Andrew Jackson indeed. Let's give up our homes to eminent domain (a Trump favorite) and walk barefoot to Oklahoma.
5
"Clark Judge-managing director of the White House Writers Group... a former speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan." I find it absolutely impossible to believe that what you wrote today is what you truly believe. With your credentials, how you can even consider that to be an inaugural address is stunning.
19
"It is a stretch to call him anyone’s president but his own. " Typical liberal hubris from Lindy West. Forty-six million Americans who apparently don't count in her calculus clearly stated otherwise. If you don't like it, apply for New Zealand citizenship.
7
With a bad knee and foot, am sorry i can't make a protest march today. Instead, am thinking of framinga copy of the Constitution and also the Bill of Rights. Along side, I would also frame a copy of Tim Egan's beautifully written opinion. Thank you, Tim!
4
Timothy,
This is the same raised fist we saw on his solo Christmas card. Can we be surprised at this?
This is the same raised fist we saw on his solo Christmas card. Can we be surprised at this?
3
I read half way through, didn't agree with anything written, and gave up. Complete malarkey.
10
It is ironic that Clarke Judge's opinion piece is published in the same week as P.T. Barnum's enterprise announced that is shutting down; if you needed an example of "there's a sucker born every minute", Mr. Judge is it.
11
Lindy West: Well said, and true, madam.
3
Trump's whole life has been dedicated to enriching himself. He is not a man of the people like Jackson was. We now have fake news that dominates our headlines and your comments give us fake narratives.
9
Why am I not surprised at this mockery of a time honored tradition ?
2
"For ordinary people"?? Surely you jest. That, or your naivete knows no bounds. In the new President's lexicon, the term "the people" is a hammer with which to batter all of America's finest traditions, and highest values--best represented by the couple whose helicopter bore them off to Andrews Air Force base and on to a well earned vacation. People of true American values, and who worked legitimately for the people of this country--not Trump and his demagogic populism.
Well, I am going to assume you are just naive. You, and your "ordinary people" are about to experience a healthy dose of buyers' remorse.
Well, I am going to assume you are just naive. You, and your "ordinary people" are about to experience a healthy dose of buyers' remorse.
14
The speech was not strong, direct, or honest. It was petulant, vague, and threatening.
Furthermore, he was not talking TO any particular people (the author's suggestion that Mr. Trump "spoke directly to the largely African-American and Hispanic citizens of our urban areas" is certainly rose colored), but rather talked AT them...not with understanding from THEIR point of view, but the white man's notion of how it "must be" for the non-white...from a viewpoint of "here comes the white man to save those poor non-white folks."
The lackluster applause, combined with the relatively small audience, was evidence enough that Mr. Trump was just a bit too insulting to his predecessors, to the people he intends to work with, and even to his supporters who would have no idea from this speech what they might expect in practical terms.
Whatever this author is smoking, please let me have some!
Furthermore, he was not talking TO any particular people (the author's suggestion that Mr. Trump "spoke directly to the largely African-American and Hispanic citizens of our urban areas" is certainly rose colored), but rather talked AT them...not with understanding from THEIR point of view, but the white man's notion of how it "must be" for the non-white...from a viewpoint of "here comes the white man to save those poor non-white folks."
The lackluster applause, combined with the relatively small audience, was evidence enough that Mr. Trump was just a bit too insulting to his predecessors, to the people he intends to work with, and even to his supporters who would have no idea from this speech what they might expect in practical terms.
Whatever this author is smoking, please let me have some!
11
If the voters' decision leaves you seething and spewing, life to short for you to make yourself go through all the tension and heart damage. Get yourself to someplace where you can smile and hear children laugh.
I would direct you to places where governments are huge and globalists have had their way with societal tinkering, but it is a big planet.
I would direct you to places where governments are huge and globalists have had their way with societal tinkering, but it is a big planet.
4
Andrew Jackson? Really? Andrew Jackson... engineer of Native American relocation and genocide, slave owner and one of the major originators of the "spoils system" of American political patronage and payback? That Andrew Jackson. Hmmm, you're probably right... though, more contemporaneously, would be to see him through the light of Kremlin Employee of the Month.
10
"...on behalf of ordinary citizens..." Uh-huh, sure. Just look at his cabinet--the richest in history. Never before has a cabinet had so many ethical conflicts, and never before have cabinet nominees been so publicly dedicated to destroying the very agencies they lead. Let the corporate pillage begin!
14
Please. Can everyone just stop. The man is our president. Like it or not, we cannot change that fact. I too, am unhappy and nervous and afraid. But acting like a petulent child, throwing tantrums, breaking windows and destroying property- that will not change our reality.
It is my hope that this man astounds us all. That those of us who tonight sit in disbelief and anger and frustration and fear-will-in four years sit in shock that he pulled it off. And that in four years, we will have the courage and fortitude to say we were wrong about him. Just as we were wrong about him ever winning the election.About his ability to "make America great again." Why would we want him to fail? To gloat about our own rightness, our moral integrity? Why would we NOT want him to succeed? Would his success not benefit us all?
What frightens me more than having a new president is the demonstration of division sweeping through our country, a division clearly visible to the rest of the world- a division that is weakening us as a people. It will rot the very core of who we are. WE are Americans. We are ONE nation, under God, INDIVISIBLE. We HAVE liberty. We do not yet have justice for all, but the actions displayed these last few days are not the way to achieve it.
Please. Can everyone just pause? Put those energies to a greater good?
Can we just wait and see what happens?
Please?
