The Beginning of the End?

One week later…

After a week of total devastation and depression, and that is very light for the feelings I have towards the outcome of our 2016 Presidential Election, I still can’t accept the fact that our nation, filled with such diversity and promise, has gone in such a backward direction. I guess Trump reached a core of America that believed his promises and did not want what they believed was “More of the same.” It is so ironic, that a candidate like Trump, who rarely associated with people he would refer to as losers, would have empathy for those disenfranchised members of society. Democrats, throughout history, have been the ones always fighting for those in need, basic human rights, such as Healthcare, Jobs, Woman’s Rights, Gay Rights, on and on. He hit every chord including pulling the worst possible feelings of people out into the open concerning Immigration and World Policies and just let the S..T hit the fan and went with it. Well… it worked! It has been said recently that, “Stronger and Wrong” beats “Weaker and Right.” I guess I can agree with that now seeing the dismal results. In my last writing I said and called for everyone to vote because I truly felt that if that were so, the best candidate would win. Well, everyone did not vote, sad to say, but certainly enough to show that “Different” was in the cards for America. And so it is!

Already, Trump’s pick for his Chief Strategist, Steve Bannon, hits a controversial note throughout the world. He is known for his blatant feelings about minorities, especially Jews. Being Jewish myself, I cringe when I think that Jews could have voted for Trump. Bannon was the lifeline to Trumps winning this election. He is obviously a brilliant media strategist and does his best by stirring up the most negative feelings people could have, and they went for it, hook, line and sinker. But, of course, the average voter, never really reads into the important stuff, they just want results no matter what happens. I asked many friends who were Trump supporters if they knew who Steve Bannon was, and they not only did not know anything about him, but also did not know he was running the campaign. Shame on them! This pick is probably the most dangerous he will make, being that

Steve Bannon

Trump needs an adviser to help him make the major decisions during his four-year term as President of the United States of America, soon to be known as The United States of Trump. Don’t forget, he was the most ill-informed candidate in history. The campaign reached the lowest levels of divisiveness both in lies and conspiracy theories. Donald Trump will need help, but not the help from a Steve Bannon, a known Racist and White Supremacist as depicted on Breitbart News, his baby, promoting such unconscionable ideas. His voice will be heard throughout the World because of Trumps decision to make him Chief Strategist.

To add to this, Trump now wants his family to have top secret clearance. Also, they will be handling his so called Blind Trust of business dealings. Sounds dubious to me! The question is; can that be something he could actually get approved? I have now been inundated with news about this, over and over again. It is like the campaign just rolled into a new segment of this unusual reality show. It is really a reality show, heading into its first season of “The New West Wing”, or The New Right Wing”.  Either way, hopefully, there is a light beyond this dark tunnel.

Trump’s Last Stand...I Hope!

The past week has been so surreal in the face of our 2016 Presidential Election. It gets worse every day with Donald Trump now saying that our entire Democratic System is rigged, all the way down to the FBI having so called secret relationship with the Clintons. He claims that the media is one sided, leaning towards electing Hillary Clinton. Well, why should they not want him to win? It’s clear enough to me that if Hitler was not elected we would not have had the Holocaust. Yes, I am entitled to feel that he is demonstrating the kind of social behavior that has reminiscence of such a despicable figure as Adolph Hitler. From the very beginning of his campaign he lowered the bar for the Republican Party and caused complete chaos among its members. To me, they are wimps, just like Trump wants them. He really expects his opponents to have to beg him to take them back. His aspiring to be “KING” is scary as hell. When the means, any means, is used to justify the end, one has to search their soul before they enter that voting both on November 8th.

When all of our major media comes out against the ideals of a candidate and his ultimate credibility, one has to take notice.  It’s okay to tell the truth about someone, anyone, who is just plain not capable of running this country in a fair and equitable manner, upholding the Constitution and all the good that it has brought to America. It has been a hard road since it’s signing. Many strides ahead for social injustice as well as laws to protect the rights of everyone, not just a few, took the lives of those who fought for them. It’s okay not allowing an impostor, Trump, to usurp the most powerful job in the world, with the least amount of credentials and certainly not the temperament to boot. Sometimes, it is said, when something looks too good it is probably not! In this case, we can say, when it looks that bad, it probably is! Aside from his key platform issue to answer the immigration policy, building a wall, which is absurd and really against American values, his tone, rhetoric, smear tactics and lies fill his audiences with fear and anger towards his opponents. I use that word in plural, because not only is he opposing Hillary Clinton, but anyone in America or the World who disagrees with him on any issue at all.

The only person who is really hurting Donald Trump is Donald Trump! His own words, through tweets and rallies, have been his biggest enemy. All the negative ads are mirror images of his behavior, even Saturday Night Live, which mocked both candidates, made him crazy. I guess Trump really is self-destructive if he doesn't like looking at himself, because that is really who he is seeing.  Self reflection is not his forte. Everyone is wrong, except him! We, as voters, and the decision makers of our own lives, have an opportunity to have our voices heard with our one single vote. Again, a non vote, or a third party vote is just like voting for Trump. So, take some time, and read about Hillary Clinton and her achievements throughout the 30 years she has been around. Forget the smears and conspiracy theories provoked, and do some good for yourself and the country you and your families want to keep, a country where the Democratic Process will prevail.

And the Winner is…..

