Diverting the U.S. from Its Current Collision Course with Disasater
I hope you’ll check out this video.IMO, Bernie’s right here.
Real change, i.e., real deviation from the current disastrous course in which this country is heading, if it’s to come at all, will come from grassroots America–including a huge number of people who voted for Trump, and who are soon to realize that they’ve been conned.
FWIW, this is precisely what I’ve been saying for years about the migration to renewable energy: don’t expect this to happen in Washington; look instead to the common American who sees that our current energy “policy” is unsustainable and takes action accordingly.
Craig,
(sigh) Well that’s what America really needs at this time, chaotic inept divisive political conflict.
An unfortunate weakness in political systems with executive presidents is the lack of a formal role for opposition.
While this role is usually regulated to Congress there’s no guarantee Congress isn’t dominated by members of the Presidents supporters.
As a result, opposition has no alternative but create a “grass roots” opposition. Regrettably, this usually results in a relatively small but activist minority feeling empowered to work contrary to the elected government and be as disruptive as possible.
Since the “grass roots” minority isn’t elected, it can enjoy the sensation of power and influence without having to be responsible for any consequences or long term policy failures.
The incoming administration appears to be making enough mistakes by itself and will experience difficulty finding it’s feet while learning to govern due to inexperience. Bernie Saunders determination to keep the nation in election mode, isn’t helpful.
Opposition is a democratic right in a representative democracy, no matter how negative. It’s just a tragedy that at a time when the US needs to be cohesive and united in purpose, it will spend the next four years in increasingly bitter decisiveness and bloody minded ego driven political conflict.
As I said, that’s the trouble with Executive Presidents, love ’em or hate ’em, they’re President for four years and if that’s not accepted, the nation suffers.
Referring to the elected Head of State as a pathological liar because he changes his mind, isn’t helpful. (isn’t accurate either, since the act of “changing one’s mind” isn’t the definition of pathological lying).
Tearing down the the incumbent, can also denigrate respect for the office. Representative democracy requires a level of common
acceptance for authority and institutions of state or governance becomes impossible.
I believe it’s time for all Americans of every political hue, to tone down the abusive rhetoric, become more inclusive, and try to work together.
Donald Trump’s Presidency shows every indication of becoming an unmitigated disaster. Some American’s may delight in his problems, but US prosperity and prestige is at risk.
Unfortunately, the election result has tied Donald Trumps fortunes to the national destiny. Excessive divisiveness will doesn’t just hurt Trump and his Republican supporters , but the nation .
Surely it makes sense for opposition voices to moderate extremist rhetoric and concentrate building a coalition of responsible, inclusive, moderate forces in order to present credible alternative candidates in four years time ?
“The inevitable consequences of poor leadership and public misinformation.”
Hysterical public commentary on any issue will ultimately prove to be counterproductive and result in a cascading effect of knee jerk poor decision making as a consequence. The global renewable energy sector is a good example of the perilous place that some nations are finding themselves in regarding energy security, after 10 years of mainly hysterical commentary and misinformation resulting in poor decision making as a result.
The contagion of hysterical communications and poor leadership; like ripples on a pond are rapidly spreading. First the energy sector debacle (that has moved nearly everybody involved effectively nowhere but most effectively at great cost) and now to almost every other social sector you can think of.
The tug of war will go one (as is inevitable) between almost everybody it seems, until the elastic limit of the gossamer threads joining us are exceeded and everybody falls backwards; our moderately pliable posteriors colliding with an unyielding terra-firma being the uncomfortable result. Recovery from this situation is not a foregone conclusion though.
It is easy for ordinary vulnerable people to become so confused that they tend to subliminally roll just about every subject into a single blancmange like status, where nothing particular is able to be isolated; extracted, and judged or dealt with on its relative merits. The “them against us” tribal mentality then takes hold. A fractious and toxic environment is no place to conduct a reasoned conciliatory facts base debate, and only distrust and rebellion are brought to the table by the combatants.
We have all experienced sports teams that have found themselves in this situation through their own hand, and as a consequence become easy pickings for opposing teams to exploit. They are the teams that lose 10+ matches in a row. Opposing teams very deftly exploit this situation to their full advantage.
The timely take away points might be simply: (a) promote excellence in leadership as a community, or if that’s not possible, walk away from the notion of leadership altogether and go it alone as individuals; and (b) work harder when disseminating information; which must be detailed, able to withstand independent and objective peer review to be worthy of publication, and relevant.
This is particularly important in the increasingly technical world we live in.