It is my hope that this man astounds us all. That those of us who tonight sit in disbelief and anger and frustration and fear-will-in four years sit in shock that he pulled it off. And that in four years, we will have the courage and fortitude to say we were wrong about him. Just as we were wrong about him ever winning the election.About his ability to "make America great again." Why would we want him to fail? To gloat about our own rightness, our moral integrity? Why would we NOT want him to succeed? Would his success not benefit us all?
What frightens me more than having a new president is the demonstration of division sweeping through our country, a division clearly visible to the rest of the world- a division that is weakening us as a people. It will rot the very core of who we are. WE are Americans. We are ONE nation, under God, INDIVISIBLE. We HAVE liberty. We do not yet have justice for all, but the actions displayed these last few days are not the way to achieve it.
Please. Can everyone just pause? Put those energies to a greater good?
Can we just wait and see what happens?
Please?
15
If you choose to live in this nation, Trump is you president whether you like it or not. If you dont, have the courage to take an 8 year sabbatical.
10
So, the first thing he will do is dismantle the ACA? Is that the agenda that will help the neglected and forgotten citizens of this country?
11
Mr Judge:
Were you listening to the same speech as I? Perhaps you should take a look at the facts, and reassess.
Were you listening to the same speech as I? Perhaps you should take a look at the facts, and reassess.
3
Lindy, I did/do not support Trump. However, your piece exhibits the exact racist heart that you would accuse others of. What would your reaction had you read a piece at the time of Barrack Obama's swearing in? "looking over the sea ... of disproportionately Black faces celebrating what they clearly believed to be a Black victory, asserting the overturning of the natural order"? Like White Nationalists, you live in a world where the color of your skin impacts not your life but distorts your perception of reality. Shame on the Nytimes for publishing a piece from someone like you
11
Not my President? Let me help:
Are you a US citizen? If yes, then Trump is your President;if no, then he isn't.
Wasn't that easy?
Are you a US citizen? If yes, then Trump is your President;if no, then he isn't.
Wasn't that easy?
10
And you believe it?
Why do you believe a word he says?
2
I'm a huge Lindy fan. LOVED "Shrill." But while you've got your point of view, some, myself included, a liberal feminist, some might say you got it backwards. Liberal Critics Should Take a Closer Look?LIBERALS need to take a closer look! I know so many people here on the Liberal East Coast who were unable to admit that thoguh there was much about Trump that was awful, his practical political solutions addressed our day-to-day-shabbier growing lives & opportunities. & those of our children. So, were just "deplorables?"
"Shrill"'s a thoughtful book but it's a terrible tone for a country of people who live interconnected and interconnected lives. That's a piece of why Trump won. Wish there were a Centrist Party.
"Shrill"'s a thoughtful book but it's a terrible tone for a country of people who live interconnected and interconnected lives. That's a piece of why Trump won. Wish there were a Centrist Party.
7
You hit the nail on the head here. The clenched fist represents the profound ego of a man "winning" at any cost. It screams "Me.., Me.., Me" and no matter what words come out of his mouth, it will always be about me and not "you". Body language explains more than Bannon's words ever will. Very sad day for America.
2
Mr. Judge, come on out here to Kansas, I've got some property with great views of the snow capped mountains for you to buy.
Mark my words, this will not end well.
Mark my words, this will not end well.
2
Not mine, either, Lindy.
1
I might take your analysis more seriously if you were more careful with your quotes: he didn't say “an education system, flush with cash, but that leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge”; he said :“an education system, flush with cash, but that leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of ALL knowledge” I had to replay the recording when I heard that, because I couldn't believe anybody would make such a ridiculous claim.... equivalent to saying our students are learning absolutely nothing. Typical bombast!
5
Trump's speech was a despicable performance. He should not be president. You know this. Shame on you for supporting hate, racism, sexism, violence, sexual assault, willful ignorance, and corruption.
8
This man may yet unite the country. Against him.
5
I believe that even DJT needs to be given a chance, at the end of the day he is an American like Obama and any body entitled to be president if they are native born.
What would be the great concern about DJT presidency?
I hope history will not repeat itself so quick. After Bill Clinton leave a prospering economy To GW Bush, Bush does not have a real goal for his presidency, that very weak point history's most infamous event struck : 9/11 . Everything spiraled out of control.
When Obama elected there was a extremely clear goals. wars must be ended , Economic recession must be stopped, he didn't plan or desire these goals, but that was the only thing expected from him, He achieved more than that, some of them not at all but over all Obama left DJT again a prosperous economy, look at the world compare bit by bit.
Now DJT take over with no real clear goal. As far as I remember that is the recipe of a disaster waiting. Soon DJT is going to realize that all things which he promised never become true so easily , than mood sets in and World most powerful position man needs something to show that he is there for something. That si exactly what happened and went wrong with GW Bush.
What would be the great concern about DJT presidency?
I hope history will not repeat itself so quick. After Bill Clinton leave a prospering economy To GW Bush, Bush does not have a real goal for his presidency, that very weak point history's most infamous event struck : 9/11 . Everything spiraled out of control.
When Obama elected there was a extremely clear goals. wars must be ended , Economic recession must be stopped, he didn't plan or desire these goals, but that was the only thing expected from him, He achieved more than that, some of them not at all but over all Obama left DJT again a prosperous economy, look at the world compare bit by bit.
Now DJT take over with no real clear goal. As far as I remember that is the recipe of a disaster waiting. Soon DJT is going to realize that all things which he promised never become true so easily , than mood sets in and World most powerful position man needs something to show that he is there for something. That si exactly what happened and went wrong with GW Bush.
Parsing Trump's words is foolish. He's a liar and words are simply what he uses to stir his stupidly fawning fans. He should never, ever be trusted.
6
Never my president. Just never.
