Saturday, October 27, 2018



IT WAS TRUMP’S FAULT!

In its discussion of the arrest of the bombing suspect on Friday night CNN rightly cited Trump’s divisive rhetoric as a contributing factor to the bombing attempts – something Trump himself refuses to admit – but each commentator and analyst, in a purposeful attempt to seem fair, specifically emphasized “it was not Trump’s fault”.

While I can understand and appreciate CNN’s not wanting to contribute to political divisiveness and present the appearance of fairness, we must tell the truth and call a spade a shovel.  It WAS Trump’s fault!

Trump’s consistent encouragement and praise of physical and verbal attacks against his perceived enemies, and, being his enemies, therefore the enemies of the people and the state, in speeches made to his cult of ignorant followers at rallies, both during the campaign and continuing as President of the United States, sent a clear message to his “people” that this behavior is OK.  Specifically, if the President of the United States, the alleged “leader of the free world”, says this behavior is acceptable and praiseworthy then it must so.

Trump is telling his people, who wrongly believe, as he himself does, that he is infallible, and also, strangely, that he is their “champion” and “savior”, that people who question, challenge and oppose him must, by virtue of doing so, be bad, have no value, are true enemies of the people, and deserve to be attacked and punished.  And his ignorant core cult takes his message to heart.

Sadly, the bombing suspect is a true representative example of Trump’s core cult of ignorant racists – the now organized, empowered and energized by Trump block of voters that the Republican Party apparently believes it needs to pander to in order to win elections. 

The suspect had in the past threatened to throw a bomb in a conversation with a Florida utility representative regarding a personal financial matter, but did not follow through.  While he has a long history of verbally attacking politicians and support of white supremacy and radical right philosophy, beginning well before Trump’s emergence as a politician, he had never sent the perceived enemies of his cause bombs before,  He only did so now because of Trump’s encouragement and praise of attacks against his political enemies, and he specifically targeted individuals who vocally opposed and denounced Trump and were called out by name by Trump.

Trump obviously did not directly participate in the making and mailing of the bombs, nor did he specifically tell the suspect or others like him to send bombs to his enemies, but Trump’s words and tweets are directly responsible for the actions of the suspect.

If Trump was not who he is and did not say and tweet what he has said and tweeted this man would have not made and mailed these bombs.






Wednesday, October 24, 2018


IT IS NOT OK!

The encouragement and empowerment of racism and bigotry and the level of denigration and hatred of immigrants by the Trump Presidency is unprecedented in US history.  IT IS NOT OK.

Racism, bigotry and hatred of immigrants IS NOT OK.

Physically and vocally attacking and the mocking and bullying of “enemies” and those who question and oppose you IS NOT OK.

Benefiting financially on a daily basis from holding the office of and the actions taken as President IS NOT OK.

A President whose every action is motivated solely by his or her ego or financial interests, putting his or her personal interests and perception above the interests of America and the American people, IS NOT OK.
  
Donald Trump as President IS NOT OK.

Supporting and defending Donald Trump as President IS NOT OK.









Tuesday, October 23, 2018


THE GRAND OLD PARTY IS NO LONGER GRAND!

How the Republican Party has changed since 1956.

The following is from the official Republican Party Platform of 1956 (highlights are mine) -

While jealously guarding the free institutions and preserving the principles upon which our Republic was founded and has flourished, the purpose of the Republican Party is to establish and maintain a peaceful world and build at home a dynamic prosperity in which every citizen fairly shares.

We shall ever build anew, that our children and their children, without distinction because of race, creed or color, may know the blessings of our free land.

We believe that basic to governmental integrity are unimpeachable ethical standards and irreproachable personal conduct by all people in government. We shall continue our insistence on honesty as an indispensable requirement of public service. We shall continue to root out corruption whenever and wherever it appears.

