That Trump! Or, Is It?

I just don't get the hew and cry over the fact that Donald J. Trump is now President Elect. 

I'll come right to it. Isn't Mr. Trump nothing more than the apotheosis of the values which are part and parcel to the culture we have made for ourselves? Everybody wants changes. But ... Who wants to change? Demonstrated especially so in how detractors want to remove the offending part without really changing the conditions which gave it rise.  Let's be real. After Trump goes you can count on a new improved faster acting, longer lasting stronger version down the road.

You can certainly see the point — changing a part, but not the whole — from observing our relationship to health care. We mostly operate with an orientation stated thus: "Doctor, make it go away." Which the doctor is all too happy to do with pharmaceuticals and/or surgery; those two main favorite procedures of modern medicine. Never mind the cure. The money's not in the cure, it's in the medicine. Besides, a cure would engage us in having to look at ourselves holistically. And, make changes. Just where in the culture do you see any support for that sort of approach? 

So, back to Trump. Evidently there's a recent article suggesting that it is inevitable that the President Elect resign, or gets impeached. That's David Brooks in the New York Times. I don't think Brooks would be one to eschew real structural social/economic/political change. He's just probably speaking to the same point I'm attempting to make here. Remove the symptom. Keep the cause. 

POST Election BS

After 2 years of campaign BS rhetoric — you know, when it netted down to one candidate would be a disaster; the other, the apocalypse — now we have a fresh serving immediately post election.

After all the negativity delivered in unambiguous, absolute terms, now ... now we are told to come together to "unify" and "heal".

"Unify the country." Does anyone know what that even means? It sure sounds good. Who isn't for unity? Healing? Ditto. 

I'll be good and damned the day I look for unification and healing from some politician. They break it apart, then they put it back together again. It only has to do with getting a vote. Or, to be really cynical, making it appear that we have a say in things. 

I go with the Course in Miracles: "Love has no opposite." "What's real can't be threatened. What's unreal doesn't exist." 

Are we really going to wait for whomever is in the high chair to heal us? It's ours for the taking. NOW.

ADDENDUM: You know that phrase, "What God has put together, let no man put asunder"? That has been appropriated for the vows of marriage. Fine. 

But, there's a larger meaning: What God has joined together, no one can put asunder. Unity is the rule. The delusion is in the very idea of separation. 

Choice 2016

#CandidateDrugTest

I've been hearing ...

And, wondering why this hasn't become a thing in the 2016 election. Heck, in all elections. A simple drug test.

Just like what any poor schlep has to pass even to get a job cleaning the toilets at Walmart.

Here we've seen candidate Trump sniffing rather noticeably and often at the first two debates. People have even speculated on the record that this might be evidence of cocaine. One, in fact, that the constant sniffling is definitively indicative of the drug.

I don't know if it is, or if it isn't. Just that don't we as informed voters deserve such an assurance about our governmental servants? 

And, doesn't Mr. Trump deserve to have this put to him also as comeuppance for his ongoing tactic of saying things like "People are saying", and therefore feels that whatever dirt he is promoting be cleared up by the accused. The Obama birther thing is a pretty definitive example.

Also, I have some history with druggies. Once I was helping a friend manage her hotel in South Beach, Miami. A shady young couple were residents. She danced at the Pink Pussycat, and in all likelihood turned tricks upstairs at the hotel. He was her boyfriend and pimp. They were typically late with the rent and I confronted the fellow finally about it in the hotel lobby.

As he was giving his list of excuses he tossed the butt of his filter tip cigarette into the potted plant. I told him that wasn't something to do. On a dime he casually stated that it was good for the plant.

Later, when they completely skipped on the rent, we had the police open the apartment to find the makings for crack. They reappeared a few days later demanding that we turn over their belongings which we had cleared out. Demanded. And, offended. 

That's druggies for you. Chronic and, expert liars.

Then I think about how Mr. Trump can recast his discussion about how you can grope women if you're a star. As ... locker room banter. Granted he didn't come out and say that he was a star. Or, that he in fact gropes — groped — women. In a court of law he would probably walk. He does have the knack of speaking with deniability. Which is what we are all probably all too fed up with in our politicians anyway. 

