To all that America was and stood for, I say goodbye

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  1. Credence2 profile image81
    Credence2posted 7 months ago

    Excerpt from a commentary from Mike Lodgrum of Salon Magazine, most appropo in my opinion:

    No one can say that Trump ran a stealth campaign. He clearly told the American people his agenda. Now imagine if any politician told the electorate the following:

    I will lower your standard of living by putting steep tariffs on all the crap you buy at Walmart in order to eliminate taxes on my rich friends.

    I will dump your health insurance, raise your insulin and other drug prices, and if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you can go ahead and die.

    Forget about public health. I will put a brain-damaged lunatic in charge of vaccine policy, so that you will run a higher risk of dying in the next pandemic.

    I will fill government departments with uneducated hacks so that it will be harder to forecast, prepare for and mitigate natural disasters. If you happen to live in an area that didn’t vote for me, I will withhold disaster relief from you.

    If your kid has asthma, tough, because my rich donors will be able to pollute to their heart’s content. Do you remember reading about killer smogs in Pennsylvania steel towns and the Cuyahoga River catching fire? Get ready for more of that.

    If you don’t like any of this agenda, don’t bother demonstrating, because I will use the military against you. And don’t expect habeas corpus when you’re thrown in prison, because I will invoke martial law. The courts won’t help you, because I stacked them with loyalists. And there won’t be a free press to report on it, because it will have been sued out of existence or taken over by my corporate friends.

    --------------

    If the remnant of sane and decent people wish to retrieve the situation — a questionable hypothesis in itself, because unlike in World War II, there is no United States to liberate anyone from tyranny: we have become the bad guys — they must digest some hard truths:

    What do-gooders consider the disqualifying features of the Republican Party — the performative cruelty, administrative incompetence and corruption, lack of judgment and utter disregard for what Jefferson called the decent opinion of mankind — is precisely what currently attracts a working majority of American voters. Lincoln to the contrary, these voters have no better angels of their nature.

    If Democrats expect to make any headway nationally — presuming America still has competitive elections — they cannot make the mistake, at least in the short term, of nominating a woman for president. Virtually alone among developed countries, pervasive misogyny makes it a fool’s errand. An even more unpalatable truth is that a large number of misogynists who will never vote for a female president are American women.

    America has undergone a revolution. This was an overthrow of the intelligent, the technical expert and the professional by an anti-intellectual mob. Our situation may not reach the depths of Pol Pot’s Cambodia, when people were killed for the crime of wearing eyeglasses, but it has already nearly reached the level of the movie "Idiocracy," which in hindsight wasn’t a satire but a prescient documentary.

    I have written extensively of the nihilism and death-cultishness of Republicans and their largest constituency, the religious fundamentalists. America controls the largest nuclear arsenal in the world; I doubt many people have honestly confronted the fact that it will be under the exclusive authority of a vengeful and increasingly demented man egged on by apocalyptic Bible-thumpers. (Neither the Joint Chiefs of Staff nor anyone else has a veto.)

    No one reading this can remember a time when America wasn’t preoccupied with a foreign threat: Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, the Soviet Union, Islamic fundamentalists. But it was all an illusion: the enemy was right here, an incubating serpent’s egg waiting for the right moment to be hatched.

    In the final analysis, don't blame me I voted for Harris.

    1. GA Anderson profile image84
      GA Andersonposted 7 months agoin reply to this

      The hubris and arrogance of the author nearly put a dent in my morning. That was an ugly piece bud. You should bookmark it and take another look after the 'first hundred days.'

      This is the kinda stuff you start your day with? Ugh. You're going to be bummed and pissed at the world for the rest of the day. That must be what's meant by "getting up on the wrong side of the bed."  ;-)

      GA

      1. Credence2 profile image81
        Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

        I could expect no less, after all you are one of THEM. Look how easily you dismiss valid concerns, symptoms of the Trump flu?

        1. GA Anderson profile image84
          GA Andersonposted 7 months agoin reply to this

          I didn't dismiss any valid concerns, I dismissed the rubbish you quoted.

          You might be right about catching that flu. You folks have been pushing me in that direction, inch by grudging inch, for nine years now.

          Since the election, Trump's picks have said we are going to get the 'FU' MAGA and conservatives wanted. So far, I'm good with it. I'm optimistic. I start my day with a smile and a good cup of coffee. That's a lot better than the way it looks like you start yours—with Salon and a cup of Bitters.

          GA

          1. Credence2 profile image81
            Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

            "You might be right about catching that flu. You folks have been pushing me in that direction, inch by grudging inch, for nine years now."

            And your folks have been pushing me in the opposite direction for at least as long. My concens are your rubbish and vice versa.

            Youre good with it? Well,  I say may the next 4 years be Helter Skelter, where the dust will never settle.......

            And we will just see who will win the day....

            It is amazing as to how far we have fallen since we agreed that Frank Reagan of Blue Bloods was a great Police Commisioner

          2. Ken Burgess profile image71
            Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

            + 10000000
            As someone else is prone to saying

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

              Second that...

              1. Miebakagh57 profile image87
                Miebakagh57posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                I second it too.                                    Now Credence is angry that Trump has won the election. When should he wish President Trump, 'Godspeed' in his second tern in office?

                1. Credence2 profile image81
                  Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Credence is not angry but disappointed, yet this outcome was predicted by me because I know America, its innate fears and insecurities, in a way that you couldn't.

                  I can only hope for the best but, he is off to a wrong start even before he takes his oath in my opinion.

          3. Gary Newsom profile image83
            Gary Newsomposted 6 months agoin reply to this

            all those fancy words to say 'waaaah...my side lost!' and yes, I WILL blame you for voting for Harris; that cackling hag would have us in WWIII faster than even the PROVEN PEDOPHILE occupying the White House until sometime in January

        2. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

          One of them... Oh my does that not well share your mindset?

          1. Credence2 profile image81
            Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

            We are at war, Sharlee, and while it is never personal, politically we are not buddies not pals. I am sure you and I could share a cup of coffee as long as we avoided speaking about politics. So, yes, NOW, there exists US vs THEM. In another thread, I expressed pessimism in regard to the future of the Union in the upcoming years, for this reason.

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

              I understand where you're coming from, and I agree that the political divide right now makes it hard for us to be on the same page. I feel we are headed in the right direction, as I did his first term... I was more than happy until COVID.

              But down the road, as we see how things play out, maybe we can open discussions on how he is doing. I mean is there not time to go after him if he fails?  Myself, I am so excited and anticipate changes that will be positive. Not sure why anyone wants to see him fail.

              1. Credence2 profile image81
                Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                As much as I despise the man, I will struggle to keep an open mind...

                1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                  Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  Phew! It’s great that you’re trying to keep an open mind, even if you’re not a fan of Trump. This is important because it allows you to see things from a broader perspective and understand the reasons behind certain decisions, even if you don’t agree with them.

                  Plus, it helps avoid knee-jerk reactions based on bias and leads to a more balanced outlook. You might even notice some positives that would have been overlooked otherwise, by keeping an open mind. In the end, being open-minded helps form opinions based on actual substance rather than just personal feelings or assumptions. As I’ve shared, there will always be plenty of time to critique Trump’s actions when he does something that calls for it.

                  1. Credence2 profile image81
                    Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                    Don't give me too much credit, Sharlee, my quill will show him little mercy and it will be a matter of time before he gets out of line. I am going to be on him hard, long and frequent. He will have to struggle to reach just satisfactory assessment by me, while improbable it is possible.

                2. Miebakagh57 profile image87
                  Miebakagh57posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Keep a positive 'open mind', as you did for biden.

                  1. Credence2 profile image81
                    Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    I don't have blind faith Miebakagh, Trump represents every negative inclination in American society in a way that Biden does not. So every step for approval regardingTrump for me will involve an uphill climb on his part.

            2. Ken Burgess profile image71
              Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

              Better watch out... the Brownshirts going to know you are posting stuff like this...

              1. Credence2 profile image81
                Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                It is just a matter of time until the Storm Trumpers will have me arrested for sedition..... so much for the First Amendment..

      2. Sharlee01 profile image84
        Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

        You know, GA, one of your classic lines comes to mind. I've used it frequently on other platforms, though not here. It’s a great line, and it seems especially fitting for Cred's post this morning, as it reflects a certain disregard for the world. Let me think about how to phrase this politely—"I'm grateful for my perspective and wouldn't trade places with you."

        My memory escapes me when it comes to who you shared the line with, but I do remember it being quite memorable. It was a perfect comeback that really fit the narrative in response to the comment.

        1. GA Anderson profile image84
          GA Andersonposted 7 months agoin reply to this

          I don't remember it, but it does describe how I see things. I prefer optimism. It's healthier, even when it's unwarranted.

          If I were a sensitive guy it would break my heart to see Cred suffer from so much angst. But I'm not, and he enjoys being the girded sentry, so all open doors and soft spots are fair game. ;-)

          GA

          1. Credence2 profile image81
            Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

            I won't suffer, I will do the Alamo thing and stand my ground to the last man.

            I prefer reality over misplaced optimism, which you all had no problems bringing to the forefront during the Biden term.

            It is all Rightwinger angst, so I have to be doing something Right.

            Trump will be subject to scrutiny and criticism from me for every screw up and when he does do something right, I will only give him approval grudgingly, after eliminating all other possible causes for the favorable outcome.

            This is just the beginning......

            1. GA Anderson profile image84
              GA Andersonposted 7 months agoin reply to this

              You doing the Alamo thing . . . now there's an easy & pleasant mental image. You've prompted it several times. Except, it wasn't Alamo walls, it's the wall of dead (that the Spartans were embedded in) blocking the pass in the movie 300. You're at the top in Spartan armor, one sandaled foot raised to the lip, loins girded, and a sharpened quill raised to the heavens, challenging the advancing horde of Perians (aka 'Them').

              Yep, that seems to fit.

              You won't be alone 'scrutinizing' Pres Trump and his cadre. I'll be looking at actions, not words. You should too.

              GA

              1. Credence2 profile image81
                Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                Yep, that is me, whatever it takes.

                And yes we agree I will be looking for action beyond words....

              2. Miebakagh57 profile image87
                Miebakagh57posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                I am in there with you.

            2. Ken Burgess profile image71
              Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

              Dude... we still gotta get there...

              You realize how many WEEKS we got left with Dementia Joe running the show???

              Your realize the likelihood of Russia or China or North Korea or Iran or ??? going for broke NOW... while they know the most incompetent Administration since Woodrow Wilson is at the helm???

              It would also be a great time to attack within... take down the internet... take down the grid... America grinds to a halt without one foreign gun being fired in our direction...

              Scarry times... and then there are the real twisted by power and corrupted by evil folks living inside the DC Belt... they WANT to spark WWIII rather than hand things back over to Trump...

              1. Ken Burgess profile image71
                Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                Whoooops...

                Biden approves Ukraine use of long-range US missiles inside Russia
                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNxqwNAFF_g

                1. Readmikenow profile image83
                  Readmikenowposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  Ken,

                  Do you follow the war at all?

                  russia continues to sustain high casualties.  They've tried to introduce North Korean troops into the battle to shore up their troop levels.  The first few engagements did not go well.  Now the North Korean troops are going to serve more of a support role.  According to a russian blogger the North Korean troops often refused to go into battle or once they retreated to a safe position, they refused to leave.  This is simply and indication of their battlefield inexperience. 

                  Ukraine could easily make a play for Moscow right now, but they won't.  They've decided to not even take more russian territory, which would be easy.

                  russia is on the ropes struggling to maintain.  Enabling Ukraine to use long-range missiles inside russia will enable them to take out more military installations, more factories producing russian weapons of war.  They will be able to take out more of the russian oil refineries.  Doing this will make it easier to bring russia to a peace conference.  The levels of experienced russian troops is at its lowest in decades.

                  Right now Ukraine is letting russians come to them on the battlefield and destroying russian troops and equipment at very high levels.

              2. Sharlee01 profile image84
                Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                Come on--- I am trying to enjoy our great victory.  Do not bust my bubble LOL

              3. Credence2 profile image81
                Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                I am waiting for Trump and his magic wand to fix all the international disasters for which you now blame Biden. And you can bet I will critical if Trump screws up on his vaunted claims to "fix it" or its timeliness.

        2. Credence2 profile image81
          Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

          I have a great deal of regard for the future of this nation and the world, that is why the true nature of Donald Trump and his agenda needs to be revealed as the source of malevolence.

          1. Sharlee01 profile image84
            Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

            This is your right to hold that view. I personally can’t agree without concrete evidence that shows Trump is a source of malevolence. Your perspective isn't one that resonates with me, but I respect it. Everyone has their own stance on these matters, and I think it’s important to have those discussions based on facts and actions.

            1. Credence2 profile image81
              Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

              Facts and actions both present and past are what I evaluate, certainly not anything that he says.

              1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                I’ve really had to think about this, and for me, life under Trump felt like it had more opportunities. It wasn’t just about finances—it was about a sense of personal freedom and national pride. Things felt more stable, and there was a real focus on getting people back to work, reducing regulations, and putting America first. I noticed people felt more optimistic, and I saw jobs being created, especially in industries that had been neglected. Under Biden, I can’t say I felt the same enrichment. There’s been a bigger push for social programs, but at the same time, it feels like we’re losing some of the things that made us stronger—like personal responsibility and independence. For me, the shift under Trump felt like progress, and under Biden, it’s been harder to see that. What about you—do you feel like your life was enriched more under one than the other?

                Right now, we’re in a state of flux, all waiting to see how Trump’s return to DC will impact us personally and the nation as a whole. We can either wring our hands in anxiety or adopt a wait-and-see approach. It feels like a brief respite after the past few years filled with so much frustration. None of us know what the next four years will bring. Some of us, like me, are eager for change, while others are feeling uneasy. Maybe it’s time for all of us to just stop—yes, stop in our tracks—and let the next four years unfold as they will. We have no real power over what happens next, do we? But we do have the power to step back, reflect, and understand that it's only us—together—who can slow down this out-of-control roller coaster.

                1. tsmog profile image77
                  tsmogposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  "We can either wring our hands in anxiety or adopt a wait-and-see approach."

                  Or, as the Boy Scout motto goes, "Be Prepared".

                  1. GA Anderson profile image84
                    GA Andersonposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                    Another Boy Scout reference . . . And as well-fitting as the first . . .

                    There must be a backstory in there somewhere.

                    GA

                  2. Sharlee01 profile image84
                    Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                    We are certainly versed in being prepared. So how do you suggest we do that in the case of a new president? What steps would you take to prepare yourself for the possible mistakes Trump might make?

                2. Credence2 profile image81
                  Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  Trump never left me with the impression that you obviously have had.

                  I have always been better off under Democrat administrations as they share 90 percent of the beliefs I that hold, both then and now.

                  Reducing regulations could put the greedy avaricious corporate structure in a position to rape and pillage the environment, so I am naturally against them getting too firm a foothold on our governing entities. Of course, these entities want  to pay less tax and be free to operate without accountability with the man on the street having no recourse against their violations. I don't think that that is freedom. Trump is no friend of the EPA. Who knows, it might be well one of the agencies on his chopping block while taking his meat ax to the federal bureaucracy?

                  He is a narcissistic, avaricious rich guy, the last person that I would trust to have the interests of the man in the street in mind. 

                  With such a threat in the wings, I don't have luxury of a wait and see attitude. And while I have no power myself,  my obligation and that of the "Left"  is to scrutinize and criticize leaving the political right no where to comfortably sit.

                  1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                    Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                    I respect your perspective, but I see Trump’s agenda differently. While I understand your concern about corporate greed, reducing regulations was about balancing the power between government and businesses to foster innovation and economic growth. The goal wasn't to let corporations run wild but to cut through unnecessary red tape that hindered small businesses and job creation. As for the environment, Trump did roll back some regulations, but his policies aimed to restore economic growth and energy independence, something that could benefit the working class, not just big corporations.

                    I also see Trump’s wealth differently. He wasn’t in it to further enrich himself but to bring a fresh approach to the government, not as a career politician, but as someone with an outsider perspective. Yes, he made mistakes, but I think he was more about making things work for everyday Americans than the political elite. The EPA issue you mentioned is definitely contentious, but I believe there’s room to protect the environment while also allowing businesses to thrive, so long as there's accountability.

                    I agree that we need scrutiny, but I also think it’s important to look at both the good and bad in any administration. I just feel Trump's policies were more in line with empowering individuals rather than growing government control.

                    Is he narcissistic, I think he has some tendencies that lean that way...

    2. Sharlee01 profile image84
      Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

      "Excerpt from a commentary from Mike Lodgrum of Salon Magazine, most appropo in my opinion:"

      So, you opened the door to opinion. Let me share mine.

      Won't call this person a liar, but you can't correct all his lies!

      "No one can say that Trump ran a stealth campaign. He clearly told the American people his agenda. Now imagine if any politician told the electorate the following:" 

      TRUE, Trump was straightforward with his agenda and clear on what he hopes to change and accomplish.  For imagining I will leave that up to folks who are inclined to live their lives using imagination and easily skirt facts.

      FALSE "Trump never shared this sentiment in any form---  I will lower your standard of living by putting steep tariffs on all the crap you buy at Walmart in order to eliminate taxes on my rich friends."

      Trump has consistently highlighted that tariffs would serve as a strategic tool, ideally to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Yet, it is the media and certain commentators, like this author, who perpetuate the misconception that he indiscriminately supports them. For a more accurate understanding, it’s essential to refer directly to Trump’s own remarks on tariffs and the conditions under which he would employ them—with 'necessary' being the operative word.

      As for dismissive remarks using the very word "Walmart," he comes off as haughty and superficial. This type of attitude suggests an unjust sense of superiority, which I would hope liberals have recognized is often met with strong disapproval by Americans over this election period.

      FALSE-- "I will dump your health insurance, raise your insulin and other drug prices, and if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you can go ahead and die."

      During his first term, Trump made progress in lowering the price of insulin, although Biden has managed to reduce it further. Trump’s current agenda includes a commitment to lowering drug prices across the board and improving Obamacare. Notably, he has not suggested eliminating private health insurance during his campaign—an idea that seems to be an assumption made by some left-leaning commentators.

      FALSE ----  'Forget about public health. I will put a brain-damaged lunatic in charge of vaccine policy so that you will run a higher risk of dying in the next pandemic." 

      Robert Kennedy has made it clear that he does not intend to eliminate vaccines, although this point seems to be frequently overlooked. He has stated that his goal is to provide more comprehensive information on vaccines so the public can be better informed. Additionally, for those concerned about pandemics, it’s worth looking into the U.S.-funded bio labs in Ukraine that conduct virus research. These are the same labs that Tulsi Gabbard urged to be scrutinized when Russia began its incursion into Ukraine, due to fears that potential bombing could unleash viruses that could accelerate a pandemic.   She certainly pointed out what could, and still could turn into a tragedy. Some media outlets claim there were no such Biolabs in Ukraine.  Please see the Government source that verifies these labs' existence.
      https://media.defense.gov/2022/Mar/11/2 … KRAINE.PDF

      FALSE downright rediculous hyperbolic unintelligent rhetoric. Not worth a reply ---  "I will fill government departments with uneducated hacks so that it will be harder to forecast, prepare for and mitigate natural disasters. If you happen to live in an area that didn’t vote for me, I will withhold disaster relief from you."

      FALSE "If your kid has asthma, tough because my rich donors will be able to pollute to their heart’s content. Do you remember reading about killer smogs in Pennsylvania steel towns and the Cuyahoga River catching fire? Get ready for more of that."

      Is that so? In reality, Trump has shown a commitment to improving the quality of our water, air, and food. Scientific evidence indicates that these elements have a substantial impact on public health, often more directly than broad climate control measures. What I find interesting is that not long ago, these issues were top priorities for many advocates. Yet, when faced with the challenges and sacrifices needed to genuinely clean up our food supply and environment, it seems their attention shifted to a different agenda.

      I won't touch on your personal view at the risk of being insulting.

      1. Willowarbor profile image61
        Willowarborposted 7 months agoin reply to this

        "FALSE "Trump never shared this sentiment in any form---  I will lower your standard of living by putting steep tariffs on all the crap you buy at Walmart in order to eliminate taxes on my rich friends."

        But Trump says he will pay for the tax cuts by imposing tariffs on foreign goods entering the US...that IS his actual plan.  And yes the cost of the tariffs will be passed on to the consumer.

      2. Willowarbor profile image61
        Willowarborposted 7 months agoin reply to this

        "In reality, Trump has shown a commitment to improving the quality of our water, air, and food. Scientific evidence indicates that these elements have a substantial impact on public health, often more directly than broad climate control measures"

        Do you find that there is any evidence of that view from his first administration?

        The Trump Administration Rolled Back More Than 100 Environmental Rules. Here’s the Full List.

        https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/202 … -list.html

        Trump Administration Cuts Back Federal Protections For Streams And Wetlands

        https://www.npr.org/2020/01/23/79880995 … -waterways

        The Trump administration’s major environmental deregulations

        https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the- … gulations/

        Trump Administration Rolls Back Clean Water Protections

        https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/12/clim … tions.html

        As president,  Trump repeatedly weakened environmental protections, put communities at risk to dirtier air and water, and ignored scientists recommendations to cut carbon pollution.

        Protections against air pollution received the most attacks, with 28 separate rollbacks of rules for cleaner air.

        If you do not like the New York times, or others   I will gladly cite the same factual  information from any source you prefer.

        1. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

          While Obama took some crucial steps, many people felt that the response was too slow and that more could have been done earlier in his presidency. The crisis had lasting consequences for the people of Flint, and its resolution continued to unfold beyond Obama's time in office.

          Yes, during Donald Trump's presidency, the federal government allocated funding to help address the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. In 2017, Trump approved a $100 million budget to assist with the replacement of lead pipes and infrastructure upgrades in Flint. This was part of a broader effort to address water contamination issues across various regions in the U.S. While the Flint water crisis began under a previous administration, Trump's support for funding helped provide resources to address the ongoing situation.  Action not a bandaid or just words.

          1. Willowarbor profile image61
            Willowarborposted 7 months agoin reply to this

            But what about all the other regulations he unraveled in terms of air quality and water quality?

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

              I could offer detailed reasoning for all the concerns you raised about the links you provided, but honestly, I’m not interested in doing that. Why? Because I fully supported each one of those actions. In my view, Trump was quick to eliminate many regulations that I had hoped he would. When he came into office in 2016, he had a clear agenda to cut through the red tape, and I was all for it. I liked his agenda then, and I still like what he’s putting forward now. So, doesn’t it make sense that I wouldn’t feel the need to defend his actions when I was already on board with them? I’m just being truthful here.

              1. Willowarbor profile image61
                Willowarborposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                ' In my view, Trump was quick to eliminate many regulations that I had hoped he would."

                Like the Clean Water Rule? But all in all Trump’s first term weakened or wiped out a multitude of rules and policies aimed at protecting our air, water and land.

                1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                  Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  I felt it was very clear, I supported Trump's decision to cut Obama's regulations. Much of Trump's philosophy was sending decision-making back to the states.

                  1. Willowarbor profile image61
                    Willowarborposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                    Did air and water become cleaner under Trump?

