As the screws tighten…

The “witch” in the hunt might have been found–at least that’s what Michael Cohen’s plea deal indicates.

Cohen pleaded under oath, and without any pressure, that “the candidate” gave him instructions to pay hush money to women for the purposes of influencing the election. This is a violation of campaign finance laws.

If Trump wasn’t president, he would be indicted based on the Cohen’s plea deal alone. Cohen was only the messenger here, and in a crime of this nature it’s not the messenger the feds are after–its the one who gave the order.

Mueller has more up his sleeve and Cohen has more cards to play, hence the plea and the quick resolution to this small but important part of the investigation. The implication was just the beginning.

And let’s not forget about Manafort. His case was never about taxes as much as it was about access. He represents loose connections to the other side of the equation. And he was found guilty in front of a jury.

This whole thing is just warming up.

Thoughts on the new plans to rollback fuel efficiency standards…

As the US continues to drop bombs on its war against reason as it relates to climate change, consumers need to act.

If the market demands cars with improved fuel efficiency, or electric cars, whatever rollbacks the Trump administration implements on fuel efficiency standards will not matter.

Automakers will be forced to comply with market demands.

Our dollars and decisions drive the market, not Trumps war on science and reason.

Screaming on social media doesn’t help, especially if you go out and buy a gas guzzling SUV afterwards.

Gas prices are rising. The petroleum industry and car manufacturers win if these proposed rules go into effect. In the long run, auto-consumers loose at the gas pump and via continued environmental degradation. But that doesn’t mean we quit and blame Trump.

Buy smart if you care about climate change–and don’t get sucked into the noise, such as the argument about safety as it relates to cars with better fuel efficiency standards. That’s crap.

Oh, and by the way, fuck you EPA. Remember, you make the rules we make the calls.

Road trip to Pittsburgh

Just returned from a road trip to Pittsburgh, we were there to see the Arctic Monkeys. Driving from Media it was a long trip. Never realized how many trees Pennsylvania has. I didn’t count, but there are a lot – you’ll have to trust me on this.

The concert was fun. Although I’m not familiar with all of their songs, I feel I heard them all before somewhere–there music is instantly accessible and supremely catchy. I even bought a t-shirt that I will wear every now and then.

Had the opportunity to run through downtown Pittsburgh as well. It is a beautiful city. Trees and green are interspersed throughout in an organic way. I’d like to re-visit with some more time.

The road trip put Pennsylvania into perspective. Two football teams, one on each end of the state, and tons of green in between.