Yet, obviously he lives in a world were that sort of behavior is probable. A world where hitting on women is just part of the transaction. It seems to have been overlooked that he also has a history of making passes at married women. Speaks to me of his disrespect for the husbands as well. 

Mr. Trump ... take the test!

#CandidateDrugTest

If any poor schlub who wants to get any minimum wage job is required to take a drug test, why not the candidates for the so-called most important office in the land?

Keyword: Trumped Up

In a consumer targeted, money-centric world where the population is conditioned to a constant demagoguery which preys on its fears, popular desires, prejudices, and unconscious motivations in the service of promoting the consumption of all kinds of trumped up passing sensory distractions and useless manufactured wants and ego fulfillments, where the so-called telegenic successful person is revered ...

Should it come as a surprise that at some point in such a culture it is inevitable that an actual personified demagogue would come forward to lead the hypnotized eager masses? A sociopath whose own aims justify whatever action or position furthers them, and too cynical about the intelligence the electorate to bother to be consistent.

Of, course, Donald Trump comes to mind. It's right there in the quote. Hard to miss. Even if his name wasn't mentioned. He'd come to mind.

In a very incisive article in the New York Magazine Andrew Sullivan writes on how America is a breeding ground for tyranny offers some understanding on the current state of American politics. Striking to me how he makes Sarah Palin out to be a kind of John the Baptist to the coming of messiah Trump.

Recent liberal commentators speak of how Donald Trump is not the problem, but it's the educational system which produces idiots not keen enough to see through his demagoguery. As if an education is some guarantee that you'll see things clearly. I don't think so. Smart, maybe. Ignorance. That's not something you can educate away. For that fix you need exemplars. They are there. And, many. But the assholes are very noisy. And, get the press.

My point is that if it's not Trump, it'll be someone else. Maybe not now, but it'll keep coming up. It's a systemic manifestation of the culture we live in. Reread the above quote now.

Now, how to change the culture. Let's be realistic and plan for a miracle.

I am hopeful. Trump or no Trump. There are also angels among us. God's hand is in things. Like Mr. Dylan said, "The times they are a'changin'".

Not to put too much of the fear of God into you, here's a prophecy from a more cosmic perspective about things to come:

Men do not suspect to what dangers they are menaced by. They continue to pursue futile objectives and to seek pleasure. Sins accumulated for thousands of years must be redeemed.

A Donald Trump Presidency

Cheesy ... Great!

By now it's pretty well hashed out how Mr. Trump's success in his bid for the Republican Party's nomination for the 2016 Presidential election is, to date — albeit, surprising, even amazing — a result of public distrust and disaffection with the political process in general, together with the encroachment of special interests dominating public discourse and policy. 

People are fearful. People are pissed. People feel powerless. And, Mr. Trump is the past master at capitalizing on the lowest subconscious motivators in the prevailing zeitgeist. He's not pissed. He gets even. He's not fearful. He's confident. He's powerful. Just what we need. Yes?

Here's a scenario which we could likely see should he be elected as Commander in Chief. 

A word regarding Democracy in general. Keep in mind, Mr. Trump is a businessman. And, a successful one. At least by his own estimation. Lets' not debate that, though. He certainly can be described as an individual who's will is hardened to getting what he wants, as he seems to project a rare kind of unquestionable certainty of purpose and motivation. 

If you've ever worked for a living, you know that Democracy ends as soon as you enter the work place. The boss rules. Yes, there are legal recourses to abuses. But, in general, your job is pretty much at the pleasure of the boss. You do what you're told. Mr. Trump is a boss. Just wondering how he will adjust to working in a collaborative model, having to sort through differing points of view and opposition to his agenda from many directions.

Maybe, though, he will attempt to adjust the system itself to his style. Remember, the ethos is "to win". And, from my take of it, he seems to be willing to win at any cost. "Scorched Earth" is a useful metaphor as a form of verbal usage, but an actual scorched earth is a whole other thing. 

So here's The Donald in the Oval Office. He wants to do great things for the country. Of course, he's right. He meets opposition within his own administration. Simple. Fire the bastard(s). Dumb! Done! Next? (That, by the way, was a favorite phrase of a one Mr. Robert "Bob" Crandall, former President and Chairman of American Airlines. A legend. Also, a tough SOB.)

