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These are my blogs. Sometimes I do a lot of them, sometimes only a few. I am retired, which you would think would give me plenty of time, but sometimes life gets in the way. I hope you enjoy them, and please, feel free to shoot me an email with any comments, good or bad. I look forward to hearing from you.
THE GOP ARE FASCISTS
THE GOP ARE FASCISTS

The Republican Party, once a party of conservative principles, has now transformed into a fascist movement, systematically eroding democracy, attacking the most vulnerable, and consolidating power through fear, propaganda, and oppression. What was once a party that at least paid lip service to democratic norms has now openly embraced authoritarianism. The proof is everywhere, from their attacks on free elections, their attempts to criminalize dissent, their vilification of marginalized communities, and their open admiration for strongmen and dictators. Nowhere is this more evident than in the way they have taken a page from history’s darkest chapters, aligning themselves with the same methods used by fascist regimes of the past. Perhaps one of the most chilling parallels is the direct correlation between the concentration camps of past genocides and the inhumane detention centers in El Salvador, where thousands are imprisoned under horrific conditions with no regard for human rights or due process.

Fascism is defined by its core principles: extreme nationalism, suppression of opposition, the use of state violence, and a propaganda machine that distorts reality to maintain power. The GOP has checked every box. Under Trump and his enablers, the party has made clear...

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Krasnov?
Krasnov?

March 6, 2025

Donald Trump's second
term has removed any lingering doubt about where his loyalties lie, and it is not with the American people. His actions have repeatedly shown that he is more concerned with appeasing Vladimir Putin and furthering Russian interests than defending the United States or its allies. From his open hostility toward Ukraine to his renewed efforts to undermine NATO, Trump’s behavior is a glaring reminder that his allegiance lies with his Russian handlers, not the nation he swore to serve.

One of the most blatant examples of Trump's favoritism toward Russia is his escalating feud with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump has repeatedly attacked Zelensky, blaming Ukraine for Russia's aggression and pushing false narratives that paint Ukraine as the villain. This aggressive posture is not just rhetoric, it has translated into concrete actions that endanger Ukrainian sovereignty and empower Putin’s expansionist ambitions. By cutting off critical arms shipments to Ukraine, Trump has directly weakened their ability to defend themselves against Russian aggression. This decision...



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The Infighting Must Stop!
The Infighting Must Stop!

February 25, 2025

The infighting
between those who identify as "left" and those who consider themselves "liberal" is becoming a destructive force at the worst possible time. While there are real philosophical and policy differences between these groups, they pale in comparison to the threat posed by the rise of fascism and the MAGA movement. The stakes are too high to waste energy on internal divisions when democracy itself hangs by a thread. The differences between leftists and liberals can and should be debated, but later. Right now, there is an urgent battle to fight against those who want to dismantle the very foundations of democracy, and unity is essential if there is any hope of prevailing.

At the core of the conflict between the left and liberals are questions of strategy, priorities, and vision for the future. Leftists often push for transformative, systemic change such as abolishing systems they see as inherently oppressive, like capitalism and the police state. Liberals, by contrast, tend to favor incremental reform and working within existing institutions to expand civil rights and social welfare. These differences, while significant, should not obscure the fact that both groups ultimately seek a more just and equitable society. The disagreement lies in how to get there, not whether that goal...

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Self-care is Important!
Self-care is Important!

February 22, 2025

Resisting Trump's
fascist regime is not just a political struggle, it’s an emotional and mental one too. In a time when the stakes feel, and are, impossibly high, it can be easy to become overwhelmed, exhausted, and burned out. The constant onslaught of bad news and the seemingly endless attacks on democracy can drain even the most dedicated activists. But staying in the fight requires sustaining yourself. Avoiding burnout is not a luxury, it’s a necessity if we are to continue resisting effectively.

One of the most important steps to avoid burnout is recognizing your limits. Activism is a marathon, not a sprint, and no one can do everything. It’s easy to feel like you must be constantly engaged, reading every piece of news, responding to every crisis, but this approach is unsustainable...