The Debate is over and Trump’s Surrogates, of course, say that he won with flying colors! They all live in that Trump Reality Show which has no relation to the real deal. He stalked Hillary Clinton like a predator before the kill. Trump was combative and filled the time allotted him with the usual lies and misconceptions about life in America and World Affairs. His statistics on almost every issue were exaggerated or totally wrong. (See NY Times for a rundown of his lies. http://nyti.ms/2dG1TCZ )  It was said that he presented a bully or thug style during the entire 90 minutes. Seemingly, he had command, but Hillary Clinton just let him go on and on. Her answers were cool and calm and filled with information. She connected with the audience. On first appraisal, commentators said she should have been more reactive. I think it was not easy for her to be as calm as she was, given his attacks, especially when, in his final statement, he threatened her with Jail if he were to become President. Can you imagine that? Third World Country talk! These words will appear over and over again just to remind the undecided who they would be electing if they gave Trump their vote. He does have that Dictator behavior, as displayed on many occasions. In the real world, polls are coming out giving Clinton a very decisive lead as to who won the debate. As the days progress and get closer to Election Day, Trump’s poll numbers will plummet, as he well deserves. Just like a student who doesn’t study for a course, failure is bound to happen. Just think about this…Donald Trump would be really dangerous if he knew anything!

As the Beatles song goes, “Goodbye to Strawberry Fields Forever”… and good riddance!

Dear Donald J Trump

Tonight you will be fighting the fight of your life! Say farewell to all that you aspire to be…the most powerful person in the world. Say goodbye to the ability to cover up all the debt you may have incurred in all of your shady business deals. You cannot possibly become a “Born Again Trump” unless you were really BORN AGAIN! I know you had interviews with a few of the women involved in Bill Clinton’s past infidelities. First of all, the last I heard, Hillary Clinton is and should not be held responsible for these unfortunate actions. Former President, Bill Clinton, was not running for President; he already was, for if he were running, he might have not have been elected. The fact that Hillary worked things out and kept their marriage together still does not make her responsible. Just think about this…you, Trump, walk around town and say the abominable things you say along with disgusting behavior….who enabled you? I will answer that….your parents, your teachers, your friends, your supporters, your own wives…all three of them…and then, of course your very own children from three different marriages. If you didn’t have money and that so-called power you claimed you had in the tape that was revealed, you would have nobody! Very soon, Donald, you will be forced to start all over again, rebuilding your Brand. Don’t throw the hats away…just add… “I Almost Did Make America Great Again!” Thank God you will never have that opportunity, and thank God America is already Great! I’m sure you will find a nice warm and cozy spot with your Alt-Right Surrogates… although; once you lose…you know what you always say…”You’re a Loser” or “You’re Fired.” They will all be gone…searching for another sucker to plead their cause.

And, about those tapes that Hillary made….Isn’t it better to have a dream about open borders than closed borders? An immigration policy that opens our doors to those who work, pay taxes, and find a path to citizenship, of course with the proper system that we have today working to make sure we keep out those individuals who appear dangerous to the US. Not a system that picks out one particular group of people by color or religion, but by a list derived from our friends and allies throughout the world, including our own experts. That system, just in case you don’t know, is already in place and working just fine. You must have missed that in all of your studies.

And, about trade….without the proper trade deals, America would be dead in the woods. The missing jobs are not missing, they are just plain obsolete. You must have missed that class also. Hillary Clinton has been working on this while you were scamming your business associates. Some were good, and others have to be changed. That is the way it works when you are making very big decisions. No one person is ever responsible for everything. “It takes a Village”…remember that phrase? Sound familiar? That alone keeps you out of the arena because you are a man that stands alone! He is an “I can do it alone” person is the true sign of an Authoritarian not capable to lead our Democracy.

The Debate is just about ready to start….”Break a leg”…as they say in Hollywood!!

He can “Run” but he can’t Hide!!

I cannot understand for the life of me how it took this, the release of a 2005 tape of Donald Trump speaking in such a lewd and negative way about a woman and inadvertently about him. When you do this, it’s all about power! His own insecurities, and believe it or not, self hate, can be the only reason he needs attention for everything he does. He has no boundaries; anything goes. It’s frightening to me to still see people defend him. What is his magic? He is ignorant to the point of sounding crazy, spouting out anything he wants at any time…to anyone. He is a sick individual who will end up being a case study in history books down the road, as well as a chapter or two in psychology books.

I really believe Trump is a desperate man who owes monies around the world, just moments away from his life crumbling around him. His seeking the Presidency probably started years ago, because he thinks he is smarter than everyone and has all the answers. But really, I think, it is to cover his vulnerability when the “House of Cards” falls. You can only scam for so long, and I think the walls are closing in on him. He saw a great opportunity when Barack Obama was elected to start his campaign. It was not a traditional way of starting, but he did it with the “Birther Movement”, testing the waters of Racism, and wow, was he right. I’m sure even Trump was surprised at how many people really hated the fact that an African American with an unusual name could become President of The United States of America. He jumped right in as soon as he had an audience, setting the stage for his future. How did we let this happen? Media coverage daily put Trump on center stage. As he says, bad or good, media coverage is positive. Is he right? Will this be his Waterloo? In a way, I hope that his negative issue with women is the final blow that takes him out. By now, he should have been disqualified to run for President.

How could people still be undecided? Trump is not qualified, both academically and morally, to be the Highest Power in the Free World. “Not fit to be President” is a mild thing to say. “Dangerous” is more like it! I am sure this is just the “Icing on the Cake” because Trump is not finished with his Campaign. He will display more of his rhetoric, but, at least we know it will be over on November 8th 2016 with him giving his Concession speech to the First Woman President, Hillary Clinton. That will be our only retribution to Trump. It will be interesting to see what road he takes with this task. The truth is, no one but Trump will know, and that is another reason for him to not be President!

