Photographic evidence suggests that I intend to vote on November 6, 2018. But, true confession, I drive with this sticker lied to my bumper. (Yes, intentional unconventional use of “lied” as verb. I just like it.)

I voted October 23, 2018.

Comedian, writer, actor, man-about-town John Mulaney has the best description of the Trump administration regime.There is a horse loose in the hospital.

A horse is running loose in the hospital and elephants¹ across the nation are emboldened to follow suit. But the majority elephants are journeymen and amateurs at the art of the lie compared to the big horse in the hospital.

We’re used to white lies, shades of lies, lies of omission, lies camouflaged with a smidgen of truth, lies that are barely distinguishable from misunderstanding. But this horse lies. Blatantly. Openly. And a lot.

Elephants attempt clumsy, transparent magic tricks with healthcare. Many campaign that health insurance needs to cover pre-existing conditions while simultaneously pulling out the tablecloth on pre-existing conditions. The healthcare coverage table will not be set. See also, current governor of Wisconsin.

An angry elephant fan of the horse took words of the horse in the hospital literally and delivered a spate of bombs to the horse’s critics. Welcome to horse inspired domestic terrorism. Let’s not get ever used to it. K?

The horse’s first wife reported that he kept a copy of Hitler’s Mein Kampf at bedside. Many have observed that although he does not appear to read well, much, or even at all, the accusations of fake news discrediting the press and disparaging lies about opponents reads like Hitler’s playbook. Or the first few chapters I’ve read of Mao’s Last Revolution. Ugh.

Sarah Kendzior, my nominee for Fearless Girl come to life,  has written much about what to watch for as the horse cements and normalizes behaviors to expect in this administration regime.  Political and social markers, gaslighting, spin of events, changes in behavior — written in 2016, her post Welcome to the Authoritarian Kleptocracy contains a wealth of information. A self-described Cassandra for our times, she did not want to be.

Immigrants seeking asylum are walking through Mexico and the horse has directed 800 troops to the border to greet them. Nevermind that they won’t reach the US for a few more months, many will stay in Mexico, and the horse’s alleged “Middle Easterners” traveling in the caravan will disappear. The horse pushes the immigration hot button to rile up his base.

And riddle you this. When the Donkeys have a majority, Elephants are all about fiscal responsibility. When the Elephants are in majority, fiscal responsibility takes a back seat is thrown out with the bath water. After adding $1.5 x 10¹² (a trillion and a half) to the deficit, Elephants now be all about throwing another $2 x 10¹² down the hatch. Paid for by cuts to Medicare and Social Security, the horse is all in. He’s been bankrupt before.

And 2018 election integrity is at risk. In addition to the possibility of more foreign meddling in our elections, known stateside meddling oddities:

• In Texas, about 30% of the voting machines will spit out select candidates or no candidate on a straight party ticket selection.
• In DeKalb County Georgia, more than 4500 early voting requests have gone missing.
• In North Dakota, reservation residents/indigenous citizens cannot vote without an address. To which we say, what kind of spammery is this? Voting age citizens whose ancestors were here BC (Before Columbus) denied the right to vote.

And the beat list goes on. And on. In California, Republican Duncan Hunter is under investigation for felonious use of campaign funds. I like the quote “you can be guilty and still serve.” What!? Guilty of a felony, Duncan Hunter could serve. Meanwhile in Florida, felons who’ve served their time, can’t vote. My mind boggles.

Vote early or vote Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. This election is about restoring a check to the horse in the hospital because the current elephants are enthusiasts and enablers and the hospital is falling into ruin. Okay, I stop with the analogies now.

Vote (D) and restore a check and some balance to this administration regime.

Your pen is mightier and your superpower is your vote.

Use it on a ballot. 

VOTE!!!

¹ No offense meant to actual elephants.