There’s an old adage that says, “Great minds think alike.” I wonder whether that also applies to sick, twisted, evil minds.

Several months after Vladimir Putin’s armies invaded Ukraine in 2022, hundreds of thousands of Russians fled Russia upon learning that Putin had ordered a massive military mobilization. Thousands of them are still living in exile, mostly in various European and Central Asian countries, afraid to return home under threat of being sent to Ukraine to fight an unjust war . . . and meet an almost certain death.

In the interim, numerous onerous laws have been passed by the Russian Parliament, designating as “foreign agents” anyone even suspected of having anti-Putin or anti-war connections or sentiments. Putin’s prisons are filled with dissidents, journalists, and even foreigners guilty of nothing more than speaking the truth, or having contributed to an “undesirable” organization.

And the situation of the expatriates became even more dire on August 4th of this year, when Putin signed a new law that essentially places them in a sort of purgatory, depriving them of certain basic legal rights while technically maintaining their Russian citizenship.

By fleeing the country and speaking out against the war, many of the expatriates already stand convicted of a variety of crimes, including cooperating with “undesirable” organizations, or dishonoring the Russian military. Now the new law deprives them of rights commonly available to all Russian citizens, including renewing their passports, or having a document notarized in support of an application for a marriage license.

The expats are calling it “civil death.” According to Tanya Lokshina, a Russian researcher for the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch:

“Russian citizens technically will not lose their citizenship. They will remain Russian nationals, but without access [to] legal services. It is de-facto statelessness.” [Mike Eckel, RFE/RL, August 6, 2026.]

And, as described by Gleb Bogush, a Russian lawyer now living in Germany:

“[The goal] is to send a message and impose a chilling effect on society, on both those who left and those who remain in the country.” [Id.]

*. *. *

My instinctive reaction as an American — and likely that of most people around the world — is one of sorrow and disgust. My second reaction, as a long-time student of Russian history, is that I’m not really surprised. It’s simply Putinism as we have come to know it over the last quarter century.

And then I read about National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7), titled “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence,” dated September 25, 2025.

But no . . . this is not another edict by Vladimir Putin. This is a Presidential Memorandum signed nearly a year ago, with little or no fanfare, by Donald J. Trump, as President of the United States:

It begins with a litany of “Heinous assassinations and other acts of political violence in the United States” — specifically naming the killing of far-right political activist Charlie Kirk, and the alleged attempts on Trump’s own life — and goes on to state:

“There are common recurrent motivations and indicia uniting this pattern of violent and terroristic activities under the umbrella of self-described ‘anti-fascism.’ . . . This ‘anti-fascist’ lie has become the organizing rallying cry used by domestic terrorists to wage a violent assault against democratic institutions, constitutional rights, and fundamental American liberties. Common threads animating this violent conduct include anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and anti-Christianity; support for the overthrow of the United States Government; extremism on migration, race, and gender; and hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on family, religion, and morality.” [NSPM-7, September 25, 2025.]

And so on, and so on, as he lays the foundation for this:

“The United States requires a national strategy to investigate and disrupt networks, entities, and organizations that foment political violence so that law enforcement can intervene in criminal conspiracies before they result in violent political acts. Through this comprehensive strategy, law enforcement will disband and uproot networks, entities, and organizations that promote organized violence, violent intimidation, conspiracies against rights, and other efforts to disrupt the functioning of a democratic society.” [Id.]

The entire memorandum, covering some three or four pages, might well have been written by Vladimir Putin himself. It completely echoes the harangues we are accustomed to hearing from the Kremlin against those who dare disagree with official government policy, accusing the dissidents of the very “crimes” of which the administration itself is guilty.

And, while NSPM-7 is not an enforceable law, and does not represent an act of Congress or a ruling of a federal court, just ask yourself when Donald Trump has ever let legality get in the way of anything he wants to do. Think of what events have already taken place in the name of “national security” in the past year and a half.

Then, if this “Memorandum” — in reality, a template for the creation of a fascist state — still doesn’t scare you to death, nothing will.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/8/26

On January 30th, Amazon blew $75 million on a film that nearly everyone knew would be a disaster . . . and it was. “Melania,” starring you-know-who’s wife, grossed all of $16 million, and earned an aggregated film critic score of 10% on Rotten Tomatoes — hardly a surprise, given the popularity of both the subject and her husband.