Millennials…Vote Your Brain!!

I am sitting here at my laptop wondering what I can say to help you make a decision that could affect your lives even more than you think. During this contentious Presidential Election, so many twists and turns, your votes will really make the difference between working on the agenda that Bernie Sanders created, or losing it for years to come because of displaced anger. Sanders, with your undying support, put forth a progressive platform to the Democratic Party that can change the lives of working people for the better.

It cannot happen if your vote does not go to Hillary Clinton. By not voting or giving your vote to the 3^rd Party Candidate will undo all of the hard work you accomplished with Sanders. It is true, not everything can be done overnight, but, Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton will work together to make the changes that are needed. With a 3^rd Party Vote or a No Vote…all you are accomplishing is a possible Trump win. Now that will not prove anything or help your cause. As educated voters, somewhere between ages of 19-29, adding up to 15% of the voting population, your vote really counts!

During the last 8 years, while you were growing up, our country elected our first African American President, Barack Obama.  History was made in 2008. Hillary Clinton lost the Democratic Primary to Obama, but he realized her abilities and perseverance and appointed her Secretary of State. At the time she lost the Primary she conceded to him in a classy and most intelligent way. Clinton did not disappear into the woodwork like so many political candidates do after they lose. Clinton has worked alongside our Government supporting our Democratic values during a tumultuous time both at home and abroad.

Along with our technological progress, also come complicated world views demanding close ties with allies and decisions that require real knowledge. Change does not mean, getting rid of, it means working together to make it better. During the last 8 years our country was working hard to rebuild its economy, which in 2008 was on its way to the deepest depression since The Great Depression in the 1930”s. The spiraling down of our economy manifested itself during the Bush Republican Administration, because of their careless economic policies. Blame does not help, but knowledge does! Although the state of our economy is not perfect, it is growing in a slow determined way. Even our “Affordable Health Care,” known as “Obama Care,” especially when opponents claim they want to abolish it, is a giant step forward. It needs tweaking, for sure, but it is in place and has helped millions of people who would have not had health care without it. Clinton will be there to continue the progress already in the works. Along with Bernie Sanders, more progress will take place promoting all that you worked so hard to promote.

Although Bernie called it a Revolution, it will be more like an Evolution, an agenda that will evolve. That is the way things should happen so that we can easily make the changes that need to be done. I for one would have loved to have free Public Education on the higher level at the time when my sons attended college. As a working middle class family in the 90’s, we took out college loans which took us years to pay back. We also have son who is mentally challenged and we have financial responsibilities for the rest of our lives because there is not enough financial aid available. We could be angry, but working hard to create change is the route we are taking. It was also not fun listening to Trump mocking a disabled news commentator just because he was not happy with what he was reporting.   Just another thought to note; The Supreme Court is subject to a big change if Trump gets into office. He has said it, as well as his determination to support the gun lobbyists. Comprehensive Gun control will be off the table. His Racist and Irrational Behaviors filled with lies are just the other very important reasons for your voting decisions.

  

Just remember, when it comes to Brains V/S Brawn, which would you choose? I think I know the answer to that question. You are an educated, young and important constituency; filled with idealistic ideas that will eventually be fulfilled, but only if we go in the right direction. I am 72 years old and spending far too much time thinking about this, but my sense that the other reality, a Trump Administration, is far too dangerous, backwards, or even disastrous, for our Democracy. Bernie Sanders lost the Primary, fair and square, and now it is time to follow him and vote the Democratic Ballot so that his dreams, and yours, can come to fruition. 

The “Basket Of Adorables”….?? *

First of all, besides rhyming with deplorable, the adjective, adorable, according to the dictionary, means “Inspiring great Affection”. This imaginary basket holds the likes of people who have fought for the rights we take so much for granted. I think a significant part of our nation has forgotten what it took, how many years trudging forward, passing laws by a majority, not authority, and finally reaching success, one by one. The names below are a reminder that nothing can be accomplished quickly when a majority has to bring ideas and beliefs to fruition. 

But, it could take a very short time to undo all that they have accomplished. This could happen if we elect a candidate who demonstrates his belief in a strong authoritarian Leader such as Putin. Trump has definitely, over and over again, complimented Putin’s strength, when we definitely know Putin’s control goes far beyond strength of character but more like a Dictator. The names listed below go past political parties; they represent the growth of our Democracy.  Each climbed, in my opinion, a “Mountain of Negatives”, but never gave up!

Susan B Anthony- 1820/1906   Co-founded the first Women’s Temperance Movement with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, aiming to expand the right to vote in the US to explicitly include women. Traveled across the United States and Europe, averaging 75 and 100 speeches annually, at a time when Trains or Horse & Buggy were predominantly the common means of transportation. Let us not forget!

Abraham Lincoln- 1809/1865 President Lincoln created and signed the Emancipation Proclamation-A president in progress, first to save the Union during the Civil War, and then to go on to Free the Slaves. “All Men are Created Equal”…An idea we are still grappling with today. He is truly known to be the greatest American President. Let us not forget!

Woodrow Wilson- 1856/1924   The 19th Amendment was ratified during his Presidential administration, allowing the right for women to vote. Although women were allowed to vote in some states earlier, this was universal so that all women throughout the USA could vote in elections. Let us not forget!

Harriet Tubman 1822/1913   She was born to enslaved parents, saw her sisters being chained and dragged through the streets to be sold as slaves, was lucky to escape her bondage and work her way through the south, safe house to safe house, ending up in the North. She is considered to be the “Moses” of her people. Her sacrifice was beyond the call of duty. She escaped and went back to help others escape and became known as the “Conductor” of the Underground Railroad. Her deeds continue to resonate through history. Let us not forget!