3
Strange people these Americans are....first they elect a President, then they protest against that same election results and the winner, and even go on to blame Russia for getting Trump elected!
Between a woman and a crazy man, Americans preferred to have a crazy man as a President?
In all these years, couldn't you guys get a woman president? So much for preaching gender equality to the rest of the world!
Between a woman and a crazy man, Americans preferred to have a crazy man as a President?
In all these years, couldn't you guys get a woman president? So much for preaching gender equality to the rest of the world!
4
Mr. Judge, you must have heard a completely different speech. What most Americans heard was dystopian, angry, vulgar and an attempt at being messianic. Trump is a very sick man.
4
Trump Inaugural red caps: Made in China, ie, Carnage ala Trump.
Boilerplate, raised fist, dissing his opponent, praising himself = jerk.
Boilerplate, raised fist, dissing his opponent, praising himself = jerk.
7
More than two years later, nothing has changed for the poor of India, but the bigotry that helped Mr. Modi ride to power has flourished, writes Hartosh Singh Ball in Shades of Modi trying laboriously to somehow compare Trump to Modi.
Of course millions of Indians are fully aware that so called intellectuals like Mr. Singh have thoroughly failed their countrymen. From the day the country became independent these liberal pseudo secular liberals have helped to perpetuate misrule of phenomenally corrupt Nehru Gandhi dynasty. No wonder the outside world relished calling India a basket case. Nehru family brought us only notorious Emergency, Sikh terrorism, Sri Lankan crisis and Rahul Gandhi.
If Hartosh Singh Ball finds in Trump shades of Modi, Americans have everything to cheer for. Modi very recently proved his dynamism in leadership by audaciously demonetizing 80 % of Indian currency, tackling the corruption bull by its horn.
Yes, Hartosh Singh Ball, Americans society is in cross roads and gravely needed a dynamic leadership in the mold of Modi.
Of course millions of Indians are fully aware that so called intellectuals like Mr. Singh have thoroughly failed their countrymen. From the day the country became independent these liberal pseudo secular liberals have helped to perpetuate misrule of phenomenally corrupt Nehru Gandhi dynasty. No wonder the outside world relished calling India a basket case. Nehru family brought us only notorious Emergency, Sikh terrorism, Sri Lankan crisis and Rahul Gandhi.
If Hartosh Singh Ball finds in Trump shades of Modi, Americans have everything to cheer for. Modi very recently proved his dynamism in leadership by audaciously demonetizing 80 % of Indian currency, tackling the corruption bull by its horn.
Yes, Hartosh Singh Ball, Americans society is in cross roads and gravely needed a dynamic leadership in the mold of Modi.
2
If the writer voted for Clinton in the primary against Bernie, thus giving us a terrible cnadidate and President Trump, she bears responsibility for what's going to happen now.
4
Lindy, you have your opinion, I have mine. One of the greatest things about our USA is that anyone is entitled to their opinions, spoken or implicit. I disagree with your assessment and would call you out were it not for that freedom. I suggest to you and others who wish to "burn down the barn" that we give the new president and administration six months to show us what they can do, not the rhetoric.
If, after that time, you still remain so vehemently aroused against what we have, you still have the right to move to Canada.
If, after that time, you still remain so vehemently aroused against what we have, you still have the right to move to Canada.
6
We must give Mr. Trump a genuine chance, a chance to fail!
Where did he say that billionaires were to blame for our 'carnage'. He only said the government was to blame. Selective hearing on your part.
2
This is complete drivel.
4
Perhaps our real "Worst Hard Time" is yet to come. Should have saved that book title for the one to be written after the Trump presidency, where a gathering storm of ignorance blows in and clouds out the sunshine of civility.
2
Praise Trump for using the right word during his inaugural speech: 'carnage'. It is an apt name for him and what he brings to us with the help of his administration: more 'carnage'. We are in for massive 'carnage' unless his term is terminated.
3
Look at the smug look on Paul Ryan's face. I hope the next few weeks will wipe it off his face.
7
"Trump has ushered in a new era of reform on behalf of ordinary citizens." What a crock of cow dung. You really think I'm dumb as post and your president-defect?
2
yes, not my president. And if that sounds familiar to anyone I can't wait until someone in congress will call him what he really is: LIAR! This time it will not be an ugly racist offense but simply the truth.
2
You're free to have your interpretation, but Trump's cabinet choices contradict any hope anyone might have had that he is there in the interests of the common man. Time will tell, but I doubt this writer will ever see through the dust she's throwing in our eyes today. Probably some corporate shill, like his whole team.
2
Lindy, get over it. He won the election.
You don't have to be happy about it, but face reality: he is our president.
You don't have to be happy about it, but face reality: he is our president.
7
Sanctimonius snark. How fitting for the oh so delicate ears of Times readers. A fantasy world in which young snark machines lecture 70 year olds on their own history, and realistically play the insufferable college kid that knows everything there is to know about everything that one need know about.
5
I guess to a former speechwriter like Clark Judge, a speech is all that matters.
3
To Mona Eltahawy : The only difference between Trump and your dictator generals is that Trump was a draft dodger.
4
Okay, Trump has put down his gauntlet and said he will show the world what a great country HE can make America become.
Well, let us see what he had going for him, how far he will get with his big spending plans to do all those things and still lower tax rates and manage to not pay any taxes himself while doing it, while gutting the EPA and the ACA and yet making America so great everyone will have a new car, a turkey for Sunday dinner, and a job at a mill or a working coal mine.
We will be waiting.
Well, let us see what he had going for him, how far he will get with his big spending plans to do all those things and still lower tax rates and manage to not pay any taxes himself while doing it, while gutting the EPA and the ACA and yet making America so great everyone will have a new car, a turkey for Sunday dinner, and a job at a mill or a working coal mine.
