Category: Current Events

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The Elon Musk and Donald Trump heist

~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Elon Musk and Donald Trump are running a heist that many knew was coming, yet they accepted it based on their loyalty they would not be the victims.

WASTE – FRAUD – ABUSE

Projection is one thing but when you can convince people there is a high level of Waste, Fraud and Abuse, its better than a pic-pocket. The hustle we are seeing makes three card monte appear legitimate.

Trump wanted back in the White House for revenge and to pillage or continue to steal what he could not take during his first term. In addition to his DOGE lemmings, Elon Musk was his perfect accomplice. Greed is contagious and other billionaire lads were cajoled to join the heist, they were bludgeoned into submission by their own thirst realizing if Musk was successful in accumulating the high degree of waste claimed, the residual benefits to them would fund the promised tax cuts, while the public and the Republican party was left paralyzed wondering what happened?

This heist has affected many with the loss of employment, savings and other critical assets. Some are shocked their guy, Donald Trump would turn on them. But, when asked if they would vote for him again, many more than you might imagine proclaim YES. The blind loyalty is incredible.

This heist is nothing new. What is remarkable is it is happening in broad daylight, while career employees are seeing their aspirations evaporate right before their eyes. Only time will tell but Musk had the cash to buy himself a seat and Trump was the perfect vehicle, complete with a criminal mindset to use the public coffers to pull it off. The question will be when will the public wake up before the goal of achieving the funds from the Waste-Fraud-Abuse ploy occur?

Donald J. Trump – Convicted – Achieves 34 GUILTY Verdicts

~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

a retrospective

(cover Photo by Justin Lane-Pool/Getty Images)

For those who accept the notion that “voting does not matter” the recent conviction of Donald J. Trump serves as a real example of why it does matter!

If Democrats did not win the majority in 2018, Elijah Cummings would not have received the gavel. But, by doing so he was able to have a hearing just two months after the session begin, marking Feb. 17, 2019 when Michael Cohen told the committee of Donald Trump’s criminal behavior. That hearing resulted in the Manhattan District Attorney to start an investigation which resulted in the jury convicting Trump of all 34 charges.

The testimony has been heard and the jury found that Trump resorted to illegal activities in 2016 that helped him achieve being elected the forty-fifth president of the United States. After being sworn in he was on his merry way to manipulate the norms of the United States government. As president he garnered a complete sweep by controlling both houses of Congress. Yet, two years later the voting public caught on to his antics and in 2018 the Democrats seized control of the House of Representatives which entitled them to manage various oversight functions of how the government works.

One such committee that will go down as historic in bringing Donald J. Trump to justice was the Oversight Committee. The democratic chairperson was Elijah Cummings (D. Maryland). From the time he took office there were ongoing rumblings that something was amiss with the way Trump was manipulating the government to his personal benefit.

Elijah Cummings served Maryland’s 7th District located in Baltimore. He passed away in 2019 and this mural is located in his beloved district. Photo credit – Fred Thomas, III

As hearings commenced, it was the pivotal one on February 27, 2019 that will mark the day the antics of Trump became more public as Michael Cohen who had been kicked to the curb by Trump and his acolytes testified and communicated to the committee some of the deeds he was responsible for.  A good portion of Cohen’s testimony led to the investigation of Trump, and several became the cornerstone of the charges brought against him by Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg.

History was realized on May 30, 2024, as Donald J. Trump became the first United States president to be convicted on thirty-four felonies. The bottom-line message is simple; if the Democrats had not voted in the mass to achieve the majority, surely there would not have been an Elijah Cummings as chairperson of the oversight committee. And, without the committee there would not have been public testimony to gather enough documentation to start the investigation which led to the criminal charges Donald J. Trump was called to answer.

The moral of this report:  Voting does matter.

Here is the full hearing of the Oversight Committee on 2.17.2019 where Cohen came clean

Jackie Robinson

~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Today marks the 77th anniversary when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball by signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Previously, like so many African-American ballplayers he was with the Negro Leagues. His team was the famed Kansas City Monarchs. Today’s games will feature all players, including umpires wearing Robinson’s noted number number 42.

Cecil “Chip” Murray – A Los Angeles icon has passed

~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Photo – 2018 African-American History event at Bryant Temple AME Church – credit. Fred Thomas, III

On Friday night it was confirmed noted Los Angeles icon and spiritual leader the Rev., Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray passed. He recently celebrated his 94th birthday and has a long career in ministry which includes nearly three decades at Los Angeles’ oldest black church, First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) where he led them to historic levels. His leadership and dedication to social ministry was highlighted in the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Located in West Adams, FAME became a pillar of strength in helping the community recover, as it literally was the “beacon on the hill.”.

The AME Church has a mandatory retirement age at 75 but that didn’t stop Rev. Murray. His activision continued as he created the Cecil L. Murray Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California.

Following his tenure at FAME, he moved his church membership closer to his View Park home and worshipped at Bryant Temple AME church located in Leimert Park until his passing.