We are proud of and shall continue our far-reaching and sound advances in matters of basic human needs—expansion of social security—broadened coverage in unemployment insurance —improved housing—and better health protection for all our people. We are determined that our government remain warmly responsive to the urgent social and economic problems of our people.

To these beliefs we commit ourselves as we present this record and declare our goals for the future.”

Today’s Republican Party emboldens racism and bigotry, attacks Social Security and health benefits, and says –

“We don’t care if much of Donald Trump’s wealth is based on unethical and illegal business practices, that he refuses to divest himself of his business interests and continues to unconstitutionally line his pockets as a result of his Presidency, that he attempts to degrade and destroy American democracy and values on a daily basis, that he is a laughing stock in the eyes of the world community, and that he lies every time he opens his mouth.  We need the votes of his core cult of deplorable ignorant racists.”   

Sadly the “Grand Old Party” is truly dead.  The Republican Party has become the Party of Trump. 

It is vital for the future of America and the world that we all vote against ALL Republican candidates for Congress in November!








Monday, October 22, 2018

THE LEGACY OF TRUMP

One of the best descriptions of Trump, Trumpism and the Trump legacy come from the final paragraph of “The Cruelty Is The Point” by Adam Serwer in THE ATLANTIC -

Trump’s only true skill is the con, his only fundamental belief is that the United States is the birthright of straight, white, Christian men, and his only real, authentic pleasure is in cruelty. It is that cruelty, and the delight it brings them, that binds his most ardent supporters to him, in shared scorn for those they hate and fear: immigrants, black voters, feminists, and treasonous white men who empathize with any of those who would steal their birthright. The president’s ability to execute that cruelty through word and deed makes them euphoric. It makes them feel good, it makes them feel proud, it makes them feel happy, it makes them feel united. And as long as he makes them feel that way, they will let him get away with anything, no matter what it costs them.”

Donald T Rump’s core cult of ignorant and racist deplorables have always been on the fringes of the Republican Party, but they have never before had an alleged Republican politician personally low enough to pander directly and almost exclusively to them.

What Trump has done, and what is the most damaging and dangerous legacy of Trump, is to organize them in support and defense of his legitimacy and create an actual voting block within the Republican Party to whom, unfortunately, the Party is listening and responding.







Sunday, October 21, 2018

TRUMP IS MY ENEMY

A person is not my enemy because he is a Republican or a conservative. Nor is a person my enemy because he is a Democrat or a liberal. Liberalism and conservatism are intelligent and legitimate political philosophies, each with value, and I will gladly discuss the differences in these philosophies and my own calmly and intelligently with others of intelligence.

The two political philosophies, like individual citizens, approach the issues and situations with different perspectives, experiences, assumptions and priorities. The true, and workable, solutions to ALL problems and issues is NEVER always ONLY strict conservative solutions or ONLY strict liberal solutions.

I personally am more conservative in some issues and more liberal in others.

True conservatives and true liberals both want the same thing – a safe, secure and prosperous nation with equal treatment and opportunities for all.

Donald T Rump IS my enemy and the enemy of the people and the state NOT because of political philosophy, but because of who and what he is as a human being. And those who openly support and defend his unethical, inappropriate, illegal, ignorant, incompetent, and unacceptable behaviors are also my enemies and the enemies of the people and the state.

I call for a vote against ALL Republican candidates for Congress this November not because I am a liberal or a Democrat, or because I oppose conservative philosophy and policies, or because I believe Democrats are better than true Republicans – but because I oppose and denounce Donald T Rump the man and, as a patriot, see the vital need to hold him in check until he can be removed from the White House.

Saturday, October 20, 2018


THE TRUMP “DIRTY DOZEN”

Why is Donald Trump the most unfit, inappropriate and unacceptable choice for President in the history of the United States?  Let me count the ways.

(1) Trump is a delusional, ignorant, immature, incompetent, totally self-absorbed and self-important mentally unstable narcissist and sociopath.

