The election is over, but the publicity stunts keep coming. The Carrier jobs story is only the latest. Aside from the exaggerations of the numbers of jobs saved, we also don't know the cost to the country in tax breaks and so forth. What we do know is that for Trump to equal the net job creation under President Obama, Trump will have to replicate this feat 18,000 more times. Call us when you've done that, Mr. President-elect.
We will be subjected to many more cons and outright falsehoods in the months and years to come. Our public debate will continue to be defiled.
If there is one thing I would counsel during this 'time of troubles' is skepticism toward anything and everything that Trump says.
What counts is what he does. So far, what he has done is appoint. And that speaks volumes about prospects for our nation. From general Flynn, to Scott Pruitt at EPA, WWE executive at SBA, on and on and on. That's only the beginning.
Our country is about to take a giant step backwards, all while our problems get worse. Our only hope is damage control, not a very bright future.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Friday, November 4, 2016
4-days Before the Election: The Main Stream Media Deserves More Blame for Trump Than You Think (Despite their preference for Hillary)
While it's almost certain that a vast majority of the MSM will or have voted for Hillary, their actions have brought Trump to the verge of the presidency.
They allowed themselves to be wholly manipulated during the Republican primaries to the point that other Republican candidates were completely displaced in media coverage. Outrageous statements won the day in terms of media coverage. While commentary and coverage helped spark outrage, the real effect was to put Trump on top, damaged as he was.
He is now a Personality Cult
And this came at the expense of policy, which, at the end of the day, is what matters most.
In all the saturation coverage of Trump, did you ever hear a journalist press him for evidence as to why he knows that NAFTA cost jobs (as opposed to advances in technology and other factors).
Was he ever pressed on why another round of tax cuts for the rich, at a time when we have extremely lopsided wealth in this country, would produce different results than the tax cuts of George W. Bush?
Or was he ever pressed on why he has better scientific evidence than 98 percent of scientists on climate change, who evidently are part of a giant hoax?
No, no and no.
Frankly, with Trump we don't even get to temperament before he is disqualified.
And now in the waning days of the campaign, rogue FBI officials have circulated rumors and even opened a new review of Hillary's emails.
And without any substance whatever, the frenzied MSM is running with this story and it is having an impact on the polls.
What if they gave this story the attention it deserved....a passing mention. That would be responsible journalism.
Whatever happens in the election, we need a revolution in the media. Stay tuned for what that revolution will be about.
They allowed themselves to be wholly manipulated during the Republican primaries to the point that other Republican candidates were completely displaced in media coverage. Outrageous statements won the day in terms of media coverage. While commentary and coverage helped spark outrage, the real effect was to put Trump on top, damaged as he was.
He is now a Personality Cult
And this came at the expense of policy, which, at the end of the day, is what matters most.
In all the saturation coverage of Trump, did you ever hear a journalist press him for evidence as to why he knows that NAFTA cost jobs (as opposed to advances in technology and other factors).
Was he ever pressed on why another round of tax cuts for the rich, at a time when we have extremely lopsided wealth in this country, would produce different results than the tax cuts of George W. Bush?
Or was he ever pressed on why he has better scientific evidence than 98 percent of scientists on climate change, who evidently are part of a giant hoax?
No, no and no.
Frankly, with Trump we don't even get to temperament before he is disqualified.
And now in the waning days of the campaign, rogue FBI officials have circulated rumors and even opened a new review of Hillary's emails.
And without any substance whatever, the frenzied MSM is running with this story and it is having an impact on the polls.
What if they gave this story the attention it deserved....a passing mention. That would be responsible journalism.
Whatever happens in the election, we need a revolution in the media. Stay tuned for what that revolution will be about.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
11 Days to Election Day--Outsiders Should Not Be Allowed to Swing Our Election
Sometimes outsiders who are no friends of the U.S. have a preference for who leads the U.S. We know Russia's favorite is Donald Trump.
