Author: Reemberto@gmail.com

To call Trump an averation of American history would be wrong. There’s been worse. The Confederates come to mind. And the many who were complicit in the slave trade. And Andrew Jackson.

But, Trump is our monent. A unique invention of our times. He belongs to us all.

To some he is the voice of the many. The spirited fighter driven by raw instinct with a sixth sense for saying out loud what others can only embarrassingly think. He is raw, crass, unpolished, and “the real deal.” Never mind that he lies, cheats, and is exclusively about winning. To his fanatical followers all of his misgivings are a small prize to pay for a renewed sense of greatness. To them he is indeed “the right man at the right time.”

To those that are with him – or tolerate him or have him as a useful idiot – I say: We got what we paid for, a con man par excellence.

Is there any doubt that this man is driven by nothing other than his sickening ego? Is there any doubt that this man will go to any extent, hurt anyone, and do whatever it takes to stay in power, stay relevant? Is there any doubt that in this man’s mind he can simply not comprehend the thought that he lost?

And most critical, is there any doubt in anyone’s mind that this man is a tool for Putin – or at least his useful idiot?

Think about it. Not a single time has this President ever never said anything negative about Putin. Most recently even in the face of overwhelming consensus that Russia is behind the hacks damaging government agencies he still refuses to say anything negative about Putin. And instead he deflects the conversation to imply China is behind the hacks.

He is the first president since the Civil War to entertain the idea of secession. He is the first president since the internment of Japanese Americans to consider instituting martial law. He is the first president to choose to be absent from public view in time of a dire national crisis, choosing instead to hide behind his tweets. And he is the first President to not concede – and worse yet intice others to join him in his malicious lie that he won the election.

It is yet to be seen how much more damage he can do in the 30 days left in his administration. But is there any doubt in anyone’s mind that this man can and is willing to create maximum chaos? Putin could not have planned it any better. I will leave to conspiracy theorists to determine whether the charge was given to him verbally, written or as an understood innuendo. Ultimately it doesn’t matter. The result is the same. Pure chaos. Destabilize and divide America in every conceivable way. Instill distrust. Avoid anything resembling normalcy or certainty. Keep people off balance, guessing, and obsessed with not knowing what is next. Welcome to the chaos culture.

The damage is done. Of course it is repairable. But it will take time – a long time. What this man has done to this country is nothing short of treason. It may take years to cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s necessary to prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt. But that day will come.

In the meantime we will forge forward. We will work with the large number of people that are willing to work with others to get past this nightmare and reclaim some semblance of governance normalcy. It will not be easy. This will not be for the faint at heart. We will stumble. But we will prevail.

And thus, what to make of Trump? Don’t dismiss or underestimate him for a NY second. Evil morphs, adapts, resurfaces – and worse.

Stay vigilant. Strengthen institutional Democracy. Relentlessly name his misdeeds – and those of his cronies. And never ever forget. He may soon be gone, but his venom lives on. It always has and it always will. Goodness will prevail. But, for goodness to prevail good people have to remain hyper-conscious, active, connected, and good to to the core; and avoid vengeance and tit-for-tat.

Trumpism has no place in our collective future. Let’s make Trump part of our history, a history from which we will learn for the sake of our future – but history nonetheless.

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Donald, you are done.

You conned half of America.

Your meanness and crassness captured the imagination of many.

You abused the insecurities of vulnerable Americans. You played to their social fears. You expanded their confusion, exasperating their lack of information with misinformation, abusing their poor education.

At the beginning you were the shiny new object. As the evil con man you are, you oftentimes used a kernel of truth to frame your hate and vile ideas. However, at the end you had disintegrated to a pathetic pile of manure, demonstrating your complete incompetence, lack of empathy, and extreme self-centeredness.

You never cared about others. You never even owned a dog!

Yet, many vulnerable souls still believe in you and will dearly miss you. And quite a few others – those that used you as a useful idiot – will also miss you.

Your insolence is such that you are willing to instill doubt in the conscience of America and sow the seed of destruction of democracy just so you can say “I did not lose.” You are one mean-spirited human being.

