"Russian Roulette" Iskiff and Corn

Confirmation bias is in all of us, and I'm not exceptional at all --  I want to be told I'm right, which makes this narrative titled "Russian Roulette," of what we do know about Donald Trump and his staff, the election, Comey, and Clinton in 2016 a rewarding read for me.

Without a doubt I've already taken a large measure of satisfaction knowing I ascertained the gravity of the reports on Russian meddling correctly and early in the election cycle,  back when Trump actually wasn't so hot, and the Russian media was lamenting that the Kremlin won't get their man.  Even as far back as the Iowa Caucus in January of 2016 were there hints and suggestions that Putin was pulling for Trump.

It's a great boon to my psyche that the Mueller investigation is a reality,  not because I'm comfortable with the fact that Russia is so brazen, but because he's proving I'm so smart.

But even if I didn't buy into the Russian story, I'd still read this book,  because I'm not one to accept any one side without serious inquiry.    The fact is,  this story is too big to be a fabrication, or a Clinton/Obama/Deep State concoction.   If it were, that would be exceptional.

Read this book, not to be sold a witch hunt, but to compare notes.   Read this book not because it is  the story fabricated inside the minds of the writers or the manipulation of the swamp, but read this book to make sure the mind of the narrator you have been trusting is reality checked.  I'm not saying these two authors have the gospel, but it's more than I've read, and it fills in some of the holes and questions I had.

Sometimes it's the little things that matter,  a simple fact omitted in a retelling that means all the difference between a rigged system and meddling influence.   Knowing supplants belief.  A witch hunt is usually based on beliefs, facts are hard to ignore when they can be substantiated.

https://amzn.to/2JFsjiG

Etc.

https://news.sky.com/story/russia-we-told-us-where-in-syria-they-could-not-bomb-11338625

If this belabors my point that Trump has been weakening the U.S. position in the world so be it.

Even if taking the Russians with a grain of salt,  I couldn't imagine this scenario being played out in any past administrations, including the Russians bragging about it openly for the world to know.

In all of those past administrations,  I never doubted their patriotic intent.   Trump though,  well talk is cheap and I don't need a weather man to know which way the wind blows.

The truth may or may not ever be known,  but there is a lot more evidence than this to merit my claims that our leadership in the world is at risk with Trump.

Elections have consequences.

The Ramifications

http://fox61.com/2018/04/18/senators-leave-classified-briefing-on-trumps-syria-policy-very-unnerved/

When I have a conversation in real life about my thoughts on Donald Trump,  I try at times to make a point about how harmful Trump is to our long term strength.  For one reason or another, its a hard opinion to clarify.  The article below, which is basically a wire story but I use Fox as some sort of 'credible' endorsement,  illustrates a large problem I have with the Trump foreign policy direction.

Simply put, when we pull away from involvement we lose, or at best diminish our role in the world. 

Now I've been an isolationist before, and I'm not abandoning the idea that maybe by reducing our presence, we in turn can tone down the anxieties,  but its not really practical, nor desireable with what's at stake not to be involved a lot.

Trump is, as he always has been, a great manipulator of leverage.  Trump's been at this so long, that indeed he is a great and innate player of exploitation.  Its instinctual for him,  he can see the lines of power and seems to have the stroke to manipulate them at his will.  To a certain extent, because he falls short of his ambitions often enough.   He does go out on that lever though and supposes its large enough to move the world, and he has.    But he isn't much into the long game.   Asking him to make the needful decisions to set the scene for next guy is asking him to enter a mindset that he just hasn't proved himself in.

Allegory, analogy, or simile.  Call it what you will, but the man has been bankrupt too often, been turned away by too many banks, and has too many lawsuits and court debacles to ascribe infallibility to his whims, or master planner to his resume.

As I type this,  North Korea is seemingly saying all the right words about denuclearization and peace, and while undoubtedly Trump will take all the credit we allow him,  there is behind him and before him a long history of Presidents and policy makers who have created the powerful position the United States finds itself in today, 2018.  We've been dealing with North Korea for 70 years,  and putting aside how often we been deceived by the Kim family,  our nation has been squeezing the economy, and the very vitality out of the hermit nation all that time.   Maybe Trump is here, and he is giving that extra and extreme risk to make all our goals reality, but lets just pause and understand that in order for him to be in this spot, many before him made this spot possible.

