Has-Been actors say we're living under a Fascist Regime

 

Molly Ringwald and other has-been actors have spoken out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the tragic death of an ICU nurse. 

She expressed her deep concern: "There’s something horrific happening in our nation. We once had one of the greatest countries, and I’ve always taken pride in being American, but now it feels like we’re living under a fascist regime.” Ringwald wouldn’t know what a fascist regime would look like if she were staring it in the face.

“It's already a fascist government, not just becoming one. ICE's actions are brutalizing people," she stated. Her comments align with those celebrities condemning federal immigration officers just too gain publicity for their dying careers.  

Katy Perry, Billie Eilish and Mark Ruffalo also have stated their dislike for ICE and law enforcement efforts to rid this country of illegal immigrants and their criminal activities. However, none of them have used their celebrity status to encourage people to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure there is no violence shown toward those just doing their job in crime prevention. Instead, they encourage criminal activity against their fellow citizens by allowing criminals to walk among us to rape, brutalize, and murder innocent people.

If you’re a celebrity who is paid to entertain, please stick to entertaining and stay out of politics or better yet, just stay out of the limelight because half of you who speak up are has-beens with no real talent.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing, with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, a bachelor’s in mass communication and cyber-Analysis, a master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, gouache, and pastels. As a political operative who has worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 7 blogs ranging from art to life coaching, food, writing, Gardening, and opinion or history pieces each week.

 

Kimmel: Comedian or a Bully?

 

Jimmy Kimmel's monologues have drawn comparisons to Johnny Carson, but many argue they lack the same charm and focus on entertainment. Carson was known for creating a lighthearted escape from daily life, steering clear of heavy political discourse. 

In contrast, Kimmel often engages in political satire that some fans feel undermines comedic roots and is more in line with bullying.

Many long for a return to the classic late-night format where humor reigned supreme over controversy instead of constant political bullying.

True comedians craft laughs like legends Don Rickles and Jerry Lewis. Kimmel, on the other hand, is just a well-paid bully! If ABC allows this to continue, they deserve FCC action against them. We Americans crave genuine humor that uplifts—not belittles—innocent folks for cheap thrills!

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing, with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, then a degree in Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis, followed by a master’s degree in criminology with an emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft, and currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, gouache, and pastels. As a political operative who has worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 7 blogs ranging from art to life coaching, food, writing, Gardening, and opinion or history pieces each week. 

Poor Infrastructure Part 2

 

When I began my research into the infrastructure issues in this country, I started with how states divided up the funding they receive through taxes from lottery winnings. I was surprised to discover that every state claims it puts that money into education, but in fact, it allocates it to general funding. General funding is supposed to take care of infrastructure and maintain social service programs. In reality, that money doesn’t get spent on what is needed; instead, it goes into elected officials’ pork projects that might help get them reelected. This, my fellow citizens, is robbery and should be dealt with on a state level before the next election. Accordingly, I believe that a strong commitment to public infrastructure has rarely been achieved in America, both sought after and hard to realize.

As I delved deeper into the government programs, I remembered the programs FDR created under his New Deal Series of economic, social, and political reforms that he introduced in 1935. Three programs dubbed the “3 R’s” covered Relief for the Unemployed, Recovery of the economy to bring it back to normal levels, and prevent the Repeat of the disaster of the depression. His New Deal also created several other programs the AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Administration) that paid farmers to grow certain foods on their farms and the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) which hired able bodied men foer manual labor on government owned land, creation of the electrical grid and economic development programs such as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the drainage of the Tennesee River Basin.

Although the first phase of the New Deal focused on economic recovery, it also addressed key issues, such as the Banking Act of 1933 and the creation of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA). FERA aimed to reduce unemployment by generating unskilled jobs in local and state governments. While these positions were costlier than cash assistance, they offered a vital boost to the self-esteem of those unemployed. From May 1933 to December 1935, FERA allocated $3.1 billion (equivalent to $70.8 billion today), supporting over 20 million people and enhancing public facilities nationwide. In 1938, FERA was renamed the Works Progress Administration and was responsible for the construction of bridges, libraries, parks, and other facilities. It also branched out into creating the Fair Labor Standards Act, whereby prohibited child labor and created the 40-hour work week that we know today. Unfortunately, the only thing the New Deal Act produced was the labor coalitions and unions we know today. By World War II, everyone thought the Tammany Hall gang members were taken down, but during the war, they were regrouping and redesigning their efforts into something new. We now know them as labor Unions, such as the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, and other union organizations that control workers. Not only do they control workers, but they also use them for bargaining power to gain more power over the industries they supposedly support. They use that power to force politicians to do their bidding in exchange for their support during an election. They buy and sell those same workers' rights at every given turn, not caring for their jobs, their families, and their financial futures. After all, those same employee’s have already paid their dues to stay in the union that doesn’t give a damn about them in the first place.

Now let’s talk about the lack of roads, bridges, and airports not being maintained. In 1956, President Eisenhower was convinced that there should be a Federal-Aid Highway Act, which would pave the way for modern transport networks that transformed national connectivity and commerce.

Our roads across America are a disgrace, filled with potholes and broken asphalt or cement, causing vehicle damage. This causes roads to be unstable during bad storms. Case in point, roads being washed away during heavy rainstorms as in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee this past year.  

Now let’s look at the Bridges that require repairs, yet instead fall apart during high commuter travel time. Bridges are falling down, causing death and destruction due to failed maintenance. Where is the money allocated for road and bridge maintenance, dogged by state legislator leaders? Whose pockets are being lined up by such payments?

With the introduction of the internet, we find so many companies latching onto their ability to use the internet for commerce and communications. Unfortunately, not all Americans can afford the high prices of the internet. This is where the SEC, Securities and Exchange Commission, comes into play. The SEC is supposed to ensure that companies cannot become a monopoly, which could cause financial collapse in the economy. Unfortunately, while companies aren’t collapsing, individuals are financially collapsing under the burden of costs associated with simple living. Millions lack affordable broadband or the basic ability to communicate with the outside world. 

The American public has suffered from persistent infrastructure problems, largely due to a lack of political will. It’s time for leaders to step up and take action! Investing in our infrastructure is crucial for building a better future together. Plus, it has to do with securing our National Security. 

