Displaying 181 To 210 Of 732 Comments People like Trump, when in power, tend not to work out all that well. He does not have the means to be a savior or man on horseback. But, many people do not want to think; they want to bask in the warm and fuzzy feeling of “I got a raw deal”. We will see how this works out; someone will be elected President in November. » Posted By agrippa On March 7, 2016 @ 7:12 am Drought. http://climateandsecurity.org/2012/02/29/syria-climate-change-drought-and-social-unrest/ http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/food-matters/political-climates-drought-and-conflict-in-syria/ “Water wars”. The inability of people and governments to adequately address this led to this current ferment and will lead to even more social dissolution. » Posted By agrippa On March 7, 2016 @ 5:37 am Trump. A large part of the appeal of Trump is a desire of a strongman or “man on horseback” who will save the country by sorting out Washington and the Establishment. In short, authoritarianism. Why this desire for a savior? It is the changing make up of the country; with the country becoming more diverse and less white. And, the economy; the recovery from 2008 was poor; manufacturing jobs are greatly reduced ( free trade and the global economy); middle incomes are flat/slowly falling. The political leadership in both parties have done nothing about any of that. And, Trump will sort all that out. » Posted By agrippa On March 7, 2016 @ 5:25 am I am an ordinary person with neither influence nor power. I vote as a civic duty. I had no problem voting for PBO and he has not disappointed me. Those four choices are pretty bleak. » Posted By agrippa On March 5, 2016 @ 11:51 am There are not very many people who have much interest in foreign affairs; even now, after we have had land wars in Asia. I am, because when a politician blunders on foreign policy, you can easily get an Asian land war. I expect that it will be Clinton vs Trump and Clinton will win. We live in a multi polar world and a global economy; The USA is no longer the “sole super power” and has to compete economically. The USA is no longer isolated by two oceans. The world has changed. » Posted By agrippa On March 5, 2016 @ 5:40 am From Wikipedia. Real estate developer and media personality Donald Trump was announced as moderator for a debate sponsored by Newsmax Media and broadcast on Ion Television, scheduled for December 27, 2011 in Des Moines, Iowa. The role of Trump, who very publicly considered running for president in the spring of 2011, as moderator attracted controversy as candidates and observers questioned the seriousness of Trump and whether he was doing it as a publicity stunt. Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum were the only candidates to accept the invitation to participate. The campaigns of Jon Huntsman and Ron Paul both released statements declining the invitation. Ron Paul’s campaign wrote, “Mr. Trump’s participation will contribute to an unwanted circus-like atmosphere,” while Jon Huntsman’s campaign said in a statement, “We have declined to participate in the ‘Presidential Apprentice’ Debate with The Donald,” alluding to the Celebrity Apprentice reality show for which Trump is host. Trump responded, “Few people take Ron Paul seriously and many of his views and presentation make him a clown-like candidate. I am glad he and Jon Huntsman, who has inconsequential poll numbers or a chance of winning, will not be attending the debate and wasting the time of the viewers who are trying very hard to make a very important decision.”[80] Mitt Romney announced on December 6 that he also would not be attending the debate.[81] On December 8, Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann announced they would not be attending either.[82] Furthermore, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Preibus said that a debate moderated by Trump would be problematic.[83] Cancelled Ion Television/Newsmax debate Real estate developer and media personality Donald Trump was announced as moderator for a debate sponsored by Newsmax Media and broadcast on Ion Television, scheduled for December 27, 2011 in Des Moines, Iowa. The role of Trump, who very publicly considered running for president in the spring of 2011, as moderator attracted controversy as candidates and observers questioned the seriousness of Trump and whether he was doing it as a publicity stunt. Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum were the only candidates to accept the invitation to participate. The campaigns of Jon Huntsman and Ron Paul both released statements declining the invitation. Ron Paul’s campaign wrote, “Mr. Trump’s participation will contribute to an unwanted circus-like atmosphere,” while Jon Huntsman’s campaign said in a statement, “We have declined to participate in the ‘Presidential Apprentice’ Debate with The Donald,” alluding to the Celebrity Apprentice reality show for which Trump is host. Trump responded, “Few people take Ron Paul seriously and many of his views and presentation make him a clown-like candidate. I am glad he and Jon Huntsman, who has inconsequential poll numbers or a chance of winning, will not be attending the debate and wasting the time of the viewers who are trying very hard to make a very important decision.”[80] Mitt Romney announced on December 6 that he also would not be attending the debate.[81] On December 8, Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann announced they would not be attending either.[82] Furthermore, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Preibus said that a debate moderated by Trump would be problematic.[83] Speaking about the host, Santorum said, “I’m not defending Newsmax’s decision to put Donald Trump in there. If you look at the [CNBC] debate where Jim Cramer is screaming at people – maybe Donald will surprise us both.”[84] Gingrich said, “I can’t imagine what it will be like, which is part of why–– This is very serious business, picking the president of the United States. We all have to be very serious but, every once in a while on the campaign trail, to have something that just breaks out, is good. I believe that having Donald Trump in that kind of environment will absolutely be amazing.”[85] On December 13, Trump withdrew as moderator and the debate was canceled.[86] » Posted By agrippa On March 1, 2016 @ 7:55 am The MSM is playing this for all that it is worth. The days of Walter Cronkite are long gone. I hope that it works out that reason prevails. But, sometimes it doesn’t. » Posted By agrippa On March 1, 2016 @ 5:47 am I concluded a long time ago that politics is all about emotions. I came to that conclusion in 1968. I have read nothing ( history mainly)or observed anything to change the idea that politics is about something other than passion ( frequently of the moment). If you are not angry and fearful and actually believe in rational problem solving, this is the wrong time and place for you. I think that this electoral campaign can turn out to be a very ugly and harsh campaign; much like 1968. I see no cure for this state of mind; I think that it will have to play out as it will. » Posted By agrippa On February 29, 2016 @ 7:24 pm To me, what matters is that a Democratic Party candidate is elected President. I am assuming that Trump will be nominated. How will Trump be defeated? I think that get out the vote comes first. What are the next steps? » Posted By agrippa On February 29, 2016 @ 12:51 pm TresL, You told me quite a few things that I did not know. Thanks. I did not know that AAs had a negative opinion of Sanders. Also, I did not know how AAs felt about West; I have been curious about that. Caveat: I am on record as preferring a multi party system with proportional representation. Such a system requires a coalition and compromise. » Posted By agrippa On February 28, 2016 @ 6:02 pm I, more or less, expect rude and insulting comments on line. It is the nature of the beast. That is especially true with politics. Such behavior can get ugly; but, you have to accept it as politics is, often, a very ugly business. We do have a two party, first past the post system so a party such as the Democratic Party will have factions. It is not always a pretty sight. Fortunately in our country, the loser accepts, however grudgingly, the result of the election. » Posted By agrippa On February 28, 2016 @ 5:47 pm AdLib. I am pretty much out of the loop, so I do not know. » Posted By agrippa On February 27, 2016 @ 5:59 pm In regard to Trump, the GOP will have to accommodate Trump; just Hugenburg and von Papen did in pre ww2 Germany. » Posted By agrippa On February 27, 2016 @ 9:48 am The GOP is at sixes and sevens. They have spent, since 1968, years sowing the wind. Now, they reap the whirlwind.
