THE CONTROVERSY: March 2017

Thursday, March 30, 2017

HILLARY CLINTON AND BERNIE SANDERS - A WINNING COMBINATION FOR 2020

The United States needs Hillary Clinton. We cannot allow Donald Trump - or any Republican - to deprive America...from benefiting from someone...who would be a phenomenal President and an outstanding Commander-In-Chief.

Unfortunately, there are Democrats... there are liberals and progressives...who abandoned Mrs. Clinton in 2016...and who still do not want to include her in their comfort zone. But I am enthusiastically confident...that after Donald Trump...those Democrats - along with a large percentage of Independents - would jump on the "Hillary Clinton in 2020" bandwagon. And if Bernie Sanders is her running mate...the "Bernie Backers" of last year...would run with the rest of us Democrats...all the way across the finish line.

Oh I can just imagine some of my readers...and other Americans saying...that by the time the 2020 general election comes along, Hillary Clinton will be 73 years old...and Bernie Sanders will be one year shy of being classified an octogenarian. But as the saying goes..."70 is the new 50." So when you think about it...73 for the former Secretary of State... and 79 for the U.S. Senator from Vermont...really shouldn't enter in to the equation when factoring in the amount of experience, background, knowledge, wisdom, leadership ability and compassion for people that are excelled by both these statespersons. A Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders partnership would be a political punch that would pummel the Republican Presidential nominees in 2020...whether they are Donald Trump and Mike Pence...or no matter what pair the GOP chooses to head their ticket.

Nearly 66-million Americans voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016...to give her a popular vote victory. There were millions of other Democrats...and Independents... who selfishly stayed home on November 8th of last year...and who - with self-centered minds - didn't want to make the effort to go to the polls to cast their ballots. There were others who simply decided to vote for a variety of so-called... "third-party candidates"...even though they knew their vote was being thrown away. But after Donald Trump...I don't think anybody will be ignoring the ballot box on Election Day 2020. All those Democrats and Independents who didn't vote in 2016... will not make that same mistake...the next time around. And no matter who the Democratic nominee is...he or she will be supported by all Democrats.

According to the national Gallup Poll of Wednesday, March 29th, 2017... Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 35 percent. And in the tenth week of his Administration, it's the worst number for any President in modern U.S. history. As such...Trump's polling has sunk to the depths of a Texas oil well.

Americans are already looking towards the 2020 election...and to what Democrat can defeat "The Donald" - (that is if he's even still President throughout his entire current term). And if he's not...then voters are thinking this early in the game...to what Democrat can beat whomever the Republicans pit to face their opposition.

Americans still crave Hillary Clinton. Americans still deserve Hillary Clinton. And I think Hillary Clinton can still be elected the first woman President of the United States. Yes I know there are those of you who will insist that Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders would never get the Democratic nomination, let alone win The White House. My answer to that is this. Nobody really thought Donald Trump could ever win.

There is, however, the possibility that Secretary Clinton will not want to go through it all again. And if another campaign for President is not in her.. well...I'll be disappointed, but I'll certainly respect her decision. Who knows? Come Election Day 2020...former Vice President Joe Biden's age will be 77...and still able to meet the challenge.

The year 1386 is credited for being the year when the proverb "Better late than never" was supposedly first spoken. And 2016 was the year that staunch supporters of Hillary Clinton campaigned their hearts out...to put her behind The Oval Office desk...but without success. Still...strong advocates of this former Secretary of State...this former U.S. Senator...and this former First Lady...unequivocally believe that Mrs. Clinton is the best choice to lead our country. And that with Senator Bernie Sanders at her side...Secretary Clinton would skyrocket the United States of America to heights of economic prosperity...never before seen in our nation's history. That with a President Hillary Clinton...peace on Earth...and happiness for each and every American...would be achieved.

It may be more than three-and-a-half years before the next Presidential election in November 2020...but for a winning combination of Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders...it's better late...than never.

And that's The Controversy for today.

I'm Gary B. Duglin.

"We'll talk again."

The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.

Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.

Photo credits: National Review (Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton), The Huffington Post (Senator Bernie Sanders), Politico (Former Vice President Joe Biden) and CNN (Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders)

Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

WE DID IT! "OBAMACARE" REMAINS THE LAW OF THE LAND.

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By definition - according to the Mayo Clinic - "Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance." And Psychology Today says, "Individuals with NPD have difficulty tolerating criticism or defeat, and may be left feeling humiliated or empty when they experience an 'injury' in the form of criticism or rejection."

When he took the Oath of Office on January 20th, 2017...Donald Trump...in his mind...believed that as President of the United States...no matter what he said...no matter what he did...people would automatically say..."Yes sir, Mr. President." Donald Trump has had a taste - over the last two months or so - that Americans who did not vote for him will not do that...the media will not do that...and Congress - not only Democrats, but some Republicans too - will not do that. Trump learned a painful lesson on Friday, March 24th that our government...that our country...does not work that way.