During President Joe Biden's time in office with the help of the 117th Congress together they redesigned the New Deal act and came up with  three new names resembling the same programs as I mentioned above, but this time they called it “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” “The American Rescue Plan,” and “The Inflation Reduction Act”.  Collectively, these initiatives would invest more than $1.2 trillion into vital improvements in transportation, clean water, and climate resilience. Unfortunately, those allocated dollars went into the pockets of Congressional friends and donors who were listed as contractors for the same programs in their home districts. We’ve not seen any improvements in the states where the money was sent. Talk about bogus programs and theft.

What was supposed to help empower communities nationwide, urban and rural alike, to pursue their aspirations and address pressing challenges effectively isn't happening at all. Instead, it's hindering every state across the country due to elected officials who are more interested in lining their pockets than in helping their fellow Americans survive and thrive.

The federal government must better address the challenges faced by small cities as well as large cities. Instead of appointing political appointees to high positions, they need to appoint people who know how to build bridges, roads, and critical infrastructure such as power, communication lines, and water lines within a grid. This approach should be standard for all agencies working with local areas.

Federal investments ought to cover a range of pivotal areas, including:

- Technical assistance 

- Support for local innovation 

- Data management capabilities  

- Strong project management 

These elements are essential for fostering effective and sustainable growth.

 Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing, with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, then a degree. Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Ashford University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, gouache, and pastels. As a political operative who has worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 7 blogs ranging from art to life coaching, food, writing, Gardening, and opinion or history pieces each week.

 

No more empowering Women and Girls instead defame them and destroy them.

The Democrat Senator recently voted 51-45, Democrats filibustered the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, introduced by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala. It fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance as Democrats dismissed it as a distraction and a cynical political move. When elected officials who claim to be representing their constituents deny voting for a bill that would protect girls and women in sports against males claiming to be girls only to overpower them to gain trophies they’d never win in their own class.  

This just goes to show how the old feminists who claimed to have championed women’s rights and protections for Title IV are nowhere to be found at this time of life. Have they all died or are they hiding to ensure Title IV dies a slow death for future generations? Instead of having warriors to fight for girls and women in sports, we have old cows such as the ladies of the View who claim to be for empowering women and girls sticking up for males claiming to be women and competing in sports, winning trophies and sports opportunities for women and girls under DEI programs in school, universities and even the Olympics. Throw in female governors like Hockel, and Mills who are standing up for males posing as females to compete in sports they never could have won as a male. Talk about fraud in sports. And yes Whoopie the Woke movement caused this and you are taking it to the next level. You should be ashamed of yourself for supporting this nonsense. 

Then we have the ladies of the View who are absolute hypocrites! They know nothing about politics, nor do they understand how the government works. They just like the idea of hearing themselves speak nonsense and the network lets them get away with their defaming people which ultimately results in lawsuits against these women and the network.  I for one am glad that Karoline and other conservatives have filed lawsuits against them and the network. Bankrupt them into space. 

It makes me laugh to hear Joy Behar degrade a woman like Karoline Leavitt to the likes of a porn star, then Whoopie chimes in and helps her disrespect Karoline even more then spits on the ground as she talks about the President of the United States. The women of The View are like parasites who should be taken out back and beaten for their lack of respect for other women and people who love this country because they apparently don’t love or even like America. Throw them out once and for all.

The View started by Barbara Walters to discuss politics and the issues of the day while uplifting and empowering women has unfortunately turned into a bitter old broad club that is filled with untalented and unworthy women who sit around and degrade women for their accomplishments out of pure jealousy looking for clicks and viral clips for the internet. Has ABC sunk so low that they allow these cows to treat women as verbal punching bags?

I say these women are jealous of women like Karoline Leavitt for her brilliance, work ethic, and dedication to this country, and then they’ve just become has-been comedians (Joy), actors (Whoopie), corrupt lawyers (Sunny), failed actors/journalists (Sarah) and of course we can’t forget the failed political analyst (Anna) then we have the political turncoat (Alyssa) who couldn’t hack it in DC after Covid 19 and went to the dark side of the View.

What kills me is that I was in politics for over 50 years, and I’ve seen jealous females in my life, but these cows take the cake for being jealous and envious of someone so talented and well-educated that they can’t even hold a candle to someone like Karoline Leavitt.

With daytime viewership declining at the same time defamation lawsuits piling up, add in advertising dollars declining and running for the hills, when is ABC executives going to wake up and kick this show to the curb along with the overblown cows off the air?

No wonder society is all for men taking over women’s sports, the men in charge of ABC are proving that men can’t keep up with men anymore, so why not degrade and belittle women and allow cows such as the ladies of the View to be their weapons, yet the ladies of the view don’t realize they’re being used as the weapon against real women of the world. Get a life ladies and stand up to the men who are scamming the world and setting women up for medieval failure.  

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Phoenix University in Business Management, then a degree. Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Ashford University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft, and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, Gouche, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 7 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, Gardening, and opinion or history pieces each week. 

#Justice4Womenandgirls, #Justice4KarolineLeavitt, Politics, Kilbride

 

 

Deception, Self-Deception, and the moral decline of our elected officials

Deception, Self-Deception, and the moral decline of our elected officials

My father used to say that the connection between the average citizen and their elected officials is an essential part of life. There is also a fine line between honor and moral decline that can’t be seen until you look very closely. Many Elected officials have huge egos and self-importance that defy the average voter and make them feel as though they're beyond being arrested or thrown out of office due to their behavior. 

However, in politics, when this perspective doesn't fade, it creates significant harm to our society and progress. The intricate web of social factors amplifies the damage done by dishonesty on a grand scale.

My father also taught me that every politician is a liar in one form or another. Once that aspect of their character is exposed, the liar within their character tells their constituents that they’ve lost sight of the possibility of ever trusting them again. Unfortunately, many voters only vote based on name recognition rather than end results of the candidate while in office. 

While studying politics at my father’s knee he showed me how a political representative's dishonor and corrupt behavior can erode the public life of any and all elected officials and can destroy our shared potential as a society.