» Posted By agrippa On February 26, 2016 @ 7:29 pm The term “socialist” may not mean so much nowadays, as so many do nor recall the Cold War. » Posted By agrippa On February 25, 2016 @ 2:28 pm Early days. The election is in November. This is February. It is true that many Americans are angry and fearful; which is one reason you have Trump and Sanders. Promises, promises, I will, I will. People who run for President are full of that. The WH does foreign policy, Congress vehemently asks questions about who left the barn door open, after the fact. What will Trump do if President? Can he tell leaders of foreign countries or leaders of Congress: “You’re fired?” I think not. What will happen if Clinton is President? In foreign policy, basically the same as Obama. Damage control. What will happen if Sanders is President? Clinton does have serious negatives/impediments; and, in politics, accusation is proof. She will have a problem with that. Trump is Trump. He will provide a lot of ammunition for Democratic cannon. This election will be “interesting”. It will, as always, come down to turnout. Who will vote? » Posted By agrippa On February 25, 2016 @ 6:51 am It looks to me that Trump is in good shape to be nominated. It appears that the nomination is for him to lose. Why? We have a lot of people ( of all age groups) who are “mad as hell and I am not not going to take it anymore”. Economically and socially there are a substantial number of people who are not doing well at all. They have been ignored or insulted and left behind. We live in “interesting times”. The political climate is turbulent; the political parties have lost authority and have lost control over the political money. The Democratic Party is in a similar fix. If Washington were functional; and the political elites were acting constructively, Sanders would make no headway. But, Washington has failed. Would electing Trump or Sanders have a positive effect? » Posted By agrippa On February 24, 2016 @ 8:37 am I doubt that Sanders can get the nomination. » Posted By agrippa On July 23, 2015 @ 7:05 am I read the news – here and other places – but I seldom comment. I just have a couple of remarks: » Posted By agrippa On July 22, 2015 @ 9:27 am Ukraine: The USA has to be very careful with Ukraine. The history is fraught; and people have very long memories. Ukraine should be a federal state, with autonomous regions. It should. also, be non aligned. This means a good trade and political relationship with Russia and the EU. This issue is, now, in doubt. PBO is trying to stand upon two stools: The Neo cons of Kagan/Nuland/Clinton et all and a more constructive relationship with Putin. Foreign Policy has to be based upon realism. It is not a crusade to bring _____ to an unwilling world. Realism means a cool headed analysis of objective reality with an appreciation of the history and perceived interests ( a sovereign country determines its’ interests, not the USA) of other countries. And, an appreciation of what can and cannot be done. And, logically choose among those options. Realism involves the principle of calculated risk. Realism also means that you have to be introspective enough to critically examine your assumptions. Washington needs to be careful. » Posted By agrippa On April 24, 2015 @ 8:24 am Nixon’s “Southern Strategy” has been very successful. There never really was a follow up to the New Deal ( WW2 basically ended that reform movement); and, the Cold War was a real impediment to further reform. LBJ did the Civil Rights part of the New Deal. I do not see much prospect of another progressive Era. » Posted By agrippa On April 5, 2015 @ 7:01 pm This agreement with Iran is very important. The negotiations have been very difficult because there is a lot of distrust of other interlocutors by the other interlocutors. The next round will not be easier. A successful final agreement will bring important change to the region. For the USA right wing, they may lose an enemy. » Posted By agrippa On April 4, 2015 @ 9:09 am He does tend to hyperventilate at times. You have to separate the wheat from the chaff. » Posted By agrippa On March 30, 2015 @ 8:41 am Robert Fisk http://www.independent.co.uk/biography/robert-fisk Robert Fisk – born 1946 – is a very experienced and honest reporter on the Middle East. His books are very worthwhile as are his reprts in “The Independent” London newspaper. I think that the Middle East is very close ( if not actually in one) to a ” revolutionary situation” – as defined by Lenin. The USA played a very important role when it set fire to Iraq and ‘opened the gates of hell’. I believe that invasion to be folly; I think that if you have a choice between malice or folly, choose folly. I think that we are facing a prospect of virtual endless war in the region; a Revolution often has a negative outcome ( as did the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution). I think that it is going to become “very interesting”. » Posted By agrippa On March 29, 2015 @ 11:21 am Well said. We get these low quality elected officials because the office seekers want the praise and honors; not to do public service. » Posted By agrippa On March 20, 2015 @ 6:11 am I think that one of the root causes of the problems of American politics is the general public. Far too many are: uninformed, disengaged and uneducated about politics, history and current events. I do not see that is going to change. » Posted By agrippa On March 19, 2015 @ 9:38 am http://warontherocks.com/ Libya, Syria, Iraq, Ukraine. Three examples of wars that outside parties want to ‘keep hot’. Russia – Putin – wants the Ukraine as a compliant buffer between Russia and the west. It is, to Putin, an either/or situation. Either Ukraine is a client of the west or Ukraine is a client of Russia. One or the other. » Posted By agrippa On March 13, 2015 @ 1:20 pm Merry Christmas y’all The complete Messiah by Handel:
» Posted By agrippa On December 24, 2013 @ 6:59 am I expect that Perry is ‘proud’ of his record. He is elected because, under current conditions, a Democrat cannot be elected to state wide office in Texas. » Posted By agrippa On December 18, 2013 @ 4:36 am One thing that I find very funny: Republicans posting on line telling Democrats to stop blaming Bush. It is Republicans who keep bringing up Bush. Most Democrats have little or no interest in GWB. Very funny!! » Posted By agrippa On December 15, 2013 @ 1:31 pmComments Posted By agrippa
He is not the big bad wolf either.
