White House Demolition - The Destruction of U.S. History

 By Mildred Robertson

U.S. White House East Wing Demolition, © Evan Vucci

As I surfed the internet this morning, I found something that I knew had to be AI-generated. Bulldozers were in the process of demolishing a portion of the United States White House. 

My first thought was that "surely this cannot be true, because this is a historic building." While I was aware of Trump's intention to build a new ballroom, I thought that it would require approval from the Secretary of the Interior for construction to proceed.  That office has guidelines for the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction of historic buildings. I further thought there would be public input into the process. While the executive branch has some discretion in reconstruction and alterations to the White House, historically, these changes have involved both preservation and practical modernization goals. Previous renovations have balanced museum stewardship and living-residence needs.

While the White House is both a private residence and a historic property, it is also "The People's House".  The 1961 Act and Executive Order 11145 provide for the White House to serve as more than a private residence, which also houses many of the nation's historic collections. The building itself has legendary history, having been built by approximately 150 free and enslaved laborers, including approximately 20 freemasons who laid the cornerstone in 1792.

While this history is impactful for many Americans, it is unlikely that the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue either knows or cares about this historical fact. Trump's $250 million construction of the ballroom in the East Wing was, according to him, not going to alter the White House itself. However, just like many other things he has told the American public, that statement is clearly false, as demolition of the East Wing has already commenced. (By the way, federal workers are not being paid during a government shutdown, and many are facing permanent unemployment, yet there is money for this vanity project.)

The destruction of a portion of this historic site has already occurred; there is nothing we can do about it at this point. That is very similar to the destruction Trump has visited upon this nation and our foundational beliefs. Historic America is under demolition. We cannot return it to its original state. Just as part of the East Wing is gone, so are many of our foundational freedoms. 

But we cannot let this one man destroy the history our forebearers gave to us. We cannot relinquish the freedoms that our Founders willed to us. There will come a time when another administration will have to fix the atrocities that this tasteless man will wreak upon the People's House. And there will come a time when "The People" will have to repair the damage he has done to our democracy. 

The demolition has begun, but we can stop it. And if it can't be stopped, we can fix it. The White House represents our history, our Constitution, and our freedom. Every American must assess our nation's trajectory and decide whether to accept the destruction we face under the current leadership, both figuratively and literally.  Will we acquiesce, or will we fight to preserve our freedom? 

Freedom was not easily won. It will not be easily relinquished. I believe that most Americans will stand for democracy.  Will you?

Millions to Protest Trump Authoritarianism

By Mildred Robertson

Updated: 10/19/2025

More than 200 groups will hold rallies nationwide to protest the growing authoritarian regime led by Donald J. Trump. The organized coalition includes groups such as the ACLU, American Federation of Teachers, Common Defense, 50501, Human Rights Campaign, League of Conservation Voters, MoveOn, National Nurses United, Public Citizen, SEIU, and United We Dream.  The "No Kings" Rallies are designed to send that message that millions of Americans reject authoritarianism and answer the call to defend democracy against it.  The No Kings Day, protesting Trump's authoritarian takeover is on October 18 nationwide. More than 500 nonviolent protests are scheduled with more being added every day! Here’s where to find No Kings events near you. This is the 2nd nationwide "No Kings" day since June 14. It was one of the largest days of peaceful protest in US history. Millions of people across the nation peacefully took to the streets with one voice to say: No thrones. No crowns. NO KINGS. The October 18  protest comes as Trump doubles down on his assault on the civil liberties of immigrants and American citizens alike, sending thugs disguised as law enforcement to terrorize the streets of America and to disappear people the administration deems unacceptable.  This is a time when every true American patriot needs courage. As Americans take to the streets, they must understand the possible consequences. This is not the America that most of us know, where you have the right to speak your truth. It harkens back to the Civil Rights movement, where protestors could be attacked with firehoses and dogs, beaten with police batons, and ultimately, might be killed.   Together, we must face the unknown as we exercise our rights in this new environment. While courage is necessary, so is restraint.  Just as Martin Luther King, Jr., led his nonviolent protests, we must not allow ourselves to be provoked. We must thwart their goal to incite us to violence so that they can justify calling for martial law.  As we prepare to let our voices be heard, we must know that we are not alone. Millions of Americans are prepared to stand up for Democracy. There are thousands of locations across the country where you can step out in courage and declare that America has no kings! And we are not alone.  Other sites across the world that will join us in our protest against the tyrannical regime in Washington are Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, Canada; Paris, Nice, and Lyons, France; London and Bristol in the United Kingdom, Rome, Turin, and Milan, Italy; and the list goes on.  Trump believes he currently holds all the reins of power and that his rule is absolute. But America will never bow down to the chaos, corruption, and cruelty that his administration exhibits. Just as American revolutionaries rejected tyranny, so must we. Join in the fight against Trump's unlawful authoritarian regime. Whether it is sharing information about the administration's atrocities, calling and writing your congressmen and women, donating to causes that support freedom and democracy, or walking in the streets on October 18th, let them know that we are free, and won't go back to the rule of a king.  UPDATE: America...you were AWESOME yesterday. Now let's keep up the momentum. We must mobilize every sane American and make sure our voices are heard this November, and every election thereafter. Marching is good. Voting is better. Let's vote to save our democracy.

