Excellent article, Jim, and may the numbers of ex democrats continue to grow. The whole Republican party, as well, needs a good clean up and with Trump at the helm, I think that is
Ms. Bond, no need to worry, trump is going to do a cleanup and like you mention yes, Republicans will also go if they do not bend to the pressure of becoming a trump loyalist. If you don’t tow the trump line they will be canceled, he has told them to their face. He’ll say he’s draining the swamp, but he’s filling it with billionaires clueless to the real needs of regular citizens.
Julia, I am not as concerned as you seem to be with the wealthy (as long as they are qualified ) taking on a political position as I am about a good portion of the not so wealthy folks (both sides of the aisle) who have gone into and stayed in the political system and somehow come out fabulously rich.
You are quite correct, many people go into the political profession as a means for power and wealth, others to make changes for the betterment of the people of this country. And yes, you’re right most politicians become wealthy on both sides. There’s billionaires like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Dolly Parton, Oprah, Taylor Swift, etc., who give to charities, education, famine, when there’s national disasters and the like. Then you have the ones that are more concerned about ego projects. Can you truly say that these wealthy people that trump is appointing are truly qualified to run the departments he’s nominated them for?
Julia, your comment sounded pretty good until you held up Bill Gates as a good guy. I think we could go back and forth on this subject of Trump's appointees and not come to an agreement but let's hope that for the betterment of the country you and other anti Trump people will be pleasantly surprised by the improvements until the new leadership.
Ms. Bond, I have the same hope. I want to see trump unify our country. I want to see him do his best for every American citizen. I would love for trump and his team to pleasantly surprise the whole country, in a good way.
LOL Julia - the fascism thing sounds loudly in you. Shall we go back to another misquote - what is good for billionaires, is often good for America. Don't be so resentful of those who still get to act out the American Dream. And do help us keep your eyes open, should they too become as unprincipled as Democrats.
Mr. L, laugh all you want, the true fascist will become America’s president in about a month. How do you describe the American dream? Yachts and mansions? Oh, believe me, you are keeping my eyes open. I am starting to think you envision me living in a hovel , dressed in rags, eating day-old bread.
The America dream is to remain the land of opportunity. You seem hung up on things. Look for a new career choice at SBCC and stop worrying about Trump taking everything away, should you become part of the DOGE redundancy probabilities. That is no way to live - constant political worrying and being a 24/7 drama queen.
Mr. L, Exactly, not greed and power. You’re right, I am hung up on things. Democracy, freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. trump and his magas are a real threat to that. Thank you for the upgrade, I’ve gone from a queen to a Drama Queen. Also, I do have a life, so I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
Years ago I was onto a deal that could have been very successful & my son asked me “ . . Are you going to forget the little people when you become rich and famous . .?” I replied - “They’re the _first_ ones I’m going to forget..!"
Andy: Santos? He was hounded out of the Republican Party by... Republicans. Marjorie Taylor Greene is a true asset. As far as Trump pushing you out of the Republican Party, well, I guess you prefer spaghetti-spined RINOs. Ah well, can't please everyone all the time. Have a great time with your new friends.
Jim, Santos house expulsion vote on the Republican side was 105 Republicans in favor and 114 members voted against. I don't call a minority voting to get rid of him by the Republican Party being "hounded out"
Let's not imagine - and focus on facts. But if I were imagining I'd like to be in a country where both sides would kick a deceitful clown like that out at the very beginning
John Thomas, could you wipe your backside without Google consultation? When was the last time half of the house voted to expel a member of their own party? Google it and get back to me after wiping your bottom according to Google guidelines.
She speaks truth to power, is very bright and articulate. That was a surprise after my own first impressions of her. Which unfortunately were tainted by the all too biased partisan media.
Trump pushed you from the Republican party? What policy do you object to? Could you defend the Biden administration policies of open borders, men competing in women's sports, DEI, or any other of the destructive policies of the last four years? Or at the bottom of it all do you fear for the security of your taxpayer funded pension? I havent heard a single libtard on here give any substantive defense of Democrat libtard party policy or offer any substantive criticism of the beautiful Trump policy. And you wonder why I call Democrats libtards? It is just so damn fitting.
Ex-Democrat too, even took their party endorsement during a political run a few decades ago. They supported education - I supported education, but I ended up in bed with the teachers unions instead. That is when the scales came off my eyes.
When they pushed legal recreational pot in California "to attract the younger voters" their political cynicism hit rock bottom for me. That is when I pulled the plug and registered GOP.
GOP now moving past cultural litmus tests and into more fundamental conservative fiscal and governance issues made the GOP into a far more welcoming home. Call me now a Rep. Kevin Kiley California Republican. So far, so good.
He is a rising superstar in the Republican Party. He is Newsom's chief nemesis, thwarting his worst policy objectives time and again. Someday he will be the Speaker of the House.
I like Kiley. He's an example of what I've been saying the Republican Party needs if they are going to defeat the Dems - Kiley is of the inland of CA and he can also face down the coastal elites because he went to their schools.
Hallelujah Brother Buckley! Yes, indeed. Since 2016 (and unrepentant) consider me part of that Amen Choir, rejoicing in the ongoing exodus from the Democrat Party. Amen. Amen. Amen. Freedom!
I was always a California Yippie, registered Peace and Freedom Party, or Green. But when Trump came along I amazed myself by switching to Republican so that I could vote for him in his first primary so he could get on the ballot. He has my support, enthusiasm, and respect.