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An anguished question from a Trump supporter:
An anguished question from a Trump supporter:

February 20, 2025

I usually don't copy and past things for my blog, but when I saw this I thought to myself, how could I improve on it? I of course realized I couldn't, so I am posting it as I saw it. Notice there is not one frivalious claim here. Everyone is backed up by a link for more info. Thanks to Mr. Castro for putting this together.
~~~~~~~~~~

"Why do liberals think Trump supporters are stupid?"
THE SERIOUS ANSWER: Here’s what the majority of anti-Trump voters honestly feel about Trump supporters en masse:
That when you saw a man who had owned a fraudulent University, intent on scamming poor people, you thought "Fine."...

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The Democratic Party Must Change Its Tactics
The Democratic Party Must Change Its Tactics

February 19, 2025

The Democratic Party
is at a crossroads. The traditional approach of measured debate, decorum, and procedural politeness is no longer sufficient. The GOP has abandoned these norms, using obstruction, disinformation, and outright defiance of democratic principles to push their agenda. If Democrats continue to play by outdated rules, they will keep losing ground. The party must fight back with the same intensity and relentlessness as the opposition. This is not a time for restraint; it is a time for bold, unapologetic action.

For too long, Democrats have relied on civility, assuming that reasoned argument and adherence to process would be enough to win battles. That is no longer the case. The Republican Party has shown that it will break any norm, ignore any ethical boundary, and weaponize any institution to maintain power. If Democrats do not adjust their approach, they will continue to be steamrolled. This means using every available platform...

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The Democratic Party Must Change Its Message
The Democratic Party Must Change Its Message

February 16, 2025

The Democratic Party
faces a critical challenge: how to reshape its message to reach a broader audience, unify its factions, and effectively combat the rising tide of authoritarianism. The current political climate demands a message that speaks to the everyday struggles of Americans in a way that resonates across ideological, geographical, and class divides. For too long, Democrats have allowed the opposition to define them, creating a distorted image that alienates potential allies. If the party wants to secure the future of democracy and build lasting political power, it must shift its focus to the economic issues that impact all Americans, reject divisive narratives, and create a coalition that transcends urban-rural, progressive-moderate, and cultural divides.

At the heart of this transformation must be an unrelenting emphasis on the real source of economic hardship: the unchecked power of the billionaire class and corporate greed. For decades, working people have been led to believe that their struggles stem from immigrants, minorities, LGBTQ+ people...

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10 Ways to Resist With Mobility Issues
10 Ways to Resist With Mobility Issues

February 11, 20205

Let’s face it.
Many of us are old. Others are sick. Still others are disabled. We aren’t all able to march as we once did. We want to be an active part of the resistance but have physical or emotional limitations that prevent some forms of resistance and civil disobedience. So it is reassuring to know that resisting the policies and authoritarian tendencies of Donald Trump’s government and the GOP does not require physical participation in marches or demonstrations. While public protests are powerful, there are many effective ways to resist that can be done from home, whether due to mobility issues, personal circumstances, or other constraints. Resistance is not just about being visible on the streets, it is about persistent action in any form. Every effort counts, and every voice matters. Here are ten impactful ways to make a difference, regardless of your physical, or emotional, limitations.

1.   Contact Elected Officials One of the most direct and effective ways to influence policy is by contacting your representatives. Politicians take note when their offices are flooded with calls, emails, letters, and faxes. If you are unable to call due to anxiety or disability, services like Resistbot allow you to send faxes and emails...

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The Battle for Democracy: Uniting Against Trump’s Tyranny
The Battle for Democracy: Uniting Against Trump’s Tyranny

February 8, 2025

Donald Trump’s
return to power has already unleashed a wave of destruction, corruption, and chaos, proving once again that his only agenda is self-interest and the consolidation of power. In just a short time, he has attacked democratic institutions, undermined the rule of law, and further emboldened the worst elements of society. His administration’s policies are already harming marginalized communities, rolling back fundamental rights, and positioning the United States on a dangerous trajectory toward authoritarianism.

