Yesterday was the big Summit and, not much happened. And that figured. You rarely work out complex issues in a few hours. Folks don't seem to get that. To hear the Media, Democrats and a some Republicans comment. you would have thought that the President handed Putin the keys to the White House and the Nuclear codes.
I think they wanted Trump to slap Putin and challenge him to 2 out of 3 falls in a steel cage wrestling match. Or, more appropriately, a Russian Death match. They very obviously do not understand diplomacy,
No one is stating the obvious. President Trump did not remove the sanctions on Russia. He signed no agreements. They talked. That is all and, talking is better than arguing and threatening. Maybe these people have forgotten the nightmare of the Cold War.
The President did express some doubts about our Intelligence agencies, Well, the recent FBI issues should give cause to doubt their efficacy. A revue of CIA history creates even more doubts. Did Russia muck about in our politics. Of course, just like we have messed with internal politics in many other countries. Read history if you doubt that. And, while doing so, grow up. That is just how politics in the real world works. It is not tight, but it is the way things are and we will never change that by denying reality
Do I think Putin a great, trustworthy guy, No. But he is, for now, who we must deal with. Does he trust us? Of course not. We are witnessing a dance of mistrust and double dealing, but it is far better to dance than fight.
Showing posts with label Trump. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trump. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Jerusalem
I am not sure why Jerusalem is considered the hub of spirituality. The Bible? Any competent historian can attest to the fact that the Bible is nit historically accurate, Not even close. Christian texts and the Koran, being based around the Old Testament are equally unreliable, and that is being kind. All are based around the idea a that the Creator likes either the Jews, the Moslems, or the Christians best. This is a childish mentality and it should have died out years ago
But humans remain childish and, as a result of Trump's insistence on moving our embassy to what was a backwater town until David settled his little Kingdom there, people are being killed and injured at a frantic rate. I have praised the President over many of his actions, but this was a bad move.
The people of the Gaza strip live in nightmarish conditions, vastly overcrowded, impoverished, and with no hope of improvement. If you are sitting near an open gas can, you don't start tossing lit matches at it, yet that is what Trump has done.
The USA gains nothing by this. Trust me, all this talk of Israel is just talk. When push comes to shove, they will always play both sides against the middle to get what they want. History, if you are not too lazy or stuck in your World view to do some research, bears this out. No, I am definitely not anti Semitic. May I remind everyone that the people of Gaza are Semites. Nor am I anti Jewish. I really could not care any less about such nonsense. Religion and ethnicity mean nothing to me.
I do care about peace and progress.. Touching off further hostilities in the Mid East contributes to neither.
But humans remain childish and, as a result of Trump's insistence on moving our embassy to what was a backwater town until David settled his little Kingdom there, people are being killed and injured at a frantic rate. I have praised the President over many of his actions, but this was a bad move.
The people of the Gaza strip live in nightmarish conditions, vastly overcrowded, impoverished, and with no hope of improvement. If you are sitting near an open gas can, you don't start tossing lit matches at it, yet that is what Trump has done.
The USA gains nothing by this. Trust me, all this talk of Israel is just talk. When push comes to shove, they will always play both sides against the middle to get what they want. History, if you are not too lazy or stuck in your World view to do some research, bears this out. No, I am definitely not anti Semitic. May I remind everyone that the people of Gaza are Semites. Nor am I anti Jewish. I really could not care any less about such nonsense. Religion and ethnicity mean nothing to me.
I do care about peace and progress.. Touching off further hostilities in the Mid East contributes to neither.
Monday, May 14, 2018
What is being Hidden?
Something odd is happening. I have no idea what, but some odd thing is being hidden.
The news is weird. Nothing of import comes out. Just the same old thing, day after day, but there is an incredible tension in the air. Trump's legal woes, possible peace in Korea, the start of the mid-term elections are all issues, bit the fact that they are all that is talked about on the news is a sign that something else is afoot. The way that these issues are pushed and the entire rest of the World pushed aside means that something big is being buried.
Add to that the now steady stream of multiple shootings. Here in N. Georgia we wake up each morning to tales of folks rinning amoj and shooting up homes, bars and the streets and I am given to understand that this is going in all over the Nation. The economy gas picked up, but still, people are working multiple jobs to get by and, face it, prices are rising.
The big news today is the we have moved our embassy is Israel to Jerusaem. Why do I care? This does not affect my life one iota. I am neither for or against it, but it is being hailed as the greatest diplomatic triumph since the end of WW2..
Stage magicians perform their craft by misdirecting your attention. That is what is happening now.
So, what is happening? One of 2 things. The impending blow up of Kilauea is one possibility. It, now that it is more than just pretty streams of red rock flowing, is a possible alert to the fact that the Earth's crust is now very unsteady. Major earthquake and volcanic activity are not something anyone is ready to deal with and I am sure that Government agencies have some clue about what is happening. But, they are conspicuously silent.
Another contender is the constant Mid-East problem. The populations of both Iran and Saudi Arabia are about fed up with their rulers and thise 2 significant powers are fighting proci wars in Syria and Yemen and, like idiots, the USA and Rissia gave taken sides and, of course, Israel is using all of this as an excuse to start lobbing missiles into Iran's bases in Syria. The whole region is set to blow and no one will win, Still, we hear little detail about this. Oh, we hear of minor victories and heart warming tales of heroism. but little of what is really going on
Other possibilities? Sure. We here few detailed reports about the wide spread and deplorable human trafficking problem. Fentanyl is being distributed in vast quantities and placed in a variety of goods, causing death to many who would not think if touching any drug. How about the ties of the NXIVM cult to those financing and participating in the highest level if politics and business in thus Nation. Don't hear news about any of that.
Folks, we are being played by the media and their puppet masters. Something huge is about to hit the fan. Be ready to duck.
The news is weird. Nothing of import comes out. Just the same old thing, day after day, but there is an incredible tension in the air. Trump's legal woes, possible peace in Korea, the start of the mid-term elections are all issues, bit the fact that they are all that is talked about on the news is a sign that something else is afoot. The way that these issues are pushed and the entire rest of the World pushed aside means that something big is being buried.
Add to that the now steady stream of multiple shootings. Here in N. Georgia we wake up each morning to tales of folks rinning amoj and shooting up homes, bars and the streets and I am given to understand that this is going in all over the Nation. The economy gas picked up, but still, people are working multiple jobs to get by and, face it, prices are rising.
The big news today is the we have moved our embassy is Israel to Jerusaem. Why do I care? This does not affect my life one iota. I am neither for or against it, but it is being hailed as the greatest diplomatic triumph since the end of WW2..
Stage magicians perform their craft by misdirecting your attention. That is what is happening now.
So, what is happening? One of 2 things. The impending blow up of Kilauea is one possibility. It, now that it is more than just pretty streams of red rock flowing, is a possible alert to the fact that the Earth's crust is now very unsteady. Major earthquake and volcanic activity are not something anyone is ready to deal with and I am sure that Government agencies have some clue about what is happening. But, they are conspicuously silent.
Another contender is the constant Mid-East problem. The populations of both Iran and Saudi Arabia are about fed up with their rulers and thise 2 significant powers are fighting proci wars in Syria and Yemen and, like idiots, the USA and Rissia gave taken sides and, of course, Israel is using all of this as an excuse to start lobbing missiles into Iran's bases in Syria. The whole region is set to blow and no one will win, Still, we hear little detail about this. Oh, we hear of minor victories and heart warming tales of heroism. but little of what is really going on
Other possibilities? Sure. We here few detailed reports about the wide spread and deplorable human trafficking problem. Fentanyl is being distributed in vast quantities and placed in a variety of goods, causing death to many who would not think if touching any drug. How about the ties of the NXIVM cult to those financing and participating in the highest level if politics and business in thus Nation. Don't hear news about any of that.
Folks, we are being played by the media and their puppet masters. Something huge is about to hit the fan. Be ready to duck.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Here We Go Again
I have not written here for a bit. I simply had no desire to do so, but, weirdness calls.
I am old enough to remember Watergate, Iran-Contra, and Whitewater. One thing common to all? We never really found out just what happened. There is still a plethora of theories roaming around the internet, attempting to explain the true events of those disgraces, but not a one succeeds because we have never been given the whole truth. And we never will.
Rissia and Trump? Same thing, We will never get the whole truth. My guess is that the election tampering issue is a distraction. Probably it has more to do with big money contracts with the Russians, but who knows?
Take a tour of the internet and you will, no doubt, find people trying to link all of this to everything from occult workings to ancient aliens to the return of the Elder Gods. Not likely. Probably just money.
We will not get the true story, just as we will never know the whole story of the Vegas shooting. After 54 years and the release of tons of papers, we still do not have the exact story of the JFK killing.