Yet now, inexplicably, the producer of that abomination, Marc Beckman, has announced that a new documentary series on the life of the same Melania Trump is slated to debut this fall, providing “a completely different look at her world.” [Marco Margaritoff, Huffpost, August 5, 2026.]

Beckman optimistically said in a statement:

“You might remember, if you saw the film, we only captured 20 days of the first lady’s life. We open the window a little bit into her private life, her marriage, her family. We open a little deeper into her career, as well as her philanthropy.” [Id.]

[Ed.Note: “Career”? “Philanthropy”? Are we even talking about the same person?]

Anyway, Beckman added that this would be “a full new experience for the viewers,” offering a look at “what happens right at the beginning of the new 47th presidential administration.” [Id.]

But why — I hear you ask, quite logically — would they risk another pile of money on top of an already embarrassing flop? Well, apparently these people are suffering from the same sort of narcissistic delusions that run in the Trump family. Because in June, Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, had this to say:

“It [the movie] did really well. We’ll have another bite at the apple when we release the companion docuseries later this year.” [Id.]

Well . . . okay, then. If they have all the money in the world to spend on crap, and if Melania is sufficiently thick-skinned to subject herself to even more ridicule, I guess they’re entitled to have their fun.

As long as they remember that we’re entitled not to spend our last few dollars to suffer through it.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/7/26

In yesterday’s post, I suggested it might finally be time for Senator Mitch McConnell to surface and offer proof that he is actually alive and sentient.

Later in the day, as though reading my thoughts, McConnell allegedly advised the nation in yet another written statement that he has allegedly left rehab to return home, where he will allegedly — on the alleged advice of his physicians — “maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business.” [Sylvia Goodman, Kentucky Public Radio, August 6, 2026.]

The statement also said:

“Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I’ve received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff.” [Id.]

But where was McConnell himself? Why isn’t there the slightest glimpse of him leaving the hospital in a wheelchair, at least trying to smile and wave weakly at the photographers? What’s with all of the generically-worded statements?

McConnell’s term expires in January. Until then, his vote is essential to Republicans, who hold a very slim majority in the Senate. While Senate rules dictate that a member must be physically present for a floor vote, the same does not hold true for committees; an absent committee member is allowed to authorize another Senator to enter his proxy vote for him. And McConnell presently holds key positions on both the Senate Agriculture and Appropriations Committees, with deadlines approaching for major spending bills and another bill containing Trump’s SAVE America Act.

So — at the risk of sounding like some sort of conspiracy nut — I continue to wonder what is really going on. Is Mitch indeed alive? And if so, is he mentally capable of doing the job he was elected to do, and for which he continues to be paid? Or is someone doing it for him? And in the latter case . . . who?

And finally, do they (whoever they may be) really think they can keep this farce running for another five months?

We, the American people, need to know. Because such a scenario raises the specter of an astronomical number of laws being broken by more than a few people, and the prospect of legislation being passed by a phantom.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/7/26

Every now and then I like to stray from my usual sources of wisdom — Shakespeare, Socrates, Confucius, and Eleanor Roosevelt, among others — and share with my readers some juicy tidbit from a living person. And what individual living today provides us with a more steady supply of quotable quotes than that font of all knowledge, the stable genius himself . . .

There are so many gems to choose from; his “Truth Social” posts alone provide the late-night comics with enough material for several lifetimes. But today I’ve chosen one from about a month ago that was so memorable it continues to haunt me to this day.

On July 3, 2026, at a celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Donald Trump addressed a group at Mt. Rushmore (where he would dearly love to see his head carved in stone next to those of Washington, Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, and Lincoln). For some reason, he chose to speak about the English language, with which he has a passing acquaintance, and its role as the language of America.

And what he said was this:

“In America, we speak English because that is the language of our founding and for a thousand years that has been the language of freedom.”

– Donald J. Trump, July 3, 2026

(Notice how I managed to sneak in a little Shakespeare after all. I can’t seem to help myself.)

But back to Trump.