      3. Willowarbor profile image61
        Willowarborposted 7 months agoin reply to this

        "FALSE downright ridiculous hyperbolic unintelligent rhetoric. Not worth a reply ---  "I will fill government departments with uneducated hacks so that it will be harder to forecast, prepare for and mitigate natural disasters. If you happen to live in an area that didn’t vote for me, I will withhold disaster relief from you."

        Trump refused to give California wildfire aid until told how many people there voted for him, ex-aide says...

        "Mark Harvey, who was Trump’s senior director for resilience policy on the National Security Council staff, told E&E News on Wednesday that Trump initially refused to approve disaster aid for California after deadly wildfires in 2018 because of the state’s Democratic leanings.

        But Harvey said Trump changed his mind after Harvey pulled voting results to show him that heavily damaged Orange County, California, had more Trump supporters than the entire state of Iowa.

        We went as far as looking up how many votes he got in those impacted areas … to show him these are people who voted for you,” said Harvey,..."

        https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/0 … r-00182419

        1. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

          Noted, not interested in the conversation. My God, he is president, all your digging up oldies but goodies did not matter --- do you understand that?

          1. Willowarbor profile image61
            Willowarborposted 7 months agoin reply to this

            I  responded to your accusation that the following was false...


            Your wrote the following...

            "FALSE downright ridiculous hyperbolic unintelligent rhetoric. Not worth a reply ---  "I will fill government departments with uneducated hacks so that it will be harder to forecast, prepare for and mitigate natural disasters. If you happen to live in an area that didn’t vote for me, I will withhold disaster relief from you."

            I only provided the information that clearly shows that he really did want to withhold aid and had to be talked out of his impulse.

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

              Not interested in conversing with you. I feel like I am being very much an enabler.   Sorry, but I am straight up with my views.

              1. Credence2 profile image81
                Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                The problem with that, Sharlee, is that we are all "straight up" in our views.

                1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                  Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  That is true. But when I feel I am enabling someone's obsession, I do feel bad. I am not kidding.

      4. Credence2 profile image81
        Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

        "Trump has consistently highlighted that tariffs would serve as a strategic tool, ideally to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Yet, it is the media and certain commentators, like this author, who perpetuate the misconception that he indiscriminately supports them. For a more accurate understanding, it’s essential to refer directly to Trump’s own remarks on tariffs and the conditions under which he would employ them—with 'necessary' being the operative word."

        https://taxfoundation.org/blog/trump-ta … t-economy/

        Is the truth always liberal in its origin? I have to wonder.

        There is more evidence that he supports the use of such tariffs than otherwise, even though there may be a nuance here and there. Why do you always think that the media is an adversary? So, there is the "enemy of the people? Trump has fundamentally declared war on a free press and it is only natural that free speech will be next, and you want me to "give him a chance"?

        https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/08/politics … index.html

        What are Robert Kennedy's credentials for holding this post? Considering his inane comments over the past year, sounds like a "spoils candidate" to me.

        I am not done yet...

        So, what about the superiority complex of you and the righwingers? Do you think that it goes unnoticed?

        Improving Obamacare? Don't make me laugh, he spent the last 8 years trying to destroy it. Both he and the Republicans could have cared less about a substitute. I don't a believe a word that Trump says, but his record speaks volumes and is far more reliable.

        Ok, on your eliminate vaccines paragraph without further research on my part.

        Is it hyperbolic and unintelligent, really? there are many in close proximity to these issues that say that much of this is true.

        I defer to Willow, who in her post shows that always Donald Trump speak is mere placating talk. His record as shown in a recent post by Willow indicates an indifference if not outright hostility to anything concerning the environment and who can improve on it? That is of course, if you believe that all these credible sources is just more fake news? Better check on Trumpian Flu infection?

        Simply said, I don't trust Trump and will always assume the worse until the facts show otherwise. So, he has a chance but he starts underwater and is rated with a negative number at the starting gate.

        1. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

          Washington
          CNN

          "Just days after winning a comeback election, President-elect Donald Trump is evaluating how his campaign promises MIGHT translate into policy. When it comes to rolling out the broad-based tariffs that he pledged on the campaign trail, the strategy IS NOT YET, multiple SOURCES familiar with the matter told CNN. " ( note no real source one could pin a name on, and how very careful CNN has been with wording, this is pushing a narrative, a narrative that thus far hold no truth)

          “The vision is there,   BUT THE PLAN  IS NOT,” said one SOURCE close to the discussions, noting major decisions about how to pursue these strategies – and the personnel executing them – have yet to be made.   (now the hook)  Economic experts say the cost of the tariffs is expected to be passed along to consumers rather than being borne by companies who are producing goods. 

          The entire article has context as the first two paragraphs. Maybe have another look. Oddly, some can see past this form of journalism.

          Trump can be quoted regarding how he would use tariffs as a tool as needed. There is no doubt in my view that he would use them if necessary. He does not put down a red line unless he will retaliate if need be. Those who support him understand that he may or may not use tariffs.

          I can only share my perspective on Kennedy. Trump likely values him for his strong stance against corruption in the health sector, particularly his critiques of pharmaceutical influence and the food industry. Trump seems to want disruptors who can challenge the status quo and restore transparency, especially in public health agencies. His appointments align with his commitment to dismantling longstanding problems in Washington. It’s clear that Trump isn’t aiming for the traditional approach; he’s looking for individuals who will support his vision of shaking things up.

          1. Credence2 profile image81
            Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

            Who says that “shaking things up” is to have a positive outcome, what is Trump shaking us up to? Why do we assume that the shake up will be advantageous over the status quo? I see no indication of a positive outcome based on Trumpian policy statements to date.

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

              I understand your perspective, but I see things a bit differently. When I think about Trump shaking things up, I see it as a much-needed change from the establishment that has been entrenched for so long. For me, it’s not about blindly assuming the shake-up will be better—it’s about wanting a shift in the direction we’ve been heading. The status quo has led to problems like inflation, broken borders, and a lack of accountability, and I believe Trump’s policies offer a chance to address these issues head-on. His approach may not always be polished, but it’s about bringing back common sense and prioritizing the needs of American citizens over bureaucracy.

              I’ve seen enough from his previous time in office to feel confident that he can get things moving in a better direction. Plus, just think—some of the changes he is offering are things many Americans have bitched about for many years, like securing our borders, bringing back jobs, and restoring law and order. These aren’t just abstract promises—they align with the everyday concerns of everyday people.

              Aren’t we a great experiment? Shouldn’t we, through our growth, break free from the status quo and be unafraid to try something new?

              1. Credence2 profile image81
                Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                Ok, interesting enough.

                Is that change authoritarian or dictatorial in nature? Is it the kind of change that is outside the bounds of tradition American governance? That is not the kind of diversion from the status quo that I would welcome. He has said and done quite a bit that would have me appreciate the direction that his "changes" would lead to and that is not a "wait and see" option for me.

                While the status quo is not perfect, I prefer it over any further abuse of power and authority by our elected leaders

                I only promise to stay within the parameters of the law, beyond that he is fair game.

                1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                  Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  I don’t see Trump’s agenda as that of a dictator at all. His focus is on reinforcing the foundational principles that built America—economic independence, strong borders, and individual freedom. These ideas are deeply rooted in the traditions of American governance and have been central to policies of past leaders, especially those who valued limited government and the rights of the people.

                  For example, Trump’s approach to deregulation, tax cuts, and prioritizing American manufacturing aligns with traditional conservative ideals. These policies are meant to empower citizens rather than expand the reach of federal authority. His strong stance on border security and combating illegal immigration also reflects a commitment to law and order, a cornerstone of American values.

                  By contrast, Kamala Harris has championed policies that I feel push beyond traditional American values, such as government-mandated social equity initiatives, leniency in immigration enforcement, and expanded federal control over industries like healthcare. While these ideas might aim to address systemic issues, they also introduce significant government oversight, which some might argue verges on an authoritarian approach by centralizing power.

                  To me, the real question of authoritarianism is whether policies enable individual freedoms or diminish them. Trump’s agenda often emphasizes giving power back to states and individuals, which fits the American tradition of checks and balances. In contrast, Harris's policies seem to favor federal solutions to societal issues, which can sometimes stray into territory that feels less reflective of traditional American governance.

                  Would you agree that restoring principles like these is what America needs right now?

                  I completely agree—while things aren’t perfect, it’s still better than enduring more abuse of power by our elected leaders. The erosion of checks and balances is concerning, and I’d prefer a flawed system that upholds individual freedoms over granting more authority to those who might misuse it. Presidents should certainly be critiqued for both their mistakes and their accomplishments, as accountability is essential to a functioning democracy.

                  1. Credence2 profile image81
                    Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                    Would you agree that restoring principles like these is what America needs right now?

                    Answering the question.

                    I don't know, I don't trust the Right and its perception of States Rights and moving things away from Washington. Will Trump take the same attitudes when blue states butt against his policies? We will see whether this is a principle or just a platitude? The existence of checks and balances is designed to keep any one entity from abusing  the system at the expense of others as this is my feeling about plutocrats and oligarchs. I like concepts that keep every body in check where anyone and everyone can be held accountable and no one is above the law. Fall short of that and I am going to naturally resist. It is not about individual freedom, but money and power and my belief that the influence of both need to be circumscribed.

                    Am I to believe that some billionaire born with a million dollar silver spoon in his mouth is really going to appreciate that?

      5. Ken Burgess profile image71
        Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

        Will you send me the abridged pamphlet of that book when it comes out?

        1. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

          Well, I guess I could do that --- I did go long--- as I tend to do.LOL

      6. My Esoteric profile image86
        My Esotericposted 6 months agoin reply to this

        "FALSE "Trump never shared this sentiment in any form---  I will lower your standard of living by putting steep tariffs on all the crap you buy at Walmart in order to eliminate taxes on my rich friends."

        It is actually TRUE, IF Trump implements his steep across the board tariffs. The standard of living WAS lowered EVERY TIME America did what Trump is promising.

        Check out these FAILED Tariffs:

        * The Tariff of 1828, known as the "Tariff of Abominations,"

        * The Morrill Tariff (1861)

        * McKinley Tariff (1890)

        *  The Smoot-Hawley Tariff (1930) - turned the recession in America to a worldwide depression.

        * The 1970s "Chicken Tax"

        * Trump Administration Tariffs (2018-2020) - Bankrupted thousand of farmers.

        Each of those tariffs failed. Each hurt the overall US economy. The kind Trump is talking about may be worse than the Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930.

        Outcome of most broad tariffs like Trumps:

        * Tariffs can have severe unintended consequences, especially in an interconnected global economy.

        * Retaliatory measures by trading partners can neutralize or reverse intended benefits.

        * Short-term protection often comes at the cost of lower long-term economic growth and worse international relations. (This was one main reason Trump is so hated by the world.)

        What do they say is the definition of insanity? Trying the same failed policy over and over again and expecting a different outcome each time?

        1. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 6 months agoin reply to this

          I am not interested in beating this dead horse. I shared my view. And that's that...

    3. abwilliams profile image79
      abwilliamsposted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Yes Lord, thank you!
      Goodbye to the cesspool that has been the D.C. Swamp! Goodbye to corruption on steroids, backroom deals, backstabbing, at the expense of the American people over and over again! Goodbye to biological men competing against biological women for medals, trophies and the pounding of their former hairy chests, as they get their (W's) in women's sports! Please Lord, let us please say goodbye to experiments done on children, abortion on demand, and the profiting which comes from both!
      Goodbye to endless, worthless, destructive wars, may we please have a return to peaceful times! Goodbye to paying double for fuel, double for electricity, double for groceries, triple in interest.....
      It can't all come soon enough!

      1. Willowarbor profile image61
        Willowarborposted 7 months agoin reply to this

        "Goodbye to paying double for fuel, double for electricity, double for groceries, triple in interest.....
        It can't all come soon enough!"


        Right? Excited for prices  to drop by 50%!    He said it will all happen very quickly too.   Like one week quick.  He alone can fix it..magic wand lets go!

        But first things first... He needs to get this war started by Russia settled. 

        "That is a war that's dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president," Trump said during his debate with Harris .   

        So, he's already on the clock for that promise.

        1. abwilliams profile image79
          abwilliamsposted 7 months agoin reply to this

          Let's go, let's rock -n- roll!
          Buckle up buttercup!

      2. Credence2 profile image81
        Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

        I don't know that I intended to impart my comment in the quite the way that you received it, but C'est la vie, regardless.

    4. peterstreep profile image81
      peterstreepposted 6 months agoin reply to this

      It is sad to see that the US has not only alienated itself from the European Union but become a thread to the EU!
      Nation leaders in Europe are incredibly worried about the loyalty of the United States. Something that used to be a given.
      The loyalty of Trump is towards the person/country that gives him personally the most benefit. This unreliability is a dangerous threat with consequences.

      Consequences on a world scale. As climate crisis has started, and Trump is not going to fight this as he does not believe it to be true.
      A tariff war is a joke and will only hurt the small shops and business owners.
      And who will do the low paid hard work if all the foreigners without papers are thrown out? Who will do this slavery work in the butchering industry, picking the almonds and oranges. Who will pick the cotton!!!
      Anyway, that's a past ship.
      I hope that the people who voted for Trump won't be disappointed and will have a better life in two years time.


      Oh... And was there not a massive voter fraud going on!!! --
      Oh no, silly, we won,, so of course there wasn't any voter fraud. Only if we lost...

      1. wilderness profile image78
        wildernessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

        When "loyalty" is used to denote "money" it is far past time the US was considered a threat to leave. 

        Who will do the cheap labor?  Does Europe employ tens of millions of foreign citizens to do its hard, cheap slave labor?  America can do the same.

        1. Willowarbor profile image61
          Willowarborposted 6 months agoin reply to this

          As of 2022, there were approximately 8.3 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. workforce, which was 4.8% of the total workforce... We are not just absorbing that loss.  That loss will be a major blow to our economy.  We do not have people to simply step in and pick up these jobs.  We are a graying nation and The U.S. birth rate is far below the rate needed to keep the population at replacement levels.  We need immigration.

          1. wilderness profile image78
            wildernessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

            Yes we do.  We need immigration.  We need people skilled in the workforce, in the trades, in engineering, in chemistry, in nuclear physics, in simple things like welding.

            So we invite in 30 million illegal aliens to feed, aliens unskilled in nearly any job opening in the country, and exclaim that we need them.

            I disagree.

        2. peterstreep profile image81
          peterstreepposted 6 months agoin reply to this

          As Willowarbor says. The strange thing is that politicians talk about "to get rid" of those foreign citizens. Basically to get votes. The hard reality is that an economy need this cheap labour force.

          So 1. Trump does what he promises and sends all this cheap labour/illegal and legal emigrants home destroying a big part of the economy.
          2. He does not do what he promised to do and the voter is being lied to.


          If he is stupid he does number 1
          But I think he will do the second. As McDonalds, Amazon, Wallmart and many coops need those cheap labour to handle and produce cheap products. And those companies will tell Trump that they don't want to loose cheap labour.
          He probably sends a family home and makes a big deal out of it. cry cry And wants the left media to pick it up to show how tough he is...
          But mass deportations would be super stupid, besides the humanitarian side of it.


          Same reasoning applies to Europe.

          1. wilderness profile image78
            wildernessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

            You didn't answer; does Europe have some 30 million foreigners in the countries illegally, doing menial slave work while collecting benefits (cash) from the tax base?  If not, who DOES do that work?

            It may well help the economy to have them here...the economy of the country they send their earnings to.  To the man in the street, paying to educate their children, feed them, repair cars that have been hit by uninsured illegal drivers, pay their medical care, pay the costs of extra cops, etc. etc. etc.  I don't think the decrease in GDP will be felt when they are gone.

            1. Willowarbor profile image61
              Willowarborposted 6 months agoin reply to this

              " I don't think the decrease in GDP will be felt when they are gone."

              I have been unable to find any reputable economist who would support that opinion but also it's just common sense that if we sweep these people out of the country we will not be able to fill those jobs.  These are jobs that are crucial. 

              We have people whining out here everyday that their hamburger costs a buck more, just wait till you don't have enough people to work in the slaughterhouses and meat packing plants. 

              Trump would have the country cut off its nose to spite its face. He's got people so worked up in a frenzy that migrants are coming here for the sole purpose of murdering people... As if murder doesn't exist in their own countries.

              1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                Sharlee01posted 6 months agoin reply to this

                Must be wonderful to not to worry abt monthly living costs, and to be psychic. Curious did you predict the 9% inflation, and the enormous rising cost of food, not to mention the 10 plus million migrants, and let's not forget the two wars we support?  Did Your crystal ball pick up any of that?

                1. Willowarbor profile image61
                  Willowarborposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                  Most expected inflation due to the pandemic and I don't think any Nation escaped the economic impacts of covid.  Why would America be any different or immune? As far as immigration goes, that's a congress problem.

              2. wilderness profile image78
                wildernessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                I'm sorry: I have watched as we "swept" a job site clean of illegal aliens.  And the union provided an complete new workforce for that subcontractor the next day - they happily quit picketing and went to work.

                Yes, I'm pretty sure they do some jobs that Americans don't want...but will do if it means not starving.  Prices will rise, but I'm OK with that - they won't rise much more than our taxes would fall if lawmakers didn't automatically spend every penny they can lay their hands on.

            2. peterstreep profile image81
              peterstreepposted 6 months agoin reply to this

              Wilderness, a person without papers doesn't get unemployment benefits.
              A person without papers is being blackmailed in factories to do dirty work for hardly any money without labours rights as a person without papers does not have rights. A person without papers can't go to the police and say that he/she is being exploited.

              I see it here next to me where africans are picking oranges, people without papers. Hard work that Spanierds don't want to do because it pais terribly.
              So who is going to do the shitty jobs?

              There are about 27.3 million immigrants in Euroipe. In Spain. If you are a foreigner, like somebody from the UK, you will not have excess to the health care system in Spain. Something that was a side effect of Brexit.

              So the situation you describe is nonsense. An illegal person does not collect benefits.

              And why are people not allowed to find a better life abroad? Your great grand parents immigrated too to the US. Or are you native American?

              1. Nathanville profile image88
                Nathanvilleposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                Hi Peterstreep; although I don’t frequent HP forums these days (I’ve got far better things to do with my time) I did (by chance) catch sight of your contributions to this forum discussion – and on reading back on all your posts here, there’s little I can add, other than Brexit did to Britain what Trump will do to America e.g. higher prices, chronic labour shortages, supply issues (goods in short supply) due to high tariffs, greater isolation in the world etc.

                1. peterstreep profile image81
                  peterstreepposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                  Hi Arthur, yes it starts to become a bit of a pantomime over here. O yes it is, o no it isn't..
                  Great to see your DIY projects. Keeps your mind of the ugly state the world is in. I won't say "Things were better in the old days.", because they weren't. (unsafer cars and traffic, higher infant mortality, etc. it's more nostalgia and memories than facts)
                  But I think to make this world a better place we have to start with doing things ourselves. Making your living place a bit better, and the street you live in, and the people close to you and so widen the circle.
                  I had a conversation with a friend the other day and he said to me: " I only believe in the individual now." And I think he's right. People start to loose rationality when they are in masses and follow internet influencers and leaders. But I guess individual critical thinking is not something we learn at school. (Another brick in the wall comes to mind...).

                  Joost.

                  1. Nathanville profile image88
                    Nathanvilleposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                    I love “Another Brick in the Wall”, it’s one of my favourite Pink Floyd tracks – and very apt with what you say: https://youtu.be/YR5ApYxkU-U

                    Thanks – Yep, my DIY projects certainly does keep me busy, and allows me to focus on something positive and productive, and helps to keep my “mind off the ugly state the world” and the “pantomime” across the pond.

                2. Readmikenow profile image83
                  Readmikenowposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                  "higher prices, chronic labour shortages, supply issues (goods in short supply) due to high tariffs, greater isolation in the world etc."

                  I would think the European Union and UK would applaud this move.  It means America will need to purchase more of their products. 

                  This could become quite economically beneficial to the European Union and the UK. I'm sure there are businesspeople in the European Union and the UK cheering the tariffs against Mexico, China and now Canada as they rush to the United States to make deals to sell their products.

                  1. Nathanville profile image88
                    Nathanvilleposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                    I doubt it:

                    Last time Trump was in power he imposed high tariffs on the EU & UK (causing a trade war between Europe and America); who’s to say he’ll not do it again.

                    There is no trade agreement between the EU & USA, in spite the USA being the largest export market for the EU; negotiations for a Trade Agreement between the EU and USA, which started in 2013 failed in 2019 – one of the biggest stumbling blocks being America’s instance that any ‘trade agreement’ must include the EU accepting the import of American food that is high in toxins that are illegal in the EU & UK.

                    There is no trade agreement between the UK & USA, over 50% of the UK’s trade is with the EU, and the USA accounts for just 6% of the UK’s export market of goods.

                    Nevertheless, at the start of Brexit in 2016, the UK (now desperate for ‘Trade Agreements’, following Brexit) did enter into trade talks with the USA; but those talks also failed in 2019 – for the same reason the trade talks between the EU & USA failed e.g. that America insisted that any trade deal must include the UK accepting the import of American food that does NOT meet ‘UK Food Standards’ under British Law:  This short (1 minute video clip) of Mike Pence in trade talks with Boris Johnson (Prime Minister, in 2019) makes a passing reference to this…. https://youtu.be/_BEe2T81jtg

        3. GA Anderson profile image84
          GA Andersonposted 6 months agoin reply to this

          The recent 'top' news about the COP29 climate change fund for poor nations supports your point: the U.S. is expected to give $11 billion (publicly acknowledged) 2024. Who know what our gift will be in the new $300 billion fund.

          As for the 'workers' issue, expanding our guest worker visa programs seems like an easy and obvious fix. At least the applicants would be vetted, and the employers would be responsible for their employment and housing.

          GA

          1. Sharlee01 profile image84
            Sharlee01posted 6 months agoin reply to this

            I very much doubt Trump will stay in the Paris Climate Agreement... He pulled out in 2017, and with his plans to cut spending, I would think that 11 million will be one of the first to go.  I did some research ----
            If a future U.S. president decides to withdraw from the Paris Agreement in 2025 or otherwise change U.S. climate policies, it could potentially affect the $11 billion climate finance pledge and other commitments made by the Biden administration.

            Commitments Are Not Legally Binding: --- The Paris Agreement itself is not legally binding in terms of specific financial or emission-reduction targets. Therefore, a new administration could decide to renegotiate, delay, or cancel financial pledges like the $11 billion, citing domestic priorities or policy shifts.

            Funding Depends on Congress: Even under the Paris Agreement, U.S. contributions like the $11 billion require congressional budget approval. A new administration might find it challenging to redirect allocated funds but could influence future budgets.

            If Congress approves the funds before a withdrawal decision, they are likely to be distributed as planned for 2024.

          2. wilderness profile image78
            wildernessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

            Yeah.  We have been used simply as a nearly unending supply of cash to support what Europe wants but doesn't want to pay for.  I'm as tired of it as Trump is.

            I like the worker visa.  Prices will rise, but I'm OK with that - if nothing else I can be more positive that no one is operating sweatshops.  I've seen the way some employers treat illegals; it is shameful, it is illegal and we should not be allowing it.

            1. Willowarbor profile image61
              Willowarborposted 6 months agoin reply to this

              Trump promised lower prices. Lower grocery prices. Lower gas prices. Lower insurance prices. Energy prices cut in half. Mortgage rates lowered. And so on. Promises made, promises kept as he says. Lol, all this nonsense is what people voted for.  There will be no forgiveness, no grace on timing. It must all happen very quickly. Absolutely no excuses.