Will Trump's Presidency survive this? Maybe, if he really gets control of himself and does what he is told to do, which does not seem likely. At the same time, the Democrats seem equally dirty, so maybe the whole rotten mess will just be quietly put to rest in the usual way, by locking up some underlings and calling it done.
As for all of us. Don't sweat it. Get on with making your own life rich and happy. These sleazy, sorry excuse for human beings are not worth your time.
I am old enough to remember Watergate, Iran-Contra, and Whitewater. One thing common to all? We never really found out just what happened. There is still a plethora of theories roaming around the internet, attempting to explain the true events of those disgraces, but not a one succeeds because we have never been given the whole truth. And we never will.
Rissia and Trump? Same thing, We will never get the whole truth. My guess is that the election tampering issue is a distraction. Probably it has more to do with big money contracts with the Russians, but who knows?
Take a tour of the internet and you will, no doubt, find people trying to link all of this to everything from occult workings to ancient aliens to the return of the Elder Gods. Not likely. Probably just money.
We will not get the true story, just as we will never know the whole story of the Vegas shooting. After 54 years and the release of tons of papers, we still do not have the exact story of the JFK killing.
Will Trump's Presidency survive this? Maybe, if he really gets control of himself and does what he is told to do, which does not seem likely. At the same time, the Democrats seem equally dirty, so maybe the whole rotten mess will just be quietly put to rest in the usual way, by locking up some underlings and calling it done.
As for all of us. Don't sweat it. Get on with making your own life rich and happy. These sleazy, sorry excuse for human beings are not worth your time.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Wrong Again
Well, Igott that one wring. The military is now running America and I thought they might bring some discipline and sanity to the land. Nope. Discipline? Yes. Sanity? No.
Trump is re0starting the war on Aphgabisran to stop terrorism, to stop ISIS. Sorry, that ship sailed long ago. ISIS is Worldwide, feeding on poverty and ignorance, traits common to all lands, This is what his generals want and this shows their total lack of sanity.
We cannot win that war. First off, we have no definition of what winning there would be. We may destroy the anti-government forces, for awhile, but they would just come back when we leave. If course we could stay forever, but we cannot afford that since we are flat broke.
What do we want there? That wretched land had rocks and sand, goats, opium, hashish, and folks who love to fight. We have plenty of rocks and sand, we grow vast amounts of marijuana and so much opium here already that folks are dropping like flies from addiction. We raise lots of goats and we certainly have too many folks who like to fight.
The real r4eason? Rea dOrwell's 1094. Nations fought constant battles over useless land, supposedly to stop terrorsits. It was all a sham. They used fear and pseudo-patriotism to keep populations in line. Why? The simple love of power. This is insanity and I am afraid those wielding power in our once freat Nation are quite insane..
Trump is re0starting the war on Aphgabisran to stop terrorism, to stop ISIS. Sorry, that ship sailed long ago. ISIS is Worldwide, feeding on poverty and ignorance, traits common to all lands, This is what his generals want and this shows their total lack of sanity.
We cannot win that war. First off, we have no definition of what winning there would be. We may destroy the anti-government forces, for awhile, but they would just come back when we leave. If course we could stay forever, but we cannot afford that since we are flat broke.
What do we want there? That wretched land had rocks and sand, goats, opium, hashish, and folks who love to fight. We have plenty of rocks and sand, we grow vast amounts of marijuana and so much opium here already that folks are dropping like flies from addiction. We raise lots of goats and we certainly have too many folks who like to fight.
The real r4eason? Rea dOrwell's 1094. Nations fought constant battles over useless land, supposedly to stop terrorsits. It was all a sham. They used fear and pseudo-patriotism to keep populations in line. Why? The simple love of power. This is insanity and I am afraid those wielding power in our once freat Nation are quite insane..
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Boy Scouts?
I just watched Donald Trump address the Boy Scout Jamboree and cringed, Now, to give the Devil his due, Trump, on the campaign trail was finny, almost like Lenny Bruce. He was vulgar and crude, but, as he rambled his way through his non-speeches, he was genuinely funny. Of course that was when I never believed he would actually be elected. Since then, not so funny.
But to hear him addressing Boy Scouts, age 12 to 18, in the manner he did wasdisconcerting to say the least.
He rambled on about his [political woes, fake news, the media, New York cocktail parties and the hot crowd they brought in, and the failure of his staff to accomplish his agenda *complete with threats of firings) To say this was all inappropriate is a severe understatement
He has no class. He speaks like a 16 year old bully in a juvenile detention center. He is a bully and
America, ;ool what you have become. This is the man you chose as your chief representative on the World stage. He has all the class of the 3 Stooges. Maybe he'll start throwing pies at thos ehe disahrees with. We used to be a great country. His is not the path back to that greatness.
But to hear him addressing Boy Scouts, age 12 to 18, in the manner he did wasdisconcerting to say the least.
He rambled on about his [political woes, fake news, the media, New York cocktail parties and the hot crowd they brought in, and the failure of his staff to accomplish his agenda *complete with threats of firings) To say this was all inappropriate is a severe understatement
He has no class. He speaks like a 16 year old bully in a juvenile detention center. He is a bully and
America, ;ool what you have become. This is the man you chose as your chief representative on the World stage. He has all the class of the 3 Stooges. Maybe he'll start throwing pies at thos ehe disahrees with. We used to be a great country. His is not the path back to that greatness.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
America - Madness
We have become a Nation gone completely mad. Clinton, the failed candidate, seemed hell bent on starting a conflict with Russia. She was defeated. Now, we see Trump about to, yes, pick a fight with Russia. This came as a shock, nit only to me, but to the Pentagon. The big Generals seem to have been blindsided by out newest batch of threats against Assad. Assad is a monster, no doubt, and his use of chlorine gas is monstrous, but lets review some history.
Saddam Hussein used chemicals against the Iranians; we gave those weapons to him and scarcely uttered a condemning world when he used them. Thus, we have no room for any holier than thou attitudes.
Second, throughout our sorry excuse for a Presidental campaign, Trump repeatedly said that he had no interest in seeking regime change in any other Nation. Now, we are after Assad and Secretary of State Tillersin has saud that we need such change in Iran.
Throughout the last 100 years or so, we have set up the fall of several regimes. Without going over the whole long list again, let me point out that every single time it has been disastrous. We just don't seem to get it and thus, by definition, this is madness.
Worse still, anyone who can think knows that this is just a proxy war in Syria. We are fighting there as a way of fighting Iran and Russia without actually declaring war . We can fight without a lot of risk, is the thinking. The problem is, sooner or later, someone will get really pissed and then we have a massive problem. It is a really, really bad idea to play a nuclear game of chicken. No one wins.
Saddam Hussein used chemicals against the Iranians; we gave those weapons to him and scarcely uttered a condemning world when he used them. Thus, we have no room for any holier than thou attitudes.
Second, throughout our sorry excuse for a Presidental campaign, Trump repeatedly said that he had no interest in seeking regime change in any other Nation. Now, we are after Assad and Secretary of State Tillersin has saud that we need such change in Iran.
Throughout the last 100 years or so, we have set up the fall of several regimes. Without going over the whole long list again, let me point out that every single time it has been disastrous. We just don't seem to get it and thus, by definition, this is madness.
Worse still, anyone who can think knows that this is just a proxy war in Syria. We are fighting there as a way of fighting Iran and Russia without actually declaring war . We can fight without a lot of risk, is the thinking. The problem is, sooner or later, someone will get really pissed and then we have a massive problem. It is a really, really bad idea to play a nuclear game of chicken. No one wins.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
America, The Monarcht Awaits
I understand that Puerto Rico may become a State. Fine with me. In Florida, I had several Puerto Rican friends and they were all hard workers who loved to have fun, so I am all for letting them become a State
At the same time, I understand that California is not fond of Americans in the rest of the land. No problem they can secede. That way, we can still keep those 5o star flags.
Those folks obviously do not like democracy, so here's a thought. They can have a Monarchy, and I propose Hillary Clinton as their first Queen. Queen Hillary sounds sort of royal, doesn't it?
She could have her way and, since she is so sure she know what's best for the lowly peasant, she could dictate what all her subjects could do, from the poorest farm worker to the grandest businessman, excuse me, business person; we must not be sexist or off with our heads.
Huma Abaden, Loretta Lynch and Elizabeth Warren could be Ladies in Waiting. Bill, of course, would be Prince Consort and Chelsea would be Heir to the Throne. Just think; those two wacky cut ups. John Podesta and Anthony Weiner, could be Court Jestres. Oh what jolly tomes Californians could have;
If all goes well, which I am sure it will, maybe Guam could next get Statehood. To keep those 50 star flags, we could eliminate another State that seems less that Democratically inclined, New York. They may be in luck. By the end of the year, the way things are going, Donald Trump may be available to become their King. I am sure he would love the title and, after all, he already has a son named Baron.
