THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Category Archives: politics


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Choose wisely

The killings in Minneapolis are unacceptable. My eyes know what they saw and Alex Pretti was executed in public. And while our government who killed him paints every protester injured or killed as a terrorist, I know different. I believe a lot of other people know different.

I’ve had it with the cowards that hold the check and balance in government unwilling to do their jobs. I’ve had it with the Nazi administration and the lies it spews.

This country is going to crap because of the idiot at the helm and the few puppet masters manipulating the fool along with state television. It’s time to hold people responsible for these murders and people above them accountable. It’s time all of us to combat mistruths and wake up from lies.

Active pathways. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Not so funny

I never thought about living in a police state. One where freedoms are illusions. But that certainly seems to be the direction we may be headed in. Calling out the military will be the last step. It will just expand from there and the election will be in jeopardy.

If I’m not mistaken the term Marshell Law comes to mind. Hey, I’ve been shocked about the last 12 months and the failure of both congress and senate. And they say take people at their word and he has said to beat, shoot or hang those that oppose him.

Photo by Mike Hartley

I guess it’s possible. There are countries where that is the case. Ones controlled by criminals.

The current administration is the closest thing in my time to feeling that. Basically, if you disagree with anything he proposes, says or does, you are the enemy. And I’m fine with that. Never thought I’d be labeled the enemy in my own country but hey, this isn’t the first Civil War.

And I have no problem being the opposition to the orange one. Bullies are never as tough as they pretend to be. We can make a difference.


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Late start

It’s a music day. My better half is out so there is no need for headphones. Just speakers belting out the tunes for me to feel. And I do feel music. The lyrics, the beat hit my soul. Even in the toughest times it can put a smile on my face.

So, my shoulders are bouncing and the swivel in the chair is getting some action, and I can still type fairly accurately. It won’t be long though till I have to get up and move with some energy.

A day of errands and chores ahead, but some fun will be had for sure. The streets are dry, so I think I’ll exercise the Miata for a few minutes. It’s so strange driving that car with the top up. I rarely take it out in the cold, but I miss driving it, so I do when the roads aren’t bad.

Now tomorrow is another story with the temp maybe hitting 55. That’s the magic number for folding that top back. Now the side windows will be up most of the way and maybe the seat warmer on, but with the sun it will be nice.

History

This day January 6th is a disgusting day in this country’s history. And what has been done since regarding that day’s activities is an injustice of justice. A warning and message we didn’t take and was changed into a different narrative to suit his followers. A hateful day that everyone condemned and then many changed their tune.

Why so many continue to bow to this false narrative and continuation of other lies is one of the many that continue to puzzle me.

Creativity Ebbs and Flows

Some days the words flow like a lazy stream. Relaxed, rolling and free. Effortless positive thoughts flow along with the images.

Other days words are dammed up. The mind in turmoil, the body tense, painful and rigid. I get more of these days. I work hard in overcoming them and not making them apparent. So far, I’m pretty good at disguising them. A word actor. An actor in life.

Some days I’m reluctant to pick up a brush or a camera. Others I can’t get enough of them.

Today feels like a good creative day.

Alone on an island wondering where the world is going. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • My sleep is getting more and more inconsistent. Guess it’s having a flashback.
  • There is a dance inside of me dying to get out today.
  • The live version of Simple Man from 1975 might be my favorite song of all time.
  • I believe in the Manual Gearbox Preservation Society.


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Not alone

On the way down to Columbia MD Saturday one of my old favorites came on the speakers. The song, Woodstock performed by Crosby Stills Nash and Young. One I listened to as a teen in 1970.

The reason for being out was to attend the No Kings rally. I decided to stop sitting on the sidelines. Don’t take that the wrong way. I vote in every election, even the primaries. I’m tired of the nonsense and the direction this administration has taken the country. And I’m getting involved in changing it.

Family taught me some history lessons before they passed. The WWII and Korea generation warned me of this kind of ideology. Declaring your own citizens the enemy is harking back to dangerous days.

A bully and narcissist are not what we need to lead this country. So, I will be part of the change.

Just a few of the warning signs I saw at the rally.

Photos by Mike Hartley


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Who gets the hook next

I’ve always enjoyed late night TV and the humor poked at life. I’m sorry CBS and ABC have made the decisions they have to appease pumpkin head and his hoard. I don’t expect this to stop. He declared me the enemy in his first term and endangered my life, so we have been on the outs since then.