Eleanor Roosevelt-1884/1962   She fought for Equal Rights for all. A delegate to the General Assembly under President Truman, Eleanor continued her fight for Human Rights. Her time spent in a boarding school in London after she became an orphan at 10 years of age, was the beginning of her role as a Woman of the future. She continued her efforts until her death at the age of 78. She had to get through the hurt of her husband’s, Franklin D. Roosevelt, indiscretions, not unlike Hillary Clinton. Her choice was to stay on as First Lady to save her marriage and ability to carry on her Political Goals, helping raise awareness for Human Rights. On a lighter note, tell me the name of any First Lady who packed her bags to leave the White House? Let us not forget!

Lyndon B Johnson- 1908/1973  The 36th President of the USA, known for the “Great Society” legislation, upholding CIVIL RIGHTS, public broadcasting, Medicare, Medicaid, aid to education, the arts, urban and rural development, public services, and his WAR ON POVERTY, helping millions of Americans rise above the poverty level. The VOTING RIGHTS ACT banned certain requirements in southern states used to disenfranchise AFRICAN AMERICANS. The passage of the IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT of 1965, not so long ago, reformed the Nation’s Immigration System by removing Racial Origin Quotas. As you can see, so many changes were made to make our society more equal for all people, including IMMIGRANTS. Let us not forget!

Rosa Parks-1913/2005   A Civil Rights Activist who refused to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger, spurring the Montgomery boycott and other efforts to end segregation. This action galvanized the Civil Rights Movement in the USA. She was truly, while a young Martin Luther King was starting his journey, the hallmark of this Revolution. Rosa Parks was honored by the NAACP as well as the President.

Cesar Chavez- 1927-1993    He was a Mexican-American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist. He worked to get better working conditions for farm workers who were routinely exploited. Chavez organized them into the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers. Because of his continuing work for these issues he was recognized with the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Let us not forget!

Martin Luther King- 1929/1968   He was a leader in American Civil Rights for 13 years, working through nonviolent actions. He helped promote racial equality in the USA from December 1955 until his assassination on April 4, 1968. The Center for Nonviolent Social Change was dedicated in his memory by his wife, Coretta Scott King., to continue his work of addressing social ills around the world. King’s teaching, a combination of the Bible and Mahatma Gandhi, are studied by scholars and students around the world. Somehow, I think if he were running for President, Donald Trump would ask him to show his Birth Certificate! We now celebrate Martin Luther King Day as a National Holiday in the USA.  Let us not forget!

James Meredith- 1933/     Is known for being the first black to attend the University of Mississippi. This was one of the earliest important victories against Mississippi. The NAACP fought for him to win the battle to integrate “OLE Miss”. He would accept no monies…paying his own tuition. His savings came from a meager income he made as a member of the US AIR FORCE. After attending many all black schools, the day after President John F. Kennedy was inaugurated, and sent in an application to University of Mississippi which was all white at the time. His actions opened the doors to “OLE MISS” and made strides for desegregation for the future of our country. Every step these young brave people made brought us closer to electing our first African American President, Barack Obama. That is how progress works…it is always a long journey, requiring the MAJORITY to vote in the Laws that further our Countries Freedoms. Let us not forget!

Gloria Steinem- 1934/   Steinem is known for her Feminist Movement. She is an American Feminist Journalist, and social and political activist, who became nationally recognized as a leader and a spokeswoman for the feminist movement in the early 1960”s and early 1970”s. She has been fighting for equality for women of all races, throughout those years, and is still traveling, internationally, as an organizer and lecturer, and is a media spokeswoman on issues of equality. Women’s fight for equality will continue with many other young leaders, thanks to Gloria Steinem and her forward thinking for women. Let us not forget!

Harvey Milk- 1930/1978   Harvey Milk made history when he became one of the first openly gay officials in the United States in 1977, when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He became a Gay Rights Activist, outspoken, with political connections. Books and Movies have been made to depict all that he did for Gay Rights. For all of his work, facing immense negativity from Anti-Gay Right Activists, Harvey Milk was assassinated. The fight still goes on, but thanks to him, the path was opened. Let us not forget!

Lily Ledbetter- 1938/    Lily opened the door to equal pay for equal work for women. After 20 years with Goodyear, she realized that her pay was thousand less than that of men doing the same job. Her historic discrimination case inspired the Lily Ledbetter Fair Play Restoration Act, for equal rights in the workplace. Certainly, it was a Victory for the Nation. This was President Barack Obama’s first official piece of legislation. She has since become a women’s equality activist. Let us not forget!

John L. Lewis- 1940/     He dedicated his life to protecting human rights, the Champion of Civil Rights. Lewis was born in Alabama, when segregation was still at its highest level. Humiliating segregation in education, public facilities, and were prevented from voting by systematic discrimination and intimidation. For all of his work, Congressman Lewis was given the John F. Kennedy “Profile in Courage” award for lifetime achievement. Let us not forget!

I hope this list of people who have been major contributors for Human Rights gives a picture of a timeline and how much one person can do when they are passionate and involved. There are so many more out there that have opened the doors to the freedoms we are all enjoying. But, along with these trailblazers are those who, unfortunately, still remain Racist, Bigots, Anti-Gay, Anti-Womens Rights, etc. They are truly the “Deplorables” because of their negative social beliefs and practices. The Trump Campaign has given a voice to those who are in this category. His Racist Rhetoric has brought them into the mainstream. It seems to me there is definitely a Political War between the “Adorables  Deplorables”.  If you look at the list above….all of the names except for Abraham Lincoln, are Democrats. It seems that most social changes were fought for by people with more Liberal values. This Presidential Election is so important in light of the Racist and Unstable Behavior of Trump. We need to make sure that Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Candidate, receives the majority Vote.