Syria seems to be mutating into tomorrow's Korea, and that is not a good thing.   This time, more so than in Korea,  global consequences are at stake but it appears Trump is signaling that the U.S. is no longer willing to carry the burden of involvement over there anymore.   Clearly that's a gamble in the opposite direction from Korea, so are we willing to walk away and let Iran and Russia influence in our stead?

Understand,  there will be no Donald Trump at the end of 70 years of peacefully grinding it out like what's going on in Korea right now.  There may only be the lost moment in history when we let that region go to hell and our adversaries, after we had spent so much money and blood there over all these years.

That's the long term harm of Donald Trump to this nation's well being and security that I have in mind,  and there are other points of withdrawal, other instances where the long term spot we'd like to be in just isn't going to happen because of his policies.

A Reality of Trade

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/983284198046826496

Trump is tweeting, to gin up support, how "stupid" the inequity in tariffs are, within a allegedly free trade environment.   Its such an easy mark he is aiming for, its an idea and tag line that has been working since trade began.   Some echo this with a lament about us losing all the time.

Its not that simple, and Trump ought to prove his point, because he's bringing it up and because although he won the office, he still has an obligation to explain himself --  Why or what is stupid?

At this point, I realize most Trumpers aren't with me, but that is o.k.  This is bigger than Trump.

Lets recognize first of all where we stand in the world. 
We have the number one market in the world,  attained dramatically once we "put our mind" to it, and enduring for over 100 years. 

We've spent the last 70 years intentionally sharing and exporting our system with the world, and the world has been getting on board, and we've continued to grow.

Nothing about that sounds like losing or being stupid.

Maybe something else, not widely recognized, but rational and smart, has been taking place.   I'll share the big stupid conspiracy with you right now,  and by all means look it up!

In the global free trade environment, the one we've spent trillions building world wide, every participant is expected to contribute something, and that something often exploits a natural advantage.  A natural advantage is a positive factor one nation has over another.

For the United States of America it is not the American laborer, but the American farmer who reaps our gains from our natural advantage of lots of farmland.

Its not hard to understand,  we know the phrase "bread basket of the world" has meaning. It has and should continue, if wiser heads prevail. 

Its our natural advantage -- farmland.  As such it has been what we have also protected because it's a pretty darn good natural advantage to have.

So when China proposes to place tariffs on farmers in retaliation for Trump's proposal to tax Chinese imports, that's solid proof that our agriculture export has some sort of trade advantage at stake, a stake worth preserving, and the yin to the yang.   Maybe their phones come here advantageously, but our food goes there cheaply in return.

Many years ago, before anyone reading this was born, smart federal economists, as patriotic as any man, directed our diplomats to prioritize our agriculture over our industry, and much to our benefit, our diplomats listened.

Even 100 years ago, economist understood that labor can be commoditized, get or gotten cheaper.  Land, however is hard to come by.  Arable land even harder 

They were not stupid, and are not currently stupid,  as IT IS a continuing academic and applicable field.

Consider our example.   China gains entry in the World Trade Organization(WTO), the international trade group that we championed since the end of WWII, and wants to do trade. (An organization, GATT, preceded the WTO) 

OK and this is where it gets complicated, and the answer to the question why does a free trade agreement have so many pages if its all about being rid of tariffs?  Because life is messy, and some nations need help, need incentive to turn their rifles into plowshares.  Some have vested interest in certain industries that precedes the new direction free trade would carry them.

Whatever the event maybe,  we are open to some negotiations.

Why?

Because first, not only is gathering everyone together in trade a hedge against everyone fighting each other, its less expensive than war of course, and secondly it is our system that we are pushing, the one we are winning....

We agree with China that they can tax imports in an market area they want to protect, and we push on them our agriculture.

It can get complicated, of course.   I contend that our patriotic leaders of the past understood their fleeting time as stewards of this great nation and understood how wise it would be to guard our American farmer at the expense of our laborer.

The problem is not the tariffs, its the failure to transit the American laborer into industry or services that  we can win at, with the other natural advantages we may have.   Technology, for example.   Or Financial Services.

Clearly, the U.S. is not winning everything, but it was understood from a long time ago that cars replace buggies, and television replaces radio.  Sometimes Japan replaces the U.S.,  and  then China replaces Japan in cheap labor.

