Kirbyjon Caldwell, the former pastor of Windsor Village UMC was sentenced to six years in federal prison on Thursday. Caldwell had previously pled guilty in March of 2020 to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charges were based on his participation in a scheme that roped people into investing about $3.5 million in historical former Republic of China bonds. The bonds were issued before the People’s Revolution that installed the People’s Republic of China as the governing power over mainland China in 1949. The PRC does not recognize the validity of such bonds and they have no value other than as possible collector’s items.

The scheme dating back to 2013-14 time frame was hatched by Caldwell and Gregory Smith, a Shreveport financial planner previously sentence to prison, who duped investors into buying the worthless bonds based on Caldwell’s influence as a pastor, community leader and author of several books in the “prosperity gospel” vein. Smith promised high returns on the investment, but the approximately $3.5 million stolen from victims was simply divided between Smith, Caldwell and others. Prosecutors alleged that Caldwell used over $900,000 of the money to maintain his wealthy preacher lifestyle.

Caldwell did not engage in a classic Ponzi Scheme where new investors funds are used to pay off previous investors to attract more dupes. This appears to be a more straightforward lie about the investment and just take the money and run. The only place Caldwell will be running for the next six years will be in the prison yard. Hopefully, he will attempt to make amends during his time in prison. He should have plenty of time to contemplate his sins and pray for forgiveness.

“You can either go down in history as a patriot, or you can go down in history as a pussy.”

Donald J. Trump to Mike Pence

Of course, Trump was asking Pence to effectively steal the election by refusing to allow the counting of electoral college votes which had been certified in six states that Trump lost. Trump was delusional in thinking that the Constitution gives the Vice-President sole authority to reject duly certified electoral college votes.

Oddly, Trump was correct in making this statement. Pence will go down in history as a patriot for this act in following the Constitution and resisting pressure from a President who was hell bent on the treasonous act of stealing an election. And Pence would have been a total “pussy” if he had kowtowed to Trump’s demand. Red has no love lost for Groveling Mike and his sycophantic act over the last four years, but he did show some spine when he was asked and refused to betray everything this country stands for.

The PGA has announced that it is pulling the 2022 PGA Tournament (one of the 4 majors) from Trump Bedminster Golf Club in New Jersey. Trump has plans to build a mausoleum on the site and be buried there. The mausoleum will be deemed an immovable obstruction with free relief and designated as a spot for golfers to relieve themselves.

The Royal and Ancient also announced that Trump Turnberry in Scotland will not be hosting The Open at anytime in the future and probably not as long as it is owned by Trump or family members. Trump is losing money hand over fist at Turnberry and this will only accelerate the decline as golfers lose interest in a site that will not be hosting a major tournament.

The fact that Trump is a notorious golf cheat should have precluded these organizations from ever even considering hosting a tournament at one of his branded courses. The PGA tour needs to ensure that no tournaments will be played at a Trump-tainted course every again – or at least until 25 years after Trump is dead (and buried at Bedminster) and there has been no association or ownership by any Trump family member for at least that long. The stench might wear off in that time period.

Nothing could really hurt Trump in a more personal way than not getting to strut while a major tournament is played at one of his courses. This is kicking a man in the balls while he is down, then lining up for another shot straight at his scrotum. Red heartily approves.

Red was 4 of 6 in his picks last weekend. The Seahawks and FTs failed to come through. Those picks were not against the spread and Red would have done okay in that regard. The Bills failed to cover but the FTs did so Red was also 4-2 against the line. Not a bad day. On to this week:

Saturday:

Packers over Rams – Beating the Seahawks in the playoffs is no mean feat – even in a sloppy game featuring a lot of punts, turnovers (by Seattle) and field goals. Despite a good record the Seahawks had been inconsistent all season and it proved fatal on Saturday. Beating the Packers at Lambeau Field in January is another matter altogether. Beating a team led by arguably the best passer in NFL history is also another matter altogether. While the temp will be in the teens or twenties at kickoff it doesn’t look like snow in the forecast right now. Even so, Red just doesn’t see the Rams knocking off a well-rested team with the best record in the NFC. Green Bay 27 Los Angeles 17.

Ravens over Bills – A very tough call here. But Red has to stick with his preseason prediction of a Chiefs-Ravens AFC title game. The Bills late-season offense was very impressive but was not really on display against a game Colts defense on Saturday. The Ravens were equally unimpressive in eking out a win over the Titans. Maybe both squads come alive on Saturday and give us the barn-burner we deserve. It won’t even be that cold on Saturday with temperatures at game time around freezing. Red won’t be surprised in the least to see the Bills win. Baltimore 38 Buffalo 33.