              1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                Sharlee01posted 6 months agoin reply to this

                Give Trump a call and share your expectations—or maybe hold off on the hand-wringing. Trump is highly likely to deliver. He’s assembled a well-coordinated team, is ready to clean house, and will be on his way to achieving results.

                Oh, I forgot to follow up with you about the market. Last week, you were wringing your hands in fear, convinced that Trump’s appointments were dragging the stock market down...

                LIVE UPDATES   "Stock Market Today: Dow scores record close as Trump Treasury pick calms bond traders"
                https://www.marketwatch.com/livecoverag … ry-nominee
                Nov. 25, 2024 at 4:33 PM EST

                There’s so much excitement in the air. Meanwhile, Kamala was out there pushing "joy"—but it looks like Trump’s supporters are the ones feeling joyful. Funny how things turn out!

            2. Credence2 profile image81
              Credence2posted 6 months agoin reply to this

              You rightwing types have been bitching about Biden’s inflationary policies, so you claim. But you would accept even more higher prices and inflation as long as republicans are at the helm?

              Pure partisan, I would say.

              1. wilderness profile image78
                wildernessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                I'm sure it is partisan.  Liberals don't give a care in the world how much of our money they spend, nor do they care what it buys as long as at least some of it produces some more Democrat votes. 

                So...yes, fiscal responsibility is a very partisan thing - something Democrats do not possess.

                1. Credence2 profile image81
                  Credence2posted 6 months agoin reply to this

                  I am going to beat Trump up over more inflationary pressure in this economy, just so you know....

      2. Credence2 profile image81
        Credence2posted 6 months agoin reply to this

        Your concerns about the viability of our alliances with Europe are well founded. Trump is a small minded and petty man lacking the capacity to understand the magnitude implied when utterance spill from his mouth. The idea of "democracy" is a facade. Oligarchy more accurately defines America today.

        It is not so much that Trump does not believe in climate change, but he is more joined at the hip with the fossil fuels industries that are more concerned about profits in the short term.

        Trump will solve the Ukrainian crisis by capitulating to Putins demands, let's face it Trump is no Benjamin Disraeli.

        Trump has been told time and time again about the dangers of mass deportations on the economy, but the fears of his xenophobic base are more important.

        1. peterstreep profile image81
          peterstreepposted 6 months agoin reply to this

          Yes Trump will give Ukraine away, betraying not only Ukraine but Europe as well. (That's how it's seen here).
          It is dangerous to do. As if the US is not willing to support a democracy. And not willing to be "the police" of the world any more. It is basically a free call for bigger nations to invade smaller neighbours..
          China will see an opening and attack Taiwan. And probably Trump won't support Taiwan when it comes down to it. Taiwan though has the most important chip factory and semiconductors in the world. If China conquers Taiwan it basically dominates the chip industry. (everything that Apple and NVIDIA uses...)
          So basically not seeing the big picture is disastrous for the US and the world as a whole.

    5. Kathleen Cochran profile image74
      Kathleen Cochranposted 6 months agoin reply to this

      Credence: You and I are both old enough to remember Nixon. The system worked then. America has never faced a Felon as president, but if this is what it takes to get us back to the country that forced a law-breaking president to resign, then so be it. It will be hard to watch, but if this is what it takes, this is what it takes. Remember, the MAGAs are a minority.

      1. Credence2 profile image81
        Credence2posted 6 months agoin reply to this

        Yes, Kathleen, it did work. Even partisan kindred told Nixon after Watergate that they would have to feed him to the wolves. Criminality in the Executive Branch was not tolerated in a bi-partisan spirit. Our law makers were responsive to requirements of the law then. Their proceedings reflected why they were sent there and their promise to the people to uphold the law though the heavens may fall. But, that is all a thing of the past now. Through the apathy of so many, we let the bad guys win. They will all soon find out that Trump is "no day at the beach".

        This country and its people are unrecognizable to me now, I am no more confident or even certain of our future direction, no more than that of a marble in a roulette wheel.

        We let them win, and there will be a penalty.

        1. wilderness profile image78
          wildernessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

          "This country and its people are unrecognizable to me now"

          An interesting statement, coming from one that professes "progressivism" (or whatever term you like) and demands constant change for the sake of change.

          I fully agree that our country is unrecognizable from what it was earlier in my lifetime (not 100 or 200 years ago - in my own adult lifetime).  Like you, those rapid changes for nothing more than to "feel good" or to buy votes leave me feeling like that marble in the wheel.  No idea where we're going, no idea what we SHOULD be looking for, no real idea of what society considers right and wrong.  All I get anymore is that I, personally, am bad (because I'm white) that I caused (because I'm white) slavery, that I'm racist (because I'm white), etc. etc.  It is not the tolerance, understanding and acceptance we strove for in my youth; it is an almost 180 degrees from that.

          1. Credence2 profile image81
            Credence2posted 6 months agoin reply to this

            Progressivism moves in one direction, forward not backward. And it is not change for its own sake but necessary changes in the law that made this society more just and equitable, but I don't expect conservatives to see things that way. When have they ever? They support a hidebound status quo because that is the way that it has always been?

            I don't know, from the ideas that you so often espouse, 150 years ago would be just about right. Yep, we are in agreement in our confusion for differing reasons, mine just as valid as yours.

            Your forebears are guilty of all the crimes, (I presume that you are progeny Anglo-American) it has nothing to do with you. But, I am not going to ignore and excuse what has been done as documented from the past history just so that you can be comfortable. The foul deeds were done and to think that there would be no consequences as a result is naive.

            What is tolerance? Why do non-whites have to be tolerated as a condition to retain rights and privileges that should have belonged and been available to them in the first place?

            1. wilderness profile image78
              wildernessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

              Everyone, black, white, red, yellow or purple with green polka dots needs to be tolerated and accepted, with all the rights that anyone else has.

              This escapes you, I think, as you continually espouse that whites should not get the rights non-whites have and need not be accepted when and where non-whites are.  It is why you and I lock horns so much on the matter of racism; you promote and demand discrimination, I will tolerate it on behalf of anyone.  That and you insist that the discrimination and programs of 150 years ago are alive and active today in our country.

              1. Credence2 profile image81
                Credence2posted 6 months agoin reply to this

                But only one group, by an overwhelming margin, took its intolerance to levels the others have not come close to, can we agree on that?

                Where did I say that whites were not entitled to equal rights? What I am saying is that YOUR tribe has been primarily responsible for the terror committed against others in this country. Your forebears have stolen a great deal. It is like between the rape of the indigenous people, the theft of their land,  and centuries of labor without recompense adding to it an apartheid social structure for over a century that even Hitler had to admire. Your people have gathered 100 points to our 10, I would not say that even half of it was based solely on merit.

                So, of course, you all extol the virtues of Free enterprise, only based on your incomparable advantage.  As long as you have so many points over others, you always win, right? That is the substance of my beef and to say that all is equal and hunky dory is just that much more bulls***.

                I can't do a great deal about so much of this, but I won't give neither you nor the Right the satisfaction of believing that I am not aware of it.

                1. Ken Burgess profile image71
                  Ken Burgessposted 6 months agoin reply to this

                  To the first sentence, no, we cannot.

                  You see things in terms of race... more than partly because our MSM (Main Stream Media) sources tell you Trump supporters are racists, that Trump is Hitler, KKK, etc.

                  So I have to give you that... you have been bombarded with vitriol for damned near a decade now, just on Trump.

                  But I have also spent several years now trying to explain how they are using it to divide... how the effort to tear down the Nation will NOT be beneficial to ANY American (white OR black) that is not rich, or does not know how to break the rules and make themselves rich.

                  The goals of Agenda 2030 and the Great Reset have the most powerful/rich people and corporations and financial institutions behind these efforts... and they do NOT have the best interests of American citizens in mind in ANYTHING they do or any agenda they push.

                  Take 5 minutes of your time and listen to this... it is time stamped to exactly what I would like you to listen to, tell me that it is wrong if you think so, but give it a listen first:

                  https://youtu.be/bboJkzp831s?t=409

                  1. Credence2 profile image81
                    Credence2posted 6 months agoin reply to this

                    Much of America's problem surrounds race. It is my conspiracy theory definition asking people to believe things contrary to what they actually  see or hear. Your folks are spinning and reinterpreting comments that Trump has DIRECTLY said, right out of his mouth, and it doesn't work with me. Trump and his Oligarchy is the problem rather than the solution and in my continuing complaints, I am going to make that clear.

                    I am more concerned about Project 2025 over some Agenda 2030.



                    Yes, I heard your explanation, I simply don't buy it.

                    I saw the video, my views can be described as mix but mostly negative.

        2. Kathleen Cochran profile image74
          Kathleen Cochranposted 6 months agoin reply to this

          "We" didn't let them win if we voted. The ones who stayed home let them win. All 90 million of them.

          1. Sharlee01 profile image84
            Sharlee01posted 6 months agoin reply to this

            Facts matter. as well as sensible context ---  The claim that 90 million registered voters stayed home and "let them win" in the 2024 presidential election is not supported by the actual statistics. In fact, voter turnout in 2024 was historically high, but not nearly as many as 90 million registered voters abstained.

            Here’s a more accurate breakdown of the 2024 U.S. election turnout:

            Total Registered Voters: According to estimates from the U.S. Elections Project, there were approximately 240 million eligible voters in the U.S. in 2024, and around 160 million of them voted in the presidential election, making it one of the highest voter turnouts in recent history.

            Voter Turnout: In 2024, the voter turnout rate (the percentage of eligible voters who actually voted) was estimated to be around 67-68%, a significant increase compared to previous elections. This was a strong turnout compared to historical averages, which typically hover around 55-60%.

            Voter Non-Participation: If we assume 240 million eligible voters, this means that roughly 80-90 million eligible voters did not vote in the 2024 election. However, the number of registered voters who chose not to vote would be somewhat lower than this, as not everyone who is eligible to vote is also registered. The actual number of registered voters who abstained would be closer to around 50-60 million.

            Therefore, the statement about "90 million" staying home is exaggerated, and the actual number is closer to 50-60 million, accounting for those who were registered but chose not to vote. This still highlights a significant portion of the electorate that did not participate in the election, but the overall turnout was indeed historic, reflecting strong engagement by many voters.

    6. gmwilliams profile image85
      gmwilliamsposted 5 months agoin reply to this

      Under Biden's tutelage, America was all but destroyed.   The extreme liberal agenda has almost destroyed America.  Because of this agenda, there is an escalation of crime & other forms of lawlessness.   New York City is now at 1970s level regarding crime.   Hopefully now that Trump will be president, America will return to some type of normalcy.   One thing good about Republicans -they believe in law & order as opposed to Democrats who bleed for criminals who destroy societies.

      1. tsmog profile image77
        tsmogposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        "Hopefully now that Trump will be president, America will return to some type of normalcy."

        Only in peoples dreams. Chaos theory will unfold as entropy seeks to predict the future.

      2. My Esoteric profile image86
        My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        The real truth is that under Biden's great leadership, America prospered better than any other country in the world after the pandemic.

        The truth of the matter is crime went down overall in America.

        It is interesting to think that Republicans believe in "Law and Order" at the same time they elect a convicted felon and sexual abuser to lead them. That doesn't seem rational to me, does it to you?

        1. gmwilliams profile image85
          gmwilliamsposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Balderdash.

          1. Ken Burgess profile image71
            Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            More like delusional. . .

      3. Willowarbor profile image61
        Willowarborposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        Crime is not escalating.   

        Would you care to offer any statistics to back up your claim that crime is worse now versus 1970? Because it isn't...

        1. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

          You always seem to look away from root causes, as well as in this case skewed stats.

          The broader narrative of declining crime often focuses on overall numbers, which may mask the rise in specific violent categories. Media outlets and some politicians may emphasize property crime reductions or improvements in certain areas, but the reality is that violent crime—especially gun violence and homicides—is increasing in multiple states. This can lead to a perception that things are improving when, in fact, there are troubling trends that require attention.

          Would you like more detailed breakdowns of particular cities or states?

          Crime in the U.S. is often portrayed as decreasing, but when you break it down by categories, there are significant increases in some major areas. While overall crime rates, particularly property crimes like theft, may show some decline in certain states, the more violent categories are on the rise in many parts of the country. Here’s a breakdown:

          1. Violent Crime
          Homicides: In several states, especially in urban areas, the number of homicides has seen a noticeable increase. Cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles have had sharp rises in violent crimes over the past few years, with shootings, gang violence, and drug-related killings becoming major concerns.
          Assaults and Aggravated Assaults: These have also gone up in many states, partly due to factors like social unrest, economic hardship, and the strain on law enforcement agencies.
          2. Carjackings and Auto Theft
          Carjackings have spiked dramatically in cities across the U.S. States like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Atlanta have seen significant increases in this violent crime, as well as a rise in auto thefts.
          3. Robbery
          Robbery rates, especially in larger cities, are up in places like San Francisco and Miami, where robberies and armed robberies have increased in certain neighborhoods.
          4. Drug-Related Crimes
          The rise of drug-related violence and crimes has become more prevalent, particularly with the growing influence of fentanyl and other opioids. States like Ohio, California, and Florida are grappling with the consequences of the opioid epidemic, including an uptick in overdose deaths, drug trafficking, and related violence.
          5. Domestic Violence
          Domestic violence rates have also risen in many states, often exacerbated by the stress and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic struggles, and lack of resources for victims.
          6. Gang Violence
          States like California, Texas, and Illinois are seeing significant increases in gang-related violence, with drug trafficking and turf wars contributing to the rise in violent crime.
          7. Theft and Property Crimes
          While overall theft and property crime rates may show a decrease, retail theft has skyrocketed in places like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where organized shoplifting and robberies have been on the rise, often leading to law enforcement challenges.
          States Showing Significant Crime Increases:
          California: Particularly in major cities, violent crimes such as shootings and robberies have increased. Carjackings and organized retail theft are also growing concerns.
          Texas: Homicides, aggravated assaults, and drug-related crimes are on the rise in cities like Houston and Dallas.
          New York: While some property crimes have decreased, violent crime, especially shootings, has seen a concerning uptick in certain neighborhoods.
          Illinois: Chicago, in particular, has faced rising gun violence and gang-related crime.
          Florida: Crime rates in Miami and other cities have seen a surge in areas like drug trafficking and car theft.

          1. Willowarbor profile image61
            Willowarborposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles have had sharp rises in violent crimes over the past few years, with shootings, gang violence, and drug-related killings becoming major concerns.

            Do you have stats to show a yearly increase? 


            In LA..
            "In 2023, there were 327 homicides, which was a 17% reduction in homicides as compared to 2022. All geographic Bureaus within the LAPD saw a reduction in homicides.,"

            https://mayor.lacity.gov/news/lapd-rele … geles-2023

            Chicago..

            Year-to-date, homicides have decreased 12%, and shootings are down 14% percent.

            https://crimelab.uchicago.edu/resources/trend/

            NYC...

            New York, New York — New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced that 2024 concluded with a nearly 3% reduction in overall index crime, which equates to 3,662 fewer incidents and thousands of fewer victims of violence and disorder across the five boroughs. The index crime categories of murder, robbery, burglary, grand larceny, and grand larceny—auto each saw sizable reductions across New York City in 2024

            https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/news/pr00 … wer-crimes

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this
              1. My Esoteric profile image86
                My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Do that with America has whole and don't cherry pick. And use ALL crimes, since your side doesn't make a distinction when criticizing.   Apples to apples is always the best comparison in my view.

                1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                  Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  The conversation I was having with Willow concentrated on how stats are skewed due to tossing them into the equation. I was [pointing out larger cities where crime has risen in the past two years regarding violent crime --- This is my post that offers what was being discussed. 

                  Copy and paste ---The broader narrative of declining crime often focuses on overall numbers, which may mask the rise in specific violent categories. Media outlets and some politicians may emphasize property crime reductions or improvements in certain areas, but the reality is that violent crime—especially gun violence and homicides—is increasing in multiple states. This can lead to a perception that things are improving when, in fact, there are troubling trends that require attention.

                  Would you like more detailed breakdowns of particular cities or states?

                  Crime in the U.S. is often portrayed as decreasing, but when you break it down by categories, there are significant increases in some major areas. While overall crime rates, particularly property crimes like theft, may show some decline in certain states, the more violent categories are on the rise in many parts of the country. Here’s a breakdown:

                  1. Violent Crime
                  Homicides: In several states, especially in urban areas, the number of homicides has seen a noticeable increase. Cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles have had sharp rises in violent crimes over the past few years, with shootings, gang violence, and drug-related killings becoming major concerns.

                  Assaults and Aggravated Assaults: These have also gone up in many states, partly due to factors like social unrest, economic hardship, and the strain on law enforcement agencies.

                  2. Carjackings and Auto Theft
                  Carjackings have spiked dramatically in cities across the U.S. States like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Atlanta have seen significant increases in this violent crime, as well as a rise in auto thefts.

                  3. Robbery
                  Robbery rates, especially in larger cities, are up in places like San Francisco and Miami, where robberies and armed robberies have increased in certain neighborhoods.

                  4. Drug-Related Crimes
                  The rise of drug-related violence and crimes has become more prevalent, particularly with the growing influence of fentanyl and other opioids. States like Ohio, California, and Florida are grappling with the consequences of the opioid epidemic, including an uptick in overdose deaths, drug trafficking, and related violence.

                  5. Domestic Violence
                  Domestic violence rates have also risen in many states, often exacerbated by the stress and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic struggles, and lack of resources for victims.

                  6. Gang Violence
                  States like California, Texas, and Illinois are seeing significant increases in gang-related violence, with drug trafficking and turf wars contributing to the rise in violent crime.

                  7. Theft and Property Crimes
                  While overall theft and property crime rates may show a decrease, retail theft has skyrocketed in places like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where organized shoplifting and robberies have been on the rise, often leading to law enforcement challenges.

                  States Showing Significant Crime Increases:
                  California: Particularly in major cities, violent crimes such as shootings and robberies have increased. Carjackings and organized retail theft are also growing concerns.

                  Texas: Homicides, aggravated assaults, and drug-related crimes are on the rise in cities like Houston and Dallas.

                  New York: While some property crimes have decreased, violent crime, especially shootings, has seen a concerning uptick in certain neighborhoods.

                  Illinois: Chicago, in particular, has faced rising gun violence and gang-related crime.

                  Florida: Crime rates in Miami and other cities have seen a surge in areas like drug trafficking and car theft.

              2. My Esoteric profile image86
                My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Here is the truth: Decreases:

                Violent Crime: The FBI reported a 3% declinein violent crime in 2023 compared to 2022, continuing a downward trend from the spike observed during the coronavirus pandemic.  (2024 data isn't in yet)
                POLITICO

                Homicides: There was a significant reduction of nearly 12% in murders and non-negligent manslaughter in 2023. (2024 data isn't in yet)
                POLITICO

                Aggravated Assaults and Robberies: {b]These offenses have decreased[/b], with aggravated and gun assaults returning to pre-pandemic levels, and robberies down by 6% at mid-year 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. (not all of the 2024 data us in yet)

          2. tsmog profile image77
            tsmogposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            For perspective, what year is being used as the zero point for change. A Pew Research Study shows crime in general since 90's has declined.

            https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2024/04/SR_24.04.23_crime_3.png

            What the data says about crime in the U.S. by Pew Research (Apr 24, 2024)
            https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads … in-the-us/

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

              Great information! I was more focused on the larger cities, as Pew Research covers the entire U.S. I've come across numerous articles suggesting that crime stats, particularly for the bigger cities, might be skewed. It's important to look at the actual city-specific data, broken down by categories like rape and other violent crimes, to get a clearer picture of what's really going on.

      4. Ken Burgess profile image71
        Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        Biden was definitely America's Manchurian Candidate...

        History will prove his Treason out, in full.

        Almost every action he took made things better for China and worse for America.

        Biden fled Afghanistan leaving an army's worth of equipment and one of the largest American airfields to China.

        Biden encouraged a war with Russia, cutting it off from Europe and pushing it into the waiting arms of China... giving it no other option.

        Biden gave hundreds of billions to Iran which in turn funds Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and directly engaged Israel in conflict.

        Biden alienated former allies, like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, pushing them  into China's arms.

        Biden allowed China to move right in to Mexico, if Harris had won the election our nation would be flooded with Chinese cars and other items American companies cannot produce as cheaply here in America.

        And so on...

        1. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Biden never addressed the 30 Americans killed on Oct 7th nor has he gotten back the hostages. Oh forgot--- he sent out his sympathy... Yeah, some find this the very most important issue when it comes to the job of the president--

          1. Ken Burgess profile image71
            Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            There have been hundreds of thousands that have been killed because of Biden's decisions... Ukrainian, Palestinian, Russian, Syrian, etc.

            With a very real possibility of that now translating into hundreds of millions more to follow.

            I expect Trump's efforts to protect America's interests and secure our Borders as well as our trade routes will be severely tested by traitors within the country trying to undermine America ... on behalf of things like the misguided belief that the world is ready for an International body to determine its course, one that is not responsible to nation states or their citizens, or that Agenda 2030 goals are actually feasible and enforceable on nations that do not want to pursue or participate in those goals and agendas.

            1. Credence2 profile image81
              Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

              "I expect Trump's efforts to protect America's interests and secure our Borders as well as our trade routes will be severely tested by traitors within the country trying to undermine America ... on behalf of things like the misguided belief that the world is ready for an International body to determine its course, one that is not responsible to nation states or their citizens, or that Agenda 2030 goals are actually feasible and enforceable on nations that do not want to pursue or participate in those goals and agendas."

              All that gobbledygook has nothing to do with the Right of self determination of people which I thought was an American principle in modern times, but listening to you, obviously I was wrong. How quickly you return to the 19th century paradyne on the slightest excuse. This agenda will not go unnoticed nor unchallenged.

              1. Ken Burgess profile image71
                Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Sorry, 'your side' conflated the tensions in the world into the current World War scenario.

                Exactly what I said would unfold almost 4 years ago, that you poo-pooed consistently, when I warned where the conflict with Russia was certain to lead.

                Well, we are here now, with the war against Russia, with the war to maintain global dominance, with the rising tensions with all BRICS nations... this is the path 'your side' put us firmly and irreversibly on.

                We are now in a National struggle to maintain our quality of life, our high standards of living... we are fighting an internal war to maintain our Nationhood and the Constitution as our primary source of guiding law, not to be superseded by international bodies or authority... while at the same time we are at war with the rise of the BRICS nations as they separate from American leadership, the American Dollar/SWIFT... if we do not secure Greenland, Mexico, Panama, etc. they will become part of the new non-American aligned system.

                Regardless of who or what is the cause, the war is on.

                If you choose to ignore that reality, oh well, its Trump's fault right?

                1. Credence2 profile image81
                  Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Do you hear what you’re saying, Ken.

                  You want to take over Mexico, Panama, Greenland, and probably Canada. What about the desires of the people who live in those countries have you ever thought about that? This is not the America I know nor wanna part of. It’s no different than Nazi Germany.

                  1. Ken Burgess profile image71
                    Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    They are either going to be part of the American/SWIFT system and trade alliances... or they are going to be with BRICS/China...