Of course, it might be some time before he gets worried about my singular level of discontent and disrespect. Then again, things are happen very quickly, and he has been successful at dividing and concurring at an unexpected pace.

So where does it stop. Is all but praise for him unacceptable? Is life for all of us one soon to be one of his kiss ass cabinet meetings? He’s threatening to pull FCC licenses of those he doesn’t like.

I’m not sure where everyone stands but I’m not kissing ass or the ring.

Time to think of more positive things and get the day rolling in a good direction. I have a taste for a pit beef sandwich for lunch and a ride with the top down. Only then, will I will return to chores.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • If you take care of things, they last. Unless it’s a piece of crap in the first place.
  • The tail is wagging the dog.
  • One of my best friends birthdays is today. Going to celebrate.
  • My need for TV in the future might not be needed. I’m not into state sponsored propaganda.


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Yes I do

Do you vote in political elections? – I remember a similar question last year from the daily writing prompt.

Of course I vote in elections. Every time in fact. Primaries included. Other than that it’s too early in the day to get riled up about politics. Plus, it’s a Saturday and there is much to do.

I will say, be smart with your vote. Read as much as you can about the people you’re voting for. Look for someone you would trust. Because they will be setting the future for your children and grandchildren.


Photo by Mike Hartley

Photo by Mike Hartley


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Seemed fitting

Truth is sometimes hard to get at. Sometimes it’s right in front of everyone.

Words for thought. Photo by Mike Hartley

I would pass by this a few times a night. I always liked it.

Good thing I can lose myself in my young grandson for a few hours this week to help me cope. And I’ll be absorbed in basketball this weekend. The trouble is I’ll worry about his and all our safety.


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Alive again

I think my fever broke last night and hopefully I’m on the upside today. Like getting up off the mat after losing a fight. This guy beat the hell out of me. I guess age is a factor in fighting viruses now. I only have half a kidney on the right side due to cancer and when I’m sick it feels like George Forman (RIP) was giving kidney shots for 12 rounds.

My better half was sick earlier in the week and some friends seem to have had the same thing and they all were saying it takes 4-5 days to start feeling normal again.

Hopefully this week I’ll be able to get back into the surf of things.

Photo by Mike Hartley

Frustration

For the first time this year I couldn’t put some miles on the treadmill. I was sick on my daughter’s birthday. I had to move 3 days of planned to do list items to future days. There was a nice day when I missed riding with the top down on my car in the warm sun. I haven’t picked up a camera or worked on a piece of art in 3 days. I haven’t worked on yard or home in 3 days. It bothers me that I haven’t kept up with blogs I like.

And now the sun has set, and my cough is coming back and I feel warm. Maybe a premature prediction of life returning.

Politics

I see our Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was quoted saying “Let’s say Social Security didn’t send out their checks this month. My mother-in-law is 94, she wouldn’t call up and complain. She just wouldn’t. She would think something got messed up and she’d get it next month,” he said. “A fraudster always makes the loudest noise, screaming, yelling and complaining.”

Well I’m no fraudster Lutnick, and yes I’m going to be pissed as hell if I don’t get my check on time. You took it out of every one of my F’ing paycheck so do you part and get it here on time or there will be HELL TO PAY for it.

71 Million Americans will be letting you know how we feel about missing even one social security payment.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I believe I’m going to start to supporting the organization Democracy Forward.
  • Mess with my Social Security and I will FUBAR YOU.
  • If you don’t have your health, it seems to stop life.
  • I seriously doubt we will make it 4 years without major unrest.


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Out of the shadows

I love watching deer around our homes. I think this guy was asking me about this recent cold snap and when its leaving. Watching them wake, stretch and emerge from the shadows is always fun.

And a good day to you also. Photo by Mike Hartley

We met our son and grandson today for the Maryland Home and Garden show at the state fairgrounds and had a great lunch together afterwards.

Photos by Mike Hartley

Politics

Unsurprisingly to me, the rest of the world seems to be alarmed over our recent alliance with Russia. As displayed recently with the horrible meeting between the leader of Ukraine and Putin’s Puppet. Well, there are a ton of people in the United States that are against this also. And I am one of them.

For some reason people and officials in power who have condemned the Communist Government of Russia for decades are all of sudden kissing their ass. Well far as I’m concerned you have traded sides and can no longer be trusted to have the best interest of this country at heart.