Donald Trump continues to live in The White House. He continues to sit behind the desk in The Oval Office. And he continues to hold the title for which he was elected on November 8th, 2016. But any respect that was given to Donald Trump... by those who supported him...is now in colossal decline after members of his own political party turned their backs on their Republican President. Respect from his voters is now weakened...decayed...and even destroyed...following a monumental defeat to "repeal and replace Obamacare."

For nearly seventeen months of his campaign for President, Donald Trump uttered those four words time and time again. His repetitiveness to do away with former President Barack Obama's signature piece of legislation had become an obsession. But fortunately, there were enough House Republicans with a conscience...who would not join forces with colleagues on their side of the aisle...to pass a bill that would have seen 24-million Americans lose their health insurance. And, therefore... the GOP healthcare bill was pulled...without even making it to the House floor for a vote.

Donald Trump has spent the bulk of his adult life...telling people what to do...and they did it. His narcissistic ego was not bruised on March 24th...it was not fractured...it was not shattered. Trump's ego was crushed in to tiny granules...and then blasted to smithereens.

It was a week that saw Trump under fire more than just once. On Monday, March 20th, in nationally televised testimony before the House Intelligence Committee...FBI Director James Comey confirmed that there is "no information" to back-up Trump's March 4th tweets...when he claimed that President Obama wiretapped Trump Tower before the election. Comey went even further to say that "no President could" order any such wiretap. On that same day...Comey revealed that since July 2016...the FBI has been investigating "any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government." And who was at the very top of the Trump campaign? Donald Trump. How many blows to Trump's ego can such a narcissist handle in order to survive?

Trump has always professed to be a winner. Even when any part of his real estate empire underwent bankruptcy, Trump never accepted responsibility. It was never his fault. And throughout his Presidential campaign and the first 64 days of his Presidency...Trump has pointed the finger of blame at others...but never himself.

The name Trump is plastered on every structure that he built...and the letters are enormous. Trump bragged that his two television series, The Apprentice and The Celebrity Apprentice were number one...even when they weren't. And this year...he accused motion picture superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger - the new host of the show - for causing The New Celebrity Apprentice to suffer poor ratings. Trump would never accept the fact that because his name was still attached to the program as executive producer, people who oppose him would not watch a single episode.

The collapse of Donald Trump's goal to "repeal and replace Obamacare" is one more nail in the coffin (metaphorically speaking) for Donald Trump's Presidency. Obviously the dirt hasn't been shoveled over it yet...but the hole has been dug. And if the FBI investigation finds evidence that Trump participated with Russia in their meddling of our 2016 election...or that he is involved in a cover-up...then all bets are off. Trump and his Presidency would then be doomed. But I'm someone who strongly believes that a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Or in the case of a President...by the United States Senate. As for now...I don't think Trump will be able to personally overcome such an embarrassing setback as the Republican healthcare bill going up in smoke...without a vote...and knowing that it was GOP Members of the House of Representatives who lit the match. The man who boasted that his "art of the deal" would never fail him...has met with disaster.

Thanks to former President Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land. According to a Quinnipiac University Poll - published on Thursday, March 23rd - only 17 percent of Americans supported the Republican legislation to "repeal and replace Obamacare." Kudos and much gratitude to any American who - in his or her own way - did whatever they did...to convince Congress...to kill a bill that had no business being considered at all. Friday, March 24th, 2017 was a great day for the United States of America. It'll be an even greater day when Donald Trump moves out of The White House...and a Democrat moves in.

Despite Donald Trump's promise...to make sure that every American would always be covered by health insurance...he was willing to let a bill pass...that would cause 24-million people to lose their insurance. For the immediate future - if it was anybody but Donald Trump - I would suggest that person search deep in his soul... recognize his faults...and admit to himself...that he must change...that he acknowledge to himself and to the American people that he has been wrong...that he has made mistakes...and then apologize for them. But I am sure that Donald Trump cannot do that. So therefore...Trump will continue - at least, for now - to fly in Air Force One. He will continue to be driven around in a bulletproof SUV as part of a motorcade of vehicles. And he will continue to be surrounded by Secret Service Agents who have sworn to protect him with their lives. But with approval ratings that continue to drop below any other President in U.S. history...millions of Americans who voted for Trump...would not cast their ballots for him if the election was today. And although there will still be those on The White House staff who will honor the Office of the President...I doubt there will be that many people - at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...or at addresses throughout the nation - who will honor the man.

And that's The Controversy for today.

I'm Gary B. Duglin.

"We'll talk again."

The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.

Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.

Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

HOUSE REPUBLICANS MUST NOT LET MILLIONS OF AMERICANS DIE

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Why do certain Republicans in the United States House of Representatives want to let the poor, the elderly, the sick and the disabled...suffer? Why do these GOP Members of Congress have a desire to deprive 24 million Americans the right to have health insurance? After all...a Quinnipiac University Poll - published on Thursday, March 23rd, 2017 - says only 17 percent of Americans support the Republican's legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as "Obamacare."