I can remember in 1971 when the Pentagon Papers were released how the betrayal of our political representatives in Washington, DC misled us as a nation and made my father see red and begin using curse words I had never heard before. I had heard similar words used back when Kennedy was killed. The words my father used at that time were foreign to me as a toddler, but I never forgot them to this day. His exact words were “Johnson’s coup and the bastards in the Puzzle Palace were executed, and they killed a good man.” That breach of trust filled me with a scary feeling at the time and has never left me, because I know if given the chance the corrupt bastards in Washington DC would do it again if they knew they could get away with it a second time.

Political honesty has often been overlooked; deception is frequently viewed as a strategic necessity. It's remarkable how little philosophical inquiry has focused on these matters that shape our actions and highlight our inclination to ignore the truth. They fill their pockets with what is called "Pork" in bills that have no reason to be signed into law and waste our taxdollars. The corruption of our elected officials is abundant just look at how they entered politics with an income of say, $40,000 and leave a few years later with millions in their bank accounts. That's a sign of serious corruption and insider trading for sure. Same goes for their spouses earning high margins of income based on knowledge their elected spouse provides for them to use to make huge deals. 

Truthfulness has seldom been viewed as a political asset, with lies often seen as acceptable in politics.  It's intriguing how little our philosophical and political discourse addresses the implications of this for action and our ability to deny reality—an active skill distinct from merely succumbing to error or distortion.

As a champion of the intricate nature of human experience, we’ve allowed ourselves to accept inclinations that defy simple moral classification. Echoing Cicero's thoughts from two millennia ago on envy and compassion, political behavior now suggests that both our ethical shortcomings and creative impulses arise from a shared foundation of unethical and moral decline in social behavior.

Politics always initiates something new in every election cycle. However, it doesn’t emerge from nothing. Politicians make space for their actions; they must alter or eliminate what exists. This requires imagination — the ability to envision change and deny reality when necessary – hence politics is not reality it’s fantasy.  Without mental freedom to decipher between fantasy and reality, a politician’s action becomes impossible to deny; and without action, their politics ceases to exist. Hence, they need the media to help bolster their egos and existence of false information. 

When discussing lies in politics, we must recognize that they didn't just slip in due to human flaws.  Moral outrage alone won't make them vanish. History, as a shared memory shaped by collective agreement, is bound to be flawed. Our individual memories are often unreliable, so it’s no wonder that our collective recollections are equally imperfect. There once was a time in Washington, DC where if an elected official was accused of adultery, criminal actions, or disrespect they were sanctioned or expelled from Congress or the Senate. Unfortunately, those types of accusations are no longer seen as dishonorable or issues to be expelled, instead, they are considered worthy of praise. Where has our social conscience gone?

Falsehoods flourish in a world of uncertain facts—those devoid of intrinsic truth. Factual truths are never absolute; they can be challenged by a single lie or widespread deception.  The reliability of memories hinges on trustworthy testimony, making every claim subject to doubt.  Thus, no assertion is entirely beyond question.

People are kept in the dark, lacking access to crucial information needed for informed decisions. The media is to blame for this lack of crucial information, but it fails us every time by providing us with no real information only falsehoods. Even those with top security clearance often remain oblivious, not due to a hidden agenda by corrupt and immoral individuals in the government, but because of overwhelming circumstances that discourage them from sifting through mountains of mostly irrelevant documents about the misleading activities of their fellow elected officials who commit adultery, crimes again our citizens and corrupt dealings to keep their position in Congress or Senate. 

 Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Phoenix University in Business Management, then a degree. Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, Gouche, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 7 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, Gardening, and opinion or history pieces each week. 

Elizabeth Kilbride, Politics, History, Opinion

Why does the President need an Advisory board called the Cabinet?

 

The United States Cabinet serves as the main advisory group to the president. Meetings typically occur in a room next to the Oval Office, with the president presiding—though not officially a member.

Comprising 26 individuals, including the vice president, 15 department heads, and 10 Cabinet-level officials (most requiring Senate confirmation), each member's seating reflects their department's establishment date.

Cabinet members serve at the discretion of the president and can be dismissed without Senate approval. While they may wield certain powers over their departments independently, doing so against presidential wishes is rare due to potential job loss.

Notably, while implied by Article II of the Constitution for providing counsel, there’s no explicit mention of a Cabinet. The Twenty-fifth Amendment further allows for joint declarations on presidential incapacity involving executive department heads.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Phoenix University in Business Management, then a degree. Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, Gouche, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week. 

 

 

Where are we getting the hefty $95 billion foreign Aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other US Allies?

Recently the House approved a whopping foreign aid bill to help Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. Allies even though the Hastert Rule wasn't applied passing the bill during a weekend voting session. One has to wonder where this money is coming from. Due to the amount being allocated to foreign aid, that means once the election is over in November, Congress and Senate are going to demand taxes be raised to cover the costs. Did they ask the American taxpayers if they agreed to this aid package, not that I can discover. 

The House wasted no time in approving a hefty $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. allies during a rare Saturday session. Democrats and Republicans set aside their differences, coming together after months of political chaos surrounding American support against Russia’s invasion.

The $61 billion allocated for Ukraine received overwhelming support, sending a powerful message of solidarity. Lawmakers even waved Ukrainian flags in celebration on the House floor. The unique process of voting on each bill separately allowed for interesting alliances to form and push the aid forward.

With the Senate likely to pass the package soon, President Biden is ready to sign it into law promptly. Speaker Mike Johnson, despite facing challenges, is confident in the decision made.

The bipartisan effort was praised by President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, who expressed gratitude for keeping history on the right track. The House's unity in this crucial moment was a refreshing change from the usual gridlock.

"The world is watching us closely, and our actions today will be judged by history," stated Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The House's approval of Biden's funding request was a major step forward, overcoming significant obstacles. The GOP-led House initially struggled with the decision but eventually came to a resolution. Speaker Johnson faced challenges and criticism from within his own party, but ultimately pushed through the vote. Congressional leaders see this as a critical moment in history, with U.S. allies facing threats worldwide. Rep. Gregory Meeks called it a historic moment, emphasizing the significance of the decision. On the other hand, some Republicans argued for a focus on domestic issues and cautioned against excessive spending on defense.