* A group of friends and I thought that the term “Adorables” …”Inspiring Great Affection”….was the perfect term for those people who contributed so much to our society.

Since writing this piece, Trump has once again blurted out more outrageous remarks! These deep seeded feelings come from his inability to dismiss his opponents while running for President. He tries to discredit them with lies, and somehow his followers and surrogates, either believe what he does, or fall into his trap. He is frothing at the mouth, to say it lightly, to be able to govern our nation in a manner we have never experienced. I am sure he looks in the mirror every night and cannot believe how stupid his constituents are, or at least those who really don't get it!! Just referencing, over and over again, shooting people in public and getting away with it, giving Second Amendment people the thought of doing away with his opponent, taking body guards away from his opponent, shows you where he is leading. As time gets closer and his back is against the wall, just wait and be prepared to more bizarre behavior. Furthermore, Trump's Birther Movement is far from over. His disdain for having to say that Barack Obama was born in this country showed a total lack of sincerity and displayed once again, his need to dismiss anything that comes in his way. In Trumpland, he was always able to make decisions and close the door. He forgot about all the "Adorables", the brave people that are listed above. Their voices will remain on the right side of History. His will only go down in History!!

Why….A Basket of Deplorable….?

To be honest, I was a little taken back hearing Hillary Clinton use this term when referring to one half of Donald Trump supporters. She clarified the term by calling them Racists, Sexists, Demagogues, Homophobic, etc. How did this come about? I watched and listened to most of the Republican Convention and came out with the feeling that Trump had really rounded up the people who were most easy to fit into that category.

I hate to even say this, but he encouraged the behavior of his audience by edging them on using his offensive rhetoric. Calling adversaries’ names such as Crooked Hillary and Lying Ted amongst other awful adjectives just made things worse. He also claimed that our Government is rigged for certain people and the results gotten were false. In other words, that if someone he did not like was not proven guilty it meant they were not investigated or tried properly. Namely, the Clinton E-mail issue. No matter what, she had to be indicted or the results were wrong. His audience was provoked by his words, demeanor and of course special body language skills, to chant, over and over again, “Lock Her UP”! The chanting went on throughout the entire Convention.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio, known as an “Anti-Government Extremist,” was invited to speak at the Trump Convention. He is known for his extreme Anti-Immigration policies. It is also nauseating to hear another supporter of Trump, New Hampshire State Senator Al Baldasaro,  claim that Hillary Clinton should be convicted for treason and put before a firing squad for using her private e-mail server. Convinced that she got away with "IT"…whatever "IT" meant!

 If I were Hillary Clinton, I would have just about had it! This Convention and Campaign shows a display of Un-American behavior. Between the Plagiarism that took place by Melania, Trumps wife, and the negative words throughout the week and months, there is no doubt that one can feel that a great deal of Trump’s followers fit into that “Basket of Deplorable.” Isn’t Donald Trump inadvertently, just a little responsible for creating that term? I think he is!

A Cry for Sanity…and Truth!

Another week has gone by and I am still amazed that Donald Trump is being supported by Republicans such as Paul Ryan and Mitch Mc Connell. They have not realized or do not want to accept the fact that Trump is representing his own personal Agenda…The Trump Party. This Party is a combination of beliefs, changing   on a whim, to cause confusion or get votes from various minority groups he has not reached. His admiration for Leaders such as Putin, who is so against our way of governing, is mind boggling. Is the Republican’s need to win as vicious as Trump’s? You do realize they are two different entities. The Republicans V/S Trump…unless American values are totally thrown out the window. That is the question! Say anything and do anything to win! Is this really what Paul Ryan wants? If Mitch McConnell didn’t want to work with Obama just wait until he has to deal with Trump, if he were to win. So many Republicans have cut themselves loose from supporting Trump, but too many are hanging on by their coattails just to make sure they are there if Trump happens to pull off this fiasco of a Campaign. Shame on those surrogates hanging on. They are meaningless to Trump. He has his core group of die hard “Trumpettes” who keep making excuses for him by interpreting his rhetoric through lies and misconceptions of the truth. I’ve always based my opinions about people or politics by what someone says. I don’t want to hear what they meant to say after the fact. From the Birther Movement to the name calling, the taxes, the lawsuits, the ignorance of facts pertaining to world events, racism remarks, religious intolerance, bullying and know it all ideas, Trump has displayed the truth about himself. Even his answer about his security briefing and how he can, through special abilities, determine what transpired within that secure room. He says he can figure all this out through body language. We know he is a pro at body language just by how he mimicked the disabled reporter during one of his rallies. He did that really well and gets an A in my book for making fun of someone’s disability. That is the only truth coming out of that disgusting display of behavior, no less, by a Candidate running for the highest office in the world, President of the United States of America.

I cannot write this without saying that I am a registered Democrat. My choice is a little easier because I truly believe in Hillary Clinton as a viable candidate. Although mistakes were made she has taken responsibility and has not been indicted by our Government. There is something that sits very uneasy, a pit in my stomach, when I hear them, the Trump Republicans, saying that the system is rigged and that somehow Clinton has a special relationship with our Government and gets away with everything and anything, even the possibility of shooting someone in the heart in public view. That little tidbit was spoken at a rally, just hours ago, by Donald Trump. Once again, he denounces the credibility of our Government. In some countries those statements would be considered treason.