He will huff and he will puff and he won’t blow the House down.
He is a real estate speculator; with no track record outside of that field.
There are lot of things that are settled ( will not change): free trade/globalization/ USA is a diverse economy/the Establishment is not leaving, the rich will always be with us,
Foreign policy is dangerous; we have three Branches of Gov’t;we will not stop immigration; etc, etc.
A very severe drought has a lot to do with the dissolution of societies in the Middle East and North Africa.
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/06/2011622193147231653.html
In this Presidential election, I have four choices:
Assuming that Clinton and Trump are nominated.
One, vote for Clinton
Two, vote for Trump
Three, vote third party.
Four, do not vote for President.
I “held my nose” when I voted for Bill Clinton.
Both Kerry and Gore are better men than Bill Clinton. I voted for them with no problem.
Hillary Clinton voted for the Iraq War ( as did others; Washington went off the deep end on that misadventure).
And, Hillary pushed hard to blow up Libya. bad move.
If I vote for Hillary, I will have “hold my nose”.
The GOP candidates are blind kittens.
There is almost no maneuvering room on Domestic policy. It is very difficult to get anything done; in part because people can’t agree on a “problem definition”. PBO had a Democratic Party majority in Congress the first two years. What did that Congress produce? A mouse.
And, PBO is a Democrat. And the left called PBO a closet GOP or a sellout.
Perhaps a Democratic majority will emerge with a Clinton win. A Democratic majority in the HoR is unlikely. Result, gridlock.
Cancelled Ion Television/Newsmax debate
From the Wikipedia article on the 2012 Presidntial debates.
Does this have anything to do with Trump running now?
Will sense prevail? The issue is in doubt.
There are a lot of people who think that they have gotten a raw deal and Trump will sort out those who did them wrong.
Look at today and observe the political behavior and the words and deeds.
This, though, is not new. This campaign may turn out to be the meanest since 1968; but, it is not new.
Today,there is a lot of anger/angst and free floating hostility about matters that cannot really be described well by those who have these feelings. As in, “I am mad as hell and I am not going to take it anymore”.
Trump is putting those feelings to good use.
We shall see how that works out.
Sanders is not doing that; I think that he is too ethical and civilized for that. But, some of his “friends” probably are.
But, today, there are no “burning issues” as in 1968. 2016 is about fear, anger, angst and free floating hostility. Many people feel that they, somehow, someway, got a “raw deal”.
In Jan 2017, we will have a President; and, whoever it is will be hated by half the country. For good reason, bad reason or no reason.
I do have a positive opinion of Biden; but, it seems that he wants to retire.
In a two party system, you do, frequently, end up voting for the lesser of two evils. I have done so on several occasions.
So, I will vote for the person nominated by the Democratic Party; and, I do not especially like either Sanders or Clinton.
You learn to live with that as well.
I hope that you are correct.
IMHO, I do think that the GOP of 2016 is as divided as the Democratic Party of 1968.
The Trump Insurgency:
Also, it is so nebulous, as there are – or were – many varieties of “socialism”.
What most of the developed world has today is a variety of “regulated capitalism”. In Europe, it is called “social democracy”. The French President is a member of the Socialist Party.