At the same time, I understand that California is not fond of Americans in the rest of the land. No problem they can secede. That way, we can still keep those 5o star flags.
Those folks obviously do not like democracy, so here's a thought. They can have a Monarchy, and I propose Hillary Clinton as their first Queen. Queen Hillary sounds sort of royal, doesn't it?
She could have her way and, since she is so sure she know what's best for the lowly peasant, she could dictate what all her subjects could do, from the poorest farm worker to the grandest businessman, excuse me, business person; we must not be sexist or off with our heads.
Huma Abaden, Loretta Lynch and Elizabeth Warren could be Ladies in Waiting. Bill, of course, would be Prince Consort and Chelsea would be Heir to the Throne. Just think; those two wacky cut ups. John Podesta and Anthony Weiner, could be Court Jestres. Oh what jolly tomes Californians could have;
If all goes well, which I am sure it will, maybe Guam could next get Statehood. To keep those 50 star flags, we could eliminate another State that seems less that Democratically inclined, New York. They may be in luck. By the end of the year, the way things are going, Donald Trump may be available to become their King. I am sure he would love the title and, after all, he already has a son named Baron.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
America and the New Reality Show
It seems that our President, frustrated that the Russian ties to his candidacy just will not go away, has fired FBI Director James Comey. To be sure, Comey seemed an incompetent buffoon, trying to play both sides of the fence. His handling of both the Clinton email scandal and the Russian probe has been a laughable attempt to both please and prosecute everyone and no one. Well, he's gone now and that's that.
But, I am afraid that Trumps woes will continue. The US Attorney in Virginia has issued Grand Jury subpoenas for some of Mike Flynn's associates. The investigations will continue.
The whole affair is beginning to remind me of Watergate, a nothing little crime made far worse by cover ups. The same can be said of Clinton's email fiasco. For those who don't remember, during Watergate, we saw a President, Richard Nixon, become totally unhinged, sinking into a paranoid state unacceptable in a man controlling our nuclear arsenal. This morning, I am seeing reports fro White House staffers of Trump screaming at the TV when he sees unfavorable news reports.
We need to calm things down a bit, have some fun, so I have a recommendation. Trump gained notoriety for his 'reality' TV show, The Apprentice. He is now searching for a new FBI Director, so let's assemble a list of candidates and let them reprise that ridiculous TV show. Trump can give them all silly little jibs each week and at the end of each episode, we can have him say those famous words to the week's loser, "your fired." The last one standing will be the new FBI Director.
The show would get monster ratings. Maybe Trump would calm down when back in a more comfortable role, that of a silly TV host. It makes about as much sense as anything else the Trump White House is doing.
But, I am afraid that Trumps woes will continue. The US Attorney in Virginia has issued Grand Jury subpoenas for some of Mike Flynn's associates. The investigations will continue.
The whole affair is beginning to remind me of Watergate, a nothing little crime made far worse by cover ups. The same can be said of Clinton's email fiasco. For those who don't remember, during Watergate, we saw a President, Richard Nixon, become totally unhinged, sinking into a paranoid state unacceptable in a man controlling our nuclear arsenal. This morning, I am seeing reports fro White House staffers of Trump screaming at the TV when he sees unfavorable news reports.
We need to calm things down a bit, have some fun, so I have a recommendation. Trump gained notoriety for his 'reality' TV show, The Apprentice. He is now searching for a new FBI Director, so let's assemble a list of candidates and let them reprise that ridiculous TV show. Trump can give them all silly little jibs each week and at the end of each episode, we can have him say those famous words to the week's loser, "your fired." The last one standing will be the new FBI Director.
The show would get monster ratings. Maybe Trump would calm down when back in a more comfortable role, that of a silly TV host. It makes about as much sense as anything else the Trump White House is doing.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
America - That Swamp is Getting Mucky Again
Remember Trump saying. 'we're going to drain the swamp.' Remember how great it looked when he started naming all sorts of new and different people to his Cabinet? Sure you do. It was just a few months ago, and boy, we were all ready for that.
Well, folks, calm down, because that ain't happening. With the introduction of the Ryan/Trump health care bill. we begin to see the mud reforming and I am fairly sure I see a few alligators swimming around.
Suddenly, we are hearing talk of 'committees,' and 'panels.' and compromise. Caucuses are questioning and votes are being lined up on all sides. Talk of parliamentary procedures, like reconciliation, are being bandied about. In other words, business as usual is back.
Trump promised repeal of Obama's wretched health care plan. Then repeal and replace. The Ryan/Trump bill is nothing more than a slight amending of the plan. The changes will hurt some and help others, but the real issue is not addressed. What is that issue? Glad you asked.
The real issue is simple. Health care is none of the Federal Government's business. It is an issue best dealt with by each individual American. What medical treatment I need, is my business and I have no right to tell anyone else how to take care of themselves. Suggestions, medical facts, all of those are welcome. Advice is welcome, but the individual must take care of themselves.
What of those who cannot afford care? Well, for most of the Country's history, family, friends, churches and civic groups helped the poor. Doctors donated time to free clinics or took indigent patients with no charge. We did this because we are basically a decent people who like helping each other.
Guess what? It worked pretty well; not perfect, but nothing is perfect. Then Uncle Sam decided that we all had to be taken care of and turned from Uncle to Daddy.
It does not work and it will not work because, as is always the case, when the Government gets involved, the simple gets way over complicated. Then, because all that easy Federal money starts getting tossed around, special interests get involved and politicians start counting votes and money and the next thing you know, we have the mess that we have, a swamp, a mud hole, full of gators and snakes and quicksand and all manner of filth.
If anyone thinks that after this bill passes, we will get phase 2 and 3 laid out and that, then, at last, our problems will be solved, is quite insane. There is no phase 2 and 3. Ryan and Trump felt the immediate backlash against their plan and came up with that nonsense to shut people up.
Besides, it doesn't matter. Phase 1 is dead in the water, and, along with it, Trump's political power. Don't hold your breath waiting for those tax cuts, entitlement cuts, infrastructure repair bills, and military spending. Definitely, you can forget all of that 'Wall' nonsense. What we will have instead, is 4 long years of bickering by Congress combined with paranoid twitter tantrums from our President. That is, if we don't get in a real war with Iran and/or N. Korea.
Well, folks, calm down, because that ain't happening. With the introduction of the Ryan/Trump health care bill. we begin to see the mud reforming and I am fairly sure I see a few alligators swimming around.
Suddenly, we are hearing talk of 'committees,' and 'panels.' and compromise. Caucuses are questioning and votes are being lined up on all sides. Talk of parliamentary procedures, like reconciliation, are being bandied about. In other words, business as usual is back.
Trump promised repeal of Obama's wretched health care plan. Then repeal and replace. The Ryan/Trump bill is nothing more than a slight amending of the plan. The changes will hurt some and help others, but the real issue is not addressed. What is that issue? Glad you asked.
The real issue is simple. Health care is none of the Federal Government's business. It is an issue best dealt with by each individual American. What medical treatment I need, is my business and I have no right to tell anyone else how to take care of themselves. Suggestions, medical facts, all of those are welcome. Advice is welcome, but the individual must take care of themselves.
What of those who cannot afford care? Well, for most of the Country's history, family, friends, churches and civic groups helped the poor. Doctors donated time to free clinics or took indigent patients with no charge. We did this because we are basically a decent people who like helping each other.
Guess what? It worked pretty well; not perfect, but nothing is perfect. Then Uncle Sam decided that we all had to be taken care of and turned from Uncle to Daddy.
It does not work and it will not work because, as is always the case, when the Government gets involved, the simple gets way over complicated. Then, because all that easy Federal money starts getting tossed around, special interests get involved and politicians start counting votes and money and the next thing you know, we have the mess that we have, a swamp, a mud hole, full of gators and snakes and quicksand and all manner of filth.
If anyone thinks that after this bill passes, we will get phase 2 and 3 laid out and that, then, at last, our problems will be solved, is quite insane. There is no phase 2 and 3. Ryan and Trump felt the immediate backlash against their plan and came up with that nonsense to shut people up.
Besides, it doesn't matter. Phase 1 is dead in the water, and, along with it, Trump's political power. Don't hold your breath waiting for those tax cuts, entitlement cuts, infrastructure repair bills, and military spending. Definitely, you can forget all of that 'Wall' nonsense. What we will have instead, is 4 long years of bickering by Congress combined with paranoid twitter tantrums from our President. That is, if we don't get in a real war with Iran and/or N. Korea.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Pay Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain
If you remember the story of the Wizard of Oz, you recall that Oz, the Great and Powerful, was but a light projection run by a man behind a screen. I think that is an apt analogy for what we are seeing. If Trump is Oz, all bluster with little or no substance, then who is the manipulator, the man behind the curtain? Steve Bannon, of course.