It's been quite a show in Congress lately, with world leaders lining up to beg for aid approval. The delay has raised doubts about America's loyalty to its allies, putting Biden's foreign policy goals on the line.

After some behind-the-scenes chats with Johnson, Biden jumped on board with his plan, giving Democrats the push they needed to move things along. What did Biden offer that Johnson agreed to to push this messy aid package forward without using the Hastert Rule when passing a bill? 

The message during the debate was clear - defending democracy is a job for all Americans, regardless of party lines.

While support for Ukraine is expected to be strong, some progressive Democrats are gearing up to vote against aid for Israel, demanding an end to the violence in Gaza.

It used to be that Ukraine's defense had solid backing from both sides of the aisle in Congress. However, as the conflict drags on, many representatives on both sides of the aisle are now against providing further aid.  

The House Freedom Caucus is slamming the aid package, calling it "America Last," and pushing for border security measures.

Johnson's grip on power is slipping, with some Republicans backing a move to oust him. Greene, along with others like Thomas Massie and Paul Gosar, are leading the charge. The drama continues to unfold in Washington.

The package comes with a bunch of Republican priorities that Democrats are on board with, or at least willing to go along with. This includes stuff like seizing Russian assets to help Ukraine, slapping sanctions on Iran, Russia, China, and fentanyl traffickers, and making TikTok's Chinese owner sell up or get banned in the U.S.

But the rush to get these bills passed isn't just about politics - it's about what's happening in Ukraine. Lawmakers in the know have been getting seriously worried about the situation there. Russia is using fancy bombs to hit Ukrainian troops hard, and they're struggling with a lack of soldiers and weapons. It's a tough situation, and something needs to be done fast.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Phoenix University in Business Management, then a degree. Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. In her spare time, Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, Gouche, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week. 

 

 

Bidens accused of using political power for personal gain

 

Bidens accused of using political power for personal gain,

House GOP uncovered emails showing influence peddling and interference by Joe Biden.  Chairman Comer exposed bank wires from Chinese nationals to Hunter Biden during his investigation, along with Documents that revealed how the Delaware Assistant US Attorney blocked the investigation into Joe Biden. Throw in how IRS whistleblower Shapley revealed how the DOJ in DC overseeing the Hunter Biden probe, was subsequently removed along with the team investigating Hunter Biden after reporting interference to Congress. The Deputy Attorney General's office met with Hunter Biden's lawyers and offered to end the case without a guilty plea on the same day as team removal.

FARA probe required disclosure of foreign relationships and investigation into potential foreign agent activity involving both Hunter Biden and Joe Biden.

In addition, a memo leaked from lobbying firm Blue Star Strategies revealed that Burisma, a Ukrainian natural gas company, had access to Vice President Biden's talking points for his December 2015 trip to Ukraine.

IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley disclosed in August that the Department of Justice in DC, not David Weiss, oversaw the Hunter Biden investigation. Shapley and his team were removed from the case after informing Congress that Biden's DOJ had interfered with their probe.

Biden's visit focused on US support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, the need for reforms, economic concerns, and backing for the Minsk Agreements. Devon Archer, a Biden family associate, testified that Joe had casual conversations with his son's business partners.

Archer highlighted the importance of the Biden "brand" for Burisma's survival and a letter from Burisma in July 2016, signed by Hunter Biden, expressed concerns over baseless allegations and called for a fair investigation.

Burisma's role in lessening Ukraine's reliance on Russian energy is highlighted. Former federal prosecutor Bud Cummins disclosed that Ukraine's then-Prosecutor General, Yuriy Lutsenko, was willing to meet with Berman in the US and provide two anonymous witnesses to corroborate the allegations against Joe Biden. Despite this offer, Berman remained unresponsive. Lutsenko has accused Biden of using his influence to shield his son's employer in Ukraine in exchange for financial gains. Cummins mentioned a wire transfer from Zlochevsky to Rosemont Seneca Partners LLC, allegedly benefiting Joe Biden. The connection between the funds and Biden remains unclear. The transfers were reportedly linked to Hunter Biden and Archer, with the sender allegedly instructed to send one portion to Joe Biden.

 

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Phoenix University in Business Management, then a degree. Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft, and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. In her spare time, Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, Gouche, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week. 

 

 

 

Assassination Attempt Thwarted

 

In light of the recent incident on Saturday where a former President was targeted, it is important to note that political violence against U.S. presidents and candidates is not a new phenomenon. Throughout the nation's history, there have been several cases of assassinations and attempted assassinations targeting prominent political figures. From the founding of the country in 1776, these incidents have underscored the risks and dangers associated with public service at the highest levels. It is a sobering reminder of the challenges and threats faced by those in positions of power and influence.

When we look at the pattern of these shootings, we find that 8 victims were Republicans and 5 Democrats. Surprisingly enough the 5 Democrats were all considered targets by their Democrat challengers because they didn’t like the idea that they could win the election. It’s time that we as Americans stand up against this type of treasonous behavior and condemn it for what it is – rude and downright hateful behavior. If you don’t like someone’s politics, don’t vote for them and whatever you do don’t get violent because violence never solves anything.

For those who publicly stated that the shooter missed, and you wished they had better aim, you are the problem within this country. It’s time you shut up and as you wished so many conservatives were canceled, it should be you who should be canceled cultured for your hateful behavior and thoughts against another human being, Remember Karma is real!

Abraham Lincoln, (R)  the 16th president of the United States, tragically became the first president to be assassinated when he was shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865. Attending a play with his wife at Ford's Theatre in Washington, Lincoln was shot in the back of the head and died the following morning. His support for Black rights was believed to be a motive for his killing. Two years prior, during the Civil War, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, granting freedom to slaves within the Confederacy. Vice President Andrew Johnson succeeded him as president. The assassin, Booth, was later found and shot dead on April 26, 1865, after being discovered hiding in a barn in Virginia.

JAMES GARFIELD, (R )the 20th president

Garfield tragically became the second president to be assassinated just six months into his presidency. On July 2, 1881, as he was walking through a train station in Washington to catch a train to New England, he was shot by Charles Guiteau.

Despite efforts by Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, to locate the bullet using a specially designed device, Garfield's wound proved fatal. After lingering at the White House for several weeks, he passed away in September while at the New Jersey shore. His presidency had lasted only six months before his untimely death.