                    Nations like Mexico, Greenland, Panama can and will be used by the Chinese to destroy our economy, our trade, and become the threat to our nation in just the way that WE are a threat to Russia in Ukraine... and China in Taiwan today.

                    Yes, I am very aware of growing global realities today... and there is going to be no room for niceties... just like other World Wars, most nations will be drawn in, and be on one side or the other, for global dominance of resources and trade routes.

                    That is the reality "your side" has created for America in the last 4 years.

              2. My Esoteric profile image86
                My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                "by traitors within the country trying to undermine America " - That would be MAGA.

    7. Springboard profile image78
      Springboardposted 5 months agoin reply to this

      There is so much that is wrong with this commentary, where does one even begin? I mean, first of all, clearly you nor the author understands the purpose of the tariffs, and I am not usually one to advocate for them, but I do see more advantages to them than say, what your side advocates for, higher corporate taxes and more taxes on the rich which, let's be clear here, essentially both ideas do the same thing.

      Raise prices. Yet your side advocates for higher taxes but want to be against tariffs? Makes no sense.

      I wrote an opinion about this very topic right here on HubPages if you are interested in my full take on this.

      When it comes to healthcare, do we have to be reminded that it was the ACA that actually caused people to have to make hard decisions about their healthcare? Remember, "You can keep your doctor," only to later be told no, we couldn't? Trump had a plan in his first term to improve on the ACA. Would it have been able to do that? We will never know because John McCain had a fish to fry and killed the bill. But to suggest Trump is interested in making healthcare less available or less affordable is simply patently false.

      On top of that, Trump has made it clear he is a proponent of coverage for pre-existing conditions, so the only reason the author says otherwise is to lie in an attempt to scare people. Trump wants to raise insulin prices? Hogwash. He LOWERED them during his first term and capped them at $35 for Medicare Part D. Sure, I will give Biden credit for expanding who gets the cap. But Biden was not first to cap insulin. Trump was. As for medications in general, Trump wants to negotiate BETTER prices, not higher ones.

      Put a lunatic in charge of vaccine policy? Are we now pretending that Trump DID NOT fast track the FDA approval process for the covid vaccines? The only reason Biden HAD the vaccines to do his crazy mandates on them was BECAUSE Trump brought them to the market to have. We can argue whether or not they were effective. I, for one, never vaccinated for covid and never will, and I have serious questions about them. But Trump cannot be anti-vaccine and at the same time have brought us a vaccine.

      The bottom line here is that you are simply unhinged and willing to drink the Kool-Aid without questioning what's in the mix. Your side wants so badly for all of your fantasies to be true, so much so, that the level of crazy with what's being said about what Trump wants to do has become epic.

      Are we also going to pretend like the last four years under Biden was great? Give me a break. We know where the inflation came from. I wrote about that too in "The Biden Inflation Catalyst." And no, before I am accused, I am not trying to self promote. I am simply saying, if you want to know my full thoughts, I've already laid them out in full detail and don't want to waste time or space rehashing them here. On top of that, the border was a disaster. Crime was through the roof. We had the embarrassing and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan (talk about leaving people for dead). Wars have broken out around the world because there is no leadership at the top. We now learned that the Biden Administration was meddling in social media to control information.

      You want to talk about crazy stuff? Biden's had his share of plenty of that, even if you want to deny it and say it was all good.

      And what about that supposed warning of a threat to democracy? Looks like that table was turned, wasn't it, when the DNC used the courts to keep people off primary ballots to run against Biden, and we were lied to over and over again about Biden's health until the lie could no longer fly after the debate performance and then what did they do? Undemocratically CHOSE your replacement nominee. So much for democracy.

      At the end of the day I stand by something I say often. We don't have to all agree on everything. But if we DISAGREE it has to at least be on the basis of FACTS. Not lies we want to become truths. I am not going to pretend like Donald Trump hasn't gotten some things wrong, or that he won't continue to get some things wrong. But to make him out to be something he is not is unfair.

      I supported some things Biden did. I strongly opposed MANY more things he did. But I judged each issue individually, without bias, and on the merits of the issue and resolution. The same should be done when it comes to Trump on YOUR side. Take each policy issue individually and judge it not based on your bias. But on WHAT THE POLICY ACTUALLY MEANS, WHAT IT ACTUALLY DOES, AND WHETHER OR NOT IT ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISHES THE GOAL IT INTENDS TO.

      Anything else is frankly pointless.

      1. Ken Burgess profile image71
        Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        I'd like to say firstly, that when you are getting your information from sources like Salon it is going to be biased, and most likely not from an expert source on the topic of discussion, Salon has a far left bias and when it reviews policy and politics it is with that in mind.

        Credence is pulling his opinions from Salon and other equally far left sources, so... it is what it is.

        Another big problem... the world is CHANGING... it hasn't changed in any of our lifetimes... America has always been the big dog, always been the top economy, always been the country in control, if any country was.

        That IS changing... the world is being DIVIDED... there will be no collection of nations sitting together and singing “Kum ba yah”

        China wants to control as much of the world as possible... they have similar goals in mind that our own NeoCons have in our country.

        The big difference is in how China is under the control of one party and one leader, so the goals and agendas remains consistent, while America can shift its policy and global goals based on who is in power, which was consistent for almost 30 years... until Trump... who has different goals and agendas than those he replaced.

        In either case... the world is being divided, many nations no longer trust America or the use of the SWIFT system... China/BRICS offers them an alternative, one nations are lining up to be a part of.

        This problem is the result of China surpassing America as the Industrial and technological heart of the world... greatly exasperated by the Biden Administration's efforts against Russia, confiscating their funds, using sanctions against them... the world is getting sick of America the bully.

        The world is also growing up, more and more nations have quality of living and economic stability equal to or surpassing our own.

        So when we hear about talk of securing Greenland or tariffing every car being made in Mexico, it is because of the changing world, we have to secure our resources, protect our economy and be proactive rather than reactive when considering our relations with our neighbors (Mexico, Canada, Greenland) that are going to be critical in the future.

      2. Credence2 profile image81
        Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

        I am listening Springboard, there is a lot of material in your comment. I will get back to it as soon as possible.

        Left wing biased, probably. But I have seen quotes from articles from the National Review and others posted here as gospel. No, I did not write the article, but agree with the preponderance of its content.

        No, I don't like Trump and I have never liked nor trusted Trump long before 2015. But, I will look at your article and attempt to address your points objectively

        Stay tuned...

      3. My Esoteric profile image86
        My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        Bottom line - if you are for the Kind of Tariffs Trump is talking about, you are FOR taxing average Americans. Who do you think pays those tariffs? Hint - it is not the foreign nations. It is Joe Sixpack through higher prices.

        ACA - So you support the ability of insurance companies to cancel policies at will and to deny coverage and keep tens of millions of Americans without health insurance of any type because they can no  longer afford it? Your reasoning was used in the Right-Wing propaganda campaign against more affordable insurance and that was ultimately rejected by the American public who now love ACA.

        Trump may be for coverage of pre-existing conditions today - until he isn't tomorrow. Won't he have to replace ACA but still keep the things people love about it by creating something that looks very much like ACA?

        I never said Trump is 100% bad, maybe 98%. The Warp Speed campaign fall in in that 2%. But his implementation of it falls in the 98%, especially when he came around to telling people not to take his vaccine which added to the death toll from his generally failed pandemic response. It took Biden to get it into enough arms fast enough to have a societal impact.

        Biden, on the other hand, got probably 95% of things right and 5% wrong. That means, as it does with Trump, that his policies and actions were right or wrong. It does not mean things that happened that were totally outside anyone's control, specifically the pandemic and the inflation it caused.

  2. Ken Burgess profile image71
    Ken Burgessposted 7 months ago

    Salon magazine seems to be a favorite of yours these days...

    Take up a hobby... Bird watching or car restoration... Something...

    That stuff you are lapping up will rot the brain.

    1. Credence2 profile image81
      Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

      So what are you reading that is SO much more authoritative, or is it just that they print and are proud purveyors of the very  finest morsels of red meat?

      1. Ken Burgess profile image71
        Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

        Nothing in particular...

        I am not plugged in... I won't consume... and be consumed...

        By generated opinions fabricated by entitled people...

        For the purpose of agitating divisive thoughts based on presumed commonalities with the provider (author or producer).

        OR... in another way:

        If you eat the same crap every day... you become that crap...

        If you enjoy a nice Italian meal outdoors on a sunny autumn afternoon...

        And the next day a melt in your mouth steak at the local steakhouse...

        And the next day you fast... just a glass of red before bed...

        But you make up for it the next day, with an authentic Cajun meal...

  3. G.L.A. profile image85
    G.L.A.posted 7 months ago

    Thank You and Touché! ~ My sentiments exactly!

  4. Kathleen Cochran profile image74
    Kathleen Cochranposted 7 months ago

    Eric Chandler

      ·
    I deployed to the Middle East seven times in 20 years. I flew and fought to the best of my ability. I went overseas to fight foreign enemies. I killed a Taliban dude by dropping all four of my bombs from the Viper in this picture, about two hours before it was taken. In a second fight on that same sortie, I emptied the gun on a dude that shot an RPG at me. I’ve been shot at and I’ve got blood on my hands.

    In the E. Jean Carroll case, the judge ruled that the former president committed sexual abuse. The former president was convicted of 34 felonies. He also incited a violent mob to attack the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. 74 million of you voted to put this convicted felon, sexual abuser, insurrectionist back in the White House again. His own cabinet members called him a fascist. I mean, was “pussy-grabbing” not enough? What do you teach your children?

    But hey, 100 million more of you couldn’t even be bothered to vote.

    So, more than half of 330 million Americans helped put a wannabe tyrant back in power. There will never be an accounting for the three other criminal cases that were pending. He is above the law. He will pardon the people who attacked the US Capitol, something even all the confederate states were never able to do. Three of my ancestors died fighting that war to preserve the Union and abolish slavery.

    You were supposed to help me with the “domestic enemies” part of my oath. You failed. You don’t know the difference between right and wrong. I don’t trust you. You have broken faith with me. I have never been so angry and so filled with grief. You have threatened our republic more than any foreign enemy ever could. My entire military career was a waste except for the work I did to help my fellow service members on the ground and in the air. Save for that, it was all for nothing. I am not okay. I speak only for myself.

    “Shmo sure is dramatic. *eyeroll*” I hear you. I don’t care. I don’t give two shits about why you did it. You have proven there is no crime, no depravity, no bigotry too great for you. And that’s why I fear the worst. There is no bottom. You. Do. Not. Care.

    I fought like hell for our country with everything I had. I killed for this country. My wife and children sacrificed for this country. My ancestors in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI, and WWII all fought for this country. My family helped build this country since 1630 when Edmund Chandler arrived at the Plymouth Colony.

    And you just gave it all away. Didn’t even throw a punch. Handed it right over.

    So, if you are one of that group of 174 million people thinking about giving a knee-jerk “thank you for your service” to me or any other veteran, I think you should shove those thanks straight up your ass.

    Happy Veterans Day.

    1. Nathanville profile image88
      Nathanvilleposted 7 months ago

      Yep, Idiocracy is a great film – and as you say Credence, so fitting for today’s America.

      I’ve stopped wasting my time on HP forums (got better things to do) because it’s nothing but Trump, Trump, Trump, America, America, America – As America looks inwards, and withdraws from the rest of the world.

      I’m just glad I’m not living there right now – And I wish you the best of luck in what will be a turbulent four years in the un-USA.

      1. Readmikenow profile image83
        Readmikenowposted 7 months agoin reply to this

        I have a friend who lives in Wales.

        I understand the NHS is quite a hot topic in the UK these days. 

        Do you agree?

        1. Nathanville profile image88
          Nathanvilleposted 7 months agoin reply to this

          When hasn’t the NHS been a hot topic in the UK?

          Ever since its creation by a socialist government in 1948 the Conservative Party have despised it (because it’s pure socialism).  So under Conservative rule its run down, but can’t be dismantled because it’s popular with Conservative voters e.g. to dismantle the NHS would be political suicide, even though Margaret Thatcher tried, but was stopped by her own Conservative Party. 

          And under Labour rule it’s built back up again – So it’s always has been a hot topic during General Elections, and no doubt will always be.

      2. Credence2 profile image81
        Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

        Hi, Arthur, I sorry that you will witness our descent into madness. Actually having the voting public take the jack hammer to the pillars that support Constitutional Law and the principles of equality under the law has been most disturbing. You are fortunate to be a safe distance from the anomaly, while I am in the very heart of the maelstrom. Yours was an important voice as to how all of this is being seen from across the pond. I wish that we had more input from people outside of the fray. I hope that you have had a nice holiday.

        My spouse is all over me now about the decision to move from Hawaii to the "mainland", always critical of politics here, particularly in a State like Florida. She lived in the Caymans and Jamaica. I was meaning to ask you after her insistence that we renew our passports, about British Territories in the Caribbean. From you, I learned quite a bit more about your system in Great Britain and am keen on the way you folks run things. We just need a warm climate. Yes, we have Google, but being a British Subject, you could tell a little about what you think of them and which would be most hospitable. It may be just a pipe dream, but things here could turn nasty, fast. We now have to consider options that we did not before. If you wish, I could drop you a line outside the forum, let me know.

        I wish that you would reconsider and not disappear entirely.

        1. Nathanville profile image88
          Nathanvilleposted 7 months agoin reply to this

          Thanks, yep, we’ve had good holidays this year; and I’ve been keeping myself busy e.g. just finished renovating our son’s bedroom and now busy catching-up on lots of little jobs around the home and garden; and then it will be time to start Christmas.

          I don’t know much about the British Territories, but I get the impression their standard of living isn’t what I’m accustomed to – but that is only an impression.

          I fully understand you wishing to emigrate to a warm climate; if I was doing the same I would without hesitation opt for Southern France – which I do know well, because for decades we used to spend two weeks holiday each summer in Southern France specifically for the hot weather.

          I love France because the British and French have a lot in common, due to our historical links – a love/hate relationship. 

          Northern France has the same weather as England; but Southern France picks up the Mediterranean weather, so it has a similar climate to Spain – in fact, the video link below is of one of our holidays in Southern France where the temperature that week was over 40c (100f).  Our favourite part of Southern France (where we went most years) is the Vendee Coast.

          My preference of Southern France over Spain is that the people and culture in France isn’t that dissimilar to Britain, whereas Spain’s culture and thus the people are different e.g. Being in France for us is like being home from home – whereas Spain (although popular with a lot of Brits) would take a little getting used to.

          https://youtu.be/1fCZZsEXkkg

          I may pop into HP in the future if there are topics of interest to discuss that isn’t just ‘All American’; but most certainly I would welcome keeping in touch outside of the forum, just drop me a line and I’ll give you my email address.

    2. Willowarbor profile image61
      Willowarborposted 7 months ago

      So Pete Hegseth paid a settlement  to the woman who accused him of sexual assault...really now?  And I'm to believe there is  no better person to head the Department of Defense?

      1. abwilliams profile image79
        abwilliamsposted 7 months agoin reply to this

        Seriously?! Do we really need to drag out the bar scene from Star Wars, that IS the current Administration, again?!
        Have you heard about "Wintering", you should look into it.

      2. Sharlee01 profile image84
        Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

        You do know Biden was accused of rape, butting his fingers in a woman's vagina? Did this disturb you?   

        Factually --- There have been claims regarding sexual assault involving Pete Hegseth, and some reports mention an alleged settlement, but the details remain unclear. He has been accused by a woman of assault, but there is no confirmation or extensive coverage about a formal settlement for these claims. Attorney Timothy Parlatore said Hegseth denies assaulting the woman and has characterized the incident in Monterey, California as a “consensual sexual encounter.

        1. Willowarbor profile image61
          Willowarborposted 7 months agoin reply to this

          Why do you pay someone off of it was consensual?

          1. Sharlee01 profile image84
            Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

            Why would a woman make a legal agreement and now break it, and now be put in the position to be sued?  I can't read Pete's mind. 

            "President-elect Donald Trump’s defense secretary pick, Pete Hegseth, paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault in a settlement agreement that included a confidentiality clause, according to Hegseth’s attorney.

            Attorney Timothy Parlatore said Hegseth denies assaulting the woman and has characterized the October 2017 incident in Monterey, California as a “consensual sexual encounter.”

            1. Willowarbor profile image61
              Willowarborposted 7 months agoin reply to this

              I'm assuming she was paid off to be quiet and now she no longer wants to be quiet?

              But again, why is the Fox News host a capable pick to head the Department of defense lol

              1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                Yes, you assume.  She has broken the law, she was dishonest in entering into a contract she now broke.  She was dishonest. I did not need to assume that.

                It’s clear that Trump is selecting people he believes are fit to accomplish the job he's been tasked with. He’s a disruptor, and he’s surrounding himself with others who share that mindset. His focus is on delivering what his supporters sent him to do, and I trust his judgment. I want him to have a team of like-minded individuals who are aligned and powerful. As you probably know, I’ve always supported MAGA and stand behind his decisions.

                1. Willowarbor profile image61
                  Willowarborposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  Hegseth's lawyer, Parlatore confirmed he sent a cease-and-desist letter to the woman in 2020 after learning she was going to file a lawsuit against Hegseth.

                  The lawyer has said the encounter was consensual and that Hegseth was the intoxicated one. The two parties settled a few months after the cease-and-desist because of concern about the allegations coming out during the #MeToo movement, Parlatore has said.

                  Oh this society is always so quick to blame the woman, turn and wag their finger... So looking a bit deeper into this, How did she break the law? Looks like Pete wanted the contract? In any case, his lawyer is the one talking about it now.  Come to think of it, I don't think I've heard a peep from the woman, have you?

                  "Parlatore said a payment was made to the woman as part of a confidential settlement a few years after the police investigation because Hegseth was concerned that she was prepared to file a lawsuit that he feared could have resulted in him being fired from Fox News, where he was a popular host. Parlatore would not reveal the amount of the payment.".

                  https://time.com/7177104/pete-hegseth-s … secretary/

                2. Credence2 profile image81
                  Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  He’s a disruptor, and he’s surrounding himself with others who share that mindset

                  History shows that it has always been easier to destroy than to build, I am not all that confident about his "disruption".

                  1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                    Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                    Trump most certainly surrounded himself with like minds. Some deserted the Dem party, and have had epiphanies that Trump's MAGA agenda was something they could get behind.

          2. Sharlee01 profile image84
            Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

            Why can you ignore Biden's accusation of rape,  yet it's obvious you feel very concerned about Pete Hegseth?

            1. Willowarbor profile image61
              Willowarborposted 7 months agoin reply to this

              Did Biden's accuser complete a rape kit as did Hegseth's?

              1. Readmikenow profile image83
                Readmikenowposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                And what did law enforcement conclude?

                Why were there no charges brought against him?

              2. Sharlee01 profile image84
                Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                "Did Biden's accuser complete a rape kit as did Hegseth's?" 

                Well he did not pass sperm, he used his fingers.

                As I said the police found nothing that led to any charges. End of story.

    3. abwilliams profile image79
      abwilliamsposted 7 months ago

      I am sorry, I am getting a little sarcastic. I would just love to bridge our planets

    4. Vlado - Val Karas profile image84
      Vlado - Val Karasposted 7 months ago

      This is will be my last participation on this Forum, and the only reason for it is that, as a Canadian, I need to be educated about American Justice system -- as it refers to Trump's many "alleged" charges.
      The way it seems right now -- either that Justice system is completely ignorable, or Trump doesn't qualify for presidency with all those charges. So which one is it?
      This question is preferably addressing Trump's followers, so please, don't just cowardly ignore it, or in any way belittle my curiosity, which would be typical Trump's strategy when he is facing uncomfortable questions.
      Is it possible that all those 60 judges who ignored Trump's claim about the 2020 election being rigged, were leftists?
      Is it possible that in all those later charges, all of those prosecutors, all witnesses, all judges, all jurors, all victims, all documents -- everybody and everything was just a politically motivated lie?
      Is it possible that all those, over 25 bona fide psychiatrists who came up with a book size report about Trump being mentally unfit for presidency, were also Trump-haters?
      If that would be the case, then American justice is one big joke. And the joke is even bigger if all those charges were true, and that same Justice system placed him above the law.
      I said it before and I'll say it again -- I am a political cynic, not trusting ANY politicians, as I view them as only some puppets of the elite.
      No one has to agree with it, and I don't care, but at least this is to tell you that I have nothing in particular against Trump, and I could say some stuff about Biden, or my Prime Minister or the King of England.-- it's for the people to glorify whom they want.
      I am simply curious about this peculiar phenomenon of Justice system in America apparently "at a brink of putting Trump in jail for some unforgivable sins" -- but then the dude is getting away with everything and turning out to become the next president.
      How is that possible, I ask, and I hope a brave Trump's follower can answer that without calling me names, ignoring my question, or otherwise silently admit that the American Justice is just one big joke, and no one should touch those who are untouchable.
      I will NOT respond to any kind of comment.
      I will simply learn something -- either about Justice system there -- or about you as a Trump's follower.

      1. abwilliams profile image79
        abwilliamsposted 7 months agoin reply to this

        Good thing that I caught this before I, too, walked away Vlad.
        We aren't perfect here in America, and, newsflash, our leaders aren't perfect either. We do what we can to move forward the best we can; as safely as we can, as practical as we can, as peacefully as we can. Americans are no different than Canadians in wanting what is best for our beloved Country, and for our loved ones.

      2. wilderness profile image78
        wildernessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

        Yes, our justice system is broken, particularly when it comes to Donald Trump. 

        He has been persecuted by the Justice System for over 8 years now, from 2 fake impeachments to the "me too" crowd claiming sexual crimes (changed in the media to "rape", though that was not the verdict) to massive wrongdoing in New York to taking government papers.

        Found guilty of the "crime" in NY, a crime with no victim, no harm done anywhere and no one complaining, he was still "guilty" and fined.  Found "guilty" of sex crimes decades ago, with no witnesses, only one person complaining and no other proof.  Found guilty by the hanging mob (public and MSM) when telling rioters to "march peacefully" with the crime being insurrection as the rioters attempted to take over the United States armed with a flagpole and a fire extinguisher.

        He DID take the papers, though, and that crime is stalled with a technicality while everyone else guilty of the same thing was let go.

        So...you decide for yourself, just as everyone else has.  Is he guilty of 100+ crimes or not?  And if he is, should he be President even though there is no legal reason not to be?  We all made that choice this election.

        1. Kathleen Cochran profile image74
          Kathleen Cochranposted 7 months agoin reply to this

          "We all made that choice this election."

          You reap what you sow.
          You reap more than you sow.
          You reap after you sow.

          Last time God sent a Pandemic.

          1. Readmikenow profile image83
            Readmikenowposted 7 months agoin reply to this

            I agree.

            This time God sent dementia to destroy the democrat party and get President Donald Trump back in office.

            1. wilderness profile image78
              wildernessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

              Sad but true.

          2. wilderness profile image78
            wildernessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

            I presume this time He will send an Asteroid and the United States will be no more.  Along with the rest of the world. 

            Thus is the evil within both your god and Trump.

      3. Sharlee01 profile image84
        Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

        I appreciate your curiosity and will do my best to answer your questions directly. The U.S. justice system operates on the principle of "innocent until proven guilty." Former President Trump, like any citizen, has the right to defend himself in court against charges. The multiple cases against him represent accusations that haven't yet resulted in final convictions. The legal process is lengthy, and political polarization magnifies the perception of bias in these cases.

