I was born too late to be a depression baby and too early to be a boomer. Not part of the greatest American generation but I do know it by second hand as the first half of the twentieth century. For me socialization began with my father who at 14 drove his family across the country while teaching my grandmother to drive. There were no highways and maps were farmers' tales at country stores. Later dad would fly over the land in a “Jenny”. An uncle went from climbing poles to climbing the corporate ladder that built “Ma Bell.” Another uncle was a pioneer of the Army’s Armored Force and survived landing on Norman Beaches.
As a teenager I met many from the turn of the century and WWI. I grew up on stories about early radios, automobiles, the depression and mobilization for WWII. I regret to say I didn’t pay much attention at the time and now it’s too late to recover the little historical footnotes. I’m left with trying to mine the memories of other first generation dependents of our greatest generation, but like me they are disappearing rapidly and becoming history themselves.
Sitting in South American bar I discover a friend’s father was one of the army of depression unemployed that flocked to a desert in the middle of nowhere to pour concrete that became Hoover Dam. A dam that made Las Vegas possible, taught the unskilled workers new technologies that made possible rapid WWII mobilization and built America’s infrastructure. My friend grew up on the personal stories and observations of his father’s experiences that shaped his own values years later.
Now almost a hundred years after that army of unemployed face down danger and primitive living in desert heat I discovered that another friend’s father was pushing a railroad across equally hostile terrain in the same era. That railroad was part of a network transporting soldiers and weapons to embarkation ports leading to WWII victory. This discovery came to me through binary technology that pole climbers, track layers and tank drivers could never envision but they are responsible for scientific and societal advancement that made America great.
The term “Greatest Generation” was coined long after WWII in a book about the soldiers and Rosies that made victory possible. Taking nothing away from the contributions of 1942-45 Americans but the victory was the result of the culture and values gained between 1900 to 41. Unlike other nations American recruits not only knew how to drive but also how to repair vehicles, even build their own hot rods. Many already knew how to fly, others were ham radio operators who built their on sets. They were used to hard work on farms, oil fields and living rough during the depression. Every thing from toasters to radios to trains had to be repaired with limited resources. The generation were problem solvers, able to fix everything with nothing. If they couldn’t solve a problem with what they had, they invented new technologies to construct dams and lay track. New industries emerged along with mass production that improved output. America got to the moon on the groundwork of Goddard and Langley science. It was a period of cultural advancement; invention and innovation like no other and may never again be as great. That advancement came from a universal public school system building on family values of hard work and integrity.
Sociologists are in agreement that the culture and values of the greatest generation are no longer those of modern Americans. Consensus on causation of this change is limited because they are interactive. Single parent households amplified by latchkey kids entertaining themselves with rock-em sock-em television, broken by sell, sell, sell commercials of exciting, invented facts. TV news is filled with murder, mayhem, and white collar criminals who escape punishment. They walk down streets playing violent video games where the dead and injured are recycled for the next game, no one dies. Higher education teaches how to lie with statistics, sell the unsaleable, glorify greed and plagiarize someone with better ideas. Kids notice that the country has become a throwaway society from planned obsolescent to running companies into the ground while bailing out under a golden parachute. Century old businesses are collapsing or already fallen from bad management. Management adding up bonuses while exploring more companies to exploit. The concept of building for the future has given way to “I want it all now,” what ever it takes. Even the buildings are throw a ways designed to be replaced in decades rather than last for centuries. Toasters can’t be repaired and few know how to repair a tractor or even change a tire on cars they can’t drive. Digging ditches, mowing the grass or even climbing stairs require mechanical machines that will be replaced rather than repaired. The military has discovered that only a small percentage of Americans can meet minimal physical requirements to enter service in time of emergency. Public schooling for all is being replaced by tiered system the favors elites, another for those expected to serve the elite and a final tier for those considered likely to dropout and a waste of time to educate. The effect of tiered education is cultural stratification and elimination social equality as the dynamic of national advancement. The ethical models for the now generation are televangelist extorting the faithful. Business leaders who are rewarded for evading taxes and absconding with payrolls. Politicians who openly lie to mislead voters and exploit public budgets for personal gain. With this socialization as the American “Way” it is understandable that modernist have abandoned the values of the greatest generation. What is lost is greatness of a nation that may never again be as great or even survive.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
The fall 093019
A republic is a State without a monarch with the power remaining with the people. Republics are not built of stone and have a history of falling. The French have gone through so many republics that they are known as numbers. Rome lost its republic to Augustus Caesar. There are a number American Republics that have come and gone then power returned to the people through revolutions.
