On 4-12-25, the Washington Post peened an article about President Trump's Topsy-Turvey game being played with tariffs, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:

 What's it gonna take to make US Citizens wake up to the actions of a tyrannical leader? Everything Trump has said about tariffs has been proven to be a lie or statements enhanced by his falsified use of the statistics. There was no grand period of wealth in the country because of tariffs, they were nothing but a progressive tax, (like the Sur tax called Sales Tax), attached to what we bought. The Income Tax was an equalizer because the more money you made, the more tax you would have to pay for supporting government. Except the rich and corporations were the only ones who could afford a cadre of lobbyists to reduce or find special exemptions to protect their ever-greater incomes.

     On 4-9-25, the Washington Post penned an article that reported lies being told by Vice President Vance about the fraud and abuse Musk's DOGE organization had found in the administration of the government's Social Security agency committed by aged recipients, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:

Faud and abuse in government is the province of those at the top of its hierarchy, not the bottom.

Also in the same article, the Enlightened Prisoner further responded:

All Vice President Vance has proven by his claims is that TDS, (Trump Derangement Syndrome), is contagious. 

       On 4-6-25, an article in the Washington Post about the Trump administration's trade and tariff warfare produced this Enlightened Prisoner response: 

I do a lot of reading, watch and listen to a lot of news presentations, even do a little science fiction reading. But, for the life of me, I can't see the strategy of trade and tariff warfare being a cause and effect for bringing manufacturing back to this country. So far, about all I'm seeing are a bunch of former allies tuning up to play whack the arrogant US mole.

      Yesterday, President Trump issued his list of countries being punished for their mean and unfair treatment to the economy of the United States.  Those listed countries will be assessed 10% or more tariffs for their products.  I noted that missing from the list of countries being punished were North Korea, Cuba, Belarus, and... Russia!?!?  The Enlightened Prisoner 4-3-25 

     On 4-2-25, the Washington Post penned an article for: "How the Trump Administration took aim at Maine", because of the words and actions of Maine's Governor Janet Mills, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus: 

The treatment of the State of Maine is a despicable act of governmental abuse of State's rights. The corrupt principals of the Trump Administration lay out their true motive which is totalitarian control to eliminate the liberty and justice mandates of our Constitutional charter. Be very wary citizens. The Trump Administration gives and takes as it pleases, not as prescribed by law.

     On 4-2-25, after taking note of recent publicity covering President Trump, and after the broadcast remarks of US Senator Cory Booker, the Enlightened Prisoner was moved to respond with the following: 

This chicken-hearted President of our country has chosen to make governing statements from the pulpit of his personal social network platform because he does not want to be challenged or have to answer questions of accountability for his remarks.  Well, two can play that game.

 Dear President Trump.  If you cannot run a government that looks after those things that express a respect and duty to all of its citizens, then you’ve signed on to this endeavor under false pretenses. 

We, your citizens, don’t appreciate that you seem to be running this government for the good of your billionaire buds.  Neither they or you seem concerned that your citizens are showing more respect for each other than you or your selection of governing bastard buds.  Either shape up or better yet, ship out!   

"But we now live in the Trump era, where the president's terrible ideas are made real by a team of enablers and toadies. Democracy may die in darkness, but under Trump, it's just as liable to die in dumbness." (Bret Stephens, New York Times)

'Enuf said.

     On 3-26-25, The Washington Post penned an article relating to the judicial decisions made on transferring alien prisoners to a foreign prison without use of the due process clause, citing only the powers allowed by an obscure war footing ruling made centuries before, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:  

The cumulative mistakes being made by this Trump Administration in the brief stint of their governance is a repeat performance of the early stint of Trump's first administration. However, the overall effect can only be attributed both times to the same cause. Trump has a fixation with pushing hard and fast to place people in his Cabinet and for administration of his White House staff to individuals that have demonstrated total loyalty and minimal working knowledge of their assigned post. That's right, he puts more value in their ability to talk the talk, not so much that they can walk the walk. And so, we see again how he resorts to making bland excuses or deflections to cover what amounts to gross incompetency. When the government makes such a cumulative display you see the effect on the national stock markets and the attitudes from the countries who consider us worthy of trust and mutually beneficial commerce. And you see their treatment of us as mediation to avoid Presidential tantrums. And a hope there's some relief coming.

     On 3-24-25, the Washington Post penned an article about the Trump/Musk conduct of fraud investigation into the government's Social Security program, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:  

The Trump/Musk team are creating the same type of fraud rumors that created the fraudulent McCarthy Hearings of the 50's for communists in government. And for the same purpose. Get your mind deflected from their inefficiencies by lots of dog whistles. Beginning to see the light yet Bubba?