You have belittled those that are committed to public service in government. You have abused your position of power to – without proof – shame the good folks that work our election system. You have tried to discredit science. You have shown no empathy to those dying of covid or those staffing the health care facilities.

(And in the four years of your Presidency you never ever once uttered a negative comment about Russia’s Putin. We still wonder why.)

You’ve left us more divided. You have unleashed a wave of hate. You have damaged our reputation. You have insulted and degraded many a good people. You have used the office of the Presidency to spout lies after lies after lies, daily, day after day after day.

You left us more broken.

But, we’ve been there before. And we’ve pulled through. Not perfectly – far from it. But, pulled through nonetheless.

We know we will always have with us a fringe of America that cares only about themselves, misuses the principles of individualism, and clings on to cultish ideologies. They have always been with us. We can’t lock them all up. There are no acceptable laws that will make them or their wild ideas go away. You certainly gave them license to be more visible and even grow in numbers. But, they remain a fringe.

They remain the confused, abused, and misguided America. And, they also remain our fellow Americans. Not to be discarded, nor insulted, nor dismissed. They are mostly good people that have been conned.

Donald, America is better than you. We are mostly an aspirational, good-will people, with warts and all. Rockus, argumentative, disinterested at time, easily swayed by rampant consumerism and over-the-top entertainment. A long way from perfect. But collectively hopeful, believing in the goodness of each other, willing to collaborate, committed to community.

We will rebuild the mess you left us. Better.

Donald, you are done.

Tilt. Game over.

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Welcome back to Trump’s America. Regardless.

(Note: This is a continuation of previous post “What to make of life in the likelihood of four more years of Trump’s America?”)

Feeling melancholic. Yet hopeful. Regardless.

Not giving up. Will fight. Regardless.

What to make of life in the likelihood of four more years of Trump’s America?

Make no decision in time of desolation.

Yet, discernment must begin. It did already. Last night, after the horrible showings and before going to bed.

This election changes every aspect of my life:

• Personal
• Psychological
• Professional
• Physical
• Financial

Regardless of how the final numbers come in, certain things are clear:

• Half of Americans have voted for autocracy, authoritarianism, the cult of personality, and a judiciary subjected to the whims of the President.

• Half of Americans have no issue with a President that lies, cheats, divides, and has no interest in reaching out to those who did not vote for him – except unless, of course, if they are willing to succumb to his unquestionable dictates.

• Half of Americans are seemingly ok with the rising numbers of cases and deaths due to an uncontrolled pandemic; regulations that denigrate the environment; and, an economic system that clearly favors the wealthy.

• Half of Americans welcome a combative, fighting, go-at-it-alone foreign policy, including tightening immigration laws without regards to human rights principles or consequences.

• Half of Americans sternly believe that the poor can best be helped by providing more tax breaks to the rich, limiting public assistance, and keeping them safe by militarizing the police.

To the half of Americans that voted for Trump these positions are not theoretical or aspirational. They are in fact in place today as a result of Trump’s Presidency over the last four years – and they like them.

That is what this election has proven.

Now the question to all of us that did not vote for him is: 

• What do we do? 
• How do we live in Trump’s America for the foreseeable future – regardless of how the election results turn out in the next day or week? 
• Do we engage them, retreat and distance from their noise, or resist (if Trump wins) or respect (if Biden wins)? 

… more discernment as news develops.

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There’s still time to get good folks to vote #BidenHarris

What can you say about this election that has not been said?

What can you analyze that has not been analyzed?

Who can you get to the polls that has not being?

How can you convince him or her that voting is the thing to do?

How can you encourage him or her to vote for Biden?

Is there any texting, any words, any social media posting, any advertisement – anything – that will be effective at this time, a short few days before election day?

We could throw up our arms, crawl into our rabbit hole of endless news and social media blabber, safely stay in our social bubble, and simply wait till it all passes.

Or, we could do something. We could focus these last few days in:

• strategic outreach to people we know that may not have yet voted and empathetically, understandably, and with authentic love ask them to consider voting;
• being very public with showing our enthusiasm by wearing our campaign  ware, freshening up that yard sign, and joining in caravans where they are happening;
• sharing this plea with our friends and families that have voted to please please please do not do nothing.

