Who Told Trump To Apologize To The British?

Last week was bigly bad for Donald. He would have been much better off skipping Davos. His Greenland threats went flat, and his Peace Club was reduced to foreign aid recipients. Worse for his battered ego, he had to apologize to Britain for his remark about their NATO troops. 

The reason of course he had such a bad week was that he has no advisors, at least on his cabinet. But the apology does indicate that he does listen to someone, because I cannot imagine that he realized that an apology was necessary on his own. If it is Stephen Miller or Steve Witkoff, or someone else, my staff has not determined. There does however seem to be some definite advice toward moderation. Tom Homan is replacing Gregory Bovino in Minneapolis, suggesting Trump knows that ICE has gone too far.

We do know that a victim of Trumpism is our homegrown Ryan Mackenzie. His press release yesterday on the ICE shooting was better thought out than his meme last week praising Trump. On this recent shooting he struck a conciliatory tone, although staying to the right.There was no mention that Kristi Noem defended the shooting, and other immediate knee-jerk reactions from the administration.

The Toll Of Trump's Arrogance

For Trump's second term, he wasn't going to put up with any pesky advisors. No expertise need apply. He assembled a cast of sycophants, yes men and women, whose requirements were no deeper than their appearance.

Last week Trump put the last nail in our coffin with Europe. He undid alliances going back to the First World War. Europe knew Trump was deficient  before last week, but then Britain actually wanted an apology about NATO losses in Afghanistan. Trump apologized to the British, but not to other NATO members. Our next president is going to have a job on his hands just restoring trust with our former allies.

Most consequential to American health is Kennedy, whose anti-vaccine ignorance is reviving dormant diseases. Most consequential to American defense is Hegseth, who has turned our Navy into pirates. Most consequential to our democracy are Noem and Bondi, who defend Americans being killed for protest. Although this recent shooting by ICE is under investigation, with mixed reports about the sequence of events, it is clear that ICE is doing the country more harm than good at this point. Republicans will have to decide if they put party or country first.

MacKenzie Doubles Down On Trump

I was surprised to see the Trump meme on Mackenzie's Facebook feed. While I have been recommending that the Congressman speak out against Trump, I figured that he would just quietly promote himself, with little to no mention of Trump. 

Could Trump be more popular here in the Valley and Poconos than I realize? I don't think so .Is it possible that Mackenzie thinks that the President's agenda is wonderful?

While Mackenzie's Democratic opponent is yet unknown, it is known that it will be a very expensive election. In addition to maintaining a majority in the house, Trump is concerned about impeachment. I'll speculate that Ryan is going for the campaign money, and likely Trump himself campaigning for him.

Siegel Bites Holihan Twice

Last fall when Republican DA Gavin Holihan endorsed Josh Siegel, the local Republicans were upset. He was endorsing a Democrat, a no-no in politics. To add to the angst, Siegel, a couple positions earlier, had marched with a defund the police group.

Earlier this week Siegel announced the eviction of a federal enforcement agency, playing on the current emotions against ICE. Never mind that this particular agency is involved with human trafficking, not deportation. Among those upset with the decision is Holihan, who counts on and cooperates with that agency against traffickers. 

The eviction dog and pony show was co-sponsored by Siegel and Mark Pinsley, a perpetual candidate now running for the 7th Congressional district nomination. Like Pinsley who is currently County Controller, Siegel may have ambitions beyond County Executive. I doubt that Holihan will want to be bitten three times.

Jarrett Coleman Speaks Out

Jarrett Coleman has been taking some flak for calling Philadelphia a sh-t hole. He accused their progressive DA of being too soft on crime. 

Just a few years ago the DA and the former police chief decided to turn their backs on shop lifting. Finally the merchants cried uncle loud enough to be heard.  Larry Krasner the DA has responded to Coleman that the homicide rate is lower than it has been in a decade. Credit poor aim and good ER hospitals.

Coleman is my favorite pol in Harrisburg, he actually wants an accounting by Allentown's NIZ. Although his choice of words about the City Of Brotherly Love may have been better chosen, he's correct about safety in Philadelphia. There are neighborhoods there, like Kensington, that most cities would not tolerate.

Trump The Tariff Man

Trump's threat to use tariffs against countries which do not support his grab for Greenland is a threat too far. In a recent post I wrote that his political support in the country is crumbling fast. This latest threat will likewise erode his international influence. He, and consequently we, are being taken less seriously everyday. 

Thank goodness for the midterms. By November any member of Congress wanting to be re-elected will have to speak out against this would be king. For my vote they would have to have spoken out much earlier.

I don't know what kind of psychiatric department Walter Reed has, but it will be in the news soon, because their Commander and Chief is quickly losing it. Yesterday he told the world that because he didn't get the Nobel Peace Prize, he doesn't have to behave.

Ryan Mackenzie Has Two Opponents

Congressman Ryan Mackenzie is facing two opponents in November. One is a Democrat, as of yet unnamed. The other is Donald Trump, and his declining popularity. Although Mackenzie will not face the dreaded Trump primary challenge, he's trying to ride the fence between these two opponents. 

