Traumatic Brain Injury=to a headaches and a couple of things?
So, VFW wants an apology, and Trump being the shallow egomaniac that he is will likely not provide it.
As a veteran, I take great offense at the Presiden't flippant comments regarding the injuries suffered by our troops from an Iranian attack earlier this month. This attack was part of the reprisal anticipated from Iran in response to the slaying of Soleimani.
It reminds me of the hypocrisy of this country and its military establishment. Trump was more concerned about the political blowback, About the admonitions regarding the ferocity of reprisals, post Soleimani, over any concern about the men injured.
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) is more than a couple of headaches. What would possess Trump to say such a stupid thing absent of the facts and reality of the situation?
He is worse that a Chatty Cathy doll, you never know what is going to be said once the string is pulled.
Yes, the military today is more engaged in protecting the wealth and power of a few over preserving life and liberty of Americans, which I once believed was the purpose of a need for military engagement.
Obviously, I am wrong, these guys from Trump's perspective are mere cannon fodder, mere pawns on a geo-political chessboard. The point is that I have always knew that. Trump's handlers must be frustrated with the fact that he so carelessly and in so cavalier a fashion opens his mouth to remind us all how true that is.
A little background...
https://www.military.com/daily-news/202 … roops.html
Your thoughts?He's as good a doctor as he is a person and a President.
"What would possess Trump to say such a stupid thing absent of the facts and reality of the situation?"
His own self-interest. Every action and every word from his lying mouth are, in his mentally ill mind, for his own benefit.This what you get if you vote for an arrogant cretin to lead the free world. Insanity!
Thanks for sharing your personal experience and thoughts, Cred. To hear a veteran say, "the military today is more engaged in protecting the wealth and power of a few over preserving life and liberty of Americans", is powerful. Trump doesn't seem to place much value on the lives of people outside his circle of elitist friends and associates. He has tried to attach himself to the military and veterans, which he seems to know very little about, while disrespecting them in words (his TBI comments) and in actions (the use of veteran charity funds for campaign purposes). I really am surprised by any veteran that would support him.
On another note, it seems Bernie has the greatest amount of financial support from military/national security employees (or at least did at the time of this article):
https://citizentruth.org/sanders-top-re … -military/Just a thought. Not an opinion or a criticism, or a rebuttal, but that surprises me. I would not have thought Sanders had such military-related support.
GAJust an observation on my part as well, GA, but I see a lot of veterans very adamantly supporting Tulsi Gabbard on social media (given, she is a veteran herself). It seems that anti-war sentiment is gaining ground. I also see a lot of calls for a Sanders/Gabbard ticket (which I'd personally go for).
I am only slightly familiar with Gabbard, and seem to feel she is acceptable to me. But Sanders is not. I could not vote for any ticket that included him and am surprised our military personnel could.
In my view the guy will destroy the fiber of our national identity. I see his philosophy as, "Forget personal responsibility, it's all about governmental control to ensure your happiness.
Okay, I know that was broad and harsh, but that is my view of what a Sanders' perspective amounts to.
GAIf you are interested in hearing more from Gabbard, I'd recommend any of her appearances on JRE https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ … si+gabbard
I enjoy that, for the most part, Joe Rogan is a good listener that gives guests a lot of unedited talking time to express their true selves, thoughts and opinions.
It doesn't look like we see eye to eye on Sanders, but hey, that's America and we're supposed to be free to disagree.
I view Sanders as our only likely chance at saving the fiber of American society before it becomes totally consumed by for-profit interests. When I look at curbing the seeming insatiable military industrial complex, prison industrial complex, skyrocketing education costs, pollution, etc, he seems to be far ahead of his pack of peers. These things will be expensive, but I think we can mostly shift our priorities towards more responsibility as a nation (and in turn cut costs on corporate welfare and other irresponsible exploits).Eastward, on your last paragraph, yes, pursuing the goals are expensive. But, it is not a matter of having the money, but where it is our priorities lie, and that sea change in attitude and approach is what I am seeking through the candidacy of either Warren or Sanders.
Agree with you 100% once again, Cred. There always seems to be enough money for harebrained schemes that enrich the elites, often at the expense of our citizens, especially those who serve in the military.
There are plenty of very intelligent Americans whose knowledge we can tap to find better solutions if we are so willing (not to mention American workers' exemplary work ethic and efficiency). There are a wide array of examples of healthcare systems and criminal justice systems we can look to for guidance. We don't have to copy them. We can customize and hopefully improve upon them. Why not aim to be #1 at something other than dropping bombs? When did we become comfortable with the bar being set so low? There's so much we can accomplish if we get our priorities straight. I'll be looking forward to our chance to vote for progress.
"I view Sanders as our only likely chance at saving the fiber of American society before it becomes totally consumed by for-profit interests."