We have a responsibility as Americans not to reward those outsiders for their mischief and general desire to see a weaker U.S.
The Russian government through hacking and wiki leaks is combining to try to make Donald Trump president of the U.S.
Voters have to be really on their guard on this.
On top of that, extreme partisans in the U.S. government opposing Hillary Clinton are perfectly fine with using whatever ammo the Russians can provide their quest for the White House. Even if Hillary Clinton wins, more investigations have been promised to throttle her administration.
Is this the type of change voters want?
Hillary Clinton can make some bad judgements for sure and her email woes are one of them, but that should not tilt your vote to the far more flawed, Russian favorite, Donald Trump.
Last I heard, the U.S. was a sovereign nation.
We have a responsibility as Americans not to reward those outsiders for their mischief and general desire to see a weaker U.S.
The Russian government through hacking and wiki leaks is combining to try to make Donald Trump president of the U.S.
Voters have to be really on their guard on this.
On top of that, extreme partisans in the U.S. government opposing Hillary Clinton are perfectly fine with using whatever ammo the Russians can provide their quest for the White House. Even if Hillary Clinton wins, more investigations have been promised to throttle her administration.
Is this the type of change voters want?
Hillary Clinton can make some bad judgements for sure and her email woes are one of them, but that should not tilt your vote to the far more flawed, Russian favorite, Donald Trump.
Last I heard, the U.S. was a sovereign nation.
Friday, October 28, 2016
12 Days to the Election--What is this 'Change' that People are Ready For?
The media frequently uses the word 'change,' to describe what American want in this election, but never defines it. We know from the media that Donald Trump IS the 'change' candidate.
But his 'change' is only his brash style and, for some, entertaining rally's. But his policies do not constitute 'change' of any kind.
His signature issues are building a wall that will never be built and tearing up deals that will never be torn up.
Even more importantly, his bigger policies of tax cuts for wealthy individuals (dropping the top rate from 39.6% to 33%) and absolute denial of scientific consensus of the threat of climate change to the planet are not only not change, they are downright backward.
Going forward is change. Building on recent progress is change. And that is the major advantage for Hillary Clinton.
But his 'change' is only his brash style and, for some, entertaining rally's. But his policies do not constitute 'change' of any kind.
His signature issues are building a wall that will never be built and tearing up deals that will never be torn up.
Even more importantly, his bigger policies of tax cuts for wealthy individuals (dropping the top rate from 39.6% to 33%) and absolute denial of scientific consensus of the threat of climate change to the planet are not only not change, they are downright backward.
Going forward is change. Building on recent progress is change. And that is the major advantage for Hillary Clinton.
12 Days to the Election--What is this 'Change' that People are Ready For?
The media frequently uses the word 'change,' to describe what American want in this election, but never defines it. We know from the media that Donald Trump IS the 'change' candidate.
But his 'change' is only his brash style and, for some, entertaining rally's. But his policies do not constitute 'change' of any kind.
His signature issues are building a wall that will never be built and tearing up deals that will never be torn up.
Even more importantly, his bigger policies of tax cuts for wealthy individuals (dropping the top rate from 39.6% to 33%) and absolute denial of scientific consensus of the threat of climate change to the planet are not only not change, they are downright backward.
Going forward is change. Building on recent progress is change. And that is the major advantage for Hillary Clinton.
But his 'change' is only his brash style and, for some, entertaining rally's. But his policies do not constitute 'change' of any kind.
His signature issues are building a wall that will never be built and tearing up deals that will never be torn up.
Even more importantly, his bigger policies of tax cuts for wealthy individuals (dropping the top rate from 39.6% to 33%) and absolute denial of scientific consensus of the threat of climate change to the planet are not only not change, they are downright backward.
Going forward is change. Building on recent progress is change. And that is the major advantage for Hillary Clinton.