Although Democrats in both the House and the U.S. Senate have been saying it all along...the Congressional Budget Office - on March 13th - came to the conclusion that the Republican's proposed healthcare bill would put tens of millions of Americans in a direction towards death. The measure is a devastating blow to the neediest of people, as such legislation - if passed - would dramatically lower their benefits. But it would be a pathway for the rich and super-rich to be spared higher taxes. It's just like Republicans to do anything they can to cut taxes for the wealthy.

The CBO justifiably confirms everything that former President Barack Obama...and Democrats nationwide...are certain of...that to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act would be destructive to the lives of people who desperately require health insurance.

The non-partisan CBO was established to advise Congress before policy decisions are made. CBO analysts are objective and they know more about numbers than just about anybody else.

Economist Keith Hall is the Director of the Congressional Budget Office and he was handpicked, in 2015, by Republicans. Hall's CBO report states...that under the House healthcare bill, 14-million Americans would lose their insurance coverage in 2018. And throughout the next ten years, that number would skyrocket to 24-million. Each of those Americans currently have health insurance.

I could spend paragraph upon paragraph of this column discussing the specifics of the GOP legislation, but - at this point - I would imagine that most of my readers are already fully aware of the measure's particulars. I will, however, make note of some points.

On September 7th, 2015 - during his campaign for President - Donald Trump told CBS News anchor Scott Pelley...in a 60 Minutes interview..."Everybody's got to be covered. I am going to take care of everybody."

And on January 25th, 2017, Trump basically repeated what he had said sixteen-and-a-half months before when he sat down with ABC News anchor David Muir. "What my plan is...is that I want to take care of everybody. I'm not going to leave the lower twenty percent that can't afford insurance."

Five days before - in his Inaugural Address on January 20th - Trump uttered the following seven words to the American people. "I will never, ever, let you down." On the contrary, Donald Trump has been letting down our country for the last two months. And he will continue to do so for the balance of time that he occupies The White House...especially if he signs a healthcare bill that is anything similar to that which Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and most members of the House of Representatives have proposed. But that won't happen since Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York is certain that should such a bill be delivered to the Senate...it would be dead on arrival. Even Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas - in a March 12th interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos on his This Week broadcast - said he has told his "friends in the House of Representatives" to "not walk the plank and vote for a bill that cannot pass the Senate...and then have to face the consequences of that vote."

The CBO says a 64-year old man...who earns 26-thousand-500-dollars a year will pay more than one-half of his annual income on healthcare under the Republican legislation. Right now, with the Affordable Care Act...that man pays 17-hundred dollars for health insurance. However...under a "Trumpcare"...or..."Ryancare"...that same man will be paying 14-thousand-600 dollars. That is disgraceful...and certainly not affordable by any stretch of the imagination. And to top it off...there would be a tax cut of 883-billion dollars with 274-billion of it going to the richest two percent of Americans.

Let's make this personal. Getting sick has no connection to a person's politics. Cancer, heart disease, strokes, Alzheimer's Disease, AIDS and all other illnesses - whether mild, serious or terminal - do not care if you're a Democrat or a Republican. The proposed Republican bill will do exactly the opposite of what Trump promised all Americans. He pledged to provide healthcare plans with better coverage...for everyone --- cheaper costs...for everyone --- and that nobody would lose their insurance. But being the liar that Trump is...the GOP legislation will only lower premiums for the young and healthy, but raise costs - including higher premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums - for others, especially the elderly and individuals with chronic illnesses. In other words...if you've got money, you're able to eat well and can take care of yourself overall so your healthcare will be much less expensive. And if you're younger, healthy and working...you too will be saved from the enormous costs. But anyone else...forget it. In plain English...you're screwed.

And then there's Medicaid and Medicare. Donald Trump vowed he would not cut funding to either. But, according to the CBO, the Republican bill will slash 880-billion dollars from Medicaid over the next decade and it will deplete the Medicare Trust Fund...all of which is going to tragically affect our nation's children...low-income Americans...senior citizens who require long-term care...and anyone with disabilities. How can a man who sits behind The Oval Office desk...or anyone in the Republican-controlled Congress...who claim they want to help people...instead go against those words...by deliberately hurting the neediest of Americans? Do they not have a decent bone in their bodies?

Republicans on Capitol Hill have one more chance to become human beings. The GOP realized on Thursday afternoon, March 23rd that they could not pass their legislation that night because they don't have enough House Members to vote in favor of it. Republicans have been given a reprieve from performing evil...to search their souls Thursday night and early Friday, March 24th...before a vote is called Friday afternoon. Hopefully those Republicans who have stated they will not say "yea" to the bill...will stick to their principles...not succumb to Donald Trump's snake-oil sales pitch...and, therefore, not change their minds.

As I tweeted on March 12th..."Instead of doing it to Obamacare...let's repeal and replace Donald Trump."

And that's The Controversy for today.

I'm Gary B. Duglin.

"We'll talk again."

The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.

Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.

Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

THE FBI'S "PRACTICE": IT CHANGED EVERYTHING

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"Practice." The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word practice as "to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually."

In nationally televised testimony before the House Intelligence Committee on Monday, March 20th, 2017, FBI Director James Comey confirmed to Congress and the American people that the FBI has been investigating links between Donald Trump and Russia since July 2016.