You have completely sold out not to condemn this crap. Lindsey Graham, you can go to Leningrad and talk that crap if you want brag about being proud of Trump’s display, but don’t peddle that crap with me. There was a famous line in the 90s from the show In Living Color. And that line was “Homey don’t play that.” And I hope most Americans all don’t either.

Maybe Trump’s nickname for Marco Rubio “little Marco” was right. Because he never looked smaller than he did sitting there and watching that display. I never thought we would populate the Government with a bunch of Communists loving idiots. Anyone who thinks Russia has our best interest at heart is a FOOL.

If Obama or Biden started conceding to Russia the Republicans would have wanted them removed from office and shot for treason.

I’ve been looking at some items from World War 1, World War 2 and Korea from my father and grandfather. I can’t make them proud by remaining silent.

And I’ve had it hearing about tax breaks for the rich and telling us we must live with less.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • It doesn’t feel like a Sunday.
  • Trying to focus on what I have instead of what I don’t.
  • I don’t even want to see what Comrade Trump is up to this day.
  • Here’s a thought. Do you think someone might want to cancel midterm elections?


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I don’t agree

Some may agree with this foreign policy, I don’t and the reasons for it are that my parents and grandparents fought wars to keep us from becoming Russia or Nazi Germany. They taught me to appreciate freedom and democracy and that Russia does not stand for those things.

I shot this during his first term. Looks like we are on repeat.

Giving Russia anything is a bad decision. Looking at trusting them is a bad decision. Making any concession to Russia is a bad idea. Our President being their spokesman is a VERY BAD IDEA. Our governments elected officials should know these things. And if they don’t we all should remind them right now.

Plus what are we doing F’ing around there when we got real problems here. I don’t seem to be feeling those price drops. And I’m not feeling much safer knowing we are firing lots of law enforcement professionals. I thought you had an America first agenda?


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Are they coming for you

Being new rules are being made up as we go along, do you ever wonder if someone is coming for you someday? Ah, you think you’re safe, you haven’t done anything wrong, your a citizen. So you think, they just haven’t found or made up the one they like to make you guilty yet.

Photo by Mike Hartley

Just for the record, I won’t be going peacefully. Learn from history, don’t repeat it.


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Wrap it up

Another week in the books for 2025. A productive one and fun one. A week of extremes, sadness and joy. My week of exercise was also up and down unlike the previous consistent weeks. Maybe this coming week I can work to restore a balance in life.

Social Media

Not that it affects me, but it seems to be near the top of many concerns today is the Tik Tok ban. In short if experts say it’s a risk, let’s mitigate it. Even if it comes alive again, I won’t be joining.

A good friend of mine this morning started a discussion about dropping Facebook. Boy would l like to. And I may one day but right now it provides connections to a lot of old work friends of over 5 decades through alumni groups and a few old friends no longer living in the area. And of course, the occasional posts I see from family.

That is tough to disconnect from now, but as time has moved on this past year it has become less important. I don’t find myself even checking it each day.

Weather

I haven’t seen the snow I expected. So either it’s coming later than forecasted, or isn’t going to be much of anything when it comes. Whatever does come down I’ll clean immediately because it will get frozen tonight.

The real cold weather gear is coming out. The big gloves, scarf, heaviest coat and 1 piece insulated suit. Oh, the knit hats and hoods will also be employed.

Please stay safe this coming week, dangerous cold is on its way.

Politics

Some interesting times ahead. But that is true no matter who is in power. I’ll continue to support some issues I believe in. I’ll continue to vote at every opportunity. I’ll be doing more reading than listening to the talking heads.

As always, I’ll try to find out what the truth is. A mission harder and harder as time goes on.

Sports

I picked both winners yesterday and hope for the Ravens and Rams today. Not that I’m gambling apart from the small bet I make with my son to just stay in touch each week.

It was disappointing to see a less than optimal effort by the University of Maryland men’s basketball team. Yes it’s good to get that victory but they won’t compete with the Top 20 teams playing that way. But there is always the next game, to turn it around.


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Church and State

While I was shooting this church yesterday one of the thoughts that has been on my mind is the separation of Church and State in this country. I’m not sure these lines won’t try to be blurred in the coming years. I think that is dangerous.

Politics has been active in our churches in the last few decades unlike I recall in my youth. I have some differences with the faith I was raised in, which has led to far less participation in the traditional sense. And I believe it’s also a reason church attendance has dropped off. Politics, stances on abortion rights and some unforgivable transgressions have fractured churches in my opinion.