We will be waiting.
1
Think Trump university.
2
Clark Judge: note a chance! Have you matched any of Trump's words to his actions? How can you draw any conclusion about what he meant? Even signing an order to review Obama care on Friday was meaningless. Oh - there was one significant, impactful action: signing the order making mortgages less accessible to middle class families aspiring to home ownership.
1
Sorry, it's not a 'stretch' to say the man who did in fact win the presidential election is president of someone beside himself. That's just childish and absurd. Demonizing and belittling the constituencies that brought him to power just sets you up for more such unpleasant shocks in the future, when you're forced to confront the fact that not everyone in this country thinks and acts like you.
4
Clarke: "the new president spoke directly to the largely African-American and Hispanic citizens of our urban areas", and then you go on to imply that "Mothers and children trapped in poverty”; “rusted-out factories”; “an education system, flush with cash, but that leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge”; “gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives.” is a problem exclusive of other groups. Invite you to come out if your box and visit rural America, especially the rural walmarts and watch for billboards warning against meth labs and drugs. Lamentably, you are reading into his speech that which you subjectively want to hear to affirm your conceptions
2
What sort of fantasy world does Mr. Judge live in that would allow him to make such preposterous claims?
2
Andrew Jackson? Who wants to emulate him? The testosterone driven dueler? The instigator of the Trail of Tears? That is not what the world needed then or now.
1
So is he planning to go full Pol Pot on the educated? I gather a lot of his voters wouldn't mind that.
1
Lindy,
I read your letter with a great deal of sadness, looking for a few words of truth that I could at least not strongly disagree with: "Not my president, not now, not ever." appears to be accurate (I'm assuming that you are being honest), while every other statement was an ugly fantasy.
As much as I disagreed with the former president, I never called him anything but my president. You are only hurting yourself and the people around you, and I suggest that you engage yourself in a meaningful dialogue with the people that you now consider to be bent on destroying you. I am not. We just disagree.
I read your letter with a great deal of sadness, looking for a few words of truth that I could at least not strongly disagree with: "Not my president, not now, not ever." appears to be accurate (I'm assuming that you are being honest), while every other statement was an ugly fantasy.
As much as I disagreed with the former president, I never called him anything but my president. You are only hurting yourself and the people around you, and I suggest that you engage yourself in a meaningful dialogue with the people that you now consider to be bent on destroying you. I am not. We just disagree.
5
Well said. Trump will now do to the Democrats what he did to the Republicans.
Please take a deep breath, all you totally predictable NY Times columnists and commenters. Everything's gonna be all right, as they say. Nothing's ever as bad as it seems, nor is it ever as good as it seems. "Beneath contempt"? "Sad beyond words"? "A disaster"? Please get real for a minute and try to get a life; that is, if you have another life except crying over spilt milk and shouting profanities and approve of setting limousines on fire in the streets. Instead, why not try to actually figure out the real reasons why this ever happened in the first place, and then actually do something to address what divides the country? Or is that too original an idea for you?
6
To the author complaining of Trump's "clenched fist" -
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34.
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34.
1
Tone of the inauguration - so very, very beige.
1
I love how the one commentator lashes into "straight, white men" -- the one minority that it's still OK trash.
4
Trump and Jackson in the same sentence feels about right. Just recall all the reasons so many fought to get Jackson off the $20.
It did seem that Trump turned Kennedy's appeal to his fellow Americans on its head and wanted "us" to ask our country what it can do for us.
1
I think the 2nd amendment is at risk more than ever. As is the first. Authoritarians who raise firsts and yearn for military parades to glorify himself should scare every true patriot that holds the 2nd amendment dear. Did you really think the pathetic democrats would take away your guns? Now you elected someone who just might, especially if there is an attempt at his life.
1
The next order of business, the next executive order......all Americans need to dye their hair orange. And start using blue contact lenses. Oh and uniforms with the Trump logo emblazoned over the pocket. If we are to be great, we need to look great.
1
In the last sentence, you should have used "govern." Despite Trump's rhetoric, this is still a democracy. Kings and dictators may rule; democratically elected presidents govern.
1
Reform? Ben Carson, in his confirmation hearing, refused to promise that HUD grants would not go to Trump properties. If you call Billionaires in place to raid the federal treasury "reform", then, yah, I'd have to agree with you on that. Or maybe you mean "reform", like agency heads will now be incompetent with no government experience, in the mold of Betsey Devos? I'm going to have to look up this word "reform" in Webster's, because the last time I checked, the term had positive connotations.
4
Trump's election is the coincidence of his own ideology-free egotism,,,,his insatiable thirst for confirmation and adulation exploiting the alienated middle class and the value -free cynicism of the Republicans who are happy to endorse Trump in exchange for his Supreme Court nominees and his signature on their various regressive bills. There is no Trumpism.. .merely mutual exploitation for private gain while destroying any efforts at economic or social justice.
1
Heads up, folks, headers count here.
This is one collective stamping ground, so name your reporter or their issue if you are responding to their argument in this cue. This is a request for the best outcome of this streaming device. Let's make nonsense make sense, again.
This is one collective stamping ground, so name your reporter or their issue if you are responding to their argument in this cue. This is a request for the best outcome of this streaming device. Let's make nonsense make sense, again.
2
Get real. There is no comparison between Trump and your dictator General Sisi.
Trump was elected in a fair and lawful election while Sisi and his military overthrew the duly elected Morsi government.
Trump was elected in a fair and lawful election while Sisi and his military overthrew the duly elected Morsi government.