Sunday:

Chiefs over Browns – The Browns won a playoff game for the first time since defeating the Patriots in 1995 and won a playoff game on the road for the first time since crushing the Cowboys in the Cotton Bowl in 1969 (a game that featured the first ever playoff appearance of one Roger Staubach – in garbage time). The Browns beat down the Stealers from the get-go. That is all well and good, but the Chiefs are a different matter altogether. The biggest problem for the Chiefs will protecting Mahomes from the Browns deadly serious pass rush. Andy and crew need to come up with some plays to slow down the Browns front four, force more blitzes and take advantage of matchups down field. Browns need to control the ball and get lucky on turnovers to have a chance. They’ve got a chance – just not a very good one. Kansas City 30 Cleveland 21.

Saints over Buccaneers – The Saints have only won more than one playoff game in a season one time. That was in their NFL Championship run in 2009. They will change that this week. While everyone was raving about Tom Brady – Red was impressed that the FTs hung in this game this long despite giving up huge chunks of yardage. The Bucs won’t torch the Saints defense for 500+ yards. Meanwhile in Louisiana, the Saints just took care of business against the Bears on Sunday – albeit with some help from the refs. Back to back questionable calls against the Bears secondary helped put the game almost out of reach. Who will the refs favor this week – Red votes for the Saints again. New Orleans 24 Tampa Bay 20.

Red knows he said he might have already done this for the last time with Trump in office, but oh what the hell – it’s almost too easy.

I would like to begin by addressing the heinous attack on the United States Capitol (instigated by yours truly). Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem (mostly because it didn’t work). I immediately deployed the National Guard and federal law enforcement (well, it was immediately after I refused to do it and Weaselly Mike did it instead but details, details) to secure the building and expel the intruders (aka Trump Voters). America is and must always be a nation of law and order (me leaving office will certainly help restore that). The demonstrators (who I love) who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy (second only to Trump Tower). To those who engaged in the acts of violence and destruction (it sure was fun to watch until it wasn’t), you do not represent our country (you represent me). And to those who broke the law, you will pay (and if you thought for a minute that I wasn’t going to throw your asses under the bus to try and save me – well, you haven’t been paying very close attention now have you).

We have just been through an intense election and emotions are high (mostly because of my bullshit and lies but Canadian Ted helped too). But now tempers must be cooled and calm restored (only because this totally backfired on me and I am in really deep doo-doo). We must get on with the business of America (keeping my ass out of jail). My campaign vigorously pursued every legal avenue (and a number of illegal ones but why quibble) to contest (and flat lie about) the election results. My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote (and steal the election if at all possible). In so doing, I was fighting to defend American democracy (and keep my ass out of jail). I continue to strongly believe that we must reform our election laws to verify the identity and eligibility of all voters and to ensure faith and confidence in all future elections (the faith and confidence that I have worked tirelessly to destroy in hopes of keeping my ass out of jail).

Now, Congress has certified the results (led by that son of a bitch McConnell). A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20 (I would vomit in my mouth if I said Joe Biden’s name here). My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth orderly and seamless transition of power (and keeping my ass out of jail). This moment calls for healing and reconciliation (or if there is the slightest chance it would keep me in office and keep my ass out of jail for four more years some violence would be okay too). 2020 has been a challenging time for our people (because of my utter incompetence and stupidity but let’s move on from that). A menacing pandemic has upended the lives of our citizens (and more importantly my march to re-election which would have kept my ass out of jail), isolated millions in their homes (my hotels are fucking dying man), damaged our economy and claimed countless lives. (a hundred thousand dead here – a hundred thousand dead there – I mean really, what’s the big deal?). Defeating this pandemic and rebuilding the greatest economy on earth will require all of us working together (the white people anyway). It will require a renewed emphasis on the civic values of patriotism, faith, charity, community and family (because everyone of those was missing in my administration). We must revitalize the sacred bonds of love and loyalty that bind us together as one national family (I tried to kill those off but was not entirely successful).

To the citizens of our country, serving as your president has been the honor of my lifetime (right behind that ace I made on the 8th hole at Trump National). And to all of my wonderful supporters (many of whom are probably going to jail), I know you are disappointed (but more importantly think how I feel), but I also want you to know that our incredible journey is only just beginning (and I just might see you in jail). Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America (bitches).

Who could have predicted that the administration of Trump – the Reality TV Show Joke of a President – would end in utter chaos with the economy reeling, unemployment rising, the deficit ballooning, our enemies gloating, our friends dismayed and the nation divided – oh, and not to mention people dying by the thousands each day from a pandemic that could have been minimized or controlled and an insane mob storming the Capitol in an attempt to subvert an election?