The United States was established as a Republic but in its 200 plus years it has often been stressed as political interest have attempted to take the power away from the people. The country is in the throes of another attempt as Trump campaigns for a dynastic imperial presidency of the Empire of Donald. The Empire’s national sport will be golf, its national symbol the “birdie”, and the seal will have the image of a wall of entwined “Ts” topped with crossed golf clubs. The Trump organization will have exclusive rights to Imperial symbols. The rabble must pay exorbitant taxes while corporations and business will pay for protection in the finest traditions of old New York and Russian mobs. Foreign nations will be extorted to support the chosen one under in the name of tariffs. Frightening image but it is in the works. The arm breakers have increasingly become the Senate, “Blue Wall” and packed courts.
Trump has publicly declared that he has no intention of surrendering to the people and intends to remain in power as anointed President for life. Belatedly the House has opened an impeachment investigation with little hope of penetrating the White House stonewall, which hopes to be the most successful wall in history.
However that stone wall is beginning to shows some cracks. An arrogant Trump has admitted some polite arm twisting in the Ukraine to influence our 2020 election. The Ukraine may prove to be the smoking gun that validates the hypothesis that began the Muller investigation. Trump is calling the investigators traitors and threatens persecution. He is also calling for civil war to defend his imperial presidency. His propaganda machine is working overtime to defend the administration. He may have finally gone past the limits of sanity. Despite Trump’s stonewall orders the White House has become leak central.
If indictment's begins to rain down they must include Pence, McConnell, Barr and Nunes as accessories before and after the fact. They not only knew that crimes were being committed but also are actively participating in massive cover-ups. As the noose begins to tighten Trump will incite his mob to overthrow the Republic in a civil war. He has never demonstrated a grasp of the world beyond reality TV scriptwriters. In the real world it is easy to incite a mob but impossible to control one. Once a national mob begins to flex its muscle it becomes a dynamic that will destroy the Republic beyond repair. The United States will splinter into many competing fractions similar to Yugoslavia. Trump’s civil war will probably be more bloodily than America’s previous war that brought the country together. Trumps‘ civil war will tear the fabric of the nation. It’s possible that states’ rights objectives of the first civil war may be attained in some parts of the country while lasting anarchy will rule across wide regions for extended periods as polities are unable to form consensus. This American revolution will not be a Jeffersonian Revolution, but more likely resemble that of Robespierre, “off with your head.”
The United States was established as a Republic but in its 200 plus years it has often been stressed as political interest have attempted to take the power away from the people. The country is in the throes of another attempt as Trump campaigns for a dynastic imperial presidency of the Empire of Donald. The Empire’s national sport will be golf, its national symbol the “birdie”, and the seal will have the image of a wall of entwined “Ts” topped with crossed golf clubs. The Trump organization will have exclusive rights to Imperial symbols. The rabble must pay exorbitant taxes while corporations and business will pay for protection in the finest traditions of old New York and Russian mobs. Foreign nations will be extorted to support the chosen one under in the name of tariffs. Frightening image but it is in the works. The arm breakers have increasingly become the Senate, “Blue Wall” and packed courts.
Trump has publicly declared that he has no intention of surrendering to the people and intends to remain in power as anointed President for life. Belatedly the House has opened an impeachment investigation with little hope of penetrating the White House stonewall, which hopes to be the most successful wall in history.
However that stone wall is beginning to shows some cracks. An arrogant Trump has admitted some polite arm twisting in the Ukraine to influence our 2020 election. The Ukraine may prove to be the smoking gun that validates the hypothesis that began the Muller investigation. Trump is calling the investigators traitors and threatens persecution. He is also calling for civil war to defend his imperial presidency. His propaganda machine is working overtime to defend the administration. He may have finally gone past the limits of sanity. Despite Trump’s stonewall orders the White House has become leak central.
If indictment's begins to rain down they must include Pence, McConnell, Barr and Nunes as accessories before and after the fact. They not only knew that crimes were being committed but also are actively participating in massive cover-ups. As the noose begins to tighten Trump will incite his mob to overthrow the Republic in a civil war. He has never demonstrated a grasp of the world beyond reality TV scriptwriters. In the real world it is easy to incite a mob but impossible to control one. Once a national mob begins to flex its muscle it becomes a dynamic that will destroy the Republic beyond repair. The United States will splinter into many competing fractions similar to Yugoslavia. Trump’s civil war will probably be more bloodily than America’s previous war that brought the country together. Trumps‘ civil war will tear the fabric of the nation. It’s possible that states’ rights objectives of the first civil war may be attained in some parts of the country while lasting anarchy will rule across wide regions for extended periods as polities are unable to form consensus. This American revolution will not be a Jeffersonian Revolution, but more likely resemble that of Robespierre, “off with your head.”