Opposition in Congress? No problem. Remember, no matter what the electoral vote, if Trump wins he'll spin it as a mandate. And, the key point will be that business concerning the dissatisfaction with the inaction of the legislature and its beholdingness to special interests. 

In other words, the leverage will be that if you oppose the President, you will be seen as playing politics as usual and at the behest of the lobbyists. It seems people are pretty much fed up with the business of politics as usual. Insert here, public outcry. That may be enough of a stick to bring lawmakers into line. If not, then come the mid-term elections, the folks who voted Mr. Trump into office will vote in some new faces who will see eye-to-eye with the Great Man.

Further — as we got a hint of it during the Bush fils administration — anyone who opposes him could run the risk of being seen as unpatriotic. 

That's one possibility. If so, then we can all sit back and munch our Cheetos and let our Fearless Leader move us over the horizon to our destined greatness. Confident that he's the man for the job ... for no reason more than that he says so. Admittedly, most confidently. 

It's the art of the deal, folks. Who's sold?

There's More ...

Statistics from March 1 Super Tuesday primaries 2016 versus 2008.

INELECTION 2016

Statistics from March 1 Super Tuesday primaries 2016 versus 2008:

More stats:

Super Tuesday March 1, 2016 Voter Statistics (Source: NPR) ...

Republican: +81% 2016 versus 2012

Democrat: -31% 2016 versus 2008 (No Democratic primary 2012)

8.5 million Republicans voted in the 11 GOP Super Tuesday states that reported results. In those same 11 states in 2012, turnout totaled only around 4.7 million.

Among Democrats in the 11 states reporting results for Super Tuesday, turnout totaled only around 5.9 million, 2.6 million fewer people than came out in those states in 2008.

Based on those numbers, and after reading the excellent analysis in Chris Hedges' article linked at the end of this post, I have a few observations based on the current situation in the 2016 Presidential election process. This temperature reading taken just after the March 1, 2016 Super Tuesday results.

First. Voter turnout will be a key factor in presidential election. This seems to be Mr. Donald Trump's ... trump card. Clearly there are a whole lot more people voting in the early primaries than in the previous two election cycles on the Republican side. The low turnout so far among Democrats should give Mr. Sanders concern since his campaign is predicated on a "revolutionary" voter turnout. 

Second. There is a third party in the making among the electorate. The so called Tea Party was the first glimmerings. But that group seemed to be from among the Republican ranks and about being way far right of the Republican center. The new, yet unnamed, third party appears to be a broader base. It may even cut across both party lines, including particularly those whose fear and loathing has brought them to the polls in record numbers for the first time. If there is in fact a de facto third party brewing, it appears to belong to Donald Trump. Or, to whomever now or in the future reflects his kind of authoritarian posture. By his own boast, he is responsible for bringing a lot of new people to the Republican party. 

Here's my thinking. Traditional Democrats, they vote Democratic. Traditional Republicans, vote Republican. But, then, there's Donald Trump. He may be a nominal Republican, and many of his supporters may also come from somewhere in the former traditional GOP base; but the strong increase in Republican turnout may come from the broad swath of the disaffected, disgusted, and disenfranchised who coalesce around the likes of The Donald. Many of whom heretofore have not factored in the electoral equation. Probably there are some Democrats in there also. I don't believe they owe any allegiance to the traditional two big parties, particularly since those parties have proven themselves to be beholden to special, corporate interests. Exactly what all those Trump voters are fed up with. And, interestingly, what Mr. Trump is campaigning against. The politics of special interests and business as usual.

Trump is the only Republican candidate who — believably — can lay claim to not be touched by any corporate lobby pressure. Bernie Sanders, the same on the Democratic side. Except in Mr. Sanders' case his pitch is more intellectual and heartfelt. Mr. Trump's is from the gut. And, if I'm measuring the temperament of the zeitgeist correctly, that's where the fervor exists. Anger, frustration. Feeling marginalized, tricked, and exploited.