If Donald Trump were the candidate of choice by the Democratic Party, I could not vote for him. I would have to turn the other cheek and vote against some of my values, like Women’s Right to Choose or Gay Rights, not usually promoted by the Republican Party Platform, just to not allow someone to take office who can set our country back 100 years. Remember, he would have been an impostor with his Trump agenda, certainly not a Democrat. 

I would be worried about all the rights and values for any of our Political Parties. Although he seems to have a tight relationship with Russia, he would throw them to the dogs if a better opportunity  came along. The word Control, that he uses frequently when he speaks about leadership is synonymous with Domination, as in a Sovereign State or Third World Country. In simple terms, it’s "His Way or the Highway!"

I am only one of many concerned citizens frightened of the possibility of a Trump victory. In my heart of hearts I do not believe that could happen. Voting is of the greatest importance, because a non vote could still allow for the door to be open for Trump to win, for winning is what he wants at any cost. At least you can count on the fact that a vote for Hillary Clinton could help make history. With that win, we will elect the first woman President of The United States of America. This has to be better than voting in a Candidate, Trump, that can make the history we do not want.

TRUMP / CREATING CONFUSION TO GAIN VOTES!

After a week of seeing and hearing Trump all over the media, I have come to the conclusion that the main objective for his ongoing Campaign is to create confusion. His contradictory statements about immigration and race issues are done to keep his base, along with gaining votes from anyone else who might be undecided so that he can bring the polls closer. There might be people who actually only heard his so called "softening" speech who are on the fence. Not everyone is glued to the TV like I am. I have noticed that in my conversations with friends who really do not like Trump, but can't stand Clinton, when confronted with his behavior, they don't defend him, they immediately bring up something about her.

On the other hand, I feel compelled to defend Hillary Clinton, I wish she would defend herself a little more but I am sure that will come soon. Clinton was never convicted of anything by the law. The accusations throughout the years have come from the opposing party, the Republican Party. Usually these accusations arise before and during major campaigns. Anyone can be accused of anything, but this goes above and beyond. What I see when his surrogates are interviewed is that any question about Trump becomes an answer about Clinton. That is the goal, as the saying goes, Offense is the Best Defense. If they are allowed to get away with it, it can works. The listeners are hearing and processing the information they hear. Again, not everyone hears everything so the more that gets out their the better it is. Apologizing is not the answer because if it didn't work once or twice or more times...it won't work again.

Clinton has to keep telling people her many accomplishments during the last 40 years. Also explain the road ahead if elected President. Of course they have to continuously discredit Trump which should be easy being that he does it himself. Just look at who is running his campaign, hard line Alt-Right followers like Steve Bannon.

BEWARE OF CREEPS BEARING GIFTS!

Right now we have a candidate, Donald Trump, who has demonstrated himself to be a Demagogue by the rhetoric he uses about Immigration. When you choose one group of people or two groups of people to profile, it doesn’t matter, it is still called Prejudice. You have to go back in history and compare what he is proposing. His immigration policies are egregious. His entire campaign has been bringing those people together who support prejudices rather than using a rational argument. The scary thing is, there are so many people who would rather blame somebody else, usually minority groups, for their tales of woe

History can repeat itself if left in the hands of such people and their leaders.

The cartoon above represents Trump, the candidate, rolling in the “Trojan Horse”{1}. .  Beware of his bag of tricks. Whatever he says is based on where he is and who he is speaking to, and usually filled with lies. I was amazed when I looked up his statements in Politico for True or False and remarkably almost all he says are at least one-half or all false. The only statement he said that was fully true was that Hillary Clinton hasn’t had a news conference in months. Wow! If he were to win, we don’t know what would creep out of that “Horse.”

{1} Metaphorically a “Trojan Horse” has come to mean any trick or stratagem that causes a target to invite a foe into a securely protected bastion or place. A malicious computer program which tricks users into willingly running it is also called a “Trojan Horse”. (Wikipedia) 

What people are really saying

A friend sent me this to post.  Well said!

Trump has gotten rich on the backs of small businesses who he has stiffed. He is a misogynist, racist, bigot, short-fused bully who mocks those with disabilities, knows nothing about foreign policy, how the US government is run or diplomacy. He thinks he can settle debt by offering creditors $.30 on the dollar like he has his vendors. Make America Great Again? Seriously? How? This billionaire–narcissist does not have any ideas about anything except to build that stupid wall. 

He spews out lies to distract from the fact he has nothing substantive to say. He was a democrat who supported democratic candidates for years but probably knew he’d never defeat Clinton in the primaries. He lies and changes his mind with the same regularity as you change your underwear. Any parent of daughters should be defending their rights to reproductive freedom, something he has flip flopped about too. Hillary had a private server and may have lied about a few emails. Big freaking deal. Reagan sold arms to Iran and lied about it; George Sr. said “no new taxes.” Hmmmm. George Jr. lied about the Iraqi regime supporting the 9/11 attacks. Powell and Rice also used private servers (they advised Secretary Clinton to do the same). Oh, and let's not forget Trump's delusional comment about Obama starting ISIS.

ELECTION REVIEW-70 DAYS TO GO!

THE CANDIDATES
DONALD TRUMP is only a caricature of himself! He emulates ignorance with every word he says, words that just come out of his mouth without any forethought! I am embarrassed to have him in the Presidential Ring but in our free country we have to always expect this to happen. Unfortunately, many of his followers are cheering on his most dangerous proposals and unfounded accusations.

