaboration.

Sanity Sunday Musical Break - Piano Chill

by Nomad

This week's playlist selection contains 19 piano pieces (mostly solo), starting off with the theme from one of my all-time favorite films.
Hope you enjoy the music.  

How a Blanket Decision by YouTube has Impacted the Good Works of One Couple

by Nomad

Chris and Alyssa

Back in October, Nomadic Politics featured a post about a special couple, Chris Ulmer and his fiance, Alyssa Porter.

To refresh your memories, Ulmer and Porter are the brains
behind the 501(c)3 organization called Special Books by Special Kids (SBSK).

They have for several years now, through their YouTube channel been working to give a voice to other unique people born with afflictions and disabilities. Their videos challenge our perceptions and provide them with the respect we all deserve.
If you didn't catch the post, it is well worth your time. As a follow-up to that article, I wanted to let you know the recent developments with SBSK. The news isn't good.

Trump's 1987 Moscow Trip: The Recruitment of Agent Orange?

by Nomad

In 1987, real estate mogul Donald Trump was invited to Moscow by the Soviets- with the approval of the KGB. What this business or was it funny business? Even at the time, the trip and the thing Trump did soon after raised eyebrows.. at least, among conspiracy theorists.

The Stopped Clock of Conspiracy Theories

In its day, the magazine Executive Intelligence Review (EIR) had a deserved reputation for being conspiratorial.
Amid pages and pages of dry - like dust- material such as the IMF forecasts and trade with India, EIR also featured articles on the news that Queen Elizabeth II was the head of an international drug-smuggling cartel and how the Oklahoma City bombing was, in fact, the first strike in an attempt by the British to overthrow the government.

Sanity Sunday Musical Break- Fleetwood Mac

by Nomad

(Norman Seeff, 1978)

This week's sanity break shines a light on one of the greatest groups of the 70s and 80s- Fleetwood Mac. Formed in London in 1967, Fleetwood Mac made its live debut at the Windsor Jazz and Blues Festival in England.

Over the years, both in terms of performing artists and style, this band went through a lot of alterations and members changes. In fact, the most-familiar lineup of Fleetwood Mac, (Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine and John McVie) was actually the 10th lineup of the band.

Why Safe Drinkable Water is Something that Many Kentuckians Cannot Take for Granted

by Nomad

Undrinkable and Unthinkable

Regardless of party affiliation, when you ask a voter what are the responsibilities and duties of a government, the answers are largely uniform.

Polls have found that there is bipartisan agreement that the federal government should play a major role in dealing with terrorism, natural disasters, food and medicine safety, and roads and infrastructure. 

Added to this list, the idea that the federal government should provide protection against environmental destruction has majority support across party lines. In theory, clean water ought to be a guaranteed position for any candidate of either party.

Sanity Sunday Musical Break: Remembering Ethel Ennis

by Nomad

This week's Sanity Sunday is devoted to the late Ethel Ennis, a woman of great talent and irrepressible spirit.

Singer and musician Ethel Ennis died on Feb. 17 at her home in Baltimore at 86 after complications of a stroke. Known affectionally as the "First Lady of Jazz", Ennis rose to national fame in the late 1950s and 60s.

Live: Trump's Lawyer Testifies Before Congress

by Nomad

Donald Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, will testify before the House Oversight Committee. As Vox notes:

While questions specifically about Russia will be off the table due to special counsel Robert Mueller’s continuing investigation, Cohen will be questioned about Trump’s business practices and hush money payments to women who alleged affairs with Trump during the 2016 campaign.

Beyond Charity: How Micro-Financing is Fighting Extreme Poverty Around the World

by Quanda Zhang, RMIT University with a foreword by Nomad

One of the criticisms of international charity organizations is that, despite the best of intentions, the money doesn't always get to the people who need it the most. It is possible to ensure that your contributions do not end up being siphoned off by some corrupt government official or are simply lost in the paper-plagued bureaucracy.

The Logical Connection between America's Imperialist Policy and Police Brutality at Home

by Nomad

The words of a long-forgotten populist politician from Nebraska shed light on the threat (and the unexpected cause) of police militarization in our era.

Bryan's Analogy

In August 1900, the US was in the midst of the political debate about US policy towards the newly-acquired territory of the Philipines.
At the heart of the question was: should America adopt an imperialist attitude? Is that mentality acceptable for a country that portrays itself as "freedom-loving" and a champion for human rights?

Sanity Sunday Musical Break- Elton John

by Nomad

This week's musical sanity break is dedicated to singer, composer and pianist Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight. As his Wikipedia biography notes:

He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriting partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums. John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive number one albums in the U.S., 58 Billboard Top 40 singles, 27 Top 10, four which reached number two and nine which reached number one.

That's quite a legacy for any artist.  Since September the 71-year-old John has decided to retire with a farewell tour, consisting of more than 300 concerts worldwide.

This H. L. Mencken Quote about Hypocritical Evangelists Could Hardly be More Timely

by Nomad

About a century ago, writer H. L. Mencken perfectly summed up the problem for politically-minded evangelists:

They have gained (at least transiently) a formidable power over politicians even worse than they are, but they have wrecked their church. They have won a battle and lost a war.

But he also saw the demolition of the church as a reason for optimism.

The wrecking of such churches as these, whether they be spiritual or secular, seems to me to be an excellent gauge of the progress of civilization. For men become civilized, not in proportion to their willingness to believe, but in proportion to their readiness to doubt.

What It's Like To Be An "Other" in Trump's America

by Nomad

Meet Libya-born Mohanad Elshieky‏, a stand-up comedian based in Portland. With his unique perspective, Elshieky‏ is a rising star in the comedy scene. The laid-back performer has won accolades for his ability to find humor in dire circumstances. 

