Trump tries to buy votes with a pledge of a million of his own dollars to aid flood victims. His history however is he reneges on charitable pledges. Add to his duplicity the fact that a couple weeks earlier called to shut down federal flood programs. After his obvious campaign speech to Corpus Christi area victims, his handlers coached him on how to at least appear more human and sent him back to Texas. He tried to look interested in the human impact of disaster but his short attention span became apparent with his posturing with victims and more campaign rhetoric. Shortly after this visit an un-attributed photo of Trump in a rubber boat personally rescuing a man from raging flood waters who was clinging to life appeared on electronic media. Ever the dapper Don, Trump was dressed in coat and tie (probably made by his fashionable tailor) as he reached out to pull the victim into the boat. The thing about electronic media is that it easy to search and the original source photo that was doctored for Trump's glory was soon discovered. The photo was made some days earlier and it wasn't hero Trump but hero Houston firefighters that rescued the man. Now the question is who doctored the photo and posted it on social media? If the White House, GOP, Russians or one of Trump's freelancing troops attempting to manipulate public opinion with more lies then the truth must be exposed, it's really a big deal.
Almost lost in Trump's political blustering was vice president Mike Pence non-political visit to the disaster area. Pence went out of his way not to upstage Trump but comparing the two different men in the same environment Pence was clearly more presidential. He dressed the part in comfortable, worn jeans while comforting the victims with apparent sincerity and at times lending a needed hand. Quite a contrast, will 2020 never come?
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Rains 091017
It' raining on Trump's parade.
Voter fraud commission claims wide spread fraud in New Hampshire elections. This is Trump science, "save the hypotheses" a commission was established to prove voter fraud. So "evidence" is manufactured to prove voter fraud. If the entire state of New Hampshire voted illegally it still does not support Trump's claims of millions of illegal votes. Trump should stop beating a dead horse and disband his lynch mob commission. Trump's voter fraud commission is in itself a fraud. It purpose is to support Trump claims by any means possible for a posturing fool who will take his country down with him. A Nero complex?
Ivanka has announced that she is rescinding to Obama's request for information on pay inequities between the sexes. It appears that Ivanka is covering for dad's off the wall lies by preventing data collection that would disprove his rants.
Houston is under water and Florida is about to be blown into the sea along with much of the country's southeast. Trump's solution, it's time for a hurricane party celebration. When it looked like the storm was going up the East Coast he collected many of his friends, with their significant others, and fled to the mountains far from flooding rivers and the ocean. Ever leading from the rear expect Trump to declare he stilled the winds and calmed the waters. He will come down from the mountain, following his disciples bearing tablets of Trump's hundred commandments. The GREATEST ever. White House hoaxters publish questionable photos and videos of hurricane damage to prove Trump's interest in the people's problems. During the storm Trump gave an abstract tweet while VP Pence went on live TV appearing seriously concerned, and very presidential, for the people in Florida.
Trump's justice department attempts to overthrow justice for his friends. The reality is that Trump is attempting overthrow the rule of law in America. Trump had pressured the Department of Justice to suppress a federal case against his friend and supporter Joe Arpaio, former sheriff of Maricopa County, Ariz. Informed that such intervention would be unwise if not criminal obstruction of justice, Trump chose instead to issue a presidential pardon for Arpaio's criminal acts. After the pardon itself came into constitutional question Trump directed DOJ to support a move to negate Arpaio's conviction and dismissal of the case. If this is not enough injustice, DOJ has also dropped the federal case against six police officers for the death of a black prisoner in custody. The administration also attempted to shut down a federal court order for sweeping reforms of Baltimore police and court system. Friends of the administration get a walk but enemies are victims of judicial persecution. The White House is now calling for criminal charges against former FBI director James Comey, his crime failure to shut down an investigation into Russian support for the Trump campaign. Comey major crime however was failure to swear personal loyalty to Trump. Classic dictatorship play book, subvert the rules of law, control the police and courts and write laws favorable to the dictator. Trump is already appointing Judges that will support his agenda. Democracy and the rule of law in America are dying. The flood waters are rising.
Should U.S. Attorneys and Federal Judges be political appointees??
Voter fraud commission claims wide spread fraud in New Hampshire elections. This is Trump science, "save the hypotheses" a commission was established to prove voter fraud. So "evidence" is manufactured to prove voter fraud. If the entire state of New Hampshire voted illegally it still does not support Trump's claims of millions of illegal votes. Trump should stop beating a dead horse and disband his lynch mob commission. Trump's voter fraud commission is in itself a fraud. It purpose is to support Trump claims by any means possible for a posturing fool who will take his country down with him. A Nero complex?
Ivanka has announced that she is rescinding to Obama's request for information on pay inequities between the sexes. It appears that Ivanka is covering for dad's off the wall lies by preventing data collection that would disprove his rants.
Houston is under water and Florida is about to be blown into the sea along with much of the country's southeast. Trump's solution, it's time for a hurricane party celebration. When it looked like the storm was going up the East Coast he collected many of his friends, with their significant others, and fled to the mountains far from flooding rivers and the ocean. Ever leading from the rear expect Trump to declare he stilled the winds and calmed the waters. He will come down from the mountain, following his disciples bearing tablets of Trump's hundred commandments. The GREATEST ever. White House hoaxters publish questionable photos and videos of hurricane damage to prove Trump's interest in the people's problems. During the storm Trump gave an abstract tweet while VP Pence went on live TV appearing seriously concerned, and very presidential, for the people in Florida.
Trump's justice department attempts to overthrow justice for his friends. The reality is that Trump is attempting overthrow the rule of law in America. Trump had pressured the Department of Justice to suppress a federal case against his friend and supporter Joe Arpaio, former sheriff of Maricopa County, Ariz. Informed that such intervention would be unwise if not criminal obstruction of justice, Trump chose instead to issue a presidential pardon for Arpaio's criminal acts. After the pardon itself came into constitutional question Trump directed DOJ to support a move to negate Arpaio's conviction and dismissal of the case. If this is not enough injustice, DOJ has also dropped the federal case against six police officers for the death of a black prisoner in custody. The administration also attempted to shut down a federal court order for sweeping reforms of Baltimore police and court system. Friends of the administration get a walk but enemies are victims of judicial persecution. The White House is now calling for criminal charges against former FBI director James Comey, his crime failure to shut down an investigation into Russian support for the Trump campaign. Comey major crime however was failure to swear personal loyalty to Trump. Classic dictatorship play book, subvert the rules of law, control the police and courts and write laws favorable to the dictator. Trump is already appointing Judges that will support his agenda. Democracy and the rule of law in America are dying. The flood waters are rising.
Should U.S. Attorneys and Federal Judges be political appointees??
Thursday, August 31, 2017
News 080417
Now a word from the administration's sponsor. Axioms of history's most successful propagandist, Joseph Goebbels, include the following:
“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.”
“Think of the press as a great keyboard on which the government can play.”
“Propaganda works best when those who are being manipulated are confident they are acting on their own free will.”
Aug. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Friday the Department of Justice is "reviewing" media subpoena policies for reporters who cite anonymous sources in leaking classified information.
Sessions said at a news conference that federal law enforcement agencies will ramp up efforts to stem the tide of information leaks emanating from within the Trump administration, a fact that President Donald Trump has vented about publicly.
"One of the things we are doing is reviewing policies affecting media subpoenas," Sessions said. "We respect the important role the press plays and will give them respect. It is not unlimited. They cannot place lives at risk with impunity. We must balance the press' role with protecting our national security."
This is clearly an attempt to intimidate the media from publishing public information that the people have a legal right to know. Administrations in the past have attempted to control public information that is "leaked". The extent of the leaks within the Trump administration work both ways, some to counter abuse of power and other leaks by the administration itself to gain power. DOJ claims all non-official leaks are breaches of national security and classified. The reality is that most of these leaks are political embarrassments stamped classified not military of diplomatic secrets.
The problem with the Trump administration is that there are to many blunders to keep concealed from the public. The Trumpites began their cover up by demonizing honest reporting while elevating alternate facts (flat lies) generated by White House propagandist as the only truth. It quickly became apparent that only Trump's troops were being deceived so suppression was ramped up with direct threats against journalist.
Freedom and democracy quickly fall victim to suppression of independent oversight and public debate. If public policy can not withstand public viewing then the policies are dangerously wrong.
“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.”
“Think of the press as a great keyboard on which the government can play.”
“Propaganda works best when those who are being manipulated are confident they are acting on their own free will.”
Aug. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Friday the Department of Justice is "reviewing" media subpoena policies for reporters who cite anonymous sources in leaking classified information.
Sessions said at a news conference that federal law enforcement agencies will ramp up efforts to stem the tide of information leaks emanating from within the Trump administration, a fact that President Donald Trump has vented about publicly.
"One of the things we are doing is reviewing policies affecting media subpoenas," Sessions said. "We respect the important role the press plays and will give them respect. It is not unlimited. They cannot place lives at risk with impunity. We must balance the press' role with protecting our national security."
This is clearly an attempt to intimidate the media from publishing public information that the people have a legal right to know. Administrations in the past have attempted to control public information that is "leaked". The extent of the leaks within the Trump administration work both ways, some to counter abuse of power and other leaks by the administration itself to gain power. DOJ claims all non-official leaks are breaches of national security and classified. The reality is that most of these leaks are political embarrassments stamped classified not military of diplomatic secrets.
The problem with the Trump administration is that there are to many blunders to keep concealed from the public. The Trumpites began their cover up by demonizing honest reporting while elevating alternate facts (flat lies) generated by White House propagandist as the only truth. It quickly became apparent that only Trump's troops were being deceived so suppression was ramped up with direct threats against journalist.
Freedom and democracy quickly fall victim to suppression of independent oversight and public debate. If public policy can not withstand public viewing then the policies are dangerously wrong.
Noah 083017
Trump is no Noah since he doesn't listen to anything except his own voice and Fox-n-friends.
A major natural disaster is occurring in the United States as a hurricane began bouncing along the gulf coast flooding major Texas towns and is now spreading into Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Thousands of people are now refugees with forecasts indicating they maybe displaced for years to come. Early estimates find that this series of storms is the country's most devastating and costly ever recorded. Hurricane Harvey first came ashore Friday night. It was Monday night before Trump acknowledged there might be cause for concern. When he commanded the airways for his speech he proved three things, one he needs a new speech writer, two he needs to learn to read the speech and three he has no real empathy for the storm's victims or volunteer aid workers. On Tuesday he took his entire flying circus down for a photo opportunity with victims lined up and Trump vetted aid workers diverted from rescue efforts for campaign photos. The cost of his circus' movement would have helped many of those people who have lost everything. For Trump it was another opportunity for campaigning and selling his 40-dollar caps.
Just ten days previous to the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Harvey, President Trump rescinded flood preparedness rules for federal infrastructure projects via an executive order. The rules for roads, bridges, and federal buildings, called the Flood Risk Management Standard, were created by President Obama via executive order in 2015. In essence Trump is denying sandbags to people up to their chins in floodwaters.
Der Donald has spoken there are no environmental, weather related disasters or climate change worries in America. It is all fake news by the media, Al Gore and Hillary. Trump carried on with his campaigning while touting his budgeting cutting as houses floated out to sea. Of course the country needs to be more prepared for catastrophic natural disasters, there will be more of all types. Mother Nature is a fickle companion who ignores Fox News and political declarations. Trump's budget ignores the cost of just this recovery demand and the country is still in the early hurricane season.
Trump is giving more sophisticated deadly military gear to local law enforcement. In many jurisdictions they are already paramilitary forces. Giving local LEAs more sophisticated weaponry in an invitation to "try it out" on the nearest crowd. Think about the mother of all bombs dropped on celebrating sports fans or dropped to try and drain floodwaters. Vision a column of tanks crushing cars during traffic jams or blasting a way through crowds. If you give blue shirts toys they will be used. Trump sees this as the way to equip his troops to eliminate anti-loyalist descent, his win-win. Haven't we seen enough of this in other dictatorships? In Texas the blue shirts did and outstanding job saving lives without anti-ballistic missiles and flame-throwers. They remembered that their real mission is to serve and protect, saving lives. Not crushing opposition to Der Donald.