In his opening statement, Comey revealed the following. "As you know, our practice is not to confirm the existence of ongoing investigations that involve classified matters, but in unusual circumstances where it is in the public interest, it may be appropriate to do so as Justice Department policies recognize. This is one of those circumstances. I have been authorized by the Department of Justice to confirm that the FBI, as part of our counterintelligence mission, is investigating the Russian government's efforts to interfere in the 2016 Presidential election and that includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts."

Please note Comey's words about "interfere(nce) in the 2016 Presidential election" that the FBI is investigating "any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government." And who was at the very top of the Trump campaign? Donald Trump.

Although Comey did not use the word...protocol...in his statement...but instead, "practice"...it is indeed, protocol...which he broke with when he testified before Congress. So let us all pause for a moment and think...if Comey had dismissed protocol or "practice"...during the summer before the November 8th, 2016 Presidential election...as he has now done...it is not only likely...but very likely...in fact, it is most probable...if not nearly certain...that Hillary Clinton would be President of the United States today.

Do we give Director Comey the benefit of the doubt that - before the election - it was not his decision to not...spill the beans - for the lack of a better phrase - about an investigation of Trump and his Republican campaign? Why then do it now with an Attorney General - the ultimate boss of the Department of Justice - in Trump's Republican Presidential Administration? What...or who...stopped Comey before the election...with an Attorney General who was part of Barack Obama's Democratic Presidential Administration? Who's fault was it to not give American voters every tool we needed...before entering the polling booths to cast our ballots for President? We don't know whose decision it was to not provide us that information...and although it may have been James Comey himself, it would be wrong of me to simply point the finger at him, so therefore, I won't. But for total transparency...we...the American people...have the right to know.

I will, however, lay blame on Director Comey for partly causing some voters to abandon Hillary Clinton. Arguably, the former Secretary of State did not win the electoral vote for two reasons...one - because of Russia meddling in our election... and two - because of Comey's letter to Congress, eleven days before the election. It was in that letter that the FBI chief noted that his Bureau and the Department of Justice were investigating new information which allegedly pertained to the e-mail controversy and Mrs. Clinton.

The bottom line is...there was no credible reason for the FBI to resume any such probe in to Secretary Clinton, as Comey basically stated two days before the Presidential election. But the damage was already done and certain voters - who had been "on the fence" (so to speak) - decided they would cast their ballot for Donald Trump instead of Hillary Clinton...or they would just stay home and not vote at all. That being said, it was Trump and his campaign team who were under investigation on Election Day...not Secretary Clinton. It was Trump and his associates who were being probed by the FBI for alleged ties with Vladimir Putin and Russia.

Again...I recognize protocol...or, if FBI Director Comey prefers the word, "practice." But what a shame that Comey was apparently not "authorized by the Department of Justice"...to be up front with the American people before the election. Or was it Comey himself...who had decided not to tell voters? Will we ever know the answer for sure? I do know this for sure. If Americans had been provided the full truth back in July, August, September or even October of 2016...I am virtually certain that - on November 8th - Hillary Clinton would have easily been elected the 45th President of the United States. Instead...people actually voted for Donald Trump...when it is he and some of his staff...who are - to this day - being investigated by federal law enforcement officers for possible criminal activity. As for Hillary Clinton...she was completely free of any such investigation.

Before the election, there were some Americans who did not want to vote for Hillary Clinton because Donald Trump and other Republicans were spewing venom off their tongues that Mrs. Clinton may eventually be indicted. That was something that was never going to happen because Secretary Clinton never committed any illegal wrongdoing, which Comey stated in his testimony before Congress in July of 2016. But now...Trump - as he sits behind The Oval Office desk - could...and I did say could...face indictment...or impeachment...if...and I will once again be repetitive... if...evidence shows that he was in cahoots with Russia...to influence the Presidential election.

There are allegations that numerous individuals...closely connected to Donald Trump and his campaign...were allegedly involved in some way with Vladimir Putin, Russian diplomats and/or even KGB agents. One of those Trump cronies who is suspected of allegedly having questionable ties with Russia is Trump's former Campaign Manager Paul Manafort. So for White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer - in a Press Briefing on Monday, March 20th - to say that Manafort had "played a very limited role for a very limited amount of time"...is blatantly bogus. Manafort joined the Trump campaign in March 2016...became Campaign Manager in April 2016...and then National Campaign Chairman and Chief Strategist in mid-August 2016...until his so-called "resignation" shortly thereafter. The fact of the matter is...Manafort had Trump's ear for about six of the last eight months of the campaign...which is certainly not a "limited time" in a "limited role."

FBI Director Comey articulated to Congress that "(Vladimir) Putin hated Secretary Clinton so much" and Russia "wanted to hurt our democracy." Comey definitively agreed that Russia wanted to help Donald Trump and hurt Hillary Clinton. As Comey stated to the House Intelligence Committee, Putin had a "clear preference" for any person running against Mrs. Clinton...and that it was a "fairly easy judgment" to see Putin's preference. Therefore, knowing that Putin was going to do whatever he could to make sure Donald Trump would be elected - and not Hillary Clinton - Americans deserved to know...before the election...that the FBI was investigating Trump and/or members of his campaign...for possible collusion with Russia...in an effort to affect the outcome of our Presidential election. Furthermore, there is one question I always ask...as do so many Americans throughout our nation. Why has Donald Trump never uttered a bad word...not one negative syllable...about Vladimir Putin and Russia?