Nothing New About Trump and his Golden Idols

 

Nothing is new in the world. That includes Donald Trump.

In the bible, Daniel 3:1-18, there is a tale of a ruler who was cruel and oppressive, considering himself to be above everything and everyone, just like our current president.

God dealt harshly with this ruler, who went mad and was cast from his kingdom, forced to graze in the grass like an animal. Before Nebuchadnezzar could be restored, he had to humble himself and acknowledge God's sovereignty.

Nebuchadnezzar was counseled to:

TURN FROM EVIL: Daniel urges King Nebuchadnezzar to "break off your sins" by stopping his cruel and oppressive ways.

PRACTICE RIGHTHEOUSNESS: He is called to actively "practice righteousness," which means to act justly and do what is right, particularly in dealing with others.

SHOW MERCY TO THE OPPRESSED: Show kindness and mercy to the poor and downtrodden, which demonstrates compassion.

SEEK GOD'S FAVOR: The Bible says Nebuchadnezzar might delay God's judgment by changing his actions, leading to a "lengthening of your prosperity".

A CALL TO REPENTANCE: The advice is a direct plea for repentance, urging the king to change his heart and behavior to align with God's will.

Trump has queried whether he could enter heaven. Well, this is his roadmap, if he would only choose to follow it.

Disney Cancels Kimmel - I Cancelled Disney

 By Mildred Robertson

As I watch America spiraling into an autocratic dictatorship, I am appalled at how easy it has been for various entities to cave to government overreach. This administration has attacked regulatory bodies, infringed upon civil liberties, and used government power to impose regulations that burden individuals and businesses who do not bow down to the whims of America's authoritarian leadership.  

Trump's administration has an amoeba-like predisposition to absorb the power and authority regulating state and federal governmental agencies, large businesses, and corporations. He has cowed the United States Congress into relinquishing its oversight responsibilities and has launched an attack on fundamental constitutional rights. 

In the most recent affront to American democracy, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show due to his comments regarding Charlie Kirk's shooting. The late-night show host remarked, "This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish," referring to Trump's reaction to Kirk's murder on September 10 while addressing an audience on the campus of Utah Valley University.  

While Kirk's shooting is horrific, so is the governmental response to his execution. This administration is using this tragedy, an American tragedy that affects all of us, as a rallying cry to continue Trump's vindictive attack on all who would have the courage to oppose him. 

Charlie Kirk was a purveyor of hatred who, unfortunately, died while in the throes of promoting it. I have empathy for those who loved him because all deaths are sad, and all murders are unconscionable. But to lionize this man, while ignoring the violent attacks and murders of other politicians of differing ideologies, is just a ploy to justify the governmental overreach in which this administration is already engaging. 

As I watch this administration roll away my rights and freedoms under the Constitution, I often wonder what I can do to make a difference. I write this blog. I donate to causes that support my beliefs and American ideals. And now, I cancelled my subscription to Disney, which is the parent company of ABC, which cancelled the Kimmel show based on his comments.  If we cannot have the free flow of thought in our country, WE cannot be free. 

It's not much. But it is the best I can do to say enough!