Trump wasted no time in dismantling the safeguards that kept his corruption in check. From gutting federal oversight to placing loyalists in key positions, he has removed barriers to his power, ensuring no accountability for his actions. The firing of inspectors general and the purging of career officials who put country over party have set a clear precedent: loyalty to Trump outweighs competence, ethics, and even legality. His disregard for norms and the Constitution is no longer just a warning—it is our present reality.

Economically, his administration has already begun favoring the...

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The Stakes Couldn't Be Higher
The Stakes Couldn't Be Higher

January 16, 2025

The dawn
of a new presidential term often brings hope and renewal, but as Trump prepares to begin his second term on Monday, the air feels thick with foreboding rather than optimism. The next four years promise to test the resilience of the United States in ways we have never seen before. Trump’s leadership, marked by divisiveness, self-interest, and a dangerous disregard for democratic norms, is set to challenge the very foundations of our nation. The consequences of his second term could be catastrophic, both domestically and globally, unless we unite and resist with every ounce of determination we have.

Trump’s first term provided a grim preview of what is to come. His policies routinely prioritized the wealthy and powerful at the expense of everyday Americans. His administration gutted environmental protections, rolled back civil rights, and dismantled healthcare safeguards, leaving millions vulnerable. The erosion of trust in democratic institutions, fueled by his constant attacks on the media, judiciary, and electoral processes, created an environment where truth became malleable and lies reigned supreme. Now, with a second term secured, the damage is poised to escalate exponentially...


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The CR Show (Satire, or is it?)
The CR Show (Satire, or is it?)

December 21, 2024

The air in
Washington was thick with tension as the clock ticked down to the deadline for passing the continuing resolution (CR). Republicans, with their usual flair for drama, had managed to turn what should have been a straightforward process into a political soap opera of epic proportions. The stakes were high, the rhetoric even higher, and the outcome? Well, let’s just say it didn’t go quite as planned.

The Republican Party, ever the masters of brinkmanship, found themselves in a familiar position: holding the government hostage to their own demands. This time, however, they seemed to have forgotten one crucial detail, how to actually govern. The CR was supposed to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown, but instead, it became a battlefield for infighting, grandstanding, and, ultimately, humiliation.

Leading the charge, or perhaps the retreat, was President-elect Elon Musk, who, despite not technically being in office yet, had somehow managed to insert himself into the process. Musk, ever the disruptor, had teamed up with his loyal assistant and hype man, Donald Trump, to push for a shutdown that they claimed would "cleanse the swamp" and...

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TAXING LIKE IT’s 1959: A Guide to Fiscal Responsibility
TAXING LIKE IT’s 1959: A Guide to Fiscal Responsibility

December 6, 2024

If there’s one
thing Americans can agree on, it’s that everyone loves money, especially other people’s money when it comes to solving societal woes. The United States, a nation born out of tax-related rebellion, now finds itself wrangling with a modern-day fiscal crisis. Balancing the federal budget and ensuring Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid’s solvency are challenges we must tackle. But what if the answer isn’t as complicated as we think? What if, instead of gutting programs or printing enough money to build a second moon, we simply look backward to President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s America, where the richest among us paid their fair share? Let’s explore how two straightforward policy changes, returning to Eisenhower-era tax rates for the wealthiest and removing the cap on Social Security contributions, could save the day.

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away (mid-20th century America), the United States had a federal income tax system that asked the richest Americans to fork over 91% of their income above a certain level. Now, before you clutch your privates and cry “socialism,” let’s remember that this was during the presidency of Eisenhower, a Republican and a decorated war hero, not exactly a Marxist revolutionary. The economy was booming, the middle class thrived, and the government could...

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Preparing for 2026