A major natural disaster is occurring in the United States as a hurricane began bouncing along the gulf coast flooding major Texas towns and is now spreading into Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Thousands of people are now refugees with forecasts indicating they maybe displaced for years to come. Early estimates find that this series of storms is the country's most devastating and costly ever recorded. Hurricane Harvey first came ashore Friday night. It was Monday night before Trump acknowledged there might be cause for concern. When he commanded the airways for his speech he proved three things, one he needs a new speech writer, two he needs to learn to read the speech and three he has no real empathy for the storm's victims or volunteer aid workers. On Tuesday he took his entire flying circus down for a photo opportunity with victims lined up and Trump vetted aid workers diverted from rescue efforts for campaign photos. The cost of his circus' movement would have helped many of those people who have lost everything. For Trump it was another opportunity for campaigning and selling his 40-dollar caps.
Just ten days previous to the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Harvey, President Trump rescinded flood preparedness rules for federal infrastructure projects via an executive order. The rules for roads, bridges, and federal buildings, called the Flood Risk Management Standard, were created by President Obama via executive order in 2015. In essence Trump is denying sandbags to people up to their chins in floodwaters.
Der Donald has spoken there are no environmental, weather related disasters or climate change worries in America. It is all fake news by the media, Al Gore and Hillary. Trump carried on with his campaigning while touting his budgeting cutting as houses floated out to sea. Of course the country needs to be more prepared for catastrophic natural disasters, there will be more of all types. Mother Nature is a fickle companion who ignores Fox News and political declarations. Trump's budget ignores the cost of just this recovery demand and the country is still in the early hurricane season.
Trump is giving more sophisticated deadly military gear to local law enforcement. In many jurisdictions they are already paramilitary forces. Giving local LEAs more sophisticated weaponry in an invitation to "try it out" on the nearest crowd. Think about the mother of all bombs dropped on celebrating sports fans or dropped to try and drain floodwaters. Vision a column of tanks crushing cars during traffic jams or blasting a way through crowds. If you give blue shirts toys they will be used. Trump sees this as the way to equip his troops to eliminate anti-loyalist descent, his win-win. Haven't we seen enough of this in other dictatorships? In Texas the blue shirts did and outstanding job saving lives without anti-ballistic missiles and flame-throwers. They remembered that their real mission is to serve and protect, saving lives. Not crushing opposition to Der Donald.
More 080417
Trump tells Mexico he will send troops deep into the country to deal with the 'bad hombres.' It appears that Trump's plan for Mexico to pay for his wall is to invade the country and annex even more territory than the U.S. seized in 1846. It would have to be more to fulfill his "greatest ever" proclamations.
Trump demands more money from the government to house his Secret Service protection detail in his Trump Tower where it might save his life. Trump is also gouging the Military office in the Tower for more than fair rental rates paid by residents.
Researchers at the University of Arizona law school studying fake news have identified types of fake stories. There are out and out hoaxes, that are false probably financially motivated, and intended to deceive. Examples are ponzi schemes and real estate development scams. How about satire, which is a way of calling attention to issues by making points that every one should know are extrapolation of real news. Think Saturday Night Live and The Onion. Then there’s propaganda: news that’s purposefully biased or false and meant to promote a political cause or point of view. For example, stories about Hillary Clinton’s health leading up to the 2016 election and most politicians' pronouncements.
Last week, a draft of a Department of Energy study on electric grid reliability leaked. Though Trump could change its final version, essentially the study found that an increased reliance on renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, have not made the grid less stable. Instead, electric grids are “more reliable today” than before the ongoing adoption of renewable energy, due to better planning and other factors. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry commissioned the grid study in April, as carrying the administration's transparent goal: undermining support for renewable energy, and boosting support for fossil fuels. Perry was ignoring plenty of previous research on this topic, which has found the concern to be minimal. This is a risk when you do science backwards, when you put conclusions before data: observable reality might not agree with your predetermined conclusion. But the DOE study gives us a glimpse into an emerging Trump Science that places predetermined conclusions before research. The method something like this: Observation, hypothesis, experimentation, theory, denial, tantrum, alternative theory unsupported by either observation or experimentation, contrived experiment or debate aimed at undermining what was previously established by experimentation, continued tantrum. Repeat until the planet's fiery death. This method of research even has an official title, "Save the hypothesis," meaning throw away all data that may cast doubt on the theory.
Trump, meanwhile, has installed the most anti-science group of zealots imaginable to run his scientific agencies, and the current Congress has shown no interest in fighting their agenda. Decades of research be damned, here come Perry and Pruitt and Zinke saying ‘Well, hang on, if we run the experiments again, maybe Newton and Galileo were wrong.
Trump demands more money from the government to house his Secret Service protection detail in his Trump Tower where it might save his life. Trump is also gouging the Military office in the Tower for more than fair rental rates paid by residents.
Researchers at the University of Arizona law school studying fake news have identified types of fake stories. There are out and out hoaxes, that are false probably financially motivated, and intended to deceive. Examples are ponzi schemes and real estate development scams. How about satire, which is a way of calling attention to issues by making points that every one should know are extrapolation of real news. Think Saturday Night Live and The Onion. Then there’s propaganda: news that’s purposefully biased or false and meant to promote a political cause or point of view. For example, stories about Hillary Clinton’s health leading up to the 2016 election and most politicians' pronouncements.
Last week, a draft of a Department of Energy study on electric grid reliability leaked. Though Trump could change its final version, essentially the study found that an increased reliance on renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, have not made the grid less stable. Instead, electric grids are “more reliable today” than before the ongoing adoption of renewable energy, due to better planning and other factors. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry commissioned the grid study in April, as carrying the administration's transparent goal: undermining support for renewable energy, and boosting support for fossil fuels. Perry was ignoring plenty of previous research on this topic, which has found the concern to be minimal. This is a risk when you do science backwards, when you put conclusions before data: observable reality might not agree with your predetermined conclusion. But the DOE study gives us a glimpse into an emerging Trump Science that places predetermined conclusions before research. The method something like this: Observation, hypothesis, experimentation, theory, denial, tantrum, alternative theory unsupported by either observation or experimentation, contrived experiment or debate aimed at undermining what was previously established by experimentation, continued tantrum. Repeat until the planet's fiery death. This method of research even has an official title, "Save the hypothesis," meaning throw away all data that may cast doubt on the theory.
Trump, meanwhile, has installed the most anti-science group of zealots imaginable to run his scientific agencies, and the current Congress has shown no interest in fighting their agenda. Decades of research be damned, here come Perry and Pruitt and Zinke saying ‘Well, hang on, if we run the experiments again, maybe Newton and Galileo were wrong.
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.
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.
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Election 18 081517
Someone once said: 'In a democratic society the people get the representation they deserve.' At first glance is seems to mean the democratic process automatically brings good government. On reflection it really means that the people have to want good government and understand for whom they are really voting. Many authoritarian regimes have come to power through the democratic process when voters succumbed to emotional appeals rather than rational choices.
The political question for the coming American elections is not a so-called Republican smaller government or a Democrat larger government but rather a peoples' working government. In truth both parties grow government and waste large amounts of public money, just on different agendas. The tax structure does need to be simplified, but reduction of elite's taxes will not create jobs nor build a stronger economy. This is an emotional appeal sounding good but with only limited validly. Increasing taxes can inhibit growth and will be the long-term result of short-term emotional tax reductions. There needs to be a solid, thought out, strategic economic plan for the country.
The United States' are separately walking backward as literacy declines, child mortality (2015 WHO data) falls behind 29 lesser countries and infrastructures crumbles. Is this the best the self-proclaimed greatest nation can do? Add to the data that the federal system in beginning to fragment and pull apart for lack of a coherent vision as a nation. What is needed is a government with a long-term strategy for growth that last longer than a two-year election cycle of sound bites and tweet storms.
It matters a great deal how a President acts when faced with a crisis, because he is the face of the country and what it stands for. Trump encouraged domestic radicalism during his campaign, which has contributed to increasing violence and rending the fabric of America. By failing to condemn domestic terror encourages further violence as an administration protected activity. When viewed internationally in a nuclear environment or faced with natural calamities the world has seen that America can not respond. Radical groups foreign and domestic have the freedom of actions in disasters of incoming missiles, hackers, hurricanes or elections where there is advantage in chaos. Failure to acknowledge fractures creates the chaos that will rip the country apart. Rhetoric inciting a mob for the purpose of political intimidation is in itself an act of terror even without violence but in Charlottesville it resulted in violence and death.
Trump's statements, were too little too late and so wrong. As usual he lies, echoing authoritarian regimes classic "blame the victims" defense. He can not afford to place the blame where it belongs from fear of alienating his most ardent supporters. As a result he demonstrates his weakness and inability to act as a moral anchor for the nation. The prognosis for the country is not good. The emotional call to wall out the world diverts attention from the real domestic dangers, collapsing bridges, contaminated water, climate change, food shortages, secession of states or revolts and even a possible coup. Elections 2018 need a positive vision and a plan to make it to the 22nd century. Sound bites and tweet storms won't save the country. The future requires work and a positive goal.
The political question for the coming American elections is not a so-called Republican smaller government or a Democrat larger government but rather a peoples' working government. In truth both parties grow government and waste large amounts of public money, just on different agendas. The tax structure does need to be simplified, but reduction of elite's taxes will not create jobs nor build a stronger economy. This is an emotional appeal sounding good but with only limited validly. Increasing taxes can inhibit growth and will be the long-term result of short-term emotional tax reductions. There needs to be a solid, thought out, strategic economic plan for the country.
The United States' are separately walking backward as literacy declines, child mortality (2015 WHO data) falls behind 29 lesser countries and infrastructures crumbles. Is this the best the self-proclaimed greatest nation can do? Add to the data that the federal system in beginning to fragment and pull apart for lack of a coherent vision as a nation. What is needed is a government with a long-term strategy for growth that last longer than a two-year election cycle of sound bites and tweet storms.
It matters a great deal how a President acts when faced with a crisis, because he is the face of the country and what it stands for. Trump encouraged domestic radicalism during his campaign, which has contributed to increasing violence and rending the fabric of America. By failing to condemn domestic terror encourages further violence as an administration protected activity. When viewed internationally in a nuclear environment or faced with natural calamities the world has seen that America can not respond. Radical groups foreign and domestic have the freedom of actions in disasters of incoming missiles, hackers, hurricanes or elections where there is advantage in chaos. Failure to acknowledge fractures creates the chaos that will rip the country apart. Rhetoric inciting a mob for the purpose of political intimidation is in itself an act of terror even without violence but in Charlottesville it resulted in violence and death.
Trump's statements, were too little too late and so wrong. As usual he lies, echoing authoritarian regimes classic "blame the victims" defense. He can not afford to place the blame where it belongs from fear of alienating his most ardent supporters. As a result he demonstrates his weakness and inability to act as a moral anchor for the nation. The prognosis for the country is not good. The emotional call to wall out the world diverts attention from the real domestic dangers, collapsing bridges, contaminated water, climate change, food shortages, secession of states or revolts and even a possible coup. Elections 2018 need a positive vision and a plan to make it to the 22nd century. Sound bites and tweet storms won't save the country. The future requires work and a positive goal.
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Fake 080417
Trump tells Mexico he will send troops deep into the country to deal with bad hombres. It appears that Trump's plan for Mexico paying for his wall is to annex more territory than the U.S. seized in 1846. It to be greater to fulfill his "greatest ever" proclamations.
Trump demands more money from the government to house his Secret Service detail in his Trump Tower. They elected to move into a trailer on the street, some 40 floors below. Trump is also gouging his tower Military office for more than fair rental rates charged residents. Not Fake.