The USA has a system of “regulated capitalism”. Just as Europe does.
The regulations and safeguards are much weaker here than in most European countries.
Those regulations and safeguards need to be stronger than they are now.
As is usually the case, the devil is in the detail.
If Sanders is elected, the crux of the debate will be those details.
There are, also, many Americans who are not angry; who are, in fact, quite comfortable. Which group is in the majority?
Domestic Policy is a different matter altogether. Congress controls domestic policy. The WH can propose all that it wants. Congress disposes.
At best, he will try to make “deals”. How well that work out?
In Domestic policy. it all depends upon the make up of Congress. If Democratic, something useful may result. If GOP, gridlock.
In foreign policy? I expect that his policy will be similar to the policies of Obama.
In Domestic Policy? it will depend upon whether or not he can convince a theoretical Democratic majority. If GOP, gridlock.
Sanders has the negative of “socialist” ( whatever that is, the word itself is what matters). Sanders will have a problem with that.
The political parties have lost authority and have lost control of the money.
The MSM – print, TV and radio – are losing market shard to the new media that is on line.
Is Trump an outsider? No. He is very much an insider; he always has been an insider. Is interested in or concerned about the people who are voting for him? No. He is a friend of his fellow insiders.
It is a good time for a bargain basement Mussolini the likes of Trump.
If Washington – and the Democratic Party – were functional, someone other than Hillary Clinton would be running.
Electing either one would shake things up; electing Clinton would be playing it safe or kicking the can down the road.
Voters will have to decide which one they want.
But, it is early days.
Mainly because I do not need the drama that is normal for politics and the internet. Hyperventilating is the norm in both places. Planetpov being an exception.
1. I think it likely that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons.
2. Domestic politics is a mess and it was almost impossible for PBO to get anything done. He has right wing enemies and left wing enemies. But, he stayed calm.
3. International politics is a cauldron. I think that PBO has accomplished quite a lot. He may have concentrated on foreign policy because the domestic side was impossible.
4. I do not know who will be POTUS; but, I do not see anyone of high caliber. Hillary may be the best that we can do.
Ukraine used to be part of Imperial Russia and the USSR. It is, now, a near neighbor of Russia. There is a continuity of Russian foreign policy and the Bolshevik Revolution did not change that. The end of Bolshevik rule did not change it either.
Russia is a great power and will protect its’ interests; and, it will respond.
“You nice, me nice; you bad, me bad.”
The Dixiecrats – Southern segregationist conservatives ( who were Democrats)- became Republicans.
Now, these Dixiecrats basically control the GOP. The Northern GOP has to follow their lead because the GOP is dependent upon the South to win elections.
That alienated the Dixiecrats and Nixon took advantage.
I am sure that Obama sees no prospect of it; and, that has a lot to do with his emphasis on foreign policy.
In a way, it is remarkable that it was done at all.
His books tend to be better than his newspaper articles.
He is worth reading.
The Middle East may be about to attempt suicide ( as Europe did in 1914 and 1939).
There are more than a few of the elite who think that the ‘great unwashed’ should not vote. That is a rationale of all the voter ID laws. The great unwashed are there to defer and to obey. The elite have a right to rule and to gain praise and honors. It is very old idea.
And, because ordinary people of ambition and talent avoid politics and seek to excel elsewhere, makes it easier for mediocrity to gain office.
Far too many do not bother to register to vote, and those that do not bother to vote.
There are other causes; but, I think that the above is very important.
https://www.stratfor.com/
They want to keep them ‘hot’ because they have a short term interest
in doing so.
The analogy for the three Arab counties is: Lebanon. Lebanon had a civil war from 1975 to 1991. The contending parties had external allies and suppliers. The war stopped from exhaustion and the fact their allies stopped supplying them.
But, the office of Texas Governor is constitutionally weak. It is one of 29 elective state wide offices in Texas. The Governor is CEO of little in Texas. Many politicians in Texas do not want to be Governor of Texas. The Lt. Governor has more power than the Governor.
«« Back To Stats Page
Home Stats