Well, just about anybody who was paying the slightest bit of attention to the history of one Donald J. Trump who will live in infamy as the worst president in the history of the country (hopefully) and also as the greatest American con man to have ever walked the face of the earth. Just think for one minute about the failures of this “man”:

Trump Air, Trump Steaks, Trump Wine, Trump’s American Pale Ale, Trump: The Game, Trump University (a sucker is born . . .), Trump Charities (closed down, fined and barred from running another charity ever), the New Jersey Generals (really his stupidity caused the entire USFL to fail), Trump Taj Mahal (who loses money running a casino?), Trump Marina (bankrupt), Trump Castle (bankrupt), Trump Plaza (bankrupt), Trump Plaza Hotel (bankrupt), Trump Entertainment Resorts, Trump Style and Trump World Magazines, Trump Mortgage, GoTrump.com (travel site), Trumpnet (supposed communications company that never got off the ground), Trump Tower Tampa (in fairness, Trump just got paid to stick his name on this one), Trump Vodka (sold by a teetotaler), Trump Menswear (you gotta be kidding), Tour de Trump (bike race), Success by Trump and Empire by Trump colognes (it seems the smell of defeat isn’t as popular as you might think).

And now we can add to the list the biggest failure of them all:

The Trump Administration.

Red just thanks God that the U.S.A. has not been added to the list of things that Trump has destroyed – not yet anyway.

And by the way, if you are still supporting Trump after the events of this week (not to mention the last four years), Red has some parting thoughts for you:

Oh, no he doesn’t because he doesn’t give a damn what you think about matters of politics, ethics, morality or just about anything else.

Red takes some comfort in knowing that every second of Trump’s life for the next 14 days at least (and hopefully longer) will be utterly consumed by the gnawing agony of defeat and abject fear of the real possibility that prison time is in his future. After all, in Trump’s own words Joe Biden was the “worst candidate in the history of presidential politics.” What does it say about you if you can’t beat the worst. Oh wait, we have a quote for that too.

“Could you imagine if I lose? My whole life – what am I going to do? I’m going to say I lost to the worst candidate in the history of politics. . . . Maybe I have to leave the country, I don’t know,”

As much as Red would love for Trump to have to resort to exile in the suburbs of Moscow, he would much rather have his not inconsiderable butt sitting in a prison cell in New York.

Maybe for last time, Red will translate the lies of President Trump – this time coming from “Team Trump.” Unfortunately, Red will probably have a chance to continue this exercise after the trash is taken out of the White House on Jan. 20.

This email was sent yesterday while Trump was whipping the crowd into a seditious frenzy – so it is of some historical significance.

Red,

We need to make sure you’re aware of how important today is (the Revolution starts in about an hour by my watch).

Congress will vote this afternoon to certify, or object to, the Election results (but not if you storm the Capitol). Over 100 Members of Congress have vowed to fight for President Trump and OBJECT TO the results because they are concerned about voting irregularities and potential fraud (despite knowing Trump is a pathological liar and that everything he has said about the election is utter bullshit, we still have them running scared for their political lives).

The stakes have NEVER been higher (well, that is kind of true – Trump’s seditious plan to steal the election is pretty high stakes stuff), Red, President Trump needs YOU to make a statement and publicly stand (or riot if you prefer) with him and FIGHT BACK (find a Capitol Policeman and punch him).

Let’s get 1,000,000 signatures from Americans supporting their President and Vice President and DEMAND transparency (and the theft of this election).

Please add your name NOW to stand with President (Don the Con) Trump and Vice President (Groveling Mike) Pence against the Election results (because those results were not what Trump wanted and Trump always gets his way – facts be damned).

President Trump and Vice President Pence (cross Pence off this list after last night) are really counting on your support right now, Red.

We’re sending them a list of EVERY Patriot (aka Seditious Rioters) who steps up today (up the Capitol Steps and into the House and Senate Chambers). Make sure they see your name.

Please add your name IMMEDIATELY to publicly stand with President Trump and Vice President Pence (fuck him now).

Thank you,

Team Trump (a dwindling band).

With Rev. Warnock already declared the victor and Mr. Ossof seemingly headed to a narrow win in the Georgia U.S. Senate runoff elections, it will be interesting to see what the new narrative will be from the Trumpian Party (fka the GOP). The consistent drumbeat from the apparently corrupt, prevaricating, outgoing Senators Perdue and Loeffler has been that they are the last bulwark standing between the nation and godless socialism that will destroy America as we know it.