Good point. I think some people forget just how much things like trust busting, and just generally leveling the playing field, are a part of American history. In fact, some argue that without these measures, the entrepreneurial spirit of America would have been destroyed long ago.Good point about American history as well. I can't imagine what the United States would be like if the robber barons were left unchecked (assuming the United States still would have persisted in some form).
LOL If you don't think current corporations, and their pet politicians, classify as "robber barons", or if you think they operate under heave checks, you need to look again. One cannot believe that our politicians become multi-millionaires on what we pay them...not without considerable shenanigans gong on. "Robber Barons" indeed.
Oh, I would agree that the pendulum has been swinging back towards politicians and big corporations being some modern day form of robber barons. The question is, what are we going to do about?
Yup. This is a part of American history that needs to be brought back. However, when we see everything as the socialists vs the capitalists, we cannot reign in anyone. And yes, a slowing down of corruption would also be required. I don't think corruption can ever be stopped, anywhere.
While it cannot be stopped, it CAN be slowed. Sometimes by violence, sometimes by the people rising up and demanding it.
We have, IMHO, allowed corruption to virtually take over our government - our "leaders" and "servants" no longer lead OR serve...unless it is in their best interests to do so.
Again, IMO, the people of the US did just that in their election of Donald Trump - whether their choice was worse, the same or better still remains to be seen. The bigger question is whether they will continue the fight to "clean up the swamp" (yes, I know that phrase carries a negative connotation to a great many people, but it IS descriptive and applicable) or will fall back into complacency will determine whether we allow corruption to run rampant or not.We both agree that corruption can be slowed. I think you fully understand that I don't think the stable genius is the person to lead that effort.
Oh yes, I completely understand that. I did not mean to imply that he was the answer to all our problems; only that he was elected in an effort to find an answer. And I will stand by that opinion - I believe his win at the ballot box was an effort by the people to slow that corruption, to get a change in our government to one of the people.
Whether that effort will be successful depends not only on Trump but to a much greater degree on the will of the people to continue that effort. Trump may be a total failure in that effort, but it is the effort that actually counts more than the results for a first go 'round.
Personally, I'm not particularly hopeful for I don't see the pack of Democrat contenders as anything different than what we already have. Still a bunch of politicians making a good living off of us and without much concern as to what the country or it's people need. Perhaps the next bunch of Republicans will see a difference, but I actually doubt it. The corruption is far too deep and there is far too much money involved.I won't argue that many Trump supporters did not vote for Trump, at least partially, to fight DC corruption.
I don't think Andrew Yang as ever held a political position, he's free from SuperPacs and has innovative ideas on fighting corruption, including campaign finance reform. But, Yang seems to have little chance at winning the primary. I don't think America is ready to think these things through, and the media is too busy with Trump to tackle them.
An example of Yang's corruption fighting plans:
“Imagine running for office when every American has 00 Democracy to give to their favorite candidate. Just 10,000 supporters could mean million for your campaign.”
Yang hopes that such a system would result in elected politicians being free to represent their constituents, as a result, rather than having to appease those who contributed amounts to their campaign.
https://progressivebrief/andrew-yang-effectively-dismantles-warrens-new-anti-corruption-proposal/
A minority of people "did just that." Don't blame the majority for what you wanted.
Agreed. I avoid the socialist vs. capitalist argument as much as possible. The successful models we have to look to for increased citizen happiness, more inclusive and cost-effective healthcare, improved criminal justice systems, all operate under hybrid systems. I'm OK with capitalism within boundaries. As you say, corruption will likely always exist, though we sure could use a major adjustment of those boundaries.
That is a good description eastward—a "hybrid system." I think that is the natural, and inevitable, evolution of a democratic capitalist system.
GAAny system attempting to be pure socialist, pure capitalists,etc., is basing decisions more on adherence to a sort of economic or government dogma as opposed to logic, reason, and simply looking at work works and what doesn't work.
As far as Sanders' for President, we could certainly do worse. Yang isn't for entirely free college but is for forgiving most student loan debt. I think people, beyond those whose debts would be forgiven, would feel the positive economic impacts of that forgiveness.
I am all-for that anti-war sentiment. But still not for Sanders. ;-)
I probably should know more about Gabbard than I do.
GAI appreciate the anti-war sentiment, GA. I hope Gabbard can do more to garner your support than Sanders.
Since you seem to be convinced that you wouldn't vote for Sanders, could I ask what your concerns are with him as a candidate? No judgment, I am genuinely as curious as when I ask people what it is that makes them support Trump (who I can say I would not vote for, barring any miraculous change).Sanders, in my view, is espousing unrealistic and unachievable, and, (again by my view regarding personal responsibility), un-American ideals.
To pick a brief but illustrative example, look at his proposals for student debt. I agree student debt is a problem. I also agree our higher education system's costs, (to the purchasers), are skewed, and I agree that investing in our future earners is a wise investment. but . . . if you enter into a contract, it is your personal responsibility to live up to your agreement. To forgive all student debt is merely transferring that cost to all taxpayers instead of just the contract participants.