Bannon fascinates me. He is the monster in the closet, the ruthless ideologue who drives policy and stomps on everyone who gets in the way, and all Presidents have one. Nixon had Chuck Colson, Reagan had Bush 1. Bush 1 had Lee Atwater, Bill Clinton had Hillary, Bush 2 had Karl Rove (remember what he did to poor Max Cleland).
When dealing with a world that runs on form and tradition, like American politics, every Administration needs an enforcer, a hit man, who will get the job done at damn near any cost.
In previous Administrations, Presidents treated these folks the way you might treat a pet rattlesnake. They admired them, took care of them, but kept them at arm's length and usually locked away, releasing them only when needed then hustling them, quietly, back to their cages.
Trump is not locking Bannon away. Trump has no real ideology. I believe he genuinely wants to see the American people doing well. He, like myself, remembers a much better America and wants that back. Worthy goals, but he has no interest in ideology so he has trouble presenting a coherent plan. He seems to want to do just whatever he thinks will work. That is not a bad plan, but it is very hard to get the ideologues who have run the Country for way too long to go with that. Add on to that, Trump's innate defensiveness, bad temper and overly high sense of self worth, and he is having a rough go of it. Some, in his Administration seem to want him to tone things down. Priebus is one of those, Pence is possibly another, maybe even Sessions. They are probably correct, but what fun would that be?
On the other hand, there is Bannon. He is definitely an ideologue and his ideology scares the poop out of the Washington establishment. Why? Simple. He wants them gone. His stated goal is the dismantling of what he calls the Washington Administrative State, the system that wants to control every element of our lives; what we do, where we work, what we eat, what we read and listen to, what we think. Trust me. That is the ultimate goal of the Bushes and Obamas and Clintons that have afflicted us for these far too many years. Bannon wants the government and social structure they have built destroyed and America returned to the sort of live and let live attitudes that we have not seen in full effect since the 1950s when the middle class was at its strongest.
Works for me, but I see no way we can jump quickly to that, unless we want a horribly traumatic period of almost complete revolt. Maybe that's the plan. I have little doubt that Bannon would not mind it and, remember, by all accounts, he has long and private meetings with Trump.
Part of me says, why not? Tear it down and let's get back to a sane government. Another part of me says, no, too many would be hurt, people who should not be punished for simply believing the lies they have been fed for so long, by expert liars. Oh well, it really doesn't much matter what I believe, since none of the big players are asking my opinion and, any of you reading this are pretty much in the same boat. All I can say is, don't let it get you down, stay happy and healthy, and be ready for a very rocky time.
Bannon fascinates me. He is the monster in the closet, the ruthless ideologue who drives policy and stomps on everyone who gets in the way, and all Presidents have one. Nixon had Chuck Colson, Reagan had Bush 1. Bush 1 had Lee Atwater, Bill Clinton had Hillary, Bush 2 had Karl Rove (remember what he did to poor Max Cleland).
When dealing with a world that runs on form and tradition, like American politics, every Administration needs an enforcer, a hit man, who will get the job done at damn near any cost.
In previous Administrations, Presidents treated these folks the way you might treat a pet rattlesnake. They admired them, took care of them, but kept them at arm's length and usually locked away, releasing them only when needed then hustling them, quietly, back to their cages.
Trump is not locking Bannon away. Trump has no real ideology. I believe he genuinely wants to see the American people doing well. He, like myself, remembers a much better America and wants that back. Worthy goals, but he has no interest in ideology so he has trouble presenting a coherent plan. He seems to want to do just whatever he thinks will work. That is not a bad plan, but it is very hard to get the ideologues who have run the Country for way too long to go with that. Add on to that, Trump's innate defensiveness, bad temper and overly high sense of self worth, and he is having a rough go of it. Some, in his Administration seem to want him to tone things down. Priebus is one of those, Pence is possibly another, maybe even Sessions. They are probably correct, but what fun would that be?
On the other hand, there is Bannon. He is definitely an ideologue and his ideology scares the poop out of the Washington establishment. Why? Simple. He wants them gone. His stated goal is the dismantling of what he calls the Washington Administrative State, the system that wants to control every element of our lives; what we do, where we work, what we eat, what we read and listen to, what we think. Trust me. That is the ultimate goal of the Bushes and Obamas and Clintons that have afflicted us for these far too many years. Bannon wants the government and social structure they have built destroyed and America returned to the sort of live and let live attitudes that we have not seen in full effect since the 1950s when the middle class was at its strongest.
Works for me, but I see no way we can jump quickly to that, unless we want a horribly traumatic period of almost complete revolt. Maybe that's the plan. I have little doubt that Bannon would not mind it and, remember, by all accounts, he has long and private meetings with Trump.
Part of me says, why not? Tear it down and let's get back to a sane government. Another part of me says, no, too many would be hurt, people who should not be punished for simply believing the lies they have been fed for so long, by expert liars. Oh well, it really doesn't much matter what I believe, since none of the big players are asking my opinion and, any of you reading this are pretty much in the same boat. All I can say is, don't let it get you down, stay happy and healthy, and be ready for a very rocky time.
Monday, February 27, 2017
America - Pay Np Attention to the Words
Our current President is something of a talker. He seems to love speaking to Congress, Governors, and the few members of the Media that he trusts, and he is fairly good at it. Watch those words and then look around to see what's happening.
I never expect a President or any other politician to tell the whole, real truth. They generally manage to throw in a few facts but then they spin them harder than a Tiger Woods wedge shot. Trump, well, he seems to have trouble even tossing us any truths.
Last night I actually heard him say that his Administration had already accomplished most of his campaign promises. Really? He does not even have his full Cabinet seated. He has been forced to backpedal from his terribly written immigration order. Obamacare has not been repealed nor replaced.
The Wall is but a distant dream. The Pipeline is still in negotiations. Russia has not budged from the Ukraine. Iran and N. Korea are still testing missiles. We still have sanctuary cities and folks in Chicago are shooting each other at alarming rates.
It has only been a shade over a month since the Inauguration and any sane person would not expect these amazingly complex problems to be solved. Yet, our President tells us that he has already handled them. Well, alright then. Guess we can all just forget those, sit back and coast for the next 3 years and 11 months.
Trump's term may or may not turn out well, but he does himself no good by making idiotic statements like this. He carries on about the Media, calling them liars, but he invites criticism by overstating and needlessly embellishing.
There may be a slightly more sinister angle to this. Assuming that he is not simply a blustering buffoon, there is the possibility that he has learned a lesson from the great power seekers of history. That is, tell a lie; make it a big one; and keep telling it. When anyone calls you on it, get really loud and harsh and make fun of them. If you do this enough, it is surprising how many people will start believing you. Then, once they believe, you can sell them anything, and remember, Trump is a salesman.
I still have hopes for his Administration. I am just waiting anxiously to see when he is going to settle down and let his Cabinet and advisors take over. He picked some good folks and I trust them. Him, not so much.
I never expect a President or any other politician to tell the whole, real truth. They generally manage to throw in a few facts but then they spin them harder than a Tiger Woods wedge shot. Trump, well, he seems to have trouble even tossing us any truths.
Last night I actually heard him say that his Administration had already accomplished most of his campaign promises. Really? He does not even have his full Cabinet seated. He has been forced to backpedal from his terribly written immigration order. Obamacare has not been repealed nor replaced.
The Wall is but a distant dream. The Pipeline is still in negotiations. Russia has not budged from the Ukraine. Iran and N. Korea are still testing missiles. We still have sanctuary cities and folks in Chicago are shooting each other at alarming rates.
It has only been a shade over a month since the Inauguration and any sane person would not expect these amazingly complex problems to be solved. Yet, our President tells us that he has already handled them. Well, alright then. Guess we can all just forget those, sit back and coast for the next 3 years and 11 months.
Trump's term may or may not turn out well, but he does himself no good by making idiotic statements like this. He carries on about the Media, calling them liars, but he invites criticism by overstating and needlessly embellishing.
There may be a slightly more sinister angle to this. Assuming that he is not simply a blustering buffoon, there is the possibility that he has learned a lesson from the great power seekers of history. That is, tell a lie; make it a big one; and keep telling it. When anyone calls you on it, get really loud and harsh and make fun of them. If you do this enough, it is surprising how many people will start believing you. Then, once they believe, you can sell them anything, and remember, Trump is a salesman.