Vice President Chester Arthur assumed the presidency following Garfield's passing, while Guiteau was later convicted and executed in June 1882.

William McKinley, (R ) the 25th president of the United States, tragically met his end in a shocking assassination. While greeting well-wishers in Buffalo, New York, McKinley was shot twice at close range by a man named Leon F. Czolgosz. Despite initial hopes for recovery, McKinley ultimately succumbed to complications from his wounds, leaving the nation in mourning. The vice president at the time, Theodore Roosevelt, stepped in to assume the presidency following McKinley's untimely death. Czolgosz was swiftly brought to justice, found guilty of the crime, and met his own fate in the electric chair. The events surrounding McKinley's assassination serve as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those in positions of leadership.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, (D) the 32nd president of the United States, was the target of an assassination attempt in February 1933. The incident occurred in Miami, where Roosevelt had just delivered a speech from the back of an open car. Gunshots rang out, resulting in the tragic death of Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak. Despite the chaos, Roosevelt emerged unscathed from the shooting. The assailant, Guiseppe Zangara, was quickly apprehended and later convicted for the assassination attempt. Zangara was sentenced to death for his crime. This event highlighted the dangers faced by political figures and led to increased security measures for future presidents. The assassination attempt did not deter Roosevelt, who went on to serve four terms as president and lead the country through the Great Depression and World War II.

Harry S. Truman (D)  served as the 33rd President of the United States from 1945 to 1953. He was known for his decisive leadership during World War II and for implementing the Marshall Plan to aid in the post-war recovery of Europe. Truman also made the controversial decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, effectively ending the war with Japan.

In November 1950, Truman narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while staying at Blair House, the official guest residence for the President. Two gunmen attempted to break in, resulting in a shootout with White House policemen. Truman was unharmed, but one officer and one assailant were killed, with two other officers wounded.

One of the assailants, Oscar Callazo, was arrested and initially sentenced to death. However, Truman later commuted his sentence to life in prison, and Callazo was eventually released in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter.

JOHN F. KENNEDY, (D) the 35th president of the United States, was tragically assassinated in Dallas in November 1963. The assassination took place as Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, were riding in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza. Kennedy was shot by a hidden assassin armed with a high-powered rifle and was rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital, where he passed away shortly after. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn into office on Air Force One, becoming the new president. Lee Harvey Oswald, who was arrested for the assassination, was shot and killed by Jack Ruby while being transferred to the county jail. The events surrounding Kennedy's assassination have been the subject of numerous investigations and conspiracy theories over the years. Kennedy's legacy as a charismatic and influential leader continues to endure in American history.

Gerald Ford, (R)  the 38th president of the United States, faced two assassination attempts within weeks in 1975. Despite being targeted by individuals seeking to harm him, Ford miraculously emerged unscathed from both incidents. The first attempt occurred in Sacramento when Charles Manson disciple Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme pointed a gun at Ford, but it did not fire. Fromme was subsequently sentenced to prison and released in 2009. Just 17 days later, another woman named Sara Jane Moore fired a shot at Ford in San Francisco but missed. A bystander intervened before she could make a second attempt. Moore was also imprisoned and released in 2007. These harrowing experiences underscore the dangers faced by public figures and the resilience displayed by Ford in the face of such threats.

Ronald Reagan, (R) the 40th president of the United States, was a beloved figure known for his conservative policies and charismatic leadership style. The shooting incident in March 1981, where he was targeted by John Hinckley Jr., shocked the nation and led to increased security measures for public officials. Despite being injured in the assassination attempt, Reagan displayed remarkable resilience and recovered fully from his wounds.

The shooting also had lasting consequences for others involved, such as his press secretary James Brady, who was left with permanent disabilities. Hinckley's trial and subsequent confinement to a mental hospital raised questions about the intersection of mental health and criminal justice in the United States.

Hinckley's recent release from court oversight in 2022 highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with mental health issues who commit violent acts.

GEORGE W. BUSH, (R) the 43rd president of the United States, was attending a rally in Tbilisi in 2005 with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili when a hand grenade was thrown toward him. Despite both men being behind a bulletproof barrier, the grenade, wrapped in cloth, landed about 100 feet away. Fortunately, the grenade did not explode, and no one was hurt in the incident. The perpetrator, Vladimir Arutyunian, was later apprehended, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison for the attempted attack on President Bush. This event highlighted the ongoing security threats faced by world leaders and the importance of robust security measures in place during public appearances. It also showcased the resilience and professionalism of the security personnel who were able to prevent a potentially catastrophic situation.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT, presidential candidate (R)

Theodore Roosevelt, a prominent and charismatic political figure, was shot in Milwaukee in 1912 while campaigning for his return to the White House. Having previously served two terms as president, Roosevelt was running as a third-party candidate under the Progressive Party. Despite the assassination attempt, Roosevelt miraculously survived the attack thanks to folded papers and a metal glasses case in his pocket that blunted the impact of the bullet, preventing serious injury. The assailant, John Schrank, was apprehended and subsequently committed to mental hospitals for the remainder of his life. This incident highlighted the dangers and risks associated with political campaigns and brought attention to the need for increased security measures for presidential candidates.

ROBERT F. KENNEDY, presidential candidate  D

Robert F. Kennedy, commonly known as RFK, was a prominent political figure seeking the Democratic presidential nomination in 1968. He served as a U.S. senator from New York and was the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy, who was tragically assassinated in 1963. RFK's campaign gained momentum when he won the California primary, but his victory was short-lived as he was shot and killed moments after delivering his speech at a Los Angeles hotel.

The assassination of RFK also resulted in injuries to five other individuals. The perpetrator, Sirhan Sirhan, was convicted of first-degree murder and initially sentenced to death. However, his sentence was later commuted to life in prison. Sirhan remains incarcerated, with his most recent petition for release being denied in the previous year.

George C. Wallace, a four-time governor of Alabama and a presidential candidate, (D) was a controversial figure in American politics. Known for his staunch segregationist views, Wallace famously stood in the schoolhouse door to block the integration of the University of Alabama in 1963. However, he later renounced his segregationist beliefs and sought to appeal to a broader base of voters during his presidential campaigns in the 1960s and 1970s.