        Regarding the judges who dismissed the 2020 election lawsuits, their rulings often cited a lack of substantial evidence or standing and the fact the cases were in many cases submitted to the wrong court, not necessarily political alignment. The diversity of judges involved—appointed by presidents from both parties—indicates that the decisions weren't uniformly "leftist."

        As for psychiatrists or critics, assessments of fitness for office often involve subjective interpretations, and many Americans, particularly Trump supporters, see such claims as politically motivated rather than clinical conclusions.

        The phenomenon of Trump maintaining political viability despite legal challenges reflects a combination of public support, distrust in institutions, and a robust legal framework protecting his candidacy until proven otherwise.   Whether this reveals a flaw in the justice system or political resilience depends on one's perspective. I respect your cynicism and encourage more exploration into the nuances of these systems.

    5. abwilliams profile image79
      abwilliamsposted 6 months ago

      Mike, you would think, but I am not sure how much thinking goes beyond, oh gawd... not Trump!

    6. Sharlee01 profile image84
      Sharlee01posted 6 months ago

      Many people use the term DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) without fully grasping how much it has evolved. Some view it as simply casting a "wide net" to recruit diverse candidates, but in reality, it has grown into something far more expansive and complex. Originally, DEI aimed to create fairer, more inclusive spaces for historically marginalized groups, focusing on race, gender, and disability representation. Over time, however, it has come to encompass a wide range of variables, including sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religion, age, and even political ideology.

      While the surface goal of increasing diversity sounds straightforward, DEI initiatives now often delve into systemic changes, cultural awareness, and equity of outcomes. For some, this shift represents progress; for others, it feels like a departure from merit-based principles. Critics argue that DEI sometimes prioritizes identity markers over qualifications, leading to concerns about fairness and productivity. Additionally, efforts to include contentious variables like gender identity or political ideology have sparked backlash, with detractors claiming these moves promote ideological conformity rather than genuine diversity of thought. Some even feel that DEI programs risk marginalizing majority groups or reducing individuals to checkboxes rather than recognizing their unique talents.

      The casual use of terms like "wide net" (a favored phrase among progressives) often glosses over just how divisive DEI has become. What began as a well-intentioned effort to address inequality has been redefined and reshaped, particularly by far-left extremists, to align with their broader agenda. While I respect the intent to foster inclusivity, it’s clear that DEI has morphed into a contentious and sometimes polarizing framework.

    7. Ken Burgess profile image71
      Ken Burgessposted 6 months ago

      Honestly... I think you would find many people do... not... care.

      The last 4 years gave us 25% Inflation and WWIII...

      No one sane trusts the Federal Government in DC or the Main Stream Media that covers for it.

      That's why you have Trump... again... heading to the White House...

      Because the corruption and lies and harm our government is doing to the American people and the Nation is so overwhelmingly obvious to the majority of Americans... they are willing to send Trump back in there, no matter how badly he does we will probably be better off than if we allow these asswipes currently in control to continue marching the country in the direction it is going.

      1. Willowarbor profile image61
        Willowarborposted 6 months agoin reply to this

        Very few people care an iota about foreign affairs.  Trump was hired because he promised to put more money in people's pockets.  He promised to do it on day one.  He ran on giveaways.   Cutting grocery costs, reducing gas prices, energy prices cut in half,  reducing mortgage rates, reducing the price of housing, reducing insurance rates, cutting taxes for the middle class, child tax credits, no tax on social security, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime... The American people are very transactional.   Most will turn on him instantaneously when he does not produce what he has promised.  And the thought of the price of goods rising due to his tariffs?  Oh absolutely not.   We are approaching "put up or shut up" time. And the "look here, not there"  nonsense?   No one is interested in J6 pardons on day one or the other nonsense he is spewing such as the investigating the investigators crap...

        Just 1 percent of IPSOS respondents believed that the pardons should be Trump’s first priority. 

        The lesson of this election shouldn’t go unnoticed by maga...inflation doesn’t sit well with voters, and they won’t forget.  The very thing that helped him win, I predict, will sink him...very quickly.

        1. My Esoteric profile image86
          My Esotericposted 6 months agoin reply to this

          "Trump was hired because he promised to put more money in people's pockets.  He promised to do it on day one. "

          They will remember in 2028 how bad inflation got under Trump and vote a Democrat in, They will remember in 2026 how bad inflation got under Trump and vote the Republicans out of the House, at least.

          ASSUMING Trump, the criminal and sexual predator, carries out his agenda as promised, most economists say that inflation is almost a forgone conclusion and a recession is very likely.

          1. Miebakagh57 profile image87
            Miebakagh57posted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Not all Economist hold to this later view. It is either left or right. Rare are those at the centre.

            1. My Esoteric profile image86
              My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              You are correct, there are one or two economists that don't. There always are.

              1. Miebakagh57 profile image87
                Miebakagh57posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Welcome.

      2. Miebakagh57 profile image87
        Miebakagh57posted 5 months agoin reply to this

        *****

    8. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 6 months ago
      1. Credence2 profile image81
        Credence2posted 6 months agoin reply to this

        Thanks, ESO, we both are well aware of the sham the American people so easily fell for. Nice to have you back. We will see you at "the front".

        1. My Esoteric profile image86
          My Esotericposted 6 months agoin reply to this

          Good to be back and shame on those cowards who can't handle the truth plainly spoken and the hub mediators that let them get away with it.

    9. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 6 months ago

      The Republicans have officially dragged America down into the status of a third-world petty dictatorship.  There is a lot lower they can go, and probably will disgrace America even more, but they are just getting started.

      After investigating January 6, House GOP sides with Trump and goes after Liz Cheney

      In pretending Jan 6 never happened "Wrapping up their own investigation on the January 6, 2021 US Capitol attack, House Republicans have concluded GOP former Rep. Liz Cheney should be prosecuted for probing what happened when then-President Donald Trump sent his mob of supporters as Congress was certifying the 2020 election.

      The findings issued Tuesday show the Republican Party working to reinforce Trump’s desire to punish his perceived enemies, including Cheney and members of the January 6 committee that the president-elect has said should be in jail."


      The only real difference I see now between Trump/Republicans and Putin's Russia is that Trump, as far as we know, hasn't ordered that Liz be pushed out a window of a tall building or poisoned with Novichok.

      I am literally sick to my stomach, and every other patriotic, God-fearing American, should be to now.

      https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/18/politics … index.html

      1. Willowarbor profile image61
        Willowarborposted 6 months agoin reply to this

        No surprise here. This IS the focus of his next term.  It's always been about revenge on his perceived enemies and of course grifting.   He's already backpedaling on his lowering prices on everything promise.  This investigation is about to be as credible as the one into  the Biden's.  Fire up the clown car...look here , not there.

        1. My Esoteric profile image86
          My Esotericposted 6 months agoin reply to this

          A great outcome, which I don't expect, is the 2 or 3 Conservatives with a Conscience left in the House resign their party and become Independents thereby throwing control back over to the Democrats.

    10. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 6 months ago

      An unreasonable perception (in America anyway) that the economy was bad coupled with a Hitleresque- style fear campaign by Trump, the criminal and sexual abuser, was enough to do in America and a chance of an even brighter future. It wasn't just in America this happened, but across the world as this article lays out.

      https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/24/world/ye … index.html

    11. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 6 months ago

      More bad news for America, this time from the Biden administration.

      Unlike the Trump supporters on this forum, I am willing to fault Biden and/or his administration when they screw up. Even though Trump set the stage and left Biden very few option, I was focal in my denunciation of Biden himself in not exiting Afghanistan in a more orderly fashion. Likewise, I am ready to blame his administration, the USDA in particular, for letting a potential pandemic develop!

      They couldn't have done it at a worse time with Trump taking over the reins in a month. He already has a history of screwing up a pandemic and being responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Now he gets a chance to do it again with the Bird Flu.

      https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/24/health/a … index.html

    12. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 5 months ago

      In 15 days, you can say Goodbye to another institution Biden resurrected from the grave Trump, the criminal himself and sexual abuser, had destroyed - the DOJ. It will soon become AGAIN the DOIJ, the Department of InJustice.  The first thing that will probably happen is his insurrectionist friends and followers who haven't been sentenced or arrested will get off scott-free for having attacked the United States and attempted to overthrow our government.

      I think a good idea would be for any DOJ employee who thinks there is a chance they will be purged anyway by Biondi to quit and join a holding firm specifically designed to give these people a place to go while they wait out the transformation of the DOJ and FBI into some form of the KGB.

      Do I think I might be harassed by Trump's dictatorship, or worse, arrested, for the truths I have written about him - yes I do.

      https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/05/politics … index.html

      1. GA Anderson profile image84
        GA Andersonposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        You give yourself too much credit. Cred is the one they want.

        GA  ;-)

        1. My Esoteric profile image86
          My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Very possibly, but I do try to be humble sometimes.

          1. Ken Burgess profile image71
            Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Try harder...

            Nothing I've seen you post ever hinted it in the slightest.

            1. My Esoteric profile image86
              My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              That is also very possible.

        2. Credence2 profile image81
          Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Oh yes, he would have to shut me and other thoughtful progressives up, the First Amendment be damned. He is thin skinned and would find anyway to stifle dissent, be it fair or foul. As President, he would have to use all the brutality within his Arsenal to thwart protests, peaceful or not. He will pull the throttle back on a free press with ridiculous charges of libel or simply have his billionaire buddies buy out troublesome media outlets, just as Bezos did with the Washington Post or Musk's contemplation of buying out MSNBC.

          Conservatives have always had the reputation of fear of a "free press"

          But  regardless,  I stand tall under the onslaught of the Rightwingers' adversity, never allowing them a day's peace.
          ----------
          Has it been so long that leaders with integrity can no longer be found?

          "Yes, Kennedy suggested, the administration’s views might clash with those of its inquisitors.
          ----------
          But, he added, “I not only could not stifle controversy among your readers — I welcome it. This administration intends to be candid about its errors; for as a wise man once said: ‘An error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.’ We intend to accept full responsibility for our errors; and we expect you to point them out when we miss them.”
          --------

          That’s the opposite of Trump’s approach.

          But the opposite of Trump is what American needs now.

        3. Miebakagh57 profile image87
          Miebakagh57posted 5 months agoin reply to this

          If he wants to be arrest for all the evil aspersions against Captain America, President Donld J Trump, let it be.                                    But I pray God forbid it.

      2. Sharlee01 profile image84
        Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

        Free speech is a right and a good thing—it encourages learning, conversation, and awareness of what society values and feels. I'm not sure why you’re worried about being harassed or "picked up." Honestly, have you noticed that not many people here on HP's respond to your posts when you share them?   Maybe take a moment to realize your views don’t even create a ripple on social media.  I think the new DOJ will have much bigger fish to fry. So, don’t worry—be happy!

        Consider--- at the start of President Joe Biden's term, the Department of Justice (DOJ) asked for the resignations of most U.S. attorneys who had been appointed during the Trump administration. This is a STANDARD   practice when a new administration takes office, as U.S. attorneys are political appointees who typically serve at the pleasure of the president.

        The process began in February 2021, when Biden's DOJ requested the resignations of 56 Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys.

        1. My Esoteric profile image86
          My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Does Russia have free speech?  Where do you think Trump is headed. That is his model as to how a government should be run - he has said as much himself.

          There are only a handful of political appointees in DOJ and I am well aware of the time worn practice of political appointees (without being asked) turn in their resignations when an administration changes.

          Those are not the ones I am talking about. I am talking about the 10,000 non-politically appointed attorneys that work at DOJ. Those people are the ones that will be purged if Trump or Biondi take a dislike to them,  Those are ones Trump wants to put on his new civil service schedule so that he can fire them at will like he can political appointees.

          As to my posts, probably as many that respond to you. We all are in the same circle of responders. When I go to a new forum from you or from Credence, I see the same cohort of participants.

          1. Sharlee01 profile image84
            Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

            "As to my posts, probably as many that respond to you. We all are in the same circle of responders. "

            What I meant, and I see my context was not good at all --- I was trying to say a few posts here, and this forum does not make a ripple in social media.

            I can agree, that if Bondi dislikes anyone under her she most likely will ask them for a resignation. I also agree in my view, Trump will replace anyone he feels is not supporting his agenda or his policies.

            1. My Esoteric profile image86
              My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              What forum does make a ripple? I agree this one does not but neither do any of the political ones.

              If Bondi does do that, it will politicize an organization that America took well over 100 years to unpoliticize, the civil service.

    13. Kathleen Cochran profile image74
      Kathleen Cochranposted 5 months ago

      January 6 - a day that will live in shame - especially for those who re-elected the felon or did their part by not voting at all.

      1. My Esoteric profile image86
        My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        I keep forgetting those 4 million blind Democrats who will beat their chest and rend their clothes in surprised outrage when Trump carries out his agenda to ruin America.

      2. Ken Burgess profile image71
        Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        The whole year (2019 - 2020) is a good study in manipulation...

        Very much like the type of efforts seen in foreign nations to stir the populace against the sitting President (or similar title).

        Lots of fun facts, who funded the Antifa efforts and where did they go after the election?

        How many FBI agents were inserted into organizations like the Proud Boys?  ... and a follow up to that what did they coerce non-agents to do that they may not have done on their own?

        The world is not what it seems... especially when it comes to riots and efforts to 'overthrow' a government.

        Plenty written out there on such a topic:

        US Election: A Color Revolution ‘Comes Home to Roost’
        https://canadianpatriot.org/2020/12/01/ … -to-roost/

        The Secret History of the Shadow Campaign That Saved the 2020 Election
        https://time.com/5936036/secret-2020-election-campaign/

        They used the word "saved" in the title for what was essentially explaining how they rigged and election... of course that was only one part of an effort that included riots and a constant creation of charges and insinuations against the sitting President.

        How Ukraine’s Orange Revolution shaped twenty-first century geopolitics
        https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/u … opolitics/

        1. Readmikenow profile image83
          Readmikenowposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Ken,

          Do you find it interesting that over 2 dozen FBI "Human" resources were at the capital on January 6?  Some, such as Ray Epp...told the crowd to storm the capital.  Other of these "resources"  broke the barrier and let people into the capital.

          Isn't this odd?  Main stream media doesn't seem to want to cover this for some reason.

          Any ideas why?

          1. Ken Burgess profile image71
            Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            A couple decades back I remember a group in a nearby small city that was hit by the FBI... a 'terrorist group' that consisted of two or three individuals and twice as many FBI agents that were manipulating them into doing things that would constitute "terrorist group" planning of actions that made charging them possible.

            I have often wondered did this help avert a terrorist attack or was it because of the FBIs influence that they developed the plan of action with which allowed them to be arrested?

            In the case of Jan 6th... it is highly... highly probable that the violence and efforts to enter into Congress would not have occurred without direct FBI influence and action.

            The FBI was out to get Trump and out to ensure he never returned to the White House.  This seemed the most probable way of destroying his reputation as efforts to label him a traitor and Putin puppet had failed.

            Most people who have not worked in Special Ops or Intelligence have no idea just how much of what goes on in the world is a direct result of the actions of our FBI, CIA, Ops forces, etc.

            1. Readmikenow profile image83
              Readmikenowposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              "it is highly... highly probable that the violence and efforts to enter into Congress would not have occurred without direct FBI influence and action.

              The FBI was out to get Trump and out to ensure he never returned to the White House.  This seemed the most probable way of destroying his reputation as efforts to label him a traitor and Putin puppet had failed"

              I agree with you.

            2. My Esoteric profile image86
              My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              More conspiracy theories not based in - well anything.

              1. Ken Burgess profile image71
                Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                You're funny.

            3. Miebakagh57 profile image87
              Miebakagh57posted 5 months agoin reply to this

              Thank you, Ken, for this insightful information.                                   Decades ago, the CIA, in other to get to an institute, infiltrated the  Jehovah Witnesses, a religious organ.                                    The use of the FBI against Trump, when the later left office was obvious wrong.

          2. My Esoteric profile image86
            My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Again, DEBUNKED many times over.

          3. Credence2 profile image81
            Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Off topic, I have to hand it to you, Mike, you have penned a lot of interesting and enticing articles. You have definitely piqued my curiosity, I will have to find the time to read more of them

            1. Readmikenow profile image83
              Readmikenowposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              Cred,

              I read many things.

              Here is an article about it from the BBC.  I feel you would dismiss an article from Fox News.

              "FBI informants were at Capitol riot but no agents, watchdog finds
              12 December 2024

              More than two dozen FBI informants were in Washington DC ahead of the riot at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, but no full-time undercover agents were present or took part in the riot itself, according to a new justice department report.

              The report said none of the agency's informants were authorised to enter the Capitol or join the riot, but four did enter the building.

              The report also found that the FBI failed in the "basic step" of adequately using its field offices across the US to gather intelligence that could have predicted the riot.

              The report, from the justice department's Office of the Inspector General, found that 26 "confidential human sources" - or paid informants - were in Washington on the day of the riot.

              Three of them had been tasked with gathering information for domestic terrorism cases who might have been going to the rallies on 6 January, one of whom entered the Capitol building.

              The remaining 23 had not been directed to be in the area and did so on their own initiative.

              At the time, some were in contact or travelling with members of far-right groups including the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.

              Of the 26 in total, four confidential sources entered the Capitol during the riot. Another 13 entered the restricted area around the Capitol - a security perimeter established in preparation for election certification on 6 January.

              None of the confidential sources who entered the Capitol or its environs were among those criminally charged with trespassing.

              1. My Esoteric profile image86
                My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Seems to me you just blew up yours and Ken's conspiracy theory. Assuming I read what you posted correctly, the FBI had 3, count them, 3 paid informants collection information on domestic terrorists like the Trump supporters invading the Capitol at his direction. Only ONE of which followed the right-wing insurrectionists into the Capitol.

                Thank you for your help in putting this piece of fake news to bed.

                1. wilderness profile image78
                  wildernessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  From Mike's post:  "The remaining 23 had not been directed to be in the area and did so on their own initiative."

                  So...23 informant's in the area, not 3.  Three had been directed to be there, 23 were there on their own initiative.

                  "Of the 26 in total, four confidential sources entered the Capitol during the riot. "

                  Four informants entered the Capitol.  Not 1

                  "Another 13 entered the restricted area around the Capitol"

                  You didn't mention this, but it seems pertinent.  13 more acted illegally.

                  Looks to me like your own "news" is just as fake as the ones saying there were far more informants and even agents.  It's all in how you spin it, and what data is left out isn't it?  Except it's not; it's about the "Truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth".  It's about "The rest of the story".

                  1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                    Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    Common sense tells me this information needs to be questioned by Congress, and asked whether were they assigned to be there and paid. Were they there as just citizens attending the Trump speech?  As always we are left in the dark, with no answers to simple common sense questions.

                    1. Willowarbor profile image61
                      Willowarborposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      This is all complete and utter debunked nonsense and common Sense tells me that Republicans should avoid embarrassing themselves anymore with their "investigations".  Do you really want to see Comer's clown car roll out again??

                      American patience  is thin, produce what you said you're going to produce... Absolutely no one is interested in going over and over the fodder of conspiracy theorists.  Lower the grocery prices, the gas prices, the housing prices, interest rates, taxes and so on...tick tock.  Enough of the look here but not there...

                    2. wilderness profile image78
                      wildernessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      I'm wondering if all those 26 informants, whether instructed to be there or not, were reporting what was going on as it happened.  Or before...I recall something about knowledge of Pearl Harbor before it happened, just letting it go as a reason to get into the war.  Jan6 has certainly been useful to Trump haters, even if the HAVE blown everything completely out of proportion, arrested hundreds that did nothing thousands of other rioters did without repercussions, lied through their teeth about what happened, etc.

                2. Ken Burgess profile image71
                  Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  That seems right... that it would seem to you... that when Mike shows a source that corroborates what I had said... you believe it does the opposite.

                  Funny stuff.

                  1. My Esoteric profile image86
                    My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    Exactly HOW did it corroborate what you said when it refutes it?

              2. Ken Burgess profile image71
                Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                I'm sure that is based on the official report given out by...?

                Of course, all official reports should be considered 100% truthful and honest, as all former government employees, especially those who worked inside the military or alphabet agencies can tell you.

              3. Credence2 profile image81
                Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                We probably will never agree on on our diversions politically. I am focused on your intersting biographies and articles regarding technological development. I asked my niece, who is a Star Trek fan like her old uncle, to have a look at your article about the first cellular telephone. She commented on how cumbersome and bulky it was. I told her that the computer microprocessor chip, the foundation for electronic calculators and PCs was invented in 1971, while I was in high school.

                She asks about Star Trek technology ever being possible. I said that I have been around long enough to have seen things that 50'years ago were impossible. So, I don't use that word. Star Trek technology may not be impossible but it is FAR beyond the  realm of current science and technology.

                I asked her what would George Washington have made of our current cell phones, an instrument that everyone has? Not a single function on that phone could even have been conceived of in Washington's lifetime. He would have considered it magic.

                In the next 250 years, so much of the "Star Trek Magic" could become a possibility. Our conversation gets her thinking about things and possibilities. Your article served as a catalyst for an intelligent discussion between us.

                1. Ken Burgess profile image71
                  Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  I wonder if we are destined to become Borg like.

                  Or perhaps tied in to a Matrix type of existence.

                  Or Soylent Green ...maybe that's closest to becoming reality...

                  I think our awareness of how fragile our existence is, is becoming an increasing pressure on humanity's collective psyche.

                  The idea that we are on a planet that is a mere atom or less in size compared to a larger Cosmos...

                  That how insignificant we are, how breif our existence has been on this earth... How we now know many disasters have befallen civilizations in our past we have no knowledge of.

                  Before the Egyptians, Minoans, still further back, beyond known history... Gobleki Tempe, Puma Punku, the foundation stones in Lebanon, so much evidence today it can no longer be dismissed as theory or conspiracy.

                  Will it be a cataclysmic volcanic eruption, a meteor, sunflare, magnetic pole shift?

                  We have enough knowledge of our past, of the universe, to know we are doomed if we do not spread our existence beyond this world.

                  1. Credence2 profile image81
                    Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    You have a point, people are being distracted by minutiae and missing the main event.

                    With all the trashy pop culture diversions, today,  I teach my niece to ask questions and learn to think independently as that is what her adversaries will fear most. To avoid being intellectually lazy and being prepared to dig to get answers. Perhaps, at 14 and 15, I was not so terribly attentive. Must be part and parcel of being 14 or 15.

                    I focus on Star Trek as a positive portrayal of humanity's fate in the future. We are talking about not just new gadgets and technologies, but a rebirth of man and with the invention of the pattern replicator to no longer judge success by the number of toys one accumulates or ones ability dominate one another. By that time as Capt. Picard mentions, the species will have finally grown beyond its infancy. The Matrix, Solent Green or even Logans Run paint a darker future.

                    You are wise to recognize the fragility of our existence and futility of our goals and objectives based on a very limited life span.

                    We may not have to wait for a natural cataclysm, it could be all man made as we have been a rush to destroy ourselves until we acquire the wisdom not to......

                    1. My Esoteric profile image86
                      My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      SHAME on you for let alone Teaching your niece but to teach her to think Independently, SHAME. That is not the Trump or Conservative way, didn't you know.