I still have hopes for his Administration. I am just waiting anxiously to see when he is going to settle down and let his Cabinet and advisors take over. He picked some good folks and I trust them. Him, not so much.
Monday, February 20, 2017
America - The Fun is Just Getting Started
This is getting to be fun. Over the weekend, our President stunned the Swedish people when he spoke of their recent terrorist event. There wasn't one. True, violent crime has increased in that frozen country, but no bombs, no shootings, not even a knife attack.
We seem to have an ever expanding list of potential National Security Advisors, now that Flynn has left. We still are short a few Cabinet members. Somewhere, at someone's hands, sensitive documents are being leaked. The Russians are dominating discussions. And the fat Korean kid is growing a wee bit more dangerous every day.
The Iranians are paying zero attention to our demands that they stop testing missiles. Syria is a complete disaster and Iraq is not far behind. Afghanistan is a mystery; we seem to no longer have any say in the events there, yet we still have troops present.
We have an unthinkable opiate addiction problem yet, the Afghani government, who are supposed to be at least somewhat friendly, is doing nothing to stop the growing of poppies. I guess that money beats morality. If we want to keep the heroin out, and we have troops and equipment in place, why have we not simply burned those fields. Again, I guess money wins no matter which side you're on.
More time is being wasted on various immigration orders when, in early summer, the Supreme Court is already set to rule on cases brought during Obama's term and these will say what will and won't happen.
Today, I saw a feature on folks perusing literature with an eye on banning offensive works. They are not just talking about pornography. Remember, there have long been those wanting to ban anything not politically correct. Read Ray Bradbury's masterpiece, Fahrenheit 451. In the meantime, I guess I should hide my copies of Huckleberry Finn and Heart of Darkness, after all, they contain the dreaded 'n' word.
We have vast amounts of hard drugs pouring into the Nation by way of Mexico. We have an infrastructure that is collapsing (look at the California dam issue and the massive sinkholes in LA). We have a complete lunatic in Korea merrily building nukes and testing missiles and a barely saner group in Iran doing the same (remember, that branch of Islam is obsessed with their version of the Apocalypse. We have a President who cannot keep his foot out of his mouth and an opposition party who would attack Jesus if he returned and wasn't a Democrat.
Trump is saying that the White House has never run smoother. If you believe that, I want to again remind you that I am the only licensed realtor handling those Moon colonies Newt Gingrich wants to build.
You might as well laugh at the whole idiotic mess.
We seem to have an ever expanding list of potential National Security Advisors, now that Flynn has left. We still are short a few Cabinet members. Somewhere, at someone's hands, sensitive documents are being leaked. The Russians are dominating discussions. And the fat Korean kid is growing a wee bit more dangerous every day.
The Iranians are paying zero attention to our demands that they stop testing missiles. Syria is a complete disaster and Iraq is not far behind. Afghanistan is a mystery; we seem to no longer have any say in the events there, yet we still have troops present.
We have an unthinkable opiate addiction problem yet, the Afghani government, who are supposed to be at least somewhat friendly, is doing nothing to stop the growing of poppies. I guess that money beats morality. If we want to keep the heroin out, and we have troops and equipment in place, why have we not simply burned those fields. Again, I guess money wins no matter which side you're on.
More time is being wasted on various immigration orders when, in early summer, the Supreme Court is already set to rule on cases brought during Obama's term and these will say what will and won't happen.
Today, I saw a feature on folks perusing literature with an eye on banning offensive works. They are not just talking about pornography. Remember, there have long been those wanting to ban anything not politically correct. Read Ray Bradbury's masterpiece, Fahrenheit 451. In the meantime, I guess I should hide my copies of Huckleberry Finn and Heart of Darkness, after all, they contain the dreaded 'n' word.
We have vast amounts of hard drugs pouring into the Nation by way of Mexico. We have an infrastructure that is collapsing (look at the California dam issue and the massive sinkholes in LA). We have a complete lunatic in Korea merrily building nukes and testing missiles and a barely saner group in Iran doing the same (remember, that branch of Islam is obsessed with their version of the Apocalypse. We have a President who cannot keep his foot out of his mouth and an opposition party who would attack Jesus if he returned and wasn't a Democrat.
Trump is saying that the White House has never run smoother. If you believe that, I want to again remind you that I am the only licensed realtor handling those Moon colonies Newt Gingrich wants to build.
You might as well laugh at the whole idiotic mess.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
America - Get It Together, President Trump
As I have said, I did not vote for Trump and have consistently said that I do not trust him. I have been making an effort to give him a chance, mostly because I like some of the people surrounding him. I assumed that once things settled, he would calm down and let them run things.
Well, I should have known to never assume. Instead, it is becoming 'all Trump, all the time." He is popping up everywhere, giving an alarming number of press conferences. Why he is holding these conferences is a mystery, since he hates the Media, refuses to answer questions from most, and generally spends the bulk of the time ranting about their bias and fake news.
I do not love the news media. I find them to be silly, pompous morons who do little but uselessly pontificate. And, yes, there is a lot of fake news. However, that is true for mainstream, conservative, and alternative media. I am not sure if they are looking for sensationalism or they do not remember how to research properly or if they have simply lost track of what is real. I say a pox on them all, media and politicians.
They never were my favorite group of people, but all sides, Democrat, Republican and all points in between, are acting like spoiled brats. And, that is an insult to spoiled brats everywhere.
It turns out that all of the fuss about immigration orders is a total waste. The Supreme Court is due to hear 3 case, probably in June, brought during Obama's term, that will decide what can and cannot be done.
All the fuss about Russia's meddling in our election, is complete hypocrisy. WikiLeaks has just released documents showing that we took similar actions during France's 2012 election.
Oh, by the way, despite all of Trump's 'make it in America' talk, Ivanka's clothing line is made in China and Hong Kong.
It also seems that no one is that eager to be National Security Advisor. Harwood and Plateaus have both declined, and who can blame them? Why would any sane person want the aggravation of working in a chaotic environment?
Hypocrisy, double dealing, scamming, and out-and-out lying are the norm in our current political climate. That has always been true, but not like this. The President, Cabinet, Congress and Courts need to get their acts together, immediately, and start dealing honestly and intelligently with America's many problems.
Well, I should have known to never assume. Instead, it is becoming 'all Trump, all the time." He is popping up everywhere, giving an alarming number of press conferences. Why he is holding these conferences is a mystery, since he hates the Media, refuses to answer questions from most, and generally spends the bulk of the time ranting about their bias and fake news.
I do not love the news media. I find them to be silly, pompous morons who do little but uselessly pontificate. And, yes, there is a lot of fake news. However, that is true for mainstream, conservative, and alternative media. I am not sure if they are looking for sensationalism or they do not remember how to research properly or if they have simply lost track of what is real. I say a pox on them all, media and politicians.
They never were my favorite group of people, but all sides, Democrat, Republican and all points in between, are acting like spoiled brats. And, that is an insult to spoiled brats everywhere.
It turns out that all of the fuss about immigration orders is a total waste. The Supreme Court is due to hear 3 case, probably in June, brought during Obama's term, that will decide what can and cannot be done.
All the fuss about Russia's meddling in our election, is complete hypocrisy. WikiLeaks has just released documents showing that we took similar actions during France's 2012 election.
Oh, by the way, despite all of Trump's 'make it in America' talk, Ivanka's clothing line is made in China and Hong Kong.
It also seems that no one is that eager to be National Security Advisor. Harwood and Plateaus have both declined, and who can blame them? Why would any sane person want the aggravation of working in a chaotic environment?
Hypocrisy, double dealing, scamming, and out-and-out lying are the norm in our current political climate. That has always been true, but not like this. The President, Cabinet, Congress and Courts need to get their acts together, immediately, and start dealing honestly and intelligently with America's many problems.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
America and the Early Days of Trump
Twenty-five days in, and the new Administration is already hit with scandal, a rather silly one on the surface, but, who knows how deep it goes. Mike Flynn, National Security Advisor, has resigned because he talked sanctions with the Russian Ambassador.
Nothing illegal there, although it was a bad idea since they discussed sanctions, which are still hanging around. Then, Flynn supposedly lied to VP Pence who then went on TV saying the sanctions were not discussed. Well, it seems that the FBI heard the talks, information was leaked by someone, and it was 'bye bye Mikey.'
This story just does not quite add up. Flynn, is a General, trained in military discipline. It seems unlikely to me that he would, on his own, just start babbling to the Russians. Then, he claims he didn't remember if he talked of the sanctions. Huh? He doesn't remember. when this is one of the key issues in our foreign policy. Then, in a blink, he's gone. The question being asked is, did Trump know he was going to discuss that issue with the Russians. If so, things get a wee bit murky, since this discussion was in December when Trump was not yet President. Still, it would not be a huge issue, except for the idiotic attempt to cover it up. When you are a President that half the Nation does not like or trust and that even a substantial number of those that voted for, don't trust, you want to be squeaky clean while you get going. The whole thing seems like Nixon's Watergate. The cover up is worse than the crime and leaves the impression that the crime you are caught at is only the surface.