Huummmmm ...."Like any socialist-style movement, dissent is not tolerated ...."
Mr. Buckley clearly states the most egregious piles of stupidity by the "D" stamped people in politics. It is clear that the author understands the failure of the "D" party, and as sooooo many have done in business scraped the bones of past success and the willingness of people to ignore destruction.
"...Those radical positions, however, have taken their toll on the Democrat Party...." well said.
Just look at the traffic conditions in the late Great State of Calif. where almost every one of the Freeway system is crumbling to such a degree a minimum of 30% of each now force drivers to play dodge ball with potholes and broken lanes.
The social game of Political Correctness of failure as quoted above has destroyed "D" because dissent is not tolerated. Just look at the crushing of downtown Santa Barbara, and Goleta where at their Christmas Parade (opp's holiday parade) the Council was berated with we want Hollister 4 lanes back.
So there you go. The question at the local level is how much more failure and destruction are the "D's" that live in wealthy sections with up turned noses going to back and allow failure?
The comment was about Calif. freeway system that has been allowed to fall into disrepair. Tax dollars are being spent on failed street narrowing, street closing, bike paths that see reduced numbers, and more.
I have driven from above Frisco to San Diego, 101 & I-5, and it is amazing that intentional (not accidental) planning and actions to force people and commerce out of their autos continues when the numbers clearly show the vast majority have made their choice.
To CarsAreBasic, I’m sorry to do this, but there’s someone on here who corrects peoples, grammar and spelling, but this is just to help you out. It’s oops, not opps.
Julia normally do not reply. FYI I am dyslectic, left handed, and have other learning disabilities. Spelling is just part of the baggage. Being able to overcome most if not all to have 2 undergrad majors, a Master of Arts Degree, done post grad work at two prestigious medical units, and more has been work. For those who like to poke at me go ahead, you have been doing so for a quarter of a century.
You find something difficult fire away. As the saying goes no harm no foul (or is it fowl....laugh I get confused.)
My apologies CarsAreBasic, in my defense, I had noticed some people correct language, spelling, and grammar, to some contributors, and I thought how rude. So I thought let me show them how rude that is, unfortunately it backfired on me, as I picked the wrong person to use as an example. You are quite accomplished, kudos to you. I must admit, I only have a high school diploma. I’d be the last person to ridicule anyone with issues. I have a beautiful 17-year-old great-granddaughter, who is a special-needs child, she is developmentally challenged, nonverbal and needs braces to help her walk. Also, both my daughters are left-handed, I even had to correct one of them between opps and opps. I must confess English was my worst subject in school. Again, my apologies and I’ll have to remember to go back and use my manners. It’s a little difficult, sometimes in this group of people. Oops, I forgot my manners. 😉
It's wonderful that you feel righteous and satisfied that Trump won the election. Yes. He won. Congratulations. But there is no substantiation to the assertion Democrats voted for him in droves. He won with LESS THAN 50% of the popular vote. I could comment on the litany of misstatements in your piece.
But just to address one. Mar La Go was not invaded by a swat team. According to law, documents that Trump took from the White House were not his to take. He was asked to return them. He returned some, not all. He was asked again. His attorneys signed a sworn statement that ALL had been returned. There was evidence Trump still had top secret documents at Ma La Go. A federal judge issued a search warrant. An FBI search uncovered boxes of documents (including security sensitive files) in bathrooms and on a stage among other places. This was not a swat team invading Trump's home.
Trump is not known for telling the truth and/or seeking it. He says what he wants everyone to think. Before you. and all the Trumpeters, just go off believing his every word like it's truth from the Bible, check your facts.
MB: 23 million government employees, plus a few of their family members and friends each made up the bulk of the 2024 Democrat vote. Never overlook their base self-interests voting for any Democrat - sentient or not.
That was not a "popular vote" for Democrats; those were cynically self-serving Democrat votes hanging on to their government paychecks. The sheer size of the current government employee and their unions vote shows how very close we are to losing America entirely. Thanks for reminding us.
Deal with it, Julie. MAGA swept the nation in nearly every county. Spend a little more time understanding why. Many of us could not understand why the covid hoax also swept the nation, so we are still digging into that mass hysteria too.
Mass hysteria seems to have no partisan exclusivity in this case. Pays to learn on both sides of the aisle what make someone succumb to its forces. Any thoughts?
Times of transition and insecurity, which we are all going though right now, as in times past, is probably a precursor.
J., seriously, there was no sweeping. He won, but not by a landslide and barely with a majority. You folks have two years to accomplish some of the things Trump campaigned on. We both know the political pendulum swings back and forth.
50% + 1 is a win. Taking 90% (80%?) of all counties is sweeping. Taking all swing states is a bellwether. Agree, he has to move fast and sure. So far so good. But the people ultimately decide and often they are happier with gridlock and not the change they claim they initially want. As they say, some times it takes breaking too many eggs to make an omelette.
I also believe in pendulums, as well as satisfactory but sure increments. But I also want good government and authenticated destinations for all tax dollars. Not the total mess we call our "government" today. There are policy changes, and there are procedural changes.
I am gunning for mere procedural changes first. Like tracking every single tax dollar to its lawful expenditure, that we will all be soon sending this April 15. Before we argue about how we spend tax dollars; let's find out what happens to everyone single tax dollar now, in real time. AI should help on that first hurdle.