Comey has told Congress that there is "no way to give" a timetable for when a U.S. government investigation of Russia and any alleged link to the "Trump For President" campaign will be completed. In the meantime, however...if evidence is discovered - yes, I did again say if...that Donald Trump supervised...or participated - in even the smallest of ways - with Russia...to mastermind a plot so that he would win the election...the United States will be looking at our first President to be impeached by the House of Representatives...convicted by the Senate...and then removed from office.

But I don't want my Republican readers to jump down my throat, so I reiterate and re-emphasize words such as "if" and "could." I am not a Congressman...nor a Senator. I am not a judge...nor am I currently sitting on a jury. And no charges against Donald Trump have yet to be filed. They may never be. After all...it is possible that he had absolutely nothing to do with Russia and their rigging of our election. However...let us remember that on November 17th, 1973 - at a nationally televised press conference - Richard Nixon...while our 37th President...seventeen months after the Watergate break-in and nine months before he resigned in disgrace...told the country that he "never obstructed justice." And then - with those four now-infamous words - emphatically assured Americans..."I'm not a crook." And yet...he was. I leave you with that thought.

And that's The Controversy for today.

I'm Gary B. Duglin.

"We'll talk again."

The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.

Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.

Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, March 20, 2017

TRUMP'S WIRETAP LIE CANNOT BE OVERLOOKED BY CONGRESS

Friday, March 17, 2017

TO DONALD TRUMP: LIAR, LIAR, PANTS ON FIRE!

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When are Donald Trump's "yes-men" going to get fed up with cleaning up his monumental messes?

One person, in particular, is White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer who continually attempts - in briefings to the press - to support claims by Trump...that during the 2016 Presidential campaign...former President Barack Obama wiretapped the telephones of Trump Tower in New York City. The allegation by Trump is pure fiction and a flat out falsehood. Thus, it's one more lie by "The Donald"...which proves there is no credibility these days at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

I have been writing for a very long time in previous columns that Donald Trump is a danger to the United States of America and he cannot be trusted. I wouldn't trust him to be a municipal dog catcher, let alone the President of our country. And tens of millions of Americans - Democrats and some Republicans too - are agreeing that Trump is someone who cannot be trusted with anything.

For whatever the reasons, Trump's delusional mind targeted the 44th President by declaring that Mr. Obama committed a felony. President Obama never bugged Trump Tower...and yet, Donald Trump will not back down on his accusation of surveillance, despite the fact that the leaders of the bi-partisan U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee - on Thursday, March 16th, 2017 - issued a statement that rejects Trump's assertion. Republican Chairman Richard Burr and Democratic Vice Chairman Mark Warner say..."Based on the information available to us, we see no indication that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government, either before or after Election Day 2016."

Furthermore...the bi-partisan Intelligence Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives also says there is no proof of any illegal wrongdoing by President Obama. Republican Chairman Devin Nunes - who has been a longtime, loyal advocate of Donald Trump - says..."We don't have any evidence that took place. I don't think there was a tapping of Trump Tower." And the committee's top Democrat - Congressman Adam Schiff - is in full agreement saying..."To date, I see no evidence. No basis for that whatsoever."

But Sean Spicer and other Trump cronies continue to stand by Trump, as The Oval Office occupant remains firm with his allegations that President Obama - in one form or another - eavesdropped on Trump in his Manhattan skyscraper.

On Wednesday, March 15th - the day before the Senate and House Intelligence Committees concluded that Trump's claim is unfounded - Trump told Fox News that "very soon" he will provide evidence of Mr. Obama's actions.

Sure you will, Donald. Just like you had evidence that Barack Obama was not an American citizen who was born in the United States. No proof!

Just like you had evidence that between three-million and five-million votes in the November 8th, 2016 election were illegally cast. No proof there!

Just like you had photographic evidence that showed your Inauguration had a much larger crowd than any other Inauguration in U.S. history. A complete and utter fabrication. So again...no proof there either!

Donald Trump is the biggest conspiracy theorist since those individuals who thought President John F. Kennedy was assassinated by somebody other than Lee Harvey Oswald.

Trump goes on and on with his pronouncement of "fake news." The only fake news in America today is when Donald Trump opens up his mouth and spews venom off his maliciously lying tongue.

I have noted, time and time again, in earlier commentaries...that Trump cannot admit fault or take responsibility for his mistakes. He thinks he's always right. But there certainly is no proof of that. Trump wants the American people to now believe that he "meant surveillance" when he said "wiretapping" by President Obama. Putting the word "wiretapping" in quotes is meaningless...especially when two of that firestorm of four tweets...from the early morning hours of March 4th...did not have the word in quotes.

"Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!" DONALD TRUMP, 6:35 A.M.