And oh yes:

• If you know of someone that simply can not physically do any of the above, welcome their prayers that others that can will vote vote vote #Biden.

Do not underestimate the power you have to personally get others to vote. You never know who will respond positive to your plea. Don’t discount the possibility that you are the one person that the other person was waiting to hear from to make the decision to vote.

Here’s a simple idea:

• Make an inventory of your very own contact list on your phone. Do a personalized text and/or call asking your contacts if they would like to discuss their voting plan. No pressure. No crudeness. No guilt-trip. Simply a friendly:

“Hello, hope you are doing well; and by the way, have you voted yet? Is there anything I can do for you to do so? Wanna talk? Stay safe!”

Let’s do all we can. Let’s have no regrets. Let’s do this!

P.S.:

You may want to browse through this blog’s posting for an array of information that may help some decide the many failures of the Trump Presidency, the many shortcomings of Trump the man, and the many positive aspects of an aspirational Biden Presidency.

#VoteBidenHarris2020

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FIGHTING TRUMP ON HIS OWN TERMS: INSULTS

Oh my. I don’t have it in me to be this mean, this calice, this insulting. It is simply not me. However, when evil lurks I do recognize that fighting back is the call of some. Thus I am repeating this discourse on my blog. I am not endorsing the tactic. Yet I understand it is the only tactic that will get certain people to wake up and realize the severity of the situation. (P.S.: See the extra at end of posting!)

• Lest we forget the horrors: A catalog of Trump’s worst cruelties, collusions, corruptions, and crimes

This America I call home is derailing – so it seems. Anger, disgust, hate, division, and worst everywhere you turn. Even in the smallest of communities – even among families – things simply seem to be getting worse.

Some of us grew up in not the best of times – but not the worst of time either. The Vietnam War, the Nixon debacle, the Oil Crisis, the AIDS epidemic, the Iraq War, a contested presidential election, 9/11, war in Afghanistan, the Great Recession. All these incidents were bad, challenging, and demonstrated clear breaks and distinct opinions in America regarding how to move forward.

And then comes Trump. Chaos in Chief. Incapable of governing. Divisive, insulting, liar. And much more.

Now he wants 4 more years. And his acquaintances of convenience – his improbable web of supporters – are willing to fight tooth and nail to keep him on. Never mind they despise him. Never mind they know he lies. Never mind they suspect him being a useful idiot of Putin. Never mind they are disgusted with his lack of character, demeanor, and personality.

But, he has gotten them what they want. Just to name a few:

• Conservative judges
• Overturning Roe v Wade
• De-regulation – climate change is a hoax
• Law and order policing
• Tax breaks for the wealthy
• Curbing immigration
• Embassy in Jerusalem
• Tightened the grip on Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba
• Tough talk on China
• Distaste for the United Nations
• Hint of voter suppression

And, they know he will get them more of the same in a second Trump term:

• More conservative judges
• Overseeing Roe v Wade dismantling
• More de-regulation – the environment be dammed
• Expand law and order policing
• More tax breaks for the wealthy
• More immigration restrictions
• More support for Israel
• Tighter grip on Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba
• Tougher talk on China
• Dismantle the United Nations
• Aggressive voter suppression

And we who oppose him offer what? What is our language?

• A decent man as president
• A woman vice president
• Stay with Roe v Wade
• Regulate industry to abate climate change
• Re-imagine the police
• A sensible COVID national response
• Healthcare expansion
• Welcome immigrants
• Respect for workers rights
• Have the uber-rich pay their fair share of taxes
• Dialogue and diplomacy with adversaries
• Aspirational international human rights
• Improve the United Nations
• Increase voter participation

The choice can not be clearer.

If we choose Trump we know we’ll be getting a continuation of the undeniable history of the USA being driven by those in power that will do anything to stay in power; a history of systemic, intentional disenfranchisement of those not in power; and,a history of chest pumping, delusional self-righteousness that demeans and belittles others.

