Saul Alinsky

The following is reprinted from the Herald – Whig

I would suggest you study the 8 items on the list in the following article and find any one of them not currently being pursued by the “Progressive Left” in America today.  We are well along the road to Socialism as I write this.  You might want to print this out and post it where you will see it as a constant reminder.  Also share this with your friends and family.  

Bob

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Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Rules to create social state alive and well today

Dr. Anthony Fauci is the Director and head of the National Institute of Health.  He is also the highest paid employee in the government.  his salary (2019) is $417,608.

The following are excerpts from The Epoch Times article

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Democrats Silent as Republicans Rip Into Secret Royalty Checks to Fauci, Hundreds of NIH Scientists

Epoch Times – May 11, 2022

Mark Tapscott – Congressional Correspondent

Top Democratic leaders with oversight of the National Institutes for Health (NIH) are keeping quiet about the $350 million in secret payments to agency leaders like Dr. Anthony Fauci and hundreds of its scientists.

The Epoch Times received no responses from multiple requests to Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) for comment on a report by a non-profit government watchdog estimating that Fauci, former NIH director Francis Collins, and hundreds of NIH scientists got as much as $350 million in undisclosed royalty payments from pharmaceutical and other private firms between 2010 and 2020.

The revelations from Open the Books, which were first reported on May 9 by The Epoch Times, are based on thousands of pages of documents the group obtained from NIH in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit in federal court. The suit was filed by Judicial Watch on behalf of Open the Books.

Open the Books is a Chicago-based nonprofit government watchdog that uses the federal and state freedom of information laws to obtain and then post on the internet trillions of dollars in spending at all levels of government.

Because NIH hands out $32 billion in research grants to medical institutions and researchers annually the undisclosed royalty payments, which are usually for work on a new drug, may indicate the presence of massive and widespread conflicts of interest or the appearance of such conflicts, both of which violate federal ethics laws and regulations.

Fauci is the longtime head of NIH’s National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), as well as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden.

Fauci received 23 royalty payments during the period, while Collins was paid 14. Clifford Lane, Fauci’s deputy, got eight payments, according to Open the Books.

Similarly, Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) called for an investigation, noting that, “Of course it’s a direct conflict of interest for scientists like Anthony Fauci to rake in $350 million in royalties from third-parties who benefit from federal taxpayer-funded grants.

“Anthony Fauci is a millionaire that has gotten rich off taxpayer dollars. He is a prime example of the bloated federal bureaucracy. This royalty system should be examined to ensure it isn’t making matters worse.”

“Fauci and the NIH have repeatedly abused the trust of the American people.

“From lying about gain of function research to walking back claims about COVID-19, this latest allegation is just another nail in the coffin of the integrity of our public health system.

complete article available online

The Epoch Times – May 11, 2022
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What is the lyrics from the old song?  I Can See Clearly Now?

The  “Good Doctor Fauci” and his merry band of cohorts transfer large amounts of research money to the Wuhan Laboratory in China for study and development of virus’s. The product of this research somehow “escapes” from the Lab and finds it’s way to America where it infects and kills American Citizens.

The “Good Doctor Fauci” who is a recipient of millions of dollars in “Royalty Payments” then works with his benefactors in the Pharmaceutical Industry – can you spell Pfizer, etc. – to develop a “magic” “snake oil” vaccine to treat the virus.

Good citizen “Bob” takes the “Government Mandated” two injections of the anti-Covid elixir and gets a bad case of the Covid anyway and following a recovery, thanks to God and his wife, is told by the NIH and State of California that “Booster” shots will be necessary about every six months “forever”.

Big Pharma who has made billions of dollars from the vaccine, laughs all the way to the bank and is no doubt in the process of more “Royalty” checks to the “Good Doctor” and his crew so perhaps more money can flow to the Chinese Government laboratory for the development of new virus’s which may somehow “mysteriously” find their way to our shores and repeat the process.  Coincidence, Conspiracy theory or logical reasoning? (hint: “Follow the Money”)

And the “Beat Goes On”. 

Unfortunately this kind of “behind the scenes” process takes place throughout our government. From military arms manufacturers to “Deep State” Bureaucracies to Government Contractors ad nauseum. In addition most, if not all, Federal Agencies have been politicized.