In harking back 1,000 years, he certainly wasn’t talking about the America of 1026 A.D., as its native tribes were still some 581 years from being invaded by the first English-speaking settlers, who didn’t land at Jamestown until 1607. There was, of course, the earlier settlement at St. Augustine in 1565; but that was established by Spaniards, who spoke . . . yes, I know it’s obvious . . . Spanish. And the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus — though credited with having “discovered” America in 1492 — never touched the mainland, stopping instead at the Bahamas and Cuba.

Now, he might claim that he was referring to 1,000 years of the English language being spoken in jolly old England. But even that doesn’t compute, as the “Old English” of that time bore no resemblance to the English language as we know it today, but was in fact a Germanic language.

In short, I would suggest you give today’s quote the respect it deserves, and file it under “fantasy” rather than “fact” or “inspiration.” Or better yet, just trash it.

That’s where most of his utterances belong.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/6/26

Since Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell disappeared from public view on June 14th, the country has been holding its collective breath until August 3rd — the supposed date by which Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear would be required to call a special election to fill McConnell’s vacant seat in the U.S. Senate if he were to be declared dead or otherwise unable to serve.

Well, August 3rd has come and gone; there is still no sighting of McConnell, nor have we seen any verifiable sign that he is still alive; and now Governor Beshear says the August 3rd deadline is not absolute and that he has other available options . . . whatever that means.

So how long are the Republicans going to keep poor Mitch on ice, or wherever he is? How many more half-assed excuses can his Senate staffers come up with before someone cracks under the weight of all the evasions and lies? And how many doctored photos or AI images are we going to be shown before someone slips up?

Isn’t it time for the perpetrators to end this farce — this hybrid of “Dave” and “Weekend at Bernie’s” — and face the consequences of their actions? It’s not as though they’re fooling anyone. And the longer it continues, the harder it will be for them to explain themselves when it does end.

I have no use for Mitch McConnell, as a politician or otherwise. But he is, after all, a human being. In the name of common decency, can’t we allow the man to die with at least a shred of dignity?

And then, at long last, take him — and his staff — off of the federal payroll.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/6/26

Once again, I dared to hope that a Republican Senator — from Florida, no less — might have grown a brain and an attached spine. Senator Rick Scott began on the right note yesterday, when he told a reporter from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty:

“Putin’s a thug. It’s despicable what he’s done to the Ukrainian people and how many women, children, and grandmothers Puin has killed. It’s important for us to stand for freedom.”

– Rick Scott, August 4, 2026

[Source: Alex Raufoglu, RFE/RL, August 5, 2026 CET.]

He also expressed support for tougher sanctions against other authoritarian leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. So far, so good.

Until it wasn’t.

When asked whether he thought Putin had underestimated America’s resolve to continue supporting Ukraine, he quickly reverted to the role of Trump cheerleader, offering this:

“People have been surprised that President Trump is making sure Iran doesn’t have a nuclear weapon.” [Ed.Note: They didn’t have one when he tore up the agreement that Obama had negotiated.]

“I think they’re surprised that he’s trying to hold Communist China accountable.” [Ed.Note: “Trying”? How, exactly?]

“I think they were surprised that he took Maduro on in Venezuela.” [Ed.Note: You mean by illegally invading a sovereign nation and kidnapping its leader?]

And my personal favorite: “The world has been surprised by Donald Trump’s willingness to stand up for freedom around the world.” [Ed.Note: Right . . . everywhere but at home!] [Id.]

Once again — this time from Senator Scott — a brief shining moment of hope before reality reared its ugly head.

Why do I even try?

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/5/26

An old and dear friend stopped by today, and we spent three wonderful hours catching up on the years since we’d last seen one another. Of course, we started with news about ourselves, moved on to family and mutual friends, and did a little reminiscing before getting to the important stuff: politics. It’s what she and I always wind up talking about.

Being very much on the same wavelength — and both being news junkies — we’re very much attuned to what’s going on in the world on a daily basis. And we are equally baffled at how so many people in the U.S. — not just the masses of MAGA morons, but the (supposedly) smart people in government and industry as well — could possibly have fallen under the sway of a snake oil salesman who, in addition to being possibly the world’s most dishonest living individual, has obviously completely lost the plot.

