Trump's American Disgrace

Our 'Long National Nightmare' over ? Well, not quite. This particular Nightmare gets worse before ending. "My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over". https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/library/speeches/740001.asp

Outgoing President (?) Trump's Obstruction of Transition is an outright appalling disgrace. Trump once said "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters, OK?" Trump remarked at a campaign stop at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. "It's, like, incredible."

1/23/16 https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/01/23/464129029/donald-trump-i-could-shoot-somebody-and-i-wouldnt-lose-any-voters

Trump made this deplorable comment at, of all places a 'Christian College' in Sioux Center, Iowa. WWJD? 

As distressing as the comment is, it might actually be true. At least Trump's Co-conspirators so argued in court. " Attorneys for Trump made the claim while arguing before a federal appeals court in their suit against Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, who has subpoenaed Trump’s tax returns."

Judge Denny Chin pressed him on how the crime would be handled while Trump remained in office. “Nothing could be done, that’s your position?” he said.

“That is correct,” Consovoy replied. https://www.politico.com/news/2019/10/23/trump-lawyer-prosecuted-shooting-someone-055648

Now, we see such horrid observations come true.

Nearly 480,000 Americans have Died and continue to Die at alarming rates and Trump's response is to stonewall efforts for the incoming Presidential Administration to be completely current on the latest Governmental Information on the deadly pandemic. This negligent Mass-Murder is totally appalling on its own, but even more distressing in that Nothing is being done about it.

I understand that just about everyone is exhausted with efforts to hold Trump accountable for his Crimes, but this is completely more urgent than our 'feelings'.

What if anyone else other than Trump participated in such Criminally Negligent Manslaughter? How much would we put up with? We as a Nation and a People would not just shrug it off and say 'Well, we can't do anything about it'. Whatever might be even possible to pursue in demanding accountability and responsibility must be pursued no matter how 'Tired' we may be. More and more people are dying of COVID everyday. Every possible remedy must be initiated.

The 'MAGA-lytes', including those in the U.S. Senate, claim themselves Patriots. Please. 

Hillary Clinton more accurately described them as 'Deplorable'. 

 

 Who will Investigate/Prosecute This Crime ?

Dr. Ben Carson Spends $37k on Office Décor, without Congressional Approval, in Violation of Federal Law -
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/27/us/ben-carson-hud-furniture.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur
Meanwhile, the White House circulated its plans to slash HUD’s programs for the homeless, elderly and poor, according to federal procurement records.

MAGA, Anyone ? 

It’s All a Deplorable Mess… 7/26/17 jw

It’s All a Deplorable Mess…

It was inevitable. President Trump’s election promised drastic change in Washington D.C., and drastic change we now have. Governmental Gridlock in D.C. has never been worse. In recent years we’ve come to expect Inter-party conflict resulting in dreadful stalemate; Democrats vs. Republicans supporting opposing viewpoints of governance. As President Obama faced fierce Republican opposition at every turn, legislative progress was infrequent if there was any at all.

With the election to President of a man with no experience whatever in governance, and a profoundly radical contempt of the Governmental process, the ensuing calamity was, as feared, Inevitable. Not only do we see D. vs. R. opposition, we have R. vs. R. conflict. And Thank Goodness for it! The Intra-Republican turmoil is composed of G.O.P’ers blindly obedient to a Republican President roaring into blind alleys, and some reasonable dissent to hazardous, harmful Legislation and Policies. Again, with the elevation of a radical tyrant to a position of power, the ensuing result has been inevitable. The possible involvement of the Trump Campaign with Russian interference in the recent election also has subsequent political implications.  

Trump has proposed, and attempted to impose some draconian and deplorable policies and a few reasonable Republicans sided with Democrats in opposition. Result-complete stalemate. Thankfully, and at the same time, regrettably. Regrettably because no one wants a complete standstill in Government, and thankfully because the ideas Trump has tried to advance often defy fairness and/or reasonable logic. The man is just out of touch with reality and out of control.

Russian collusion aside, for the moment, President Trump proposes repealing the only national healthcare coverage policy in place while no one has agreed upon a replacement. The ensuing chaos has resulted in fierce opposition all-around, and subsequent legislative standstill. The Republicans, who have been unanimous in their disdain of the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. ‘Obamacare’, have had 7 years to develop an alternative, with no workable result. Nothing, Crickets. Now the Republicans have complete Majority Rule in both Houses of Congress, the Presidency, and no comprehensive Healthcare Coverage Policy.