Researchers at the University of Arizona law school studying fake news have identified some types of fake stories. There are out and out hoaxes, that are false probably financially motivated, and intended to deceive. Examples are Ponzi schemes, real estate development scams and hedge fund managers. Then there is satire, which is a way of calling attention to issues by making points that every one should know are extrapolation of real news. Think Saturday Night Live and The Onion.
Propaganda takes fake news to the level of artistic science with news purposefully biased or false and meant to promote a political cause or point of view. That master of propaganda Joseph Goebbels codified axioms of the art, “If you tell a lie big enough and often enough, people will eventually come to believe it.” “Think of the press as a great keyboard on which the government can play.” “Propaganda works best when those who are being manipulated are confident they are acting on their own free will.” The science comes in as manipulating polls and statistics to "prove" or deceive an audience.
Goebbels would have loved Twitter, as twits' tweets become easy prey to fake news generation and propagation. Fake news tweets go around and around. The public is deceived as more "likes" legitimizes false claims. Other recent studies of fake news have discovered that it is governments and politicians that are the primary sources of fake news. It is the legitimate press, which is the enemy of disinformation as solid research, uncovers truths and motivations behind the dissemination of fake news. This is the reason that the administration is demonizing American journalist. Make the people distrust the truth and by default they will believe your lies. While technology speeds dissemination of news it has also facilitated the emergence of biased fake news outlets. Control the message is the first tool of dictatorships and coups so own the presses.
The social media is the instrument deception. Anyone can put anything out there and the deceived will bandwagon on a runaway train of lies. The deceived will never accept that they have been hoodwinked and go to their graves believing the unbelievable. It is easy to incite a mob with fake news on social media.
The creation of a mob maybe in the short-term interest of politicians. History shows, however that once a mob is mobilized it becomes uncontrollable spinning off in unexpected directions, producing contrary and undesirable outcomes.
Trump demands more money from the government to house his Secret Service detail in his Trump Tower. They elected to move into a trailer on the street, some 40 floors below. Trump is also gouging his tower Military office for more than fair rental rates charged residents. Not Fake.
Researchers at the University of Arizona law school studying fake news have identified some types of fake stories. There are out and out hoaxes, that are false probably financially motivated, and intended to deceive. Examples are Ponzi schemes, real estate development scams and hedge fund managers. Then there is satire, which is a way of calling attention to issues by making points that every one should know are extrapolation of real news. Think Saturday Night Live and The Onion.
Propaganda takes fake news to the level of artistic science with news purposefully biased or false and meant to promote a political cause or point of view. That master of propaganda Joseph Goebbels codified axioms of the art, “If you tell a lie big enough and often enough, people will eventually come to believe it.” “Think of the press as a great keyboard on which the government can play.” “Propaganda works best when those who are being manipulated are confident they are acting on their own free will.” The science comes in as manipulating polls and statistics to "prove" or deceive an audience.
Goebbels would have loved Twitter, as twits' tweets become easy prey to fake news generation and propagation. Fake news tweets go around and around. The public is deceived as more "likes" legitimizes false claims. Other recent studies of fake news have discovered that it is governments and politicians that are the primary sources of fake news. It is the legitimate press, which is the enemy of disinformation as solid research, uncovers truths and motivations behind the dissemination of fake news. This is the reason that the administration is demonizing American journalist. Make the people distrust the truth and by default they will believe your lies. While technology speeds dissemination of news it has also facilitated the emergence of biased fake news outlets. Control the message is the first tool of dictatorships and coups so own the presses.
The social media is the instrument deception. Anyone can put anything out there and the deceived will bandwagon on a runaway train of lies. The deceived will never accept that they have been hoodwinked and go to their graves believing the unbelievable. It is easy to incite a mob with fake news on social media.
The creation of a mob maybe in the short-term interest of politicians. History shows, however that once a mob is mobilized it becomes uncontrollable spinning off in unexpected directions, producing contrary and undesirable outcomes.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Buzz 080517
The DC buzz might be an administration trial balloon to see if Trump could get away with changing horses in mid-stream. The reaction should be, at all cost prevent Trump's recess appointments. That said neither the president nor congress (either house) have earned a vacation. Forget a re-boot of heath care come back and move on, let committees treat wounds that the battle has inflicted on government. The new agenda on the hill should be to kill the border wall, repair the decaying infrastructure, simplify tax structure, deal with real problems and ignore Trump generated fake news
Protect the investigations and investigators from Trump's bullying fury. The investigation is already faced with the most corrupt administration in American History. This is a case of "follow the money" wherever it leads and punish perjury and obstruction whoever is guilty. Shake the trees and rake the leaves, the danger is procrastination when continued corruption can destroy the country.
Stand up to the want a be dictator and protect the constitution and nation from Der Donald. It's probable that those that do standup will become national heroes in the near future. Presidents have always used a little polite arm-twisting to advance their agendas
The problem is that Trump's agenda extends no further than branding a big "T" on everything while advancing his business empire. Polite arm-twisting has become publicly swinging a nine iron at the head all who displeases in an attempt to rule by fear. He has publicly threatened members of Congress with every punishment available to politicians except (as yet) imprisonment. Imprisonment however has been promised to journalist that exposes his questionable antics. This week more of Trump's lies were exposed when it was discovered that he invented congratulatory calls from leaders of Boy Scouts of America after spewing hate, insults and campaign slogans in a speech at the Scout jamboree. Almost in the same breath he falsely claimed a congratulatory call from the president of Mexico, again never happened.
Senator Jeff Flake has noted, "Under our Constitution, there simply are not that many people who are in a position to do something about an executive branch in chaos. Too often, we observe the unfolding drama along with the rest of the country, passively, all but saying, ‘Someone should do something!’ without seeming to realize that someone is us.”
Trump's thumpers have been ordered out into the streets to enforce loyalty to Der Donald by roughing up opposition and questioners to his true words posted on twitter. Does all this sound familiar from almost a century ago? Congress must exercise its constitutional checks and balances quickly before there is no Congress to protect the people and the judiciary is relegated to being a rubber stamp.
Almost a century ago author Sinclair Lewis wrote, "It Can't Happen Here," a novel based on the possible rise of a populace leader in America. It is a disturbing book viewed against 21st century reality, much more so than Orwell's 1984. Every Congressman and Senator should have copies of both open on their desks.
Protect the investigations and investigators from Trump's bullying fury. The investigation is already faced with the most corrupt administration in American History. This is a case of "follow the money" wherever it leads and punish perjury and obstruction whoever is guilty. Shake the trees and rake the leaves, the danger is procrastination when continued corruption can destroy the country.
Stand up to the want a be dictator and protect the constitution and nation from Der Donald. It's probable that those that do standup will become national heroes in the near future. Presidents have always used a little polite arm-twisting to advance their agendas
The problem is that Trump's agenda extends no further than branding a big "T" on everything while advancing his business empire. Polite arm-twisting has become publicly swinging a nine iron at the head all who displeases in an attempt to rule by fear. He has publicly threatened members of Congress with every punishment available to politicians except (as yet) imprisonment. Imprisonment however has been promised to journalist that exposes his questionable antics. This week more of Trump's lies were exposed when it was discovered that he invented congratulatory calls from leaders of Boy Scouts of America after spewing hate, insults and campaign slogans in a speech at the Scout jamboree. Almost in the same breath he falsely claimed a congratulatory call from the president of Mexico, again never happened.
Senator Jeff Flake has noted, "Under our Constitution, there simply are not that many people who are in a position to do something about an executive branch in chaos. Too often, we observe the unfolding drama along with the rest of the country, passively, all but saying, ‘Someone should do something!’ without seeming to realize that someone is us.”
Trump's thumpers have been ordered out into the streets to enforce loyalty to Der Donald by roughing up opposition and questioners to his true words posted on twitter. Does all this sound familiar from almost a century ago? Congress must exercise its constitutional checks and balances quickly before there is no Congress to protect the people and the judiciary is relegated to being a rubber stamp.
Almost a century ago author Sinclair Lewis wrote, "It Can't Happen Here," a novel based on the possible rise of a populace leader in America. It is a disturbing book viewed against 21st century reality, much more so than Orwell's 1984. Every Congressman and Senator should have copies of both open on their desks.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Unprepared 080117
Contrary to their motto the boy scouts were
totally unprepared Trump's campaign ravings about how great he was and
why they should vote him. As usual he was wrong about the crowd being
the largest ever and it would probably have been even smaller if they
hadn't been marched to the speech.
While Trump was abusing the scouts his chief of staff was unprepared when in loyalty to the leader the Mooch tied the can to the chief. The Mooch who saw greater glory for himself was unprepared when a day later Trump tied a can to his own tail.
Trump himself was unprepared when the Senate repeatedly shot him down on health care bill. Despite ten holes in his foot Trump is demanding one more shot as he limps across his golf course maintained by low wage immigrants. Are his employees prepared or exempt from green card checks?
The scouts motto is of course "Be Prepared" but then Trump never lowered himself to join the "rabble" in scouting. The exact ranking of scouting in Trump's mind is difficult to determine because their values are so alien to him. The scouts praise things like honor and trustworthiness while he has repeatedly proven that he has no honor and can't be trusted. For Trump loyalty only works one way, to Der Donald, as he is quick to shove friends and foes alike under any bus he is driving. Foreign leaders have discovered that Trump is neither friendly nor even courteous to potential allies rather he is hostile and domineering. As for thrifty he is the envy of every drunken sailor, spending the people's money for his own gratification touring his empire of golf clubs. Trump was totally unprepared to serve as the nation's leader and continues to be unprepared to serve as he refuses the hard work of paying attention to the complexities of governance.
Another scout attribute, bravery is also absent in Trump. When he is faced by bigger bullies it is Trump who hits the wall. In his defense Trump was never a scout and never learned their basic code of conduct and sees no reason to learn from some foreign ideas. (In 1907, Robert Baden-Powell, founded the Scouting movement in England, in America Powell's ideas merged in 1910 with existing boy clubs to become BSA.)
Der Donald somehow avoided the draft for eight years (1964 to the 1972 end of draft) and did not serve in the military. This is not a condemnation as the draft was a crapshoot for most young men of the era. Even if called up the draft was easily avoided if there was enough money to enroll in college or flee to Canada and Sweden. So Trump should not be blamed for failing to serve, most of his generation did not. This lack of service however left its mark on the man for he never saw what brave men are capable of nor did he learn of their creed "Duty, Honor and Country." He is unprepared for even that short list of commitment. From his perspective his Duty is to exploit his position for financial gain. Honor means only what you can get away with, while Country is merely real estate to be developed and branded with a capital "T".
Trump's motto, " Lie big, Lie often, defend the Lie and Attack reality."
Contrary to their motto the boy scouts were totally unprepared Trump's campaign ravings about how great he was and why they should vote him. As usual he was wrong about the crowd being the largest ever and it would probably have been even smaller if they hadn't been marched to the speech.
While Trump was abusing the scouts his chief of staff was unprepared when in loyalty to the leader the Mooch tied the can to the chief. The Mooch who saw greater glory for himself was unprepared when a day later Trump tied a can to his own tail.
Trump himself was unprepared when the Senate repeatedly shot him down on health care bill. Despite ten holes in his foot Trump is demanding one more shot as he limps across his golf course maintained by low wage immigrants. Are his employees prepared or exempt from green card checks?
The scouts motto is of course "Be Prepared" but then Trump never lowered himself to join the "rabble" in scouting. The exact ranking of scouting in Trump's mind is difficult to determine because their values are so alien to him. The scouts praise things like honor and trustworthiness while he has repeatedly proven that he has no honor and can't be trusted. For Trump loyalty only works one way, to Der Donald, as he is quick to shove friends and foes alike under any bus he is driving. Foreign leaders have discovered that Trump is neither friendly nor even courteous to potential allies rather he is hostile and domineering. As for thrifty he is the envy of every drunken sailor, spending the people's money for his own gratification touring his empire of golf clubs. Trump was totally unprepared to serve as the nation's leader and continues to be unprepared to serve as he refuses the hard work of paying attention to the complexities of governance.
