The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history."
CONFLAB
My daughter phoned this afternoon with an opening comment telling me our call could become disconnected at any moment as she had already experienced several brief power outages. Another ice storm was in progress as they had the night before after five inches of snow had fallen. We caught up on our lives over several hours until she noted the storm had finally ended, her power and heat uninterrupted. We realized a need to sign off so I could have a now late dinner plus, given our time difference, she needed to go to bed. Consequently, I am hastily pulling together this week's post.
VACCINATON
Earlier in the week I had a routine medical appointment following which I decided to see if I could schedule a Covid-19 vaccination. I'll spare you the specific details other than to say it was not possible to make an internet appointment for the drive-thru site where I need to go, so I used the recommended phone number. I made several different unsuccessful calls having to hold for varying periods of duration.
There are several reasons for this including inadequate and unpredictable vaccine supplies. Erratic scheduling changes for designated groups have also created confusion. Many, or even most in each group are not receiving the vaccination before additional groups are added, compounding the problem. That coupled with the frustrations experienced by businesses off and on again closures has culminated in a drive to recall our state's Governor Newsom.
My personal view is it's poorly advised our state should incur the expense of a special election but some want to exploit the situation. I felt the same way the last time that occurred when state finances were limited. We ended up with Gov. Schwarzenegger before he and his Party were replaced the next election.
BIRDLAND
I peeked in on the Big Bear Bald Eagle nest this past week to learn lots of activity has taken place there. Jackie and Shadow are starting a second clutch this year after loss of the first one. Jackie laid an egg on Monday, Feb. 8th and a second egg Thursday, Feb. 11th, Pip watch will begin March 15th. This video reveals Jackie on the nest with Ravens being heard nearby. When Jackie emits a "teakettle whistle" she lays the second egg.
POV -- IMPEACHMENT
I've been caught up in watching the impeachment trial this week of our ex-President Donald J. Trump.
What is wrong with this picture? Did someone suggest hypocrisy?
Ex-President Trump was not impeached for inciting the January 6th seditious riotous coup attempt.
Senator McConnell claimed the U.S. Constitution allowed for impeaching a President only when he/she is in office. Since Trump was now an ex-President he could not be impeached, so McConnell voted "No" to impeachment.
What that means is, once a November election occurs, if a candidate defeats the incumbent President for re-election, any effort to impeach the soon-to-be ex-President, Lame Duck, must occur between January 6th (when the joint session of Congress meets to accept the official Electoral College votes from the states) and January 20th (when the newly elected President is inaugurated).
So, can a Lame Duck President commit and impeachable offense during those 14 days and not to be held accountable by impeachment unless he/she is put on trial during those days -- but not after January 20th when he/she will have become an ex-President?
Point of fact: The House of Representatives impeached President Trump when he was still President, but Senator McConnell refused to accept the article of impeachment so a trial could be held before January 20th.
Now, Senator McConnell has said in this NBC News video: "President [ex-President Trump] is practically and morally responsible for provoking the event": -- January 6th riot/seditious coup at the Capitol.
While the Senator says the ex-President's actions occurred because he was "angry about losing an election" I believe the issues are far more serious, but that is a topic for another time. Suffice to say, democracy is fragile and must be protected from those like Donald J. Trump who would undermine our Republic to establish a different form of government, including an autocracy.
Our current President Biden is quoted in this video repeating the point on CNN:
"The Senate vote followed the bipartisan vote to impeach him by the House of Representatives," Biden said. "While the final vote did not lead to a conviction, the substance of the charge is not in dispute. Even those opposed to the conviction, like Senate Minority Leader McConnell, believe Donald Trump was guilty of a 'disgraceful dereliction of duty' and 'practically and morally responsible for provoking' the violence unleashed on the Capitol."