There was a time in my life when I held the FBI in a kind of awe and near reverence.  No longer.  The Obama administration kind of finished the job of politicizing the Justice Department and the FBI.  Once I would have considered it an honor to co-operate and freely answer any questions to help them in an investigation.  No longer.  Now if questioned by them in even the most trivial of cases I would not answer a single question without my lawyer being present and even then I would do my Hillary Clinton impression of “I can’t re-call”.  It seems to work for her.  Neither of the Clinton Crime Family members have ever done so much as a single day in jail despite a laundry list of corruption (the Clinton Foundation and Global Initiative), facilitating the sale of U.S. Uranium to Russia so “Vlad” could build his 6,000 Nuclear Warheads he now threatens us with, lying to the American People, Congress etc..  They are in good company.  There is a host of other elected and non-elected Government “folks” who lie for a living and get by with it.

Take a pencil and paper and write down the number of Government Agencies you trust, are cost effective and efficiently run, corruption free and  non-Political.  Bet you will only need a small piece of paper.  What! You say there are none.

Bob Bandy – May 2022

Mayorkas testifies DHS is creating ‘Disinformation Governance Board’

California Congressman Adam Schiff

 Chairman of the House (lack of) Intelligence Committee

Congressman Schiff during the “Russia Russia Russia” Investigation repeatedly told the media, the American public and again under oath, during the Senate Impeachment Trial of Donald Trump, that he had positive, factual information that President Trump had colluded with the Russian’s during the Trump/Clinton Presidential campaigns. It was a lie, he knew it was a lie and he told the lie over and over again.  He is in fact a known serial liar and yet stays out of jail.

But he is not alone,  Congress and the Administration lie to the American people on a daily basis.  Let’s send the Misinformation Governing Board after Congress and those members of the Administration who habitually lie to us.

Speaking of lies, do you remember:  “If you like your doctor you can keep him and that’s a promise.”

There are endless examples.  The Administration and Congress come up with spending schemes that will cost Trillions of dollars and then tell us the plan is all “paid for” with tax increases on the “wealthy” and higher tax rates on “greedy” Corporations.  This is the kind of big lie that has gotten America Thirty Trillion Dollars in debt.

The fact is you could tax Elon Musk & Jeff Bezos, the two richest men in the country at 100% – take every dollar they have and leave them penniless in the street – and not fund our government for two months.  Further, if you taxed every one of the super rich in our country at 100% you could not fund our government, the way it spends money, for a year and then who would you tax after that.  And, all the people they employed would be out of work and not paying taxes either.

The other big lie is you can just raise taxes on Corporations.  CORPORATIONS DON’T PAY TAXES – THEIR CUSTOMERS DO.  If you raise taxes on Corporations, you just raise taxes on taxpayers the next time they buy a bottle of shampoo or a Hershey Bar.

Our government is a source of “Disinformation” on a daily basis. Let’s “root some of them out” and put them in jail before we go after common citizens who don’t agree with the “in vogue” political party.

When I see one of the Clinton’s or a John Brennan behind bars for  providing “misinformation” (lying) to the American People, especially while under oath, then this new “Misinformation Governance Board” can send their “Truth Enforcers” to knock on my door. 

Until then I will just consider them for what they are – another group of corrupt Political Operatives using the Governments power to try to intimidate me into shutting up and parroting the ruling parties political correctness.

Keeping the First Amendment

As for me, I plan to keep and exercise my First Amendment Rights and fight for those Rights should the need arise.  

Bob Bandy – May 2022

“President Joe Biden was in for a surprise when his comments to people at the White House’s Easter egg roll were interrupted on Monday by none other than the Easter Bunny itself.”

“The president, 79, started to answer Afghan reporter Nazira Karimi’s question and was heard saying: ‘Pakistan should not and Afghanistan should be — people should be free…'”

“But Meghan Hays, a White House press official and director of message planning who was dressed as the Easter Bunny, then quickly interrupted him and ushered him away in a desperate bid to avoid another gaffe.”  New York Post 18 April 2022

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I first wrote the following piece in August 2021 as a humor and satire article during the 8th month of the Biden Presidency.  I am almost sad to say now that the article was too close to actual truth and even somewhat prophetic when compared to the current chaos and failure of our President and whomever is guiding and directing him from behind the scenes.

Joe Biden began his Presidency as nothing more than an empty suit doing the bidding of those directing him and at this point he has deteriorated from that into a rather pathetic figure who often seems confused, lost and even forlorn.  Like one of those poor souls in the “Visiting Angles” commercials who can no longer care for themselves.

The original article is repeated below………

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Some Times We Can’t Decide Whether To

Laugh or Cry or Scream in Frustration

Every time we think things could not get worse

in our nations Capitol, They get worse.

Poor Joe Biden.  Members of our Presidents own Political Party are beginning to view him as “well past his best if used by date”.  Sort of like that dish of tuna and noodle casserole you left in the back of the refrigerator……  two months ago.