Another scout attribute, bravery is also absent in Trump. When he is faced by bigger bullies it is Trump who hits the wall. In his defense Trump was never a scout and never learned their basic code of conduct and sees no reason to learn from some foreign ideas. (In 1907, Robert Baden-Powell, founded the Scouting movement in England, in America Powell's ideas merged in 1910 with existing boy clubs to become BSA.)
Der Donald somehow avoided the draft for eight years (1964 to the 1972 end of draft) and did not serve in the military. This is not a condemnation as the draft was a crapshoot for most young men of the era. Even if called up the draft was easily avoided if there was enough money to enroll in college or flee to Canada and Sweden. So Trump should not be blamed for failing to serve, most of his generation did not. This lack of service however left its mark on the man for he never saw what brave men are capable of nor did he learn of their creed "Duty, Honor and Country." He is unprepared for even that short list of commitment. From his perspective his Duty is to exploit his position for financial gain. Honor means only what you can get away with, while Country is merely real estate to be developed and branded with a capital "T".
Trump's motto, " Lie big, Lie often, defend the Lie and Attack reality."
While Trump was abusing the scouts his chief of staff was unprepared when in loyalty to the leader the Mooch tied the can to the chief. The Mooch who saw greater glory for himself was unprepared when a day later Trump tied a can to his own tail.
Trump himself was unprepared when the Senate repeatedly shot him down on health care bill. Despite ten holes in his foot Trump is demanding one more shot as he limps across his golf course maintained by low wage immigrants. Are his employees prepared or exempt from green card checks?
The scouts motto is of course "Be Prepared" but then Trump never lowered himself to join the "rabble" in scouting. The exact ranking of scouting in Trump's mind is difficult to determine because their values are so alien to him. The scouts praise things like honor and trustworthiness while he has repeatedly proven that he has no honor and can't be trusted. For Trump loyalty only works one way, to Der Donald, as he is quick to shove friends and foes alike under any bus he is driving. Foreign leaders have discovered that Trump is neither friendly nor even courteous to potential allies rather he is hostile and domineering. As for thrifty he is the envy of every drunken sailor, spending the people's money for his own gratification touring his empire of golf clubs. Trump was totally unprepared to serve as the nation's leader and continues to be unprepared to serve as he refuses the hard work of paying attention to the complexities of governance.
Another scout attribute, bravery is also absent in Trump. When he is faced by bigger bullies it is Trump who hits the wall. In his defense Trump was never a scout and never learned their basic code of conduct and sees no reason to learn from some foreign ideas. (In 1907, Robert Baden-Powell, founded the Scouting movement in England, in America Powell's ideas merged in 1910 with existing boy clubs to become BSA.)
Der Donald somehow avoided the draft for eight years (1964 to the 1972 end of draft) and did not serve in the military. This is not a condemnation as the draft was a crapshoot for most young men of the era. Even if called up the draft was easily avoided if there was enough money to enroll in college or flee to Canada and Sweden. So Trump should not be blamed for failing to serve, most of his generation did not. This lack of service however left its mark on the man for he never saw what brave men are capable of nor did he learn of their creed "Duty, Honor and Country." He is unprepared for even that short list of commitment. From his perspective his Duty is to exploit his position for financial gain. Honor means only what you can get away with, while Country is merely real estate to be developed and branded with a capital "T".
Trump's motto, " Lie big, Lie often, defend the Lie and Attack reality."
Contrary to their motto the boy scouts were totally unprepared Trump's campaign ravings about how great he was and why they should vote him. As usual he was wrong about the crowd being the largest ever and it would probably have been even smaller if they hadn't been marched to the speech.
While Trump was abusing the scouts his chief of staff was unprepared when in loyalty to the leader the Mooch tied the can to the chief. The Mooch who saw greater glory for himself was unprepared when a day later Trump tied a can to his own tail.
Trump himself was unprepared when the Senate repeatedly shot him down on health care bill. Despite ten holes in his foot Trump is demanding one more shot as he limps across his golf course maintained by low wage immigrants. Are his employees prepared or exempt from green card checks?
The scouts motto is of course "Be Prepared" but then Trump never lowered himself to join the "rabble" in scouting. The exact ranking of scouting in Trump's mind is difficult to determine because their values are so alien to him. The scouts praise things like honor and trustworthiness while he has repeatedly proven that he has no honor and can't be trusted. For Trump loyalty only works one way, to Der Donald, as he is quick to shove friends and foes alike under any bus he is driving. Foreign leaders have discovered that Trump is neither friendly nor even courteous to potential allies rather he is hostile and domineering. As for thrifty he is the envy of every drunken sailor, spending the people's money for his own gratification touring his empire of golf clubs. Trump was totally unprepared to serve as the nation's leader and continues to be unprepared to serve as he refuses the hard work of paying attention to the complexities of governance.
Another scout attribute, bravery is also absent in Trump. When he is faced by bigger bullies it is Trump who hits the wall. In his defense Trump was never a scout and never learned their basic code of conduct and sees no reason to learn from some foreign ideas. (In 1907, Robert Baden-Powell, founded the Scouting movement in England, in America Powell's ideas merged in 1910 with existing boy clubs to become BSA.)
Der Donald somehow avoided the draft for eight years (1964 to the 1972 end of draft) and did not serve in the military. This is not a condemnation as the draft was a crapshoot for most young men of the era. Even if called up the draft was easily avoided if there was enough money to enroll in college or flee to Canada and Sweden. So Trump should not be blamed for failing to serve, most of his generation did not. This lack of service however left its mark on the man for he never saw what brave men are capable of nor did he learn of their creed "Duty, Honor and Country." He is unprepared for even that short list of commitment. From his perspective his Duty is to exploit his position for financial gain. Honor means only what you can get away with, while Country is merely real estate to be developed and branded with a capital "T".
Trump's motto, " Lie big, Lie often, defend the Lie and Attack reality."
Monday, July 31, 2017
Changes 072917
At least three responsible Senators in the GOP. McDonnell seems to be the man trying to push a dead weight stone up a mountain. With ten failures a responsible leader would have stood up against WH pressure and kill the effort for bad legislation. The GOP has problems, and out of control president and ineffectual majority leader. It is up to the party to clean its own house for the people.
McConnell
Climate change is extremely important. Unfortunately politicians can only see the future as the next election. Climate destruction continues over many election cycles, politicians should stand up for their grand children or see the end of humanity.
White House continues to militarize, beware of the coming coup.
"Moocher = a person who lives off others without giving anything in return." Interesting nick name for a hedge fund manager (one who builds great personal wealth off of other people's money) no wonder so many hedge funds have gone belly up. It's probable that the government investigations of hedge funds have been short-circuited by this administration's self interest. Notice how much the Mooch looks like a Russian mobster in his mirrored sunglasses. Wonder how he is going to fair in the White House since he didn't get the chief's chair even after cutting the chief's throat.
This Administration has authorized American law enforcement to seize money, cars, houses and anything that attracts their eyes, without any court over look. While a token of the stolen assets will be retained by the departments it's probable that much will stick to fingers of crooked cops and there is little the victims can do. Any protest would be charged as resistance to law enforcement and met with beatings, shootings and at best arrest since there is little the people can do. Der Donald ordered the police to rough up everyone they arrest for what ever reason. This along with the police's recent record of shooting the innocent, lying about it and getting a walk from the courts indicates a slide down the slippery slope to storm troopers and dictatorship. (Note major law enforcement associations have come out against Der Donald's orders.)
The Mooch's wife is filing for divorce, citing his support of Der Donald. Melania Trump stated her agenda as first lady was to end cyber bullying. Since the world's greatest cyber bully is her husband does this mean she also will seek a divorce? Maybe we will have the opportunity to stay in a Melania Tower. She already plans for a foreign solo trip to the Invictus Games in Toronto. Are the towers on fire and stairways already jammed with evacuees?
McConnell
Climate change is extremely important. Unfortunately politicians can only see the future as the next election. Climate destruction continues over many election cycles, politicians should stand up for their grand children or see the end of humanity.
White House continues to militarize, beware of the coming coup.
"Moocher = a person who lives off others without giving anything in return." Interesting nick name for a hedge fund manager (one who builds great personal wealth off of other people's money) no wonder so many hedge funds have gone belly up. It's probable that the government investigations of hedge funds have been short-circuited by this administration's self interest. Notice how much the Mooch looks like a Russian mobster in his mirrored sunglasses. Wonder how he is going to fair in the White House since he didn't get the chief's chair even after cutting the chief's throat.
This Administration has authorized American law enforcement to seize money, cars, houses and anything that attracts their eyes, without any court over look. While a token of the stolen assets will be retained by the departments it's probable that much will stick to fingers of crooked cops and there is little the victims can do. Any protest would be charged as resistance to law enforcement and met with beatings, shootings and at best arrest since there is little the people can do. Der Donald ordered the police to rough up everyone they arrest for what ever reason. This along with the police's recent record of shooting the innocent, lying about it and getting a walk from the courts indicates a slide down the slippery slope to storm troopers and dictatorship. (Note major law enforcement associations have come out against Der Donald's orders.)
The Mooch's wife is filing for divorce, citing his support of Der Donald. Melania Trump stated her agenda as first lady was to end cyber bullying. Since the world's greatest cyber bully is her husband does this mean she also will seek a divorce? Maybe we will have the opportunity to stay in a Melania Tower. She already plans for a foreign solo trip to the Invictus Games in Toronto. Are the towers on fire and stairways already jammed with evacuees?
Friday, July 28, 2017
Heroes 072817
The word hero is used much to freely in the United States. An American hero no longer has to be a Horatius (Horatio) defending a bridge against invading hordes. The new American heroes don't even have be the equivalent of a Spartan of the famous 300 fighting the entire Persian army to a stand still.
Today's American hero merely has to take care that he doesn't trip over his own feet as he retreats from responsibility.
America does have one true hero of the old school, despite being implied to be a coward by his own president. John Sidney McCain III the 81 year old Senator from Arizona has spent most of his life in the service of his country. As Navy combat pilot during the Vietnam War McCain faced death on ever mission deep over the north. Over Hanoi in 1967 McCain was finally blown out of the sky and seriously injured. Capture by the North Vietnamese he was repeatedly tortured for six year before being finally released.
After retiring from the Navy McCain was elected to Congress and later to the U.S. Senate, where he continues to serve with honor. Considered a maverick (meaning he did not always toe the party line) he championed campaign reform which resulted in the McCain-Feingold Act in 2002 (the Bipartisan Campaign Reform). He also vocally opposed pork barrel politics and was instrumental in a bi-partisan effort alleviating a crisis over judicial nominations. If his service and standing for good government is not enough to justify the title of National Hero then this week seals his title.
On July 14 2017 McCain underwent a minimally invasive surgery that discovered an aggressive brain tumor. While recovering at home before undergoing the rigor of cancer treatments the Senate was locked in a bloody GOP internecine battle over health care legislation. Despite his illness McCain flew back to Washington on the 25th and delivered an outstanding speech condemning the party-line processes of the legislation. Again flying cover for Senate colleagues to timid to stand up against Trump's threats and intimidation McCain tipped the scale casting his vote to kill legislation that harmed millions of people. There is little that Trump could do to the Senator from Arizona who stood in the middle of the street in the finest western traditions of a shootout.
That is the character of a real hero standing nearly alone defending the nation against tyranny.
The prognosis for McCain is not good but he is a survivor. Hang in there John, the country still needs you to stand up against an attempt at authoritarianism.
Today's American hero merely has to take care that he doesn't trip over his own feet as he retreats from responsibility.
America does have one true hero of the old school, despite being implied to be a coward by his own president. John Sidney McCain III the 81 year old Senator from Arizona has spent most of his life in the service of his country. As Navy combat pilot during the Vietnam War McCain faced death on ever mission deep over the north. Over Hanoi in 1967 McCain was finally blown out of the sky and seriously injured. Capture by the North Vietnamese he was repeatedly tortured for six year before being finally released.