Lawrence Coomber
One of Rachel Maddow’s programs covered some interesting points. It turns out that a large number of Trumpet’s supporters were seriously misinformed. For example, many of them thought that the stock market had dropped during Obama’s presidency; actually it more than doubled. 67% of Trumpet voters think that under Obama, unemployment increased. The majority of Trumpet voters think that people in California should not have their votes counted. There are also other interesting statistics. To see the show, here is the link:
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/poll-shows-trump-voter-gap-with-facts-rest-of-americans-s-views-828697155531
The interesting statistics begin at about 2:30. The ignorance of those people is shocking.
I saw that and having neighbors that are heavy Trumps supporters I am not surprised at all. I am willing to bet that they think gun freedom has been reduced when in fact it has been increased under Obama’s watch. My one neighbor kept posting things that were verifiably or came from websites of newspapers that were commonly known to not actually exist or that had a “disclaimer” button that when pressed has a disclaimer that states this is “fake” news. He would constantly be saying what do you libs have to say about that. I never responded because for one I have to live across the street from this guy and for another I can’t debate a point that is proven false right out of the gate. What is the point? Finally about a month out form the election I just gave up. After fact checking everything and having it all come up false I decided I just don’t have enough time to keep up with the crap. Nothing I said was going to change his mind anyway. Trump’s policies will screw him right into the ground and he will still defend them. Another neighbor is firmly convinced that Dearborn MI is an Islamic stronghold and living under Sharia law. I actually asked friends who live in Detroit and are frequently in that area if any of this was occurring and they said emphatically no it is absolutely not happening. There is no convincing them though.
Brian,
Some analysts think that Trumpet supporters who are hurt by the policies that Trumpet may initiate will decide that voting for him was a mistake. For example, many of them would lose the heath insurance on which they rely. If Trumpet’s trade policies result in a trade war similar to the trade war begun by the Smoot-Hawley trade act, many Americans would be hurt because of reduced exports.
It is quite possible that this episode in American politics will result in a negative reaction to Trumpet, his supporters, and fellow travelers. If that happens, we could end up better off than if Trumpet had not been elected.
Actually, predicting the future is fraught with peril. We can, of course, make guesses, but we should understand that they are only guesses. Perhaps something entirely unexpected may occur.
Freggersjr and Brian,
Of course ! That’s the answer !
62 million of your fellow American were ignorant, moronic simpletons, totally misinformed by the heavily pro-Trump media. They were all just conned by a man who told them lies.
Well, that was easy to sort out, you can go back to being smug and congratulate yourselves of being so smart…..
It’s true Donald Trump is probably the least qualified President for 100 years, yet he could identify and mobilize all those US citizens left behind, not included in the smug, self-righteous club that became dominant under President Obama.
If you guys pretend hard enough, the reasons 62 millions voted for Trump can be sneered away. The comfortable, urban, tech savvy elite don’t need to care about the decay in heartland USA.
You are not required to live in the decay of American industrial cities or rural areas of depression. You don’t live in streets dominated by illegal migrants who don’t speak the same language and seem to spend most of their time fighting street battles for control of illicit commerce.
These people are tired of their hopes and aspirations being ignored by elite who sneers at their vision of America. These folk are tired of being patronized by condescending Democrats who take their vote for granted. They’re sick of all the hypocritical political correctness and hypocrisy.
Both the US and the World should be grateful that a populist demagogue as inept as Donald Trump was elected. America was ready to follow a really skilled, more sophisticated populist with a really dangerous agenda, instead American democracy dodged the bullet and elected a more harmless version.
It’s time for Americans to start caring about all it’s citizens, not split into factions.
Marco,
Perhaps you have not seen the latest elections statistics. According to them, Mrs. Clinton actually won the popular vote by a not insignificant margin. I will not go into how it is possible to win the popular vote and still not be elected. The U.S. constitution is available on-line and you can read it for yourself.
While you are criticizing the U.S., let me criticize Oz. Refugees attempting to escape to Oz are treated in an abominable fashion. They are confined to offshore refugee camps and subjected to all sorts of abuses, often resulting in suicide. I’m not saying that we treat refugees any better. Rather, I am pointing out that Oz also has its problems. I hope that you, as a fair dinkum Ozian, spend at least as much time evaluating and criticizing Ozian problems as U.S. problems. You should consider yourself fortunate that Pauline Hansen never achieved the popularity and influence that Trump has achieved. In any case, those of your criticisms which are valid (not all are) are already understood my many of us.
