TGIF 11/17/17

What was memorable about this week that we're putting in the books?

The president made it back from his Asia trip in one piece, and no no natural or unnatural disasters occurred here, or there, which is a good thing. He talked of major deals that would bring us benefit; the first of those was the release of the three goofballs from UCLA who decided to shoplift at a Louis Vuitton store in Hangzhou near their hotel. 

Trump interceded with Chinese President Xi, and the players were able to return home, avoiding a potential 10-year sentence. The president then did what he does best - he tweeted, of course,  questioning whether the players would thank him - barely giving them a chance to, since they still had to face the 'indefinite suspension' music with the Bruins. And yes, if you're wondering, they did thank him. Which he knew, and we all knew, they would.

What else happened this week?  Well, the House passed a tax plan - but they didn't get a Rose Garden celebration this time, like they did when they passed the ill-fated Affordable Care Act repeal and replace bill that eventually died in the Senate. Perhaps they're waiting for the Senate to do their part this time before they all gather and back-slap? 

As with the healthcare bill, the tax bill faces a slightly more uphill climb in the Senate, with one declared 'no vote' already: Wisconsin's Ron Johnson. And, we hear, there are significant differences between the bills, which might make the conference committee process difficult assuming the bill does pass. The president is looking for something by the end of the year, if not sooner, so we'll have to see what's going to happen.

Staying in Congress, we learned that there have been $15M in payouts to unnamed people related to harassment of one sort or another by unknown elected officials or staff. Which is not a good thing, at all. 

Also not a good thing at all? More women have come forward with allegations against Judge Roy Moore, the wannabe Senator from Alabama. He's denying, his wife is denying, people came forward to say that Moore and his missus are the happiest married couple since peanut butter met jelly on two slices of white bread - which surely means there's no way he could have done what they say he did 40 years ago because... he loves his wife?

Another not a good thing at all is what's going on with Minnesota's Senator Al Franken. He's been accused of forcibly kissing young woman as they rehearsed for a skit on a USO tour back in 2006. There's also a picture where Franken pretends to fondle the woman's breasts through a flack jacket as she's sleeping. The picture is absurd and stupid and childish at the very least. Franken has apologized and is welcoming a full ethics investigation into the situation. I haven't yet heard whether Franken and his wife have a terrific marriage with  eyes only for each other.  Calls for his resignation have started. 

Back to the president and his absurd and stupid and childish behavior. You know he can't help himself, right? I mean, what 71 year-old, self-confessed abuser could be expected to rise above this opportunity? 

TGIF, everyone.