Corruption and other stories 093019
Trump led two allies down the garden path and left them swinging in his hot air breeze. Based on Trump trade promises Britain fell into Trump's bottomless pit. Acceding to Trump’s demands the British Prime Minister stonewalls the EU, supports war with Iran and attempts an overthrow of British democracy by shutting down Parliament. PM Johnson (the poor man Trump) was handed his head by Britain’s high court. It remains to be seen if he will do the honorable thing and leave quietly or be offered a quite room and pistol for a more traditional failed dictator’s exit. Advised by Trump Johnson returned home with attacks against everyone including the dead, (classic Trump distraction tactics). Further east Trump supported the dictatorial Israeli PM with promises of support for his seizure of the West Bank. After two elections in a year Netanyahu failed to win and is desperate to hold on to his office in order to prevent criminal corruption trials. Trump may attempt other dubious ploys to insure Israeli support for his war with Iran. Both Johnson and Netanyahu fail to appreciate that Trump is a pathological liar and never keeps his promises.
Speaking of which the administration is in a mad scramble to manufacture evidence that Iran launched the attack on Saudi oil fields as claimed by Trump. The truth is that the Saudis have learned to play Trump like an out of tune fiddle. Saudis gave Trump a parade and gifts which dazzled, insuring he would support them against all misdeeds. America that invented marketing, and spin in its arrogance is particularly vulnerable to manipulation by those it considers inferior. Historically the Middle East had few borders and political influence ebbed and flowed across the region. Now in the era of artificial borders ruling governments' blundering compounds those ancient influences. The region has an abundance of internal resistance groups and State competitors willing to resort to violence. In a day when big guns are of less importance that than big brains sophisticated weaponry is available to all.
Modern weapon systems are expensive to produce and nations use arms sales to offset cost. Before World War One arms sales were mostly in the hands of private dealers who were called “Merchants of Death”. Today governments support domestic arms production by sponsoring advanced weapon sales. For decades the Middle East has been the dumping ground for increasingly sophisticated arms. The United States has been the leader in arms sales but all weapon producing states have shared in the bounty. The result is a region awash in high tech weapons that local brains adapt, modify and improve. Every regional dissident group now has access cutting edge systems either through purchase, capture or provided by “sponsors”. To attribute a smoking gun as supplied by particular state player is more political speculation than reality. It is possible, but improbable that Iran launched the attack on Saudi oil fields. The arms trade makes it difficult to determine who supplied weapons even if the manufacturer is ultimately discovered since intelligence agencies supply foreign weapons to cover covert operations.
BOOM, and before the smoke blew away Trump claimed his favorite whipping boy is guilty on his way to war. Expect Trump to continue to swing his little sword in the run up to the GOP convention in order to appear decisive for votes. October 2020 may well see a declaration of victory and “peace in our time” for re-election and his coveted Nobel Peace Prize. There will be no peace and Iran, or some other target, may again have to serve a scapegoat diversion from more Trump geo-political blunders.
Speaking of which the administration is in a mad scramble to manufacture evidence that Iran launched the attack on Saudi oil fields as claimed by Trump. The truth is that the Saudis have learned to play Trump like an out of tune fiddle. Saudis gave Trump a parade and gifts which dazzled, insuring he would support them against all misdeeds. America that invented marketing, and spin in its arrogance is particularly vulnerable to manipulation by those it considers inferior. Historically the Middle East had few borders and political influence ebbed and flowed across the region. Now in the era of artificial borders ruling governments' blundering compounds those ancient influences. The region has an abundance of internal resistance groups and State competitors willing to resort to violence. In a day when big guns are of less importance that than big brains sophisticated weaponry is available to all.