                      You should be teaching her revisionist history like DeSantis does.

                    2. Ken Burgess profile image71
                      Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      The awareness of how fragile we are, how small, how short a time in the long history of what we know...

                      We don't know if past civilizations suffered this level of awareness...

                      Or if it caused civilizational collapse once it was obtained...

                      The Egyptians go back centuries... clearly they had in their past knowledge and wisdom that dwarfed anything we saw from them in the AD (vs the BC)...

                      What causes this decline... back into the darkness...

                      Does humanity suffer from a collective PTSD...?

                      Do we rise from darkness because we are blissfully unaware... only to gain knowledge and understanding so advanced as to be able to build a Pyramid the size of a mountain smack dab in the center of the earth, pointing true north, including in its build such depth of mathematical comprehension as to be on par with our understanding of math and the stars today... with all our vaunted technology.

                      And upon reaching this level... do we reach for the stars, make it to Mars... or do we self-destruct... again... forced to make another climb out of the darkness.

        2. My Esoteric profile image86
          My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Just a bunch of debunked conspiracy theories Katherine, nothing more.

    14. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 5 months ago

      The civilized world must look at America now like they do Russia or Guatemala, re-electing known felons and sexual abusers as their leader. Now, we sink even further into incivility as  another billionaire decides to trash his civic duties as Zuckerberg has decided to allow his platforms, e.g.. Facebook, to become full-fledged purveyors of lies, disinformation, misinformation, Russian, Chinese, and Iranian propaganda.

      I think the only protection now is to get rid of the that section of the law that prevents platforms like his and X from getting sued for what they allow to be read.

      If I had young kids, I would not let them view Facebook, X, or any other dangerous platform.

      https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/07/tech/met … index.html

      1. Ken Burgess profile image71
        Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        If the rest of the world looks at America like that... then the corrupt, criminal, cabal in control of our government today is to thank for it.

        As they are the ones who directed the DOJ and FBI to fabricate and instigate all that has been directed at Trump and those who would dare support him... until it became a far superior number of Americans that supported him than hated him.

        The majority of Americans have no trust of this (Biden and Co.) government... and that is why we have Trump returned to the WH.

        Just goes to show you Americans aren't as nearly as dumb as the those in the DC belt believe them to be.

      2. My Esoteric profile image86
        My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        It is now OK to insult women by calling the "household objects" on Facebook. I wonder if Hubpages will now allow the same thing or worse?

        I suppose it is now fine to publish on X or Facebook that the surgeon general advocates getting rid of all vaccines so that children won't get autism. That lie will have real world consequences as, for example, my massage therapist is one of those antivaxxers who believe disinformation like that and won't get her kid vaccinated. That, of course, puts himself and other kids around him in danger.

        https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/07/tech/met … index.html

    15. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 5 months ago

      Remember, and I will keep reminding you, THIS is the kind of chaos you wanted and voted for:

      Further, Trump did not rule out using the military to wrest control of the Panama Canal and Greenland — both territories Trump has raised interest in acquiring.

      He said he wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” (Did I mention he is mentally ill?)

      Trump said he encouraged Wayne Gretzky, a former NHL player and coach, to run for the job.

      Trump said Russia’s war in Ukraine could “escalate” and that it is “much more complicated.” - Obviously, Trump will break his promise of ending the Russian war of aggression before he is inaugurated.

      Trump also warned that if hostages being held in Gaza are not released by his inauguration, “all hell will break out” in the Middle East. - I guess Trump is going to put American boots, or at least bombs, on the ground in the Middle East.

      The world has every right to be frightened of this madman.

      https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/ … index.html

    16. Nathanville profile image88
      Nathanvilleposted 5 months ago

      Just in case you don't get the European Current Affairs New in the USA:

      Elon Musk is currently a far greater risk to free democracy in Europe than Trump.  Not only has he been interfering with the politics across Europe, including countries like Germany, where he has been trying to influence the General Election in favour of the far-right wing party in Germany; but also:-

      1.    There is an ongoing row between Musk and the Labour Party, as Musk periodically attacks Labour (no great surprise in that Labour is a left-wing socialist party, and Musk is far-right-wing) e.g. over the past week Musk has been spreading lies about Labour.

      Sir Keir Starmer (Labour Prime Minister) Responds to Elon Musk's Support for Tommy Robinson, as part of Elon Musk’s continued attacks (lies) on British Politics:  https://youtu.be/z0Vgjscfq1g

      2.    Elon Musk, also this week turned on (attacked) Nigel Farage (leader of the far-right political party in the UK (UK Reform); because Nigel Farage has distanced himself (and always has had the good sense to distance himself) from Tommy Robinson. 

      Elon Musk attacks on the UK Reform Leader for not being far enough far-right in his politics https://youtu.be/pgNB6PcQPRo

      Tommy Robinson, who Elon Musk fully supports, and who Elon Musk would like to see as the new leader of UK Reform, has a long list of criminal records, and is currently serving a prison sentence, is a far-right fascist activist (and fully, and openly, supports Hitler’s Nazi politics), and has been an active member of several far-right fascist political parties in the UK, including the BNP (British National Party) which was banned as a political party in the UK in 2016 - the BNP 'is an openly Nazi party' whose 'leadership have serious criminal convictions' whose 'crimes range from bomb making, organising illegal paramilitary groups, possession of firearms and a series of convictions under Race Relations and Public Order Acts' and that 'BNP publications are uninhibited in their racist style and report unashamedly on their members stabbing Black people'.

      Tommy Robinson not only entered the USA illegally under a false passport in 2013, but in 2019 sought political asylum (from Britain) in the USA.

      So the above says a lot on how far-far-right Elon Musk politics is ….which should be a worry to us all in the free and democratic world.

      1. Ken Burgess profile image71
        Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        No surprise... there has been substantial efforts in Germany from the Left... from terrorists and activists... to destroy Tesla's operations in Germany.

        Tesla... which built a factory there and hired thousands of Germans... if Musk doesn't regret that decision I would be surprised.

        That decision was likely based on Germany having cheap, affordable, power as well as a slew of well educated individuals to choose from...

        However the attacks on Tesla factories and recharge stations is nothing short of terrorism... and the red tape from the political Left made the building of that factory take twice as long as expected.

        Germany is heading into troubled waters because they have brought in tens of millions of migrants that will have no real job opportunities as the economy stagnates...

        Germany is screwed because its entire economy relied on the cheap energy and resources that came to it from Russia. 

        The dominoes of the EUs decline are already starting to fall... this was caused by Biden's reckless war against Russia and Biden's reckless spending which empowered the American dollar at the expense of its ally nations... Japan, Germany, and Ukraine will suffer great economic hardships in 2025 and beyond... probably more nations... Canada is another that I think will spiral, which is why Trudeau is bailing, the collapse is imminent.

        [edit]
        Also there is the whole insane idea of Nations like the UK wanting to fine companies like X (Twitter) half their gross revenue for allowing one 'inflammatory' post on their site.

        So yeah, in general, I'd say he has some reason for getting in to politics as Left parties/governments have decided to target his businesses for destruction.

        1. Nathanville profile image88
          Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          My post was focused on Elon Musk’s political attacks in UK politics (spreading his far-right-wing/fascist lies (disinformation) on ‘X’); I only mentioned Germany and Europe in passing, as a reference that it’s not just the free democracy in the UK that Elon Musk is attacking, but also the free democracies of Europe in general – because they are not far-right-wing enough for his liking.

          FYI, although the EU has gone through an economic crisis following the pandemic, just like the rest of the world, the economic outlook for the EU is generally positive, with growth expected to increase in 2025 and 2026 (albeit slowly), and inflation expected to fall by half (to below 2%) by the end of this year.  One big economic advantage the EU has over the USA and UK is that unlike the USA and UK, the EU has had a good track record of keeping a balanced budget e.g. no national debt that is spiralling out of control.  Yeah, sure, the EU borrowed €100 billion during the pandemic (to support jobs), and a further €800 billion to finance the recovery after the pandemic, which will be paid back by the end of 2026; and it plans to borrow a further €421 over the next couple of years, with plans to pay that back by 2058 – But these debts are small fry compared to the national debts in the UK and USA.  So no – I don’t think the EU is in decline.

          FYI, it’s not a 50% fine that the UK/EU would impose on Social Media platforms for allowing harmful content to be posted online; under UK law it’s a maximum fine of “10% of global annual revenue”; and under EU law it’s 6%.

          1. My Esoteric profile image86
            My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            The other side sure likes to make facts and figures up, don't they. If I had my  way, after the third offense, they would be banned as a national security threat.

            With Trump almost in power, you can kiss your economic growth goodbye IF he implements his tariff and deportation policies.

            His tariff plans will cause inflation and likely cause a recession. His deportation plans will cause a recession and probably inflation at the same time.

            I use the term "will" because if he implements them the way he has said he is going to, it will be a mathematical certainty.

            1. Nathanville profile image88
              Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              Yep, I came to the same conclusion sad

      2. My Esoteric profile image86
        My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        Nope, been reading about it. Sorry we have infected Europe with our trash.

        1. wilderness profile image78
          wildernessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          I'm not: much of Europe (and other parts of the world) did everything they could to put Biden in office.  They deserve no sympathy for doing it.

          1. My Esoteric profile image86
            My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            They absolutely understood America needed Biden to recover from the ravages that Trump visited upon us - and is going to do again.

            1. wilderness profile image78
              wildernessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              LOL  For sure - we needed double digit inflation!  We needed wars across the globe!  We need skyrocketing crime in our neighborhoods!  Yeah for Biden!

              1. My Esoteric profile image86
                My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                We didn't need the inflation but let me educate you again - Biden didn't Cause It.

                More education - CRIME IS DOWN IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS across America.

                So yes - Yea for Biden.

        2. Nathanville profile image88
          Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Thanks, I appreciate your sympathy smile; I also feel for those Americans who did not vote for Trump, and who will suffer under Trump.

      3. Credence2 profile image81
        Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

        https://thehill.com/policy/internationa … k-germany/

        Elon Musk represents the very worst of the American tycoon. How is it that he has the gall to stick his proboscis in the affairs of others?  Trump's emissary is already spreading vitriol across the European continent, attacking your elected leaders. As an American, I find that all the more abhorrent and embarrassing, he addresses your heads of state by insulting names. I hope that your people stand firm against the incursion by this pompous and arrogant man. And you know what, I don't care how much money he has, it is more than compensated for by his lack decorum and wisdom.

        And everybody here like to swoon over how great he is??

        1. Nathanville profile image88
          Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Thanks for the link – a most interesting read.

          But unfortunately, it’s not just Musk – Trump is turning out to be a 2nd Hitler e.g. his threats to seize power from sovereign States in Europe and the Middle East, just like Hitler did in the build up to WWII.

          Greenland is a sovereign State that belongs to Demark, and hence belongs to the EU - So there is no way the EU will allow Trump to seize Greenland without a war - World War III.

          It seems that Trump and Musk (his sidekick) are turning out to be another Hitler; and I'm sure the UK Government will side with Europe if Trump carries out his threat to seize Greenland.

          1. Readmikenow profile image83
            Readmikenowposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Again with the Hitler comparison.  Maybe need to read some history on that one. 

            The US obtaining Greenland is about the security of the free world.  Greenland and even countries in Europe understand the situation.  Europeans have a history of not recognizing threats to the world.  It's the history of World Wars starting in Europe that gives concern to their views on things.

            "The Northwest Passage, or Northern Sea route, was first crossed in the winter months by a Russian commercial vessel several years ago, and is a shorter route linking east Asia's major ports to Europe and the Atlantic Ocean. Western powers have already voiced concern about Russia and China using it to boost their presence in the North Atlantic. 

            "The Americans have a strong interest in overseeing the activities of foreign countries in Greenland because it's such a big security asset for foreign states, and due to that, any investment or activity, from the American point of view, may be seen as a security threat," Frank Sejersen, associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, told CBS News on Wednesday.

            1. Credence2 profile image81
              Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

              Does not every tyrant make the claim that territorial aggression is always for some higher purpose?  "Security threat" is the excuse China and Russia use, so, so what? No one is buying it, Mike. None of this is going to go down well.

              The only threat to the world is Donald Trump and his territorial ambitions. The Right of self determination of people whether it be Taiwan, Ukraine, Greenland or Panama is more important than Trump's tyrannical bent on treating its residents as just an inconvienient obstacle to another real estate deal. Our American Left and Europe will resist, on that you may rest assured. This will have to be just another hair brained scheme of his that public opinion and pressure will force him to put to bed.

              1. Readmikenow profile image83
                Readmikenowposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                President Donald Trump never said he would us military force to obtain Greenland.  He just didn't rule it out.  Part of successful negotiations is to never refuse to play a card. 

                There are European governments who understand the world security threats as does President Donald Trump.  Maintaining shipping routes is essential to maintaining peace.

                This is from Forbes

                Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen told reporters the United States and NATO had “legitimate” interests in the region, saying “in conjunction with the melting of the Arctic and new shipping lanes opening up, we are unfortunately also seeing an increase in great power rivalry.”

                Greenland is part of Denmark, has representatives in the Danish parliament and its foreign relations are controlled by Denmark, though there has been a growing push for full independence in recent years

            2. Willowarbor profile image61
              Willowarborposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              Trump, the ‘America First’ candidate who pledged no new wars, now is looking into imperialism:   Remember when he said that the U.S. could no longer afford to be the world’s policeman?  Such talk of undermining sovereign borders and using military force against allies and fellow NATO members...is this what you voted for??

              He sure has duped y'all

              1. Readmikenow profile image83
                Readmikenowposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Again, there was no mention of using military force, it just wasn't ruled out.

                I think it is the left that just can't see things for what they are and that's the problem.

                1. Credence2 profile image81
                  Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Why was it not ruled out, more equivocating? Under what circumstances will it be "ruled in" and can it ever be justified?

                  1. Readmikenow profile image83
                    Readmikenowposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    I often wonder if the left knows anything about negotiating things.

                    If President Donald Trump was to rule out the use of military force he may not be taken serious.  By NOT ruling out the use of military force he now has the attention of the decision makers.  It's just that simple.

                    putin didn't invade Ukraine during Donald Trump's first presidency.  Why?  He had a meeting with putin.  President Donald Trump told putin if he invaded Ukraine he would "bomb the shit out of them." putin was quiet for a few seconds and said, "You wouldn't do that."  President Donald Trump shrugged his shoulders and said, "But I might."

                    This is when putin started telling the russian press that President Donald Trump was crazy and made him nervous. Think about that, President Donald Trump made putin nervous.

                    President Donald Trump didn't act on his threat to putin because he had putin thinking there could be serious consequences if he invaded Ukraine.  He wasn't sure if the President Donald Trump would order bombings on russia or not.  That was a brilliant move that kept russia away for four years.

                    Then biden comes into office senile and clueless and I'm certain putin said to himself "Now is the time to invade."

                    1. Willowarbor profile image61
                      Willowarborposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      Trump promised to end the war in Ukraine BEFORE he takes office....tick tock...

                    2. Credence2 profile image81
                      Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      Negotiation is not about intimidation and exacerbating international sensibilities in this tinder box of a world.

                      It is a serious thing when the President of the United States threatens others a with sword over a principle about using military force to intimidate allies? He has no right to even imply that military force can be used to annex Greenland, take away Panama's national sovereignty to obtain an economic advantage.

                      Trump is as phony as a three dollar bill and I going to spend the next 4 years of his upcoming term writing and telling people just that.

                2. Willowarbor profile image61
                  Willowarborposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Is this what an America First agenda looks like??

              2. My Esoteric profile image86
                My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                That, like Putin and Hitler, is what he does - CON everybody around him.

            3. My Esoteric profile image86
              My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              Yes, AGAIN. When the shoe fits, wear it I always say. Don't stick your head in the sand and ignore reality I also say.

              The world knows who and what Hitler was and can easily see the comparison. The ONLY think missing for the moment is Trump starting a Holocaust.

              The other obvious comparison is Trump following Putin's (and Hitler's) playbook on how to turn a democracy into an autocracy. In about days, he will have accomplished  3/4 of the job:

              * Putin destroyed all faith in the Russian justice system - Trump has done that with half our country

              * Putin destroyed the new Russian believe in elections - Trump has accomplished that with his incessant lies.

              * Putin has put loyal lackeys in charge of Russian institutions who put him first and screw Russia - Trump is in the process of doing that for the first time in modern American history.

              * Putin has wiped out (sometimes killed) any opposition in his own "party" - Trump, without the killing yet, has done largely the same. He is soon to turn HIS DOIJ on them as soon as Bondi is confirmed.

              * Putin has jailed or killed or otherwise suppressed opposition from outside his party so that he has a TOTALLY COMPLIANT Duma - Trump has not accomplished that yet, but he will try to put some in jail.

              * Putin has total control over the Russian Supreme Court - Trump has a put sympathizers on the Supreme Court but generally can't tell them what to do - yet.

              * Putin has near total control over the media and what is told to the Russian people which has allowed him to brainwash a good part of the population. - Trump has control over about 1/3 of the media and is on the attack against the other 2/3rds to effect the same outcome. MAGA is made up of those who Trump has brainwashed.

              * Putin is a known murderer and criminal. Trump is a convicted criminal and sexual abuser.

              * Putin lies at the drop of a hat. Trump lies at the drop of a hat.

              * Putin IS expansionist wanting to take over other nations. Trump has reversed course from being an isolationist to an expansionist and wants to take over Canada, Panama Canal, and Greenland (and who know what else).

              How much more clearer do I have to make it so that you pull your head out of the sand?

              1. Ken Burgess profile image71
                Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Hey, Hey, Hey, hey....

                Now waaaiiit a minute.....

                hey-yeah
                (Trump-woo) yeah-yeah-yeah
                (Trump-woo) all-right
                (Trump-woo) all-right
                (Trump-woo) come on now!
                (Trump) come on now!
                (Trump) yeah, yeah, yeah
                (Trump) yeah, yeah, yeah (good sound)
                (Trump) yeah, yeah, yeah (good sound)
                (Trump) yeah, yeah, yeah (good sound)
                (Trump) all-alright (good sound)
                (Trump) it's all-alright (good sound)
                (Trump) all-alright (good sound)
                (Trump) all-alright (aah)

                Now wait a minute!
                I feel alright!
                (Yeah yeah, yeah yeah!)
                You know you make me wanna
                lift my heels up and saaaay....

                TRUMP!

                1. Readmikenow profile image83
                  Readmikenowposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  "You know you make me wanna
                  lift my heels up and saaaay....

                  TRUMP!"

                  Ken,

                  Ha, I love it! Excellent!

                2. My Esoteric profile image86
                  My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  That should be TRUMP, THE CRIMINAL, THE SEXUAL ABUSER, THE INSURRECTIONIST, THE NATIONAL SECURITY RISK, THE LIAR1 if you want to be precise.

                  Personally, I want honest people with integrity to run our country. But, to each his own I suppose. If you wanted a bad man to by your leader, you got one.

                  1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                    Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    Will you ever realize others may share another view from your own?

                    1. My Esoteric profile image86
                      My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      Will you ever realize that is not a view - that is FACT! You probably should get used to having elected a Felon to the highest office in the land.

                3. Sharlee01 profile image84
                  Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Thank you

                4. tsmog profile image77
                  tsmogposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Uh-Oh!

            4. Nathanville profile image88
              Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              Yeah right:  That’s what all tyrants use as an excuse when they try to justify seizing land from sovereign nations.

              And I guess you don’t think Trump’s desire to seize Greenland has anything to do with Greenland’s wealth of untapped oil and gas – with Greenland containing some of the world's largest remaining oil and gas reserves.

              1. Readmikenow profile image83
                Readmikenowposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                The US currently has a military base in Greenland and favorable trading relations with them.  They are not happy being part of Denmark.  Greenland would benefit tremendously by being a US territory.

                1. Willowarbor profile image61
                  Willowarborposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  "They are not happy being part of Denmark. "

                  Lol, says who?   

                  “We are a proud Indigenous people with right to self-determination and not some sort of good that can be traded,” Aaja Chemnitz, a member of Greenland's parliament, told NBC News, adding that the future “is for Greenlanders to decide, and the majority wants to be independent.”

                  Trump ran on isolationism, now he's
                  selling imperialism?

                  https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/trum … rcna186932

                2. Credence2 profile image81
                  Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  We will let the Greenlanders decide that, if you Rightwingers would let them?

                3. Nathanville profile image88
                  Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  So what; just because the USA has military base in Greenland means nothing:  The USA also has military bases in multiple NATO countries across Europe, including Germany, Poland, and the UK.  In fact it dispels the argument for Trump seizing Greenland for its own defence and security – and strengthens the true reason that Trump wants Greenland e.g. the wealth of untapped oil.

                  You can’t say that the people of Greenland “are not happy being part of Denmark”; opinion is divided - a 2019 poll showed that 67.8% of Greenlanders support independence from Denmark sometime in the next two decades.

                  But equally, and more so if you listen to what the people of Greenland say; the people of Greenland are definitely not in favour of being part of the USA either – subject to a referendum, which may be as soon as April this year, the majority want ‘independence’, not to be part of another nation:-

                  In the words of Greenlanders:-

                  “Our country is ours – it’s not for sale”
                  “It’s taking away our voice and dehumanising us”

                  What do Greenlanders make of Donald Trump’s advances for their home?  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/ … p-advances

                  1. Readmikenow profile image83
                    Readmikenowposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    I would give it time.

                    They probably aren't fully processing the HUGE benefits that would come their way by being a territory of the United States.  Not only economic, but militarily.  If russia and China start making moves on Greenland, they will then see the benefits of being part of the United States.  The presences of russia and China in their part of the world is only going to steadily increase over time.  THEY would love to make Greenland part of their countries.

                    There is much to think about for the citizens of Greenland.  Things in their part of the world are changing and are going to continue to change.

                    1. Credence2 profile image81
                      Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      To volunteer to become an American colony within the Trump regime? There cannot be a fate any worse.

                      Who says that the Greenlanders are not fully processing the significance of becoming an American colony?

                      For all perpetuity, the answer should remain NO!

                    2. Nathanville profile image88
                      Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      Yeah right?  HUGE benefits by being the 52nd State of the USA, behind that of Canada, if Trump gets his way!

                      More like a culture clash.  Greenland has the same culture as Europe and the UK, which they value very highly – including: 

                      •    A great welfare state – just like Europe.
                      •    Good European style healthcare.
                      •    Free Education, and great student support – just like Europe.

                      Yeah, things are changing in that part of the world due to climate change – climate change which Trump believes is a hoax.

                      The wish of the people of Greenland is to become independent one day. But their ambition is not to go from being governed by one country to being governed by another country – as stated by Greenland's Finance Minister Erik Jensen.

                      The point is, is that Trump is acting like another Hitler.

                4. Credence2 profile image81
                  Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  I would be most concerned when a shark tells a minnow "let's be friends". Don't trust America nor its motives and you will be sorry if you do.

        2. Ken Burgess profile image71
          Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          The EU Commission... the EU’s executive body... its Commission President and the individual Commissioners are not directly elected by the people of Europe.

          So, in that sense, he can't really be targeting their 'elected leaders' can he?