(2) Trump the human being is deplorable and despicable, totally devoid of ethics, morality, integrity, and humanity.  Trump has never performed a totally unselfish positive act in his lifetime.

(3) Trump doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground about anything, and shows no interest in becoming more informed and educated on important issues.

(4) Trump lies about everything to everyone all the time.  He has not made a completely truthful statement since becoming a candidate.

(5) Trump is pathologically incapable of making a public statement or address without beginning with how great he is via obviously and easily proven false statements about his accomplishments and abilities.

(6) Trump is also pathologically incapable of dealing with challenges, criticism or questions like a mature adult.  He must insult and belittle anyone who criticizes, challenges, disagrees with, or questions him.  In his sick and delusional mind, he is infallible.  People who do not recognize and acknowledge this delusion have no value, and so their opinion has no value.

(7) Trump never thinks before he speaks or “tweets” – often spewing whatever nonsense comes into his head in the wee hours of the morning.  He has absolutely no concern for how his words and tweets affect America.

(8) Trump always claims personal credit for positive results that he had absolutely nothing to do with, and never accepts any responsibility for bad results that he has directly caused, always blaming someone, anyone, else.

(9) Trump thinks those who support and promote the #MeToo movement, and women who now feel empowered to stand up and talk about their experiences, are “very evil people” but Nazis and white supremacists are “very fine people”.

(10) Trump attacks, insults and alienates America’s allies while embracing the authoritative and dictatorial leaders of America’s enemies like Putin, Un and others.  This is because he wants to be an authoritative and dictatorial leader like Putin and Un.

(11) Trump the businessman consistently and gleefully screwed his investors, shareholders, contractors, vendors, employees, clients and customers while lining his pockets.  Still just about every one of his businesses that did not directly involve real estate development have failed.

(12) Trump has not divested himself of his business holdings and unethically, and to some degree unconstitutionally, profits financially by being President, frequently at the expense of the American people (his weekly golf outings at the resorts he owns).

Do I need to go on?  The list is endless.





Friday, October 19, 2018


THE ARGUMENTS FOR SUPPORTING AND DEFENDING TRUMP DON'T HOLD WATER

He speaks his mind.”

This is only a good quality if the “mind” that is “speaking” is stable and intelligent.  Trump has no conscience, sympathy, or empathy.  His mind is obsessed with maintaining and projecting his undeservedly enormous ego, and everything he says or does reflects that obsession.  And, while he thinks he knows everything better than anyone, he doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground about much of anything, and shows no interest in becoming more informed and educated.

He is a savvy businessman.”

Trump inherited millions from his father and bought real estate in New York City.  Duh!  As a businessman he consistently and gleefully screwed his investors, shareholders, contractors, vendors, employees, clients, and customers while lining his pockets.  Still just about every one of his businesses that did not directly involve real estate development have failed.

He is not a “traditional” politician.”

He is not a “traditional” human being.  He is an extreme malignant narcissist, and everything he says and does is guided and motivated by this condition.

He is a conservative and supports a conservative agenda.”

It is my understanding that the basic principles of American conservative political philosophy are:

• Protect & Maximize Individual Rights
• Ensure a Limited Government
• Uphold the Rule of Law
• Commitment to Federalism and the Separation of Powers
• Maintain Free & Open Markets (Economic & Social)

It is clear that the actions and policies of Trump as President do not represent conservatism, and are for the most part directly contrary to the above principles of conservative political philosophy.

He was elected by the American people.”

Trump lost the election to Hillary Clinton by almost 3 Million votes.  When you add the votes for the two major “third party” candidates 8,810,884 more Americans voted against Trump than for him in the 2016 Presidential election.

2016 Presidential Election:

Candidate               Party       Popular Votes

Donald J. Trump       Republican      62,980,160
Hillary R. Clinton    Democratic      65,845,063
Gary Johnson          Libertarian      4,488,931
Jill Stein            Green            1,457,050

Trump was placed in office by the Electoral College.