Julia, as long as you insist MAGA is a cult, you have cut yourself off from benefiting from reasoned discussions here. Your call. Nor do I find you a good listener, since you misconstrue what is said and keep repeating the same tired partisan tropes. This too diminishes you effectiveness to "set us straight", as you initially claimed.
Mr. L and Mr. Brown, I don’t believe I ever said anything about “setting you straight”. I’m not delusional. Truthfully, I don’t think I’ve had many reasonable discussions here. The majority of your contributors are rude, insulting, judgmental, and close minded. I didn’t start commenting to change anyone’s mind just to get the other side of the story out there. Also, if I misconstrue something , why don’t you explain what I misconstrued, and if I keep repeating myself, it’s only because I keep reading the same things from most of your contributors. As for not being a good listener, at least, I listen politely. And as cuckoo as my point of view might be, I thought that’s what the first amendment was all about. Mr. L, I’m finding it surprising that you would not be tolerant of other views.
EB: Bring it on. No value shutting her down. We are still learning a lot from the loyal opposition. Primarily the lack of substance in any of their TDS claims. Good to learn this.
Maybe time to change your ‘North, South, East, West (‘NEWS’) channels… less than one in five people continue to believe the Legacy Media narratives — Trump is a Russian Agent, racist, rapist, thief, criminal, degenerate, etc.
Put me down as one more Ex-D. I like free speech, freewheeling art, good food, and sensible eco-consciousness — but I also value and respect well-regulated borders, entrepreneurialism, hard work, economic growth (for all!), a decently uncorrupt justice and policing system, respect for tradition … I woke up one day and, considerably to my surprise, found myself saying, “I guess I’ve become a Republican.”
History shows that whenever a political party—whether Federalist, Whig, Republican or Democrat—is both delusional and self-righteous, it will fail. One cannot survive by denying reality and then becoming a self-righteous scold about it.
Yes, a sober reminder about what happened to the Newt Gingrich GOP takeover two years into President Bill Clinton, They eventually fell on their own swords of corruption and excess too.
It is our job to keep their feet to the fire, and also have their backs when the going gets rough. Which will be like tomorrow.
J. Livingston: Always love your comments but let me give poor Mr. Gingrich a little leeway. Deep State actors knew that Newt was conducting an affair while still married and let him know that they would reveal that if he didn't pull back. He did, much to his shame, but it wasn't corruption and excess that did him in. It was fear of embarrassment and potential loss of his position. The same thing happened to Arnold Schwarzenegger, who flipped on a dime to cover up an affair with his maid and the child it produced.
I used to think poorly of Gingrich (when I was a D). My husband and I did what we always do if we think that way - actually go and read the person, not just what was written about them. I came away with a deep admiration for Gingrich - while I was still a D. Extremely intelligent, knows his history and is a genuine independent thinker.
No, I did not mean to imply Gingrich was corrupt. But later in his Contract With America era, other GOP bad actors did emerge .. whose names escape me now but there were a lot of embarrassing corruptions, resignations and even trials (?) later. That is what we must guard against - power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
I, like you, admire Newt's deep political skills. He still ranks as an excellent GOP elder statesman.
I love reading this stuff. It's the best comedy to start off the morning. By the way, Jim, do you have a problem with anything Trump commands? Is it really okay for Elon to get special favors that put Americans at risk? This is what I am talking about.
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team wants to scrap a regulatory order requiring automakers to report crashes involving vehicles with automated driving systems, Reuters reported Friday, aligning with opposition to the rule by Elon Musk’s Tesla, which accounts for most crashes reported under the requirement so far.
BTW, Jim. I strongly believe DOGE is needed. I simply believe that people who have conflict of interests like Musk should recuse themselves from participating.
Gene: So, you'd exclude the one person in the universe (that we know of) who could delve into the deep state and find remedies for our deficit and debt problems?
Strong ideas will rise up to the top regardless. Or not. Buckle up, we are all in for a good ride and a good housecleaning on the eve of our 250th Birthday.
I was living in Switzerland during the BiCentennial and it was a time when the Swiss were finally visiting the US in larger tourism numbers - Greyhound bus was offering the equivalent of a Eurail Pass and group charters would go to Niagara Falls or Miami Beach.
It was an interesting time to hear what they thought about America after finally seeing it, instead of viewing it from their own localized filters. There were tourism media recommendations to look for beef steak, apple pie and marshmallows. And a Swiss insurance agent gave a Swiss friend the forms to fill out AFTER he got robbed in America, not IF he gets robbed in America.
The biggest surprise was to learn we were not all skyscrapers and stacked freeway over crossings. The two leading travel poster images of LA and NYC. While I was still learning Switzerland was not all chocolate, cookoo clocks, dirndls, mountain scenery and 24/7/365 snow.
How special that a man who brags about his journalism background doesn’t believe top tier journalists if their research and reporting conflicts with his undeniable biases.
Gene: Don't remember "bragging" about my journalism background, but AP, Reuters, USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post, et al, no longer do journalism: they just transcribe what the deep state or the administration (Democrat) tells them and put it into print, no questions asked, no follow-up required. My father had it right: "Son, only believe half of what you see and none of what you read."