Modern weapon systems are expensive to produce and nations use arms sales to offset cost. Before World War One arms sales were mostly in the hands of private dealers who were called “Merchants of Death”. Today governments support domestic arms production by sponsoring advanced weapon sales. For decades the Middle East has been the dumping ground for increasingly sophisticated arms. The United States has been the leader in arms sales but all weapon producing states have shared in the bounty. The result is a region awash in high tech weapons that local brains adapt, modify and improve. Every regional dissident group now has access cutting edge systems either through purchase, capture or provided by “sponsors”. To attribute a smoking gun as supplied by particular state player is more political speculation than reality. It is possible, but improbable that Iran launched the attack on Saudi oil fields. The arms trade makes it difficult to determine who supplied weapons even if the manufacturer is ultimately discovered since intelligence agencies supply foreign weapons to cover covert operations.
BOOM, and before the smoke blew away Trump claimed his favorite whipping boy is guilty on his way to war. Expect Trump to continue to swing his little sword in the run up to the GOP convention in order to appear decisive for votes. October 2020 may well see a declaration of victory and “peace in our time” for re-election and his coveted Nobel Peace Prize. There will be no peace and Iran, or some other target, may again have to serve a scapegoat diversion from more Trump geo-political blunders.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
random thoughts 051519
War powers of heads of state should be for the defense of the nation. They have become an attempted instrument to impose the will of one man on the world. This is called a dictatorship (or a least that of a want-a-be). In times of war the country rallies around flag waving dictators until the cost becomes known. War becomes an electioneering activity. 2020 is around the corner how many must die for votes? How long has this country now been in a continuous state of war with someone and we must now look for new enemies since we can't defeat the old?
Roe v. Wade Christian fanatics again attempting to impose their ideology on all women and the country. They do this in the name of God just to appear pious to congregations but don't apply the same standard to themselves. With fanatics controlling legislatures and courts can we say we are a democracy?
It's clear that Barr served Trump's interest and not the people. He lied to Congress at his confirmation and to the people in his statement on the content of the Mueller report. Clear from the start that Barr was hired to cover up. His refusal to appear before Congress is clearly extending cover up to democracy's grave. A clear case of abuse of power, corruption and betrayal of the rule of law. Impeach!
Trump is guilty of many things; the question is how deeply does his guilt go. There is little doubt that an attempt to cover up administration's questionable actions is underway. To deny Congressional oversight is to disband Congress and overthrow any pretense of democracy. Of course disbanding congress will save money that Trump can waste on his useless wall.
The debt is a sad legacy for our grand children. China does not have to defeat us just foreclose, send the country into receivership and sell off our assets to the highest bidder. American hedge fund model comes back to haunt financial markets. Based on his business record Trump's plan may be to declare national bankruptcy and take a tax write off. It's hopeless to attempt to explain to him the flaws in his plan, a confirmation of low IQ.
DNA testing clearly a Trump plan to build a persecution database of those seeking entry into the U.S. If this flies expect a Trump order for all citizens to be tested for a database to be used against potential Trump opposition. We already have concentration camps for kids expect it to be followed by one for political dissidents, where did this happen before?
Drafting women into the military is equality. In theory the draft will only occur if the country is faced with a national emergency. Does that include the Mexican border? Once the draft registry was only used to fill military ranks to secure the country. Today however giving the government unlimited access to a draft registry is to hand people like Trump a big stick to threaten and abuse men and women citizens. A draft registry is National Insurance, but people should be protected from hackers and most importantly from their own government.
The administration refused to provide investigation reports to Congress. The New American way, suspects get to control investigations and evidence of their wrongdoing. Al Capone would have loved it, but failure to provide the full report to Congress ends the rule of law in this country.
In his budget request for his so call border crisis Trump set his priories. Looks like we support military dictatorships rather than people in need. 4.5 Billion seems to be a lot of money for just beans and bandages. Should we ever believe Trump? There may be a wall around his new desert golf course, which will need lots of watering by imprisoned illegal immigrants. Consideration should be given to his created border crisis victims, but not through Trump and his minions. Much of the border money has already been diverted. We are strong on bullets and weak on beans and our foreign aid spending percentage is near the bottom in a list of providers.
Trade war rhetoric is Trump belly bumping for votes. The result may get a few votes but the country will be walking with a limp from shooting itself in the foot as it tries to raise exports and reduce the trade deficit. Trump is attempting to manipulate the market in his trade pronouncement. "We are close to a settlement," and the market surges a week later, "they didn't appreciated my business brilliance," and the market plunges. White House inside traders could be making a fortune.