That is not going to happen. Control of the Senate will now be in the hands of the so-called moderates from both parties Manchin from W. Virginia, Romney from Utah, Collins from Maine, Murkowski from Alaska and some others. Any legislation will have to get their support to have a realistic chance of passage. America is not going to turn into the socialist hellhole predicted by the Perdue, Loeffler and the right-wing media mob. It just is not going to happen. Of course, that will not stop them from creating a new false narrative to pitch to gullible Trump Voters who slop at the table of Fox News, OAN and NewsMax. But will any new narrative continue to have legs in the face of actual moderately progressive legislation? Red cannot predict that.

What Red can predict is that Democratic control of the Senate will mean that President Biden will have free reign on his incoming cabinet and judicial picks for at least two years. That is no small thing and worth the price of admission alone.

Red’s dream of a 6-10 team making the NFL playoffs died on Sunday evening as the Philadelphia Eagles seemingly tanked a chance at victory over the Washington FTs in order to preserve their No. 6 spot for the 2021 draft. But at least Red has been proven right in that such an outcome is possible. The FTs will now become the third team in the Eight Division Era to make it to the playoffs with a losing record. The Seahawks in 2010 made it with a 7-9 record and Carolina in 2014 with a 7-8-1 mark. Interestingly, both of those teams won their first round playoff game. Red will take that into account and shift his focus to proving that a 5-11 team can make the playoffs under the current format.

Wildcard Weekend Predictions:

Let’s take them in order

Saturday

Bills over Colts – The Bills are not really showing any signs of weakness right now. And while Red thinks that Phillip Rivers deserves more than his one appearance in an AFC Championship game, he just doesn’t see that happening against what may be the best team in the league right now (with the Chiefs sort of staggering to the finish line). Josh Allen should be MVP and Stephon Diggs is the best or second best WR in the league right now. And the Bills defense is likely just too much for the inconsistent Colts offense to handle. Still the Colts will keep it close for a while, but in the end the Bills will control the clock and wear down a very game Colts defense. Buffalo 35 – Indianapolis 21.

Seahawks over Rams – The Rams were less than impressive in a must win matchup against the stumbling Cardinals in Week 17. The Seahawks were equally mediocre in taking care of business against the 49ers. Experience counts here and the Seahawks in the era of Russell Wilson and Pete the Cheat have managed to win a playoff game every season but in 2016 when they missed the show and 2018 when they lost a close one to the Cowboys. This is just a fairly solid team that handled the Rams two weeks ago. The Seattle defense has dramatically improved and kept the team in a lot of close games. Meanwhile, the Rams seemed like they were staggering around looking for a place to fall until they found redemption against a disappointing Cardinals squad in the last week of the season. Red sees no reason to pick the Rams here, but it will likely be a low-scoring snoozefest of a playoff game. Seattle 17 Los Angeles 12.

FTs over Buccaneers – Red is operating on the team with the non-winning record’s (see above and also see the 8-8 2008 San Diego Chargers and 2011 Denver Broncos) history of first round excellence in the playoffs and the fact that all the pressure is on the Buccaneers in this game. Really, the FTs are living on borrowed time and the Bucs spent the entire off-season and season dreaming of Tom Brady leading them to Valhalla. The FTs will be loose and the Bucs will be gripping. The Bucs should win this easily with a top tier defense and experienced QB. Red is predicting the FTs knock Brady out of the game early and it turns into a slugfest. Washington 17 Tampa Bay 16.

And on to Sunday.

Ravens over Titans – It’s now or never for Lamar Jackson as far as the playoffs go. He and the Ravens desperately need a win. But they get a very tough matchup here in a Titans team that can break it loose at any time with D. Henry and A.J. Brown. LJ is going to have to will his team over the finish line. In any event, this should be your NFL Playoff Game of the Week. Baltimore 35 Tennessee 31.

Saints over Bears – This is probably Drew Brees’ last or next to last good shot at another Superb Owl appearance. He is not likely to blow it again against a thoroughly mediocre but game Bears team. It should be a blowout and have Red heading for a quick 9 holes before halftime. New Orleans 31 Chicago 14.

Browns over Stealers. A nice close out to the weekend in this one. After starting 11-0, the Stealers have posted a pathetic 1-4 record and sank from the king of the AFC to a minor prince with the third seed. Meanwhile the Browns have quietly put together a very good season even while missing some of their top talent. Assuming that all hands are on deck this weekend, Red has the Browns upsetting the Stealers even though these back to back matchups tend to favor the team that lost the season closer. Cleveland 28 Pittsburgh 20.