"Is it legal for a sitting President to be 'wiretapping' a race for president prior to an election? Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW!" DONALD TRUMP, 6:49 A.M.

"I'll bet a good lawyer could make a great case out of the fact that President Obama was tapping my phones in October, just prior to Election!" DONALD TRUMP, 6:52 A.M.

"How low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!" DONALD TRUMP, 7:02 A.M.

With those four tweets, Donald Trump has not offered any evidence to corroborate his extremely serious allegations against President Obama. Instead, Trump has acknowledged that Fox News was one source of his wiretapping fantasy. But let us remember that - as a candidate - Trump shared his secret of how he got his "military advice." On an NBC News Meet The Press broadcast in August 2015, Trump told moderator Chuck Todd that he obtained that information by "watch(ing) the (Sunday morning talk) shows." Trump said he watches "the generals" on "the shows." Now...as President...Trump sends untruthful tweets after watching another national news broadcast...instead of relying on the federal intelligence agencies that are at his fingertips. And this is supposed to be our nation's President?

Although Sean Spicer serves at the pleasure of Donald Trump...will he continue to lie for him to a press room that is packed with experienced reporters...who are doing their jobs...and who are not going to let up on him? Does Spicer actually believe that he is "working for a boss who is never wrong?"

Spicer speaks on behalf of Trump. And that's...what he's hired to do. But how much longer is Spicer going to spar with reporters and back up untruthful accusations by Trump? The combative Spicer's blood pressure must skyrocket every time he enters the White House Briefing Room. His anxiety must be higher than a kite...and Spicer must be as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. But Sean Spicer needs to stop his double-talk and his own spin - or the Trump spin - on matters that the press...and the majority of the nation - know are lies.

Recently, someone I know personally had commented to me that "all politicians lie." The President of the United States is not just another politician. He is the President. He is supposed to be a role model...for children...and for adults. The President of the United States should NEVER lie.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump must be spitting blood and fuming like a live volcano. As the saying goes..."I wish I was a fly on the wall" in The Oval Office. I can just picture Trump screaming and yelling so loud that one day The West Wing may quake in to crumbling ashes.

Apparently, Trump still believes he's the boss of The Trump Organization...where whatever he says...is the law of his company. It's not that way in our country. And nearly two months in to his Administration...it appears obvious that Trump thinks he's in the board room of The Celebrity Apprentice.

Donald Trump's insides must be ripping apart...since everything around him is doing the same. After all...in addition to his wiretapping claims that have been debunked by both parties in Congress...Trump's second "Travel" Executive Order - which, in reality, remains a Muslim ban - has been blocked by two federal court judges. A U.S. District Court judge in Hawaii and a U.S. District Court judge in Maryland...both have declared that Trump's ban discriminates against Muslims. Plus...lawmakers in both Congressional chambers have made it clear that Trump's budget proposal will be "dead on arrival." And...as days go by...the House of Representatives' healthcare bill is facing roadblock after roadblock...and Senators from both sides of the aisle have stated...that it too will be dead when it arrives to them. That is...if it even passes in the House...which it very well might not.

The bottom line is...Donald Trump is a pathological liar who is reckless and unfit to be President of the United States. But then...I have been saying that for 21 months. He was reckless along the campaign trail...and he will continue to be reckless until he is either removed from office through House impeachment and Senate conviction...or by voters in 2020. Hopefully, we don't have to wait that long.

And that's The Controversy for today.

I'm Gary B. Duglin.

"We'll talk again."

The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.

Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.

Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

MY 35 MINUTES WITH DAVID CASSIDY

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The year was 1979. When exactly? I cannot tell you. The place was a San Fernando Valley bank in southern California. The specific location? I don't remember. But I believe it was in Encino, Sherman Oaks or Studio City. The bank name? That I don't recall either. But what IS crystal clear...is meeting pop-rock superstar entertainer, songwriter and actor...David Cassidy.

I was compelled to write about my accidental, but fortunate visit with David because - as many of you may already be aware - David recently revealed to People magazine that he is suffering from the early stages of dementia...for which he was diagnosed about two-and-a-half years ago.

On a broadcast that aired on Wednesday, March 1st, 2017...on the nationally syndicated, daytime television talk show, Dr. Phil... David shared some very personal moments with Dr. Phil McGraw. David gave Dr. Phil and his viewers - including me - a peak inside his life as a performer...his life as an alcoholic...and his life with an illness that causes this vibrant showman to sometimes forget the lyrics of songs that he has been singing for nearly half a century.

Thankfully, I am able to tell you - my readers - about this gracious and humble man...who stood on a line with me...in a bank...as we waited for a teller.

The line was somewhat long. In fact...it was quite long. I recollect it being a Friday and one person after another was cashing or depositing their payroll check. Those were the days when there was no such thing as a "direct deposit." There was no "on-line banking." Being "on line" meant standing with about 20 or 30 other people...actually on a line.

It was 38 years ago and I certainly didn't want David to think of me as a crazy fan. And since I had changed my career direction from broadcast journalism to television production, I wasn't going to approach him as a reporter...looking to interview him for a story. But he being 28...and I, 24...I surely couldn't insult him...and ignore him. After all...it was a time when David Cassidy was one of the world's biggest music stars.