As for the intention of the tariffs to reduce our trade deficit.  That's the easiest part,  just don't buy foreign made goods.  Deficit solved!  Get on board with it and there would be no tit for tat trade war.   Unless attitudes change, Trump has put our farmers in the cross hairs --  they have much to lose, while the rest of us pay more.  All for the gamble that we'd get jobs back that may not even be here anyways once robots and Artificial Intelligence move in.

Some contend we can sell our food to Africa.  Who says we aren't already, and why should our farmers take a haircut because the President is evidently running things off the cuff --  he waited over a year to 'fulfill his promise'  which gave the Chinese time to find other arrangements.

What other arrangements has he been at work on?

As for the tariffs paying off our national debt?   Not realistic.

How else do I know we aren't losing?  We still have the money to buy things, and a growing economy.

The fact that Trump says things are stupid, does not make it so.  I'd like some proof, although I certainly concede his power to shake up the board and something good may come of it, but nevertheless his characterization of our winning tradition is uninspiring and ignorant at best, dishonest as a matter of course for him.

At some time it is reasoned that robots and artificial intelligence will replace human labor.  Does Trump have a plan for that?  If he doesn't, then that is stupid.    He's gonna cost our farmers markets while gaining jobs in industries that may ultimately go away (again)?   Yeah,  not smart.

With Marco

Marco Rubio's tweet is a close facsimile of what I begin to think, as it is covered in this story.

But I also think that the sting of any rebuke is the truth, and judging from the meme's I'm seeing today attacking, or besmirching, this kid I have to conclude he is speaking truth(to power).

I'm not finished. 

I'm enjoying this Trump Presidency as much as I reasonably can, and although its no secret that I think its a ridiculous spot this country finds itself in,  Hillary Clinton was not anyone I'd support either...so it is what it is to me.

Trump should be scrutinized, and I've done that with every President, so I'm not going to stop now.  I've changed opinions on men I've voted for, and on men I haven't.  I'm not much of a party stalwart.

That being said,  most times as I follow events as they unfold and I stay informed,   I'm more impressed with the scrutiny applied to Trump's proverbial opponents than I have ever been with the scrutiny applied to Trump himself.

If only....

But what's done is done, and it should be cathartic, Trump's presidency, in the end for anyone really angry at the liberals!  Those who support him,  I hope it turns out for the best!

As an aside, my thoughts on gun control.   I've always been a 2nd amendment proponent.   I'm no zealot though,  I think its fanciful to think that any of us is going to stop an intrusive government with our firearms.  That's not realistic anymore,  but this freedom, like all freedoms,  is something I'm not eager to limit.   One never knows what the future holds.

However,  when the next election rolls around, I'm not going to be at all concerned about who is pro gun or not,  I know what I'm going to do will be based on a lot of issues, and the value of the 2nd amendment will not be high on the list, that freedom be damned.  Or not --  it will depend on who gets elected by all of us, not just me, and that may be where putting a man like Trump in power can come back to haunt some.

The cost of doing business with Trump may be more expensive than gun toting zealots may realize, if Democrats ride a wave in November.   History is already on their side, and frankly,  Trump is never going to make a lot of people happy, his punitive ways are just some of the reasons.  I've looked into his past, and that past is actually worse than his tweets.  But don't believe me, take some of the efforts put into defending him, into scrutinizing him.

Anyways,  that's where  I'm at, after the Parkland School shooting and Presidents Trump tenure up til now.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/21/us/david-hogg-conspiracy-theories-response/index.html

Grading Trump

My Grading Trump

Incredibly 2 people from not so slight a difference from one another asked me my opinion on politics. I guess they didn't get the memo, but in any event I provided my opinion, and withheld none of my delight in this Administration.

The first question, innocently enough, asked me what I thought about what was going in the world. I mean, I heard that and thought damn, that's quite a platform to work off of...the world! So I asked for clarity, exactly where in the world are we talking about? D.C., I was told.

Simple enough, cut to the chase. So I did, I said this is exactly what we should of expected with Donald Trump as President. In my oft repeated preamble, I went on to explain that one of my first books, and first heroes was none other than Trump. But as I passed on from adolescence into adulthood, I quickly came to realize Donald is actually not someone I want to champion.