And then there is the obvious, Sanders' program proposals are absolutely unfundable without major tax increases on all taxpayers, not just the 1%rs that he is, (well, Warren mostly, at least Sanders is more honest about this), saying will cover the costs.
Consider this eastward, if living in Thailand become more costly than the benefit you perceived as a reason to live there, would you relocate? I think you would. I know I would if I thought the costs exceeded the benefit. And that is what will happen to the wealth-base that Sanders and Warren want to tax to pay for their programs.
We can already see states' empirical proof of this. Just look at the statistical charts for the wealth exodus from states like New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and California.
For me, Sanders is the perfect example of; 'if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't.'
GAThanks for taking the time to share your concerns about Sanders. Like I said, no judgment, but I'll share some of my own thoughts on your points.
In my view, Sanders is proposing the only sufficient solutions to solve some very un-American phenomenon that have taken hold. We've mentioned his anti-war stance (Biden's nowhere in that ballpark and his record is solid evidence--and he's the other guy at the top of the polls). There's also the fact that we imprison a higher percentage of our population than any other developed nation, by some estimates more than any civilization in history. If I'm speaking frankly, it seems that manufacturing criminals to justify a bloated and militarized police force has become the norm. Bernie is also calling for structural reform of the criminal justice system.
Like you, I agree that student debt is a problem. As someone that's been involved in education for the past few decades, I'd advise any American student to seriously consider studying elsewhere unless they have a scholarship to a top US institution. They can study somewhere like Germany for free if they learn the language, or pay 500 Euros a semester to join an international program.
That point that there is a binding contract is valid. Although, I'll say my high school did nothing to prepare us for that next step. That is an educational system failure of gargantuan proportions. In my view, it's completely unacceptable. I'd also note that, as a society, we don't consider the same people we allow to sign up for a lifetime of debt in the form of student loans to have a beer, cigarette, or visit a casino (these may vary by state).
Also as you mentioned, I think Sanders has been more straightforward than Warren that there will be an increase of taxes for some, depending on your income level. I'm not a big fan of taxes, but I'll happily pay the increase if we have a President I truly believe is doing all he can to cast some light on the darkest areas of our nation.
You would likely be correct that I'd relocate from Thailand if the costs of being here outweighed the perceived benefit. Thailand is great, but my roots here aren't that deep. On the other hand, if the US could offer enough benefit to bring people living abroad and paying their taxes to other nations and spending their money in their economies home, that would be quite an accomplishment as well.
Also, there is current movement to take advantage of tax loopholes in various states. That can't be denied. There's a reason everybody and their brother or sister registers their company in Delaware. While this may continue somewhat, I don't foresee a mass exodus from the US due to a tax increase that results in universal healthcare or education. Living overseas is complicated and not for everyone. Becoming a citizen of another nation is vastly more difficult and often prohibitively expensive. Most of the nations that do have universal healthcare and education seem to be doing quite well.
At any rate, these are complex issues and I don't think anyone can claim to have a fail-proof solution. I enjoy trying to see them different sides and trying to understand why people support the candidates they do (or do not).
My view of the current military establishment is the part and parcel that perpetuates the view of the system as "rigged". The same observation can be made of our economic and political system in general. When the members of the military get away from macho and look who is going to use the power they represent responsibly and actually takes the interests of the individual members hand and hand with their responsibility to our citizens, then we have to move away from Trump and his philosophy.
I would welcome Sanders or Warren as an improvement rather than an accommodation of weakness for our military forces. Because when all the flag waving, bravado and parades are said and done, the men in uniform and all of us in general are really no better off under the "tough guy" Trump and his philosophy.
Damn Cred. I really tried to find something here to disagree with, or at least nitpick. I failed.
I like this as much as I liked his attacks on McCain or the Gold-Star family.
GA
Cred,
As someone who had a concussion among many other things during my time in the military, I can tell you I was initially quite upset. Then I realized, those are words and his actions toward the military is what matters.
Service at the VA has improved quite a bit since President Donald Trump took office. Treatments that you had to wait for months to get under obama are now done the same day they're needed. On a personal note, it's made my life quite a bit easier.
He recently gave members of the military a significant raise in their pay. This means quite a bit to many people.
He always takes time to recognize military member and has changed things for the better. NOW, troops can fire back when fired upon and can do whatever is necessary to defend themselves. Under obama, there were so many rules for engagement. Many good soldiers died or got wounded trying to follow those rules.
I could go on. But, I'm sure you get my point. I can forgive his words because his actions are very good for current and former members of the military. I can't stress how much better he is to the military when compared to obama.
Do you remember when the VFW wanted obama to apologize because he was the first president to suggest veterans be responsible for their own health care? Taking care of veterans is something the federal government has promised to do since the Revolutionary War.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/17/obama.veterans/
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