Furthermore, someone should make him leave that ridiculous hat at home, he looks like an old baseball player promoting a losing team ... Doesn't he know that America is already Great!! It is also not very Presidential looking but anything to cover his Hairdo... I didn't see anyone asking the name of his Hairdresser. It will be interesting to see how his visit to Mexico turns out. However, Trump will always make the results look like it benefits his beliefs... Can't wait!!


HILLARY CLINTON is a victim of her own circumstances. We have been hearing about the same Issues for years, complicated by numerous Conspiracy Theories conjured up by her opponents. These theories always become more enhanced during Election time. I myself say... Oh, that again!!

For a Woman and Leader who has been around for 40 years, working hard for people and the  Democratic Party she is really getting a raw deal. Clinton has not been convicted of any Crime!! She should be able to wrap things up by now... I think she has to have a News Conference on all the issues once and for all.
She is prepared and ready to be The First Woman President of the USA. Her campaign is steady, upbeat, filled people who are loved  and respected in the political world as well as the public world... Just compare both campaigns and I am sure you will get my drift.

When you are in the Political Arena for so long... Controversial issues will always pop up... It is so easy to be a back seat driver ... I for one feel badly that the Clintons have to give up a Foundation that has done so much good for underprivileged populations needing help for their sustenance, especially in the medical field. It is a pity that the opponents would rather Discredit the Good deeds of the Foundation just to get kudos for themselves !! I hate for them to do it... But probably they should pass the baton just to close the door to criticism ... We all know, that will never stop! They have been talking about Benghazi for so long that I finally learned how to spell it, and I am sure others still do not know how to spell it or even where it is. Young people are now able to vote, they may not be well versed in all of these issues and all they hear is "Crooked/Liar" I hope the voters can truly compare these candidates and realize that Clinton is so far beyond Trump in  Character, Preparedness And just plain READY!!

STATE OF AFFAIRS:
I believe our country has been constantly moving forward on all levels. President Obama has been criticized for going too slow... But with the personal vendetta that Mitch McConnell made after Obama's Election in 2008, asking the Republican Party to make him a One-Term President... and refuse to pass anything he proposed, how could things have moved Quickly... But it has moved up an onward! I believe McConnell's words have helped spur up Racism to a higher level... Along with Trump's Birther movement. A negative Congress just added salt to the wounds. All in all, our State of affairs and economy is showing  progress with a future that is positive only with the right leadership. Again, there are two real choices... Trump is looking to take us back to his " Unreal Reality"! Trumpism is backwards and Clinton's agenda is Forward. With a Congress and Senate that can work together, and I think she can do it, there are no boundaries for the USA.

Thoughts from the runway

I am on a plane with no Wifi available. 

As it is, we were on the runway waiting for more fuel, very important, for 1 1/2 hours, making a 3.5 hour trip become 5 hours. We may possibly miss our connection! But, all is not lost. Just more time to write a little something about Trump. I think he needs another Conspiracy Theory created, this time getting into his personal life.

I have wondered why no one has seen or heard from Ivana and Marla, Donald Trump's two former wives and mothers of a few of his children. 

Ivanka, Donald's daughter who he said he would be attracted to if she weren't his daughter, weird, is the daughter of Ivana. I wonder if she, Ivana, will be supporting and voting for her Ex-Husband. Was she at the convention? No one seems to be interested in why she has not been interviewed. I am sure Ivana has been paid off or signed a very strict non- disclosure so that it is impossible to get to her. The same with Marla Maples. By the way, I think I saw her ring shown at auction in the papers a while ago, a little small for The Donald. Maybe Marla is running out of money, after all she was " Fired" from her job as "2nd Wife."

Some divorces end up having one big happy family, but it seems clear here that the kids took to the "Money Trail," I would feel much better if Ivana and Marla were both interviewed and showed their love and support for Donald. I am sure they spent many long hours waiting up for him while he was working so hard as, perhaps, a volunteer at the local Soup Kitchen or the YMCA helping underprivileged youngsters, especially those from the African American Communities he is pledging to help. I'm sure they, Ivana and Marla understood his need to help and reach out! You think??  

No... Trump was probably out on the town, hopefully not wearing one of his silly Made in China caps. Thank goodness he gets it wholesale or free, because  he couldn't wear it more than once. The orange from his hair must leave quite a mess. Maybe he has a secret microphone in the seams of his cap. He couldn't possibly memorize  all of the content of his speeches. Who can remember such difficult words like, Crooked, Guilty, Crooked, Guilty etc. Having to keep them in that order is very difficult! 

Please Ivana, Marla, come forth and tell it all! You may lose his money, but you would make a bundle just by telling all the secrets you must be keeping! Even Trump himself may spill the beans if he knew he could make a fortune. It would help clear up all the debt he must owe, possibly to  Russia or his Hairdresser. We know he'll never pay the Hairdresser!

Maybe the Kids, when they run out of money, will tell it all! 

Soon landing... This made the longer trip worth while.

DONALD TRUMP: Truth or Consequence!!

