Tag: Trump

Opinion, Words to ponder

The argument for a Trump vote continues to weaken

For even the most determined supporter of Trump the moral arguments in favor of voting for him continue to vanish (if they ever existed). The world is increasingly complex and intertwined, but we have an administration stripping the government of experts of all kinds. The 45th president makes decisions based on opposing whatever his predecessor did, and does not seem to apply any kind of higher level thinking to problems or relationships. Lies are the most used tool of the President. The United States is dealing with increasing problems on a national, international, and planetary level, but we lack leadership that inspires respect of any sort. Who would vote for that?

Opinion

Hopeful for a Better Future

I think we must be somewhere near the bottom of a long national nightmare. Certainly things can get worse. The trade war with China threatens to increase pain and diminish our economy. White nationalist terror can strike at any time, and lead to violence in our cities and countryside. People in other countries see the United States on a level similar to Russia instead of a beacon democracy and human rights. Belief in our institutions continue to decline. Climate change seems to be accelerating the risk of a planet poorly fit for human civilizations as we know them. The free fall of the United States as we know it must end soon; and the signs are growing that the American people have had enough of the criminality, lies, and foolishness. I am hopeful.

Opinion

White Nationalist Terror – we must stand together

Americans of all backgrounds must stand together to stop terrorists before they kill. There are many ways that we can work to diminish the threat. Our political leaders can show support for the 2nd amendment by placing reasonable limits on the weapons of war being on the street. Citizens who have family members who struggle with anger or reality can alert law enforcement when the person has access to an assault rifle. Citizens in public places will have to work to be vigilant and situationally aware; who is around me, where are the exits, where can I hide? We will all have to ask questions because our reality contains the threat of a hail of bullets from an angry disturbed person.

Opinion

Moscow Mitch – is America for sale?

We live in frightening times. The Senate Majority Leader has done nothing to protect our electoral process, and he has blocked anyone who tries to. Reports are coming out that Senator McConnell and his friends have a lot of money coming from Russian interests. Dark money in our politics will allow other countries to funnel money to politicians like McConnell and Trump to gain influence. Citizens need to know the truth and determine if they want their votes to count.

Opinion, Words to ponder

A major American paper calling the president a rat

Where are we as a country when the president calls a city disgusting and rat infested and the major newspaper of that city calls him a rat? What do young people growing up in this time think of dignity and respect for our institutions? How are we as mature members of this society supposed to explain this reality? The real question is how can anyone who is thoughtful and decent be okay with four more years of this?

Opinion

Mueller time is satisfying

Former FBI Director Robert Mueller testified today in front of two committees of the US House of Representatives. Mr. Mueller was dignified and non-partisan in his approach. As citizens we have received a lot of information that is important, but not exciting. Voters will ultimately need to decide if they are okay with political candidates working with foreign governments to win office, and pretending like there was no foreign interference. As Benjamin Franklin is reported to have said when asked what form of government we had after the constitutional convention; “A republic, if you can keep it.” I hope our representatives are brave enough to do what is necessary to protect the republic, but if they are not it is up to the citizens.

Opinion

Iranian War – No Thanks

I hope that we are not in a shooting war with Iran. The United States military forces are the best in the world. Th United States has had our military engaged in fighting for almost 20 years straight. If any country can handle two decades of continuous war it is the United States with the finest military in the history of the world. The men and women who serve in our military deserve excellent leadership that does not create chaos that only the military can sort out. We had a treaty with the Iranians (and several other partner nations) over nuclear weapons production; but the current US administration chose to pull out and renew economic sanctions. The economic sanctions have put the Iranians in a desperate situation. Let’s all hope desperation does not lead to foolish actions and war.

Opinion

Why is Trump so divisive?

Why is Donald Trump always seeking to divide Americans? If he were an agent of Russia he would have to work hard to do much better than what he has done. He undermines our law enforcement and intelligence agencies. He attacks the courts and congress with lies regularly. The divide and distract strategy is likely born of a desperate need to maintain support in the light of increasing legal/political problems facing Trump. When will there be accountability for Trump that causes him to consider the country above his own interest?

Opinion, Words to ponder

Is the Statue of Liberty still a symbol of America?

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” is the first verse at the bottom of the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. Apparently we are shutting the door to being the shining city on a hill, and becoming the torture garden for any who dare to come here seeking asylum. There are many who say that we have lost our way, and have become a pillar of selfishness on a planet that we have pushed to the limit of being able to support our species. We do little to lead the world in addressing the climate problem we have helped to create, and we allow our country to become the land of the cruel.

Opinion

Jeffrey Epstein and justice

America is still out there, and criminals still must be concerned about justice… no matter how much money they have. The story of Jeffrey Epstein and the US District Attorney’s office in Miami led by Alex Acosta is appalling. Hiding facts from a judge and victims of a crime is evidence of guilt. When you hide facts from victims and the judge in crimes involving the abuse of children it is damning. I wonder how much longer Mr. Acosta will be Donald Trump’s Labor Secretary – a job that deals with monitoring and policing sex trafficking in the USA. Let’s hope America’s children are not left with their protection in question.