At this recent press conference, Mackenzie said he supports the separation of authority with the Federal Reserve, yet, if Chairman Powells did indeed something wrong, that he should be prosecuted. He defends the ICE officer in the Minneapolis shooting, but Trump wants to defend the protesters in Tehran.  

Mackenzie's tightrope walking will become more difficult as the election nears. By spring he will have a real Democrat hurling accusations, and a President who is more taken with his powers. By that time the first term congressman will have to take an absolute position on the issues as they arise, if he hopes to return to Washington.

ADDENDUM:Local mainstream is reporting about Mackenzie's support for ICE, so now he has three opponents...the Democrat, Trump and himself.

OPEN MIKE WEEKEND

                        ACCEPTING COMMENTS ON ANY TOPIC.  

Mary Ann Donuts and Donald Trump

Amanda Seyfried gave Allentown another plug on national TV, and in gratitude MaryAnn Donuts delivered their goods to the Stephen Colbert Show. That concludes the good part of this post.

Maria Machado wanted to share her Nobel Peace Prize with Donald Trump, and told him that the people of Venezuela are counting on him for their freedom. Well, that's more faith in him than the people of Minneapolis have. They're counting on him to get his ICE Cadets out of there.

Apparently, the people in Tehran might have also overestimated our help. So many of our assets were moved from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to pilfer Venezuela's oil. Apparently we're going to use mercenaries to protect the snatched oil wells.

Trump's Crumble Will Be Swift

The Trump crumple with the public is starting, and it will be swift. Joe Rogan, podcast influencer of the young, is becoming disillusioned more with Trump every day. Giving the finger to a Ford factory worker isn't exactly courting the blue collar MAGA base.

Telling prosecutors and Pam Bondi that they're weak isn't winning points with the Department of Justice and other government workers. We know from Trump's first term that people working for him have a short shelf life. His current staff and appointments were based on loyalty, but that's a two way street.

When the public turns enough, so will the congress. Although Trump is consumed with his legacy, congress is consumed with getting re-elected.

Help Is On The Way

Trump told the people of Tehran that help is on the way. There are plenty of people in American cities who would say no thank you.  Trump promised to end forever wars, but apparently that doesn't apply to wars forever. 

We have the most ill informed president in the history of the country, with the most unqualified cabinet ever assembled, what could go wrong? We have a president who has no understanding or appreciation of the constitution. We have a congress scared of him, who so far, has failed to stand up for the people. We have a polarized country, with a president encouraging the discourse. 

The only hope I see on the horizon is the mid-terms. Here in my district, I see a freshman Republican congressman waffling between the options. He supports Powell, unless he has done something wrong. He supports protest, but you have to be careful not to step over any line. To complicate his predicament, he is in a purple district. His time to get my vote is getting short. I no longer have a problem sitting out elections.

photocredit:TomShortell/LehighValleyNews.com

The Aftermath Of The ICY Hand

On Friday, I elaborated in both the post and comments, that I feel that the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis was a wrongful death. Many readers feel differently, and expressed their views in the comments. This post is not to rehash those videos and conclusions, but rather examine the aftermath.

While initial reactions to the shooting mirrored left/right, Democratic/Republican perspectives, the vigils occurring around the country are another dimension. I believe that this death is another George Floyd type moment, which likewise will have wide sweeping political ramifications.

While Trump and Vance are immune to the repercussions, Kristi Noem may pay the price for her zealousness. Republicans* up for mid-terms will have to buck the front office. Trump is powerful, but shooting protesters in the head has no longer been permitted since Kent State.

Kent State 1970

*Ryan Mackenzie stated at a press conference yesterday that he considers the shooting justified.

Chaos In Democratic Lehigh Valley

Over the weekend it was announced that the chosen Democratic candidate for the state special election in the 22nd District, Julian Guridy, has withdrawn for personal reasons. Meanwhile, articles about how Julian Guridy was chosen over the other candidates two weeks ago still linger on the local media pages. 

To me, the big news is that Ce-Ce Gerlach was once again passed over, and a new Allentown School Board member, Ann Tiburcio, was chosen as the replacement candidate. Mike Schlossberg acted as the spokesman to confirm the candidate switch, and along with Matt Tuerk, provided endorsements. Tiburcio was not even an announced candidate prior to this snap appointment.

While Mike may be acting as spokesman, an important person behind the curtain is his former boss, Jennifer Mann. Jenn is still a discreet Democratic kingmaker in the valley. Apparently, Ce-Ce doesn't fit Jenn's profile for a local state representative. That slur hasn't deterred Ce-Ce from campaigning for the regular May 19th primary. Knowing Ce-Ce's work ethic, I believe that in November of 2026, she will be elected the new state representative for the 22nd District.

above a billboard from 2014, showing an independent candidate and blogger

Disgrace In Minneapolis

Kristi Noem defended the fatal shooting in Minneapolis, despite videos showing that it was an overreaction by the ICE officer. We have cowboy policies being defended by cowgirls. That victim might as well. have been living in Caracas under Maduro. Trump helped cut his Venezuelan victory lap short by blaming the shooting on the radical left.

Elsewhere, we have another Trump cowboy denigrating an American hero and astronaut. In reality, Hegseth is making Mark Kelly viable for 2028

Locally, I'm watching the 7th District race. Unless Mackenzie stands up against the Administration's recklessness very soon, it will matter little who wins the heated Democratic primary.