Preparing for 2026

December 3, 2024

I was speaking
with my sister the other day, over Thanksgiving dinner, and we were discussing the various things that may have contributed to Trump winning reelection. Of course, the fact that so many people are, at their core, racist and hateful played a big part, but she mentioned something else I really hadn’t given enough thought to. That is the Democrats having lost their way on messaging to working class Americans.

This is not Trump’s America. I know it might feel that way sometimes, especially when you see pickup trucks adorned with MAGA flags or hear yet another conspiracy theory about space lasers or secret pedophile cabals. But let’s be clear: Trump and his diehard followers don’t own this country. They’re loud, relentless, and have the marketing skills of a mid-level pyramid scheme, but they do not represent the majority. What they’ve managed to do is hijack the narrative, sow division, and make a lot of noise, all while failing to offer solutions for the real problems Americans face.

The real America is still out there, working hard, raising families, and wondering why healthcare is so expensive and why every pothole feels like a portal to the Earth’s core. The MAGA movement...

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CELEBRATING MURDER
CELEBRATING MURDER

December 11, 2024

The news that
the CEO of UnitedHealthcare was murdered has sparked a response that is, in many ways, just as troubling as the act itself. Across social media and in certain circles, there’s a tangible sense of celebration, as if this violent act is something to be cheered. It’s disheartening, to say the least, and not just because someone lost their life. What’s disturbing is what this reaction reveals about our relationship with violence and how it erodes the very humanity we claim to uphold.

The frustration people feel toward companies like UnitedHealthcare isn’t hard to understand. For many, these corporations represent the worst aspects of a broken healthcare system, one where access to life-saving treatments can be denied with the stroke of a pen and where financial decisions too often take precedence over human lives. Stories of denied claims, unaffordable coverage, and endless bureaucratic battles are all too common, and they spark legitimate anger. That anger is valid. It’s rooted in pain, grief, and a sense of helplessness that comes from feeling like the system is rigged against you.

But no matter how deep that anger runs, violence is not the answer. It’s never the answer. And the celebration of violence, whether it’s expressed in a viral meme, a flippant comment, or a triumphant post, only serves to poison our collective soul. Murder isn’t justice. It doesn’t fix what’s broken in the system...

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Trump's Cabinet Picks
Trump's Cabinet Picks

November 27, 2024

Donald Trump’s
2024 cabinet selections are a testament to his governing style: loyalty over competence, ideology over expertise, and a flair for the dramatic that wouldn’t be out of place in a reality show. This roster of appointments isn’t so much a “Who’s Who” of governance as a “Who’s Willing” to follow Trump’s lead unconditionally. While there are capable individuals among the nominees, the overarching pattern of prioritizing allegiance over aptitude raises serious concerns about the future of the nation’s governance.

Take Marco Rubio, selected for Secretary of State, for instance. Once a bitter rival during the 2016 primaries, Rubio now finds himself in a position where diplomatic acumen is critical. His track record suggests a preference for hawkish policies over nuanced diplomacy, raising the specter of a foreign policy reliant on sanctions and brinkmanship rather than negotiation. With Rubio at the helm, the State Department could face strained alliances and heightened tensions with adversaries, a dangerous cocktail in an increasingly polarized global arena.

Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi is another name that highlights Trump’s loyalty-first philosophy. Bondi’s history of staunchly defending Trump, even...

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Make The Switch
Make The Switch

November 23, 2024

Switching from
X (formerly Twitter) to Bluesky is like swapping a chaotic fast-food joint for a chill café where the coffee isn’t just hot, it’s brewed with care. Whether you’re a seasoned tweeter, a digital nomad, or someone tired of Musk’s endless experimentations, here’s why Bluesky is the better option in 2024 and moving forward.

Let’s face it: X feels like a sci-fi dystopia run by an eccentric billionaire with a penchant for chaos. Algorithm changes, paid verifications, and bizarre features make the platform unpredictable. Bluesky, by contrast, offers stability. It’s a space where you can scroll without worrying that your timeline will suddenly prioritize alien conspiracy theories because Musk tweeted “Mars” at 3 a.m.