We exchanged a few words...a mere greeting, but nothing too extensive. But from that first moment...David Cassidy couldn't have been nicer. He conveyed grace, charm and class.

At that point in my own career, I had already had the pleasure - and the privilege - of working with hundreds of Hollywood's top celebrities through my employment on numerous network television shows. And while some performers were grateful and flattered when fans - or even those of us who worked with them on a particular production - had complimented them...and had a longing to talk with them...there were others who insisted on keeping to themselves. I could tell the difference without anyone saying so.

But it was always fascinating when a star enjoyed reminiscing about their successes...and their failures too. And when they simply desired to be just like you and me...a real person...and not a star...it set a relaxing, easy and fun tone for the conversation.

With David and me...it was he who continued our chat, so I knew he didn't mind talking, even if it was just to pass the time of day. In fact...we actually gabbed about the boredom of waiting on lines...in banks, post offices and grocery stores. But I had an ardent curiosity to hear about David on The Partridge Family...about his concerts...and about a 1970 episode of Marcus Welby, M.D. starring Robert Young and James Brolin. It was a series that was a favorite of mine...so that's where I began. And although others obviously recognized David too...they saw us talking and no one interrupted.

I thought if David wasn't eager to..."chew the fat"...he would have just thanked me for the introductory compliment and not uttered another word. But David's appetite to engage in dialogue was apparent...and - with much good humor - he joyfully talked with friendly enthusiasm.

It had been nearly ten years since David had appeared on Marcus Welby, but it was obvious that he appreciated me acknowledging his consummate dramatic performance. David was 19 when the show was filmed, but he barely looked 15 or 16. And if Emmys were awarded to guest stars...way back when - as they are now - David Cassidy would have undoubtedly been nominated...and I'm confident that he would have won. I recommend any longtime fan of David's...or anyone who has a craving to see a masterful piece of acting...to get a copy of Marcus Welby, M.D., "Fun and Games and Michael Ambrose." It featured David as a diabetic teenager who threatened to take his own life by ignoring his need for insulin shots...just to get back at his father because he blamed him for the heartache and misery that the youth's mother suffered before she died.

My conversation with David branched off in to The Partridge Family and David's music. And time flew by. I could tell that behind the genuine smile... David Cassidy modestly appreciated my praise and my accolades. I'm just sorry that by 1979...nobody had invented a "smart phone"...or any cell phone with a camera. I couldn't take a selfie. I couldn't shoot a video. But then...we didn't even have cell phones of any kind. They didn't exist.

Fifteen years later, I was delighted and energized to see David Cassidy again...but in a different setting. David and his half-brother, Shaun Cassidy - a pop-rock superstar in his own right - appeared together on Broadway, as they starred in the smash hit musical, Blood Brothers. The Cassidy boys were brilliant on stage in this flawless and captivating production. They and their co-star, Petula Clark, undeniably deserved the spirited standing ovation that they received.

I had hoped to meet David Cassidy again, but I was never able to make that connection. But I want him to know that I wish him well, as he battles dementia.

I applaud David that he has opened up about the tragic disease that will eventually...and sadly ...destroy his memory altogether. It was heartbreaking to see David on television as he talked about his declining health with Dr. Phil. But the same David Cassidy...who - all those many years ago - came across to me...as a really nice person... was exactly who I observed on Dr. Phil.

I debated with myself whether I should compose and publish this essay today...as I pay tribute to the now 66-year old David Cassidy. Regrettably, we Americans tend to honor and salute people who
have touched our lives...after they are gone. And please God...David Cassidy...and all the David Cassidys of the world...will be saved from this dreadful affliction called dementia...and the more destructive disease of Alzheimer's. However...should that not happen...it's important to me that David knows that our chance encounter meant so much to me.

When David Cassidy answered Dr. Phil's final question - "What do you want to most be remembered for?" - David confirmed the feeling that I myself recognized when he and I talked in that bank nearly four decades ago. "Spreading love," David replied to Dr. Phil. "Bringing light in to people's lives. Giving everything in my heart and soul. Because I know...I'm a loving, caring human being."

I would have liked to have been friends with David Cassidy. I'm sure he doesn't remember me...not because of the dementia, but because he's probably met tens of thousands of people throughout his exciting life. But I...remember him. And I will always remember...my 35 minutes with David Cassidy.

And that's The Controversy for today.

I'm Gary B. Duglin.

"We'll talk again."

The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.

Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.

Photo credits: davidcassidy.com (David Cassidy #1), drphil.com (David Cassidy and Dr. Phillip C. McGraw), Daily Mail, Allstar/Cinetext, ABC Television Network and Screen Gems/Columbia Pictures Television (David Cassidy #2), davidcassidy.com, TV Land, ABC Television Network and Universal Studios (David Cassidy #3), davidcassidy.com (David Cassidy #4), davidcassidy.com (David Cassidy #5), eonline.com and Dr. Phil (David Cassidy #6) and davidcassidy.com (David Cassidy #7)

Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

ANTI-SEMITISM IN MY NEW JERSEY

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I am a Jew. Regular readers of The Controversy will likely remember that point, as I have noted it in some previous columns over the last four-plus years. I am also from New Jersey. And I am proud of both those facts.