After retiring from the Navy McCain was elected to Congress and later to the U.S. Senate, where he continues to serve with honor. Considered a maverick (meaning he did not always toe the party line) he championed campaign reform which resulted in the McCain-Feingold Act in 2002 (the Bipartisan Campaign Reform). He also vocally opposed pork barrel politics and was instrumental in a bi-partisan effort alleviating a crisis over judicial nominations. If his service and standing for good government is not enough to justify the title of National Hero then this week seals his title.
On July 14 2017 McCain underwent a minimally invasive surgery that discovered an aggressive brain tumor. While recovering at home before undergoing the rigor of cancer treatments the Senate was locked in a bloody GOP internecine battle over health care legislation. Despite his illness McCain flew back to Washington on the 25th and delivered an outstanding speech condemning the party-line processes of the legislation. Again flying cover for Senate colleagues to timid to stand up against Trump's threats and intimidation McCain tipped the scale casting his vote to kill legislation that harmed millions of people. There is little that Trump could do to the Senator from Arizona who stood in the middle of the street in the finest western traditions of a shootout.
That is the character of a real hero standing nearly alone defending the nation against tyranny.
The prognosis for McCain is not good but he is a survivor. Hang in there John, the country still needs you to stand up against an attempt at authoritarianism.
Killer politics 072617
Trump's termites are beginning to revolt; the House just held a vote on Russian sanctions and only three representatives sided with the president despite his active lobbying. The House stated that they were sending a message to Trump that they are watching him. Two, possibly more, Secretaries are thinking about resigning. The Mooch threatened to fire everyone in the White House that weren't personally loyal to Der Donald. Should the Vice President Mike Pence recluse himself on policy votes in the Senate as a possible conflict of interest when he has to step up to the plate?
America is supposedly the richest and most advanced society in the world yet it denies the weakest and poor basic health care. The Senate makes another "Hail Mary" desperate attempt to save face while deceiving the public that Congress cares. Drop this nightmare of a political apple for Trump. Pass on the vote and sit down with the experts to craft repairs to the existing health care plan making it better. Trump just wants to brand a big "T" on something. Where the GOP shot itself in the foot was by branding and almost good plan with the name of an evil "Democrat". How many more times is the GOP going to try to sell bad legislation?
U.S. finishes fourth in math brainpower during an international competition. Beaten by Korea, China, and Vietnam America can't see the handwriting on the wall that it is no longer the world's educated elite when brainpower weighs more that bluster.
It seems that the new national propaganda minister Anthony (Mooch) Scaramucci is going to be highly successful. Although highly undiplomatic with his foul mouth he has diverted the spotlight from the Trump family and administration's criminal activities. The Mooch is also proving to be a skilled executioner of old Trump allies as he slices into highly place White House power brokers in and attempt to force them out with himself replacing them. Do we want a former Hedge fund scam artist as the number two in the White House? Doesn't it already have enough problems?
America is supposedly the richest and most advanced society in the world yet it denies the weakest and poor basic health care. The Senate makes another "Hail Mary" desperate attempt to save face while deceiving the public that Congress cares. Drop this nightmare of a political apple for Trump. Pass on the vote and sit down with the experts to craft repairs to the existing health care plan making it better. Trump just wants to brand a big "T" on something. Where the GOP shot itself in the foot was by branding and almost good plan with the name of an evil "Democrat". How many more times is the GOP going to try to sell bad legislation?
U.S. finishes fourth in math brainpower during an international competition. Beaten by Korea, China, and Vietnam America can't see the handwriting on the wall that it is no longer the world's educated elite when brainpower weighs more that bluster.
It seems that the new national propaganda minister Anthony (Mooch) Scaramucci is going to be highly successful. Although highly undiplomatic with his foul mouth he has diverted the spotlight from the Trump family and administration's criminal activities. The Mooch is also proving to be a skilled executioner of old Trump allies as he slices into highly place White House power brokers in and attempt to force them out with himself replacing them. Do we want a former Hedge fund scam artist as the number two in the White House? Doesn't it already have enough problems?
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Bunker 072717
Even with his brain burning out Senator John McCain sounds more presidential that Der Donald. McCain gave a very public speech opposing Der Donald's military transgender rant. Should Twitter filter out his attack rants as terrorist activity?
GOP tries to push through another version of its health care plan after repeatedly failing more times than can be remembered. Stop, give it up the GOP has no viable health plan, will write no such plan and is just mudding the water in the name of party loyalty. Do something for the people that elected you to serve in their interest. Come back next year with reasonable repairs of AHA just stop calling it Obama care and the problem is solved.
Democrats announced a new platform to regain power in the next election. Keep working on your platform; talk to the people for their ideas. The people have a better understanding of national problems than DC political pros that created the problems.
There is a growing Bunker mentality in the White House as it hunkers down before the barrage of investigative details becoming exposed. Trump's transgender ban appears to be another of his attempts to distract the public from Russian collusion and business investigations. Reportedly he is seeking to fire his own recently appointed FBI director for failing to shut down its investigation. He is publicly trying to humiliate his own Attorney General Jeff Sessions over his failure to short circuit the investigation in the beginning. Sessions was an early supporter of Trump who apparently hopes Sessions will resign during the Senate recess. If Session can be force out at that time Trump could replace him with a hatchet man. Without any Senate oversight hearing, the ax would be free to cut down the special counsel and all investigations. The White House propaganda minister Anthony (the Mooch) Scaramucci with only six days in office is already swinging wildly, tossing staffers under buses for lack loyalty to the CEO. Now he has gone on a twitter and TV news in an attack on the White House chief of staff, charging him with a felony and calling for a FBI investigation. The felony that wasn't, publication of Mooch's public record information. Supposedly the Mooch's TV attack came shortly after his meeting with Trump. It appears that Der Donald is attempting to embarrass another loyalist he want to get rid of and the Mooch is his chosen ax to clear the bunker for defense against public accountability. It appears that blood will flow from the bunker before the Mooch can slam the door on a rich man's bunker. If Der Donald is able to shut down the investigations even for a short time the Mooch might be able spin out disinformation to cover the sound of shredding files and destruction of computers. Is there a Rose Mary Woods somewhere in this administration or is it a smell of burning tapes in the smoke rising from the bunker? McConnell is flailing away in the Senate while Sessions is still trying to run interference for Der Donald despite both being targeted. Sessions' justice department is now trying to get discrimination protections for gays overturned in another diversion attempt. Between administration driving out supporters and staffers who are looking for new jobs before being fired, The White House bunker may soon begin to look like a few rich white men hiding behind bales of money as the mob occupies the Towers.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
T-Notes 072017
It's sad that the nation sinks further and further into quicksand as the Trump administration flounders between self inflicted misadventures and Tweets. This is all true even if told with a sadden humor.
A repeal bill is a scam that proves the GOP doesn't care for their constituents. Like Trump they are lying loud and often in an attempt to hang on to power. This pure showboating is wasting time better spent on trying for open and honest government. The GOP (or is that goop) should remember they can't fool all the people all the time. Trump's troops may even begin to see the futility of a leaderless party without a strategy or program.
Republican resistance to Trump's demands is beginning to crack his loyalist front. In the historical long cycles of great powers they are never beaten. They commit suicide by throwing away their power through lack of will and political fumbling. Trump is the gun to the nation's head and sleeping pills for democracy.
A political party over time takes on the character of tribe and in time may actually become a cult subseptical to a Jim (James) Jones or a Hitler. Trump's attempts to become cult leader are aided by disciples Mitch McConnell, Kris Kobach and Jeff Sessions. Searching for his own cult Goebbels The Donald has chosen Anthony (Mooch) Scaramucci to be the cult's propaganda minister.
The country has a problem and that is a corrupt administration from top to bottom. Sessions must go, not only has he misled Congress he is also advocating matters that will compound law enforcement corruption and judicial abuse. To allow various members of the administration to continually correct their sworn statements as new evidence is discovered demonstrates credibility issues but also a reluctance by Congress, law enforcement and intelligence agencies to press charges of at least perjury.
Presidential actions to withhold support of existing health care policies under the law may haunt the GOP. Any of these actions by Trump demonstrates a criminal intent to defy law and the needs of the people. Congress failed to act on Trump's orders and therefore is in contempt of Trump so he threatens the party and destroys the people most in need the poor and elderly.
It is becoming even more apparent that Sessions should have recused himself from the Russian investigation, as more information on his complicity becomes known. Should the president have publicly admonished Sessions, NO it is apparent that Trump lacks even a basic understanding of responsible management. There are many reasons Sessions should resign but this isn't one of them, he should go down with captain of the sinking ship.
A Russian official publicly stated on TV that Trump and Putin might have had a secret meeting in a bathroom. Does Menlania know, what does she know and when did she know it?
Putin floated the idea of becoming president for life can the Donald be far behind? He has already declared himself dictator and above the law as well as the constitution with his proclamation the he can pardon all loyalist trumpites (that's kinda like termites). It seems that while in Poland The Donald gave a speech that clearly supported nationalist anti-democratic forces, which may have contributed to their attempt to overthrow the judiciary. He is already planning his third term in office by campaigning to children at the Boy Scout Jamboree in West Virginia.
The Donald ordered the British Prime Minister Theresa May to guarantee the largest cheering crowd in British history to greet his arrival in London. May must also shut down hostile media outlets or he will not come to England. America should be so lucky. Possibly because of her age the Queen will not be required to bow before him. Trump's worry is that over two million Brits have already signed a petition asking the government to block Trump's official visit. The British press has published a leaked transcript of that phone conversation between the two. The White House has confirmed that Trump's visit has been delayed.
A repeal bill is a scam that proves the GOP doesn't care for their constituents. Like Trump they are lying loud and often in an attempt to hang on to power. This pure showboating is wasting time better spent on trying for open and honest government. The GOP (or is that goop) should remember they can't fool all the people all the time. Trump's troops may even begin to see the futility of a leaderless party without a strategy or program.
Republican resistance to Trump's demands is beginning to crack his loyalist front. In the historical long cycles of great powers they are never beaten. They commit suicide by throwing away their power through lack of will and political fumbling. Trump is the gun to the nation's head and sleeping pills for democracy.
A political party over time takes on the character of tribe and in time may actually become a cult subseptical to a Jim (James) Jones or a Hitler. Trump's attempts to become cult leader are aided by disciples Mitch McConnell, Kris Kobach and Jeff Sessions. Searching for his own cult Goebbels The Donald has chosen Anthony (Mooch) Scaramucci to be the cult's propaganda minister.
The country has a problem and that is a corrupt administration from top to bottom. Sessions must go, not only has he misled Congress he is also advocating matters that will compound law enforcement corruption and judicial abuse. To allow various members of the administration to continually correct their sworn statements as new evidence is discovered demonstrates credibility issues but also a reluctance by Congress, law enforcement and intelligence agencies to press charges of at least perjury.
Presidential actions to withhold support of existing health care policies under the law may haunt the GOP. Any of these actions by Trump demonstrates a criminal intent to defy law and the needs of the people. Congress failed to act on Trump's orders and therefore is in contempt of Trump so he threatens the party and destroys the people most in need the poor and elderly.
It is becoming even more apparent that Sessions should have recused himself from the Russian investigation, as more information on his complicity becomes known. Should the president have publicly admonished Sessions, NO it is apparent that Trump lacks even a basic understanding of responsible management. There are many reasons Sessions should resign but this isn't one of them, he should go down with captain of the sinking ship.
A Russian official publicly stated on TV that Trump and Putin might have had a secret meeting in a bathroom. Does Menlania know, what does she know and when did she know it?
Putin floated the idea of becoming president for life can the Donald be far behind? He has already declared himself dictator and above the law as well as the constitution with his proclamation the he can pardon all loyalist trumpites (that's kinda like termites). It seems that while in Poland The Donald gave a speech that clearly supported nationalist anti-democratic forces, which may have contributed to their attempt to overthrow the judiciary. He is already planning his third term in office by campaigning to children at the Boy Scout Jamboree in West Virginia.