All that aside, we are still beset with demonstrations and court battles over the immigration orders. This was not a 'Muslim ban,' since the Nations covered only account for 10% of the World's Muslim's. It really does not even cover most Nations with terrorist activities. To cover such Nations, we would have to include Saudi Arabia, from which all but 1 of the 9/11 hijackers came and which was also the home of Osama ben Laden.
And, we would also have to include England, Spain, France, Germany and Belgium, all of them home to vast terrorist networks and scenes of horrific attacks.
Will the bans make us safer? Not a bit. Folks conveniently forget that the Orlando shooter was born in the USA, as were the Sandy Hook and Columbine shooters. The Virginia Tech shooter was Asian and not Muslim. Charles Whitman who, in 1966 killed and wounded many Texans while shooting from a tower, was a Texan and a Marine. Timothy McVeigh blew up a few hundred in Oklahoma City and was American.
I want immigrants from the Mid East kept out for economic and cultural reasons. We cannot afford them and they have an annoying habit of wanting to impose their beliefs and practices on others. However, keeping them out will not much affect our safety. The issue is a smoke screen being used to hide a real agenda, or several possible agendas. Every player on the governmental scene has an agenda and who knows who will win.
And, this is part of the problem. Trump has assembled a weird blend of establishment types and loose cannons. If he can control them and play one off the other, it just might work. The big issue is can he control himself and is he as powerful as he thinks. And, even if he is, when you are the alpha dog, someone will try to take your spot.
I urge all of you to learn this phrase: President Mike Pence. And for all of you Trumaphobes, out to dump Donald, be careful. You may get your wish and Pence, a devout Catholic and Christian Dominionist, will not be fun for you at all ( note: Christian Dominionists want America to be a strictly Christian Nation that basically follows Old Testament law and that tolerates no variation from the standard).
Nothing illegal there, although it was a bad idea since they discussed sanctions, which are still hanging around. Then, Flynn supposedly lied to VP Pence who then went on TV saying the sanctions were not discussed. Well, it seems that the FBI heard the talks, information was leaked by someone, and it was 'bye bye Mikey.'
This story just does not quite add up. Flynn, is a General, trained in military discipline. It seems unlikely to me that he would, on his own, just start babbling to the Russians. Then, he claims he didn't remember if he talked of the sanctions. Huh? He doesn't remember. when this is one of the key issues in our foreign policy. Then, in a blink, he's gone. The question being asked is, did Trump know he was going to discuss that issue with the Russians. If so, things get a wee bit murky, since this discussion was in December when Trump was not yet President. Still, it would not be a huge issue, except for the idiotic attempt to cover it up. When you are a President that half the Nation does not like or trust and that even a substantial number of those that voted for, don't trust, you want to be squeaky clean while you get going. The whole thing seems like Nixon's Watergate. The cover up is worse than the crime and leaves the impression that the crime you are caught at is only the surface.
All that aside, we are still beset with demonstrations and court battles over the immigration orders. This was not a 'Muslim ban,' since the Nations covered only account for 10% of the World's Muslim's. It really does not even cover most Nations with terrorist activities. To cover such Nations, we would have to include Saudi Arabia, from which all but 1 of the 9/11 hijackers came and which was also the home of Osama ben Laden.
And, we would also have to include England, Spain, France, Germany and Belgium, all of them home to vast terrorist networks and scenes of horrific attacks.
Will the bans make us safer? Not a bit. Folks conveniently forget that the Orlando shooter was born in the USA, as were the Sandy Hook and Columbine shooters. The Virginia Tech shooter was Asian and not Muslim. Charles Whitman who, in 1966 killed and wounded many Texans while shooting from a tower, was a Texan and a Marine. Timothy McVeigh blew up a few hundred in Oklahoma City and was American.
I want immigrants from the Mid East kept out for economic and cultural reasons. We cannot afford them and they have an annoying habit of wanting to impose their beliefs and practices on others. However, keeping them out will not much affect our safety. The issue is a smoke screen being used to hide a real agenda, or several possible agendas. Every player on the governmental scene has an agenda and who knows who will win.
And, this is part of the problem. Trump has assembled a weird blend of establishment types and loose cannons. If he can control them and play one off the other, it just might work. The big issue is can he control himself and is he as powerful as he thinks. And, even if he is, when you are the alpha dog, someone will try to take your spot.
I urge all of you to learn this phrase: President Mike Pence. And for all of you Trumaphobes, out to dump Donald, be careful. You may get your wish and Pence, a devout Catholic and Christian Dominionist, will not be fun for you at all ( note: Christian Dominionists want America to be a strictly Christian Nation that basically follows Old Testament law and that tolerates no variation from the standard).
Sunday, January 22, 2017
America - The Big Day is Here at Last
America, for good or ill, today, Donald J. Trump becomes the new President of the United States. Like him or not, all Americans should celebrate. We, as we do every 4 years, are about to witness a peaceful transfer of power. I am not much on patriotic spectacles, but this one is special.
Maybe I over spoke in calling this transfer peaceful. Nonviolent would be a better word. God knows, this election has been far from peaceful and the term between the election and today has been noisy and somewhat chaotic. But, at its essence, this is a peaceful transfer.
What will come? There are a stunning number of people in this Country who want to see Trump fail. I find this to be utterly insane. Guess what, folks. If this Administration fails, then you are, like the rest of us, going to have a rotten few years. If the economy tanks, if we are beset by foreign enemies, if our racial divisions worsen, it is hard to understand how you can believe that is a good thing. You, like all the of us, will suffer greatly.
There are many citizens, including Senators and Congressmen, who are vowing to stop President Trump's agenda at every turn. This is irrational and reprehensible. If you wish to oppose certain aspects of the plans and have rational debate with the intention of reaching satisfactory compromise, fine, great. That is why you are there, But, to pledge a total block of everything proposed by Trump and his team, is borderline treasonous because you are undermining the safety and prosperity of Americans to further your own ideological agenda. Shame on all of you.
I did not vote for Trump because I did not trust him and because he had a habit of saying things that were just too off the wall. Well, he has backed away a bit from his more ludicrous ideas and he can do that because he is not an ideologue, hell bent on pursuing a set philosophy. He, as a businessman has had to be a pragmatist and look for practical solutions to problems.
I am impressed with his appointees. They are an extremely competent group and have made it clear that they do not agree with Trump on every issue. This proves his refusal to be attached to any set ideology and the possibility that practical, workable solutions can be found. He seems willing to listen to opposing views and alter his own when presented with new ideas. That is how problems are solved.
To those of you who are just anti-Trump, opposing him at any cost, I say this. Please, just shut up and go away. To those who disagree and want to make constructive arguments, get to it, because that is how work gets done. To those who are frightened by the rhetoric, relax. We have not elected the reincarnation of the Nazi party and you are not witnessing the rise of fascism in America. Everything is going to be fine if we can all just reason together.
America, celebrate. The Constitution is still intact and we are about to once again show the rest of the World the power of the American people. We do this every time we inaugurate, by way our election processes, a new President. Do not worry, do not fear. Stay calm, stay peaceful, and celebrate.
Maybe I over spoke in calling this transfer peaceful. Nonviolent would be a better word. God knows, this election has been far from peaceful and the term between the election and today has been noisy and somewhat chaotic. But, at its essence, this is a peaceful transfer.
What will come? There are a stunning number of people in this Country who want to see Trump fail. I find this to be utterly insane. Guess what, folks. If this Administration fails, then you are, like the rest of us, going to have a rotten few years. If the economy tanks, if we are beset by foreign enemies, if our racial divisions worsen, it is hard to understand how you can believe that is a good thing. You, like all the of us, will suffer greatly.
There are many citizens, including Senators and Congressmen, who are vowing to stop President Trump's agenda at every turn. This is irrational and reprehensible. If you wish to oppose certain aspects of the plans and have rational debate with the intention of reaching satisfactory compromise, fine, great. That is why you are there, But, to pledge a total block of everything proposed by Trump and his team, is borderline treasonous because you are undermining the safety and prosperity of Americans to further your own ideological agenda. Shame on all of you.
I did not vote for Trump because I did not trust him and because he had a habit of saying things that were just too off the wall. Well, he has backed away a bit from his more ludicrous ideas and he can do that because he is not an ideologue, hell bent on pursuing a set philosophy. He, as a businessman has had to be a pragmatist and look for practical solutions to problems.