 No matter what blame you try and justify with finger pointing at Mexico, Canada or China, the drug problem exists because of the United States market of thrill-seeking drug heads who worship the chance to escape reality and cozy up with the most wretched of our irresponsible citizens. And capture so much of my tax dollars that could be used for far better citizen enhancements.

 

      On 2-27-25, the Washington Post penned the Emily Davies story, "She hoped Trump’s victory would change her life, but not like this, Ryleigh Cooper is normally more focused on motherhood than politics. Then came DOGE", and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:

Just another story of voter remorse? No. This in-depth account of Ryleigh Cooper's experience with the exposed truths of the great American candidate's dog and pony manipulations has so been told in such an understandable fashion. But writer Emily Davies has done a masterful piece of journalism here. If the corrupted state of our election process for paid placement of the unqualified in charge is to be exorcised, more like Ms. Davies writings are needed.

     On 2-26-25, the Washington Post penned an article that Trump had nominated his personal attorney D. John Sauer for the post of Solicitor General to the Supreme Court, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus: 

There is a certain amount of kinship the SCOTUS wrote into their decision to install such power of decision-making immunity into the office of President. Judges usually assume their actions must have such authority of acceptance without question because their backgrounds result from such learned experience and an end result must be found. But what isn't taken into account in the case of Trump is there must be exceptions, and the Trump history of irrational behavior and evidence for unreasoned decision making does not lend itself to justification for total immunity. Absurd behavior for purely political self-serving reasons must have consequences. Would not that have been the consequences of a Nixon trial?

And one thing more, wouldn't Trump's nomination of his personal attorney D. John Sauer constitute a conflict of interest? And just the act of nominating Sauer would seem an absurd example of Trump's disregard for the ethical nature of governance for all the people, not just he who would rule.

      On 2-24-25, the Washington Post penned an article on the harassment of a female reporter who reported on the rape of a girl by a prominent male community member, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:

 The incident of bullying is hardly a new phenomenon in the country. It has, however, shown an increased participation by virtue of social media. Now the false bravado crew gets a print platform, (a skirt to hide behind), that allows them to enjoy firsthand its effects on the victim by tracking likes, (or woke responses), from victim protectors in no position to do any harm but toss a hard right of words. Now, it has also become the malevolence of political power politics as we suffer the growing ranks of our unsophisticated and ill-mannered top-down politicians. Names withheld to protect the guilty.

     On 2-21-25, the Washington Post penned an article about the very strong tactics of the DOGE band of vigilantes descending on government agencies and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:   

The tactics of the DOGE posse of vigilantes are using the Trump "playground bully" book as direction. You don't pick on someone your own size to flex muscle. Case in point, always pick the very meek and isolated first, as in USAID. Pick up a reputation and it makes others think of you as legit. Never mind the bigger guys who may fight back, like the military contractors. Beginning to see the pathetic sickness of the DOGA pack of dogs?

      On 2-20-25, the Washington Post penned an article on the Senate's confirmation of the highly unqualified Kash Patal as FBI Director, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus: 

Let's not go bonkers over the loss of FBI investigative independence. Recall that the Constitution leaves our internal law enforcement to the State Constitutions and the quality of those departments, (City, County and State agencies), that serve to preserve community safety. They deserve our respect and support in times of federal upheaval.

     On 2020-25, WAPO penned an article about, "Many of Trumps early actions are unpopular, Post-Ipsos poll finds", and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:

 WAPO and affiliate print media would get a much stronger reaction to the Trump/Musk shameful display of Executive Branch power abuse if they were to properly name the action taking place. It is a coup pure and simple. And print media owe us relevant historical examples that have occurred that justify the term.

     On 2-18-25, The Washington Post penned an article that, "Trump Administration fires thousands for performance without evidence, in messy rush", and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:

 In the many years of my life, the most outrageous news incidents of fraud and abuse of government money were faults of contractors, not employees. The employees were there as checkers and were more responsible for the fix rather than the problem. So, it’s typical that Trump and his favorite contractor campaign donor Musk aren’t about money saving but getting rid of the side rails that open the floodgates of corruption. And that's the same plan they’re running to rid the IRS of the auditors looking at big money taxpayers.  See the big picture pattern here folks?