Gene, I worked in the NYC media world. I was published in the top places, like The New Yorker, NYT, The Atlantic. Honestly, you talk like a rube. You don't know anything about the media world or how career obsession takes precedence for many of the “top” journalists over truth. Many of them behaved disgracefully during the last eight years. There have been and continue to be terrific journalists and reporters: Julie Kelly, Miranda Devine, Matt Taibbi, Glenn Greenwald, James Kunstler, John Klar. I would put Bonnie Donovan in that category. I decided to write and comment here at SB Current because i have great respect for Jim Buckley.
Gene, you do raise some good points about Musk's presence in the administration. I consider the DOGE to be on trial from the beginning of the Trump administration. What's it going to be like having big money people in government. I do hope Trump isn't too much of a Musk admirer to see through Musk's ambitions. I'm wondering if Musk will get on a "going to Mars" sales pitch with Trump. I've been a critic of Musk since the Tesla and his use of thermal runaway Lithium batteries and using human Guinea pigs to test his auto steering systems. And now Musk is cluttering up the atmosphere with his low altitude satellites, about up to 40,000 of them about 240 miles above the earth ... lasting only about five years. Heard about the Kessler Syndrome? If not, look it up. Musk is creating so much future space junk, it's beyond comprehension. Let's complain about stuff when it happens. For now, the country is tickled pink to have smart people running the country instead of brainless twits that have flooded the country with illegals, running the country financially down the biggest shithole you can imagine.
Great Article Jim…I too quit the Democrat Party…in the late 70s (voted for Carter first time in 76 because of environmental views) & became a Reagan Republican in 80. Then quit the Republican Party in 92 & voted for Perot (always wanted to send an outsider to Washington to shake the tree & was put off GHWB’s New World Order nonsense).
Join the Libertarian Party in 92 and never looked back, patiently waiting for an outsider, and then my prayers were answered when Trump came along!
As a Libertarian, I believe in the expansion of individual autonomy, political self-determination; and most importantly, the protection of civil rights, including the rights to freedom of association, freedom of speech, freedom of thought and freedom of choice.
Fun to watch Trump reform the Republican Party and at the same time watch the slow death of the Democrat Party. Their selfish and psychopathic actions during the C19 plandemic were are full display…
So difficult to watch the media [D PARTY] attempt to squash all hope of a cure & wanting public to remain in fear [re COVID-19] up until the election. Was the Legacy Media [ D PARTY] willing to sacrifice lives in order to regain power? ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE.
There was a time when even California Democrats were reasonable people. Alan Cranston, Edmund Brown, Jane Harmon even Diane Feinstein. Somewhere along the lines, the wheels came off and they lost touch with the voting public. No longer for civil rights, against the war in Vietnam, or women’s rights, they seem to have lost their way. They now are fixated on abortion, trans rights, climate change and pronouns! They simply stopped being reasonable adults. Growing up in a faithful Democratic family, my parents were New Deal Democrats who idolized the Kennedy’s. Back then, the functional difference between the two parties was not that great.
If Democrats ever plan to win elections on a national scale, they need to be more supportive of traditional family, working class values. NOT kiddie drag story hour. They have simply lost their collective minds!
1962 - when government employees started unionizing in greater numbers and later learning how to game the political process is when everything went off the rails - which reached critical mass by the 2000's in California. The final coffin nail was the Arnold Schwarzenegger RINO sell out. That was our last gasp for continued bipartisanship.
Terrific piece, Jim. I am an XD as I call us. But I'm also not a Republican. Not yet.
Excellent article, Jim, and may the numbers of ex democrats continue to grow. The whole Republican party, as well, needs a good clean up and with Trump at the helm, I think that is
happening.
Ms. Bond, no need to worry, trump is going to do a cleanup and like you mention yes, Republicans will also go if they do not bend to the pressure of becoming a trump loyalist. If you don’t tow the trump line they will be canceled, he has told them to their face. He’ll say he’s draining the swamp, but he’s filling it with billionaires clueless to the real needs of regular citizens.
Julia, I am not as concerned as you seem to be with the wealthy (as long as they are qualified ) taking on a political position as I am about a good portion of the not so wealthy folks (both sides of the aisle) who have gone into and stayed in the political system and somehow come out fabulously rich.
Ms. Bond,
You are quite correct, many people go into the political profession as a means for power and wealth, others to make changes for the betterment of the people of this country. And yes, you’re right most politicians become wealthy on both sides. There’s billionaires like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Dolly Parton, Oprah, Taylor Swift, etc., who give to charities, education, famine, when there’s national disasters and the like. Then you have the ones that are more concerned about ego projects. Can you truly say that these wealthy people that trump is appointing are truly qualified to run the departments he’s nominated them for?
Julia, your comment sounded pretty good until you held up Bill Gates as a good guy. I think we could go back and forth on this subject of Trump's appointees and not come to an agreement but let's hope that for the betterment of the country you and other anti Trump people will be pleasantly surprised by the improvements until the new leadership.
Ms. Bond, I have the same hope. I want to see trump unify our country. I want to see him do his best for every American citizen. I would love for trump and his team to pleasantly surprise the whole country, in a good way.
Sounds good, Julia. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.
LOL Julia - the fascism thing sounds loudly in you. Shall we go back to another misquote - what is good for billionaires, is often good for America. Don't be so resentful of those who still get to act out the American Dream. And do help us keep your eyes open, should they too become as unprincipled as Democrats.
Mr. L, laugh all you want, the true fascist will become America’s president in about a month. How do you describe the American dream? Yachts and mansions? Oh, believe me, you are keeping my eyes open. I am starting to think you envision me living in a hovel , dressed in rags, eating day-old bread.