In 1972, while seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, Wallace was shot and paralyzed from the waist down during a campaign stop in Maryland. The shooter, Arthur Bremer, was convicted and sentenced to prison. Wallace remained in politics despite his physical limitations, serving as governor of Alabama until 1979.

Bremer was released from prison in 2007 after serving his sentence for the attempted assassination of Wallace.

Donald J, Trump (R ) Former Republican President seeking reelection at a rally in Butler PA was charged with excitement, gearing up for the Republican National Convention. However, the event took a dark turn as chaos erupted when shots rang out, causing panic and fear among the crowd. Trump himself was seen clutching his ear and dropping to the ground while Secret Service agents sprang into action. Journalists witnessed the harrowing scene unfold, describing the pandemonium that followed the shooting. The incident left one person dead and two critically injured, prompting Trump to express his condolences and gratitude to the Secret Service. President Joe Biden swiftly condemned the violence, emphasizing that such acts have no place in the United States. The attempted assassination has sparked a debate on security measures and accountability, with Trump's allies calling for a thorough investigation into the breakdown that allowed the shooter to target the former president.

When we look at the pattern of these shootings, we find that 8 victims were Republicans and 5 Democrats. Surprisingly enough the 5 Democrats all were considered targets by their Democrat challengers because they didn’t like the idea that they could win the election. It’s time that we as Americans stand up against this type of treasonous behavior and condemn it for what it is – rude and downright hateful behavior. If you don’t like someone’s politics, don’t vote for them and whatever you do don’t get violent because violence never solves anything.

For those who publicly stated that the shooter missed, and you wished they had better aim, you are the problem within this country. It’s time you shut up and as you wished so many conservatives were canceled, it should be you who should be canceled cultured for your hateful behavior and thoughts against another human being, Karma is real.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Pheonix University in Business Management, then a degree in Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology, her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. In her spare time, Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, Gouache, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week. 

 

 

Political Joke that Americans are falling for - Student Loan forgiveness Farce!

 

Political Joke that Americans are falling for - Student Loan forgiveness Farce!

For the last few days all I see on social media and news sites is how upset my fellow American’s are about Biden’s decision to forgive $10,000 in Student loans. Little do the American people know that Biden’s decision to forgive this amount is a political ploy for the upcoming election to gain those who have student debt to vote for the Dem line up. After 40 years in politics, I see the farce for what it is, because I too have student loans and this forgiveness game Biden Is offering, is an absolute joke.

There is already a forgiveness program in place, but you have to understand that the debtor must pay their monthly payments to their student loan lender for 10 years and they must work with a non-profit during that timeframe. Otherwise, they can’t get any forgiveness on their student loans.  So, before you go giving Biden any more media and internet time, understand this – this forgiveness farce is nothing more than a ploy to get potential voters for the November election. Please before you go off the rails about a political issue, do some research and look at the issue with a political use eye. 

How can you look at an issue with a political eye, use my father’s technique.  Draw a Triangle and along each side write in the follow: Political, Social, Economic and in the middle write in the issue. Then Think about how the issue will affect the economy or economic stability of community, state or nation. Then connect the dots to the social aspects of the issue. Will it cause unrest, riots, tempers to rise and then target the political party or candidate that the issue will help or damage as a result of the above research. Using this method has served me well over the last 40 years In dealing in the political arena. Cool heads that can do proper research saves on saying something that you might regret because it made you look stupid and uneducated.

Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, journalist. business professional, and creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds half a horticultural degree, a Masters in Criminology and a BS in Business Management and over 40 years in the political arena. She stepped out of the loop for a while, but who is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel individuals on how to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel, photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.

Politics and Yellow Journalism

 

Politics and Yellow Journalism

Yellow journalism has been around since the early 1900’s and in some situations even before then. If the Elite in the industries that control this country, railroad, manufacturing, technology, meatpacking, farming, and many others during the early 1900s didn’t get their way when lobbying those in higher office, they’d resort to yellow journalism. So what is yellow journalism?  Anyone new on the scene that wanted to run for political office were approached by members of various organizations as noted above, plus the Unions of those same industries and other organizations that were established to help their cause and if the candidate didn’t agree to the terms set forth before them by the lobbying representatives of said groups, the Unions or the elite would make sure that the newspapers would report negatively on their issues, and conduct personal character assassination attempts that would destroy them in the eyes of their potential constituents. Sound familiar? Well, it should because it happens even in today’s elections, in fact, it happens more often in other industries too. Propaganda wheel inflicted fear and unrest with their so-called sentimental stories which ultimately were taken as fact, but were actually lack in true facts. We know it today as entertainment news about a person, like the rags of the Enquirer, or Daily Mail, The Gazette, The Sun, the Star, National Inquiry, and many more. Unfortunately, even though these rags have been sued for libel, no one has won a case against them for the dirty lies they would talk about individuals who were targets of such propaganda.

The elitists and special interest groups of today supply the money to buy ads on television and newspapers attacking a candidate who has the right ideas to help America grow and safeguard the future. If a candidate doesn’t do what they want, they attack them from ever angle until they are dead in the water of politics. Instead of attacking those who have been in office for 20, 30 or 40 years for their destruction of this country and its principles, they go after what I call the guppies who are treading water in the fishbowl of politics – Washington DC. The same goes for the state house positions of importance.

Mainstream media today has turned into nothing but Yellow Journalism that makes those of us who used to work within their walls want to barf because it is no longer journalism telling the truth about the lies and falsehoods happening within politics or corporate America; it’s instead talking lies and mistruths that no one can see or read between the lines anymore to find the real story behind their words.

 

Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, journalist. business professional, and creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds a Masters in Criminology and a BS in Business Management who stepped out of the loop for a while, but who is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel, photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.

 

 

 

Politics vs. immigration

Every candidate running for office throughout America has used the immigration issue in their platform due to the issue being raised or shoved down our throats over the last few years. Majority of those speaking the most about this issue is the Democratic Candidates and no one seems to notice why they are speaking so loudly about immigration laws and wanting to give those who are already living here amnesty and full citizenship, even though they entered this country illegally. Do you want to know why the Democratic candidates want to legalize those who have come here illegally and give them full benefits, because once given citizenship they will become voting democrats because they are the ones who gave them illegal citizenship?  When you calculate the number of citizens this would entail, 10.5 million, so think about it.