Sykesville Maryland. Photo by Mike Hartley

You have these mega-churches supporting rich and famous lifestyles for their leaders and wielding great political influence. Therefore more power and more money. I don’t get the following of these television preachers. Again my personal opinion is that they talk the talk but I’m not sure they walk the walk.

I probably should have stayed away from this topic but it’s coming to a head anyway. I try to respect all faiths and I respect those who chose not to practice any faith. I have a very good friend who is an atheist and he acts a lot more Christian than some who pretend to be.

Maybe if people referred to the words found in their faith they might be a lot more accepting and helpful of and for each other.

I think I remember a phrase I heard some time ago. Our strength is in our differences. Forcing school prayer of one or any faith is wrong IMHO.


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Moving on

I woke today to find myself in the minority opinion in this country. It’s not a small minority but it fell short of the goal and therefore is subject to the results.

But my approach this time has to be different. I remember the frustration the former term gave me and I’m not going to repeat that. Life is too short to be unhappy.

So I’m going into survival mode. I’m not even sure what that means yet but it’s going to start with a lot less TV. I’ll read my news and keep that limited to a few trusted sources.

The last time it split family and friends and I’m expecting more of that. I also expect poor behavior and discourse to increase so I’m preparing for that also.

Financially this changes a lot of things. I’m not the believer he’s the economic guru he pretends to be. And if he is, I’m not in the class that is going to benefit from it.

I’ll do my best to further restrain sharing any political opinions here in the future. Not like I spent a lot of time on it anyway. I’ll just stay in my lane. But I am worried for my children and grandchildren.

Either we are going into deep water or coming out of it. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • The good old days might have been quite recent.
  • A walk, lunch, and ice cream with my better half and all is right with the world for a few minutes.
  • If they come to take me away, the phrase “Say hello to my little friend” comes to mind.
  • Vive la Resistance


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Tired

Morning Greetings all – I went to bed tired and physically spent. Pushed my sick behind too much yesterday. I didn’t think I had done too much till I got home at 6pm and couldn’t stop coughing, couldn’t breathe and had to lay down for a while. Next thing I know its 4:30am this morning. My chest was much better, I could breathe and had some energy as I woke. Now some energy for me is maybe getting to 30% because I have had nothing now for several days. But each day has had some kind of improvement and I think I’m getting better. So I’m a ray of sunshine this morning.

Sunset on bay in Ocean City
Photo by Mike Hartley

I would have loved to make a post yesterday but I didn’t anticipate having to crash so early. And in an effort to make up for missed time and opportunity I might just throw a few together today.

Changes

Being I’m such a disorganized and random individual I thought I’d at least try to present my thoughts and images in a different layout that might be easier for you to follow along and maybe lead to better thoughts about what I’d like to say and the images I might use to illustrate them. Well, at least I’m going to give it a go. Don’t expect anything special for a while. It will be gradual.

Political Crap

Might as well end this now, one way or the other. Do we start to seek the truth and come to a consensus and direction and leadership by both sides working for the good and future, or do we just retreat to our MSNBC/FOX  camps, take up arms and supplies and just get to deciding this argument? It won’t take much to trigger the later, being we’ve migrated to both camps already.

Just as troubling or maybe more so than what the President said, is the two versions. He says he didn’t say that and a Senator who was in the room said he said it repeatedly. That one Senator was a Democrat. As I have read so far this morning, only one Republican Tim Scott, stepped forward and say yes the news reports were basically accurate. Lets just get to the truth with this man can’t we? If he can’t take ownership of what he says, then what the hell is he doing running our country. We don’t need a liar running the country from either party. We need someone we can trust. Integrity is everything.

Well, enough politics for the day, I’ve got to shop for food and ammo. Just kidding, actually shopping for a special birthday celebration. Would be nice if life was like it was before where we weren’t consumed with hostility and concern, to be able to go through a week and not be worn out by the news and conflict. But that was wrong also on my part to be comfortably numb to some serious and underlying problems this country hasn’t come to terms with yet.

Don’t Stress, its only a matter of time. 
Photo by Mike Hartley

Maybe those days are finally upon us.

Random Thoughts of the Day

Life is short. Thats it.

I’m a star when it comes to thinking about eating better. I’m something far less brighter when it come to doing it.

I used to think I had a lot of faults, now I feel much better about myself due to our President.

Irony = Trump signing a MLK proclamation less than 24 hours after his comments on Haiti and African Countries.

Karma = the MLK statue falling on the man wants to be another kind of King, on Monday.