The word “populist” has been emotionalized to the extent that it would be better not to use it. Moreover, it means different things to different people. I happen to think that Obama, who like all people and all politicians is imperfect, has done a much better than average job, especially considering the situation he inherited and the conditions under which he has had to operate. True, he has not closed down Guantanamo as he intended to do, but it is unlikely that you understand the political situations which made it impossible for him to close it. U.S. presidents do not have unlimited power. When they assume office, they often find that they have less power than they expected.
It is common for politicians the world over, including even in Oz, to seek to enhance their popularity by dividing the people and inventing problems which do not actually exist. Even president John Kennedy did that while campaigning; he invented the “missile gap” which, “surprisingly”, was found not not exist when he took office. No doubt many politicians in Oz have done the same sort of things.
I don’t doubt that we will muddle through the present situation; it is even possible that we may emerge stronger and better off for its having occurred. Sometimes to takes a shock to awaken people and get them back on track.
“If you guys pretend hard enough, the reasons 62 millions voted for Trump can be sneered away. The comfortable, urban, tech savvy elite don’t need to care about the decay in heartland USA.
You are not required to live in the decay of American industrial cities or rural areas of depression. You don’t live in streets dominated by illegal migrants who don’t speak the same language and seem to spend most of their time fighting street battles for control of illicit commerce.”
Perhaps if I pretend hard enough that I do not live in exactly the place you are talking about I can also pretend to be what you appear to think I am.
Frank,
Thank you for your reply.
1) I’m aware of why a candidate for President can lose the popular vote, yet win the election. It’s not a new phenomenon. That’s why I wrote 62 million voted for Trump, not a majority.
But does that mean all 62 million are “morons,simpletons, easily deluded”, (or maybe you prefer “deplorable”) and their voice ignored ? .
2) I’ve also followed the convoluted legal justifications for Obama’s failure to close the Guantanamo Bay facility. Like most action undertaken by this President, political expediency triumphs over principle.
3)There are no “Refugees attempting to escape to Oz treated in an abominable fashion “.
There are only illegal migrants enduring the consequences of seeking to benefit at the expense of others in a risky, often lethal, people-smuggling trade.
Australia admits more than it’s share of legal refugees each year.
The policy of off-shore detention isn’t pleasant, but it’s the only deterrent that works. Australia went through the pain and anguish of establishing this policy which, although difficult, proved highly effective in preventing the trade in illegal migration by sea.
This worked for many years, until a change in government occurred and the new administration reversed the policy, with disastrous and chaotic consequences.
Within weeks Australia’s coastal regions were once again swamped with all kinds of illegal migrants, some of whom perished due to organized gangs of Asian people smugglers operating unseaworthy craft.
The deluge of illegal migrants overwhelmed the authorities and became unmanageable. In turn,the ease of forcing the border attracted migrants from many nations forcing the government to suspend legal, genuine refugee intakes.
The current situation, is the legacy of that ill-conceived period. The current government has done an excellent job of securing the borders, saving lives and restoring the intake of lawful refugees.
The term refugee is misunderstood. The refugee convention only provides for travel to a safe haven, not migration to a country of choice.
It’s hard not feel compassion for those unfortunate people held in off-shore facilities. In truth, most could return to their homeland or other countries without any risk of persecution. Many have elected to do so and rebuilt their lives successfully. None have suffered persecution.
4)Pauline Hanson is an oddity created by the Australian Federal electoral system. To be fair, she does represent a small percentage of Australians fearful of the modern era. She and her followers tend to self implode, remain dormant, only to re-emerge in times of political uncertainty.
5) I agree with your observation that many fears and issues politicians seize upon to propel them into office are often distorted and exaggerated. However, being dismissive and refusing to listen and take heed of public perception is politically lethal.
I also agree with you that America will survive Trump’s Presidency, mainly because Trump lacks the necessary political skill to implement a lasting radical agenda.
Marcopolo,
Regarding Trumpet, you wrote, “But does that mean all 62 million are “morons,simpletons, easily deluded”, (or maybe you prefer “deplorable”) and their voice ignored?”
Of course it doesn’t. Considering that exceptions are not unusual, one must be very careful when using the word “all”. It is often best to avoid using the word “all”.
You wrote, “2) I’ve also followed the convoluted legal justifications for Obama’s failure to close the Guantanamo Bay facility. Like most action undertaken by this President, political expediency triumphs over principle.”