I am impressed with his appointees. They are an extremely competent group and have made it clear that they do not agree with Trump on every issue. This proves his refusal to be attached to any set ideology and the possibility that practical, workable solutions can be found. He seems willing to listen to opposing views and alter his own when presented with new ideas. That is how problems are solved.
To those of you who are just anti-Trump, opposing him at any cost, I say this. Please, just shut up and go away. To those who disagree and want to make constructive arguments, get to it, because that is how work gets done. To those who are frightened by the rhetoric, relax. We have not elected the reincarnation of the Nazi party and you are not witnessing the rise of fascism in America. Everything is going to be fine if we can all just reason together.
America, celebrate. The Constitution is still intact and we are about to once again show the rest of the World the power of the American people. We do this every time we inaugurate, by way our election processes, a new President. Do not worry, do not fear. Stay calm, stay peaceful, and celebrate.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
America - The Donald Chronicles, Part 5
This will be my last post labeled 'The Donald Chronicles.' Friday, he takes office and, so long as he deserves it, I will refer to him as President Trump.
I am sure that no sane people will disagree when I say that this has been the strangest campaign imaginable. Trump did prove one thing beyond any doubt. You do not need a massive staff and countless millions of dollars to win. Hillary had both and lost. Trump's victory shows that all you need is a message that will resonate with the voters, stated in ways they will understand, delivered by someone with a charismatic personality.
The Inauguration will be a grandly impressive affair. If you live in any large city, I advise you to be a little careful. There will almost surely be many demonstrations and I will be surprised if at least some of them do not become every ugly. Hopefully not, but be smart and stay out of any situation that seems to be turning bad.
Trump has his team ready to move, to get busy. They must get right to it and start showing progress, a lot of it, very quickly. If they do, they will gain a lot of popularity and power and all should go fairly well. If not, if their opponents can derail their agenda, they will lose power and the Nation will be in for a rough ride.
Do not be surprised to see an attempt to create some sort of scandal, with an ensuing impeachment movement. This will almost surely fail, and I believe that it will not be intended to succeed. Trust me, the opposition would much rather keep Trump around than deal with Mike Pence, an evangelical, Catholic, ultra-conservative.
Why bother then? Simple. Keep the Nation divided and deepen the divisions and they will feel that they will have a better shot at regaining power next time around. Watch carefully. There will be attempts, some of which will succeed, to further divide America along ethnic and religious lines. However, if this is the strategy, they are walking a very thin line. If there is too much upheaval, keep in mind, Trump has a staff consisting of a very hard nosed, conservative Attorney General and a bunch of even tougher military officers. I do not believe that a lot of trouble will be tolerated.
Things could get quite ugly for the next few months. in fact I am very sure they will. There will be some tough responses by some tough minded people. However, I am pretty sure that once the reality of the situation sets in and laws are enforced and idiotic programs like the sanctuary cities are defunded and shut down, people will get with the program and you will see America start on the road back to greatness.
Things are going to change and change fast, not just here, but around the World. A no-nonsense America is about to emerge.
I am sure that no sane people will disagree when I say that this has been the strangest campaign imaginable. Trump did prove one thing beyond any doubt. You do not need a massive staff and countless millions of dollars to win. Hillary had both and lost. Trump's victory shows that all you need is a message that will resonate with the voters, stated in ways they will understand, delivered by someone with a charismatic personality.
The Inauguration will be a grandly impressive affair. If you live in any large city, I advise you to be a little careful. There will almost surely be many demonstrations and I will be surprised if at least some of them do not become every ugly. Hopefully not, but be smart and stay out of any situation that seems to be turning bad.
Trump has his team ready to move, to get busy. They must get right to it and start showing progress, a lot of it, very quickly. If they do, they will gain a lot of popularity and power and all should go fairly well. If not, if their opponents can derail their agenda, they will lose power and the Nation will be in for a rough ride.
Do not be surprised to see an attempt to create some sort of scandal, with an ensuing impeachment movement. This will almost surely fail, and I believe that it will not be intended to succeed. Trust me, the opposition would much rather keep Trump around than deal with Mike Pence, an evangelical, Catholic, ultra-conservative.
Why bother then? Simple. Keep the Nation divided and deepen the divisions and they will feel that they will have a better shot at regaining power next time around. Watch carefully. There will be attempts, some of which will succeed, to further divide America along ethnic and religious lines. However, if this is the strategy, they are walking a very thin line. If there is too much upheaval, keep in mind, Trump has a staff consisting of a very hard nosed, conservative Attorney General and a bunch of even tougher military officers. I do not believe that a lot of trouble will be tolerated.
Things could get quite ugly for the next few months. in fact I am very sure they will. There will be some tough responses by some tough minded people. However, I am pretty sure that once the reality of the situation sets in and laws are enforced and idiotic programs like the sanctuary cities are defunded and shut down, people will get with the program and you will see America start on the road back to greatness.
Things are going to change and change fast, not just here, but around the World. A no-nonsense America is about to emerge.
Monday, January 16, 2017
America - Enough is Enough
Now, we have Trump and John Lewis sniping at each other. No matter what either might claim, it is a racial issue. I am disgusted. When are we going to get past this nonsense? Both Blacks and Whites, and every other color in between, should drop the issue. We are all human and we have much bigger issues to deal with.
Like Lewis, I am old enough to remember the Jim Crow Laws. They were nightmarish and amazingly stupid. Well, guess what? They were over and done with 50 years ago. When are we going to move on? Yes, Black folks were badly treated, but are we going to dwell on this crap forever. Get over it. Go out and learn some skills, educate yourselves and get a job. Leave the beer inn the fridge, put down the video games, and turn off a ballgame or two, and do something important.
That advice goes to all folks, Whote and Black. I have no idea how a Trump Presidency will work out, but I look at his Cabinet appointments and say, 'hmm, these are some serious people.' Well, such serious people, when given a job, get to work, and, generally have little use for goof offs. If you expect to drift aimlessly through the next few years, you may a wee bit of a problem, and if you are not qualified to do anything, you will have a rough go. Businesses who want to hire American workers are having positions unfilled because they cannot get good employees. The solution? Become a qualified, skilled worker and get busy. You cannot do that sitting around drinking beer and watching Lebron play basketball and you cannot study while listening to the latest rap CD. You need to educate yourself.
As far as John Lewis goes, being a Civil Rights hero does not have a lot of meaning now. He is an old man who is still peddling the same tired message he was pushing years ago. He should be the poster boy for term limits. Lewis, and many others in Congress, have been there too damn long and, like an old racehorse, they should be put out to pasture. All of these old folks are doing nothing but cling desperately to the little kingdoms of power they have created, and the fact that as they age, they keep clinging, indicates a definite mental unbalance. And, these are the idiots pulling the strings of Government. Our puppet masters are a bunch of doddering old mean and women (let's not forget the Nancy Pelosis of the Congress) and should be thrown out. They will likely go kicking and screaming, but go they must.
Every one else, get off your rear ends and get busy.
Like Lewis, I am old enough to remember the Jim Crow Laws. They were nightmarish and amazingly stupid. Well, guess what? They were over and done with 50 years ago. When are we going to move on? Yes, Black folks were badly treated, but are we going to dwell on this crap forever. Get over it. Go out and learn some skills, educate yourselves and get a job. Leave the beer inn the fridge, put down the video games, and turn off a ballgame or two, and do something important.
That advice goes to all folks, Whote and Black. I have no idea how a Trump Presidency will work out, but I look at his Cabinet appointments and say, 'hmm, these are some serious people.' Well, such serious people, when given a job, get to work, and, generally have little use for goof offs. If you expect to drift aimlessly through the next few years, you may a wee bit of a problem, and if you are not qualified to do anything, you will have a rough go. Businesses who want to hire American workers are having positions unfilled because they cannot get good employees. The solution? Become a qualified, skilled worker and get busy. You cannot do that sitting around drinking beer and watching Lebron play basketball and you cannot study while listening to the latest rap CD. You need to educate yourself.
As far as John Lewis goes, being a Civil Rights hero does not have a lot of meaning now. He is an old man who is still peddling the same tired message he was pushing years ago. He should be the poster boy for term limits. Lewis, and many others in Congress, have been there too damn long and, like an old racehorse, they should be put out to pasture. All of these old folks are doing nothing but cling desperately to the little kingdoms of power they have created, and the fact that as they age, they keep clinging, indicates a definite mental unbalance. And, these are the idiots pulling the strings of Government. Our puppet masters are a bunch of doddering old mean and women (let's not forget the Nancy Pelosis of the Congress) and should be thrown out. They will likely go kicking and screaming, but go they must.