My WP spell check says shithole is not a word. – maybe it will be added this year. Google has it. “an extremely dirty, shabby, or otherwise unpleasant place.”

Maybe today will be better. I’m going to try to make the best of the S-hole I find myself in.


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Backwards

Shouldn’t the rider be the one wearing the helmet? Sort of like the way this country is going. Everything seems to be ass backwards. Instead of moving ahead we are paralyzed. Instead of taking care of serious problems, we are focused on new ones of our own creation. Instead of getting spending under control, we’re pissing all over the place.

Helmet?
Photo by Mike Hartley

Things lately seem to be very split in perception. And each side thinks the other is totally biased and corrupt and bad for America. I wish I saw a way out of this before now. In some ways freedom of the press is exactly what is being used against each other. Selective news, extreme statements not substantiated with a factual base, personal assaults based on gender or race.

For every Republican that thinks Trump is draining the Washington swamp is a Democrat thinking the swamp is now covering the country. I really don’t see a way, such a divided country can continue. Even if Trump has done something illegal and is impeached then that will galvanize the Republican base that thinks he was unfairly run out-of-town. And this is exactly what our adversaries love to see. A fractured country. An economically weakened country. A country without strong leadership.

It’s really a sin. People on both sides failing to stay fully educated. People not willing to listen to each other. People always having to talk or yell over each other. Hell we might as well line up on two sides and get it over with because I still think its coming to that unless someone who is seen as having everyone’s interest at heart, who is SMART, Articulate, has Character (not a character) and can rally the people without a war to back it up, can save us. Of course no one person can save us and if anyone is proving that right, the character in office now is proving that. For in his own words “I ALONE, can fix this”. Well, you can’t and it’s very evident. It’s a strong team of people under a strong leader and communicator. And you will never wake up to that fact either.

So in the mean time its back to the range and getting my HQL and stocking up for a rainy day. Don’t worry, I look at shooting as a sport. And I hope that day never comes where I look at it as something else.


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Thank you, you idiot

Its going to take all the restraint I have today not to lace this post with foul language. I’m livid as I wake this morning and find the President has now put my life in jeopardy. Thank you very much A-hole. You see I just happen to work for “the media.” And our president (no longer using caps for that until someone else is in office) has just said that I am now part of “the enemy of the American People.” 

A very strong and threatening statement as far as I’m concerned. You see there are a lot of people who take our president very seriously. I know them, I’ve seen them and many of them are easily moved to action. And basically you just put me a war with half of the country. Do you think they are going to stop and ask if I write the articles or tend to their computer systems or print the papers? Hell no.

You want to make up new ground rules of living in this country in peace then I’ll start making up my own like the right to protect myself regardless of what might be the current law. And if some eccentric inspired by you comes after me or my friends just trying to earn a respectable living then we have a serious problem and I’m holding you responsible, and we will meet.

You think by being the loudest and having the largest microphone means you’re the only voice that is going to be heard you are very wrong. You think because you say it, that its, the only truth. Well screw you. I’ve stood up to bullies like you in the past in the business world and I’m not intimidated by you. Bring it on old man because I’m one also and I’ll kick your ass from here to next month. Threaten me. You have to be kidding.

Photo by Mike Hartley

Photo by Mike Hartley

I had no intention of writing this way this morning. I certainly didn’t want to have this post/blog become politically tainted. I was going to write about my favorite tee-shirt and the word on it. “RESPECT”. Well actually a Derek Jeter tee with the number 2 replacing the S. I was going to write about how respect is earned by actions and words. About how I’ve at least tried to earn the respect of my family friends and co-workers. Not always successfully because of my own failings, but I try constantly to set the right example, to try to do the right things, to have compassion and trust. To work hard, to be a responsible father, to figure out what is wrong and unjust and do the right thing. I was going to edit some more nature photos and post them. A very peaceful post was intended. But no, you got to screw with the first day of the weekend.

As I sit here hoping this venting would calm me a bit, it hasn’t but it has steeled my thoughts on NOT being open to you as a president for 4 years. I won’t have it any longer and thank you for motivating me to help in legal ways to remove you from office so you don’t put any more people at risk of harm.

Now I’ve got to work the rest of the morning trying to calm down and think positively and go about my life being able to greet people with a good morning, a smile and trust. All at the same time looking over my shoulder with no trust, for the person or persons intending harm on me if I happened to be wearing a company tee shirt. Now I have to take those out of the wardrobe to avoid confrontation. Thanks for my new reality A-hole.