I make mention today of my religious background and my home state because there are certain people - family and friends alike...Jews and Christians alike - who have argued with me when I insist there is still anti-Semitism in "The Garden State" and throughout our country.

The Northern Highlands Daily Voice - a publication serving several communities in northern New Jersey - reported on Monday, March 6th, 2017 - that a red swastika was painted on a boarded-up building that - for decades - was part of Apple Ridge Country Club in Mahwah.

I venture to bet...there are few people in the world who don't know the disgusting significance of a swastika. It was the official emblem of Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler's Third Reich. Therefore, a swastika will forever be a symbol of pain, hostility and horror...and a sad reminder of the Holocaust monsters. Six-million innocent Jewish people - including men, women and children - were senselessly slaughtered and tragically murdered in concentration camps by the Nazi's bullets and gas chambers.

The vandalism in Mahwah comes on the heels of a desecrated Jewish cemetery near St. Louis, Missouri over the weekend of February 18th and 19th. And - according to CNN - there have been more than one-hundred anti-Semitic attacks and bomb threats on Jewish community centers and synagogues since mid-January 2017. In other words...since Donald Trump was about to take the oath of office as President.

Trump's actions - from the last two years - are pushing people in to a hateful direction. When a candidate for President...demeans women...offends the disabled... insults Latinos and African-Americans...belittles a U.S. Navy veteran who was a Vietnam prisoner of war for five years by saying he was not a hero...disrespects a Gold Star mother and father...among other instances of horrendous behavior...and still is able to be elected President of the United States...there are particular individuals who seem to feel..."Why should I be nice?" After all - some would think - "If the President is able to treat people as he has...I can do the same thing."

The President of the United States is supposed to be a national role model. Yet 62-million Americans...voted for a man...who on January 23rd, 2016...told the world..."My people are so smart. I have the most loyal people. I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue (in New York City) and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any voters." And in the infamous Access Hollywood video from 2005...with Donald Trump and Billy Bush on the program's bus - a recording that was released by The Washington Post on October 7th, 2016 - Trump is clearly heard saying..."I moved on her actually. I moved on her and I failed. I'll admit it. And I did try and f--k her. She was married. And I moved on her very heavily. I moved on her like a bitch. But I couldn't get there. And she was married. She's now got the big, phony tits." Later in that same video...and still on the Access Hollywood bus...Trump's language became even more vulgar when he and Bush noticed the woman they were about to meet outside the bus. "I better use some Tic Tacs just in case I start kissing her. You know I'm automatically attracted to beautiful...I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait. And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab 'em by the p--sy. You can do anything." How did anyone want to elect this man?

Trump's conduct has sparked much of the hatred in our country today. It has ignited people to believe they can get away with anything. Sure. Why not? "If Trump does...why not me?"

As long as Donald Trump continues to lie and make up stories with his delusional mind...such as accusing former President Barack Obama of a felony...by claiming the 44th President bugged Trump Tower and wiretapped Trump's telephones during the Presidential campaign...people will do - in layman's terms - "bad stuff."

Meanwhile...police in Mahwah are investigating the recent anti-Semitic crime... while area clergy and the township's mayor have reportedly denounced this despicable act that represents hate towards Jewish people. After the swastika was discovered...a coat of paint apparently covered it up.

Authorities say that the former Apple Ridge Country Club property has been vandalized with graffiti and offensive language numerous times since the land was sold and vacated in 2014...but never before by a swastika.

Why must people hate? For anyone to paint a swastika on a building is pure vicious hate. For centuries - perhaps since the beginning of time - people have expressed hatred for one reason or another. But there is one primary cause for someone to hate another person. And that is...because the hater thinks the other individual...is different.

Jews are different from Christians. Christians are different from Muslims. Every religion is different in certain ways. But are we really so different? Whether the eternal higher power that you worship and believe in...is called God...the Lord... Heavenly Father...HaShem...Adonai...Allah...or perhaps some other name or title... should it really matter? I don't think so. And, as for Agnostics and Atheists...who may or may not have a belief in a spiritual being at all...they have their rights as well...and their feelings should also be respected.

The color of skin - white, black, brown, yellow or red - makes people appear differently. Men are different from women...and little boys are different from little girls. Gays and lesbians are different from straight people. And bisexuals and transgenders are different too. Democrats are different from Republicans. Independents are different from both. And citizens from one country are different from those who live in another nation. But again, I ask...are we really so different?

We all smile when we are happy. We all cry the same tears when we are hurt or sad. And we all bleed red when we are injured.

Each of us was created with a kind heart. Babies are not born evil. So it's a shame...that with some people...the warmth inside at birth...can somehow...years later...become cold as ice.

And that's The Controversy for today.

I'm Gary B. Duglin.

"We'll talk again."

The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.

Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.

Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.