ADDENDUM: I keep hearing that the officer had the "right" to fire, but was shooting her the right thing to do? ... Not by a country mile.

Plunderer-In-Chief Trump

The consequences of the 2024 election are coming home and abroad to roost much harder and faster than Trump's critics could have imagined.

Trump is warning the Republicans that if they don't win the mid-terms, he will be impeached. He doesn't realize that unless they speak out against his recklessness, they won't be re-elected. His threat against Greenland is an invasion too far. Even though Rubio tried to soften the language, NATO is beginning to realize that they are threatened from both the east and west.

Trump's support was based on MAGA and partisan sycophants. MAGA is beginning to realize that Trump cares more about golf courses than grocery prices. Even that January 6th revisionist demonstration didn't play well.The partisan sycophants read the poll numbers. As much as they liked a winner, they like winning more than any person.

We would all be better off if Trump played more golf.

United States Becomes United Fruit

In the early 1900's, the United Fruit Company installed a president in Honduras, and the phrase Banana Republic came into fruition. We now have a president in the United States who is telling the Western Hemisphere what the new rules are.

Apparently, all natural resources are ours for the taking. Considering Trump thinks that climate change is a hoax, those indigenous people in the Amazon better move out of the way. The new White House ballroom wants a mahogany ceiling.

My pro Trump readers at Molovinsky On Allentown are in an uproar. They tell me that my sources are leftist propaganda, while they have a direct line to the truth. Their Trump is the best thing that has happened to America since baseball and hot dogs.

General Trump

From the photos released from the Situation Room at Mar-a- Lago, you would have thought that Trump was directing the invasion of Normandy in 1944. At any rate, he's quite taken with his new chops as Commander-In-Chief.

Less than a day later, he's talking that we need Greenland, and Cuba was told that they're next. He is braying about a Don-roe Doctrine. Here's a man who already had four star delusions of grandeur, being toasted by his appointed and anointed sycophants.

Although we will certainly profit from pilfering Venezuela's oil, his aggression will not play well on the world stage. Although we may have the most powerful military in the world, our long term economy is dependent on international stability. 

the SOON meme shown above was posted by the wife of Trump Homeland Security advisor Stephen Miller.

A Congressional Test

Trump just came off a big weekend with the Venezuela snatching of Maduro. MAGA and the Republican hierarchy are basking in a perceived accomplishment. While momentous for the American oil industry, time will weight the real results for everyone else, including the Venezuelans.

Meanwhile, last week Trump had vetoed a Colorado clean water bill for political reasons. Trump claimed people are leaving Colorado anyway, because one politician is bad and another is scum. Only in Trump's mind is that relevant to a veto. The bill had passed both houses of Congress unanimously.

When the Venezuelan chest beating subsides, and the slur against congressional leaks is considered along with the Colorado veto, we'll see what Congress is made of. If there was ever a veto which demanded an override, it is the Colorado Clean Water Act. With Republican incumbents facing the midterms, and the veto so egregious, I think that the Republicans will have to finally assert themselves.

Colorado National Monument Park

Trading Bananas For Oil

A century ago we managed Central and South America for bananas and rubber. Trump has now decided that he and the oil industry can have Venezuela. For months we heard pretenses about drugs, but at Saturday's press conference Trump wasn't hiding his cards, we're there for the oil.

When Trump and Hegseth bragged on about the military operation, you might have thought that they had extracted Putin from the Kremlin. Caracas isn't Moscow or Peking, but China has invested in Venezuelan oil production, over a $billion. While Hegseth and Rubio fell over each other praising their boss, they would be better serving their country gauging world reaction, which doesn't share their pride.

We also heard that Congress couldn't be trusted to be in the loop, they leak too much. If congress has been passive about Trump's unilateral decisions, now is the time to speak out. Perhaps Fetterman is correct wearing sweatshirts, at least you can't call him an empty suit.

In 1912 we were satisfied with bananas

An Identity Crisis In 2026

Yesterday, I claimed that I was going to become more fashionable, but little did I know that I was only a few hours away from an identity crisis. 

Long time readers of this blog have been recently accusing me of TDS. Seems like my questioning of Trump, and especially his cabinet picks, didn't resonate well with them. I always labeled myself as an independent, so this new criticism of me was almost complimentary. In addition to the blog, I'm also an administrator of a Facebook group. A member there accused me of pushing my rightwing politics when I posted a link to the Amanda Seyfried post. He said my explanation that she was an Allentonian was a BS excuse, and he left the group. So by noon, I was a liberal here, and a Trumper there...But, it got more confusing. I commented on a national site, and a reader stated that I was a Democratic Socialist, using a fake Russian sounding name for emphasis. Who am I?

Meanwhile, back here in the blogosphere, I was again changing the name of my other blog back to its original title. I'm always annoyed by the verification process all the offices use now. I get an email that I have a message from LVHN. I go to their site, and I have to get another email with a verification number to read the message. The message is wishing me a calm year...We'll see.

A Progressive Fashion

New York new Mayor Mamdani is taking the oath of office in an abandoned Manhattan subway station. New Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel is taking his at a public housing development. 