If we choose Biden we know we’ll be getting a decent man as President; a ‘tried-and-proven’ politician that has a clear history of working for all who live in the USA; an economy that is even-handed; an administration that will pay attention to those left behind, left out, and hurt by Trump’s first term; a sensible international presence; and an effective Covid response.

A Biden presidency will not be a perfect presidency. There will be squabbles, different opinions, debates, arguments, legislative fights, and unpleasant discourse. And that’s ok. That’s a long way from Trump’s authoritarian barking and lack of civility.

It’s been said by many others in many ways:

• A Trump second term will continue the downward slide of the USA to a culture unbecoming of the aspirations of most who live here – and the aspirations expressed in our founding (if imperfect) documents. A Trump second term will highlight and bring back the USA’s dark history of selfishness instead of moving forward to a future that highlights, affirms, and expands the rich history of the USA as a welcoming place, empathetic neighbors, and aspirational people.

#VoteBidenHarris2020

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This is Trump’s America. He created this mess. And now he is telling us – again – that “Only I can fix it”?

I don’t think so. It’s time to stop this madness.

It is his lack of leadership that has let to 180,000 Covid deaths – and rising.

It is his irresponsible words that have emboldened White Supremacists to violence.

It is his insistence on strong armed presence of unmarked forces at protests that have created a police state mentality.

It is his inability to assist effectively in handling rampant looting that have made the situation worse.

It is his lies and misinformation that have created confusion among many.

It is his disregard for responsible mask wearing and social distance that have led to Covid hot spots.

It is his intentional diminishing of the USPS that will destabilize the elections.

It is his environmental policies that are derogating the environment.

It is his immigration policies that put children in cages.

It is his economic policies that have disproportionately benefited the wealthiest.

It is his foreign policy that has alienated traditional allies and befriended Russia.

It is his administration that is suing to take away coverage for pre-existing condition.

It is his intentional shortchanging of the Census that will lead to massive undercount.

It is his inability to work with Congress that will seriously delay economic relief to help reopen safely.

It is he who has branded “fake news” and used it to discredit all media except those who only praise him.

It is him who has misused Federal funds to enrich himself and misused Federal property – including the White House! – as backdrops for his political gains.

It is many of the people he has chosen to lead his administration that are criminal, some landing in jail.

It is his own family that says some horrible things about him.

It is his indecency, lack of empathy, and total inability to admit he may be wrong that makes him cruel.

It is he who publicly trashes his own niece.

It is he who has to go.

This is Trump’s America. He created this mess. And you expect him to fix it?

#VoteBidenHarris2020

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Yes! Celebrating the Biden/Harris ticket indeed. All around 100% perfecto. Time to get to work to get the vote out. And no time to get complacent, cocky, or over-confident. Lest we forget:

TRUMP’s LOYAL TROOPS

Don’t discount the patchwork of “Always Trumpers”. Here’s the select group of folks that will vote for Trump regardless.

– Regardless of common sense.

– Regardless of logic.

– Regardless of science.

– Regardless of their own self-interest.

Sometimes the same person has many of these qualities. But each quality has its own substantial self-identified contingency that when patched together adds up to a big chunk of voters.

– Ravid anti abortionists

– Second Amendment zealots

– Anti scholar anti socialist

– Vaccine refusers

– Climate change deniers

– Science suspects

– Stock market high investors

– Anti regulation industrialists

– Anti-union common man

– Anti-immigration wall builders

– Anti trade deals business interests

– KKK members and wannabes

– NRA members and wannabes

– Fervent, loud racists

– Closet, quiet racists

– White supremacists

– Fox News fanatics

– Anti feminists

– Rush Limbaugh listeners

– Evangelical (so-called) Christians

– “Thanks for the conservative judges” crowd

– Ivanka lovers

– ? Others

Take nothing for granted. Don’t waste your precious time and energy in trying to convince these Trump Troopers. Spend that precious time and energy in talking up with those you know to vote vote vote – and get others in their circles to vote vote vote. (Remember you gotta be registered. And remember if you are voting by mail each state has their own rules. Don’t cut it close!)

#VoteBidenHarris

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