That was 25 years ago, and since then he hasn't done much to change my mind, look it up, and tell me what I should esteem. Put it in lasting and self evident terms about the character of a man, and a behavior that should be replicated by everyone.

But I digress.

The second question, much later in the day, slowly and deliberately asked me to grade the President. The question was asked innocently enough as well, the man is not on Facebook, and we are relatively new acquaintances, he had little clue as to my passions.

I answered, Trump hasn't failed, but he hasn't done anything great either. C-.

Look it, if we are taking a chance on a veritable rookie in public policy, and a tax cut for himself and his buddies that doesn't pay for itself is the most tangible proof of accomplishment, we got problems.

Reducing regulations we, presumably from their campaign rhetoric, would of gotten from any GOP administration.

Ditto for renewed pressure on immigration, North Korea, China, etc. etc.

The devils is in the details of course, and what is exactly being done on the more complex issues isn't exactly good judgment, but that's my opinion and you're free to disagree.

That being said, its should be clear I don't disagree 100% with Trump. But I'm not here to burnish his laurels with my esteem. Not unlike Metallica's hate, I'll keep it for myself.

This year is pivotal, of course a cliche but an apt cliche nonetheless. The budget is a huge thorn right off the bat this month, and we are being promised literal concrete with an infrastructure bill.

I hope for the best, but it's been empirically proven, Trump is going to over promise and under deliver. In some circles, a pattern of behavior like that is obvious, and its not viewed so innocently.

Not only it is what it is, but it was easily discernible from his life's behavior.

A C- because also as a leader, and not just as an achiever, he has under performed. He is leading down from the standards we should be expecting not only of a leader, but of common people. You can't convince me attacking people on twitter who disagree with me is the right life advice.

I should down grade him from a C- based on many of his "uncharitable" habits, but I'm setting an example and hoping he lives up to my expectations. Which, expectations, I've down graded from a year ago.

Trump and Joe Paterno

As talk is that President Trump is always looking for a win, it leads me to wonder how similar this whole fiasco {kids seperated from parents in detention centers} is to the Penn State's quest for wins during the Paterno era...even little children aren't safe.

Repeating Myself

I share what I share about Donald Trump because he doesn't need any more sycophants.

Is there anything to be gained by avoiding information?

There are concerns about Trump along many reasonings, maybe some can be over looked, but probably many should be closely followed.

Isn't it obvious? I mean, his career before now was riddled with dubious legal shenanigans, who would know that and not be suspicious today?

Ever follow his tweeter feed?

So yeah, I follow Trump with a jaded eye, always on the sly. Why shouldn't I?

I share what I share about Donald Trump because he doesn't need any more sycophants.

Is there anything to be gained by avoiding information?

There are concerns about Trump along many reasonings, maybe some can be over looked, but probably many should be closely followed.

Isn't it obvious? I mean, his career before now was riddled with dubious legal shenanigans, who would know that and not be suspicious today?

Ever follow his tweeter feed?

So yeah, I follow Trump with a jaded eye, always on the sly. Why shouldn't I?

Yesterday the Trump Tax Cut passed, finally.  I've provided a bland google search result page link,  it may be interesting to notice over time how the results  may change.  My query was "trump tax cut" and that is how I will say it in conversation.

Take a moment of reflection, this is historic and courageous.  No, outrageous.  That's a better term for what it is.

Before I beg for understanding of how much I am enjoying the Trump presidency,  I must declare that an ideology, i.e. liberal or conservative, has no role in interpretting simple accounting and  the modus operandi of budget edits over the recent past.

What I mean is the Trump Tax Cut is not revenue neutral, and that simple fact is a deviation of the recent workings of congress over the last few sessions.  It's the concept that any changes in the rates etc., have to produce the same revenue, or more, as before the changes took place.  Or find cuts on the spending side for the cuts in rates to pay for themselves.   Either way, it falls under being revenue neutral.

Both sides, ideology neutral as it were, agreed.  The intent was not to retreat on the deficit.

There is no liberalism here,  there is no conservatism here.   It is as simple as math can be when you are dealing with so many zeroes, changes to the budget have to be only positive, or neutral at worse.

Well, that's all out the window now.  Its not a hidden fact either!  But its awfully brazen.

Am I saying anything wrong here?