My New Year's resolution is to be more fashionable. For progressives like Mamdani and Siegel, there's always a new cause. This year it is affordable housing. I remember before I first started blogging, some Allentown non-profit did a building on 10th Street. Until they were done, it cost about $500k a unit, and that was thirty years ago! I was thinking at the time that for the same cost, they could have bought all those people a condo in a resort. Reilly's new affordable apartments construction at the old Morning Call site is framed out of wood, why not use cardboard?

Anywho, I will be more fashionable for 2026. New clothing and a new hair style is on the way. If you see an old man who looks like me, he just got my old clothing.

An Allentown Star's Controversy

There is probably nobody reading this who knows less about Amanda Seyfried and Charlie Kirk than me. I never saw a Amanda Seyfried movie, and I never heard a Charlie Kirk podcast. I actually never even heard of Kirk prior to his murder. 

I did however know that Seyfried grew up in Allentown, and attended William Allen High School. Although she has made it clear that she abhors anybody being the victim of violence, she has pushed back for not apologizing about saying that Kirk made hateful statements.

Kirk has been lionized by both Trump and Vance. Jimmie Kimmel was suspended from his show for not showing due reverence to the shooting. Likewise, Trump has been criticized for his reaction to the Reiner deaths. This post isn't to keep score regarding sensitivity, or lack thereof. Suffice to say that it is something which is hard to have too much of.

Amanda Seyfried at Allentown Farmers Market

Democratic Dustup In Allentown

There is a commotion in the Allentown Democratic Party over the  candidate for the special election to replace resigning Josh Siegel. Siegel is moving on to be Lehigh County Executive, having handily defeated Roger MacLean.

The above referenced commotion is that the selection process being utilized supposedly favors Julian Guridy. For the next regular election of District 22, Guridy will face Ce-Ce Gerlach in the primary.

While several other candidates, activist Lewis Shupe among them, wished to be considered for the special election appointment, there is an  irony not being discussed elsewhere. This old blogger remembers why the 22nd District was created in the first place...it was to represent the growing Hispanic Community. The first victor was the very un-Histpanic Pete Schweyer. After another redistricting, very un-Hispanic Josh Siegel won the spot.

It is assumed that the Republicans will be a no show for the special election (and the regular to follow), and that the appointee will have a heads up for the next regular primary in May.

shown above is Ce-Ce Gerlach welcoming a Buffalo Soldier Motorcycle Club member to a street fair she organized in 2013.

Warning of a "Bad President" Dominating Washington

Earlier this year when it became apparent that Trump's amateur cabinet was becoming detrimental to the nation's welfare, this blog began speaking out. As the damage added up, I felt compelled to call out our silent, local Washington representatives, first as compliant, then complicit with veering away from our nation's moral compass.

My conservative readership, Republican first and foremost, started accusing me of TDS, which is a poor excuse for deteriorating leadership. Partisans slowed down commenting in protest. When Mackenzie signed the Democratic petition, explanations mentioned that we're in a purple area.

We're in more than a purple area, we're in a condition red. I had posted that unless Mackenzie stood up, he wouldn't be re-elected. It is now becoming apparent that unless the Republicans forcibly act out, Trump  will be using our military on personal whims. Whether they can restrain him, remains to be seen.

Bill O'Reilly Drinks Trump Potion

As a blogger, I'm constantly accused of watching and listening to the wrong fake news, depending upon the persuasion of the reader I'm offending at the time.  I never reveal which news sources I read/watch, and never presume that any of those sources knows the whole story.

I hadn't heard of Bill O'Reilly in a long time. I always found his demeanor annoying. Recently, I heard him on a news type show, and it was alarming. Trump had given Bill a tour of the White House, and the old pontificator was very impressed. He raved about Trump's decorations, and said that it would give Trump an advantage with any visiting world leader.

Trump showed him his new presidential gallery, where he has replaced history with his uninformed opinions about previous presidents. O'Reilly should be restricted to hosting bingo parties in senior living faculties.

Molovinsky Christmas Tour

Recently I posted about Bill White's recommended Christmas Light tours.  I hope that caravans of  new SUV's are taking White's tours, because he publishes his recommendations every year.  Bill, after all these years,  has his job down almost on autopilot;  Christmas light tours,  Eating his way through Musikfest,  Cake contest at fair, Grammar columns,  Hall of Shame, Worst sentence writer. etc., etc.

Anyway, I recommend that nobody take my light tour,  it's in the hood in center city Allentown. Actually, the block shown has had its share of crime in recent years. The alley is narrow,  so there is no passing another car.  The double parkers get very annoyed if you beep your horn.  Best to stick with White's tours out in suburbia, with the inflated decorations that are flaccid during the day.  Personally,  I prefer the center city house decorations.  There is something so much more inspiring about decorating a low income house, many of which are rentals.  It makes me feel better and more hopeful about downtown.

reprinted from December of 2017

This blog has been published every weekday, including holidays, since 2007.

The American Dictatorship

With 60 Minutes killing its exposé on Venezuelans in the El Salvador prison, we have effectively entered an era of censorship. Between Trump privately filing lawsuits, and government approval needed for mergers, the price of speaking up is currently very expensive for corporate America.