12 Days to the Election--What is this 'Change' that People are Ready For?
The media frequently uses the word 'change,' to describe what American want in this election, but never defines it. We know from the media that Donald Trump IS the 'change' candidate.
But his 'change' is only his brash style and, for some, entertaining rally's. But his policies do not constitute 'change' of any kind.
His signature issues are building a wall that will never be built and tearing up deals that will never be torn up.
Even more importantly, his bigger policies of tax cuts for wealthy individuals (dropping the top rate from 39.6% to 33%) and absolute denial of scientific consensus of the threat of climate change to the planet are not only not change, they are downright backward.
Going forward is change. Building on recent progress is change. And that is the major advantage for Hillary Clinton.
But his 'change' is only his brash style and, for some, entertaining rally's. But his policies do not constitute 'change' of any kind.
His signature issues are building a wall that will never be built and tearing up deals that will never be torn up.
Even more importantly, his bigger policies of tax cuts for wealthy individuals (dropping the top rate from 39.6% to 33%) and absolute denial of scientific consensus of the threat of climate change to the planet are not only not change, they are downright backward.
Going forward is change. Building on recent progress is change. And that is the major advantage for Hillary Clinton.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Clinton vs. Trump--Policies are Number 1
Charges are flying furiously in the Clinton vs. Trump campaign and it is important to know which charges are valid and important and which are not.
But voters first task is to check the promised policies to see if they respond to the needs of the nation.
On that score, Hillary beats the Donald hands down.
Taxes--In an economy where growth is not getting into the middle class, Trump promises another round of trickle down with drop of 6.6 percent for the top incomes.
Environment--Trump views climate change as a hoax and therefore sees no reason to address it, even though the main measures (renewable energy sources, improved energy efficiency, better land use) to mitigate climate change are justified even without any consideration of climate change mitigation.
Foreign policy--In addition to insulting Muslims and others which would make people less receptive to adopting American values, Trump trashes the Iran Nuclear Deal, which, so far has accomplished two critical goals: avoiding war with Iran and halting their nuclear weapons program.
Trade and immigration--Trump might have some points here that the Democrats have to answer to (and may in the upcoming debates), but his views are so extreme (deportation of 11 million people and building a 1,989 mile wall) and the possibility of implementation so remote as to render his main initiatives, at best curious.
Taken together, on a policy level, Donald Trump does not present a viable candidacy.
But voters first task is to check the promised policies to see if they respond to the needs of the nation.
On that score, Hillary beats the Donald hands down.
Taxes--In an economy where growth is not getting into the middle class, Trump promises another round of trickle down with drop of 6.6 percent for the top incomes.
Environment--Trump views climate change as a hoax and therefore sees no reason to address it, even though the main measures (renewable energy sources, improved energy efficiency, better land use) to mitigate climate change are justified even without any consideration of climate change mitigation.
Foreign policy--In addition to insulting Muslims and others which would make people less receptive to adopting American values, Trump trashes the Iran Nuclear Deal, which, so far has accomplished two critical goals: avoiding war with Iran and halting their nuclear weapons program.
Trade and immigration--Trump might have some points here that the Democrats have to answer to (and may in the upcoming debates), but his views are so extreme (deportation of 11 million people and building a 1,989 mile wall) and the possibility of implementation so remote as to render his main initiatives, at best curious.
Taken together, on a policy level, Donald Trump does not present a viable candidacy.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Marco Rubio--Young Guy, Old Ideas
Substantively, Marco Rubio would not be the subject of a blog, except for one thing. He could possibly win the Republican nomination, if not in 2016, possibly any time over the next 20 years!
And that would not be a good thing.
Also troubling is that "the Media," right left and center all tend to give him high marks in the many Republican debates.
This is mystifying. Though, one is beginning to hear more and more his performances described as "canned" "rehearsed" and "scripted".
