Notes 082617

Trump attempted to sneak past the public with some very questionable moves.  Using the developing disaster in Texas as cover he pardons convicted former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, fires Sebastian Gorka, and bans transgender people from serving in the military.  Apparently hoping that his Friday night actions would go unnoticed in Texas' howling winds and drenching rain and that it would also distract attention from his support of white supremacist actions in Charlottesville.  Pardoning Arpaio for his conviction in targeting Hispanics just adds more clarity to Trump's own elitist white leanings.  Trump had previously asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions to drop the criminal case against Arpaio, but was advised that would be inappropriate

Gorka, a radical nationalist and Bannon ally was probably a victory for the new White House chief of staff but was more probably caused by Gorka receiving more press coverage than Trump.  Ultimately Trump may face even greater resistance from Bannon and Gorka as they whittle away at his radical support base.

There are few "alternative facts" coming out of the White House after Trump's attempted diversions possibly because his propagandist were again caught off guard.  Despite growing hurricane coverage the real media were quick to see through Trump's ploy: "This isn't your average sleepy Friday news dump — a trick newsmakers use to bury unpopular news by releasing it when most people aren't reading news."  Adding to White House Friday's woes was a public rebuke by National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn for Trump's inadequate response to racism saying that the administration must do better in condemning radical actions by white supremacists groups.  Trump has demonstrated no loyalty to his subordinates but demands absolute loyalty to Der Donald.  Can we expect a photo op of a mass swearing of loyalty in the near future and who will demonstrate some democratic integrity and refuse?

Speaking of demonstrations, Trump has been threatening to invade Mexico, Venezuela, and North Korea among others countries that displease him.  North Korea has called Trump's bluff now launching a series of missiles demonstrating its growing capabilities and at the same time proving Trump's mouth has endangered the world.  Trump's claim that Kim Jong Un had come to "respect" him is another alternate fact proven false.  China has also called his bluff stating, it will use 'all means necessary' to defend itself against Trump 'protectionism.'

Wait for the next Friday night dump or natural disaster for Trump has plans to open up a good deal of Federal land and at least parts of three national monuments to his developer friends.  Don't forget that Trump still thinks of himself as the real estate dealmaker, once a hustler always a hustler.  A hustler living large on tax dollars, the Secret Service says it will run out of money to protect Trump and 18 members of his family Sept. 30.  Overtime and frequent international business trips by family members have drained the Secret Service coffers, and they work for the Treasury Department.