You can do it too. These businesses are following the money. Let them know that your dollars will go elsewhere if they continue to acquiesce to this authoritarian regime. 

Death in America – Lethal Politics

By Mildred Robertson

As average Americans deal with the growing violence that blights our political landscape, many search for leadership that inspires unity over conflict. It is a travesty that Charlie Kirk was gunned down in the middle of a university campus, although he was there to espouse violent, hateful ideas. He had a right to his beliefs and the right to champion them. However, it is no less a travesty that he contributed to the hate and violence Americans have come to accept as normal. Kirk defended our weak response to gun control following a school massacre by saying, "Yes, people die from gun violence. It's tragic. But that's the price of freedom. Unfortunately, it's worth it to keep the Second Amendment intact."

It appears political violence is on the rise in America.  From the 2011 Tucson shooting, where then Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot during a constituent meeting and six people were killed and 13 wounded, to the assassination of right-wing conservative Charlie Kirk, terrorists have used violence to silence ideas different from their own. While right-wing leadership calls for vengeance following the fatal shooting of radical activist Charlie Kirk, they remained silent during violent attacks on political figures with differing ideas.

While we perceive ourselves as an enlightened nation that values political freedom, our history presents a different perspective.  We are a violent country. Our turbulent history dates back to the colonies and the destruction of the indigenous population. We have romanticized the violence upon which our nation was built. We see ourselves as rugged, gun-toting individualists whose primary goal is to live free of others' opinions, wants, or needs.

 You can trace America’s appetite for violence from slavery, through the civil Rights movement, up to more recent history that includes the assassination of Medgar Evers, the slaying of Martin Luther King, Malcom X, and John and Robert Kennedy.

But we cannot stop there.  Our country has endured white terrorist attacks such as Timothy McVey’s bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma, the 13 domestic terrorists who attempted to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmore, and the home invasion on Nancy Pelosi and the physical assault on her husband.

Violence in our country is neither red nor blue, as we cite the attempted assassination of Ronald Regan, a mass shooting in 2017 that left five people injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, and the attempted slaying of President Donald Trump.

In June 2025, state Sen. John Hoffman survived an assassination attempt when he and his wife were shot in their Minnesota home. The attack on the Hoffmans occurred before the political assassination of state Rep. Melissa Hortman, the former House speaker, and her husband, Mark. The assassin went as far as to kill their dog. The four were on a kill list of dozens of democrats targeted for assassination.

While Trump basically ignored these recent shootings against democrats, he has ordered flags to be raised to half-staff in honor of the fallen Kirk. His administration did not formally acknowledge Hortman’s assassination or attend or send a representative to her funeral. It appears that he considers himself president of only those who support him. Whereas major statesmen who preceded him have used times such as these to bring unity, he seems to care little about uniting the nation in this time of turmoil.

As America grapples with 9,400 threats of violence against politicians in this country in 2024, we must determine whether our rugged individualism tied to the 2^nd Amendment and the right to bear arms is more important than the right to live without fear of the gun violence that has overcome us in our schools, our streets, our churches and synagogues, and even within the halls of Congress.

As we struggle with the violence that has overtaken our country, Americans have a decision to make.  Do we want to unite as one nation under God? Are we willing to live in a true democracy where all voices are heard, and ideas are put to the test at a ballot box rather than the butt of a gun? Will we relinquish our love of the violent gun culture, or will we continue to normalize the lethal politics that currently govern our lives?

Rampant gun violence. Political terrorism. Is it REALLY worth it?

I would ask Charlie Kirk how he feels about it now. But I can’t, because he is a victim of his own rhetoric and America’s lethal politics.

Trump's Revenge Tour Continues

 By Mildred Robertson

Trump says he's firing Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook, citing his administration’s allegations of mortgage fraud against her. Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board, responded by saying that Trump has no authority to fire her and she would continue to carry out her duties. Wealthy businessman Bill Pulte, who is Trump’s Federal Housing Finance Agency Director, alleged that Cook had committed mortgage fraud. While she has not been formally prosecuted or charged, Trump made the bold, and possibly unconstitutional, decision to try to fire Cook.