But that's not the worst of it. He has run away from the issue most important to him, immigration reform, with a substantial element of amnesty for undocumented workers. (Romney did the same thing with Romney-care, which greatly undermined his credibility). When candidate who comes off so sanctimonious as does Rubio abandons his core issue, where does that leave him?
It gets worse for Rubio. Of course the Base of the Republican party is greatly soothed by attacks on President Obama. Rubio takes it to a new level as one of the most relentless Obama-bashers in the Republican field.
That's a disservice to his constituency. With the possible exception of Chris Christie, he is the biggest offender on this point.
It gets still worse. As the youngest candidate, one would think that he would take science into account in his assessment of issues. Not Marco, he's one of the biggest climate deniers in the field.
And Cuba? For him it's better to leave a 50-year old sanctions policy in place and not look to a new relationship with the home country of his parents.
I wish it didn't get even worse, but it does. Social Security and Medicare, for Rubio, undermined the family relationship, that's all.
But then what would anyone expect from a hyper-ambitious whippersnapper bought and paid for by the Koch brothers?
And that would not be a good thing.
Also troubling is that "the Media," right left and center all tend to give him high marks in the many Republican debates.
This is mystifying. Though, one is beginning to hear more and more his performances described as "canned" "rehearsed" and "scripted".
But that's not the worst of it. He has run away from the issue most important to him, immigration reform, with a substantial element of amnesty for undocumented workers. (Romney did the same thing with Romney-care, which greatly undermined his credibility). When candidate who comes off so sanctimonious as does Rubio abandons his core issue, where does that leave him?
It gets worse for Rubio. Of course the Base of the Republican party is greatly soothed by attacks on President Obama. Rubio takes it to a new level as one of the most relentless Obama-bashers in the Republican field.
That's a disservice to his constituency. With the possible exception of Chris Christie, he is the biggest offender on this point.
It gets still worse. As the youngest candidate, one would think that he would take science into account in his assessment of issues. Not Marco, he's one of the biggest climate deniers in the field.
And Cuba? For him it's better to leave a 50-year old sanctions policy in place and not look to a new relationship with the home country of his parents.
I wish it didn't get even worse, but it does. Social Security and Medicare, for Rubio, undermined the family relationship, that's all.
But then what would anyone expect from a hyper-ambitious whippersnapper bought and paid for by the Koch brothers?
Sunday, January 3, 2016
A Message from Trump that Republicans Should Actually Listen To
For all of the genuine harm he does with his reckless statements, Trump has at least one
message that would serve Republicans well.
The message is that the U.S. should not repeat the mistake of the Iraq invasion--for which we got
absolutely nothing, except 4,000 dead Americans, 3 trillion dollars squandered, a strengthened Iran, and Sunni rage against the U.S. in the form of ISIS. Trump was recently asked by a CNN reporter whether America would be better off with Saddam Hussein in power, and without skipping a beat, he said “100%, 100%.” He is right on that point.
Today, 12 years after the Iraq invasion, most Republican candidates maintain that there is a
military course of action that will produce the magic solution to instability in Syria and to defeat ISIS, and that Obama is simply choosing not to follow that clear course of action. The same people who understand the true magnitude of the damage
of the Iraq invasion also understand that there is no such course of action
available. Most Democrats get this, while most Republicans do not. So it is important that it comes
from the Republican front-runner that military intervention, such as that advocated
by Senator Lindsey Graham, will guarantee more of what we got out of the Iraq invasion.
Republicans like Marco Rubio don't seem, to care or understand this risk, and are pounding the war drums
for another ISIS-recruiting, American military intervention in the Middle
East. Chris Christie is even ready to shoot down Russian planes. What the Republicans need to do
instead is to transform into the Party of wise risk-taking and dismantle the neo-conservative-dominated foreign policy that has so
damaged the Party and so harmed the U.S. The so-called left-leaning mainstream media needs to play a role in this. But, despite the lessons of Iraq, journalists still
leave the public debate waters muddied, with American military intervention as a
credible option for American foreign policy.
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