The America dream is to remain the land of opportunity. You seem hung up on things. Look for a new career choice at SBCC and stop worrying about Trump taking everything away, should you become part of the DOGE redundancy probabilities. That is no way to live - constant political worrying and being a 24/7 drama queen.
Mr. L, Exactly, not greed and power. You’re right, I am hung up on things. Democracy, freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. trump and his magas are a real threat to that. Thank you for the upgrade, I’ve gone from a queen to a Drama Queen. Also, I do have a life, so I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
Finally some common ground, Julia: freedom, liberty and pursuit of happiness. All MAGA stuff.
Years ago I was onto a deal that could have been very successful & my son asked me “ . . Are you going to forget the little people when you become rich and famous . .?” I replied - “They’re the _first_ ones I’m going to forget..!"
Not surprising Mr Brown.
Yes. And Greene, Santos, Cawthorn and Trump pushed many of us out of the Republican Party.
Andy: Santos? He was hounded out of the Republican Party by... Republicans. Marjorie Taylor Greene is a true asset. As far as Trump pushing you out of the Republican Party, well, I guess you prefer spaghetti-spined RINOs. Ah well, can't please everyone all the time. Have a great time with your new friends.
Jim, Santos house expulsion vote on the Republican side was 105 Republicans in favor and 114 members voted against. I don't call a minority voting to get rid of him by the Republican Party being "hounded out"
Thomas John: Okay, but just imagine if the tables were turned: would nearly half the Democrats have voted for expulsion? I don't think so.
Let's not imagine - and focus on facts. But if I were imagining I'd like to be in a country where both sides would kick a deceitful clown like that out at the very beginning
If that were the case what would you do with pocahontas? Didn't she lie about her ethnicity to gain favor?
I guess that’s why Jim claims he doesn’t “remember bragging” about his journalism background.
John Thomas, could you wipe your backside without Google consultation? When was the last time half of the house voted to expel a member of their own party? Google it and get back to me after wiping your bottom according to Google guidelines.
Here grumpy. December 1, 2023 would be the date. Got it top line on google.
https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2023691
I guess you're still using your left hand to wipe? Don't forget which bucket to dip it in first.
You could not have missed my point more.
https://media1.tenor.com/images/7822a69643ac09f00b95cf1b10b3b40f/tenor.gif?itemid=17899877
Yep, you're too sophisticated for me. I'm just a google bot.
MTG is a gem. And is proving it every day. Nice to learn she bugs you, Andy.
Mr. Livingston, MTG is doing an excellent job, she bugs everybody, including the magas.
Brava to MTG, but be sure to not get RINOs mixed up with MAGAs.
Mr. Livingston! You and Pat Fish are the bad hambre's of SB Current!! LOL, (I say this with love)
Mr. L, no chance of that.
What gem-like qualities do you admire in her?
She speaks truth to power, is very bright and articulate. That was a surprise after my own first impressions of her. Which unfortunately were tainted by the all too biased partisan media.
I agree - I thought at first she was sort of a dope, but now I think she's the cat's pajamas!
Are we talking about the DC MTG? Bright and articulate?
Bright as in the 'bright lights or space lasers' that started CA wildfires.
Exactly. I believe those were Jewish space lasers.
Trump pushed you from the Republican party? What policy do you object to? Could you defend the Biden administration policies of open borders, men competing in women's sports, DEI, or any other of the destructive policies of the last four years? Or at the bottom of it all do you fear for the security of your taxpayer funded pension? I havent heard a single libtard on here give any substantive defense of Democrat libtard party policy or offer any substantive criticism of the beautiful Trump policy. And you wonder why I call Democrats libtards? It is just so damn fitting.
Ex-Democrat too, even took their party endorsement during a political run a few decades ago. They supported education - I supported education, but I ended up in bed with the teachers unions instead. That is when the scales came off my eyes.
When they pushed legal recreational pot in California "to attract the younger voters" their political cynicism hit rock bottom for me. That is when I pulled the plug and registered GOP.
GOP now moving past cultural litmus tests and into more fundamental conservative fiscal and governance issues made the GOP into a far more welcoming home. Call me now a Rep. Kevin Kiley California Republican. So far, so good.
Getting to know some of new young GOP from California: Rep Kevin Kiley (Roseville area)
https://californiaglobe.com/fr/rep-kiley-to-introduce-bill-to-eliminate-all-federal-funding-for-california-high-speed-rail-authority/
He is a rising superstar in the Republican Party. He is Newsom's chief nemesis, thwarting his worst policy objectives time and again. Someday he will be the Speaker of the House.
Lou, did you see Kevin's video take on Newsom Trump proofing "California Values". It was brilliant. Which values, Mr Governor? Then Kevin lets it rip.
Kevin Kiley asks Gov Newsom which "California Values" he wants to protect from Trump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngQpJQ0Iw_I
(Skip ad) Forbes also took notice.
I like Kiley. He's an example of what I've been saying the Republican Party needs if they are going to defeat the Dems - Kiley is of the inland of CA and he can also face down the coastal elites because he went to their schools.
Kevin Kiley: Public K-12 in Sacramento, Harvard, YaleJD, with a detour at Loyola Marymount.
By schools I meant Yale and Harvard. That he went to public school and is not yet 40 means he knows what they're like.