Mr. Sanders can't be too cheered by the low Democrat primary turnout. Particularly since his pitch seems to be predicated on a voter revolution; i.e., voter turnout, and in large numbers. That may happen, but he'll have to persuade a lot of people to tear themselves away from the TV to see that happen. Plus, he has the obstacle that Clinton — and the media — are fostering by framing it like Hillary Clinton has it in the bag and is now the presumed Democrat candidate. Bolstered by the notion that Bernie is not electable. I get it that Hillary would want to say that. But, the media? Also, there's that bugaboo about Sanders being a Socialist. Those same people who are mobilized to support Donald Trump are probably not at all attracted to the term "Socialist". Even though Bernie Sanders has made it clear on that subject. But, as they say, you can't convince anyone whose mind is already made up. 

That's my amateur pundit analysis. Read the article from the noted Chris Hedges and see where I'm getting my take on things. It's must reading. For sure.

There's More ...

"Beyond being almost alarmingly prescient, this theory [The Rise of American Authorianism] speaks to an oft-stated concern about Trump: that what's scariest is not the candidate, but rather the extent and fervor of his support." Read another excellent, informative article.

US Presidential Elections

Now it's ... 2016

Please, Mr. Trump! Dispel the rumors. Have your head examined by a qualified non-partial medical professional so we can have the assurance going forward that you are qualified and have your head on straight. 

Oh, yes. Mr. Cruz, while you are having the Supreme Court decide on your eligibility as a candidate, perhaps your mother can show her birth certificate. Mr. Obama ... we're still waiting.

Now, for some fresh meaty ... Wrambling ...

The election when I was first eligible to vote for the President was 1964, Goldwater (R.) versus Johnson (D. Incumbent). 

I voted for Goldwater. That's right. Who would admit that? At the time I figured that if we were in a war we should be all in, and Barry was talking like he would get over there 100%. Happily that didn't materialize. 

But, since I come from good blue collar working class auto union roots, I have leaned Democratic ever since.

In the 2008 election it seemed to me that the writing was clearly on the political wall, and — after Bush fils with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the Wall Street mess — no way was any Republican going to win the Presidential election. It looked like the party higher ups gave a last hurrah to that old soldier, Senator John McCain. How in the hell Governor Sarah Palin fit into that picture is still a mystery to me. I'd like to get the Senator in a room and hear what he really has to say. But, as in all things, he took it like a man. 

And, it still is. A mystery, that is. Palin? Most recently we have that Lady — who I would call a bimbo except that it would be politically incorrect. Idiot. Fool. Crazy Bitch. Those too. — coming out in high fine style and endorsing Donald J. Trump. Who I would call a whole arm's-length list of not so "nice" names except, again, that would be politically incorrect.

Here's what mystifies me. I seem to live in a world where from my vantage Mr. Trump looks like a bombastic fool. I didn't say that. I've heard others say it. I don't know if it's true. But, if it is, that's a problem. So, it is a problem by definition. Someone said it was a problem. Not me. But, now me. 

I think Mr. Trump should get his head examined, and once and for all dispel the rumors that he is a pumped up, narcissistic, proto-fascist bully and bloviator whose main claim to fame is that he knows how to win ... apparently. Again, not my words. People are saying. Lots of them. 

Mr. Trump, let's clear this up now so that if you do win and become the President of the United States of America it won't show up in the way you manage the affairs of State. Which, if it did, we would all be wearing classy armbands and doing that new dance sensation, the "Goose Step". Let's do the "Trump Tromp". Really classy. 

Of course, The Donald never loses, so it would be a win for him and for the US of A. Right? I think even I can stop thinking now.

Never mind that running a democratic government is different from running a corporation(s). You know those entities who are persons, and where you leave democracy behind as soon as you come through the door. 

So far, he seems to be running on the sole strength  that he is a winner. Which, no one can deny. Oh, I guess it would work if I thought of him as Big Daddy, who will go out and do what needs to be done to win for you and me average citizen. I wonder how a man who is pretty much used to having his orders followed unquestioningly will do in the actual political reality of being head of state. Oh, I forgot. He always wins. He'll be great. Enough said.

Are we having a King's New Clothes moment?

I digress.