 Let me say here that while I am opposed to most of the polices endorsed by Republican Arizona Senator John McCain, I have, as previously stated in my blog, the utmost respect and admiration for the Courage and Dedication this Brave man has displayed over the years. Unlike Pres. Trump, I honor Sen. McCain as one of our Nation’s Great War Heroes. His dedication and commitment in Service to the State of Arizona in the U.S. Senate is beyond reproach. His sense of fairness and professionalism was on display during his own presidential bid, as he courteously and deftly corrected a woman who complained of President Obama being a ‘Muslim’. This notion was promoted and advanced repeatedly by The Liar, Donald Trump.

Senator McCain once again showed his courage in reaction to being diagnosed with a potentially-fatal Brain Cancer. Senator McCain also displayed courage and good judgement, and eloquence in denouncing the current Healthcare proposals being advanced in the Senate. Then, surprisingly, he voted in support of opening debate on the current proposals. It all seems sort of confusing, but in essence, he only supported a Motion to open Debate. Fair enough, and in retrospect, perhaps understandable. It just seemed incongruent on the heels of his oppositional speech.

The current Republican Healthcare proposals are dangerous Political and Emotional opposition to the ACA, the dreaded ‘Obamacare’. They have however, Nothing to offer in response except dangerous, haphazard plans that expose millions of Americans to once again being Uninsured. 3 or 4 Republican Senators have demonstrated opposition to such drivel.

As those affiliated with the Trump Campaign face increased investigation and possible charges, Donald Trump’s precarious Political Capitol fades. Republican Senators should remain mindful that while Mr. Trump won the Electoral College, he lost the Popular Vote to Hillary Clinton by nearly 8 Million Votes. Mrs. Clinton was a risky Democratic Candidate to begin with, and she won 8 Million more popular votes than Trump. This indisputable fact annoys Mr. Trump to no end. Ironically, it is a Constitutional Condition that guaranteed Mr. Trump’s Presidency.

  As President Trump descends quickly into a political quagmire, (mostly of his Own-Making), which very well may result in his removal, The Senate would do well to heed Sen. McCain’s advice: “Let the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee under Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Murray hold hearings, try to report a bill out of committee with contributions from both sides. Then bring it to the floor for amendment and debate, and see if we can pass something that will be imperfect, full of compromises, and not very pleasing to implacable partisans on either side, but that might provide workable solutions to problems Americans are struggling with today.”

Good Advice, Sen. McCain, Thanks for your continued Service to This Great Nation.

 A New York State Police Trooper was shot and killed… 

Many Reporters, myself included, have been rightly concerned with and attentive to, the wide-ranging dangerous and possibly Felonious behavior of the Trump Administration. We should not however, get so caught up in the unfolding disaster that is the Trump Presidency, that we ignore other alarming and dramatic News.  https://www.nyspnews.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=57950

Like so many other brave and dedicated Emergency Service First Responders and Law Enforcement Officers across this great nation, New York State Police Trooper Joel Davis, left his wife and 3 teen-age children in their safe and comfortable home to go to work, in harm’s way on our behalf. And, like NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia and so many other Emergency Service Providers – his workday ended in Death.

http://www.schuylerhill.com/book-of-memories/2976446/Familia-Miosotis/service-details.php

All across New York State and America, every day, dedicated men and women leave their homes and families to serve in the face of danger, under frequently hazardous conditions to ensure that the rest of us remain safe and comfortable. It’s the work they choose; Public Service, in harm’s way providing Public Safety so that we may come and go, doing the things we need to do without dangerous interference or interruption.

One of the most dangerous situations Police Officers often face is the Domestic Dispute. The Domestic Dispute ranges from excited, often alcohol- fueled fights, to outright Homicidal adventures. Such was the case for NY State Trooper Joel Davis this night. On what is commonly called ‘Routine Patrol’, (although there is often nothing ‘Routine’ about it), Trooper Davis responded to yet another Radio-run for a ‘Domestic’.

Another fairly frequent potential nightmare scenarios American Law Enforcement and Public Service Officials face is that of our Combat Veterans suffering PTSD symptoms, and under the sway of Booze, and/or Drugs. Even without the Booze and Drugs, and absent any current Mental Health Issues, the Domestic Dispute is one of, if not the most dangerous assignments Police Officers face. Jealousy, Rage and Resentment are dangerous drugs in their own right. Rage-fueled Anger has been found in certain instances, to be form of Temporary Insanity.