Is it time for MLB to get real about the World Series?

~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Major League Baseball’s (MLB) preeminent event, the World Series just ended as the Texas Rangers achieved the 2023 crown.  The typical road to winning the series is eleven victories but, in some instances, a wild card team will need another win.  The Rangers triumphed over the Arizona Diamondbacks, who up until the word series were literally playing like “all world.”  Unfortunately, the Rangers clipped off Arizona’s rattler and in dubious fashion got swept at home, and the final blow last night was being shut out.  Congrats to all teams who earned the opportunity to play in the tournament.

Now that the games are over, some ask when will MLB come to its senses?  I am an admitted baseball junkie and grew up on the premise that baseball is America’s pastime.  But doesn’t the term World Series raise questions when in reality the tournament is comprised of MLB teams from the United States.  Granted, MLB has done a great job in internationalizing the teams as of the over 700 players, there is representation from those from countries around the globe.

Who forgets the Wizard of Oz, when poor Toto inadvertently pulled the curtain off what was supposed to be Oz only to find a man standing behind the curtain?  Thus, Oz’s reality of being a myth was uncovered.“

The World Series has become part of our culture.  However, in fairness and keeping it real or being historically correct does the World Baseball Classic provide a better assessment of “World Champion?”

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 01: Corey Seager #5 of the Texas Rangers celebrates after the Texas Rangers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-0 in Game Five to win the World Series at Chase Field on November 01, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 21: Team Japan celebrates after defeating Team USA in the World Baseball Classic Championship at loanDepot park on March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)

Who says women don’t play baseball in Cuba…..and I’m not talking about softball?

~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Indeed women are competing at a high level and just finished competing in the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Japan.

cover photo courtesy of TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY

My friend Yusimi Rodgriuez who is a noted Cuban journalist just sent me her article on the topic. Here you go.

The biggest obstacle to women’s baseball in Cuba is machismo (alastensas.com)

Houston Astros Cheating Scandal – How Rob Manfred got snakebitten

~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Yesterday Major League Baseball started its annual playoff season. Perhaps coincidental, the nationally acclaimed documentary series – Frontline, presented a new piece “The Astros Edge” which focused on the cheating scandal in 2017. Bob Reiter did an excellent job in bringing you the details of the incident. Of course, some players as well as organizational staff did not participate in the interviews. One lad in particular was interesting. He was the staff responsible for setting up the TV in the locker room which aided the team as part of cheating. The Astros won the coveted World Series and while his salary was $45,000, the team granted him a cut of the series pool which in his case totaled $450,000.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Houston Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane hoists the Commissioner’s Trophy after the Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in game seven to win the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on November 1, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 10: Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred walks to a press conference during an MLB owner’s meeting at the Waldorf Astoria on February 10, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Manfred addressed the ongoing lockout of players, which owners put in place after the league’s collective bargaining agreement ended on December 1, 2021. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

It took a couple of years to document the cheating but the ire to many is the decision made by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred regarding the punishment rendered. While there were some who were terminated, suspended and/or fined Manfred apparently was snakebitten in the decision he made in allowing the Astros to maintain the crown of being the winner of the series. Instead of being true to the integrity he preached, he took the cowardly, if not political decision to claim, “no harm-no-foul.” despite the evidence being right in his face. What????? If you’re found guilty of something, like cheating how can you be rewarded by keeping the title you allegedly won?

Most agree, a more fair decision would have been to simply strip the Astros of the title and proclaim there was no winner for the year 2017. Manfred could not pull himself to do this and the rest is history.

Here is the full documentary

Today’s news – Donald Trump appears in court…..again!

~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

a bird wouldn’t get caught if they didn’t open their mouth!”

We all understand the need to talk but some folk simply talk too much or talk themselves into trouble!

Today Donald Trump faced the music in front of Judge Engoron who last week found him guilty of fraud.  Seated in the prosecution’s section and on the first row was one of Trump’s nemeses who has become a thorn in his butt, State Attorney Leticia James.

Most people who have basic common sense have known for too long that Trump is a master hustler or as the judge recently ruled a fraudster.  His bluster is laughable, yet it gives pause because so many fall for it, including forking over to him their hard-earned cash.  For years, he has crafted a persona of being uber-wealthy and one of the most successful businesspeople of all time.  Many who knew better or should have known better couldn’t help themselves into believing Trump was all who he stated he was.  Even the skeptics in this group have been caught in the buzz ever since he zipped down to escalator and announced his run for presidency.  They feverishly wanted to believe everything Trump said despite the warnings that were right in their face. I only hire the best! I can wrap this deal up in minutes! I will show you how to put together a successful operation! On and on. Many figured….umm, why not, let’s give the lad some breathing room and see what he can deliver! After all, he looks the part.