President Biden began his career as a Political Prodigy at a prestigious college where, many believe, he earned a Masters Degree in Plagiarism  and a Doctors Degree in Prevarication  before launching his career as a Senator who became a Vice President and now President. 

Along the way he tamed the town bully with his steely eyed glare.  In fairness it must be remembered that Corn Pop had been warned that Young Joe was a Third Degree Black Belt Plagiarist.

Tough as nails Joe also was at Teddy Roosevelts side as they charged up San Juan Hill during the Spanish American War.

Working man Joe also managed to make time for careers in, among other things, Long Haul 18 Wheel Truck Driving and working deep beneath the earth as a “Hard Rock” Coal Miner.  Truly a man of many talents.

Building his reputation for inter-racial relations, Joe studied at the knee of his long time friend and idealogical soul mate, Democratic Senator Robert Byrd from West Virginia, a confidant and counselor with a long history in public and private service, including serving as a Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.  From his friend Senator Byrd, then Senator Biden seems to have gotten his foundational knowledge in Critical Race Theory.

Serving with our President is his Vice President Kamala Harris who has become nearly invisible and being kept out of the public eye.

Her “Goodwill” trip to Central America was a political and media disaster with large crowds telling her to “Go Home”.  Poor Joe, not much help here. The mainstream media has shown one photo of  Kamala & her husband kissing.  Both wearing a mask.  Take that where you will.  But as Joe would say “Come on man!”

Other players in the White House Team include Anthony J. Blinken playing the part of Secretary of State.  I was always of the belief that the Secretary of States job was to be a Cheerleader for the United States, making sure our interests were protected worldwide and spokesman for all that is good about the United States.  Secretary Blinken seems to be carrying on the Obama worldwide apology tour and going “hat in hand” to the United Nations begging for forgiveness for our (non-existent) Systemic Racism. 

Other members of the Biden “team” include Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Army General Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  A sort of “Frick & Frack” twosome of  Critical Race Theory “Kool-Aid” drinkers.  Both bent on turning the best fighting force in the world into a band of “hand-wringing” apologists for America’s greatness.  If I were still in the military (see closing comments), I would be ashamed  to serve under either of them.   

Closing Comments

On a more serious note and in closing I will share my own experience while in the Military.  I spent ten years total in the Army National Guard.  Six of those years in a Combat Infantry Unit and four years in a Medical Brigade.  In all of those years I do not remember there ever being a single instance of anything resembling a “racial” issue.  I served with members of all colors and all races.  We were soldiers.  Not white soldiers or black soldiers or brown  soldiers or oriental soldiers.  Just soldiers.  We served together, slept together, ate together and had each others back.  When we were called into a riot situation we stood shoulder to shoulder, color did not matter, in our minds we were all “green”.   To this day if I visit a military hospital or other place of service, I feel a kinship, comradery and spirit of belonging. 

In my world if I have a problem with someone, it is personal, race is never an issue.

Bob Bandy – August 2021/April 2022

Franken – Legislation

CALIFORNIA – THEY ARE AT IT AGAIN!

AB2932

32-Hour Workweek Bill

Presented as a bill to allow California employees to work fewer hours each week, Assembly Bill 2932 by Assembly members Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens) and Evan Low (D–Campbell), would require all businesses in the state with 500+ employees to redefine a full-time workweek to 32 hours instead of 40 hours.

AB 2932 exempts union businesses and public employees.

• Any hours worked by an employee over 32 hours would be considered overtime. The bill would require significant changes to overtime rules.
• The bill would require the employers to pay employees at the same rate of pay as their current 40 hour week, meaning employees will be getting a raise. AB 2932 prohibits an employer from reducing an employee’s regular rate of pay as a result of this reduced hourly workweek requirement.
• This is a backdoor minimum wage increase without having to vote on one.” 

From:  California Globe By Katy Grimes, April 13, 2022

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I have money to wager that if this bill becomes law,  the ink from the Governors signature won’t be dry before ALL Public Employees will be demanding the same deal for them.  And, you can expect Union Employees to follow right on their heels.  You can also be assured that Hourly Workers for smaller employers will start demanding the same 32 hour work week in the name of “Equity”. 

Want to take me up on my wager?

California’s Democratic Controlled Legislature is hard at work on a plan to turn California into a 32 hour workweek State.  They seem to come up with these ideas without ever thinking them through and believe everything can be paid for by the Tooth Fairy.

Knowing how the hearts and minds of California’s Legislators work, I am sure they will promptly and rapidly acquiesce to a Public Employees demand for a 32 hour workweek.  After all, the Public Employees and their unions represent a large percentage of the Democratic Legislators voter base. 