     On 2-17-25, the Washington Post penned an article about Elon Musk entering the Social Security office and demanding access to all records.  The current Executive Head of the office refused and was forced to vacate the office and a Trump appointee allowed Musk's intrusions.  On that date the Enlighten Prisoner responded thus:

A court must issue a search warrant or subpoena in order for your records held by a bank, or any government agency to be inspected. Our pissant President has allowed a total novice who's only credential is campaign donor extraordinaire to trespass and seize such records. This authorization coming from a convicted felon who won't ever share his own tax, school, medical or business records for the sake of establishing trust in the office of power he assumes over us all? Whoa, big mistake here folks, big mistake.

     On 2-16-25, the Washington Post penned an article that the Trump/Musk government purge needs some guardrails, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:

According to statistical data, 4 out of 5 US government employees do not work in Washington D.C. Which begs the question, why are Trump and Musk making such a big show of their government purge there? 

Well, here's a possible answer. In both of Trump's elections, (2016 and 2024), Washington, D.C. district's voters overwhelmingly (around 90%) voted for his opponents Hillary and Joe. Could it be because they were more aware of candidate qualifications because they saw their work efforts up front? 

If so, that makes the Musk/Trump effort little but a petty revenge thing. After all, we've never been treated to a single report, study, or Congressional based recommendation for anything they offer as justification for their actions, have we?

       On 2-15-25, the Washington Post penned an article that Trump had taken steps to rename Mount Denali in Alaska back to Mount McKinley, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:  

Recall again folks that Trump is operating on the theory that it's necessary to do something outrages every day in order to maintain his dominance of the news media. You see, he's fooling you into believing that he's the most important thing in the country. Gobble, gobble ya'al.

      On 2-14-25, the Washington post penned an article saying: "This data may vanish under Trump, so we charted it", and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:

The humanitarian values of this Administration have been revealed.

There are none!

      On 2-12-25, the following letter was written by the Enlightened Prisoner.

February 12, 2025

Senator Elizabeth Warren

311 Hart Senate office Bld.

Washington, D.C. 20510

 Dear Senator Warren,

Like most citizens, my income, (I’m a retired pensioner), is only sufficient to cover a portion of my daily expenses and what I may occasionally direct to savings for emergency purposes is minuscule.  As you are also aware, the federal licensed banking institutions are paying me a totally insignificant interest for checking and passbook savings amounts I keep for ready payment of regular or unforeseen expenses.

Yet, those same banking institutions are paying premium interest rates on their stocks and bonds for those wealthy enough to afford them. And, in the case of most all those investment securities, the people and wealth management companies holding them had nothing to do with the initial purchase the securities represent for an investment in the bank’s economic operations.   

My deposits in checking and savings accounts, however, represent on-going revenue for banking institutions to finance their daily operations and loan opportunities.  So, would it not seem fair that my interest in financing their daily revenue should be at least comparable to the interest they pay for those investment securities that represent initial purchase when the stocks and bonds increased value since purchase has no effect on those daily banking needs? 

I’m sure there are statistical records that would support my argument, but I will leave that to your expertise of our country’s financial snapshot for our economic playing field.  My idea for this suggestion was born in watching Robert Reich’s film, “Inequities for All” and respect for the concern you have consistently shown for matters affecting the economy was responsible for directing the idea to you.   

Thank you for the time taken to read my recommendation and thank you for your service in Congress that means so much in being a voice for middle class citizens.

George O Ray

PO Box 1416. Allyn, WA 98524-1416

(360) 275-1710

     On 2-10-25, the Enlightened Prisoner made the following comment on the Washington Post. 

For this Administration to claim the court orders are corrupt and won't be obeyed flies in the face of our social order. That seems to indicate that Trump, Vance and Musk are taking a Nihilist stance. That they don't approve of established social order, which is a continuation of election denial, abusing the power of an elected office, and illegal firing of career federal officers or making threats to those performing their duties.

     On 2-9-25, the Editorial Board of the Seattle Times penned, "As Trump and Musk tear through democracy we can't just stand by", and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus: 

As an advocate of "Representative Government", I'm more concerned with the underreach of Congress than I am with the overreach of the Executive Branch's public servant. Our government is designed for the back and forth of discussion to reach a better solution rather than government by individual edict. Yet Congress, who created those programs under attack seem awestruck and impotent.

And the way the divisiveness within the country seems to be heading is telling me that government by edict, (especially since the one doing the edict didn't even get 50% of the elections popular vote), is, well, not very popular.

       On 2-7-25, the Washington Post penned an article that noted President Trump was considering firing all the board members of the Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC and appointing himself Chairman, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus: 

My wife and I have toured the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. It is a national treasure with a cultural history that recognizes the best of our nation's cultural talents.