          1. Nathanville profile image88
            Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Credence wasn’t referring to the EU Government (albeit FYI the EU Parliament is elected directly by the people); he was referring to the democratically elected leaders within the EU & UK, including for example Germany's elected Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the UK elected Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.

            Elon Musk is systematically “spreading vitriol across the European continent” attacking elected leaders, including frequent attacks on Sir Keir Starmer the UK’s Labour (socialist) Prime Minster, even to the point recently of asking the King to dissolve the UK Parliament for a fresh General Election.

            On 9th Jan 2025 Elon Musk asks if Sir Keir Starmer could be removed as British prime minister https://youtu.be/-VHOShpUetI

            On 3rd Jan 2025 Elon Musk claims King should dissolve Parliament in fresh attack on Starmer https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/p … 73185.html

            1. Ken Burgess profile image71
              Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              He is expressing a political view... he sees a threat in the direction of current policy and law being enacted.

              He is not alone in that... those on the other side of things, trying to disassemble the current global system of nation states... or those trying to undermine the 'Western/American' hegemony are supporting their 'side', those politicians and agencies trying to bring a 'new' world into existence.

              1. Nathanville profile image88
                Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Elon Musk making a statement on the 3rd Jan 2025 that the King should dissolve the UK Parliament and call for a fresh General Election, and Elon Musk making a statement on the 9th Jan 2025 (just two days ago) that Sir Keir Starmer should be removed as British prime minister; is not just Credence “expressing a political view” – it is, as Credence stated, Elon Musk is systematically “spreading vitriol across the European continent” attacking elected leaders, including frequent attacks on Sir Keir Starmer the UK’s Labour (socialist) Prime Minster.

                1. My Esoteric profile image86
                  My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Ken must think little of Musk to minimize his influence and place him with the common folk.

                  Being uber rich, let alone being the richest man in the world, provides a huge ability to do much good or damage. In Bill Gates' case, it is for good, but in Musk and Trump's case, it is for evil.

                  1. Ken Burgess profile image71
                    Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    Damn man, I do appreciate your posts, sometimes they are priceless.

                    The monotonous circular debates tend to bog these threads down...

                    Your sporadic wit lightens them up and is always good for a chuckle.

                  2. Nathanville profile image88
                    Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    Yes, I wish we had more people like Bill Gates smile

                    1. My Esoteric profile image86
                      My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      I second that.

                      And less people like - well you know who.

                2. Ken Burgess profile image71
                  Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Or perhaps a whimsical dismissal of their overall irrelevancy and ineffectiveness to govern their own tiny nation, let alone tackle the bigger issues the world is currently contending with...

                  The monumental shift away from the EU/UK on the global stage and toward China Asia/Africa ... and America North & Central America ... 

                  BRICS on the one hand ... and a more concentrated focus for America on North and Central America... SWIFT Dollar backed system... a split... of global power where the UK and EU are almost an afterthought...

                  1. Nathanville profile image88
                    Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    Or to be more precise; Elon Musk (who is extreme far-right) just doesn’t like the fact that the British people have chosen to democratically elect a socialist government.

                    1. Ken Burgess profile image71
                      Ken Burgessposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      Nah, I think I'm probably spot on....

                      The war with Russia does not appear to be resulting in Russia's downfall... Rather its seemed to solidify it, strengthen it on the global stage, help bring BRICS to the forefront.

                      While diminishing and marginalizing the EU... and by extension the UK.

                      Power and wealth is fast being redirected from the EU... manufacturing... Germany in particular...  relied on cheap Russian energy and resources...  that now gets redirected to India, China, etc.

                      While production (jobs) move hastily out of the EU... the EU is taking in millions of migrants in search of support.

                      Fun times ahead for the EU... as reality comes crashing down on the ideology and idiocy that has driven the EU the last quarter century.

                  2. My Esoteric profile image86
                    My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    As to BRICs this is what Trump says about that:

                    "n November 30, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump made a resounding statement on X, declaring that BRICS countries are moving away from the dollar “while we stand by and watch is OVER.” This statement’s timing not only came a month after dignitaries from thirty-six countries and six international organizations attended the sixteenth BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, but also doubled down that countries would “face 100 percent tariffs” whether they intended to replace the dollar with the BRICS currency or any other currency."

                    On the one hand Trump is going to help Putin, his friend, with things like Ukraine but on the other he is going to piss him off by attacking BRICs.

                  3. Nathanville profile image88
                    Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    Au contraire, contrary to what Musk would have you believe on ‘X’; the EU & UK are far from “diminishing and marginalizing”

                    FYI:  In 2024, the EU has the 2nd largest GDP, 2nd to only the USA – with Germany 5th and the UK 7th e.g. the UK was 6th before Brexit.

                    1.    USA GDP: $25.4 trillion.
                    2.    EU GDP: $19.4 trillion
                    3.    China: $14.7 trillion.
                    4.    Japan: $4.3 trillion.
                    5.    Germany: $3.9 trillion.
                    6.    India: $3.4 trillion.
                    7.    United Kingdom: $2.7 trillion.
                    8.    France: $2.6 trillion.

                    Also, the top 10 strongest Currencies in 2025 – from strongest to the weakest are e.g. both the British Pound and the EU’s Euro are stronger than the USA Dollar.

                    1.    Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
                    2.    Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
                    3.    Omani Rial (OMR)
                    4.    Jordan Dinar (JOD)
                    5.    British Pound (GBP)
                    6.    Gibraltar Pound (GIP)
                    7.    Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
                    8.    Swiss Franc (CHF)
                    9.    Euro (EUR)
                    10.    United States Dollar (USD)

                    FYI the EU’s social “ideology” is more than the “quarter century” that you quote, the birth of the EU goes back 70 years; and the birth of socialism in the UK goes back 80 years.

                    But it still doesn’t alter the fact that “Elon Musk (who is extreme far-right) just doesn’t like the fact that the British people have chosen to democratically elect a socialist government.” E.g. with his consistent and vile attacks on the UK’s Labour (socialist) Prime Minister; nor Musk’s using his ‘X’ platform to “systematically spread vitriol across the European continent” attacking elected leaders with his lies and disinformation.

                    1. My Esoteric profile image86
                      My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      Interesting data. EU's GDP position relative to China's surprised me.

                    2. Credence2 profile image81
                      Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      Arthur, you are letting him off far to easy. So, what gives Musk the authority to criticize and have it taken seriously? Does his wealth confer greater insight and wisdom into the affairs of men? Besides being a greedy opportunist  with enough  gall to fill your English Channel, what are his qualifications for passing judgement on the peaceful and democratic governances in the U.K. and Western Europe? Regardless  of what conservatives say, American politics proves that there is not necessarily a correlation between wealth and wisdom.

                      Without mentioning names, some will never openly admit to supporting fascism yet quietly advocate for it behind the curtain. They prove to be the most deceptive and dangerous among us.

            2. My Esoteric profile image86
              My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              Facts were never there strong suit.

              1. Nathanville profile image88
                Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Yep, I can see that smile

          2. Credence2 profile image81
            Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

            The point is, Ken, is that Musk is an arrogant buffoon, who believes that he can control the world just because he  has money. I despise people like that. Britain and the European continent do fine with their parliamentary democratic system. Who is Musk to criticize the will of their people and their selected leaders, just because he says they are  inappropriate? So, he has attacked the British Prime Minister and the current German Chancellor.

    17. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 5 months ago

      What a huge embarrasment Trump is to America and he is not even President yet. After that, it will only get worse. This story is about the greatest CON man in American history hawking more of his wears as he conflates his business interests with politics. This time it is a gold--plated guitar with his name on it.

      Along with being a criminal and sexual offender, this man has absolutely no shame. But apparently, those are the qualities MAGA needs, along with being the biggest liar in American history, to get their vote.

      It is just sickening!!

      https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/08/politics … index.html

    18. Nathanville profile image88
      Nathanvilleposted 5 months ago

      Hi Credence:  Off Topic - But some good news:

      My son, a professional photographer, has just been commissioned by the Bristol Museum, on behalf of the Princess Royal (HRH Princess Anne), to do a paid job early next month for charity; and he will be nipping over to the Museum next Wednesday, with his mother, for a ‘dress rehearsal’ e.g. the Royal Family does a lot of charity work.

      1. Credence2 profile image81
        Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

        You must be proud, a son to be commissioned on behalf of Princess Anne as an official photographer. Not just anybody can receive  this sort of recognition, I have to believe that he has the "right stuff"

        1. Nathanville profile image88
          Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Yes, we are very proud of our son. 

          Yep, Nathan (our son), is making a name for himself locally.

          He started his photographic career after leaving University with a BA with Honours Degree in ‘Creative Media Practice’.

          And in more recent years; following several years of study, he proudly obtained his LRPS (Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society), a qualification in Britain that recognizes a photographer's technical skill and high standard of work – A prestigious award that’s worth its weight in gold.

          The RPS is one of the world's oldest photographic societies. It was founded in England in 1853, and received royal patronage from Queen Victoria that same year.

          Princess Kate (Catherine, Princess of Wales) was made an honorary member of Royal Photographic Society in 2017:  https://youtu.be/Hc-mez4409E

          His bread and butter is Burlesque photography in a Bristol gay nightclub, including work of some of the stars of RuPaul's Drag Race, when they’ve been on tour in the UK; and meeting Conchita Wurst (Austrian drag queen and singer) when she was on tour in the UK in 2015, after winning  the 2014 Eurovision Song.  And Nathan also gets a lot of commission to do Boudoir photography.

          The short (1 minute) video below is a promo of the nightclub where Nathan currently earns his bread and butter, a promo he was commissioned to make just after graduating from university - his name is in the credits at the end of the production.  https://youtu.be/xCGkxAqrzoY  Following that, the nightclub owner liked his style of photographer, and hired him (as a freelance photographer) – and the rest is history.

          But he specialises in night-time photography, especially old churches (as they make great subjects for photography); although his macrophotography of insects on things like coasters and fridge magnets etc. is very popular with kids at the ‘Arts & Crafts’ stalls that he, with his mother, regularly run at various Bristol markets throughout the year.

          1. My Esoteric profile image86
            My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Very Cool!

          2. My Esoteric profile image86
            My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Do you know why Europe drops the word "the" in front of some nouns like University? For example, you said "leaving University" while we, or at least I would say "leaving the University".

            I am wondering if things like "University" is a different class of words I wasn't taught about, or have forgotten. 

            Thinking more about it, how does the word "home", as in 'leavening home'  different from "home" as in "is the home for rent?"

            1. Nathanville profile image88
              Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              You raise some interesting questions that I don’t know the answer to:

              Interestingly, on asking Google I noticed that other Americans have asked the same question in a number of social media forums, but there doesn’t seem to be a satisfactory answers given!

              All I know is that “the university” is bad grammar in British English; and in actual fact, when Brits are talking to each other we don’t even say “university” we say “uni”.  Brits talking to each other would say for example “leaving uni”.

              The only difference that I know of between the meaning of university in the USA and UK is that (unlike the USA) in the UK college and university are two completely different establishment e.g. in the UK students go to college from the age of 16 to 18 to get ‘Higher’ qualifications in preparation for university, and then to university from the age of 18 to get their ‘Degree’.

              “Leavening home” is a word that I find perplexing; I can find no reference to it on Google, except for one reference in an American Official Document – so perhaps it’s an American word?

              1. My Esoteric profile image86
                My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Sorry, that was supposed to be "leaving home". Sometimes my fingers have a mind of their own.

                I see you came up with another anomaly, at least in the way I say things. You wrote "UK students go to college ...", which is the way I would say it, and then "... and then to university ...". There, I feel compelled to say  "and then to the university ...".   I have no clue as to why I would draw a distinction between "college" and "university".

                One of those great mysteries I suppose or, more likely, my poor use of grammar.

                1. Nathanville profile image88
                  Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Yeah I do that sometimes, even after proofreading what I write I sometimes let a typo slip through: 

                  That reminds of when I first started work – the first thing I bought with my first wage packet (at the age of 16) was a portable typewriter – and in the case was a small ‘Teach Yourself to Touch Type’ Instruction Manual. 

                  For the next six weeks I came home from work and spent an hour in the evenings working my way through the instruction manual – and after six weeks I could touch type (60 words a minute); a skill that has been invaluable throughout live – and which is still invaluable to this day.

                  Getting back to your previous question, where you said:

                  “Thinking more about it, how does the word "home", as in 'leaving home’ different from "home" as in "is the home for rent?"

                  Is that American grammar?  E.g. in the UK we would never say "is the home for rent?” we would always say “is the house for rent” or “is the flat for rent” etc., we would never say “home” in that context.

                  1. Miebakagh57 profile image87
                    Miebakagh57posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    American words or phrase greatly 'oppose' one another, to a limited extend.                                   House/home; college/university.                                   And let me add: hotel (British)/motel (America).                                   I don't have to go into any grammar aurgument here. You get it..fullstop/period.

                    1. tsmog profile image77
                      tsmogposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      In the U.S. (America) both Hotel and Motel are used. They are different. Google it.

                    2. Nathanville profile image88
                      Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      Yep I do get it; and your last example "full-stop/period" always puts a smile (of humour) smile on a Brits face when we here Americans say period e.g. as in a full-stop (or "stop" for short in British English) at the end of a telegram - as in British English 'period' doesn't mean stop (full-stop), it means a woman's monthly cycle.

          3. Credence2 profile image81
            Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

            RPS is interesting in the fact that its creation was so close to the development of photography itself. I confess that I don't know a great deal about photography Jacob Riis, Mathew Brandy or Ansel Adams are the big names in American photography of note and I an sure that there were more.

            1. Nathanville profile image88
              Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              An interesting observation:-

              •    Photography was invented by a Frenchman in 1822.

              •    It didn’t start in Britain until 1839.

              •    The RPS was founded and given royal patronage by Queen Victoria in 1853.

              •    But photography didn’t become common place in Britain until Kodak (an American company) launched the sale of his Kodak Brownie in England in 1900 for just 5 shillings (£0.25 - $0.30) – which s brought photography to the masses.

              The most popular British professional photographer I know is David Bailey CBE (bon 1938), Knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2001.  I did communicate by email with David Bailey once, when I asked his permission to use one of his photos on my website – which I’m pleased to say he granted e.g. a photograph of a steam train named “The Bristolian”.

              1. Credence2 profile image81
                Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Arthur, I do from the standpoint of history, look for the oldest daguerreotypes and tintypes out there, the 1822 photograph was hard to discern but the 1839 photo of the man attending to someone's shoes on the street was interesting, placing myself in the eyes of the photography to imagine the world that he recorded, not long after Napoleon Bonaparte was banished.

                A stoic photograph was taken of the irascible John Quincy Adams in 1843, the first American President ever photographed. James K. Polk was the first American President photographed while in office, 1849. The first Presidential inauguration photograph was that of James Buchanan in 1857. I followed Mathew Brady into the Civil War while the technology was improving, bringing the savagery of the War for the nation to see.

                I have seen and searched for pictures of reconstruction of the White House and Capitol building, as well as a window into regular people and themes during such an era, prior to the Civil War.

                Photography  leaves the rough edges and does not romanticize a figure as canvas and paint would.

                When I was a kid, Dad bought a Polaroid land camera the boasted instant photography, that is if you were a chemist who could treat the photo with all the smelly chemicals around 1963, you could do it yourself. The phenomenon of photography made available for the masses occurred with the Kodak Brownie popularity here in a situation similar to yours  across the pond at the turn of the last century.

                Just ironic that Kodak never really got the hand of digital photography, so there is no Kodak or Polaroid anymore. But, I hear for professionals, some of the old techniques for photographs are still used by purists,

                1. Nathanville profile image88
                  Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Thanks for the comprehensive history of photography, and interesting read:

                  One of the oldest photos I have is a tintype family photo of very close American friends of my great-great grandfather – looking at the age of the child in the middle (Selina Middleton born 1855); I’m guessing the tintype photo was taken in the middle to late 1860s.  The parents on either side are William Richard Middleton and Catherine Margaret Middleton.

                  My great-great grandfather (George Burgess, born 1829) lived in Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia, in America from 1845 to 1857; and while there became close friends with the Middleton family from Washington.  William Richard Middleton: Captain in the 50 N.Y. Engineers, in company M for the Union Army fought in the civil war. 

                  My great-great grandfather (George Burgess), who was born in 1829, Bristol, just a 5 minutes’ walk from where I live; on his return to England he stayed very close friends with the Middleton family in Washington, exchanging letters and photos – and he named his 2nd daughter, Catherine Middleton Burgess (born 1872), after his American friend, Catherine Middleton, born 1829.

                  Other early family photos I have include a photo of George Burgess’s 2nd wife, Eliza Knight (1844-1878), and a photo of George Burgess taken in 1889.

                  My first photo (as a kid) was half a bus e.g. an unsuccessful attempt to photograph a moving bus, resulting in only capturing the rear half of the bus on camera.

                  However, my son collects old cameras as a hobby, and now has a large collection of vintage cameras from 1903, including the Butchers Magic Lantern manufactured in England between 1914 and 1926.  He also has the Eastman Kodak No 3a pocket b-3, manufactured from 1903 to 1915 in his collection.

                  Below, tintype photo of the Middleton family from Washington, America.
                  https://hubstatic.com/17336539.jpg

                  Below:  William Richard Middleton: Captain in the 50 N.Y. Engineers, in company M for the Union Army fought in the civil war. 
                  https://hubstatic.com/17336541_f1024.jpg

                  Below:  Photo taken in 1889 of my great-great grandfather
                  https://hubstatic.com/17336544.jpg

                  Below:  Reverse of the above photo
                  https://hubstatic.com/17336547_f1024.jpg

                  1. Credence2 profile image81
                    Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    Got to be striking, Arthur. Because of the long exposure times the positions these men took while seated were quite similar. Quite a striking gentlemen, a young one too, look at all that thick hair! ThAt is a great photo and in mint condition. How long did your great grandfather live past his 60th birthday? The Union officer, I would be surprised if he were a day older than 25. So I am guessing that he may have been born around 1840 or such. I am speculating too much?

                    I found one likeness almost a drawing, not even a photograph of great great grandparents around the end of the 19th century. Because of so much lost information between Indian tribes and slave population, there is little if any photographic record of anything say before 1940, it was a travesty.

                    But much of our history is told in stories. My grandmother's grandmother was a slave and when I ask my grandmother what did her grandmother tell her about it? Grandmother told me that her grandmother was determined to not talk about it any further and wanted to forget it. My grandmother was just a little girl when asking. I got a time line, her grandmother lived until the mid 1920s, and I regret that I had no pictures of her. I sat down with my grandma 30 years ago and wanted her to give me the entire story of the family tree. No, it wasn't Roots, it was more like ruts, no heroes, just horse thieves and cattle rustlers. These things are priceless, she passed 25 years ago, and much of her living history would have been lost forever.

                    I used one of the oldstyle cassette tape recorders to get the story from Uncle Leonard who was a regular at church and always in the amen corner warning young men like me 50 years ago to stay on the straight and narrow...  I wanted his life story and asked him, you were not a Monk all of your life were you? What did you do when you were my age?

                    I was shocked, he lived in New York during the 1920s and was corrupted by that Boogie Woogie jazz music. He was hanging around during the period that we called the Harlem Renaissance, 1920s. A period of cultural, artistic expression that exploded. He told me that he carried hip flasks in violation of the Volstead Act, Prohibition. I said, don't tell me that you were "bootlegger", too? I ask Uncle Leonard, with a record like that how do you expect to get  through the "pearly gates"? I made that recording in 1975, he died in 1980. And, I am sure that he made it through the gates just fine.

                    You learn about a different era. My Uncle and Aunt, a "battle ax" in her own right, stayed in a rather fashionable Victorian house in what was at the time a segregated section of Denver, Colorado. This 1870-1880 Victoria houses were so ornate and over the top. The most affluent in Denver shows off by owning the larger ones. This is about 1942, when social class and breeding was as least as important as having money. After Aunti died in 1993 at the age of 94, my brother and I went through the house, finding 1920-1930 news papers under the carpet and in mint condition. Denver always had a relatively dry climate. People seemed so ornate. In her kitchen cabinet she had solid silver finger bowls to dip your fingers into to remove grease while eating. Every meal was an official occasion, no plastic to be found anywhere? Social standards of respectability seemed so much more important.( some one like Trump could have never passed muster)  it compared much with how the Vanderbilts of New York shunned those that they felt were not in their social class, money was not always the determinant factor. The past was so much different.

                    I have more, but I will save it until later.

                    1. Credence2 profile image81
                      Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      Arthur, I thought that I would provide a movie, an interesting visit to,the Molly Brown House in Denver, belonging to Molly Brown,  a true social climber of early 20th century Colorado and a feisty lady in her own right. She started with involvement in silver mines in the mountain towns nearby. She was a Titanic survivor and reports said that she was outspoken and kicked up her heels in a way uncharacteristic of women living in 1912. I enjoyed how the house was staged to look as it did when she lived there.

                      https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wuYwkWzyGaE

                    2. Nathanville profile image88
                      Nathanvilleposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      My great-great grandfather (born 1829) lived until the age of 76.

                      The Union officer (William Richard Middleton: Captain in the 50 N.Y. Engineers, in company M for the Union Army fought in the civil war) was actually born c1833.

                      I did something very similar with my grandmother (1901-1992), as you did with your grandmother e.g. I sat down with my grandmother, with a tape recorder (as you did with you uncle), and got her to tell me all about her life history, which I later transcribed to paper, and which is now in a text document on the computer.

                      Wow – thanks for an overview of you Uncle and Aunt; a fascinating read – and one that, as someone interested in family history (genealogy) I appreciate.

                      My interest in family history (genealogy) was sparked by all the writings and scrapbook of my great-great-grandfathers (George Burgess – 1829 to 1906) which has been passed down from generation to generation.  We named our son Nathan George Burgess Russ after my great-great-grandfather (George Burgess).  And we chose the word Nathan because it’s Hebrew for ‘gift’.

                      My great-great grandfather was a prolific writer:  He kept a scrapbook of American and British newspaper articles all his life, from when he was living in America in his early 20s.  And when he retired at the age of 70 he then wrote his diary of his life, including history of his birth, his parents and family, and his grandfather, a farmer in Hanham, Bristol, born c1760. 

                      He also did many other hand written writings, in note books (all of which are now in my possession), and published two books on his profession as a phrenologist – A profession that he learned while living in America.

                      So, from his writings and his scrapbook (which reflects his views) e.g. he kept newspaper articles on subject matters that was of interest to him – I’ve learnt a lot about my great-great grandfather – an insight into what sort of person he was.

                      My great-great grandfather was religious, but he didn’t take the bible literally, and in his writings his view was that Joseph was the real father and that there was no immaculate birth; he didn’t believe in miracles, his view was that miracles was just the “visions of Superstition” (by the ignorance); and he didn’t believe in the Resurrection.

                      My great-great grandfather was also very interested science and nature.

                      And you will be pleased to know that he was against ‘slavery’ in America –

                      And he had a great sense of humour – below is one of his humorous poems:

                      N.B.  Interestingly, as I was posting his poem to this post, I noticed at the bottom of the poem, written in 1876, my great-great grandfather adds "Apply by letter, with photo, to....", so even back then (before the Kodak Brownie) photography was becoming more common place!

                      Also note:  He was a lifelong teetotaller:-

                      WANTED A BARMAID

                      I now am looking for a bright barmaid;
                      A sweet young lady, twenty years of age.
                      One that is honest - but still not afraid,
                      My patrons' appetites to try and gauge.