In 2019 the Pew Institute published a report that determined the number of undocumented workers per state. In California alone there are over 2.2 million illegal aliens living in the state, give them all citizen status and the ability to vote in any election and the 55 electoral votes for the state of California would definitely go to the Democrats, right along with the 29 for New York with 725,000 new citizens and the list goes on, Pennsylvania with its 20 votes, Texas with its 38 votes due to 1.6 million new citizens, Florida with its 29 votes and so on. The play to make illegal citizens all legal in the minds of Democrats is not to help them succeed and live more productive and prosperous lives in America, it is to ensure that they vote Democrat because in their minds the democrats gave them citizenship without applying for it legally. This was the same reason why so many African-American’s became Democrats back in the 60’s because they thought it was the Dems who gave them the right to vote, when in fact it was a Republican Congress that gave it to them, but because Johnson was President at the time and he was a Dem, they were lead to believe it was the Democratic party that gave them the vote. So, while the African-American citizenry was doped into believing the political bull, so shall the Latino, Mexican and Cuban immigrants who are living in America illegally. It took the African-American Community 30 years to realize that they were tricked into believing they were set free to vote by the Democratic party, and open their eyes to the realization that it was the Republican Party all along and for them to switch parties and become Republicans or Independent voters. Since the 90s when they reclaimed their voting status they have been belittled, bullied and put to shame for voting Republican by those still drinking the kool-aid by the Democratic party leadership.  Hopefully, the Latino, Mexican and Cuban immigrants won’t allow themselves to be used as political pawns to make the Democratic party more powerful at the voting booth.

Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, journalist, business professional, and creative artist. Although she has been out of the loop for a while, she is back with a powerful opinion and voice in how this country and the entertainment industry has gone off course. She is determined to bring to light the issues in a clear and opinionated voice.

Dissecting Mike Bloomberg’s plan for America Starting with his Minimum Wage Mistakes

Candidate for President Mike Bloomberg claims that he will strengthen America by increasing the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour across the board. Little does he realize that if an educated person researches the minimum wage status, they will learn that the increases set to become law in 2020 will not increase the entire country to $15.00 per hour, in fact, it will take up to five years before we see $15.00 an hour in many of the cities across America. The states that will have an increase in the minimum wage this coming year are reflected  in the above map and can be further research by visiting the following website, https://www.paycor.com/resource-center/minimum-wage-by-state . So for a man who claims to be knowledgeable about the economy, Mr. Bloomberg is lacking in the ability to understand current law pertaining to the minimum wage hikes that are planned for the working class individuals who dream about making $15.00 per hour and surviving financially. Instead, he is out of touch with reality and instead of spouting party-line Rhetoric to gain potential voters that are dreaming of a better tomorrow. 

Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, journalist, business professional, and creative artist. Although she has been out of the loop for a while, she is back with a powerful opinion and voice in how this country and the entertainment industry has gone off course. She is determined to bring to light the issues in a clear and opinionated voice.

SOTU Review

The more I reviewed the tape from last night's SOTU speech and the Dem Antics in response, the more I would be embarrassed if I was a Dem. Every one of them acted like petulant children who weren't allowed to play with the big kids. And for those who boycotted the SOTU address, those individuals would have had their heads explode at the thought of American values versus Communist behavior being discussed. And those women who wore all white in solidarity with the Sufferage movement anniversary, you disgraced every woman who fought for the suffrage movement when you didn't stand when the President recognized those women who advanced their positions throughout the term of this administration. Not to mention when he spoke about combatting terrorism that is affecting this country and taking care of American's versus taking care of illegal persons who come to this country for free care and support. What most people don't realize is that like it was back in the 60s when Johnson used the African American citizens as pawns believing that the democratic party would gain 3 million new voters, they believe that by allowing illegal citizens to vote they will gain over 5 million potential voters to vote democrat in the next election. The same goes for allowing convicted felons to vote. Little do they know many of us who have been around a while can see the writing on the wall where the Dems want to take their little games and antics.

Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Why would fifty-five prominent men sacrifice their lives to declare independence from a King? Although each of them came from similar backgrounds, similar educational roots, they were prominent in their community and had wealth of their own right, they all had one thing in common – they wanted to be free to live their lives according to their own pursuit of happiness.

They were men chosen by their fellow citizens to lead them: 28 Lawyers, 11 Merchants, 4 Physicians, 1 High Sheriff, 8 Farmers, 1 Clergy and 2 Career Soldiers. They were also writers, poets, educators, philosophers, fathers, husbands and stewards of the land.

How could they have envisioned their experiment of a country free from tyranny and oppression being taken over by people who would have the same selfish grandeur as King George II? How could they have envisioned future generations losing sight of what was important – their freedom? When they signed this document, how could they have envisioned these United States of America to flourish without a citizenry filled with generosity and compassion towards their fellow Americans? With all the selfless acts performed by these men and many others including women and children alike, before, during and after the American Revolutionary War who sacrificed their lives for freedom, how could they have known we would come to this stage in 2011?

Due to the current political environment of today, many questions haunted my thoughts. What prompted these men to gamble on their future and the future of their family, when they agreed to be a delegate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on that fateful day of July 4th, 1776? What happened in their lives that caused them to take such a gamble? After all, they weren’t high stake gamblers at the crap tables of Las Vegas or Atlantic City. With this in mind, I decided to do a little research to find the answers. What I found was fifty-five similar stories, but chose to highlight one man. This one man represents them all, for they had courage enough to stand up to tyranny and oppression, and the determination to right a wrong done to all their fellow citizens.


The 1st Signer, the President of Continental Congress, John Hancock.

"There, I guess King George will be able to read that."

John Hancock, Delegate from Massachusetts

Who was John Hancock? Hancock was the wealthiest man in the colonies. Having inherited the House of Hancock Shipping Company from his uncle, Thomas Hancock, along with land and homes, Hancock was known as the Baron of Beacon Hill. The House of Hancock was the largest shipping company in the Colonies because it not only imported manufactured goods from Britain, it also exported a wide variety of commodities from the Americas.