A small time pizza blogger like myself can still speak the truth, but for how long? We have turned the Navy into pirates, and are going to build new Trump Class battleships. Trump campaigned against forever wars, but now we throw threats around the Western Hemisphere.

I do sense an awaking. I believe that the incumbent Republicans facing midterms are beginning to appreciate how out of control Trump has become. MAGA itself is starting to splinter on several issues. Between his ego and truth bending, each speech strains his credibility more and more.

Another Shift For Jared Isaacman

Isaacman's second appointment to lead NASA took, unlike the first. He obviously has whatever administrative skills are necessary to run an organization, having started and turned Shift4 payroll into a national success.

Jared, in conjunction with Elon Musk's SpaceX, was the first civilian to do a spacewalk. Isaacman is a local, living in Northampton County.

Although I'm pleased with Isaacman's appointment, and it is the only Trump appointment I can say that about, I have issues with the space industry at Cape Canaveral. As previously reported on this blog, the industry is the growth engine for Brevard County Florida, and questions about environmental pollution there are heresy.

However, there is an old snowbird blogger in a small office inland from Canaveral, concerned with both the frequency of the launches, which are about every ten minutes, and the environmental consequences.

A Question In Allentown

When Matt Tuerk talks about making Allentown bike friendly, he wasn't thinking about large group of teenage riders, often starting in the wards (1st and 6th). Matt was envisioning the middle class, west end spandex types seen in Trexler Park. In Matt's vision, they stay in those stenciled lanes, and use bike racks when stopping at Starbucks.

I've seen the real-life hordes in Allentown. They're often going the wrong way, and ignoring traffic lights and stop signs. I've seen them doing wheelies in the middle of Tilghman Street.

But the reason for this post isn't the hordes, but reaction to them. Local photographer Devin Ford posted a batch of photos on a recent ride, and they were shared on social media. He wrote...The point of these group rides is to create an outlet for inner-city kids as opposed to getting involved with guns, drugs, etc. Very fun to get out there. Good energy & a great cause. Commenters were describing these group rides as kids being kids in 2025. They were saying give them room, and allow them to stay together, even by ignoring the traffic lights. 

It appears that there has to be discretion about different groups of riders at different times. It appears in the photo above that Matt is exercising that judgement.

photocredit:Devin Ford

Playing With Trains In Lehigh Valley

When I read about the new train to NYC feasibility study, I looked like I needed that drug for drug induced involuntary motions. My head was shaking back and forth and I was snickering. This is at least the second time such a study is being conducted, at another $1/2mil dollars. 

The article mentions and credits Phillip Armstrong and Becky Bradley.. Armstrong, counting the days off for Christmas, only has 34 minutes left as County Executive. Becky's last brainchild was planting flowers along Rt. 22, so that rush hour traffic would have something pretty to look at while they're struck for an hour every day.

Last time they concluded that bus service was more cost effective, considering the remaining rails are heavily used by freight, and new rails would be cost prohibitive for the demand. Considering that the population hasn't grown significantly, and less demand for on site employees in NYC, I would bet the conclusion will be the same. But when I bet it's my money, Armstrong and Bradley bet with our taxes.

Trump's Speech, Vanity Squared

I believe that Trump's address to the nation was conceived by Susan Wiles, to show that she is still in the co-pilot seat, despite her confessions to Vanity Fair Magazine. It was probably also intended as damage control in regard to Trump's crude remarks concerning the Reiner tragedy. It was very ill timed, considering that Trump had nothing substantial to say, and that he will have to repeat himself soon enough, for the State of the Union speech.

While none of his sycophants clued Trump in about why he was giving a speech, the media will inform him, again, soon enough. His speech was a ramble of factual errors and promises. Nothing you can put under the tree next week.

Wiles generally made the best of a hard case, an impulsive ego-maniac, her replacement won't fare as well. She had Trump's confidence, while her replacement will have Trump's doubt. I could care less about Trump, I do care about the country. If there was ever a president who needed a good manager, it is him. Let's hope that he picks this next apprentice well.

Ryan Mackenzie Stands Up

Ryan Mackenzie has stood up and signed on to a petition intended to extend the ACA subsidies. Although the petition was sponsored by Democrats, he joined several Republicans who joined the effort...The petition now has enough signatures to force a vote on the measure.

In the recent past, Trump and Company has referred to those who cross party lines as traitors, and has threatened to primary them. On that score, I can see no primary challenge coming Mackenzie's way.

I do believe, however, that his willingness to put his constituents ahead of a party agenda will help him in November. He has pretty much assured the vote of this old blogger.

Vance On The Midterm Caravan

It's no  surprise that Trump and Company is campaigning for the midterms with the polls predicting a blue tidal wave. As I peck away on this typewriter, Vance came today to give the valley another dose of the affordability tonic. Of course that would mean more if he handed out coupons at the supermarket. At the Uline warehouse, he fluently blamed any current problems on Biden, and future successes on Trump. After the speech, he and  freshman congressman Mackenzie served gruel at the Rescue Mission. I doubt that those homeless guys buy many groceries or vote, but it's a good photo op.