Do you have any other arguments you want me to "debunk"?




Thursday, October 18, 2018

TRUMP THE CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN CHRISTIAN – NOT!

We all know what Donald T Rump is - a dangerous, delusional, ignorant, immature, incompetent, lying, totally self-absorbed and self-important, and mentally unstable narcissist and sociopath.  It is important for all Americans to understand and acknowledge what he is not -

(1) Donald Trump was NOT elected President of the United States by the American people.

Trump lost the election to Hillary Clinton by almost 3 Million votes.  When you add the votes for the two major “third party” candidates 8,810,884 more Americans voted against Trump than for him in the 2016 Presidential election.

2016 Presidential Election:

Candidate            Party           Popular Votes

Donald J. Trump      Republican      62,980,160
Hillary R. Clinton   Democratic      65,845,063
Gary Johnson         Libertarian      4,488,931
Jill Stein           Green            1,457,050

Trump was placed in office by the Electoral College.  Ironically, one of the reasons the Founding Fathers created the Electoral College was, according to “Why The Electoral College” from HISTORY CENTRAL, because “they feared a tyrant could manipulate public opinion and come to power”.  So, one of the main reasons for the existence of the Electoral College is to keep a dangerous demagogue like Trump out of the White House.  It obviously does not work. What it can do is negate the actual “will of the people”, as it clearly did in 2016.

(2) Donald T Rump is NOT a Republican.

Trump has no consistent political beliefs, convictions or ideology, or any party loyalty.  Trump chose the Republican Party as the best vehicle for his election.

Trump’s only “agenda” as President is to feed his ego and line his pockets.

During the primary campaign he bragged, unapologetically, about making political contributions to candidates of both parties over the years, not based on political ideology but to buy current and potential future influence and favors.  While voting records are confidential, I expect over the years Trump has voted for whatever candidate would be best for his personal financial interests, or who he thought he could most influence for personal gain, regardless of Party.

Trump literally paid Bill and “Crooked” Hillary Clinton to attend his wedding via a contribution to the Clinton Foundation.

According to the Washington Post in 2011 –

The real estate mogul and ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ host has made more than $1.3 million in donations over the years to candidates nationwide, with 54 percent of the money going to Democrats, according to a Washington Post analysis of state and federal disclosure records.”

And –

The Democratic recipients of Trump’s donations make up what looks like a Republican enemies list, including former senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.), Sen. John F. Kerry (Mass.), Rep. Charles B. Rangel (N.Y.), Sen. Charles E. Schumer (N.Y.) and the late liberal lion Edward M. Kennedy (Mass.).”

Trump’s contributions to Republican candidates increased beginning in 2012 when seriously considering running for President as a Republican.

(3) Donald Trump is NOT a conservative.

It is my understanding that the basic principles of American conservative political philosophy are:

• Protect & Maximize Individual Rights
• Ensure a Limited Government
• Uphold the Rule of Law
• Commitment to Federalism and the Separation of Powers
• Maintain Free & Open Markets (Economic & Social)

It is clear that the actions and policies of Trump as President do not represent conservatism, and are for the most part directly contrary to the above principles of conservative political philosophy.

(4) Donald Trump is NOT a Christian.

Trump is the most “un-Christian-like” of any President in history.

Trump has, constantly, unapologetically and gleefully, broken every one of the 10 Commandments, except perhaps “Thou Shall Not Kill” (only because we have no evidence that he ever actually killed anyone).  And he has most certainly, also constantly, unapologetically and gleefully, committed all of the “7 Deadly Sins”. 

Trump has never shown any regret or repentance or asked forgiveness for any of his “sinful” behavior.





Wednesday, October 17, 2018



DONALD TRUMP:
A TRUE ENEMY
OF THE PEOPLE
AND THE STATE


BY ROBERT D FLACH


Every single American - Republican and Democrat, Independent and Libertarian, Liberal and Conservative, Christian, Jew, Muslim, and Atheist, Man and Woman, Young and Old, Gay and Straight - MUST vocally and aggressively denounce and oppose Donald Trump the man.  It has absolutely nothing to do with politics.  It has everything to do with patriotism.