Hallelujah Brother Buckley! Yes, indeed. Since 2016 (and unrepentant) consider me part of that Amen Choir, rejoicing in the ongoing exodus from the Democrat Party. Amen. Amen. Amen. Freedom!
So incredibly well-stated!
I was always a California Yippie, registered Peace and Freedom Party, or Green. But when Trump came along I amazed myself by switching to Republican so that I could vote for him in his first primary so he could get on the ballot. He has my support, enthusiasm, and respect.
Huummmmm ...."Like any socialist-style movement, dissent is not tolerated ...."
Mr. Buckley clearly states the most egregious piles of stupidity by the "D" stamped people in politics. It is clear that the author understands the failure of the "D" party, and as sooooo many have done in business scraped the bones of past success and the willingness of people to ignore destruction.
"...Those radical positions, however, have taken their toll on the Democrat Party...." well said.
Just look at the traffic conditions in the late Great State of Calif. where almost every one of the Freeway system is crumbling to such a degree a minimum of 30% of each now force drivers to play dodge ball with potholes and broken lanes.
The social game of Political Correctness of failure as quoted above has destroyed "D" because dissent is not tolerated. Just look at the crushing of downtown Santa Barbara, and Goleta where at their Christmas Parade (opp's holiday parade) the Council was berated with we want Hollister 4 lanes back.
So there you go. The question at the local level is how much more failure and destruction are the "D's" that live in wealthy sections with up turned noses going to back and allow failure?
Great article.
Scott, you lost me with the freeways crumbling. When was the last time you drove in Michigan?
The last time was just about 20 years ago.
The comment was about Calif. freeway system that has been allowed to fall into disrepair. Tax dollars are being spent on failed street narrowing, street closing, bike paths that see reduced numbers, and more.
I have driven from above Frisco to San Diego, 101 & I-5, and it is amazing that intentional (not accidental) planning and actions to force people and commerce out of their autos continues when the numbers clearly show the vast majority have made their choice.
To CarsAreBasic, I’m sorry to do this, but there’s someone on here who corrects peoples, grammar and spelling, but this is just to help you out. It’s oops, not opps.
Julia normally do not reply. FYI I am dyslectic, left handed, and have other learning disabilities. Spelling is just part of the baggage. Being able to overcome most if not all to have 2 undergrad majors, a Master of Arts Degree, done post grad work at two prestigious medical units, and more has been work. For those who like to poke at me go ahead, you have been doing so for a quarter of a century.
You find something difficult fire away. As the saying goes no harm no foul (or is it fowl....laugh I get confused.)
Have a good weekend.
My apologies CarsAreBasic, in my defense, I had noticed some people correct language, spelling, and grammar, to some contributors, and I thought how rude. So I thought let me show them how rude that is, unfortunately it backfired on me, as I picked the wrong person to use as an example. You are quite accomplished, kudos to you. I must admit, I only have a high school diploma. I’d be the last person to ridicule anyone with issues. I have a beautiful 17-year-old great-granddaughter, who is a special-needs child, she is developmentally challenged, nonverbal and needs braces to help her walk. Also, both my daughters are left-handed, I even had to correct one of them between opps and opps. I must confess English was my worst subject in school. Again, my apologies and I’ll have to remember to go back and use my manners. It’s a little difficult, sometimes in this group of people. Oops, I forgot my manners. 😉
Julie, if I wrote like you do I would not criticize others writing. Is English your first language?
Actually, Jess, the name is Julia, and English is my first language. I learned Spanish later, how many languages do you speak?
It's wonderful that you feel righteous and satisfied that Trump won the election. Yes. He won. Congratulations. But there is no substantiation to the assertion Democrats voted for him in droves. He won with LESS THAN 50% of the popular vote. I could comment on the litany of misstatements in your piece.
But just to address one. Mar La Go was not invaded by a swat team. According to law, documents that Trump took from the White House were not his to take. He was asked to return them. He returned some, not all. He was asked again. His attorneys signed a sworn statement that ALL had been returned. There was evidence Trump still had top secret documents at Ma La Go. A federal judge issued a search warrant. An FBI search uncovered boxes of documents (including security sensitive files) in bathrooms and on a stage among other places. This was not a swat team invading Trump's home.
Trump is not known for telling the truth and/or seeking it. He says what he wants everyone to think. Before you. and all the Trumpeters, just go off believing his every word like it's truth from the Bible, check your facts.
MB: 23 million government employees, plus a few of their family members and friends each made up the bulk of the 2024 Democrat vote. Never overlook their base self-interests voting for any Democrat - sentient or not.
That was not a "popular vote" for Democrats; those were cynically self-serving Democrat votes hanging on to their government paychecks. The sheer size of the current government employee and their unions vote shows how very close we are to losing America entirely. Thanks for reminding us.
How about idiot Biden and his garage full of boxes of gov't documents?
Mr. Brady, it’s good to see that there’s other people out there that know the actual facts and not trump,s or the Magas versions.
Deal with it, Julie. MAGA swept the nation in nearly every county. Spend a little more time understanding why. Many of us could not understand why the covid hoax also swept the nation, so we are still digging into that mass hysteria too.
Mass hysteria seems to have no partisan exclusivity in this case. Pays to learn on both sides of the aisle what make someone succumb to its forces. Any thoughts?
Times of transition and insecurity, which we are all going though right now, as in times past, is probably a precursor.