5
Respect the office while deploring the man. America is better than this. 2018 is a short 2 years away. Bear witness and remember to vote in 2018.
4
"Something has gone wrong," writes Clark Judge, "and it can be fixed." Because America is obviously hugely disadvantaged on planet earth by all the awful people not putting it always First, the way to fix this "wrong" has to involve removing America from the planet, or the planet from America. I will enjoy watching Clark Judge and the Trump-worshippers achieve this feat, so they can correct the many things God did "wrong," when God failed to put "America First." God Himself needs to be taught a lesson in "Total Allegiance" to Trump, apparently!
3
I was able to appreciate both the beauty of the Democratic National Convention and the power of Trump's vision to remake America. A pity that the vast majority of NYT commenters don't share this breadth of comprehension.
2
Regarding Mr. Egan's final sentence in which he points to D. Trump'sraised fist" as an indication of how he would rule: in American, at least until now, Presidents are elected to lead, not to rule.
3
Nor my President. Ever.
3
"An education system, flush with cash..." Seriously? This from the guy who is settling dozens of lawsuits with students the private university bearing his name ripped off?
Sorry but this line doesn't even come close to passing the cow manure test. It's like the speechwriter just assumed that no one listening to the speech would catch the hypocrisy.
Sorry but this line doesn't even come close to passing the cow manure test. It's like the speechwriter just assumed that no one listening to the speech would catch the hypocrisy.
4
Trump makes stuff up. We are dealing with a preposterous demagogue and would-be despot. The dark age of Bananrepublicanism begins.
1
Clark Judge's self-satisfaction highlights the dynamic of Republican politics today: the selfishness of the elite drives poorly informed voters to act against their own interests. Gloat away. Yours is a land of barren anti-intellectualism.
3
I can see how Trump's inauguration speech appealed to those who support him. He offers a brighter future to Americans who feel displaced. Unfortunately he's also a liar. To paraphrase Mary McCarthy, every word that he speaks is a lie, including "and" and "the".
4
As I watch the images from your President's inauguration, I am filled with dread. What exactly is the difference between a salute with an outstretched arm and your President's clenched fist? As a nation you have fallen so far, from being a bastion of freedom and opportunity to a land of fear and hate.
3
And in conclusion, to my fellow American citizens I say, "Mistrust but verify."
Is it really a "remarkable agenda"? Rhetoric is only loosely correlated with content, especially in this case. It's the boilerplate populism of tin-pot dictators and superhero villains. Make Gotham great again. Please.
1
Regarding Mona's (Cairo) response, if we believe what Trump says, he would want US not to participate in other countries which he clearly stated in his address. Why do people see things contrary to what was said is beyond me. Give the guy a chance, if you are emotional, then at least do not write your emotions as if they are objective truth.
1
You are equating writing an inspiring and eloquent speech to sincerity to serve and lift up the under-privileged.
Well all , we have finally bred up to our expectation level! You ask yourselves why Ringling Brother's Circus closed? Simple, Washington was to much competion for "The Greatest Show On Earth"
The speech reveals the depth of Trump's governance for the masses. The disturbing part is he actually believes what he's saying.
The speech reveals the depth of Trump's governance for the masses. The disturbing part is he actually believes what he's saying.
3
Trump is a tonic return to the crockery-breaking style of Andrew Jackson.
To compare Trump to ruthless murderous and dictators like Sisi, Erdogan or Putin shows a dismal lack of understanding of the waves of American history.
Trump tells it like it is.
There hasn't been a president like Trump since Harry Truman.
May he overturn the tables of the Republican and Democratic money changers in Washington, DC.
May he return America to greatness.
May his uncompromising strength bring the end of ISIS.
May his contempt for George W. Bush and Barack Obama be rewarded.
May he put fear into the hearts of America's enemies (like Putin) and to those in NATO who have taken America's defense of their countries for granted.
God bless Donald Trump and the United States of America.
Donald Trump, now being attacked furiously by those comfortable with the status quo, will be remembered as the greatest president of the first quarter of the 21st century.
To compare Trump to ruthless murderous and dictators like Sisi, Erdogan or Putin shows a dismal lack of understanding of the waves of American history.
Trump tells it like it is.
There hasn't been a president like Trump since Harry Truman.
May he overturn the tables of the Republican and Democratic money changers in Washington, DC.
May he return America to greatness.
May his uncompromising strength bring the end of ISIS.
May his contempt for George W. Bush and Barack Obama be rewarded.
May he put fear into the hearts of America's enemies (like Putin) and to those in NATO who have taken America's defense of their countries for granted.
God bless Donald Trump and the United States of America.
Donald Trump, now being attacked furiously by those comfortable with the status quo, will be remembered as the greatest president of the first quarter of the 21st century.
2
I guess the voters did not read much of their stuff before the vote.
2
Representative government ..is so fascinating to see the mirror we choose to define our desires. I look forward to watching this revenge fantasy, omnipotence fantasy, or whatever it is, unspool in real time. I hope no one gets hurt...
2
Trump's speech was terrifying. Power back to the people? And yet he, Mnuchin, & one of his first EOs were all based on the idea that foreclosures are a GREAT way for wealthy predators to make money off ordinary people. Yesterday's EO rescinded a reduction in the cost of mortgage insurance for people buying $200,000 homes.
Putting the nation in the hands of CEOs of predatory banks, investment houses & polluting corporations that function as if they are separate nations isn't giving power back to the people.
But what we did hear is that those 1% (or less) of cops who don't follow the laws they are sworn to uphold won't have to worry when they shoot or choke an unarmed POC to death. Is this the 1930's Jim Crow South?
We heard a dictator's speech: he's going to take care of everything for us, but we better obey or else!