The thing is I find myself in what seems to be on one side of an issue. There are clearly lots of folks who see Donald J. Trump as the man for the job. I don't get it. How they see that. And, those folks I would bet big don't get how I don't get that. Feels like being on either side of an impenetrable wall. So, then, who paid for that?

That is what I am puzzled about. How could two sets of people be so diametrically opposed in their thinking. Of course, we live in a dualistic world and, as a scholarly friend once advised me, no matter what you say [think] someone can prove you wrong. 

That's the world for you. You can't win. And, after all that ... you die.

I do think I'm on to something about the political divide-wise. I had a sister-in-law once who was from the Bible South. For example ... Eve ate an apple. An actual apple. Period. End of story. No discussion. Not even the slightest interest in having a discussion to understand another point of view. Keep on closing, like a Jehovah's Witness. Right as rain. This apparently does not deter her from eating actual apples, but I think the statute of limitations on that prohibition is probably over. Probably. Wouldn't it be a kick if in her certitude and righteousness she gets turned away at the Pearly Gates for having eaten an apple. And, not just one, but lots. Talk about a rude awakening. And, when it's too late.

Yes, Eve at the apple. Not a scintilla of shading, or metaphor, or meta-meaning. Just a crunchy apple. I assume ... Crunch. The Good Book doesn't go into such aesthetics on that forbidden fruit. It's color, or eating properties. Or, if it would be good in a pie. 

Just saying, we drove over one hundred miles last Fall to buy heirloom apples. One place we stopped at did seem a little hellish.

No. No further discussion needed. Thank you very much. For some it's a clear cut right or wrong proposition. And, when you have God on your side, being right is not just an option, it's a duty. Keep your ammo dry, while you're at it. 

Political-wise then, I think we're looking at something like this. On on side at the extreme end of its spectrum is a group of people with not a trace of irony or appreciation for subtle nuance or deeper meanings. Flatlanders, in the debate over whether the Earth is round.

Only one level of perspective. Can't even imagine any other. And, on the other, those who are given to what's called a more open minded approach. Those who can hold more than one opposing thought in their head at any one time. But — alas — on their own extreme end of the scale they can err in being susceptible to an anything goes Post-Modern relativism. Well, that's what I think, anyway.

So, if you are for Trump, chances are you have stopped reading this way long ago. If you fancy yourself to be progressive ... Vote! "Whatever" is not the kind of political position to stand on when there is a lot of real doing to be done. 

And, as Senator McCain recently suggested, it would be good to hear how Mr. Trump intends to accomplish his goals. And, to be fair, Mr. Sanders ... just how are you going to go about overhauling the system so radically? As necessary as I agree it needs to be. You should know by now that folks to the far right tend not to want to engage in discussion. We've had eight years of Mr. Obama and those who would disagree, obstruct, and negatively criticize him even if he made pizza free to all. Lots of beer too, of course.

There's a book. It's title is "Priests and Politicians ... Mafia of the Soul." While we're being sold on a better future and debating what that future should look like, there's the Present. Right there plain to see. The beauty part is that it is plain to see for everyone. And, it's the same. Truth, as it is said, is true. Needs no proof. No explanation.

Try it. Meditate before you vote. Meditate after. And ... continue. Living in the Present. Now there's a truly radical notion. 

Sarah Palin

Here she comes, here she comes. . . Again!

Play this now ...

 

Shade begins to steal the light

Confusion throws another mystery

It's out of focus with the eye

So now you wonder is this just a dream

Here she comes, here she comes

She's gonna cause a sensation now

And just between you and me

I think she'll soon have you temptation bound

Here she comes, here she comes

It's the moment you've been waiting for

See the face and see that smile

You've never seen the likes of her before

Suppose-who knows

She's not above suspicion

Is she-maybe

On some kind of secret mission-better listen

Somewhere-somehow

There's still some pieces missing

I sense-I feel

Trust my institution ... don't rush into your decision

Now here's a riddle in a rhyme

If she's the same how come she's different now

The same old eyes but not the shine

You know you're certain but you're full of doubt

Now here she comes, here she comes

She's gonna have you at her beck and call

So why refuse, yeah why contend

When all resistance is impossible

This lady's serious make no mistake

Face to face and eye to eye

She'll cast a spell that you may never break