So, Trooper Davis veteran of a hundred Radio-runs, including scores of Domestic Disputes, took-in another Job. Except this time, he did not arrive alive. As he approached the location of the incident, he was shot to death by a 32-year old maniac named Justin D. Walters. Justin Walters, an Active Duty Army Infantry Solider posted to Fort Drum, NY.  Davis had apparently just killed his wife, 27-year old Nichole V. Walters. Also shot by Walters was a girlfriend of Nichole.

Walters, it turns out, has been in the Army for 10 years, including 2 Tours of Combat Duty in Afghanistan. The NY State Police Public information was unable to immediately provide information as to whether Trooper Davis had any Military Experience. Many NY State Troopers do, including Combat Experience. Some Combat Vets are able to return and lead a fairly normal, even if painful, life. Others are not. God Bless Those Who Serve, and Those Who Mourn.

Astonishing Disrespect

I am shocked beyond words. And that is particularly troublesome because I am a Writer, a blogger, a Commentator. However, whenever I try to calm down enough to state some reasonable comment on Donald Trump’s response to the Gold Star Parents Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the Pakistani American parents of United States Army Captain Humayun Khan, who was killed in 2004 during the Iraq War, I am completely flabbergasted.

Trump implied in interviews discussing the Kahn’s presentation at the recent DNC that ‘perhaps’ Mr. Khan’s statement was written by Hillary Clinton speechwriters. He also said that ‘Perhaps’ Mrs. Khan was not allowed to speak because of her Muslim Religion.

‘The liberal political group VoteVets said his statements cheapen the sacrifices of the people killed and they demanded an apology.’ (Stars & Stripes)

 “Your recent comments regarding the Khan family were repugnant, and personally offensive to us. When you question a mother's pain, by implying that her religion, not her grief, kept her from addressing an arena of people, you are attacking us,” according to a copy of the letter published online. “When you say your job building buildings is akin to our sacrifice, you are attacking our sacrifice.”

Catherine Byrne, a Military Mom with a son serving in the U.S. Air Force, asked Trump’s VP Running Mate Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, to explain Trump’s lack of respect for the Khans. After first receiving a hearty round of cheers upon announcing her son’s Military Service, was widely jeered and booed by Trump supporters as she asked the question. Fickle lot, those Trump folks.

And once again my abject disgust in reaction to this pathetic response leaves me nearly breathless. Yet, there was more astounding disrespect to come.

 “I have never been around someone more devoted to the armed forces of this country,” Pence said of Trump. There is “no one more devoted to the veterans in this country.” Excuse me, Governor, we’re talking about Donald J. Trump. He’s the guy who insulted the parents of an American Soldier who made the Ultimate Sacrifice on behalf of a humbled and grateful Nation.

He’s the same Donald J. Trump who claimed to have donated $1 Million to Veteran’s Organizations. However this claim proved to be false, until After there was an investigation by Reporters. And, that inquiry revealed that although there were Donations to various Veteran’s Organizations, including one that was under Investigation for misuse of Donated Funds, Donald Trump personally, did not donate a Million Dollars. Yet, he raves on endlessly about how fantastically wealthy he is.

I think Mr. Khizr Khan summed up my reaction best when he said in more than one interview that Mr. Trump has a ‘Black Soul’. In an MSNBC Interview with Lawrence O’Donnell Monday, Mr. Khan related a story about speaking at a Military Funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, for an Army Lieutenant Killed In Action in Afghanistan. The Deceased American Solider had previously visited the Khans to discuss their Son’s Service and Sacrifice.  So let us compare the Character of Americans involved in this horribly sad episode: An American Muslim Soldier of Pakistani heritage Killed in the Line of Duty in Iraq. His Grieving, Brave, Eloquent Father, a man who spoke at the Burial Service of another Military Hero at Arlington National Cemetery. Mrs. Khan, a Gold Star Mother of a U.S. Military Hero, so pained and grief-stricken this many years later that she has great difficulty in discussing her son. And, Donald Trump.