I know a little about affordability at the supermarket. My family ran a meat market between the tracks and the river. Nobody lived around that industrial area, but you drove there if you wanted three pounds of hamburger or sausage for a buck, and people did.

While little markets are pretty much a thing of the past, people still drive a distance to save a dollar. Food is competitive, with markups in the 5% or less range. Throw in the fact that the commodity is perishable, and there are no vocations from the grind. Maybe that's why I publish this blog (Molovinsky On Allentown) every weekday, including holidays.

photocredit:Monica Cabrera/TheMorningCall

KTA Is Worse Than TDS

Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social: “A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS.”

It's hard to know where to begin analyzing that statement, I suspect psychology students will be studying it for years to come. To a layman, it shows a complete lack of empathy, and being totally self-absorbed with himself. While I'm not surprised by his callousness, I'm interested to see the reaction of his supporters. Trump went on to say...

“He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness,”

As my disillusionment with Trump began appearing on my blogs, my partisan Republican readers have been using the TDS slur against me. I'm sorry to tell them that their blind support of Trump may well be the real pathology...KTA, Kissing Trump's A--

Hispanics Speak Out In Miami

Post graduates students of this blog know that in addition to my Allentown base, I rent a small, low rent office inland from Cape Canaveral. While my desk shakes when the Brightline Death Train roars by, I can see the endless rockets take off from the Cape.

For Florida news, I have secured the services of a retiree on the west coast, and a college student in Miami. The Miami intern reports about the message sent Trump and the Republicans with the recent mayoral election there.

A Democrat won for the first time in thirty years, and with a large majority. While the Hispanic community is mostly Republican, and advocates for legal immigration, it is alarmed by the gestapo actions of ICE. The other issue propelling the Democrat's win was affordability. Trump can tell those geniuses with the red hats at his rallies that affordability is a Democratic myth, but that won't help any Republican get re-elected. Keep in mind that Miami was Trump country, where he plans on building his presidential library.

Blogger near Cape Canaveral

A Place For The Unaffiliated

There are a number of groups, Principles First among others, that don't relate to the current administration and certainly not the MAGA element. Some are quite organized, with seminars and conventions. Then there are the non-joining discontents like myself. This is a place for us non-joiners. No membership, no donations, no meetings. 

This is not a new blog, nor am I a new blogger. Previously the blog was titled Rainy Morning Chronicle, but I have always been Michael Molovinsky:) I also publish Molovinsky On Allentown, since 2007. This blog will retain the posts published under the old heading. 

I am an independent conservative, registered to vote in Pennsylvania. Like many other northerners long in the tooth, I spend some time in Florida, on the Space Coast, which was Trump country. Like the beach after a bad storm, I'm starting to see erosion with his support.

the morning chronicle.net welcomes your readership

Florida Edition, Brevard Secrets

Subscribers of this blog know that I have a satellite office in-land from Cape Canaveral. While my little desk rattles from the Brightline Death Train whizzing by, I can see the endless launches from the Cape.

The days of NASA putting up a rocket a year are long gone. Space X, which I call Space Junk, goes up over twice a week. Each rocket has a dozen or so satellites. Cape Canaveral is across from the mainland. It is separated by the Indian River, a half-mile wide lagoon stretching down the coast about 150miles. 

Only in the last few years has the county government started giving lip service to the health of the lagoon, contaminated by continuous development on both the mainland and the barrier island. The lip service has yet to overhaul inadequate sewer systems, and other realities. No one even mentions pollution from the space industry, which is now the growth engine of the area's economy. 

There's an old blogger in a small office by the railroad tracks...

screengrab:Florida Today

Jarrett Coleman, Pa. Watchdog

When it comes to the taxpayer's money in Pennsylvania, only one elected official out of one of the largest statehouses in the country seems to care. Jarrett Coleman started the initiative to have a real audit of Allentown's NIZ, and the roadblocks put in his way have been endless.

He likewise is now looking into a $mil spend on security in Josh Shapiro's private residence. That expense apparently was buried with the repairs to the governor's mansion in Harrisburg, which was victimized by an arsonist attack last year.

As a political independent and blogger concerning myself with government shenanigans, I don't have a rapport with many politicians... Coleman is an exception.

I'm not here to be polite or popular

Saturday Night Live In The Poconos

If I was the casting director for Saturday Night Live, I could not have come up with a better group behind Trump for his Affordability speech. I'm even including the likes of John Candy, John Belushi and Bill Murray. Add those flash cards and it was a classic skit. I only saw a short portion of it...the scene put me to sleep like laughing gas.

While this blog has been critical of Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, Trump's praise for Dave McCormick was the kiss of death for my vote. Fortunately for Dave, he's only in his first year of six.

Although I have most of the speech to hear before I put this review to print, I doubt that he said anything substantive about affordability. With that audience, I doubt that anything substantive was needed. Apparently, the real purpose of the rally was to energize his base for the midterms. While those students of government were willing to brave the Pocono cold for their leader, I'm not sure that they will bother to turn out next November....Especially if the economy continues its downward spiral.

I'm not here to be polite or popular

Trump Trying To Fix What He Broke

Trump closed the border on day one, but from day two forward his administration has been a disaster.  An increasingly disturbed narcissist, surrounded by sycophants, responding to one problem after another that they have created. Now we'll subsidize the farmers, after devastating them with arbitrary tariffs with China.