Donald Trump is a despicable and deplorable human being who has never performed a single totally positive and totally unselfish act in his life.

I especially call upon all local and state Republican committees and organizations, as well as every Republican Governor and member of Congress, to publicly denounce Trump.  His alleged support of what is considered a Republican agenda is no excuse to overlook his incompetent, ignorant, and illegal behaviors, his words and tweets that undermine American values on a daily basis, and his obvious mental instability.

Politicians, commentators and the media are constantly talking about Trump’s “agenda”.  The Republican Party may have a political agenda, but Trump’s only agenda is, and has always been, (1) feed his ego and (2) line his pockets, in that order.

Trump has no political beliefs, convictions or ideology.  His only belief is “Trump is good and Trump is great”.

Delusional egomaniac Donald Trump is more interested in the perception of the size of his abilities, accomplishments, crowds, reception, wealth, and body parts than in the principals of American democracy or the welfare of America, the American people, or the world.

A political leader needs a healthy ego, a confidence in his or her intelligence, ability and competence.  But a political leader also needs character.  Trump is ALL ego and NO character.

A political leader also needs intelligence.  Trump doesn’t know his behind from a hole in the ground about any of the important issues, or about the workings of American democracy.

Support of Trump’s continuing to serve as President, either publicly or by silence, is a betrayal of America and its people and ideals.  Trump must be removed from office.

The main reason why Donald J. Trump is the only President in history who is truly unfit to serve.is the fact that he suffers acutely from a mental disability known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

According to the Mayo Clinic –

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of ultra confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. You may be generally unhappy and disappointed when you're not given the special favors or admiration you believe you deserve. Others may not enjoy being around you, and you may find your relationships unfulfilling.

Narcissistic personality disorder is one of several types of personality disorders. Personality disorders are conditions in which people have traits that cause them to feel and behave in socially distressing ways, limiting their ability to function in relationships and other areas of their life, such as work or school.

If you have narcissistic personality disorder, you may come across as conceited, boastful or pretentious. You often monopolize conversations. You may belittle or look down on people you perceive as inferior. You may feel a sense of entitlement — and when you don't receive special treatment, you may become impatient or angry. You may insist on having "the best" of everything — for instance, the best car, athletic club or medical care.

At the same time, you have trouble handling anything that may be perceived as criticism. You may have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation. To feel better, you may react with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make yourself appear superior. Or you may feel depressed and moody because you fall short of perfection.

Many experts use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, to diagnose mental conditions. This manual is also used by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.

DSM-5 criteria for narcissistic personality disorder include these features:

Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

•Expecting to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it

•Exaggerating your achievements and talents

•Being preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate

•Believing that you are superior and can only be understood by or associate with equally special people

•Requiring constant admiration

•Having a sense of entitlement

•Expecting special favors and unquestioning compliance with your expectations

•Taking advantage of others to get what you want

•Having an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others

•Being envious of others and believing others envy you

Behaving in an arrogant or haughty manner

Although some features of narcissistic personality disorder may seem like having confidence, it's not the same. Narcissistic personality disorder crosses the border of healthy confidence into thinking so highly of yourself that you put yourself on a pedestal and value yourself more than you value others.”

This mental disorder makes Trump incapable of intelligent and rational action, and incapable of dealing with criticism and challenges like a mature adult.

It is also possible that Trump is a sociopath. 

Again, according to the Mayo Clinic -

Antisocial personality disorder, sometimes called sociopathy, is a mental condition in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong and ignores the rights and feelings of others. People with antisocial personality disorder tend to antagonize, manipulate or treat others harshly or with callous indifference. They show no guilt or remorse for their behavior.”