To desecrate the sacred character of that institution with the irreligious image of Trump, the talentless buffoon and criminal actor, who owns no historical significance other than chaos creator and enemy to the people of intelligent grace, is an absurd departure we will forever regret. And so, say I.

     On 1-31-25, a Washington Post essay by Dana Milbank on taking note of the Trump Administration's early actions produced this remark by the Enlightened Prisoner:  

 "It’s early, but the second Trump administration already looks a lot like the first. There’s the familiar incompetence." (Quotes Dana's essay.)

And Dana, do you also note that our citizen reaction, (like his first White House occupation), has become something akin to the "boiling frog syndrome"?

     On 1-30-25, the Washington Post penned an article on the strange manner of blaming previous administration actions for the plane/helicopter crash in Washington DC and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:   

This inexcusable tirade of President Trump explaining his fact lacking opinions as management response for his first emergency crisis event in office has revealed an immaturity and incapability of performance. As probably any experienced crisis manager would tell you.

      On 1-27-25, The Enlightened Prisoner posted his view on the Jan6th pardons by President Trump:

And remember, they were pardoned, not exonerated. The stain remains and shadows their character. Just as the pain remains with those US Citizens who endured their unprovoked attack on their right to protect the People's House of government.

     On 1-22-25, the Washington Post penned an opinion on how the Trump Administration intents on eliminating the need for background screening for its applicants to staff the offices for its administration of the new government, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus: 

The lack of relevant credentials would seem reason enough to deny a person's ability to staff a position and the Trump Administration doesn't even use that as a screening qualification.

Thus, we can only assume the incoming administration. (starting with glorious leader), is entirely composed of the unqualified leading our nation to its new performance mission of unintended consequences. Fasten your seatbelts citizens.

       On 1-21-25, the Washington Post penned an article describing how President Trump in his first day of office issued a group pardon for all those convicted of taking part in the insurrection riot of January 6th, 2020, at the People's House of government in Washington, D.C.  On that date, the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:

I'm a citizen who feels betrayed. Never in our history have two back-to-back Presidents done more to make the word "Pardon" one of the most shameful words in our dictionary.

     On 1-15-25, the Washington Post penned an article about the Senate confirmation hearings on Trump's sections of cabinet members, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus: 

To understand how incompetent behavior infects a Trump administration, refer to Chapter 11 of George Stephanopoulos' book "The Situation Room, the inside story of presidents in crisis".

It details the constant examples of chaos and incompetence that Trump brought to the table for his first term in our country's governance. It's bad enough that he keeps avoiding accountability for his criminal malfeasance conduct, but it's inexcusable how his ignorance of competent management and reasoned thought is overlooked as well. Real Trump is a flaming moron, just as described by one of the adult members of his competent advisors.

     On 1-11-25, the Seattle Times penned an editorial about the upcoming State's Legislative Session needing to deal with the budget crisis in a constructive way, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus: 

You must realize our State's Sales Tax is the primary source of income for our state's operating revenue, yet our elected legislators are terrified to use it for increasing revenue. So, each year while our state's employee level increases, and their wage and benefits increase, and the costs of providing them space, equipment, etc., the legislators sneak in new Sur Tax methods to make up the difference. Seems to me the new governor is trying to find a way to even the financial playing field without embarrassing the legislators for their timidity.

 On 1-11-25, the Washington Post penned an article that the government was correcting a Department of Justice report on the 1921 Tulsa Oklahoma racial incident which absolved fault by an uncontrolled mob of white racists.  On that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:

The disgraceful excuses offered by the initial US Department of Justice report for the Tulsa Incident only typifies the dangers inherent when partisan politics are allowed to regulate how public agencies conduct business.

How such actions are prevented lives in the character of elected officials. Choose wisely in vote and encourage an unfettered media for discovery of abuse. And right now, both principals seem jeopardized by the partisan politics of our time.

      On 1-5-25, The Washington Post penned an article that endorsed the Inspector General's report on the FBI role in the January 6th Insurrection, and on that date the Enlightened Prisoner responded thus:

Reports written by those serving as Inspector Generals for the US Government are defined as: "an official (of qualified character) appointed to investigate individuals' complaints against maladministration, especially that of public authorities."

Theirs is a report of Congressional record based on factual investigation. Be not distracted nor deflected by those who would fault such findings with simple words that appeal for nothing but opposition. Examine them for their lack of factual source or evidentiary support. And find as the thoughtful do that their words do more to reflect on the character of the speaker than their utterances. And so say I.