Friday, July 26, 2019

Moscow Mitch blocking laws meant to safeguard our elections

Mitch McConnell thinks laws proposed by Congressional Democrats to safeguard our elections are highly partisan.

That's true in the sense that Democrats are doing their dead-level best to secure our elections and safeguard them from Russian interference.

And the Rethuglicans are absolutely doing all they can to make sure that doesn't happen.

How very partisan.

In an article that just came out on MSNBC's site, writer Steve Benen takes a look at this situation. It's a succinct and timely article and it's well-worth the next few minutes of your day.

Benen's conclusion is that something has gone terribly wrong in Washington.

And he's absolutely correct.



"Bulldog Ben" Basile

© 2019 Ben Lawrence Basile

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Today is National Moon Day



As you may know, today marks exactly 50 years since Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Lunar soil.

It is, indeed, a monumental occasion. For so many reasons.

One of the many things that have happened as a result of this historic mission is that today, July 20th, has become National Moon Day.

So today we look back over that amazing achievement. It is, in my estimation, the Crown Jewel for NASA and quite possibly for the U.S. in general.

I will never, never forget what I was doing at the moment Mr Armstrong thrilled our Nation and the world with this stellar feat of human achievement.

And it’s a very good time to just reflect on how awesome it is to have our luminous and singular moon.

And to think about space exploration and new vistas in general.

It’s ever onward and upward!


“Moondog Ben” Basile




© 2019 Ben Lawrence Basile


Photo credit Ben Lawrence Basile

Sunday, July 14, 2019

The GOP wants to destroy Obamacare so bad!

Yes, they most certainly do!

And they'll stop at nothing to do it.

Republicans--with trump's enthusiastic support--filed suit back in February of 2018, hoping to have the courts invalidate the Affordable Care Act and finally wipe away Barack Obama's most important achievement.

They may very well get their wish.

And sooner rather than later.

It is true that the SCOTUS will have the final say, but it is quite possible, if not likely, that the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will rule in their favor.

Most within the GOP are hoping that the court will do just that.

But they have no clear plan to move forward if, indeed, it goes their way.

There is some awareness on their part that it will ignite a crisis in our healthcare system and galvanize support among the majority of the American electorate who support the ACA and do not want to see it taken away.

Yes, millions will lose their coverage. Thousands will die as a result.

Yes, the prohibition against insurance companies refusing to cover Americans with pre-existing conditions will almost certainly go away.

This is, without a doubt, the worst part of their disastrous and fool-hardy plan to kill Obamacare.

The chances of the ACA going away, putting at risk millions of Americans who depend on it?

Those chances are pretty good.

The chances of Republicans in Congress competently putting together anything to take its place and protect Americans whose welfare--and very lives--depend on the protections in the ACA?

Those chances are very, very close to zero.


"Bulldog Ben" Basile

© 2019 Ben Lawrence Basile


Thursday, July 4, 2019

Happy 4th to All Today

I want to send out a quick greeting to everyone today as we celebrate our Day of Independence for the 243rd time.

And remember that we show our patriotism and loyalty to our great Country by embracing and nurturing democratic values and ideals and not with displays of military prowess or the spouting of slogans.

Happy 4th of July, friends!



"Bulldog Ben" Basile

© 2019 Ben Lawrence Basile

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

A laid-back afternoon at the Canaveral Nat'l Seashore

Had a ball yesterday at the National Park that’s the closest to me. Yes, that would be Canaveral National Seashore near Titusville, Florida.

This laid-back sea-side experience is by far the best way to enjoy a trip to the beach. To me, at least!

Such a fine and mellow outing it was. Can’t remember the last time I had that much fun!

My companion for this trip had never seen the Atlantic in that glorious and simplified fashion before; she loved it, to say the least. And we’re going back soon.

We did not miss the tacky beach-side rentals and masses of sunburned visitors at all.

I hope all of you have had an outdoor adventure of your own recently. If not, plan one now and then just do it!



“Beachdog Ben” Basile



© Ben Lawrence Basile

Photo credit Ben Lawrence Basile