J., seriously, there was no sweeping. He won, but not by a landslide and barely with a majority. You folks have two years to accomplish some of the things Trump campaigned on. We both know the political pendulum swings back and forth.
50% + 1 is a win. Taking 90% (80%?) of all counties is sweeping. Taking all swing states is a bellwether. Agree, he has to move fast and sure. So far so good. But the people ultimately decide and often they are happier with gridlock and not the change they claim they initially want. As they say, some times it takes breaking too many eggs to make an omelette.
I also believe in pendulums, as well as satisfactory but sure increments. But I also want good government and authenticated destinations for all tax dollars. Not the total mess we call our "government" today. There are policy changes, and there are procedural changes.
I am gunning for mere procedural changes first. Like tracking every single tax dollar to its lawful expenditure, that we will all be soon sending this April 15. Before we argue about how we spend tax dollars; let's find out what happens to everyone single tax dollar now, in real time. AI should help on that first hurdle.
Mr. L,
Just a reminder my name is Julia not Julie. Unfortunately, maga cults have a way of doing that sometimes, mass hysteria.
Julia, as long as you insist MAGA is a cult, you have cut yourself off from benefiting from reasoned discussions here. Your call. Nor do I find you a good listener, since you misconstrue what is said and keep repeating the same tired partisan tropes. This too diminishes you effectiveness to "set us straight", as you initially claimed.
Mr. L and Mr. Brown, I don’t believe I ever said anything about “setting you straight”. I’m not delusional. Truthfully, I don’t think I’ve had many reasonable discussions here. The majority of your contributors are rude, insulting, judgmental, and close minded. I didn’t start commenting to change anyone’s mind just to get the other side of the story out there. Also, if I misconstrue something , why don’t you explain what I misconstrued, and if I keep repeating myself, it’s only because I keep reading the same things from most of your contributors. As for not being a good listener, at least, I listen politely. And as cuckoo as my point of view might be, I thought that’s what the first amendment was all about. Mr. L, I’m finding it surprising that you would not be tolerant of other views.
I rest my case. Res ipsa loquitur.
Whoa! Julia is entitled to her own P.O.V. as coo-coo as some of it might be! :)
EB: Bring it on. No value shutting her down. We are still learning a lot from the loyal opposition. Primarily the lack of substance in any of their TDS claims. Good to learn this.
Maybe time to change your ‘North, South, East, West (‘NEWS’) channels… less than one in five people continue to believe the Legacy Media narratives — Trump is a Russian Agent, racist, rapist, thief, criminal, degenerate, etc.
https://x.com/realdonaldtrump/status/1337373146652020736?s=61
Perfect piece.
Put me down as one more Ex-D. I like free speech, freewheeling art, good food, and sensible eco-consciousness — but I also value and respect well-regulated borders, entrepreneurialism, hard work, economic growth (for all!), a decently uncorrupt justice and policing system, respect for tradition … I woke up one day and, considerably to my surprise, found myself saying, “I guess I’ve become a Republican.”
Great article
History shows that whenever a political party—whether Federalist, Whig, Republican or Democrat—is both delusional and self-righteous, it will fail. One cannot survive by denying reality and then becoming a self-righteous scold about it.
Yes, a sober reminder about what happened to the Newt Gingrich GOP takeover two years into President Bill Clinton, They eventually fell on their own swords of corruption and excess too.
It is our job to keep their feet to the fire, and also have their backs when the going gets rough. Which will be like tomorrow.
J. Livingston: Always love your comments but let me give poor Mr. Gingrich a little leeway. Deep State actors knew that Newt was conducting an affair while still married and let him know that they would reveal that if he didn't pull back. He did, much to his shame, but it wasn't corruption and excess that did him in. It was fear of embarrassment and potential loss of his position. The same thing happened to Arnold Schwarzenegger, who flipped on a dime to cover up an affair with his maid and the child it produced.
I used to think poorly of Gingrich (when I was a D). My husband and I did what we always do if we think that way - actually go and read the person, not just what was written about them. I came away with a deep admiration for Gingrich - while I was still a D. Extremely intelligent, knows his history and is a genuine independent thinker.
Right on Polly
No, I did not mean to imply Gingrich was corrupt. But later in his Contract With America era, other GOP bad actors did emerge .. whose names escape me now but there were a lot of embarrassing corruptions, resignations and even trials (?) later. That is what we must guard against - power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
I, like you, admire Newt's deep political skills. He still ranks as an excellent GOP elder statesman.
" . . when the going gets rough. Which will be like tomorrow. . ." - Amplify please.
I love reading this stuff. It's the best comedy to start off the morning. By the way, Jim, do you have a problem with anything Trump commands? Is it really okay for Elon to get special favors that put Americans at risk? This is what I am talking about.
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team wants to scrap a regulatory order requiring automakers to report crashes involving vehicles with automated driving systems, Reuters reported Friday, aligning with opposition to the rule by Elon Musk’s Tesla, which accounts for most crashes reported under the requirement so far.
Gene: I have no idea but I wouldn't trust anything Reuters reports anyway Go DOGE!
BTW, Jim. I strongly believe DOGE is needed. I simply believe that people who have conflict of interests like Musk should recuse themselves from participating.
Gene: So, you'd exclude the one person in the universe (that we know of) who could delve into the deep state and find remedies for our deficit and debt problems?
Absolutely.