And unlike its beta days, Bluesky is now open to everyone. No need to beg for an invite or scavenge Reddit threads for access codes. It’s a party anyone can join, and the vibe is refreshingly welcoming. Think of it as leaving the velvet rope nightclub for an open-air festival where everyone dances like no one’s watching.

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Why am I glad I am old? I'll tell you.
Why am I glad I am old? I'll tell you.

November 13, 2024

Living through
the sweeping changes in the world today, I often think how strange it feels to be relieved about the fact that I’m old, nearing the end of my years. It’s not because I’m tired of life; it’s because the America I see taking shape seems like a dark shadow of the country I grew up believing in. I spent a lifetime trusting in the ideals of democracy and the value of individual freedom, hoping to pass on those beliefs to the next generations. But now, I feel a grim relief that I may not have to live in a future where those values are all but erased, replaced by something dangerous and oppressive.

As someone who remembers watching civil rights marches on a black-and-white television, who listened to JFK’s and Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches about justice and equality, I believed America was far from perfect but was on a path that valued individual rights and democratic integrity. Today, I find myself wondering if all that progress meant anything, or if it was simply a mirage in the desert, fading away as we walked closer. It’s hard to ignore the signs now, signs that point to a government shifting away from the ideals of democracy and instead toward authoritarianism, all wrapped up in the brand of today’s GOP.

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Voting Blue Is Important
Voting Blue Is Important

October 16, 2024

Voting Blue
This November is More Important Than Finding Out Who’s Stealing Your Netflix Password.
Okay, folks. Gather 'round. Voting season is upon us again, and I get it—elections can feel like laundry day. Necessary, a bit annoying, and if you leave it too long, everything starts smelling funky. But this November, voting blue isn’t just a civic duty, it’s our shot at steering the ship away from the iceberg that somehow got labeled “progress.” Spoiler alert: Icebergs aren’t great for boats, or democracy.
So, let’s dig into why punching that blue ticket matters more than arguing about pineapple on pizza. (It doesn’t belong there, by the way, but we’ve got bigger problems to solve.)

# 1.  Climate Change:
Look, if you wouldn’t ignore a flashing check engine light on your car, you definitely shouldn’t ignore the planet’s screaming. The Blue Team wants to fix the environment the way your grandma fixes Sunday dinner, methodically and with care, because there’s no backup Earth in the freezer. Voting for those who actually believe climate change is real is like finally deciding to stop microwaving fish in the office kitchen, it’s about time, and everyone benefits...

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MTG And Her Hurricanes
MTG And Her Hurricanes

October 12, 2024

Conspiracy theories
can range from the mildly bizarre to the wildly absurd, but few have reached the dizzying heights of ridiculousness like the idea that Democrats control the weather—specifically hurricanes. Yes, there are people who believe that Democratic politicians have somehow developed the technology to whip up a category-five storm at will. You might be thinking, “That’s impossible!” But hold on—if you suspend disbelief for just a moment, you’ll realize the real magic isn’t in hurricane creation. It’s in the mental gymnastics it takes to believe such a theory. Let’s dive into the ignorance (and hilarity) of the idea that Democrats have become the Storm Lords of the Weather Underground.

Hurricanes as Political Tools: A Stormy Allegory

The notion that hurricanes can be conjured up by a political party to wreak havoc upon their enemies sounds like the plot of a rejected “Sharknado” sequel. But, apparently, some people believe that Democrats, instead of just passing laws and attending awkward press conferences, are secretly controlling the elements. Forget debates on healthcare and taxes—those are so 20th century. Why worry about boring old policies when you can just...

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Something is Wrong!
Something is Wrong!

January 14, 2024

What is wrong
with us as a nation? What is wrong with us as a people? The governor of Texas, Greg Abbot, directed his state’s National Guard to block U.S. Border Patrol Agents from rescuing a mother and two children who were in trouble crossing the Rio Grande River from Mexico into Texas. (Woman, 2 children die crossing Rio Grande as Border Patrol says it was prevented from intervening) The mother, and her two children, drowned. Greg Abbot is now officially a murderer. There is no other way to put it. His ordering his troops to prevent the Border Patrol from rescuing these people, to instead stand by and watch them drown, is murder.

