We live in a time of chaos. Being right, is being wrong. Support of the Rule of law is called anti-democrat—while violating the law is called patriotic—like in Russia.
“If this is the case Nancy Ann surmised, Why aren’t you a member of Antifa? On CNN, they referred to them as anti-fascist champions. “I responded “You can’t always judge a book by its cover. These guys are just the opposite of how they characterize themselves. Antifa has rioted and caused extensive property damage all over the country including at federal installations.”
She postulated, “They were arrested and put in prison like the January 6th insurrectionists?” “No Nancy Ann”, I tacitly replied. “If an organization like Antifa or BLM riot and commit acts of vandalism, they receive a free get out of jail card while grumbling about police brutality.”
Republicans protest and it is called an insurrection. Progressives burn down building and steal TV’s, it is called a responsible response to systemic racism—even as minorities lose their businesses and are killed.
This year will determine if we go full Cuba, Russia or Venezuela—or return to a free nation. Will we have borders or do the Border Guards act as travel agents and baby sitters—while sex traffickers, drugs and terrorist flood our nation.
If I knew then what I know now By Richard Eber
Richard Eber, Exclusive to the California Political News and Views, 1/1/24 www.capoliticalnewsandviews.com
With 2024 now upon us, I am a complete wreck. Between the turmoil in American politics and what is occurring abroad, my sanity is slowly slipping away.
Borrowing a phrase from Kenny Rogers, “If I knew then what I know now” life would be easier to navigate. My fate is taking cable news broadcasts much too seriously.
On one side of the planet, we have Israel, Hamas, Hotties, Hezbollah, and Iran. Things are an unholy mess in the Middle East. Fear grows each day. These conflicts may soon lead to WWIII.
Expressing these concerns to a friend, I tried to explain how Iran furnished the Houthis in Yemen with weapons to fight their proxy war against the West. Confused, Nancy Ann enquired, “Does this have anything to do with Hootie and the Blowfish or your waitress pal at Hooters?“
My buddy is a vegetarian, Glutton Free, organic, fruitcake, who consumes 3 doses of ginger extract a day. Despite these questionable credentials, she is correct. I would be much better off viewing TMZ or Access Hollywood, rather than worrying about current affairs.
Nancy Ann did not understand why the Houthis were successfully causing havoc, firing missiles at container vessels in the Red Sea. “How can the United States stand around and do nothing. I thought we were leader of the free world”, she asked?
I wanted to say the inaction of our Country is a sign of Joe Biden’s weak standing in the Middle East and inept American foreign policy. Fortunately, she broke in. “Did you know Hottie and the Blowfish with Darius Rucker are planning a concert at the Shoreline Amphitheater July 17th?”
Departing this region our conversation turned to the ongoing Russian war in the Ukraine. I expressed apprehension over the high price of supplying weapons not to mention the military stalemate in the trenches.
To this Nancy Ann retorted, “I thought Joe Biden has taken care of everything in the Ukraine? Wasn’t the money Hunter received from Burisma supposed to pay for protection?”
After the bewilderment caused by our discussion of foreign policy, I switched gears to domestic matters. Nancy Ann, who watched CNN & MSNBC, while at her Mom’s house over Christmas asked, “How are Democrats saving democracy by removing Donald Trump’s name on the ballot in Colorado, California, and several other States?”
No logical explanation could be found so I speculated the former President’s enemies were afraid of opinion polls showing Trump leading Biden. They would result in defeat for the Donkey’s next fall.
She also expressed doubt the porous border with Mexico could be rectified by debates in Congress; aptly pointing out “Talk is cheap.”
This was followed up by her observation “Progressives refer to Republicans as Fascists and Nazis? You aren’t one of these awful people Richard?” Nancy Ann meekly enquired.
I could only say, “While it true my Libertarian beliefs fall squarely in Hillary Clinton’s Basket of Deplorables, it will never be my intention to subjugate opponents. My love for the First Amendment precludes such drastic action.”
If this is the case Nancy Ann surmised, Why aren’t you a member of Antifa? On CNN, they referred to them as anti-fascist champions. “I responded “You can’t always judge a book by its cover. These guys are just the opposite of how they characterize themselves. Antifa has rioted and caused extensive property damage all over the country including at federal installations.”
She postulated, “They were arrested and put in prison like the January 6th insurrectionists?” “No Nancy Ann”, I tacitly replied. “If an organization like Antifa or BLM riot and commit acts of vandalism, they receive a free get out of jail card while grumbling about police brutality.”
Turning to more practical matters my friend expressed apprehension about the Green New Deal advocated by Joe Biden and his environmentalist followers. She wondered how her life would be improved if the United States became less energy independent while importing more petroleum from the Middle East and Venezuela?
Electric cars for all?
Nancy Ann then said, “It would be great if everyone drives around in electric cars. The only problem is that I can’t afford one of these expensive vehicles. Perhaps if Gavin Newsom stops subsidizing Sanctuary Cities, providing college scholarships to illegal aliens, and funding the Bullet Train, California will pay for my new ride.”
She then complained inflation is taking a terrible toll on her family. ‘In the past year our standard of living has plummeted under what you call Bidenonics and the Inflation Reduction Act.” Nancy Ann lamented how she can’t afford to buy groceries as in the good old days under Trump.
I then asked who my friend intended to vote for next November? To this question she shrugged her shoulders saying, “I really haven’t thought about this very much.
Pausing for a moment, Nancy Ann concluded “As an Independent who is pro-choice, I normally support Democrats. In California this issue does not exist as free abortions are advertised on TV. I am pro-gay rights and marriage. However, my red line comes with transgender stuff being part of my kids pre-school curriculum.”
Excited, I blurted out, “So you are finally going to vote Republican for once.” Nancy Ann paused for a moment saying, “I guess you are right. By the way are you interested in getting tickets for Hootie and the Blowfish, even though their name sounds like terrorists?”