He tries to tell the little people that affordability is a Democratic myth. While the low information MAGA and hardcore Republican acolytes cling to his dissolving allusions, the country is waking up, very quickly.

Here locally in the valley, Ryan Mackenzie is talking out of three sides of his mouth. Now that Trump did a 180 on health care, you would think that Ryan stood with the Democrats to keep the Affordable Care Act subsidies. Unless he really stands up, he'll be eaten alive during the midterms.

Every world leader understands that Trump is a deteriorating ego maniac, who must be flattered like a delusional old actress in a Hollywood rest home. They bring him crowns and ribbons, that he embarrassingly puts on, like they're really deserved.

I'm not here to be polite or popular

Water Runoff In Allentown Parks

I have been wrestling with the Allentown Park System for over twenty years about the weed walls, aka Riparian Buffers.The bout started in Keck Park, early in the Pawlowski Regime, when he allowed the Wildlands Conservancy to install their first buffer. 

The back stories are that Pawlowski's first of several park directors all had the same background in recreation from Penn State, and asked the Wildlands for advise about park issues. The Wildlands back story is that they get to keep 15% of all government grants that they apply for, as an administrative fee. Riparian Buffers are supposed to filter the lawn fertilizer in water runoff from entering the streams. The ignored reality in the Allentown Parks is that the storm system is piped directly into the streams, under any  buffer planted. Across Cedar Creek behind the Rose Garden, a large concrete structure discharges the entire runoff from the Hamilton Park neighborhood, directly into the creek. Likewise, several pipes empty the West End directly into the creek. So, for twenty years, we park devotees have been enduring weed walls all summer, blocking view and access to the creeks. Worse, this summer the city allowed the Wildlands to plant over a hundred tree saplings out from the creek, to expand the width of the masquerade. This area will soon also not be mowed, because mowing between closely planted trees is very labor intensive.

The current park director is asking the city for additional funds to study water runoff. The free answer is in the above paragraph. I would be happy to recommend needed repairs to various WPA structures within our parks, providing some value for that money.

Shown above is the weed wall in Cedar Park during the summer. 

I'm not here to be polite or popular

Real Estate Only For Trumps

 Trump tells us that bad news is fake news. With the economy not going his way, his explanations get more far fetched. I was particularly disillusioned to hear his 50 year mortgage plan.

I was never interested even in 30 year mortgages...that is a lot of interest to pay. With the average age of first time buyers approaching 40, with a 50 year mortgage, buyers won't obtain any equity until they're 70 years old.

While my former readers, who claim every post that it is their last visit to this blog, know that Trump knows real estate. For him to give such bad advice, speaks more to his obsession for administration approval, than his honesty. He knows that 50 year mortgages are candy for the bank, and sawdust for the public.

I'm not here to be polite or popular

Hegseth Will Resign

Pete will be gone soon... Attacking two survivors clinging to a damaged boat is hard to defend. He will resign, rather than face impeachment. I believe that with the approaching midterms, enough Republicans would vote against him in an attempt to keep their seats.

Trump put together a grossly unqualified cabinet, valuing ring kissing over experience and/or expertise. While this has demeaned our military, there have been worse consequences for the American public. Our health policy is being steered by supposition, rather than medical science.

As I ponder these federal issues, my reading base pouts. They accuse me of TDS, then censorship, when I limit them to one bite of the criticism apple. At the end of the day, I don't want to feel compromised, like the brass testifying yesterday.

I'm not here to be polite or popular

Josh Siegel And Donald Trump

 Josh Siegel has set up a very ambitious transition team for his coronation as County Executive. He has checked all the progressive boxes, such as affordable housing, which isn't usually in the county's purview. BUT, in fairness to Mr. Siegel, he the youngest person ever elected to the position in Pennsylvania. His appointees are a who's who of local Progressive politics. 

 The committee which warrants this blog post is Local Resilience and Response to Trump Administration:

Chair: Jon Iron, Lehigh County Commissioner

 Jasmine Rivera, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Immigrant Coalition 

 Mary Erdman, Immediate Past President, Lehigh County League of Women Voters 

 Adam Hosey, Policy and Political Director, Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates 

 Nicole Folino, Community Services Manager, Second Harvest Food Bank

While federal constraints, such as grants, have always concerned local government, I have no recollection of the county ever having a special committee to monitor and respond to a specified presidential administration.

Some readers of this blog, disturbed by my expansion out of Allentown, have accused me of TDS. I suppose my case at worse, is very, very mild compared to everyone mentioned above. BTW, I have not been invited to join any of the committees.

I'm not here to be polite or popular

Trump And Fake News

Up to very recently, I was fairly well accepted as a geniune independent conservative. When I ran as a independent in the 2005 mayoral race, I was shunned by the Morning Call for my appreciation of an older Allentown. They never even printed my picture, and excluded me from their debate. Move ahead nine years, and I ran again as an independent, for state representative. 

This blog was instrumental in pointing out shenanigans in the Pawlowski administration. This blog has been instrumental in pointing out the inequities of the NIZ. Local Republicans had been complimenting my efforts for two decades.