I doubt that you are aware of the consequences that could have been likely if Obama had done everything possible to close Guantanamo. I don’t pretend to be. There are many things occurring that we are not aware of. If Obama had tried harder to close Guantanamo, even then he might not have succeeded. But in doing so, he might well have had to make other compromises that would be even worse than not closing Guantanamo.
Being president is a very difficult balancing act. It is impossible for a president to do anything without making at least a few enemies. The more enemies a president makes, the less effective he becomes. A president, to be effective and do what is beneficial for the greatest number of people, has to make very difficult compromises. That’s how politics works and there is no escaping it. Considering his situation and the problems he faced, I think that Obama did very well. We will never have a perfect president. Even if we did, many people would still see him as very imperfect or even very bad.
You wrote, “3)There are no “Refugees attempting to escape to Oz treated in an abominable fashion “.
From reading the Sydney Morning Herald, I am well aware that there are people in Oz who do not agree with you. Also, the children of the refugees tend to suffer greatly and, regardless of what you think about the refugees or even whether they are refugees, it is clear that the children are not trapped in ghastly off-shore situations as a result of their own choices. Moreover, unless you can be totally certain that not even one of them is a refugee, using the word “no” in that context is at best unfortunate. Using a less absolute word would make more sense and indicate a commitment to understand both sides of the issue.
According to what I have read, Oz emits more CO2 per capita than the U.S. does. Although I don’t believe that living in an imperfect country disqualifies one from criticizing another country, it looks to me as though you are exaggerating the merits of Oz and unjustly slamming the U.S.
Hi Frank,
Thank you for your reply.
1) I agree being a US President would be an incredibly difficult position, and I also agree that the position requires flexibility and not rigid adherence to doctrine. I don’t doubt that many unexpected consideration arose concerning Gitmo that weren’t fully appreciated before taking office.
However, this was a core election pledge. It can’t simply be excused without a detailed explanation. Excusing any public official on the basis of “National Security” or ” secret considerations” is a very slippery slope !
You like Obama and rate him well as a President and person, I respect your opinion. I evaluate President Obama as a good human being, a fairly competent, well meaning President, if lacking greatness and on occasion proving weak and vacillating, choosing political expediency over principle.
Probably the reality is somewhere in between.
2) The Sydney Morning Herald makes a common mistake. Undoubtedly many of the illegal migrants are refugees, but not to Australia.
The term “refugee”, is widely misunderstood. The UN convention on refugees doesn’t mean refugees can select any country of refuge !
A refugee experiencing persecution in Iran, can travel to Pakistan to escape persecution, once he safe, he ceases to be a refugee within the definition of the UN declaration. He may still be a refugee from his own country, but that isn’t an entitlement to wander around the world (accompanied by family)and find the country of preference. It certainly doesn’t entitle effecting illegal entry. Many of these people have traveled through five or six safe nations on their journey to Australia.
That’s just illegal migration ( and queue jumping) .
3) “exaggerating the merits of Oz and unjustly slamming the U.S.”
I don’t think so. The US obviously has far greater impact on the world stage than Australia ! Australian policies have little impact on the US, but US policies impact Australia.
You are correct, no society is perfect, here in Australia I’m often criticized for my support of the US/Australia alliance.
In many ways Australia is a very similar society to the US and Canada. (‘cept you guy’s drive on the wrong side 🙂
Marcopolo,
It could be very damaging for Obama to explain why he was not able to close Guantanamo. It may be that doing so would be seen as an attack on senators and representatives whose support he needed to enact other legislation. I don’t doubt that he wanted to close it. I see it as a serious injustice to lock up people when there is not proof that doing so is necessary so I do not take failing to close Guantanamo as a small matter. However, I do think that I have a good understanding of politics and that making unpalatable compromises can be the lesser of evils.
There are some problems that Obama may have been able to avoid if he had explained things more thoroughly. Among them is the Affordable Care Act which requires everyone to have health insurance or pay a penalty, a requirement for which objections are often raised. A single payer system would make penalties unnecessary, but he was unable to have such legislation enacted. Actually, the Affordable Care Act was written mostly by Republicans and was implemented in the state of Massachusetts under governor Romney, so it seems a bit strange that Republicans are objecting to it.
As for driving, we here drive in the right side and the opposite of right is wrong. Actually, the mistake I most often made with right had drive was operating the windshield wipers when I wanted to signal a turn. When I got used to that, it caused me trouble which I switched back to left hand drive. Others have the same problem when switching. Considering that there is general agreement on gearshift patterns and pedal locations, one would think that the turn signal and wiper controls could be internationally standardized.