Well anyways,  while I'm reflecting and explaining, it may bear mentioning that I am really enjoying Trump's Presidency.  Certainly there are times when the man has really screwed things up, at least in my opinion, and I express my thoughts, but typically I'm  laughing all the way to 2020.

It may be a coping strategy,  but as I've said,  Gettysburg was so much worse than what Trump has put us through.

There are ways to remove a President from office, and if the people around him aren't that concerned,  then I'm not that concerned either,  believe me.

But I will watch him, and watch it all as closely as I ever watched national politics.  Don't hope for that to change.  Well, fact is power does corrupt and Donald wasn't an angel in his previous career.

I'm really being generous here, to simply say he wasn't an angel.  I know,  I've done the research.  Some haven't,  haven't a clue.

Power and corruption,  there's another one of those classic ideology neutral concepts.

Wasn't America great when that was one of our FIRST concerns about who to vote for in this country?

Who am kidding,  it probably wasn't ever much but lip service in history books, and today a real estate "mogul" just orchestrated his own tax cut.

The affront to the better nature of our angels only reaches its crescendo when the audacity of hiding one's own tax returns from scrutiny is accomplished as well! 

I can't imagine rationalizing this ignorance away, so I won't.

For this interpretation, I come off as hating the man.   I don't.  That's how Sean Hannity puts words in people's mouths,

I'll chat more later,  Happy Solstice everyone!

https://www.google.com/search?q=trump+tax+cut&oq=trump+tax+cut&aqs=chrome..0j69i57j0l4.13559j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

From a thread on healthcare:

I don't think it is possible to talk on any subject without erroneously inferring what the other side is thinking, based on limited information.

In many cases, i take the inference as gas lighting -- tell me how reality is based on opinion of what others must be thinking.

If just one gas light burned rightly, it still does not, in itself, justify the tact of the gop.

Fixing problems is an answer, repeal and replace, or repeal only, or undermine as a last resort are not answers.

Why?

Because social good might sound liberal, subjective, and immeasurable, but it is a reality with a gas light all its own.

Social good is what presumably drives myself, and everyone else with a political opinion.

Here is the kernal of truth, if the gop plan does not promote MORE social good than what they oppose, i.e the ACA, then they will be swept from power and the past model will return with vehemence, and all of todays efforts will be squandered.

My lighting suggest to me, that the gop hardly pays mind to long term consequences outside of the satisfaction of ending a program that in their gas light reveals only gloom.

Some people dont see the ACA as gloom, the answer to the ACA should include these people, but it doesnt seem like the gop cares.

I like to anchor these missives of mine with a news story, but as I sit down to write this, no one story focuses my thoughts, for I have many thoughts, but not a cohesive story to tell.

I have a nice beginnings of a patriotic polemic, basically my opinion of citizenship and what the heck it means any more, but I'd rather talk about the long march of Western Civilization that the white man endured which also came to define the rights which we only selectively cherish and honor, more or less depending, in practice, on birth. Which is exactly the opposite of the text book meaning. So how does the text book and reality differ, and is that important?

I also think about what I said 100 times already, and I'll say it 100 more before President Trump's term is over, that elections have consequences. Its basically a coping mechanism, along with not taking much too seriously even while realizing how consequential some of these issues really are.

I've also said, "there will be catastrophe, but as long as we survive its will be fine in the long run, looking at history." Only to be rebutted, "there wasn't always nuclear bombs, either." Good point.

The annual "War on Christmas" began in earnest on Friday the 13th, when President Trump boasted we will all say "Merry Christmas" again. I'm sure he means it, but its those damn freedoms Western Civilization has gotten us into only standing in his way at this point. Certainly not self restraint.

I push back on President Trump, not out of hate, but out of self interest. I'm a tax payer, and I could prove it. I've been scolded I don't do anything but complain and share "hit pieces." I certainly won't deny that, but maybe this is my true calling? More importantly, unless proven otherwise, I have to say I've given back more to government and my fellow citizens, than Trump, who has much to over come, including his punitive nature. By my reckoning, his on going expenses serving this country now, along with a lifetime of tax breaks, bankruptcies, and other financial obfuscation have cost us more than he is worth. Prove me wrong. Without his tax records, you can't.

Back to the war that matters, the one on Christmas, a great line I picked up recently: The paranoid mind is more coherent than reality.