While I am still watching and listening to all that is going on during this election cycle, I am questioning how people can still be thinking that Donald Trump is a viable candidate with credentials that are needed to be elected President. Some of what I am writing is repetitive. It is hard not to keep the message going that Trump will never change. Why are people so eager to accept conspiracy theories about the Clintons with no basis for truth, and yet not accept the true accounts drawn out by various writers about Trump’s bizarre behavior patterns and bad business decisions? How they can accept his not revealing Tax Returns, numerous bankruptcies causing pain to all people doing business with him, along with other dealings such as racial discrimination during his years in the real estate business with his father. I thought Americans enjoyed reality shows! Believing conspiracy theories and not the truth is really not reality. It is an excuse written by hate groups to divert the attention away from the truth. The reality here is that Donald Trump is not capable, based on what I have seen and heard with his own words and actions, of being the leader of the free world. He has hired ultra right wing advisors to steer his campaign, to name one, Steve Bannon,  Author at BREITBART. ( www.breitbart.com )

Check this website for ideological remarks and views about various minority groups. Some of it will make your hair stand straight up! Why would a candidate, who claims to be able to “Fix it all Himself”, hire such a controversial figure? Trump and his supporters really believe that more than half the voters in the US fit this mold. With that in mind, he could win!  

Trump’s use of the phrase, “rounding up” the eleven million illegal immigrants, sadly reminds me of the “rounding up” of Jews in France during WW II. I still get chills up and down my spine when I read novels and non-fiction books referencing those awful times. Again, repetition is necessary to keep the truth at hand so people don’t forget. Just seeing or picturing large groups of people, families, elderly, being herded away is unconscionable! He has chosen a path of darkness rather than seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. He wants to go back to some kind of police state judging by his plea for law and order. Anyone with simplistic beliefs dealing with the plight of the inner cities is only thinking of more incarceration rather than education. Although he mentioned education, barely, at his recent rallies, it was truly placed on the back burner. His first response will be “lock them up” just as his constituents chanted at the RNC Convention about Hillary Clinton. Those actions were reprehensible, and they were encouraged by Trump. If he was promoting locking up Clinton for something she was not proven guilty of doing, what do you think he would do to those people he decided were really criminals? The inner cities need help, guidance through education, jobs, comprehensive gun control throughout the states, along with a congress eager to pass laws to promote such happenings.

Just remember,  climbing uphill is a greater task than a free fall! We easily did that in 2008 when the economy fell short of a deep depression. We are still slowly climbing, but that requires patience and perseverance, along with knowledge and thoughtful leadership, not quick what’s on your mind at the minute decisions!

Donald Trump is a “wolf in wolf’s clothing” because nothing is changing. He is only getting worse, blaming everyone for everything. He is desperate, and speaking of conspiracy theories, I for one, think he has plenty to hide especially when it comes to his tax returns. He wants to gain the highest office in the land to be able to sweep his severe financial problems and questionable affiliations under the rug.  Now, that sounds reasonable. Only Donald can make this statement false! All he has to do is release his tax returns. I wouldn’t bet on that! But see, these word then lead to accusations and then worse. People start believing the non truths. In this case, I hate to say that it is probably true!

If voters don’t start accepting the truth and choose to accept conspiracy theories, we, as a nation could face severe consequences. We can’t just throw our courts and justice systems in the sewer and come to our own conclusions because we did not like the answers or decisions of the court. We forget that a person has to be proven guilty! Conspiracy theories can only lead to ignorant decisions and bring hurt to those who are being judged.

The time is getting closer for you to read thoroughly the truths about our two National Party Candidates. Listen to all the news stations to compare. If you hear news on one station that never appears anywhere else, then you have to know that it is false. Time after time friends who watch a certain news channel tell me things that don’t exist anywhere else. It is a tunnel filled with lies! How can these newscasters speak day after day and continue to spread stories and angles that are not only not true but simply trash.

On a lighter note, I was in New York City last week and found a city filled with people from all over, different races and nationalities busily walking, hailing cabs, standing in line for Broadway Shows, all enjoying something we take so much for granted. We will always need changes to better ourselves and move forward in our ever changing world, but not at the cost of freedom. What we don’t need is someone who thinks it is all rigged and crooked. That people aren’t welcome, only those he sanctions.

Trump is certainly an outsider, who really is outside the realm of reality. Think hard before you enter that voting booth. This year accept the truths or possibly have to deal with the consequences!

DONALD TRUMP: DO THE MEANS JUSTIFY THE END?

The Election Timetable is running out for Donald Trump. What does a desperate Narcissistic Demagogue do?  Anything and everything!  He has now decided, either on his own or with the advice from his 3^rd new, extreme team, to say anything to bring in votes from anyone who is slightly undecided. He goes from one rally to the next, changing his tune, pandering to whomever he can. He knows that just a few votes from each group, Latino, African American, Gay, Lesbian, Educated, Women, Etc., will put him over the top to win the election and change what he calls “The Regime”, as if he were in some foreign country. He shouted out to the African American community, “You have nothing to lose”, because he believes they have nothing anyway. It is the biggest insult of all. What you don’t realize is that he truly feels that way about everyone who is not successful or not in the ring with him. The scary part is that if people do not wake up to his insincerity and ineptness, he could actually win! This would be a colossal defeat for our Democracy as we know it. Trump is surrounded by extreme ultra right wing advisors who have a long history of Racism, Anti-Semitism as well as Anti Government remarks, along with a large following through their on line websites.

Winning is all that Donald Trump is about. He has said it over and over again, because if he doesn’t, then it was all for nothing. He, of course, will blame everyone but himself. His mindset sees it only that way, and he will create any scenario through lies or loud bizarre remarks about his opponent just to keep the ball rolling. I know that when you see two opposing sides, Democrats and Republicans, start agreeing that it would be dangerous for him to be elected, then you know your vote is important. Even Glenn Beck, who I am not a fan of, says that Trump’s election as President could be one of the most dangerous happenings ever in our American History!

When people like Trump get desperate, watch out. Anything can happen!  I am asking all undecided 

Voters need to really listen and learn that, “What you see is what you will get; a Trump Regime!”