                      For salary, she need not care so much.
                      As for employment cheerful and genteel.
                      Her fingers never menial work shall touch -
                      A lady she shall be from head to heel.

                      Me - she must try and do her best to please -
                      Must aim to meet my every little wish.
                      And should I give her hand an amorous squeeze,
                      She must not bruise my head with jug or dish.

                      My many customers, who day-by-day,
                      Call in to drink my brandy, wine, and beer -
                      She must so charm, that they may longer stay;
                      To drink, and spend, and get their pockets clear!

                      In dress and looks, she must be winning-gay!
                      Must let her smiles entrance all sorts of men.
                      Thus she must pass her maiden hours away;
                      And smile and smile, till past the hour of ten.

                      She never must look sad behind the bar;
                      Nor long to see her home, and old fireside.
                      The gin shop pleasures must surpass by far,
                      The joys which floated on her childhood's tide.

                      She must grow fond of winks, and loving fun;
                      And show delight at every drinker's jest.
                      And when men's warm attentions towards her run;
                      She must love all alike, yet each one best.

                      She must not turn her maiden ears away
                      When customers shall drink until they swear -
                      But look as happy as the Queen of May -
                      And all their jests and ravings calmly hear.

                      She must from drinkers' hands the glasses take,
                      And wash well from them, all that men decline.
                      And such employment certainly should make,
                      A fair young beauty, always feel sublime.

                      Now, if some sweet and pretty young lady will,
                      Agree to serve behind my bar, and grin -
                      She will the hearts of all my patrons thrill;
                      And may at last, some docile husband win!

                      Apply by letter, with photo, to
                      Mr Bung, & Co, Unlimited -
                      No. 1 Ruin Avenue,
                      Drink-Town,
                      Imbibershire,
                      England

                      George Burgess, February 1876

    19. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 5 months ago

      Speaking of Presidents, I went back and looked to see if there were any updates to Presidential rankings.

      There are many ways to do this, but one of the most robust is to look at surveys conducted be respected organizations in the field. The three that consistently publish surveys are:

      American Political Science Association (APSA) (2024)
      C-SPAN (2022)
      Siena College (2021)

      Looking back in time there are other polls such as the Wall Street Journal, the Times (presumably the NYT),  They stayed pretty much in agreement with the first three I listed.

      I'll present the information in terms of quartiles so that people can't argue about a point here or a point there.

      This is how APSA rated the Presidents in their 2024 poll; I will start with Roosevelt:

      FDR                         - 1st Quartile
      Truman                    - 1st Quartile
      Eisenhower             - 1st Quartile
      Kennedy                  - 1st Quartile
      LBJ                          - 1st Quartile
      Nixon                       - 4th Quartile
      Ford                         - 3rd Quartile
      Carter                      - 2nd Quartile
      Reagan                    - 2nd Quartile
      GHW Bush              - 2nd Quartile
      Clinton                     - 2nd Quartile
      GW Bush                 - 3rd Quartile
      Obama                    - 1st Quartile
      Trump                      - 4th Quartile
      Biden                       - 2nd Quartile

      This is how Siena's 2022 survey came out:

      FDR                         - 1st Quartile
      Truman                    - 1st Quartile
      Eisenhower             - 1st Quartile
      Kennedy                  - 1st Quartile
      LBJ                          - 1st Quartile
      Nixon                       - 3rd Quartile
      Ford                         - 3rd Quartile
      Carter                      - 3rd Quartile
      Reagan                    - 2nd Quartile
      GHW Bush              - 2nd Quartile
      Clinton                     - 2nd Quartile
      GW Bush                 - 4th Quartile
      Obama                    - 1st Quartile
      Trump                      - 4th Quartile
      Biden                       - 2nd Quartile

      This is how C-SPAN rated everyone:

      FDR                         - 1st Quartile
      Truman                    - 1st Quartile
      Eisenhower             - 1st Quartile
      Kennedy                  - 1st Quartile
      LBJ                          - 1st Quartile
      Nixon                       - 3rd Quartile
      Ford                         - 3rd Quartile
      Carter                      - 2nd Quartile
      Reagan                    - 1st Quartile
      GHW Bush              - 2nd Quartile
      Clinton                     - 2nd Quartile
      GW Bush                 - 3rd Quartile
      Obama                    - 1st Quartile
      Trump                      -4th Quartile
      Biden                      - To early to rate

      Clearly, the die is cast on how history will view these men.

      1. Credence2 profile image81
        Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

        There needs to be a fifth quartile that could clearly put Trump in another category relative to Gerald Ford, who doesn't deserve to be compared with Donald Trump

    20. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 5 months ago

      This seems like an appropriate forum to post this since America in several ways have distanced itself from the rule of law like Russia and similar nations have.

      Jack Smith's report on the investigation into Trump's attempt to overthrow the U.S. government is out.  Learning from how Trump and Republicans spun the damning Mueller report, Smith starts out with Trump is not Exonerated. He goes on to say that there was substantial evidence to have gotten a conviction, even with the King making Supreme Court decision.

      He further points out that the only reason Trump got off was on a technicality that Republicans grouse about so much.  What is that technicality? That enough brainwashed, short-sighted, or simply unpatriotic people saw fit to put a criminal and sexual offender into the office of the Presidency.

      *

    21. Sharlee01 profile image84
      Sharlee01posted 5 months ago

      "The New York Times published a report that President Biden used teleprompters for small fundraisers hosted at private homes, which alarmed his donors.

      According to the four Times reporters on Friday, the president's inner circle "had Mr. Biden use a teleprompter for even small fund-raisers in private homes, alarming donors, who were asked to provide questions beforehand."

      Back to the subject --- Is this the America you're bidding farewell to? Will this be something you regret losing? In my opinion, Joe Biden's cognitive decline was deliberately concealed by many, many complicit in this deception. How can anyone possibly defend such a blatant disregard for morals, truth, and honesty? You've ardently supported this party, claiming that their values and vision align with your own. Does this disgraceful behavior truly reflect your values?

      1. Willowarbor profile image61
        Willowarborposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        And the Central casting sycophants around Trump won't conceal his obvious decline? The man is an actual buffoon.   Biden has literally hours left in the office. At some point you're going to have to acknowledge that Trump with all of his failings and old age is president... I for one, am abundantly excited and prepared to focus the white hot spotlight on Trump's every move and utterance... Time to look forward

        1. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Your first sentence suggests you're not addressing the actual topic—Biden's declining cognitive state and the efforts by unscrupulous individuals around him that conceal it. Your comment seems to be based on your personal perspective of President Trump.  I believe it's time to stop diverting and focus on the issue at hand.  I am not interested in weak bait. This is all about Biden, and those that lied to the American people over and over.

          1. My Esoteric profile image86
            My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Why should she address something that is demonstrably false?

            Lied to the American people over and over again.  You are, of course, talking about Trump and his sycophants incessant lying aren't you?

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

              You are on a roll--- always entertaining.  I must say your bait is becoming weaker, why bother?

      2. Credence2 profile image81
        Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

        You have got to be kidding, Sharlee

        Trump is the most corrupt man to ever assume the office of the Presidency since its inception

        Anybody or anything is a more suitable replacement. I continue to support Democrats and fundamentally loath the Republican Party and what is has denigrated into. That will be true for the forseeable future or if the world turns itself upside down.

        I will respect the process of the changing of the guard, but I will analyze Trump's every move and if he gets out of line, I'll be on him like a cheap suit. He and the Republicans will feel the point of my quill.

        Biden has not been blatantly dishonest and ignorant of the functions of Government. It is my bet that the American people will have their buyers remorse and it will be reflected in 2026.

        1. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

          This is not about Trump --- can't you address the subject?

          "I will respect the process of the changing of the guard, but I will analyze Trump's every move and if he gets out of line, I'll be on him like a cheap suit. He and the Republicans will feel the point of my quill." Cred

          I will approach this president the same way I do with every president. You seem unable to address anything negative about your party. You diverted the conversation, just like Willow did—take a moment to think about that. It’s becoming noticeable.

          I had hoped to hear your thoughts on my comment. Do you have no opinion on what many did to conceal Biden's declining cognitive state?

          1. Credence2 profile image81
            Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

            There are negative things that can be identified with everything under the sun, Sharlee. it comes down to matter of frequency and magnitude. When I look at Trump, Trumpers, proposed policies and ideology, comparatively Democrats walk on water.

            My background puts me in a position where I am always going to prefer Democrats to Republicans when push comes to shove. So, how is it that I am evasive and what is it that I failed to answer?

            Yes, to attempt to conceal Biden's cognitive decline was not good. Edith Wilson attempted to cover for her husband Woodrow over 100 years  ago as he had suffered a stroke.

            For me, Trump is not just cognitively impaired, he is dishonest, corrupt and ignorant as to the working of Government and even worse, he does not seem to believe that he can learn anything. I don't trust people like that.

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

              One could certainly perceive Trump as arrogant due to his demeanor, but I don’t believe he is opposed to learning from others or from experts. Evidence of this is found in his cabinet appointments, which often include individuals who are recognized experts in their fields. Trump also seems to appreciate innovative thinkers like Elon Musk, showing a willingness to engage with forward-thinking ideas. Additionally, his decision to nominate RFK Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services reflects an openness to addressing issues in our food and drug industries—areas where other nations have implemented bans or stricter regulations. To me, Trump is someone who values questioning the status quo as a means of learning and problem-solving, which demonstrates a genuine interest in exploring new ideas and solutions.

              1. Credence2 profile image81
                Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Question the status quo but  make sure that any replacement for it is better rather than worse, I say.

                Many of his appointments are mere syncophants, what are the  qualifications of the fellow being considered for Defense Secretary, for example?

                1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                  Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Noted, disagree. Not up for defending a team that in no respect needs defending.

              2. My Esoteric profile image86
                My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Hasn't Trump's inability to do that in the first four years convinced you he is incapable of learning?

                I take that back. He has learned a lot from Putin and other dictators. So much so, starting tomorrow, he will start is quest to mimic the Russian government in America.

                1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                  Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Oh My, not sure how to respond--- so I will stand polite and just say noted.

                2. Sharlee01 profile image84
                  Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Your Bait is very old... You forgot to use the Hitler thing...

                  1. My Esoteric profile image86
                    My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    Hitler is part of "other dictators".

                3. Miebakagh57 profile image87
                  Miebakagh57posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  Tomorrow is already here. A God-blessed day for Trump to began his second term with Godspeed.                             Put the money on the table.

            2. My Esoteric profile image86
              My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              He is also dangerously mentally ill, much worse than any so called cognitive decline, don't you think?

              1. Credence2 profile image81
                Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                Yeah, ESO, I think....

          2. My Esoteric profile image86
            My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            We already did. What you said about Biden is wrong, and now history. What must be talked about is the subject of this forum - Trump's destruction of America.

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

              Noted

        2. My Esoteric profile image86
          My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Trump is also the first criminal and sexual abuser to be elected president in our history as well as being the most corrupt.

      3. My Esoteric profile image86
        My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        Funny, I can't find that so-called NY (presumably) Times article you reference. Can you provide it?

        All I could find was this Fact Check when I looked for it.

        https://www.factcheck.org/2022/07/socia … eprompter/

        1. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Here’s the NYT article I got the information from. I considered posting the whole thing, but I thought it would be unnecessary and harsh. It’s a heartbreaking read, and I encourage everyone who sees the link to take the time to read it. I think it’s kind to let this man hold on to whatever dignity he can find.

          "They had Mr. Biden use a teleprompter for even small fund-raisers in private homes, alarming donors, who were asked to provide questions beforehand."

          source of quote  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/us/p … n-age.html

          1. My Esoteric profile image86
            My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Thank you, for that. Minus the age related part, that has been written about Trump already and will be again.

            Here is the thing, while you look at a physical impairment (his gait) as being a sign of mental decline, I look at it for what it actually is, a physical impairment.

            While you look at mixing up things and his gaffes as mental decline, I look at it at what he has always done, so does Trump, in spades, by the way. So by that measure, you must think Trump in mental decline.

            While you look at managing his schedule and what and when he gets to see as a sign of mental inability, I am reminded of Trump's staff doing the SAME EXACT THING eight year ago when he was just 72. So again, you must think Trump is not up for the job for that reason.

            While you look at using a teleprompter as a sign of being mentally inept, I look at is as smart for someone prone to gaffes and mixing a few things up. Trump ought to take a lesson.

            I find this quote in the article particularly meaningful [i["They rearranged meetings to make sure Mr. Biden was in a better mood — a strategy one person close to him described as how aides should handle any president. "[/i]. I must note Trump's aides have been handling Trump that way for a very long time.

            While the article is certainly unflattering, it is honest. It also convinces me I would MUCH rather have an honest man with some manageable disabilities in the presidency as opposed to the criminal and sexual abuser we are getting today.

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

              I am very familiar with the signs and symptoms of cognitive decline that can lead to dementia. It’s truly heartbreaking to witness Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities diminishing before our eyes. I believe those around him did him a great disservice by attempting to conceal his condition. Was I surprised? Not at all. I have frequently pointed out Biden’s cognitive symptoms here on the HP forum. Now, even the media is acknowledging it, and they have quickly turned on him—just as historians likely will. It’s unfortunate to see a man retire after over 50 years of service in such a sad and disappointing manner. Throughout my life, I’ve seen the Democratic Party resort to some astonishingly cheap tactics, but this one stands out as particularly egregious.

      4. My Esoteric profile image86
        My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

        Here is what we are bidding farewell to:

        * Biden rolling out the most effective vaccination program after Trump fumbled it.

        * Biden providing additional needed relief (it helped save my business) to families suffering from the pandemic.

        * Biden successfully beating down the inevitable pandemic caused inflation

        * Biden producing the greatest jobs recovery ever, far beyond getting back the jobs lost to Covid.

        * Biden cementing in future growth with his CHIPS, Infrastructure (which Trump failed miserably with), and Inflation Reduction Acts.

        * Biden leading the economic recovery which resulted in record GDP.

        * Biden engineering the lowest unemployment rate since 1953!!!

        * Biden rebuilding NATO and unifying Europe to combat Trump's friend Putin's aggression. This after Trump tried to kill NATO.

        * Biden getting America back on board in helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

        * And so much more.

        All you have to offer is a Trump inspired debacle of a retreat from Afghanistan and unfair, unsupported by facts partisan sniping at what will be remembered as one of the best presidents in American history.

        1. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Uh-huh----------- pretty silly stuff

        2. Sharlee01 profile image84
          Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Uh-huh

          1. My Esoteric profile image86
            My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Thank you for agreeing.

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

              The comment was meant to show pure boredom in the simple context--- I'm feeling a bit fatigued by your comments' repetitive and highly exaggerated tone. Uh-huh fits my mood.

              1. My Esoteric profile image86
                My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                I learn from your example.

                1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                  Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  I can see you learn by repetition.

                  1. My Esoteric profile image86
                    My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    You mean like repeating the truth until it finally sinks in?

                    1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                      Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      Yes, you repeat it until you believe the statement to be the truth --- you got it.

          2. My Esoteric profile image86
            My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Thank you for finally agreeing with the obvious. Right-minded people appreciate you for it.

          3. My Esoteric profile image86
            My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Thank you for agreeing.

            1. Sharlee01 profile image84
              Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

              I can't remember ever agreeing with you in my time here at HP, and this is no exception.

        3. Credence2 profile image81
          Credence2posted 5 months agoin reply to this

          If Mr. Biden could accomplish all of this while supposedly demented, he would be akin to the wisdom and accomplishments of King  Solomon if he wasn't?

          1. Miebakagh57 profile image87
            Miebakagh57posted 5 months agoin reply to this

            'Fie, fie'-never(!)

    22. Miebakagh57 profile image87
      Miebakagh57posted 5 months ago

      Which of all the American Presidents would do that except, 'real'. Donald Trump?                                     The half-brain people should go back to school, not college to do their civic and thinking lessons.

    23. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 5 months ago

      As a final finger in eye of Trump, who is a criminal and sexual abuser, President Biden pardoned Dr. Fauci, Gen Millie, and the Jan 6th committee members to protect them from America's new, soon to be third-world style dictator.

      Biden gave this reason as to what motivated him “Yet alarmingly, public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties,”.

      Sort of makes you sick to your stomach that America has sunk so far as to require this action to keep some sort of dignity..

      https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/20/politics … index.html

      1. Sharlee01 profile image84
        Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

        Perhaps slow down--- you have four years... LOL

    24. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 5 months ago

      I wonder if Trump is explaining how he will give away more national secrets to China.

      https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/19/politics … -dc-digvid

      1. Sharlee01 profile image84
        Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

        Please supply what and when Trump gave China national secrets. Please offer reputable quotes.

        1. Willowarbor profile image61
          Willowarborposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          He wants to allow tik tok to keep operating in this country.  Surely you're aware of the national security implications?

          1. Sharlee01 profile image84
            Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

            I’m taking a wait-and-see approach to the matter. From my perspective, Trump might find a way to address the concerns surrounding TikTok. In my view, the internet itself provides all the same dangers—would you want the internet banned? China has its figures all over the internet, and they are superb at harvesting information. We need to catch up on technology instead of getting rid of what we feel poses issues. We need solutions, not band-aids.

            1. Willowarbor profile image61
              Willowarborposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              Is the rest of the internet directly linked to the Communist Chinese government?   You're missing the distinction.   Congress, in a bipartisan fashion, already gave us the solution.  What kind of Band-Aid does Trump want to put on it?

              1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                China does pose some concerns when it comes to the global internet. For one, there’s the issue of cybersecurity—China has been linked to numerous cyberattacks and hacking attempts aimed at stealing intellectual property, and sensitive data, and even interfering with political processes, like elections.

                The FBI has raised several concerns regarding China’s activities related to the internet and cybersecurity. One major warning is about China’s cyber espionage efforts, where the FBI has highlighted China’s use of hacking groups to target U.S. businesses, government agencies, and critical infrastructure, stealing intellectual property and sensitive information that could be used to advance China’s economic and technological interests. The FBI has also expressed concerns about Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE, fearing they could be used to spy on global communications and access sensitive data, potentially threatening national security.

                All of the above should concern us more than Tictok--- the cat has been out of the bag for a very long time.

                Regarding your concern about Trump, and what he will do. Again, I’m taking a wait-and-see approach to the matter. From my perspective, Trump might find a way to address the concerns surrounding TikTok.

                1. My Esoteric profile image86
                  My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  China does pose "some" concerns? "SOME"? I can't bring myself to minimize their threat to America that much. Then again, MAGA doesn't think Trump poses the same threat.

              2. My Esoteric profile image86
                My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                On top of that, the Conservatives on the Supreme Court also agreed that TikTok poses a grave national security threat.  I guess Trump and MAGA doesn't believe that to be true.

            2. My Esoteric profile image86
              My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              The Internet isn't owned by China,  TikTok is. China cannot tell the Internet to give them any data they want. They can tell TikTok to do that and TikTok will obey.

              We need to protect national security although that is obviously not on Trump's todo list.

          2. DrMark1961 profile image99
            DrMark1961posted 5 months agoin reply to this

            I cannot understand why they are allowing TikTok to continue operating. As I live in a country that has moved towards China in the last few years I have seen some of the nasty effects of them having all the data.
            The Tiktok ban seemed like a decent move.

        2. My Esoteric profile image86
          My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

          Here, let me repeat my post with annotations: "I wonder if Trump is explaining how he will give away more national secrets to China.' - as he works to keep China's access to our data via Tic Tok.

          1. Sharlee01 profile image84
            Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

            Yes, I am asking what he has given previously.    "My Esoteric wrote:
            I wonder if Trump is explaining how he will give away MORE national secrets to China."

            The word "more" makes it clear because it implies an action has already occurred in the past, and that you expect it to happen again in the future.

            In the context of the sentence, "more" suggests that Trump has previously given away national secrets to China.

            1. My Esoteric profile image86
              My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

              You don't think the Chinese didn't get a trove of information from all that Secret stuff Trump stole and wouldn't give back.  I am not that naïve.

              1. Sharlee01 profile image84
                Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                This has nothing to do with naivety. How would you react if I made the same claim about Biden? He also took documents and was careless about how they were stored. From my perspective, your mindset seems skewed, as though you feel entitled to defame this man at will. I find that behavior deeply troubling.

                1. My Esoteric profile image86
                  My Esotericposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  The think is, it isn't true about Biden, he didn't put national security at great risk. On the other hand, Trump did. You can only defame someone, like in the case with Biden, when you don't speak the truth.

                  When you tell the truth about someone, like Trump, it is not defamation. LAW 101.

                  If you find defaming someone deeply troubling, why do you keep defaming Biden?

                  1. DrMark1961 profile image99
                    DrMark1961posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    Bringing the US to the brink of a nuclear war was not a national security threat?
                    https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/ … lear-risk/

                  2. Sharlee01 profile image84
                    Sharlee01posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                    Bla bla bla --------- Trump did not in any fashion put our national security at risk--- ever.

                    Biden did, the documents he took were kept in several insecure places --- one such place was his garage. I think you know what I think of you, due to the way you conduct your conversations... Why bother responding to my posts?   

                    I am stepping away--- you're spinning and I am not going to be banned due to arguing the obvious.

                    1. Willowarbor profile image61
                      Willowarborposted 5 months agoin reply to this

                      And documents piled up next to Trump's sh*tter are considered to be a secure location?

                2. Miebakagh57 profile image87
                  Miebakagh57posted 5 months agoin reply to this

                  So it seems all the accusations against Trump, were skewed and biased?

    25. My Esoteric profile image86
      My Esotericposted 5 months ago

      Here is a message from one of the HEROs from January 6, 2021, the day the new president tried to overthrow an election.

      Harry Dunn:

      Today, I Accepted a Pardon From President Biden
      JAN 20

      I wanted you to hear it first from me–today, I accepted a pardon from President Joe Biden, hours before he was scheduled to leave office.

      I’m eternally grateful to President Joe Biden. Not just for this preemptive pardon, but for his leadership and service to this nation. Especially over the last four years. I wish this pardon weren’t necessary, but unfortunately, the political climate we are in now has made the need for one somewhat of a reality. I, like all other public servants, was just doing my job and upholding my oath. I will always honor that.

      I did nothing wrong on January 6, 2021 or in the days after. But, the threat of a Donald Trump presidency is far too great to take any risk. Trump’s hand picked FBI Director has an enemies list. Trump’s supporters have pledged to go after me and my fellow officers. For the sake of my future and my family, I could not risk four years of constant harassment and attacks from the President and his cohort. It’s why I accepted the preemptive pardon today.

      Just because I accepted today’s pardon, does not mean I am going away. In fact, this pardon will allow me to only increase my fight for our nation. January 6, 2021 was a frightening wake-up call that our democracy, the thing we hold so precious, can be taken from us if we don’t protect it. My fellow officers and I stood our ground, and because we did, our democracy is still standing.

      And I still stand, and I continue to fight. It’s why I testified before the January 6th Committee, it is why I testified in two trials of Oath Keepers, it is why I ran for Congress, and it is why I am writing this Substack piece today.

      I am standing my ground today not because I want something for me, but because I want accountability. I want the people responsible for that day, including Donald Trump, to pay a price, just like we paid a price.[/i]

      This is what must be done to protect people from dictators.

     
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