We loyal Americans, need to seek & push every legal means to end Donald Trump's tenure in office, whether it's challenging the election in the courts, investigations that lead to impeachment or resignation, or convincing the VP & cabinet offices to invoke Section 4 of the 25th Amendment. &, if nothing else works, ensuring in 2020 we do NOT lose again!
It will take time, & today is the first step.
But for any of it to work, the Dem leadership needs to radically change & stop rearranging the Titanic's deck chairs. We need a Prog analogue to the TP to challenge reps & sens in primaries to get rid of the dead wood who go along to get along.
Putting the nation in the hands of CEOs of predatory banks, investment houses & polluting corporations that function as if they are separate nations isn't giving power back to the people.
But what we did hear is that those 1% (or less) of cops who don't follow the laws they are sworn to uphold won't have to worry when they shoot or choke an unarmed POC to death. Is this the 1930's Jim Crow South?
We heard a dictator's speech: he's going to take care of everything for us, but we better obey or else!
We loyal Americans, need to seek & push every legal means to end Donald Trump's tenure in office, whether it's challenging the election in the courts, investigations that lead to impeachment or resignation, or convincing the VP & cabinet offices to invoke Section 4 of the 25th Amendment. &, if nothing else works, ensuring in 2020 we do NOT lose again!
It will take time, & today is the first step.
But for any of it to work, the Dem leadership needs to radically change & stop rearranging the Titanic's deck chairs. We need a Prog analogue to the TP to challenge reps & sens in primaries to get rid of the dead wood who go along to get along.
2
Funny the speech said nothing about women or women's rights. He has nothing positive to say. He is throwing millions of women under the bus in his effort to appease the religious right.
2
It is interesting to hear comparisons of Trumps speach to dystopian novels because i have always felt that most liberal believe that George Orwell's novel "1984" is a utopian masterpiece.
1
Mr. Judge, you are, seemingly, a lone voice crying in the wilderness. It is heartening and refreshing to read something in the NYT that states what lead many people in our country to vote for Mr. Trump. I certainly wish him and his administration good fortune.
As I have stated before in these Comment sections, we need a fresh look and a bright light by which to see what can be changed instead of blindly following a path that in leading us in circles.
President Trump has thrown down the gauntlet to all. No possible foe has been spared. He does not want to sit around the campfire singing "Kumbaya". Let's get out and get something done.
As I have stated before in these Comment sections, we need a fresh look and a bright light by which to see what can be changed instead of blindly following a path that in leading us in circles.
President Trump has thrown down the gauntlet to all. No possible foe has been spared. He does not want to sit around the campfire singing "Kumbaya". Let's get out and get something done.
2
His inaugural speech, written by others and delivered with forceful insincerity, may have been strong and direct but it was surely not honest. Your attribution of meaning and purpose is more a reflection of your sugar-infused kool-aid induced mindset than an objective analysis. You need not be a Trump apologist, he has plenty. Perhaps your piece is simply an application for a position within the Trump administration. It makes sense seen in that light.
1
It is Mr. Judge who needs to take a closer look at a consistent theme in DT's life: His penchant for accusing his "enemies" of precisely the evils, frauds and crimes he himself has committed, is committing, and intends to commit. It doesn't require a microscope to see and understand exactly what he is up to.
2
Mr Souza's photos of President Obama, especially those of him with kids, are something I have cherished.
Thanks for them.
Thanks for them.
1
Pence did not shake Hillary's hand? I suspect Pence might be worse than Trump if Trump is thrown out of office. Trump is a grown up child who is loving his new position, Pence would instantly act against the people who have struggled for justice for years. He wouldn't tweet, either.
1
If Trump so hates the establishment, why will he shortly be proposing major tax breaks for them?
3
Well written. But more simply put, he is a demagogue who won by lying about his party's other candidates, lying about the opposing party's candidate, and lying to and about America. I will never The poisonous tricks he played to win, and the media should stop trying to normalize him by rationalizing whatever was in the minds of the deluded people who voted for him -- those people who couldn't believe any good thing about a woman of power.
1
Not your President, not our President: Putin's. Propelled into power by militaristic, scheming Russian hostiles. Delivering a calculated attack on American Reality in his actual inaugural address. Painting a false portrait of our country while speaking ominously of "total allegiance" now being required... If you find a copy of Heller and Nekrich's "Utopia in Power" and read just the first 100 pages, you will understand what this is all about, and why it is so important to maintain our ferocious opposition to this madness, American-style. America is not Russia. Americans are not Russians. The dystopian sketch Trump spat out today, in our faces, actually does apply to Russia: that's what's so bizarre about it. And tomorrow, in Moscow, Putin's pundits will be quoting it as "proof" that America is "on the brink of collapse and national catastrophe, requiring our help and support for Trump so that we can rescue the land of Mark Twain from what Obamas and Clintons did to it."
What you miss, Clark, is that Trump may try to position himself rhetorically as a man of the people, all the people. But he's signaled support for the complete hard right Republican agenda in Congress - repeal Obamacare, cut entitlements, cut taxes for the wealthy, cut regulations on corporations, repeal the new overtime rule that would have prevented bosses from exploiting low paid salaried workers, deport immigrants, get tough on crime - you name it. A true agenda for the people would be to reject dogmas of both parties, and he's showing zero signs of doing that in practice no matter how many you *think* he's showing in his speech.
2
Lindy West - This straight white male is 100% with you. Sensing the end of their reign of terror, the sliver of super-rich white men are re-enacting the last of the colonial powers, stripping everything of value they can before their time is done. How they got the "average joe" to support them in this is certainly the most incredible swindle in history.