He very-nearly reneged on the claim to make a Huge Donation to Veteran’s Organizations until that was exposed by Investigative Reporting. He said Sen. John Mc Cain was ‘not a Hero’. McCain was wounded when his U.S. Navy Aircraft was shot down over Hanoi during the Viet Nam War, and then tortured as a Prisoner of War during 6 Years of captivity. Then- Lt. Cmdr. John McCain declined early Release from captivity in order for others to be released first. ‘Not a Hero’…. Trump says he ‘prefers people who weren’t shot down’.

Let me say here and now, I am not a supporter of John McCain, but I tell you this – He is in fact, a War Hero. John McCain, after a determined and courageous Recovery/Rehabilitation from his seriously debilitating injuries, retired as a Captain, U.S.N. As a result of his dedicated and courageous Service to the United States, he’d amassed a Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and other Military Service Awards. Like him or not, a War Hero.

Donald Trump called 4-Star U.S.M.C. Gen. John Allen, ‘a failed General’, “after the highly respected military veteran delivered a forceful endorsement of Trump's opponent…”  (Washington Post). “Allen is a retired four-star general who served as commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. He was President Barack Obama's top choice to oversee U.S. and NATO operations in Europe, but instead he retired to assist his wife with chronic health issues. He came out of retirement in 2014 when the President named him Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State in 2014, a position he held for a year.” Trump said he was a 'Loser’.

‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do (say) nothing’. Edmund Burke

I therefore, cannot say Nothing.  jw

Trump: He's Done It Again !

 I'm not endorsing or opposing anyone here, right now. Those who follow my posts, I'm fairly certain, know where I stand. This, is not about That. This is about a man at a Publicized, Televised Event, and shoots off the cuff -"Vets are dying in  line at the VA, waiting 5 or 6 days,to see a Doctor". Excuse Me, What ?  

People like me with similar interests, in the same Groups, are quite aware of the VA Crisis. It is of considerable interest to folks like us. We are concerned, and active, and come together to develop Solutions. I'm fairly certain that the people here will agree that it is reckless and counter-productive to make such public pronouncements.

My first reaction, after my pulse and blood pressure returned to normal, was - is there any Documentation that the Trump Campaign  has, or can get, to substantiate such an over-the-top claim? I think I recall 1 or 2 instances where  VA Patients Conditions worsened, eventually leading to death, while they were on Waiting Lists. In each case, I believe, these Patients were found to be in Terminal Condition, and having to wait 3 or 4 days for an appointment to be seen by a Doctor would not have made a difference. I believe,in one instance at least, the Patient had been evaluated by a Primary Care Physician and had to wait several days, ( 8-10 Days?), to see a Specialist. 

As dreadful and disappointing these instances may be, it is a far cry from 'Vets dying, waiting in line 5 or 6 days to see a Doctor'. Those of us concerned and involved with this type of situations tend to examine Documentation/Data when reviewing the circumstances of these incidents. Our intention, I believe, is to get an accurate picture of the situation, engage in discussion,exchange information and ideas, in order to propose possible solutions. I think that Donald Trump's careless rants about this situation are an insult to the dedicated professional employees of the Veteran Administration. I think that his pronouncements are annoying and disappointing to people who are concerned with actual solutions to these challenges.

Furthermore, I was extremely disappointed that no one I saw in the Media, (CNN/MSNBC),  challenged Trump on these dramatic and controversial comments. I understand that the News Media is today more focused on events in Turkey and France. That said, I believe if these News Outlets spend a great deal of time and attention in promoting coverage of this speech, and then suspending coverage  of other events in order to provide full-coverage, then perhaps they owe some degree of responsibility to challenge overly-dramatic, dysfunctional hyperbole against the U.S. Veterans Administration.

Other useless and possibly even Libelous Comments that went unchallenged were this fairy-tale of 'The Wall', and his pronouncement that Hillary Clinton was 'Guilty of Murder, and should be in jail..'. The focus of the commentary in review of this event was more concerned with the actual Politics, and effects on the Presidential Campaign.

Mr. Trump also had some provocative and insulting remarks about The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia accusing them in effect, of 'free-loading' off the U.S. Military Protection there. Coincidentally, Saudi Arabia foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir is in Washington D.C today for a meeting at The White House. CNN's Wolf Blitzer hosted al-Jubeir for an interview in which the Foreign Minister was diplomatically dismissive of Trump's comments.The discussion, however, took most of CNN's Air-Time for the Trump Story.

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