Of all the bonehead mistakes Trump has brought on himself, one will go down as historic:  turning against his former attorney and fixer Michael Cohen.  It seems like years ago, as during his presidency Trump knew he was untouchable.  He was the king, and nobody dared cross him.  That is why the 2020 presidential election was so important.  Those with common sense, knew if he did not have the presidency to shield him from all his illegal activity, understood the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and beyond would result in payback or the law catching up with him.  So, as of this article he has historically achieved 91 charges and a host of other legal pitfalls.

Once Trump convinced Bill Barr to be his pseudo attorney and go after Michael Cohen, that may go down as the beginning to the end.  Indeed, Barr through his role as the head justice official of the United States brought charges against Cohen resulting in his incarceration.  Many in Trump’s orbit paid very little credibility to one of Cohen’s last acts as a public citizen on his way to the brig.  On February 27, 2019 Former Congressman Elijah Cummings, who has sense passed, held a hearing where Cohen communicated to the House of Representative’s – House Oversight Committee Trump’s fraudulent behavior.  Many knew of his behavior, but this was the first time a senior official in Trump’s organization gave up the gig and spilled the beans, in detail.

It was that hearing where some thought folk were sleeping, but Leticia James was taking copious notes.  Her result was the ensuing charges and eventual guilty plea announced by Judge Engoron.  Who knows what will happen to Donald Trump?  Some, assume his basic strategy is to keep running for political office so he can continue to grift from those who support him as well as use his position as an excuse preventing actions against him because he is a viable candidate.  More to follow……stay tuned.

EastcoastTrek ’23 – Our recap – Maryland, South Carolina, New York & District of Columbia

~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

“Our feets is tired but our souls [are] rested”  Mother Pollard, renowned Civil Rights activist

Those who know us (Judith and me) understand our philosophy of trekking or touring spots of interest on a low or non-existent budget.  Another difference in trekking is the sacrifice (lots of walking) required which is why many don’t dare venture into the experience.  At the same time, many know about our trekks and are fascinated about the adventure – but as we warn BEWARE!!! Our friend Renie who is a foodie extraordinaire and who hails from Laurel has grown into a real tropper. For this journey, my sister Angela decided to give it a shot and we all had a great time.

We just successfully completed our EastcoastTrekk 2023, and the following recap is provided.  This trek is important to us because we culminate it paying homage to the 1963 March on Washington which includes participating in events to commemorate the event.  For this trek we needed to stretch it out but due to budget restrictions we needed to employ some creative strategies.

Departing at LAX, we did the red eye to Baltimore.  After getting a brief nap at the Aloft Hotel Renie picked us up so we could grab lunch. From there we headed to DC so we could drop off our larger luggage before heading to Union Station to catch Amtrak for Charleston, South Carolina.  We did a daytrip and later in the evening we boarded Amtrak for New York.  It was also a day trip and later we boarded the Amtrak Acela for DC where we spent several days with March on Washington activities.  Renie picked us up the last day which was Tuesday, August 29th, and we headed back to Baltimore, while also making a lunchbreak at world famous Pappas Crab Cakes.

I use an Epson pedometer watch which does a great job in documenting steps/miles, etc.  Based on the data from the watch for this trek we did 56.2 miles!!!!

FIRST STOP – CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA   

The International African American Museum (IAAM) was supposed to open January 2023.  Our group was all set to be part of the inaugural visitors.  Unfortunately, the venue was dealing with some issues and the opening was postponed.  After some consideration we decided to wrap our visitation during our EastcoastTrekk which is always the end of August.  In addition to visiting the museum we took time to visit the historic Mother Emmanuel AME church as well as our friend local Charlestonian, Joe Brown.

Here are some pics from our trek……………………………………

60th Anniversary March on Washington

AMTRAK

International African American Museum – Charleston, SC

Jackie Robinson Museum – Manhattan, New York

Foodie Excursion

This day in history – August 11th.   The 1965 Watts Riots (Rebellion)

~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Today marks the 58th commemoration of the Watts Riots.  Trivia buffs know this, but most do not:

  • The Riots did not start in Watts

Los Angeles is a large city.  It is split into many neighborhoods and communities.  For some, even African Americans think “Watts” is anything south of the I-10 (Santa Monica freeway).

 In reality or being technical, Watts is a relatively small enclave of Los Angeles.  The South border is Imperial Highway.  The North border is Firestone Blvd. The East border is Alameda Street.  The West border is Central Avenue

So, if the Riots did not start in Watts where did they start or what caused the spark?

The Riots started from an altercation with the California Highway Patrol and the Marquette Frye family.  The location was an apartment complex on the west side of Avalon Blvd. near 115th Street.  Technically that area is considered South Los Angeles or today South-Central Los Angeles.

Approximately two miles northeast, Watts had a primary business district on 103rd Street which became a hot spot as members of the community set it ablaze.  Hence the name, “The Watts Riots”

Aerial view (drone) of the iconic Watts Towers which is the namesake of the community located on 108th & Santa Fe. Video courtesy of collection of Fred Thomas, III