News to ME with Ken & Mike Redux

Last week was a terrible week for Americans who believe in equality and freedom for all. And a reminder that the presidential election is not about who leads America, but who appoints the justices of the Supreme Court. 

Happy Father's Day and Juneteenth. I little discussion about both and about the absurd notion of republican candidates for president pledging to pardon Trump. Also, five great African Americans who contributed to the advancement of their race and human beings everywhere. 

It is a strong case against Donald Trump. It is a federal, versus state, indictment. There is ironclad evidence that Donald Trump broke the law and knew he was breaking the law. But does it matter? For my Top Five I go through the republicans currently vying for the republican nomination. 

So a variety of topics, but I needed to use Gay Pride Month to reiterate my concern about the hate targeting of transgenders by state legislatures. Also, six prominent gay activists who have contributed to the advancement and safety of the LGBTQ community. 

Everyone just relax and enjoy the holiday weekend. The debt ceiling is not going to be an issue. Even the republicans aren't stupid enough to shut down the government and hope the dems are blamed. Also, the fiasco known as the DeSantis presidential campaign rollout, my annual rant about two holidays for veterans, and the lame excuse republicans now use to explain gun violence. 

As Title 42 expires we look to the Cato Institute to summarize an excellent list of reasons why our immigration system is broken. Also a brief summary of how many failures we have had just since 2006 to effectively address the broken immigration system. 

Interesting week. The man who lost the Maine gubernatorial race in 2010 by 10,000 votes was sentenced to nine months for child pornography. I truly thought I was immune to be shocked. Not so. Also Charles III will be allowed to rip off Great Britain by making tons of money and not doing anything worthwhile for the country. And, of course, a weekly tirade about guns. 

Are we really going to have a Biden - Trump rematch in 2024? And why do we let the extremes dictate who our nominee will be? I also regale you on all of the presidential rematches in US history. 

I often argue that both conservatives and liberals are inconsistent when it comes to abortion and the death penalty. But how about mandatory vaccines and gun ownership? Are conservatives consistent? Nay I say, I say nay. And the top five facts you should know about abortion (one hint: outlawing it will not make it go away). 

No I am not thrilled by the charges brought against Donald Trump in NY, but there are other more serious charges on the horizon and, at some point, Mr. Trump will hopefully meet his Waterloo. Also did you know there was one sitting president who actually was arrested? 

Even Maine has now started to catch the fear factor: Make laws against transgenders before they overtake our world. This has been, and is, a solution without a problem. We have to stop the insanity! Also, the Top Five of the week? Yep, you guessed it. Five famous transgenders!

It's been a while since we were riveted to our television sets to see a murder trial (remember OJ?). The Alex Murdough is a case history in old south county control of wealth white families and the bottomless black pit a human being can fall into when nothing matters outside his own survival. Also, Top Five of the week: Five other heinous murders in the history of the US.

Joe Biden needs to tell America that the defense of Ukraine is imperative for a number of reasons. All benefiting the future of, that's right, US! Also, the Top Five for the week: Five engagements we should have kept out of. 

Yeah, another gun shooting. Been there, done that. No one is listening to me so tired of repeating myself. So let's talk about Nikki Haley and balloons instead. Or President's / Presidents' / Presidents Day. Which is actually Washington's Birthday. Day. 

Thank you Cruella Deville (that would be Majorie Taylor "the Liar" Greene) for heckling Joe Biden because his ability to fend off your attacks and turn around the Medicare and Social Security funding issue on your fellow republicans made him look cognizant, alert, informative, and presidential. I also touch on the balloons (also known as the aliens). And five memorable State of the Union Speeches...

Okay, so maybe it is a spy balloon. But another opportunity for republicans to attack Biden? Did we do this when republicans were president? Maybe. Can we ever reach a point at which not everything becomes fodder for propaganda? 

Tyre Nichols dies at the hands of five police officers in Memphis. But nothing will change. Unbridled authority will always have victims. And speaking of victims, poor George Santos. Why is everyone always picking on him?!?

Really? What Joe Biden is alleged to have done with classified documents absolves Donald Trump of his behavior? Apples and oranges, my friend. Apples and oranges. And hear about five presidents who actually did violate the Constitution. 

Remember when you were just a new parent and you learned that if you gave in to your child's whining they would learn that they can get what they want if they just whine enough? Hello, Kevin? Are you paying attention. This is how blackmail works and it is also the best evidence that the republicans have reverted back to their stupid days of allowing the tea party to split the party. Thank you!!!

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski gave a stirring speech to Congress last week. My brief perspective (and some severe criticism of two classless politicians who epitomizes what why the reputation of Congress is at a new low. Also, the worst five snowstorms in American history (as a nod to the brave folk in Buffalo this weekend. 

The January 6 committee is preparing to issue its final report. Inevitably it will recommend criminal charges be brought against Donald Trump. Well, duh. Does it matter? I think it does. Well the DOJ prosecute. I don't think it will. But it should. Also, the likely five investigations we should expect from the House republicans in 2023. 

Kyrsten Sinema has left the democratic party and has become independent. Does anyone really believe this is simply a move based upon principle? Of course not. And it won't change one thing in the senate. Also, my Top Five this week is six politicians who change their party affiliation. Enjoy!

Interesting week coming up in Georgia, but the real story of December will be the Kevin McCarthy power struggle to be elected Speaker of the House. Mr. McCarthy: Be careful of what you wish for! 

Allow me a few minutes to recap the wonderful victory of my alma mater over our most hated rival, Ohio State. 

Thank you Donald for running again. Split that republican party. Make sure that a potentially weak dem candidate can sneak in with the republicans being split or a third party candidacy. Sometimes both parties just don't learn their lessons.