4
Went through a few posts, and the rest just read the headlines. Everyone seem to be pessimistic about him while calling Trump as pessimistic about using the words "American carnage". It seems to me like pot calling the kettle black. Just imagine if this speech was given by Mrs.Clinton, I am sure the tributes will be given as "she gave power to the people", "she heard the common Joe", "she put the ruling class to shame rightfully" etc. Media's disconnect with the common people is obvious from these posts and they still cannot get the lesson even after Trump has won.
2
I missed the carnage part (who wrote that?) and I was too distracted by Melania, the voice of reason (and I think she is), but Trump is now randomly going after whoever. How much does he owe Russia?
1
The whole "not my president" business is childish and annoying not because the phrase apparently originates in Tea Party resistance to Obama but because it's used by presumptuous people who think a president can be "theirs" in the first place. Whether you like him or not, whoever he may be, the president isn't mine, yours, or anybody's. He's the president of the country.
2
The child born on the plains of Nebraska and the child born in the sprawl of Detroit do not see the same night sky. The night sky that is seen from most or all cities is not full of stars, which are blocked by pollution and especially light pollution. And the description of Trump's speech contributed by the former Reagan speech writer doesn't sound like what I heard and others have described. He writes lyrically about Trump's speech, which also calling Trump's words lyrical. Oh, come on!
2
I didn't watch the inauguration, since I'm not a big fan of Reality TV or Fake News. Trump is the King of both, having launched his campaign on a racist lie and conspiracy theory. He is a man that has waited in the shadows for that moment when he could exploit chaos and division to his benefit. He is a cunning sociopath. And, it seems, a lot of Americans like that.
3
This article is as idiotic as Trump's address. We have heard what now for 18 months. I would like to hear how we are going to achieve all these lofty goals -
3
Take another look? At what? His income tax returns, full disclosure of his business interests? His campaign hate talk? His cabinet nominees? The postcards from his reptilian brain he sends as tweets? Or the US Intelligence intercepts of Russian communications about contacts between Trump reps and Kremlin operatives during the campaign?
I think smart and patriotic Americans, let alone liberals, have taken a good, long look at Trump and really don't like what they see.
I'd ask Mr. Judge to do the same but there's no point if you're blind or prefer living in total darkness.
I think smart and patriotic Americans, let alone liberals, have taken a good, long look at Trump and really don't like what they see.
I'd ask Mr. Judge to do the same but there's no point if you're blind or prefer living in total darkness.
5
China may have some things to be concerned about, but Trump has handed leadership and major influence of the Pacific rim trading to China by his talk against the Pacific trade agreement. That will cost America.
2
And for trying to somehow lend credence or legitimacy to this man who is utterly unfit for the presidency according to his own party, you are acting as a Trump apologist.
It's articles like this that begin to build him up as a legitimate national leader when in fact he won by deliberately dividing the nation and gaming the electoral college like a tax loophole.
You won't fool us! Trump is an illegitimate president.
It's articles like this that begin to build him up as a legitimate national leader when in fact he won by deliberately dividing the nation and gaming the electoral college like a tax loophole.
You won't fool us! Trump is an illegitimate president.
1
A sad day for America, and for the word. I cannot shake the sadness and the depression. What has he done to this wonderful country of ours, and how much more hate and divisiveness is he going to spread around? He is a dangerous man with no respect and regard for anyone.
1
"white faces celebrating what they clearly believe to be a white victory, a reassertion of the natural order"
I must admire Lindy West's power of telepathy.
I must admire Lindy West's power of telepathy.
1
Ordinary citizens? The writer has swallowed the Trump Kool-Aid. Trump does not care about ordinary citizens and that will be proven over the next months. Trump said whatever he thought would get him elected. Trump cared about himself, his family and his fortune, and nothing else. I look forward to the writer's view of Trump in a year. I doubt he will be reporting on how well ordinary citizens are faring under a Trump administration.
1
Taking aim on the billionaires and millionaires with this cabinet?
Sure, this piece is a "Glass half-full" perspective. What it neglects to mention is the acid in the glass.
Sure, this piece is a "Glass half-full" perspective. What it neglects to mention is the acid in the glass.
1
Pay attention to his actions, not his words. Your optimism is not reflected in his cabinet choices or his first actions as president. He is president for himself and his corporate cronies and has little genuine empathy or concern for people who are struggling.
unless proven otherwise (I will give the President 12 months - I believe it is prudent), Mr. trump IS my President. To dismiss him outright on day 1 is nothing short of treason.
2
This treasonous, ignorant, orange buffoon and his miscreants must be checked at every opportunity and the foriegn machinations that led to this tragedy must be fully investigated.
Democracy is under attack.
Democracy is under attack.
Reading Ms. West's "Not My Presdent, Not Now, Not Ever", I think I feel a bit like Prof. Deborah Lipstadt needing to prove to a British court that the Holocaust actually did happen, or like trying to argue in the 21st Century that the world is indeed a sphere and not flat. Ms. West's screed is rife with some of the most standard, yet wholly outdated, calumnies about the motivation of white people who voted for Trump. I will ask Ms. West to explain how these same white racists, as the data show, voted for Mr. Obama in both 2008 and 2012 before switching to Mr. Trump in 2016. In the end, it was not racism or any other prejudice. Nor was it the Russians or any other demon the Far-Left wish to hold up. It was disgust with Washington and how our representatives and the lobbyists with whom they enjoy the most symbiotic of relationships have become the richest people in America, while the poor and middle classes, black, white, brown, gay and straight, have fallen further behind. Mr. Trump may very well not solve anything. But in this disgust of D.C. both Trump and Bernie Sanders voters have far more in common than they may otherwise realize. Although I did not vote for him, I am willing to give the new president some leeway, and hope for his success -for all our sakes. Ms. West, alternatively, is hoping most earnestly for his failure, quite independent of the consequences for all of us. I object to this attitude.