There seems to be no logical answer. It’s easy enough to understand why his billionaire friends — the ones who control most of the major industries and media outlets in the country — continue to suck up to him: it’s all of those lovely, lucrative government contracts and other favors. But what about the masses . . .first described by English writer and politician Edward Bulwer-Lytton in the 19th century as “the great unwashed”? Is Trump some sort of super hypnotist?

And the others who sell their souls by continuing to enable him as he gleefully demolishes every good and worthwhile aspect of this country? What is he holding over their heads? Can he possibly have potentially damaging information about every single Republican/conservative member of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the entire U.S. government? What are they all so afraid of? Is he really worth their sacrificing everything they’ve built over their lifetimes?

It is indeed a conundrum. And the only way I can account for it is to think that it may be the psychological equivalent of a Covid-like epidemic: mass hysteria.

Also known as mass psychogenic illness (MPI), it is defined as:

“ . . . a social phenomenon where a group of people share identical physical or psychological symptoms — such as dizziness, fainting, or panic — without any real physical or germ-related cause. It is driven by stress, fear, and social influence rather than an actual disease.” [Source: Wikipedia] [Bold emphasis is mine.]

“Stress, fear, and social influence.” That could be it. How else would you explain the success of this lunatic:

Or this one:

Maybe I’m wrong . . . maybe it isn’t mass hysteria at all. But if not, then what is it? Like any disease, we can’t combat it until we can identify it.

We really need to figure it out, and soon. Because it’s getting worse by the day.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/5/26

I’m presently awaiting the arrival, in just a couple of hours, of a friend I haven’t seen for six years, though we’ve kept in touch by phone, text and email. She has been like a second daughter to me for about 30 years, and I’ve missed her terribly while I was living farther away.

But now that I’ve moved closer again, she is able to visit, and I’m excited to see her . . . we are so in sync about nearly everything, and we have six years to catch up on!

So I naturally chose “friendship” as the subject for today’s quote, and this one seemed perfect:

“Never leave a friend behind. Friends are all we have to get us through this life — and they are the only things from this world that we could hope to see in the next.”

– Dean Koontz, “Fear Nothing (Moonlight Bay, #1)”

So true!

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/4/26

I don’t claim to have inside information, nor do I possess the power to foresee the future. This one was just too easy.

On August 1st, in writing about the sudden admission by Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, that the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was actually caused by faulty workmanship and not by vandalism, I wondered about the possibility that Ms. Pirro might soon be out of a job. My thoughts were based solely on Donald Trump’s track record for throwing even his most loyal followers under the bus for the slightest infraction of his one-sided loyalty code.

Well, it didn’t take long. Immediately following her dismissal of the indictments against David Hearn and others who had been wrongfully charged with damaging federal property, Trump threw a tantrum and insisted that she — and the Interior Department report on which she based her decision — were dead wrong.

And yesterday he continued disputing the findings of his own so-called experts, saying that Pirro had “choked” and “folded like an umbrella” in dropping the indictments. [Katherine Faulders, et al., ABC News, August 3, 2026.]

While the White House has not (as of this writing) responded to a request by ABC News for comment, aides are said to have indicated that Trump has privately mused about whether he should fire Pirro. [Id.]

Now, keep in mind that that is not official. So let’s all put on our surprised faces when the news finally does break.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/4/26

That took less time than boiling an egg.

Two U.S. Senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis — whom I had credited just moments ago with following their consciences in the matter of Todd Blanche’s confirmation as Attorney General — have shown themselves to be good little Republican sycophants after all. I should have known it was too good to be true.

All it took was Blanche’s official rescission of his approval of Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” slush fund to convince them that Blanche is, after all, the person most qualified to fill the permanent position of U.S. Attorney General.

Or maybe it was a phone call from the Oval Office.

Whatever the deciding factor, the two Senators issued the following joint statement today:

“We want to express our gratitude to Mr. Blanche and his staff for working with us on this, and we look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee soon.” [Chris Marquette, Politico, August 3, 2026, 11:04 a.m. ET.]

Did they actually fall for the obvious ruse? Or was it all part of a Republican plot to begin with, designed to remove a major obstacle to Blanche’s appointment?

We’ll never know for sure, of course. But once he is approved (assuming he is), we’ll see how long it takes for Trump to push his next self-serving, money-making scheme through the Donald J. Trump Department of Justice.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/3/26