Hancock’s introduction into politics was partly due to his relationship with Samuel Adams, his mentor. It all began in 1766, when Hancock entered the Massachusetts House of Representatives and began learning the ropes of being a politician. One year later, the thrill of being a representative diminished when Parliament established the Townshend Act; Hancock was enraged. Throughout the next year, he raised his voice more than once at how the Townshend Act would eventually destroy the shipping industry and cause more hardship to those who import and export goods. Due to his stepping forward on behalf of all merchants in the colonies, Hancock became the political target of the crown. Accusations of smuggling, violations of the Navigation Act and trading with ports outside the realm of the British Empire to ensure not paying import taxes were levied against him. Outraged by these accusations, Hancock refused to attend Governor Francis Bernard’s soirees, if Custom officials were invited. As a result, Customs agents were sent to inspect his ships upon entering the harbor to publically humiliate him.

In early 1768, Tidesman (custom agents) attempted to board the sloop “Lydia” owned by Hancock without the benefit of a search warrant, Hancock refused them access. Hancock’s refusal gained him Patriot Resistor status and his reputation as a Patriot grew throughout the colonies. In May of that same year, when his sloop the “Liberty” arrived in port with a shipment of Madeira Wine, a favorite libation of Governor Bernard and other representatives of the Crown, the ship was seized by Bernard’s Custom agents. The taking of the “Liberty” wasn’t about duty taxes; it was politically motivated to destroy the character and integrity of Hancock by the Crown. This was a scheme to plunder his vast wealth, his homes and his land for the Crown. Although all charges were dismissed without any explanation, his “Liberty” was never returned. The Crown used the “Liberty” to enforce the Crown’s duty tax regulation over the next year. Upon its arrival in Rhode Island, the citizens took matters into their own hands and set the “Liberty” ablaze in a stand against the duty tax. Governor Bernard was removed as Royal Governor and returned home to England.

After the Boston Massacre occurred Hancock was once again outraged and met with the new Royal Governor, Thomas Hutchinson and Colonel William Dalrymple, Commander of British Regulars demanding the removal of all British soldiers. It was Hancock not Paul Revere who advised Hutchinson that there were over 10,000 armed colonists prepared to march on Boston if they didn’t leave. Shortly there after, the British Army moved to the outer part of Boston Harbor known as Castle William. Hancock was again regaled as a Patriot Leader for this accomplishment.

Tensions remained over the next year until the Townshend Act was repealed. The streets of Boston became quiet, but tension was still smoldering among the colonists.

Royal Governor Hutchinson knew he had to gain Hancock’s assistance in order to maintain peace, so he began cultivating the young politician in an attempt to lure him away from his fellow Whigs. He appointed him as Colonel of the Boston Cadets. Two years later he appointed him to the Council, the Upper Chamber of the General Court. However, Hancock began to see he was being manipulated and declined the appointment. Realizing his political mistake, Hancock immediately regrouped and proposed moving the General Court who was meeting outside the city, back into Boston to avoid lengthy travel for all concerned.

By 1772, the Committee of Correspondence had been formed and although Hancock was invited to join them, he declined this too. A year later the passage of the Tea Act was established by Parliament. This new tax impacted Hancock both personally and professionally. In December 1773, the imfamous Boston Tea Party took place. Hancock didn’t participate in this act of defiance, but he quietly approved of their actions.

Outraged by the defiance, Parliament and King George II wouldn’t give up and responded with yet more acts. The two that fueled the fires of a simmering colony’s anger were called the Boston Port Act and Coercive Acts. These were known as the “Intolerable Acts” authorized to strengthen British control over the Colonists. Royal Governor Hutchinson was removed from office and replaced with General Thomas Gage.

The year was now 1774 and the First Continental Congress was being formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a result of the “Intolerable Acts.” Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies were represented – Georgia didn’t send anyone.

At the same time the First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia, Royal Governor Gage was enforcing his power over Massachusetts. The House of Legislators fought back by convening the Provincal Congress, independent of British Control and John Hancock was elected as its president. First course of action under Hancock’s leadership was the creation of the first minuteman units.

When the Second Continental Congress was called in Philadelphia a year later, the Massachusetts Provincal Congress elected John Hancock to be one of their delegates.

After attending the Provincal Congress session in Concord, Massachusetts in April 1775, Hancock and Adams rested a few days before leaving for Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Gage outraged over losing so much control over the colonists prepared letters of instructions to arrest the principle actors in the Provincal Congress who appeared to be engaging in acts of treason or rebellion. On the evening of April 18, 1775, Gage sent British Regular Soldiers on their fateful last mission that would spark the American Revolution.

When the gun smoke settled over Concord and Lexington, General Gage made yet another mistake by proclaiming a general pardon which stated, “To all who would lay down their arms and return to the duties of peaceful subjects.” This wouldn’t have been a problem with the colonists if he hadn’t added, “with the exception of Hancock and Adams.” That one line singling two of the most prominent men in the area added more fuel to the fire of distain and proclaimed Hancock and Adams true Patriots against the Crown.

In July 1776 John Hancock signed his name to the Declaration of Independence with a flourish. Many historians say it was because of his elitist stature of wealth and ego that caused him to sign his name so boldly. In reality, after learning the true facts of why Hancock joined the fight, it is very clear to this writer the symbolism of John Hancock’s bold signature – for “LIBERTY” I sign this document in defiance of your greed. The symbolism of his signature and story is so profound, yet it was lost even to this writer until recently.

Each of these men joined forces not for wealth or grandeur, for they already had that before. Josiah Bartlett said it best when he stood before his fellow delegates and said,

“The time is now at hand when we shall see whether

America has virtue enough to be free or not.”

Josiah Bartlett, Delegate from New Hampshire

These men were selfless in their actions to give us a country based on freedom, integrity and strong character, yet somewhere along the way, we've lost our way. We've lost our strength and our honor. We've forgotten that thousands gave their lives for freedom so that we could be free. Our failure to engage our elected officials in Washington, DC have now resulted in our freedom, our LIBERTY, and our pursuit of happiness being taken away from us by modern day equivalents of King George II and his merry men of Parliment.

The question I ask myself now is equally profound – Does America have any virtue left in order to remain free?