However, now that I began to ponder what I consider Trump's flawed administration, I am coco puffs, I am a victim of fake news. Actually, that term and concept is another Trump flaw. There has always been a wide menu of news, from the conservative Manchester Union, to the liberal NY Times. But Trump declared that anything critical of him is fake, and his minions now repeat it like a mantra. If you don't drink the cool-aid, you must have TDS. They justify it when he calls reporters fat or ugly, if he doesn't like their question. 

On day one he closed the border, and that was good. However, the problem has been since day two.

I'm not here to be polite or popular

Pity The Cyclists In Allentown

Making Allentown bicycle friendly is what lawyers call an attractive nuisance. Pity the poor suburbanite with his helmet and spandex who peddles to 4th and Turner. He might as well have Mug Me embossed on his jersey.  I know the mayor is a cyclist, and takes some riders with him on group excursions; but alone, they are just bait for trouble. 

Readers know that I have been working lately from my Washington office. There's a new blog in town which makes my Tuerk-centric posts about the mayor seem like Hallmark cards. He has actually taken to say hello when he jogs past me in a park. This new blogger has almost made me appear gentlemanly. 

So Matt, as one gentleman to another, Allentown realistically is no place to encourage cyclists. The other day I saw a car going in reverse for a block near 15th St.. The police need to write 5000 more traffic tickets before we start inviting cyclists downtown.

I'm not here to be polite or popular

shown above Mr. T, known for his catch phrase,"Pity the fool"

The Onerous Job Of Defending Trump

Some of the hardest working people in the country today are those defending Donald Trump's inconsistent, perhaps irrational, proclamations. One moment he is condoning double tap attacks on civilian boats; the next, pardoning a former Honduran Drug President.

From Karoline Leavitt in the press room, to partisans commenting on this blog, it's not easy to triple talk. For Karoline, it is her career; for the partisans, it's the Alamo. They know if they slightly concede that Trump is irrational, as everyone else in the world knows, the Republicans will be reduced to proverbial dog catchers in the upcoming elections.

I'm afraid for them, that reduction of power is coming, and the only thing left to save is their credibility. I'm expecting the disconnect with Trump to come very soon, in time for the midterms. I'm hoping that the elected Republicans who represent me here in Kentuckylvania have that much sense.

I'm not here to be polite or popular

Trump Shoots Then Aims

Donald Trump wants a trophy for fixing the things that he broke. He's now looking at extending the Affordable Care Act, after our country suffered its longest shutdown in history. We're bonusing Air Traffic Controllers, after Musk decimated the system with DOGE. We're relaxing tariffs on foodstuffs from South America, after their flow was hampered by his wily nilly tariffs.

He tore down the East Wing, and now even his architect is becoming less than proud of the plans. Here on this blog, the partisans continue to defend the policies more, and the man less. They read the polls, and see the writing on the wall.

In this last local election, they got Charlie Dent to endorse Roger MacLean on their last mailing. It wasn't that many years ago that they were calling Dent a RINO, for not thinking that Trump could walk on water. Don't expect Ryan Mackenzie to seek Trump's endorsement by the 2026 midterms.

I'm not here to be polite or popular

Mackenzie Getting Nervous

Subscribers to this blog remember that I took Mayor Matt Tuerk to task for his trip to the Dominican Republic. Although there are many Dominicans in Allentown, the pandering quotient was blatant. However, now local US Congressman Mackenzie has made the same trip, and to me it's apparent that he's hoping for some Latino votes come November. 

Sorry Ryan, but your Commander and Chief has cooked that goose, but good. Your explanation for the trip, about trade and security, are a giggle. Don't expect a big Dominican turnout come midterms.

I can appreciate that you're beginning to find this blog annoying. If you're really intent on Latino votes, you would have to speak out against Trump's ICE Capades, which would injure you with the MAGA base. Good luck with your juggling.

I'm not here to be polite or popular

ADDENDUM: This blog is published every weekday, holidays included.

Ruminations From An Old Blog(ger)

I don't purport to be nice, that's a trait that never reached me. While this blog is in its eighteenth year, only recently have I broken out of Allentown, toward Washington... Trump does move people. I voted for him in 2016, but couldn't do so again in 2020 (or 2024), when I voted for an independent. After Jan. 6, I find his current complaint against Mark Kelly very ironic. 

As an independent conservative, local Republicans comprised a large part of my readership. Their partisanship is causing them to proclaim intense disappointment in me. Life has disappointments. I was caught of guard by Majorie Green's announced resignation. I recently posted that she is joining a small but growing group pushing back against the King. There are trip words in this political world, and King is one of them. I will receive comments that now I should go stand with the other blue haired boomers protesting at the local congressman's office.

I don't stand with protesters, but I will be speaking out here on the blog. Speaking out was what this blog was about since day one. If it's a mayor in Allentown, a governor in Harrisburg, or a president in Washington, I'll speak my mind. If I lose or gain a few readers, it won't affect my lunch.

I'm not here to be polite or popular

ADDENDUM: Another change coming to this blog is advertisements. This is an experiment of sorts...there will be different ad densities (number of ads) and different ad placements. It will be third party provided, without control on my part concerning placement or products advertised.