Speaking of paranoia, am I the only one that finds this conspiracy paranoia after every fiasco a bore? Especially so considering, generally speaking, the same buffs haven't paid much mind to the Russian angle, which started early last year. Its a judgment call, but its as if every smart, professional, in the know voice surrounding Russia-gate has been discredited not so much without scrutiny, but without concern. Categorically dismissed with prejudice. But I'm to believe the non-christian liberals are winning some sort of duel over Christmas?

I think the point is, not everyone is christian, and "Happy Holidays" is no less a commercial endeavor for their money, as "Merry Christmas" is to get your money. I haven't found much commercialism in the bible, but I'd swear some would have me believe so.

MORE LATER

From a thread:

My thought on wealth, in general.

Ill contribute these thoughts and perspectives.

I once was a Republican,  though never a loyal one, i thought was more conservative than the party.   But when the tea party gain notice i gained awareness of just how little i had in common anymore and i went independent, where i happily dwell to this day.

I once bought into this trickle down b.s.  but as my mind liberated itself from the tyranny of ignorance i burdened myself to read smart people,  not limiting myself to an echo chamber.

I found this book by an author i read way back in 1993.  This guy happened to be the budget director under reagan.

Long story cut short,  i agree with you John Cacurak, and so do a lot of people,  but your polemic falls short, way short,  of how wealth is distorting our society....but thats ok,  you mean well!

If someone does not agree with john, and by extension me,  they can read this book and get a fuller understanding of the economy around them and how they are getting screwed.

If they dont agree with us,  and they dont want to learn,  i dont have time....

The Great Deformation: The Corruption of Capitalism in America https://www.amazon.com/dp/1586489127/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_6l05zb8FPE6XB

I think we all need to start talking about samuel chase and the precedent that was set.

As was said above, liberals haven't made him tweet...although his croonies seem to think i can only understand the english language if filtered.

From a thread 9/29/17

Cynicism after the President stoked the passions of his base with tweets about NFL players and the anthem, respect the flag, etc.

"Lookit, im a little cynical at times, and I try to see the good in people, but that all of a sudden trumps crowd is offended by a silly gesture and demanding that material objects have feelings after spending a better part of the year trampling and disrupting the actual lives of actual people is a juxtaposition that i find laughable."

"This vehement patriotism isnt a disease either,

Its aboundandly proven that many vets have no objections. So even if vets were the only opinion that matters, many are living quite unharmed lives over this."

Why not write a little something about my opinion on the opinions that surround the topic of Anthropomorphic Global Warming I asked myself.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and being tolerant of another's opinion goes a long way toward peaceful coexistence, but certain opinions in regards to the environment can be argued to be counter productive to peaceful coexistence, and is absolutely ignorant in any event.

The United States' influence in the world is quite large, which is to understate the case, so when I stop to consider that less than half the voters, who in turn tally only about half the eligible voting population have usurped from the majority the lead here, I react in a way that irks me to question the wisdom of American style democracy. I can't imagine what folks in Vanuatu or Fiji might think, because its our ignorant minority that restrains a more robust global action on climate.

It wasn't that long ago that global warming was a far off in the future dire prediction, but with Irma to hit Florida tomorrow, about ten days after Harvey hit Houston, and before Jose hits next week, the future is now for us in the states, but the Pacific Islanders, who really never benefited from the primary cause of global warming in the first place, were the first to experience the reality of it years ago.

I can't read anything anymore that does not have a tie in to climate change, and its ill effects on the status quo. The U.S. military comes to mind quite quickly as one huge topic and example of a studied approach to the very real perils that rising water levels are to, consequently, global peace.

Many argue, and I along with them, that this is also an opportunity for business, and indeed many companies, many American companies are engaging in commerce created by the threat, but our government is not so much, and that's the tamper on the economics of it all. Again, the touch of climate is everywhere.

I really can't "see" the religious dogma that many here have toward this scientific fact. Global warming is real, its not an opinion, its not a liberal conspiracy, its not democrats wanting power over me. Its the yin to the yang, the equal and opposite reaction to pollution caused by humans.

In the year of 2017, the milepost of decades stretch behind us in terms of measuring how long data has been collected, studied, researched, and vetted. To be a denier now isn't so much as quaint anachronistic behavior as it is intentionally ignorant, and arguably malicious.