Further, the members of California’s Legislature may be fiscal morons but even they know you cannot expect work requiring 40 hours of labor a week to be done in 32 hours.  Fortunately for the Public Employees there is an “easy fix”.  The State Legislature will simply authorize the hiring of the additional workers to fill in the 20% reduction in hours being worked now,  and,  raise taxes to cover the cost of the increased  payroll and benefits.  

The only other option would be to reduce hours of service to the public for places like the Department of Motor Vehicles etc..  You can be sure that is not going to happen.  The one thing we can take for granted is that Bureaucracies never get smaller.  They only grow larger.

For the private sector and those who work for an hourly wage, and for their employers, the 32 hour week in the “new” “Utopian” California, the options are less “Rosie”.  Private Employers and Companies cannot raise taxes to pay folks 40 hours of pay for 32 hours of work.

Some employers may simply choose, if fiscally possible, to simply cut their operations to a 4 day week business or, cut the hours of their current employees to 32 hours  a week (at their current hourly rate) and then hire additional, perhaps part time, employees (at that same hourly rate) to make up the other 8 hours of work needed to stay in business and still stay within their payroll budgets.  Remember, these are hourly, not salaried, employees. These employers live in the “real world”.    Private employers have to stay within fixed payroll budgets or go out of business.  No “Taxpayer Tooth Fairies” to raise taxes on.

The “good” news for their employee’s is that they will only be going to their “regular” job 32 hours a week.  The “bad” news is they will need that extra day to find a part time job to help make up for the lost income from that other 8 hours they used to work at the “old” job.  Ah, life in California!

If this passes it means California can expect a further “Exodus” of more businesses and their workers to other states with a more employer friendly work environment. 

Over my years of writing on these subjects I have come to wonder what happens to often well intentioned people who get into legislative office and then seem to forget what it is like in the “real” world of trying to run a business, provide jobs and services and stay within a budget so you can continue doing so. 

It seems like once they get elected and go to work at the Capitol or other offices, somebody drags them off into a back room and gives them “Stupid Pills” and they lose the ability to think about the (maybe) unintended consequences of their actions.

Bob Bandy April 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping & Russian President Vladimir Putin

Photo: BBC News

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to believe that he has formed a mutually beneficial and long term relationship with President Xi Jinping of China.

Business Insider.com had even referred to their relationship as a “Blossoming Bromance” in a July 2019 article.

In recent months, before the Ukraine Invasion by Russia, the Chinese and Russians signed huge wheat, coal and oil deals worth more than 100 Billion Dollars to the Russians.

Would it be just conspiratorial conjecture to suspect that the crafty Chinese President “outfoxed” the Russian President by tacitly approving the invasion, and subsequent near genocide of the Ukrainians.  Letting the never popular Russian President become one of the most despised and never to be trusted leaders in the world and now an outcast among civilized nations?

Did President Xi all along just look at President Putin as a “goose” to be fattened and then harvested to serve the expansion of China’s Empire?

Where else among civilized nations can the killer of civilians, whole families, children, even babies, turn to after an unprovoked, barbarous invasion and slaughter of innocents?

I suspect that as time passes Russia will descend into little more than a client “state” of China. A resource rich “goose” to feed the growing needs of China. 

It is more China’s way to use “client states” to do their “dirty work”.  Places like North Korea, as an example, and now perhaps Russia.  In the process China just smiles and practices “plausible deniability”.

Lest you think I am engaging in just wild speculation, consider the following:  China is a brutal, totalitarian country and its citizens have no human or civil rights.  Having said that, can you name for me one “foreign” country China has sent its armies to invade in the last 200 years.  They have used their armies to ruthlessly quell rebellions in many of China’s provinces but not other nations.  Before World War II Japan invaded China but China never invaded Japan.

What China does is acquire influence and power in foreign lands by buying and investing in the resources of foreign nations.  For example:  China became the largest buyer of milk products from New Zealand.  New Zealand expanded milk production by dairy farmers borrowing money to increase their herds to meet China’s growing demand.  Then China cut off buying the milk products.  Many of New Zealand’s dairy farmers could no longer pay the bank loans and filed for bankruptcy.  Chinese “investors” bought up the bankrupt dairy farms.  Chinese “investors” are buying up land, mineral resources and businesses around the world, including here in the United States.  In this way China expands its Empire and influence without ever firing a shot.  Smart like a fox.

Rulers like Vladimir Putin invade places like Ukraine, destroy its infrastructure, severely damage its resources, kill and alienate its citizenry and then takes charge of a country that despises him and is in ruins. This also creates fear and loathing in other nations who understand they could be the next target of aggression.   This is not smart like a fox. It is the actions of a power mad Barbarian.

Tell me, am I wrong?

Bob Bandy – March 2022