The Donald ordered the British Prime Minister Theresa May to guarantee the largest cheering crowd in British history to greet his arrival in London. May must also shut down hostile media outlets or he will not come to England. America should be so lucky. Possibly because of her age the Queen will not be required to bow before him. Trump's worry is that over two million Brits have already signed a petition asking the government to block Trump's official visit. The British press has published a leaked transcript of that phone conversation between the two. The White House has confirmed that Trump's visit has been delayed.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Again 071617
For the record I didn't think Trump would be a very good president but I did expect him to be better than he is with some honor, integrity and real attempts to do the job. So far he has demonstrated a failure on of all three issues without even trying. He became famous by tactlessly firing people; can the people fire Der Donald? That would make a good scenario for next season's sitcom hit.
The GOP Senate is good at putting band-aids on bad legislation. However they practice witch doctor medicine for the republic and punishes those they are supposed to serve. It seems that Trump has had one success, he has taught the party to lie, lie big and hope no one notices, they always notice. A good health care bill can not be a partisan bill but must be a people's bill that a real bipartisan majority of the Senate can support. This bill is too important for electioneering. GOP Senators are supposed to serve the people not Trump. Stop take a breath, start over in the daylight even if it takes a year. Craft something to make the nation proud, the world applaud and emulate.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell seems to be leading a GOP kamikaze charge to demonstrate his loyalty to Emperor Donald. Read the founding documents, the U.S. is a republic, power does not rest with emperors, kings or even majority leaders it rest with the people.
Senate bill is for Trump don't care health, and he doesn't care as long as it's branded TRUMP.
Attending this years Bastille day ceremony honoring American soldiers' 1917 arrival in France, Der Donald, ever the bully, again attempted to best the French President Emmanuel Macron with a crushing hand shake. Der Donald failed to subdue Macron during his earlier trip to Europe. In a move that can only be termed as trying to Indian wrestle Macron off balance Der Donald failed again. The move was mostly missed by the American media but the European press was quick to pick up that Der Donald embarrassed only himself. When this fat old man attempts to wrestle an athletic man half his age the result is egg on America's face. Macron is attempting to act as a peacemaker between Der Donald and other European leaders, lots of luck Emmanuel. Der Donald doesn't want peace with those he can't cower.
Just a thought, who is paying for the White House's growing regiment of lawyers?
The White House is arming Trump's troops with ammunition to attack and destroy his legions of protesters. Anyone sending policy protest emails to the White House have discovered all their personal information is being released exposing them to: identity theft, hacking of personal accounts, exposure to electronic and even physical attacks. It will also stifle future protest when seen as endangerment of family and friends, a favored authoritarian tactic.
It appears that the Trump administration is subservient to the Trump business interest. Der Donald threw a mid-east ally (Quatar) under the bus, possibly because senior White House advisor Jared Kushner was refused a Quatari billionaire's half billion-dollar loan/investment to save his real estate project.
Florida GOP legislators have passed legislation allowing anyone to object to any book deemed not suited to student needs. There goes literature, art, history, science, evolution, climate change and reading anything more than Trump's 140 character rants.
Here comes book burnings and blue painted pagans dancing naked around the blaze. Mao had his little red book, what will be the color Trump's diatribe, bound in genuine faux leather and auto signed by der leader.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
DDD notes 070717
Article is a combination of facts and supposition on the administration's actions (or lack of) during the last several days.
After discovering just how gullible Americans really are Putin met with Der Donald to issue new orders to his high placed agent. An expert in media suppression Putin advise the Donald scale up his twitter attacks with formal charges of treason then disappearing a few prominent journalist as a warning.
States resist Trump's demands: At last some politicians are standing up to Der Donald's authoritarian aspirations. The administration attempts to compile a massive data base of every U.S citizen's political histories not only invades personal privacy but also establishes the secret lists for disappearance into an American gulag in the name of national security. Der Donald's actions follow history's long line of dictators including his BFF Putin.
North Korea: Two nuts loose on the floor is a prescription for the United States to slip and fall making peanut butter of the world. Beware of Der Dumb Donald (DDD) slinging random smart bombs to raise his poll number and rally Trump's troops to the flag. Kim Jong-un’s regime would surely sling missiles, with or without warheads, in all directions in a death dance. Friends and foes alike would be targeted, spreading conflict far beyond the missiles' range. Dissentients everywhere would seize the distraction to further their own agendas expanding terrorism. Put the nuts, DDD's mouth (twitter), back in the can to prevent, the nation becoming mired in sticky peanut butter. This is a case for eroding U.S. Soft Power to yield to UN and regional power resolution. The U.S. is already the designated regional spoiled nut whose word can no longer be trusted. It's a small globe in the 21st century, conservatives may fight it but when a small nobody country or even individuals can embroil the world in conflict no one country can stop it or survive.
A few year ago an academic study of media informed public discovered that those who receive all their information from television is less well informed than those who received no direct information. Der Donald admits that he doesn't read not even the one-page summaries his staff writes, and gets most of his information directly from TV sound bites. A disciple of clearly partisan FOX News Der Donald becomes the promoter and victim of circular reporting. Der Donald is a want-a-be autocrat with delusion of the power of a latter day Der Furhrer. To achieve his end the White House has developed a dark side disinformation bureau that "leaks" false information to be later refuted on the bright side. A clear attempt to destroy a free press. To quote George Orwell, "The further society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it."
Trump's troops took to social media calling for revolution against the traitorous liberals who were indicting Der Donald as a tyrant. Interesting that they recognized the parallels but the quoted document was the annual Fourth of July printing & media reading of America's founding document the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain's George III's tyranny.
DOD budget, we've spread the troops very thin and shorted their pay for years. We need more troops (or fewer missions) and they need to be able to support their families, fund that. When it comes to new toys and associated waste take a long hard look before spending more money after bad. Just tagging things as national security doesn't automatically mean dumping money into defense's bottomless hole.
Democrats push for a board to study the President's competency to serve: Der Donald's fitness to serve is questionable and he does poises a long-term threat to the nation's interest. That said, making his qualification a partisan issue is a mistake. This is a national issue. Congress and the White House should stop covering up for him. Republicans do this in political power self-interest, but this may be a case of stand together sink together. Sooner or later they must consider the nation's interest.
Goaded by Der Donald, Trump's troops have declared war on the educated, media. unions and civil service while embracing the church as a savior from all evil. A recent study found that the troops are against colleges as liberal counter revolutionaries against Trump's truths. All media outlets should be shut down except Fox News, which would become the nation's official mouthpiece. Of course union members are beyond the pale and to be deported as illegal aliens with foreign ideas. Civil servants can be replaced as in the 19th century with patronage appointees. Born again Protestants will establish a new freedom of religion in America that excludes only Buddhists, Catholics, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and Zoroastrians. Following the example of Henry the Eight, Der Donald will declare himself archbishop of the new theocracy. May be Melania should consider a protestant cloister or risk a very close haircut. If the universities are shut down there would be fewer lawyers (not a bad thing) and doctors to play all the Thump golf courses. Der Donald has nothing to fear however there will be lots of faith healers, ward bosses and brokers making deals for real estate left vacant by deportations and internment's in concentration camps.
Trump ever the entertainer keeps his name out there, understanding any publicity is good publicity for a star. Most politician lie, Bill Clinton did it for entertainment. Bush II did it for oil and Dick Cheney's vision. Trump leaks false information for the purpose of destroying the media, grabbing headlines and personal gain while destroying the nation. He is very good at it, knowing few Americans remember of care about issues but they recognize names. Particularly names that rhyme; bump, lump, jump, dump, rump etc.
JR's emails fans the gun smoke clouding the White House but more interesting is the revelation that Trump's Moscow Tower is on hold because of U.S. sanctions that he is trying to lift.
This list could go on and on as facts, even alternate facts, drift around in the gun smoke. Elected officials should remember they represent the people and the nation. Party loyalty is trumped (little T) by democracy.
After discovering just how gullible Americans really are Putin met with Der Donald to issue new orders to his high placed agent. An expert in media suppression Putin advise the Donald scale up his twitter attacks with formal charges of treason then disappearing a few prominent journalist as a warning.
States resist Trump's demands: At last some politicians are standing up to Der Donald's authoritarian aspirations. The administration attempts to compile a massive data base of every U.S citizen's political histories not only invades personal privacy but also establishes the secret lists for disappearance into an American gulag in the name of national security. Der Donald's actions follow history's long line of dictators including his BFF Putin.
North Korea: Two nuts loose on the floor is a prescription for the United States to slip and fall making peanut butter of the world. Beware of Der Dumb Donald (DDD) slinging random smart bombs to raise his poll number and rally Trump's troops to the flag. Kim Jong-un’s regime would surely sling missiles, with or without warheads, in all directions in a death dance. Friends and foes alike would be targeted, spreading conflict far beyond the missiles' range. Dissentients everywhere would seize the distraction to further their own agendas expanding terrorism. Put the nuts, DDD's mouth (twitter), back in the can to prevent, the nation becoming mired in sticky peanut butter. This is a case for eroding U.S. Soft Power to yield to UN and regional power resolution. The U.S. is already the designated regional spoiled nut whose word can no longer be trusted. It's a small globe in the 21st century, conservatives may fight it but when a small nobody country or even individuals can embroil the world in conflict no one country can stop it or survive.
A few year ago an academic study of media informed public discovered that those who receive all their information from television is less well informed than those who received no direct information. Der Donald admits that he doesn't read not even the one-page summaries his staff writes, and gets most of his information directly from TV sound bites. A disciple of clearly partisan FOX News Der Donald becomes the promoter and victim of circular reporting. Der Donald is a want-a-be autocrat with delusion of the power of a latter day Der Furhrer. To achieve his end the White House has developed a dark side disinformation bureau that "leaks" false information to be later refuted on the bright side. A clear attempt to destroy a free press. To quote George Orwell, "The further society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it."
Trump's troops took to social media calling for revolution against the traitorous liberals who were indicting Der Donald as a tyrant. Interesting that they recognized the parallels but the quoted document was the annual Fourth of July printing & media reading of America's founding document the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain's George III's tyranny.
DOD budget, we've spread the troops very thin and shorted their pay for years. We need more troops (or fewer missions) and they need to be able to support their families, fund that. When it comes to new toys and associated waste take a long hard look before spending more money after bad. Just tagging things as national security doesn't automatically mean dumping money into defense's bottomless hole.
Democrats push for a board to study the President's competency to serve: Der Donald's fitness to serve is questionable and he does poises a long-term threat to the nation's interest. That said, making his qualification a partisan issue is a mistake. This is a national issue. Congress and the White House should stop covering up for him. Republicans do this in political power self-interest, but this may be a case of stand together sink together. Sooner or later they must consider the nation's interest.
Goaded by Der Donald, Trump's troops have declared war on the educated, media. unions and civil service while embracing the church as a savior from all evil. A recent study found that the troops are against colleges as liberal counter revolutionaries against Trump's truths. All media outlets should be shut down except Fox News, which would become the nation's official mouthpiece. Of course union members are beyond the pale and to be deported as illegal aliens with foreign ideas. Civil servants can be replaced as in the 19th century with patronage appointees. Born again Protestants will establish a new freedom of religion in America that excludes only Buddhists, Catholics, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and Zoroastrians. Following the example of Henry the Eight, Der Donald will declare himself archbishop of the new theocracy. May be Melania should consider a protestant cloister or risk a very close haircut. If the universities are shut down there would be fewer lawyers (not a bad thing) and doctors to play all the Thump golf courses. Der Donald has nothing to fear however there will be lots of faith healers, ward bosses and brokers making deals for real estate left vacant by deportations and internment's in concentration camps.
Trump ever the entertainer keeps his name out there, understanding any publicity is good publicity for a star. Most politician lie, Bill Clinton did it for entertainment. Bush II did it for oil and Dick Cheney's vision. Trump leaks false information for the purpose of destroying the media, grabbing headlines and personal gain while destroying the nation. He is very good at it, knowing few Americans remember of care about issues but they recognize names. Particularly names that rhyme; bump, lump, jump, dump, rump etc.