As I said, I can't read anything anymore, outside fiction, that doesn't come with climate change caveats, which also compels me not to furnish any facts here, nor salient arguments, for if dear reader hasn't exposed oneself at last to true and meaningful discussions on the whole gambit of Anthropomorphic Global Warming, my doing so here will be of no concern either. Which is the shame of it all -- such a small number of people are like a dead weight on progress.

Just thinking out loud, and can it be this transparent that Donald Trump rescinds DACA wants Congress to basically codify it as law then he'll be able to sign it and he'll take a victory lap on the work that Barack Obama did when the GOP Congress would do nothing

I realize that I can be a smug asshole when it comes to politics, and take my word for it, I used to be a lot worse. While I still hold opinions, and am not afraid to share them, for the most part I keep them to myself, and burden only a small sub-community of friends and friends of friends here on Facebook.

Believe it or not, although I'm quite egocentric in my comments, I'm more open to other opinions and thoughts than my writing may suggest. I really don't think I'm smart enough to have all the answers, nor even a few, but I am on the look out for intelligent ones.

I'm just as curious as to who all these constituencies I read about and see out there in America are going to partner with to get their answers accomplished?

But let's be frank, I really want to know who the Trumpets are looking to partner up with to get their answers done, because in politics and our government they will need to partner up with someone. Look what happened to Healthcare -- nothing!

Fine, mock the people who are so offended by a hundred year old statue, but don't be surprised that they oppose a pipeline running through Indian territory.

Absolutely, All Lives Matter, but at some point Your Life Matters Less when you too become a minority and authority treats you like something less human.

If it moves you to shun the immigrants and applaud the punitive nature of Trump to everyone but you, have a blast. But when the other 7 billion people on this planet align in some other way without us, don't blame the liberals.

We all have opinions, like assholes, so while we are busy expressing them because the passions of the day's events get the better of us, maybe take a moment and wonder aloud if its worth the effort, or if in fact counter productive.

Finding common ground with people does need to happen to affect change. That's not being better than anyone, that's being smart.

I thought I had something interesting to say, and then I got distracted on Facebook...

Today Steve Bannon, Trumps Chief Strategist walked away, or got fired, but what everyone is talking about is the ramifications and fall out from Charlottesville, VA where protesters and anti protesters clashed.

I've seen so many memes that I found utterly ridiculous, and many of the same that, I mean, why are decent people going out of their way to be cruel?

By the way, the Statue of Liberty has no relation to Robert E. Lee. Sometimes, because I'm not a "liberal democrat," I think I see their hidden mockery inside memes that "conservatives" readily share. I believe the Left makes foolish memes just to witness the Right blithely sharing them. Some of these memes don't pass any logical rules, and beyond sharing a sense of disregard for a fellow human being thoughts and sensitivities, they only serve to proclaim that an inert glob of raw material, molded into some semblance of a past traitor and slave holder carries the greater social good. At least that's what I'm perceiving.

What about protesters and counter protesters? What about them. Its been going on for years. Centuries even. Its not that I don't care about the sensitivities I just referenced above, its that I'm busy, and anyone counter protesting Neo-Nazis have my prayers but not my counsel.

It sounds like a dangerous thing to do. I don't care who the other side represents. It could be the Sisters of Mercy, and its still dangerous.

My rule is if your side killed someone, you lose the power of persuasion. You lose the argument. But I don't think I'm under any onus to get too far involved with protesters, I got things to do myself.

Outside of learning who these groups are via media compulsion, I've also learned Trump is who they said he is.

Which is absolutely the last time I trust that source -- anyone who told me Trump is not a racist, but just an old man with clumsy language, has just lost status with me. I dunno, sounds like a good idea to me. After Trumps first statement, I said he was a rookie, the next day he showed us something, but the day after that he really did show us who he is. Really. He did.

However, with all that being said, I'm still left wondering about Trump's answers to infrastructure questions that he never got to answer...lets not forget too, that his horrible performance was at a press conference for his infrastructure plans.

The press does have to get on with itself at times, its getting ridiculous. We know trump is a nut, incompetent, and a con man. But he is still the man, and stuff is happening everyday we all should be aware of.

Can we cover that for a little?

Thank you.