Strong ideas will rise up to the top regardless. Or not. Buckle up, we are all in for a good ride and a good housecleaning on the eve of our 250th Birthday.
I was living in Switzerland during the BiCentennial and it was a time when the Swiss were finally visiting the US in larger tourism numbers - Greyhound bus was offering the equivalent of a Eurail Pass and group charters would go to Niagara Falls or Miami Beach.
It was an interesting time to hear what they thought about America after finally seeing it, instead of viewing it from their own localized filters. There were tourism media recommendations to look for beef steak, apple pie and marshmallows. And a Swiss insurance agent gave a Swiss friend the forms to fill out AFTER he got robbed in America, not IF he gets robbed in America.
The biggest surprise was to learn we were not all skyscrapers and stacked freeway over crossings. The two leading travel poster images of LA and NYC. While I was still learning Switzerland was not all chocolate, cookoo clocks, dirndls, mountain scenery and 24/7/365 snow.
How special that a man who brags about his journalism background doesn’t believe top tier journalists if their research and reporting conflicts with his undeniable biases.
Gene: Don't remember "bragging" about my journalism background, but AP, Reuters, USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post, et al, no longer do journalism: they just transcribe what the deep state or the administration (Democrat) tells them and put it into print, no questions asked, no follow-up required. My father had it right: "Son, only believe half of what you see and none of what you read."
Gene, I worked in the NYC media world. I was published in the top places, like The New Yorker, NYT, The Atlantic. Honestly, you talk like a rube. You don't know anything about the media world or how career obsession takes precedence for many of the “top” journalists over truth. Many of them behaved disgracefully during the last eight years. There have been and continue to be terrific journalists and reporters: Julie Kelly, Miranda Devine, Matt Taibbi, Glenn Greenwald, James Kunstler, John Klar. I would put Bonnie Donovan in that category. I decided to write and comment here at SB Current because i have great respect for Jim Buckley.
Gene, Oh, is someone in the media actually doing journalism™?
Yuck, yuck, the toddlers have spoken.
Gene, out of the mouths of babes ............. pay attention. We are closer to the gut than you are.
I know oh great guru of all knowledge. I prostrate myself before your magnificence.
Gene, you do raise some good points about Musk's presence in the administration. I consider the DOGE to be on trial from the beginning of the Trump administration. What's it going to be like having big money people in government. I do hope Trump isn't too much of a Musk admirer to see through Musk's ambitions. I'm wondering if Musk will get on a "going to Mars" sales pitch with Trump. I've been a critic of Musk since the Tesla and his use of thermal runaway Lithium batteries and using human Guinea pigs to test his auto steering systems. And now Musk is cluttering up the atmosphere with his low altitude satellites, about up to 40,000 of them about 240 miles above the earth ... lasting only about five years. Heard about the Kessler Syndrome? If not, look it up. Musk is creating so much future space junk, it's beyond comprehension. Let's complain about stuff when it happens. For now, the country is tickled pink to have smart people running the country instead of brainless twits that have flooded the country with illegals, running the country financially down the biggest shithole you can imagine.
Wow! I appreciate a balanced, thoughtful post with verifiable information and opinions not delivered as fact. Thank you!
…and so it begins.
PS: It never stopped......
Great Article Jim…I too quit the Democrat Party…in the late 70s (voted for Carter first time in 76 because of environmental views) & became a Reagan Republican in 80. Then quit the Republican Party in 92 & voted for Perot (always wanted to send an outsider to Washington to shake the tree & was put off GHWB’s New World Order nonsense).
Join the Libertarian Party in 92 and never looked back, patiently waiting for an outsider, and then my prayers were answered when Trump came along!
As a Libertarian, I believe in the expansion of individual autonomy, political self-determination; and most importantly, the protection of civil rights, including the rights to freedom of association, freedom of speech, freedom of thought and freedom of choice.
Fun to watch Trump reform the Republican Party and at the same time watch the slow death of the Democrat Party. Their selfish and psychopathic actions during the C19 plandemic were are full display…
https://www.foxnews.com/media/ag-william-barr-disappointed-by-partisan-attacks-levied-at-president-trump-says-media-on-a-jihad-against-hydroxychloroquine
So difficult to watch the media [D PARTY] attempt to squash all hope of a cure & wanting public to remain in fear [re COVID-19] up until the election. Was the Legacy Media [ D PARTY] willing to sacrifice lives in order to regain power? ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE.
There was a time when even California Democrats were reasonable people. Alan Cranston, Edmund Brown, Jane Harmon even Diane Feinstein. Somewhere along the lines, the wheels came off and they lost touch with the voting public. No longer for civil rights, against the war in Vietnam, or women’s rights, they seem to have lost their way. They now are fixated on abortion, trans rights, climate change and pronouns! They simply stopped being reasonable adults. Growing up in a faithful Democratic family, my parents were New Deal Democrats who idolized the Kennedy’s. Back then, the functional difference between the two parties was not that great.
If Democrats ever plan to win elections on a national scale, they need to be more supportive of traditional family, working class values. NOT kiddie drag story hour. They have simply lost their collective minds!
1962 - when government employees started unionizing in greater numbers and later learning how to game the political process is when everything went off the rails - which reached critical mass by the 2000's in California. The final coffin nail was the Arnold Schwarzenegger RINO sell out. That was our last gasp for continued bipartisanship.
"Long live the ex-Democrats!" And short-live the present Democrats!