JR's emails fans the gun smoke clouding the White House but more interesting is the revelation that Trump's Moscow Tower is on hold because of U.S. sanctions that he is trying to lift.
This list could go on and on as facts, even alternate facts, drift around in the gun smoke. Elected officials should remember they represent the people and the nation. Party loyalty is trumped (little T) by democracy.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Twofer 051117
With an administration that appears to be flailing around without direction topics are coming faster than reasoned analysis. Two issues requiring study came up in the same week, another expansion of the wars in Asia and the attempt to shut down an investigation of Russian attempts to influence democratic elections to its advantage.
1) U.S. policies and eventual military interventions destabilized the Middle East. Once the "DOGS OF WAR" were unleashed the region discovered the contagion of war as diverse aspirations came in to conflict. Arming the Kurds will be like tossing a stone into a pond as Kurdish nationalism spreads from Syria to Turkey, Iraq and Iran into parts of the former soviet republics. Political actions by outsiders without a coherent strategy spreads conflict and ends in failure.
2) Despite denials there is little doubt that the Russians attempted to influence the 2016 U.S. election and the administration is seriously compromised. The question is just how far does the contamination extends? The firing of the FBI director appears to be a reaction to an investigation that is getting close to the White House.
It is interesting that the firing came shortly after Russia's Putin condemned the investigation. Despite a meeting with Russian officials shortly after the head of the investigation was thrown out, it is doubtful that Trump is a Russian agent, he doesn't play well with others.
It must be remembered that Trump has been attempting to expand his real estate empire into Russia for years, is there a quid pro quo for policies that favor Russian interests? A Moscow Trump Tower and St. Petersburg golf course for the newly affluent could be a great inducement. Even before the election Trump advocated the destruction of the European Union and NATO with positions that support Russian objectives.
America is not alone in the Russian swamp both Britain and France have recently experienced Russian attempts to influence national elections. Despite endorsements from both Putin and Trump the French nationalist lost the election to a candidate supporting the EU, but France is also investigating Russian attempt to influence its election. In England an upcoming election affecting the British exit from the EU may also be a target for Russian influence hacking.
Congress must exercise its independence before it becomes a rubber stamp for policies originating in the Kremlin. An independent investigation of global influence peddling is necessary to determine to what extent elections were influenced by hacking to insure that democratic processes are not disrupted in the future. Investigators must be given the authority and tools to follow the case wherever the evidence leads. The investigation must also be protected from partisan disruption; as the fox is already in the hen house.
1) U.S. policies and eventual military interventions destabilized the Middle East. Once the "DOGS OF WAR" were unleashed the region discovered the contagion of war as diverse aspirations came in to conflict. Arming the Kurds will be like tossing a stone into a pond as Kurdish nationalism spreads from Syria to Turkey, Iraq and Iran into parts of the former soviet republics. Political actions by outsiders without a coherent strategy spreads conflict and ends in failure.
2) Despite denials there is little doubt that the Russians attempted to influence the 2016 U.S. election and the administration is seriously compromised. The question is just how far does the contamination extends? The firing of the FBI director appears to be a reaction to an investigation that is getting close to the White House.
It is interesting that the firing came shortly after Russia's Putin condemned the investigation. Despite a meeting with Russian officials shortly after the head of the investigation was thrown out, it is doubtful that Trump is a Russian agent, he doesn't play well with others.
It must be remembered that Trump has been attempting to expand his real estate empire into Russia for years, is there a quid pro quo for policies that favor Russian interests? A Moscow Trump Tower and St. Petersburg golf course for the newly affluent could be a great inducement. Even before the election Trump advocated the destruction of the European Union and NATO with positions that support Russian objectives.
America is not alone in the Russian swamp both Britain and France have recently experienced Russian attempts to influence national elections. Despite endorsements from both Putin and Trump the French nationalist lost the election to a candidate supporting the EU, but France is also investigating Russian attempt to influence its election. In England an upcoming election affecting the British exit from the EU may also be a target for Russian influence hacking.
Congress must exercise its independence before it becomes a rubber stamp for policies originating in the Kremlin. An independent investigation of global influence peddling is necessary to determine to what extent elections were influenced by hacking to insure that democratic processes are not disrupted in the future. Investigators must be given the authority and tools to follow the case wherever the evidence leads. The investigation must also be protected from partisan disruption; as the fox is already in the hen house.
Monday, April 17, 2017
Firsts 041517
Even before the election the present administration had established its style, loud, obnoxious, prone to exaggeration and out right lies. In your face shout downs replaced reasoned debate and differing opinions or facts became enemies to be destroyed. The transition period is the time for recruiting highly qualified staff and development of a viable administration plan. Instead it was a continuation of a scream and shout management style and unprecedented contravention of the still governing administration.
The presidential inauguration 2017 ushered in a governing period of alternate reality where everything was the largest, first and most popular. By divine dictate, facts are denied, shouted down and buried under a PR blitz resulting in plunging approval ratings.
After little more than 80 days in office the administration seized an opportunity to distract its domestic public with a foreign threat. Launching 59 cruise missiles at a Syrian air base for only limited damage (the base was reported operational within a few days) the administration saw a slight bump in approval with its 50 million-dollar putt.
The administration has finally achieved an honest to goodness official first if not exactly a largest claim. In a case of using your number two club may get a bigger bump, the administration dropped the United States' first weapon of mass destruction (WMD) since World War Two. (WMD is defined as a weapon that can kill and bring significant harm to a large number of humans or cause great damage to human-made structures (e.g., buildings), natural structures (e.g., mountains), or the biosphere.)
The bomb (GBU-43) was touted as the world's largest but both the United States and the Russians have larger bombs. It is its the first use so its cost includes both development and unit cost totaling around 330 million dollars. According to estimates it "may" have killed up to 36 terrorist, or about ten million per KIA. The immediate blast area of the WMD is two miles across with secondary damage far larger. The Afghan target area is traditional farmland and environmental damage may linger for years. The friendly Afghan government was not informed of the unilateral American strike.
The data are not yet in on a possible bounce but international voices note it was an administration political move. Some claim it as a warning to other nations that the United States had gone rouge. With the administration's planning record so far it is doubtful that there was any thought beyond poll numbers.
The employment of WMD shocked European, Russian and Chinese power houses. It was also seen as a direct threat by North Korea and various terrorist organizations, not known to be wrapped to tight and may respond by going down swinging at anything American. Donald Trump touted the bomb as "another successful job," huh?
As a show and tell the two strikes spent nearly 400 million and the administration is cutting education, social services, environment etc? Talk about shooting the country in the foot. We create our own enemies, foreign and domestic.
The presidential inauguration 2017 ushered in a governing period of alternate reality where everything was the largest, first and most popular. By divine dictate, facts are denied, shouted down and buried under a PR blitz resulting in plunging approval ratings.
After little more than 80 days in office the administration seized an opportunity to distract its domestic public with a foreign threat. Launching 59 cruise missiles at a Syrian air base for only limited damage (the base was reported operational within a few days) the administration saw a slight bump in approval with its 50 million-dollar putt.
The administration has finally achieved an honest to goodness official first if not exactly a largest claim. In a case of using your number two club may get a bigger bump, the administration dropped the United States' first weapon of mass destruction (WMD) since World War Two. (WMD is defined as a weapon that can kill and bring significant harm to a large number of humans or cause great damage to human-made structures (e.g., buildings), natural structures (e.g., mountains), or the biosphere.)
The bomb (GBU-43) was touted as the world's largest but both the United States and the Russians have larger bombs. It is its the first use so its cost includes both development and unit cost totaling around 330 million dollars. According to estimates it "may" have killed up to 36 terrorist, or about ten million per KIA. The immediate blast area of the WMD is two miles across with secondary damage far larger. The Afghan target area is traditional farmland and environmental damage may linger for years. The friendly Afghan government was not informed of the unilateral American strike.
The data are not yet in on a possible bounce but international voices note it was an administration political move. Some claim it as a warning to other nations that the United States had gone rouge. With the administration's planning record so far it is doubtful that there was any thought beyond poll numbers.
The employment of WMD shocked European, Russian and Chinese power houses. It was also seen as a direct threat by North Korea and various terrorist organizations, not known to be wrapped to tight and may respond by going down swinging at anything American. Donald Trump touted the bomb as "another successful job," huh?
As a show and tell the two strikes spent nearly 400 million and the administration is cutting education, social services, environment etc? Talk about shooting the country in the foot. We create our own enemies, foreign and domestic.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Power 040717
A political scientist penned a doggerel years ago that, "Presidents have more power than they ought, but not as much as most people thought." It may not be the exact quote but close enough (failing memory) and maybe more relevant today than it was decades ago.
Back in the days the keys to American power were relatively easy to define. There was sharing between a president and legislature with a court acting as a referee. The fourth estate (media) was the gatekeeper of information. The media of the time was comparatively small, three networks, a couple of wire services and a few national newspapers. This small cadre of gatekeepers attempted to present world events, explain the pros and cons and courses of actions while representing public interest.
The term fourth estate was coined in the mid-eighteenth century as the fourth power of a nation (after nobility, the church, and commoners.) The United States, as a sectarian state, saw church power wax and wane over time. Consider the nobility as the President and Senate while the House supposedly represents the commoners. With the rise of professional politicians controlling Congress commoners were better represented by the fourth estate. The right condemned the leftist media while the left complained of rightist control of the message. In general it was a balanced presentation for the commoners to consider, evaluate and vote. That was 19th century thinking.
In the 21st century power has shifted in America. The four estate is still around but more diffused, technologies' social media has become the major gatekeeper. Analysis by respected media commentators is gone, replaced by the contradicting clamor of partisan polls and divergent radical voices. These exert immense pressure on the country's old power structure.
The Donald (isn't that the name of an angry duck) mastered tweets to entertain, deceive and attack everyone and everything with duck like rants. He parlayed his tweets to Whitehouse power. There he continues to rave at opponents of his divine rights and has now discovered the limits of executive power. The administration attempted to force Twitter to surrender personal information on a government critic. The request was clearly a political ploy, possibly for an addition to The Donald's self-proclaimed enemies' list.
Twitter filed a federal lawsuit against the administration's illegal request and violation of the Constitution. The ACLU joined the case with the public lambasting the administration attempted intimidation of the increasing public outpouring of criticism. It was the administration that became intimidated and withdrew its demand. (The lawsuit is on hold in case of another attempt to end run the Constitution.)
Can we expect an Executive Order that declares the illegal, legal? What's next for Trump's Troops, secret informer reports of suspected opposition voices? Will the IRS gear up an audit hit list or should we fear "Night and Fog" from the rich white power house?
Back in the days the keys to American power were relatively easy to define. There was sharing between a president and legislature with a court acting as a referee. The fourth estate (media) was the gatekeeper of information. The media of the time was comparatively small, three networks, a couple of wire services and a few national newspapers. This small cadre of gatekeepers attempted to present world events, explain the pros and cons and courses of actions while representing public interest.
The term fourth estate was coined in the mid-eighteenth century as the fourth power of a nation (after nobility, the church, and commoners.) The United States, as a sectarian state, saw church power wax and wane over time. Consider the nobility as the President and Senate while the House supposedly represents the commoners. With the rise of professional politicians controlling Congress commoners were better represented by the fourth estate. The right condemned the leftist media while the left complained of rightist control of the message. In general it was a balanced presentation for the commoners to consider, evaluate and vote. That was 19th century thinking.
In the 21st century power has shifted in America. The four estate is still around but more diffused, technologies' social media has become the major gatekeeper. Analysis by respected media commentators is gone, replaced by the contradicting clamor of partisan polls and divergent radical voices. These exert immense pressure on the country's old power structure.
The Donald (isn't that the name of an angry duck) mastered tweets to entertain, deceive and attack everyone and everything with duck like rants. He parlayed his tweets to Whitehouse power. There he continues to rave at opponents of his divine rights and has now discovered the limits of executive power. The administration attempted to force Twitter to surrender personal information on a government critic. The request was clearly a political ploy, possibly for an addition to The Donald's self-proclaimed enemies' list.