Weekend Musical Break - Ron Sexsmith

by Nomad

Somehow I had never heard of Canadian singer-songwriter, Ron Sexsmith until just the other day. I can't explain it. He has been laying down tracks and touring for decades.

Film: Love Thy Neighbor

by Nomad

Here at the blog, we spend quite a bit of time bashing phony Christians and evangelicals for their hypocrisy. In fact, we are in good company. Americans have a long and proud tradition of mocking the self-righteous, especially the religious variety. 

One of America's most beloved authors, Mark Twain once wrote:

If Christ were here there is one thing he would not be--a Christian.

As Twain pointed out many times, the major problem isn't so much that there are not enough Christians, but that so many Christians refuse to actually follow the tenets of their faith.

The NRA's Financial Weakness Explained

by Professor Brian Mittendorf, Ohio State University

In August, the National Rifle Association (NRA) made a fairly shocking announcement. According to a recent court filing, the organization was "in grave financial jeopardy" and could soon “be unable to exist… or pursue its advocacy mission.”

Film: America, Also my Home

by Nomad

Things we all take for granted are, for the undocumented immigrant, filled with risk. This short film depicts a situation most of us cannot begin to imagine. The intro explains:

After arriving in the US against her will, a young woman's children are caught in the 35W bridge collapse. As an undocumented immigrant, she is forced to choose between driving without a license, and caring for her kids.

America: Also My Home from The Perennial Plate on Vimeo.

The Coming Schism between Israel and the American Jewish Community

by Dov Waxman, Northeastern University

A protest by ‘If Not Now’ outside the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C., March 2017. Gili Getz

Messy Breakup

This week, The New York Times, ran an op-ed piece entitled "American Jews and Israeli Jews Are Headed for a Messy Breakup." The article highlighted the widening schism between American Jews and their counterparts in Israel. Much of that dissension has to do with the right-wing views and authoritarian tactics of the leaders of their respective countries.

Sanity Sunday Musical Break - Richard Hawley

by Nomad

The Hidden Connections between Racism, Income Inequality and the Demise of Unions

by  Nick Mullins, from Thoughts of a Coal Miner

In his article, former coal miner, lecturer, and writer Nick Mullins offers his unique perspective on the rise of racial inequality in coal country. 
And he draws an unexpected conclusion.

Civil Rights and the All Mighty Economy

When I attended Clintwood High School throughout the mid-90s, there was an amazing lack of ethnic diversity.  Our school was 99.8% white.

It goes without saying that we had a very limited understanding of diversity. What little we did know came in the form of 80’s and 90’s whitewashed television programming pulled in with our 10-foot diameter c-band satellite dishes perched on the hillside.

Sanity Sunday Musical Break - Steel Drum Party

by Nomad

Since it has been a fairly hellish year, I would like to close down 2018 on an upbeat and celebratory note. For that, I put together this collection of tunes played on the steel drums.
Hope it lightens your mood as we prepare to bid farewell to the year.

Lyudmila Alexeyeva's Final Speech

by Nomad

A few days before her death on 8 December, 91-year-old human rights campaigner Lyudmila Alexeyeva sent her along a message to the members of the Moscow Helsinki Group. The organization was originally established in 1976 to monitor Soviet compliance with the Helsinki Accords. After being shut down after the fall of the Soviet Union, it was revived in the 1990s and continues to operate in Russia today.

In her letter, she reflected on the human rights movement in Russia and offered a few words of advice to the younger generations.  

Happy Holidays to You All

by Nomad

On the Question of Indictments

by Nomad

In a poll this week, out of all the choices, the majority of NP readers predicted that Trump would be indicted and removed from office. Nearly half of all respondents said that Trump would either be indicted (and forced to resign or impeached by Congress).
As with most things tainted by politics, it's unfortunately not quite as cut and dry as that.

The Indictment Immunity Debate

The scandal-tortured Trump presidency has brought up a fundamental legal question. Outside of the constitutional process, namely, impeachment, can the president be held legally accountable while he is in office? Can he be indicted for crimes?

Poll: How will the Trump Presidency End?

by Nomad

Time for a test of your prophetic abilities. In the graphic below, you will find a few possible outcomes for President Trump. Click on the button of the scenario which you think most likely.
(Note: One vote per person and choose carefully. There's no way to erase your vote.  )

Sanity Sunday Musical Break - In Memory of Nancy Wilson

by Nomad

This week marked the passing of legendary jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson. She was 81.

With a career that spanned over a half century,  Wilson recorded more than seventy albums and won three Grammy Awards for her recordings.
According to her biography:

She was second only to the Beatles in sales, and her albums outsold those of Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and the Beach Boys.

What a lot of people don't know is that Wilson was also an activist for civil rights in the 1960s. At a time when activism could mean the end of a promising career, Wilson participated in the 1965 Selma march.

Masha Gessen: The Decline of Democratic Values in Russia is a Warning to the World

by Nomad

Never heard of Masha Gessen?

This Russian-American journalist has an important message for liberal democracies around the world.
Examine what happened in Russia and never think it can't happen in your own country.

A Touch of Irony in St. Petersburg

The other day I was reading the headlines in The Moscow Times and I saw an item that seemed to come straight from the days of the Soviet Empire. That was a time when the Kremlin attempted to muzzle writers and suppress their works.

Reportedly, customs officials in St. Petersburg stopped a best-selling book (ordered through Amazon) entry. It would, it was explained, require that the buyer, human rights lawyer Sergei Golubok, provide a written assurance that the material was not extremist in nature.