Horrors Should Congress rush to impeach Trump? Not yet, Mueller ran his investigation pretty much in accordance with his mandate, Russian influence in 2016 election. Along the way he uncovered other crimes that couldn't be ignored. Despite claims by the White House of Horrors, Mueller didn't pursue other wide ranging leads of other criminal activities of this administration. To begin impeachment proceeding only on the immediate charges will be seen as a partisan battle. There is no doubt that this administration is the most corrupt in the history of the county. Grant's administration previously held that dubious honor but Grant wasn't corrupt just naive about the people around him. Trump on the other hand is using his office to further his own business interest and directing the corruption of those around him. What are needed are further investigations into the full extent of his corruption while in office and even before. It is probable that evident of extensive financial crimes will be uncovered, possible even links to foreign organized crime. The point is that an impeachment indictment should be so complete with incontrovertible evidence that most of the GOP will finally stop covering up for a national criminal enterprise and treason, isn't that accessory after the fact? If it takes another year to gather all the evidence, so be it. If Trump is out of office before the case is ready to go to trial an honest Attorney General can pursue criminal charges. Trump can have a real first, first former American President to serve hard time. Imprisonment in club Fed is out, no golf for prisoner number one, he cheats anyway.
Roe v. Wade Christian fanatics again attempting to impose their ideology on all women and the country. They do this in the name of God just to appear pious to congregations but don't apply the same standard to themselves. With fanatics controlling legislatures and courts can we say we are a democracy?
It's clear that Barr served Trump's interest and not the people. He lied to Congress at his confirmation and to the people in his statement on the content of the Mueller report. Clear from the start that Barr was hired to cover up. His refusal to appear before Congress is clearly extending cover up to democracy's grave. A clear case of abuse of power, corruption and betrayal of the rule of law. Impeach!
Trump is guilty of many things; the question is how deeply does his guilt go. There is little doubt that an attempt to cover up administration's questionable actions is underway. To deny Congressional oversight is to disband Congress and overthrow any pretense of democracy. Of course disbanding congress will save money that Trump can waste on his useless wall.
The debt is a sad legacy for our grand children. China does not have to defeat us just foreclose, send the country into receivership and sell off our assets to the highest bidder. American hedge fund model comes back to haunt financial markets. Based on his business record Trump's plan may be to declare national bankruptcy and take a tax write off. It's hopeless to attempt to explain to him the flaws in his plan, a confirmation of low IQ.
DNA testing clearly a Trump plan to build a persecution database of those seeking entry into the U.S. If this flies expect a Trump order for all citizens to be tested for a database to be used against potential Trump opposition. We already have concentration camps for kids expect it to be followed by one for political dissidents, where did this happen before?
Drafting women into the military is equality. In theory the draft will only occur if the country is faced with a national emergency. Does that include the Mexican border? Once the draft registry was only used to fill military ranks to secure the country. Today however giving the government unlimited access to a draft registry is to hand people like Trump a big stick to threaten and abuse men and women citizens. A draft registry is National Insurance, but people should be protected from hackers and most importantly from their own government.
The administration refused to provide investigation reports to Congress. The New American way, suspects get to control investigations and evidence of their wrongdoing. Al Capone would have loved it, but failure to provide the full report to Congress ends the rule of law in this country.
In his budget request for his so call border crisis Trump set his priories. Looks like we support military dictatorships rather than people in need. 4.5 Billion seems to be a lot of money for just beans and bandages. Should we ever believe Trump? There may be a wall around his new desert golf course, which will need lots of watering by imprisoned illegal immigrants. Consideration should be given to his created border crisis victims, but not through Trump and his minions. Much of the border money has already been diverted. We are strong on bullets and weak on beans and our foreign aid spending percentage is near the bottom in a list of providers.
Trade war rhetoric is Trump belly bumping for votes. The result may get a few votes but the country will be walking with a limp from shooting itself in the foot as it tries to raise exports and reduce the trade deficit. Trump is attempting to manipulate the market in his trade pronouncement. "We are close to a settlement," and the market surges a week later, "they didn't appreciated my business brilliance," and the market plunges. White House inside traders could be making a fortune.