Among the symptoms of this disorder include -

• Persistent lying or deceit to exploit others.
• Being callous, cynical and disrespectful of others.
• Arrogance, a sense of superiority and being extremely opinionated.
• Lack of empathy for others and lack of remorse about harming others.
• Failure to consider the negative consequences of behavior or learn from them.
 
If you ask me this describes Trump to a “T”.

Another big issue is Trump’s refusal to divest himself of his business holdings.

In a post at THE SURLEY SUBGROUP David J. Herzig says that many experts “believe that President elect Trump’s ownership of active business assets, even in a blind trust, would violate, Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the Constitution which prevents the President from accepting ‘presents’ or ‘Emolument’ from foreign states”.

Herzig explains (highlights are mine) -

When a businessperson who runs many active businesses runs and wins for President, clearly there would be many second order problems associated with inherent conflicts between running corporations and the country.  When President-elect Trump won the office, many of these conflicts have bubbled to the surface.

For example, to avoid a conflict of interest between benefiting one’s personal holdings and the Country’s best interests, assets of the President are placed in a blind trust.  As many have pointed out, this works only when the President does not know the nature of the holdings.  Putting existing businesses into a blind trust does not stop the President from knowing the underlying assets of the trust.  The conflict is not ameliorated by trust structure.  Nor, by the way, would it be fixed if President elect Trump divests but the family continues to own the assets.”

The Array of Conflicts of Interest Facing the Trump Presidency” is discussed in detail by Larry Buchanan and Karen Yourish of THE NEW YORK TIMES.

This article reiterates (again, highlight is mine) –

Ethics experts warn that if Mr. Trump puts his children in control of operations but continues to own the company, he will remain vulnerable to charges that his actions as President are guided by personal financial interests.”

To be perfectly honest, I have absolutely no doubt that Trump intends that his actions as President be guided by personal financial interests.  Everything Trump does is about his own personal interests, financial and otherwise, regardless of the ethics, appropriateness, or legality of his actions.

A recent USA TODAY editorial discussed Trump’s multiple conflicts of interest (again, highlights are mine)-

Three USA TODAY investigations underscore how many potential conflicts that decision has fostered:

* Members of the clubs that Trump has visited most frequently — in Palm Beach, Bedminster, N.J., and Sterling, Va. — include CEOs of defense and technology contractors, lobbyists representing energy companies and foreign governments, and the leader of a pesticide trade group that persuaded the Trump administration not to ban a controversial insecticide. Club initiation fees can exceed $100,000 with thousands more for annual dues, so all paid plenty for the privilege of potential face time with the president, who has made the clubs homes away from home, visiting Bedminster at least 30 times from May through August.

At least five of those Trump club members have been given "senior roles in his administration," according to a USA TODAY review, including two ambassadors. "Never in modern history has a president awarded government posts to people who pay money to his own companies."

* Since the president clinched the GOP nomination, 70% of the buyers of Trump properties have been secretive shell companies, known as LLCs, which allow buyers to obscure their identities. That’s more than 17 times the number of secret buyers in the two years before. The sales — ranging from $220,000 to at least $10 million — open the way for those who might want something from government to try to curry favor with their purchases. That sort of thing is easier when purchases are secret.

While there’s nothing illegal about buying property in an LLC or belonging to a posh golf club, it is at the very least unseemly for people — especially those who seek to shape or even make federal policy — to be making payments to companies that add to the president's own substantial wealth.”

Trump MUST be removed from office AS SOON AS POSSIBLE before he does irreparable damage!  Impeachment is a viable option, but the process may take too long.  The quicker, and perhaps better, option is to remove Trump from office for mental incompetence under Section 4 of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution. 

This Amendment allows the Vice President, together with a "majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide", to declare the President "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office" by submitting a written declaration to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.  The Congress can then vote to remove the President.

Donald Trump is truly “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office” because of his mental instability.

For the sake of the future of America and the world TRUMP MUST GO!