Twitter filed a federal lawsuit against the administration's illegal request and violation of the Constitution. The ACLU joined the case with the public lambasting the administration attempted intimidation of the increasing public outpouring of criticism. It was the administration that became intimidated and withdrew its demand. (The lawsuit is on hold in case of another attempt to end run the Constitution.)
Can we expect an Executive Order that declares the illegal, legal? What's next for Trump's Troops, secret informer reports of suspected opposition voices? Will the IRS gear up an audit hit list or should we fear "Night and Fog" from the rich white power house?
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Boom 040117
There is a well-established foreign affairs ploy of governments faced with domestic unrest or low ratings in national polls. The ploy is used not only by totalitarian regimes but also by supposedly democratic governments. It works on an ounce of truth and tons of lies that creates and demonizes a foreign "enemy." Alternate facts are widely broadcast to suppress immediate popular decent, leaving the real facts to be dug out by scholars 50 to 100 year in the future after the responsible participants have passed on.
The Lincoln administration attempted to generate another war with Mexico with the expectation that both North and South would rally around and forget their differences. Mexico was a likely target; the United States had already fought two wars and taken half of the country. Mexico was expected to be an easy victory that could satisfy the north's business interest and the south's quest for honor. Fortunately for Mexico the government procrastinated, unfortunately for the United States which erupted into its bloodiest war. North/South animosity lingers on only moderated somewhat by WWII's amalgamating the two in single formations.
France repeatedly went to war to "save" French Catholic missionaries, while the British "protected" Protestant missionaries. Often the missionaries were surprised that they needed to be protected or saved but were happy to serve the home countries' colonial land grabs. Not to be left out the United States demonized weakling Spain to seize its own foreign empire. The Wilson administration again invaded Mexico to divert attention from the Great War in Europe. Between the two World Wars the United States fought demons in Central America and its overseas empire.
After World War Two there emerged only two demons the Soviets and the Americans (depending on perspective) who fought a series of proxy wars around the globe mostly in Africa and Asia but also in South America. John Foster Dulles foreign policy was, "If you aren't for us you are against us," as some nations attempted to stay out of the great power struggle. After almost three-quarters of a century as the targets of demonization there should be no surprise at wide spread distrust of great power intentions. The little countries will smile at U.S. largest but they count their fingers after every gift and still go their own way.
For the foreign demon ploy to appease domestic turmoil there must be a credible demon and a clear goal that is achievable. There have been more long-term failures than victories utilizing this ploy. The classic failure would be Hitler's invasion of little Poland that touched off wide spread destruction and changed the world forever.
Before utilizing the ploy to distract from government's domestic difficulties administrations should have clear, attainable goals. It should consider future potential effects and remember that it makes its own enemies, who have very long memories. It may also fail in its political objective of distracting domestic unrest. The question is who is the target. Is it the generated foreign threat, the domestic turmoil or the administrations own inability to govern?
The Lincoln administration attempted to generate another war with Mexico with the expectation that both North and South would rally around and forget their differences. Mexico was a likely target; the United States had already fought two wars and taken half of the country. Mexico was expected to be an easy victory that could satisfy the north's business interest and the south's quest for honor. Fortunately for Mexico the government procrastinated, unfortunately for the United States which erupted into its bloodiest war. North/South animosity lingers on only moderated somewhat by WWII's amalgamating the two in single formations.
France repeatedly went to war to "save" French Catholic missionaries, while the British "protected" Protestant missionaries. Often the missionaries were surprised that they needed to be protected or saved but were happy to serve the home countries' colonial land grabs. Not to be left out the United States demonized weakling Spain to seize its own foreign empire. The Wilson administration again invaded Mexico to divert attention from the Great War in Europe. Between the two World Wars the United States fought demons in Central America and its overseas empire.
After World War Two there emerged only two demons the Soviets and the Americans (depending on perspective) who fought a series of proxy wars around the globe mostly in Africa and Asia but also in South America. John Foster Dulles foreign policy was, "If you aren't for us you are against us," as some nations attempted to stay out of the great power struggle. After almost three-quarters of a century as the targets of demonization there should be no surprise at wide spread distrust of great power intentions. The little countries will smile at U.S. largest but they count their fingers after every gift and still go their own way.
For the foreign demon ploy to appease domestic turmoil there must be a credible demon and a clear goal that is achievable. There have been more long-term failures than victories utilizing this ploy. The classic failure would be Hitler's invasion of little Poland that touched off wide spread destruction and changed the world forever.
Before utilizing the ploy to distract from government's domestic difficulties administrations should have clear, attainable goals. It should consider future potential effects and remember that it makes its own enemies, who have very long memories. It may also fail in its political objective of distracting domestic unrest. The question is who is the target. Is it the generated foreign threat, the domestic turmoil or the administrations own inability to govern?
Friday, March 31, 2017
Walled off 033017
The border wall is merely an administration PR ploy that serves limited political but no practical utility and becomes the ultimate government boondoggle.
Consider: the Great wall of China failed to stop the Mongols, Hadrian's wall in England, the walled city states of Europe and Asia, France's Maginot line even the more recent Berlin wall. All failed to keep citizens in, enemies out or protect the state. The walls were expensive to build and maintain while still requiring massive armies just to protect the wall itself.
Walled off south of the border will be thousands who would contribute to the culture and economy of the United States as has past generations of immigrants. What won't be walled off are drugs, gang violence and criminal cartels willing to take the risk of "jumping" an artificial barrier. The wall will delay future U.S. invasions into Mexico to seize more prime real estate. It will also delay the Manifest Destiny of a United States stretching from the North Pole to the Panama Canal, we might as well get that back. Maybe the Mexicans would pay for a "Santa Anna" wall designed to protect their country from real estate developers north of the border.
It is probable that at least some piece of the wall will be built to demonstrate presidential power. Designers of the wall should insure that it will last a thousand years and be unique enough to awe millennia tourist as the symbol of the decline and fall of another once great power.
Consider: the Great wall of China failed to stop the Mongols, Hadrian's wall in England, the walled city states of Europe and Asia, France's Maginot line even the more recent Berlin wall. All failed to keep citizens in, enemies out or protect the state. The walls were expensive to build and maintain while still requiring massive armies just to protect the wall itself.
Walled off south of the border will be thousands who would contribute to the culture and economy of the United States as has past generations of immigrants. What won't be walled off are drugs, gang violence and criminal cartels willing to take the risk of "jumping" an artificial barrier. The wall will delay future U.S. invasions into Mexico to seize more prime real estate. It will also delay the Manifest Destiny of a United States stretching from the North Pole to the Panama Canal, we might as well get that back. Maybe the Mexicans would pay for a "Santa Anna" wall designed to protect their country from real estate developers north of the border.
It is probable that at least some piece of the wall will be built to demonstrate presidential power. Designers of the wall should insure that it will last a thousand years and be unique enough to awe millennia tourist as the symbol of the decline and fall of another once great power.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Left v. Right 032617
Left-right, left-right is the first lesson a new military recruit learns. The lesson is so important that farm boys drafted in WWI who didn't know their left from their right wore straw on one foot and hay on the other shoe. The left right cadence became hay foot-straw foot until the boys learned. For militaries left-right lock steps soldiers into easily controlled masses able to respond to all commands.
The recent "Trumpdon'tcare" health debacle demonstrated a party's blatant attempts to lockstep representatives into support of very bad legislation, in the name of party loyalty. The Left (Democrats) weren't really challenged on this issue. Despite the President's alternate reality, it was the Right (Republicans) that failed to lock step off a cliff like lemmings. Maybe he needs to resort to hay foot-straw foot rather than threats and bullying.
The Left doesn't really get a walk on this vote since their was opposition along party lines rather than in the interest of better legislation. An ideological battle over legislation ignores the "v." between left and right. The majority of the people stand between the warring parties becoming ignored as collateral damage to party line votes.
Contrary to shouted claims what's good for the party is not good for the country. The people have every right to expect honest and open debate producing the best possible legislation. They will accept minority descent that produced even better governance. Ideologues do not govern in the long term interest of the country or its people only in the narrow limits of party alternate realities.
The people want to see honor, integrity and an inclusive visions for the future from Washington. Given the recent Russian examples the expectation is that we may soon see opposition journalist and legislators disappear into never, never land. There they will learn to march to straw foot, straw foot cadence responding to twitter commands until only one Voice is heard.
The recent "Trumpdon'tcare" health debacle demonstrated a party's blatant attempts to lockstep representatives into support of very bad legislation, in the name of party loyalty. The Left (Democrats) weren't really challenged on this issue. Despite the President's alternate reality, it was the Right (Republicans) that failed to lock step off a cliff like lemmings. Maybe he needs to resort to hay foot-straw foot rather than threats and bullying.
The Left doesn't really get a walk on this vote since their was opposition along party lines rather than in the interest of better legislation. An ideological battle over legislation ignores the "v." between left and right. The majority of the people stand between the warring parties becoming ignored as collateral damage to party line votes.
Contrary to shouted claims what's good for the party is not good for the country. The people have every right to expect honest and open debate producing the best possible legislation. They will accept minority descent that produced even better governance. Ideologues do not govern in the long term interest of the country or its people only in the narrow limits of party alternate realities.
The people want to see honor, integrity and an inclusive visions for the future from Washington. Given the recent Russian examples the expectation is that we may soon see opposition journalist and legislators disappear into never, never land. There they will learn to march to straw foot, straw foot cadence responding to twitter commands until only one Voice is heard.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Blind 020917
Party loyalty is commendable for campaigning but once elected, politicians represents all within their respective electorates. Elected officials must put aside blind ideological party support. Lock step votes for extremist positions are bad for the voters and the country. Neither left nor right represents the electorate and extreme party line votes leaves three quarters of the population un-represented. There are two possible outcomes from blind embrace of extreme ideology: Totalitarian suppression of the majority or its embrace of revolution. Either outcome must be avoided. Officials are elected to openly consider the issues and vote for what is best for the majority while protecting the minorities.
Votes to appoint the unqualified, and extremist out of party loyalty insures the ultimate decline and fall of the State. Majorities are slow to react but once aroused they are impossible to stop and the State fragments.
Votes to appoint the unqualified, and extremist out of party loyalty insures the ultimate decline and fall of the State. Majorities are slow to react but once aroused they are impossible to stop and the State fragments.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Education 013017
The administration's attempts to dismantle the country's public education system insures the ultimate destruction of the country. It must be remembered that America rose to greatness on the shoulders of the greatest generation educated in public schools, often in one-room schools. Teachers dedicated to insuring their charges were prepared to build that future greatness taught classes in those schools.
Those great teachers of the past no longer teach because of low pay and rising bureaucracy inertia. Quality public education has been replaced by the big business of education. There is money to be made by charter schools, endless testing, conferences and production of study aids. Parents, teachers and students are excluded from education processes by businesses that siphon off desperately needed money for public education. While public education deteriorates the business of education is growing, producing only a lowering of the country's literacy standards.
Congress must exercise extreme caution in dealing with proposals that increases the power of the business of education at the cost of equal education for all that insures the great generation's ideals are never lost. Failure to support public education drives a wedge into the heart of the country where many have little chance of clawing their way out of poverty and more under educated slip into that abyss.
Those great teachers of the past no longer teach because of low pay and rising bureaucracy inertia. Quality public education has been replaced by the big business of education. There is money to be made by charter schools, endless testing, conferences and production of study aids. Parents, teachers and students are excluded from education processes by businesses that siphon off desperately needed money for public education. While public education deteriorates the business of education is growing, producing only a lowering of the country's literacy standards.
Congress must exercise extreme caution in dealing with proposals that increases the power of the business of education at the cost of equal education for all that insures the great generation's ideals are never lost. Failure to support public education drives a wedge into the heart of the country where many have little chance of clawing their way out of poverty and more under educated slip into that abyss.
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