Horrors Should Congress rush to impeach Trump? Not yet, Mueller ran his investigation pretty much in accordance with his mandate, Russian influence in 2016 election. Along the way he uncovered other crimes that couldn't be ignored. Despite claims by the White House of Horrors, Mueller didn't pursue other wide ranging leads of other criminal activities of this administration. To begin impeachment proceeding only on the immediate charges will be seen as a partisan battle. There is no doubt that this administration is the most corrupt in the history of the county. Grant's administration previously held that dubious honor but Grant wasn't corrupt just naive about the people around him. Trump on the other hand is using his office to further his own business interest and directing the corruption of those around him. What are needed are further investigations into the full extent of his corruption while in office and even before. It is probable that evident of extensive financial crimes will be uncovered, possible even links to foreign organized crime. The point is that an impeachment indictment should be so complete with incontrovertible evidence that most of the GOP will finally stop covering up for a national criminal enterprise and treason, isn't that accessory after the fact? If it takes another year to gather all the evidence, so be it. If Trump is out of office before the case is ready to go to trial an honest Attorney General can pursue criminal charges. Trump can have a real first, first former American President to serve hard time. Imprisonment in club Fed is out, no golf for prisoner number one, he cheats anyway.
Iran 062119
With the exception or the four “Rs” (radical, raving, racist, right) believers, few can doubt that the present war crisis is the result of Trump’s blundering electioneering.
It is possible that the administration now sees more election opportunities, war demands flag rallies, and everyone knows how Trump loves a good rally. A sure vote getter, war worked four times for Democrat FDR. War as a political tool in America has historical precedent that dates at least as far back as the Lincoln administration. It was proposed that the United States declare another war on Mexico so the south would rally around against the common enemy.
American problems with Iran date back to the fall of the British Empire and assumption of world power in the 1940s. By the 50s the United States over threw the only democratic elected government in the Middle East, returning a despot to the throne of Iran. U.S. responsibility for their suffering was not lost on the Iranian population. Continued exploitation led to revolution and eventual seizure of the American Embassy. A failed rescue attempt greatly embarrassed America to the point of continued conflict by supporting regional proxy wars.
While Americans don’t remember last week, Iran and the rest of the Muslim world have very long memories. Minor slights don’t go away they just pile higher and higher. The Rumsfeld/Chaney plan to take over mid-east oil by control of Iraq and Afghanistan and threatening Iran with a two front invasion has spectacularly failed, resulting in regional instability. The GOP hard-liners still holds on to the hope of revenge for America’s embarrassment and pushes mindless Trump into a no-win confrontation.
Shots have now been fired and its string of blunders isolates America. There is no question of the shot heard around the world but where the drone fell is immaterial. It was there to intimidate Iran. It’s possible it was American armed drones creating provocations that damaged tankers. It is also possible that any number of regional dissent groups damaged the tankers. The administration blames every incident on Iran, which are denied so whom to believe? Should we believe an administration that has never told the truth or its demonized Muslim foe with a motive to tell the truth?
This is a clash of cultures: one embracing game theory of win-win (can’t lose) with Christian calls for holy crusades, the other who believes win-win means no loser with Islamic values of defense of the faith. Thump who has no ethics or integrity probably still believes he can bully Iran into a subordinate American colony. Iran reflects regional history, occupation is not surrender. The Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, Russians, British, French, and Soviets were defeated and ejected from the region. Trump is hoping to arm Saudi Arabia as an ally after losing influence not only in the region but also the world. America will never recover and Iran will never surrender.
It may become known as the 2020 hindsight war, but Trump will finally get his military parade, Caissons slow march rolling into Arlington.
It is possible that the administration now sees more election opportunities, war demands flag rallies, and everyone knows how Trump loves a good rally. A sure vote getter, war worked four times for Democrat FDR. War as a political tool in America has historical precedent that dates at least as far back as the Lincoln administration. It was proposed that the United States declare another war on Mexico so the south would rally around against the common enemy.
American problems with Iran date back to the fall of the British Empire and assumption of world power in the 1940s. By the 50s the United States over threw the only democratic elected government in the Middle East, returning a despot to the throne of Iran. U.S. responsibility for their suffering was not lost on the Iranian population. Continued exploitation led to revolution and eventual seizure of the American Embassy. A failed rescue attempt greatly embarrassed America to the point of continued conflict by supporting regional proxy wars.
While Americans don’t remember last week, Iran and the rest of the Muslim world have very long memories. Minor slights don’t go away they just pile higher and higher. The Rumsfeld/Chaney plan to take over mid-east oil by control of Iraq and Afghanistan and threatening Iran with a two front invasion has spectacularly failed, resulting in regional instability. The GOP hard-liners still holds on to the hope of revenge for America’s embarrassment and pushes mindless Trump into a no-win confrontation.