Every one else, get off your rear ends and get busy.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
2016 - A Review and Some Predictions
2016 has been one hell of a strange year. No one can dispute that.
Mother Nature has been in a bit of a snit. We have seen massive wildfires throughout the Southwest and the Southeast. Temperatures are going to be brutally cold this weekend. Louisiana and West Virginia suffered devastating floods. Here in Brunswick, Ga, which never has tropical storms, in a little over a month, we had two tropical storms and a hurricane. Earthquakes are showing up in odd places, like Oklahoma; seemingly, fracking is not such a good idea.
Flint, Michigan and Corpus Christie, Texas have had contaminated drinking water issues that have proven costly and time consuming to solve.
Terrorism has hit here again and again, most notably, the dumpster bomber in NY and the shootings at the gay club in Tampa. Europe has been hit much harder. Yet still, both here and throughout Europe, immigrants, unscreened and unscreenable, continue pouring in.
Heroin use and over doses have become a National disgrace.
More and more, in large American cities, homeless people are filling the streets, and many, many of them are kids. Again, a disgrace.
Those of you who signed up for Obamacare are about to get nailed with higher premiums and higher deductible. Cheer up, that will be going bye-bye soon, although, no one seems to have a clue what's going to replace it; maybe nothing.
The last election is now almost two months passed and still, the Democrats are whining like little brats and the Republicans, the old timers in Congress, don't have a clue about their future course. After the nastiest campaign I can remember, Trump is almost to his inauguration, and I'm still not quite sure what his plans are, but at least it will be something different.
Across college campuses, political correctness has hit the point of total absurdity, Any mention of Christmas seems to have become akin to felonious assault. Gender identity is a huge issue and colleges are issuing guides telling students how they should address, in as gender neutral a way as possible, their classmates.
Racial issues have reached a crescendo, with rioting erupting in several cities, the rise of the inane Black Lives Matter movement, and the growing hostility between Whites, Blacks, Native Americans, Hispanics, and Muslims.
Let me offer a few predictions for the New Year.
Trump will have a hard time, even with a Republican Congress, getting his Cabinet approved, his immigration issues dealt with, and getting trade laws passed. He will get Obamacare removed and taxes cut, many regulations removed, and very likely will get his way on rearming the military. He will not get any change in education issues, or environmental issues, and, no, he will not build a wall.
Racial trouble will grow worse. About the best we can hope is that the various divisions will simply ignore each other and live mostly separate lives. Not good, but better than riots.
Our interminable wars in the Mid East will drag on for a while, appear to end, and then explode. The trigger points will be (pick one) Libya, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Jorden, Tunisia, Somalia, or Lebanon. A major confrontation will occur involving Russia, Turkey, and Iran, possibly relating to the continuing Kurdish problem. Israel will jump in, hoping to stick it to Iran and we will jump in hoping to stick it to Russia. This will be a major, tragic war. It may not break out in 2017, but this is the year the stage will be set.
Rampant deregulation will lead to an economic windfall, for a while. Then something will stick a pin in the bubble and it will all fall down. Again, maybe the bubble will not burst in 2017, but the stage will be set, so live it up while you can.
Religion will become a major point of contention. Devout Christians and Jews will become almost outcasts in many circles.
And, last, the Climate will get weirder. Yes, the climate is changing and changing very quickly. No, humans are not the sole cause, but we better get a grip on what's going on and make necessary changes as soon as possible. Instead, we will spend useless hours haggling over issues that may not matter in just a very few years.
So, that out of the way, Happy New Year. Have some fun while you can, because the ride going to get a trifle bumpy.
Mother Nature has been in a bit of a snit. We have seen massive wildfires throughout the Southwest and the Southeast. Temperatures are going to be brutally cold this weekend. Louisiana and West Virginia suffered devastating floods. Here in Brunswick, Ga, which never has tropical storms, in a little over a month, we had two tropical storms and a hurricane. Earthquakes are showing up in odd places, like Oklahoma; seemingly, fracking is not such a good idea.
Flint, Michigan and Corpus Christie, Texas have had contaminated drinking water issues that have proven costly and time consuming to solve.
Terrorism has hit here again and again, most notably, the dumpster bomber in NY and the shootings at the gay club in Tampa. Europe has been hit much harder. Yet still, both here and throughout Europe, immigrants, unscreened and unscreenable, continue pouring in.
Heroin use and over doses have become a National disgrace.
More and more, in large American cities, homeless people are filling the streets, and many, many of them are kids. Again, a disgrace.
Those of you who signed up for Obamacare are about to get nailed with higher premiums and higher deductible. Cheer up, that will be going bye-bye soon, although, no one seems to have a clue what's going to replace it; maybe nothing.
The last election is now almost two months passed and still, the Democrats are whining like little brats and the Republicans, the old timers in Congress, don't have a clue about their future course. After the nastiest campaign I can remember, Trump is almost to his inauguration, and I'm still not quite sure what his plans are, but at least it will be something different.
Across college campuses, political correctness has hit the point of total absurdity, Any mention of Christmas seems to have become akin to felonious assault. Gender identity is a huge issue and colleges are issuing guides telling students how they should address, in as gender neutral a way as possible, their classmates.
Racial issues have reached a crescendo, with rioting erupting in several cities, the rise of the inane Black Lives Matter movement, and the growing hostility between Whites, Blacks, Native Americans, Hispanics, and Muslims.
Let me offer a few predictions for the New Year.
Trump will have a hard time, even with a Republican Congress, getting his Cabinet approved, his immigration issues dealt with, and getting trade laws passed. He will get Obamacare removed and taxes cut, many regulations removed, and very likely will get his way on rearming the military. He will not get any change in education issues, or environmental issues, and, no, he will not build a wall.
Racial trouble will grow worse. About the best we can hope is that the various divisions will simply ignore each other and live mostly separate lives. Not good, but better than riots.
Our interminable wars in the Mid East will drag on for a while, appear to end, and then explode. The trigger points will be (pick one) Libya, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Jorden, Tunisia, Somalia, or Lebanon. A major confrontation will occur involving Russia, Turkey, and Iran, possibly relating to the continuing Kurdish problem. Israel will jump in, hoping to stick it to Iran and we will jump in hoping to stick it to Russia. This will be a major, tragic war. It may not break out in 2017, but this is the year the stage will be set.
Rampant deregulation will lead to an economic windfall, for a while. Then something will stick a pin in the bubble and it will all fall down. Again, maybe the bubble will not burst in 2017, but the stage will be set, so live it up while you can.
Religion will become a major point of contention. Devout Christians and Jews will become almost outcasts in many circles.
And, last, the Climate will get weirder. Yes, the climate is changing and changing very quickly. No, humans are not the sole cause, but we better get a grip on what's going on and make necessary changes as soon as possible. Instead, we will spend useless hours haggling over issues that may not matter in just a very few years.
So, that out of the way, Happy New Year. Have some fun while you can, because the ride going to get a trifle bumpy.
Friday, December 23, 2016
America - Merry Christmas
We have truck terrorism in Germany, a plane hijacking in Malta. a shooting in Switzerland, an assassination in Turkey. Russia is modernizing its nukes and Trump is insisting we do the same. Clinton supporters are still whining and a few are trying to impeach Trump before he takes office.
China is kvetching about The Donald. Obama is blaming the news media for his woes. Syria has basically been demolished, and Iraq is still fighting. ISIS is calling for the Holiday bombings of Churches. Indonesia, Germany and Australia have just arrested several suspected terrorists and the Tampa, Fl. police have busted a guy in the process of building a bunch of bombs.
Heroin is rampant and the NY cops just busted some folks with 250 pounds of psychedelic mushrooms. No one has a clue what we are going to do economically and Congress is ready to go after most of the Cabinet appointees, when they're not busy investigating the ubiquitous Clinton emails.
My solution? For the next few days, forget the whole mess. There is not one thing you can do about any of it. Sit back and enjoy the Holidays.
Merry Christmas to one and all, and have a Happy, prosperous New Year.
China is kvetching about The Donald. Obama is blaming the news media for his woes. Syria has basically been demolished, and Iraq is still fighting. ISIS is calling for the Holiday bombings of Churches. Indonesia, Germany and Australia have just arrested several suspected terrorists and the Tampa, Fl. police have busted a guy in the process of building a bunch of bombs.
Heroin is rampant and the NY cops just busted some folks with 250 pounds of psychedelic mushrooms. No one has a clue what we are going to do economically and Congress is ready to go after most of the Cabinet appointees, when they're not busy investigating the ubiquitous Clinton emails.
My solution? For the next few days, forget the whole mess. There is not one thing you can do about any of it. Sit back and enjoy the Holidays.
Merry Christmas to one and all, and have a Happy, prosperous New Year.
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