And this is not a one-off. Pulte has alleged mortgage fraud against California Sen. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both of whom have been strong Trump adversaries. Schiff was a member of the House Select Committee charged with investigating the January 6^th attack on the United States Capitol. James successfully prosecuted Trump and his sons Eric and Don Jr., which resulted in limits on their ability to do business in New York City. A court this week dismissed the massive monetary penalty she won in this case, but the limits on their ability to do business in New York currently remain in effect.

The decision to go after Cook is likely fueled by Trump’s desire to control the Federal Reserve. To date, his primary target at the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, appears to be more difficult to take down. Powell heads a seven-member board that serves 14-year terms.  The board is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They oversee the Federal Reserve and help set monetary policy.

Trump has come into conflict with the board because he wants interest rates down now. He has attempted to strong-arm Federal Reserve Chair Powell into lowering the rates for months now. Powell has yet to comply.  

That’s where Pulte comes in. Trump's feeble attempt to fire Powell seems stymied by  the fact that the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 states that the Federal Reserve Board of Governors can only be removed by the president “for cause.” Trump tried unsuccessfully to base dismissal for cause against Powell on cost overruns on the central bank’s $2.5 billion headquarters renovation.  Having failed at that, alleging fraud against Cook, the only African American woman on the board, may allow him to achieve his desired results.

As Trump continues his revenge tour, Cook, along with James and Schiff, all deny wrongdoing, stating that the prosecutions are politically motivated. This is not hard to believe, in that Trump has vowed that his second term would be one of retribution against all who have opposed him.

California's Gavin Newsome Armed for the Fight

 By Mildred Robertson

Texas Democrats made a bold move to flee the state, denying Republicans the quorum they need to bring legislation to the floor. Already highly gerrymandered, Texas Republicans plan to pass legislation that could create as many as five new pro-Republican districts, thereby strengthening the Republican stronghold on the U.S. Congress.  

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, Texas Democrats’ weeklong quorum break has stymied the Republican majority while facing threats to either arrest them and bring them back to the chamber or declare their seats vacant due to the quorum bust. The Republicans, however, are no less aligned as they doggedly move forward to pass legislation that will guarantee continued Republican dominance in Texas and the United States Congress.

Democrats' valiant but ill-fated attempt to stop the Texas Republicans raised national awareness of the cost to democracy if Republicans are allowed to pick their voters by drawing voting districts where they are predetermined to win. Their efforts have resulted in new strategies by Democrat-run states to counter Texas’s move to redraw maps mid-decade to steal Democratic-leaning seats and maintain congressional leadership.

Most Democrats are inclined to follow political precedent, regardless of the lawless or unethical actions of the GOP.  Common thought implies that Democrats consistently bring a knife to a gun fight when dealing with Republican lawlessness. This is evidenced by the Democratic majority's hesitance to expand the Supreme Court when they were in power, although Republicans packed it with right-wingers.

Under Mitch McConnell’s leadership, the House stymied President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland eight months before an election, arguing voters should decide which presidential candidate should pick the next justice. He made an about-face when Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed during the final days of the first Trump administration, hastening the seating of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett days before the 2020 presidential election, which Trump lost to Joe Biden.

Several options were available to Democrats. Obama could have made an interim appointment to the Supreme Court, or the Democrats, who controlled Congress during Biden’s administration, could have expanded the court. Democrats chose to go with precedent. Democrats, it appears, choose to play fair, even when their opponents don’t. They generally stand unarmed against the Republicans' ruthless pursuit of power.

But California Gov. Gavin Newsom laid down the knife and picked up a gun. His nuclear strategy involves states under Democratic control drawing maps to create additional safe districts in their respective states to counteract the Republican power grab.

Good for him.

While his tactics are being compared to the Republican power grab, they are not the same. First, Newsome plans to put this proposed change on the California ballot. That means that California’s redistricting would be sanctioned by its constituents. Furthermore, the redrawn maps would only go into effect if triggered by a Republican state attempting to redraw maps that disenfranchise voters and impact the makeup of Congress.  

Having said that...it's a terrible policy. but Democrats are left with few choices.  Knife, or gun? Under the circumstances, Newsome and other Democratic-dominated states are doing the best they can with a bad situation. It is like the strategy of mutual assured destruction and nuclear annihilation. Don't drop the bomb, and nobody will die.