Shots have now been fired and its string of blunders isolates America. There is no question of the shot heard around the world but where the drone fell is immaterial. It was there to intimidate Iran. It’s possible it was American armed drones creating provocations that damaged tankers. It is also possible that any number of regional dissent groups damaged the tankers. The administration blames every incident on Iran, which are denied so whom to believe? Should we believe an administration that has never told the truth or its demonized Muslim foe with a motive to tell the truth?
This is a clash of cultures: one embracing game theory of win-win (can’t lose) with Christian calls for holy crusades, the other who believes win-win means no loser with Islamic values of defense of the faith. Thump who has no ethics or integrity probably still believes he can bully Iran into a subordinate American colony. Iran reflects regional history, occupation is not surrender. The Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, Russians, British, French, and Soviets were defeated and ejected from the region. Trump is hoping to arm Saudi Arabia as an ally after losing influence not only in the region but also the world. America will never recover and Iran will never surrender.
It may become known as the 2020 hindsight war, but Trump will finally get his military parade, Caissons slow march rolling into Arlington.
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Horrors 042319
Should Congress rush to impeach Trump? Not yet, Mueller ran his investigation pretty much in accordance with his mandate, Russian influence in 2016 election. Along the way he uncovered other crimes that couldn't be ignored. Despite claims by the White House of Horrors, Mueller didn't pursue wide ranging leads of other criminal activities by this administration.
To begin impeachment proceeding only on the immediate charges will be seen as a no win partisan battle. There is no doubt that this administration is the most corrupt in the history of the county. Grant's administration previously held that dubious honor but Grant himself was clean, just naive about the people around him. Trump on the other hand is using his office to further his own business interest and personally directing the corruption of those around him.
What is needed are further investigations into the full extent of his corruption while in office and even before. It is probable that evidence of extensive financial crimes will be uncovered, possibly even links to foreign organized crime. The point is that the impeachment indictment should be so complete with incontrovertible evidence that most of the GOP will finally stop covering up for a national criminal enterprise and treason. Some of the Republicans will discover some remaining integrity while other may hope to avoid being charged as accessories. Trump will issue and executive order repealing RICO laws for his administration and continue attempts to blackmail, bribe and threaten legislators who could vote for impeachment.
If it takes another year to gather all the evidence, so be it. If Trump is out of office before the case is ready to go to trial any honest US Attorney could pursue criminal charges if the Attorney General continues to be one of the corrupted.
Trump can have a honest real first, first former American President to serve hard time. Imprisonment in club Fed shouldn't be an option, no golf for prisoner number one he's known to cheat and other players there carry shivs.
To begin impeachment proceeding only on the immediate charges will be seen as a no win partisan battle. There is no doubt that this administration is the most corrupt in the history of the county. Grant's administration previously held that dubious honor but Grant himself was clean, just naive about the people around him. Trump on the other hand is using his office to further his own business interest and personally directing the corruption of those around him.
What is needed are further investigations into the full extent of his corruption while in office and even before. It is probable that evidence of extensive financial crimes will be uncovered, possibly even links to foreign organized crime. The point is that the impeachment indictment should be so complete with incontrovertible evidence that most of the GOP will finally stop covering up for a national criminal enterprise and treason. Some of the Republicans will discover some remaining integrity while other may hope to avoid being charged as accessories. Trump will issue and executive order repealing RICO laws for his administration and continue attempts to blackmail, bribe and threaten legislators who could vote for impeachment.
If it takes another year to gather all the evidence, so be it. If Trump is out of office before the case is ready to go to trial any honest US Attorney could pursue criminal charges if the Attorney General continues to be one of the corrupted.
Trump can have a honest real first, first former American President to serve hard time. Imprisonment in club Fed shouldn't be an option, no golf for prisoner number one he's known to cheat and other players there carry shivs.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Visions 041919
The 2020 election campaign is already unprecedented; it began on the 2016 election night. Previously campaigning only began a few months before the next election.
The two party system had presented two flawed candidates forcing bad and 'badder' choices. The popular vote and the electoral votes diverged. Hillary Clinton based her campaign on being the ordained woman while Donald Trump ran on hate Hillary. The Democrats had fallen for the Clinton machine’s spiel and considered no other viable candidate. The GOP saw Hillary as unbeatable and chose a TV loud mouth’s hate campaign over qualified candidates. Hillary's arrogance that she was the chosen one led to poor campaign strategy that handed the electoral vote to Trump.