Every citizen of the United States understands that there is a pressing need to come up with reasonable border control laws. We, like it or not, can certainly not allow unfettered and totally open access for anyone to cross over into the country. By the same token, we cannot rationally, or morally, completely close our border either. There must be some middle ground. Some compromise that allows people who are fleeing oppression and almost certain death or political imprisonment, to enter our country...

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Truth in the New Year
Truth in the New Year

January 6, 2024

As you
can easily see, it has been quite a while since I posted a blog entry. I am retired, so claiming not having time would be a stretch, but the truth of the matter is, life gets in the way. Dealing with health issues, and burn out, are part of the delay. The software I was using being a pain in the rear side is also no small part of the delay.

Well currently, health seems stabilized a bit. The new software is great and easy to use. So, the excuses are falling away.  Moving forward I am going to commit to writing more blog entries than in the past, at least one bi-weekly, and, with luck, more. It will certainly be easy doing more as I only did 3 in the last 2 years.

We are moving into a critical year for our Democracy. You may be like me, and have grown up thinking our Democracy was a rock and never in danger. I certainly thought that. Sure, we might ebb and flow on how we got things done, or on what direction we headed as a nation, but our Democracy itself was safe. That is no longer the truth...

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ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION?
ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION?

February 10, 2022

John
F Kennedy Jr was murdered by Clinton to prevent him being a rival for the presidency. (He died in a plane crash.)

Jewish space lasers caused the California wildfires.

Over half of Republicans believe that the January 6th insurrection was a non-violent protest despite the fact that 5 people died and dozens were injured, police were attacked with fire extinguishers, clubs and bottles, and the lives of members of congress, both Democrat and Republican were threatened with death.

According to polls, 1 in 6 Republican voters will not vote in the mid-terms because they believe the elections are so rigged that their vote doesn’t matter, even though there has been zero, ZERO, verifiable proof of such fraud.

Laws are being changed in red states to make voting harder and to disenfranchise minority voters because in most cases the leadership of the Republican party understand that if elections are open to...

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SCIENCE. IT MATTERS
SCIENCE. IT MATTERS

January 22, 2022

The importance
of science cannot be overstated.  The warm building I am in, the computer I am typing on, the light in the darkness, the food in the refrigerator, the clothes in the dryer, the car I drove to the doctor’s office, the doctor herself, the TV across the room, the clock on the wall, the stove in the kitchen and almost everything else, is a direct result of science.

Without science we would still have a very hard time living past our 30’s, if that long.  Without science we would still be shivering in the dark afraid of almost everything around us.  Because the cure for fear is understanding and the path to understanding is science.
 
Science is not perfection.  It never has been.  It is the pursuit of knowledge.  It is knowing that when knowledge changes so do conclusions.  Scientific conclusions, as apposed to emotional conclusions, take the latest available reliable information and form a conclusion, or theory, that fits that information. But science is never satisfied.  It always seeks more information and forms new theories and often changes its mind.  And herein lies a problem...

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CONSPIRACY THEORY VS. TRUTH
CONSPIRACY THEORY VS. TRUTH

January 6, 2022

The earth
is flat.
9-11 Was a plot by the US govt. To let them start a war.
The moon landing was faked.
The CIA assassinated JFK.
The holocaust was a myth.
Mass shootings like Sandy Hook are ‘false flags.’
Top democrats are behind a child sex ring.
Covid is a plot to control us by inserting microchips along with the vaccine, or as a plot (by Bill Gates) to use the virus for population control.
Donald Trump actually won the last election.

If you believe any of these, you probably won’t like this post.

I suppose conspiracy theories have always been a problem.  In ancient Rome people spread conspiracy theories by scratching them into the stone walls of buildings.  In 1307 the king of France, King Philip the Fair, used them to help bring down the powerful Knights Templar.  The list goes on and on.

People have always used conspiracy theories...

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Old Man Hippy's gifts and stuff for any old hippy.

  • Old Man Hippy Wood Art
  • Old Man Hippy Wood Art