As soon as the results were projected Trump announced his 2020 campaign still based on hate Hillary, which he has carried on for two years. Demonstrating his narrow vision Trump taps into societies xenophobic elements to expand his reelection hatred strategy to be all-inclusive while not ignoring Hillary. Stung by her defeat the Democrats spent the last two years with their own hate campaign, hate Trump, rather than developing viable candidates and strategy for 2020's election and Hillary keeps teasing another run.
The GOP has become the party of hate while the Democrats appear to be the party without a clue. There is some pushback in the GOP but it is probable that Trump will be its candidate. The Democrats are faced with campaigning failures both in candidates and strategy. Both parties are poorly serving the electorate, what they need is a vision, a vision of inclusion. They need candidates that will represent all of the electorate. They need candidates with ethics and integrity. They need candidates who will lead and support the Constitution. They need candidates who will reestablish American soft power and respect among nations. Reality candidates who see a future in democracy.
It is not in the interest of any nation to isolate itself behind a policy of universal hatred. Isolationism wasn’t a good policy in the 19th century and a complete failure by the 20th century. At the end of WWII the United States was the most respected country in the world, that was its high point. The United States took the world stage in 1918. It is now the 21st century and 2019. History has proven that great power last only about a hundred years. Great power is lost by lack of vision and poor leadership. Our century is almost over; we need elected officials with great forward visions if we are to double cross history.
The 19th century world was much larger than in the 21st century. In today's world communication is virtually instantaneous, world travel a matter of hours and potential conflicts only minutes away. Even small nations are now in space with mutual destruction a button click away. Leaders with vision and respect can back the world away from melt down. We can't do it alone; we need world leaders with visions of respect and cooperation not xenophobic hatred.
I have a vision; it's a federal crime to lie to Congress, a crime to lie to police, a crime to lie in court. Why is it not a crime for elected officials to lie to their people? Utopian, probably but candidates who express a positive, cooperative plan that most people can support, (damn the party) vote for them. Continued hate politics leads to proven national downfall.
The two party system had presented two flawed candidates forcing bad and 'badder' choices. The popular vote and the electoral votes diverged. Hillary Clinton based her campaign on being the ordained woman while Donald Trump ran on hate Hillary. The Democrats had fallen for the Clinton machine’s spiel and considered no other viable candidate. The GOP saw Hillary as unbeatable and chose a TV loud mouth’s hate campaign over qualified candidates. Hillary's arrogance that she was the chosen one led to poor campaign strategy that handed the electoral vote to Trump.
As soon as the results were projected Trump announced his 2020 campaign still based on hate Hillary, which he has carried on for two years. Demonstrating his narrow vision Trump taps into societies xenophobic elements to expand his reelection hatred strategy to be all-inclusive while not ignoring Hillary. Stung by her defeat the Democrats spent the last two years with their own hate campaign, hate Trump, rather than developing viable candidates and strategy for 2020's election and Hillary keeps teasing another run.
The GOP has become the party of hate while the Democrats appear to be the party without a clue. There is some pushback in the GOP but it is probable that Trump will be its candidate. The Democrats are faced with campaigning failures both in candidates and strategy. Both parties are poorly serving the electorate, what they need is a vision, a vision of inclusion. They need candidates that will represent all of the electorate. They need candidates with ethics and integrity. They need candidates who will lead and support the Constitution. They need candidates who will reestablish American soft power and respect among nations. Reality candidates who see a future in democracy.
It is not in the interest of any nation to isolate itself behind a policy of universal hatred. Isolationism wasn’t a good policy in the 19th century and a complete failure by the 20th century. At the end of WWII the United States was the most respected country in the world, that was its high point. The United States took the world stage in 1918. It is now the 21st century and 2019. History has proven that great power last only about a hundred years. Great power is lost by lack of vision and poor leadership. Our century is almost over; we need elected officials with great forward visions if we are to double cross history.
The 19th century world was much larger than in the 21st century. In today's world communication is virtually instantaneous, world travel a matter of hours and potential conflicts only minutes away. Even small nations are now in space with mutual destruction a button click away. Leaders with vision and respect can back the world away from melt down. We can't do it alone; we need world leaders with visions of respect and cooperation not xenophobic hatred.
I have a vision; it's a federal crime to lie to Congress, a crime to lie to police, a crime to lie in court. Why is it not a crime for elected officials to lie to their people? Utopian, probably but candidates who express a positive, cooperative plan that most people can support, (damn the party) vote for them. Continued hate politics leads to proven national downfall.
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