1
It's odd to read a balanced, mature, grounded response to Trump. It reminds me yet again that one of the greatest changes in American culture has been the evacuation of adult behavior and attitudes. Nearly everyone and every media, from left to right, seems bound and determined to trade in ungrounded fear-drenched irrational nonsense, fascism's breeding ground.
1
Regardless of political affiliation, how can anyone believe anything Trump says? The man is a liar, a fact proven over and over. Lies big and small produced too often to count. Trump is untrustworthy, unfit and unfortunately President of the United States. Liberal or conservative, all Americans be concerned for the integrity of our country.
3
"...but by a sense that something has gone wrong, and that what is wrong can be fixed." "Sense" that something has gone wrong? Trump won by preaching about the ails of an America that only exists in the minds of the white underclass. To them, what has gone wrong is a black president, too many brown faces in town and an economy that has evolved beyond their skills. That "sense" ignores the progress that has been made in the last decade by those who persevered and fought hard for rights of minorities and women. Given Mr Clark's resume, it's not surprising; it's the GOP line.
1
He did not get my vote and, yes, he is an impulsive narcissist, who now is My President. I pray for him seeing the light of governance, because he IS my President.
I called Obama My President, as much as I did not want him to be.
This is called democracy.
I called Obama My President, as much as I did not want him to be.
This is called democracy.
1
The obvious problem with your "analysis" is that Trump intends to follow through with not one
of the things that could be even be construed as positive in his macabre inauguration address.
He is a con man, through and through.
His unlikely quest for the presidency was undertaken for two reasons only:
Financial self enrichment and ego gratification.
He has no intention of helping anybody except himself and the people that are in his orbit.
Don't believe me? Just watch and be amazed.
He might even one up David Copperfield and make the whole country disappear before our eyes.
of the things that could be even be construed as positive in his macabre inauguration address.
He is a con man, through and through.
His unlikely quest for the presidency was undertaken for two reasons only:
Financial self enrichment and ego gratification.
He has no intention of helping anybody except himself and the people that are in his orbit.
Don't believe me? Just watch and be amazed.
He might even one up David Copperfield and make the whole country disappear before our eyes.
4
Trump rightly castigated the politicians who have consistently sold us out, but totally ignored the even more disastrous role of their 1% masters. Yes, the Congress has done many bad things, but they did them under the orders of the big money interests who control them. These are the same people that Trump is filling his administration with. People be dammed. His first act was a directive to lift economic burdens on the greedy, useless insurance companies and the obscenely profitable drug companies and medical device manufacturers - and , oh yeah, throw consumers into the list too as cover. That can only mean higher health care costs and less coverage.
1
Rather than comparing this to Jackson, Clark Judge would do better to check its similarities to Hugo Chavez's bashing of the traditional oath of office: ""I swear before God and my people that upon this moribund constitution I will drive forth the necessary democratic transformations so that the new republic will have a Magna Carta befitting these new times." Of course he then went on to abolish congress and create his own government of cronies based on the subversion of all checks and balances... disaster ensued...
3
Hey Folks! We've still got serious racism in this country. Consider this: there would have been hell to pay if Obama had raised his fist at his inauguration. This old white dude, Trump, gets away with being a demagogue and fomenting racism constantly. The double standard couldn't have been clearer than it was in his inauguration speech today.
This comment comes from old while woman in Salt Lake City
This comment comes from old while woman in Salt Lake City
8
Trump is nothing but a petty, narcissistic bully, who has already done incalculable harm to our country, and, most assuredly, the worst is yet to come.
4
American fascism is born. I watched DJT with revulsion as he repeatedly reinforced a dystopian view of America--besieged working class whites who are threatened and oppressed by a supposed elite out to get them. He feeds on the fear he sows, cashing in on the insecurity he breeds in order to portray himself as the strongman savior who is the only one able to save the "victims." His speech repeatedly looping back to themes of loss and fear and return to strength and power reveal his cynical view of the world--a zero-sum view where the world is only winners and losers (America first--and everyone else must fall behind) and the only solution is to be a winner because the world is nothing more than a social Darwinist battle. His claim that God must be on our side are historical repeats of past strongman tactics, but the icing on the cake was his final gesture--a fist in the air! Utterly revolting!
4
Props for trying to present opposing viewpoints but this is all edit and polish to make the speech sound better than it was. It was dark and rude and full of dog whistles. Today was a dark day.
5
Too bad it was mostly a lie. Crime is down, unemployment is down, production is up. And nobody who wants to weaken unions, public education, environmental safeguards, consumer watchdogs, affordable health care, women's rights can remotely claim to be on the side of the average American. Peddle this junk to the Washington Times and the New York Post.
4
When Trump's supporters realize his promises cannot be realized (as in "I will never disappoint you"), the excrement will hit the fan, and they will pressure Congress to dump him.
This cannot come too soon.
Then and only then will the thin skinned Narcissist-in-Chief have earned a well deserved nervous breakdown.
This cannot come too soon.
Then and only then will the thin skinned Narcissist-in-Chief have earned a well deserved nervous breakdown.
5
Is Clark Judge illiterate?
"Some of the speech’s strongest passages were devoted to American unity"
There was not a single thing in Don the Con's speech that was unifying - just more of the same divisive lies that feed his followers' dystopian world-view. I realize that we need to understand those 'outside our bubble' but please - don't waste any more space with the type of nonsense that Breitbart posts at the top of their homepage.
"Some of the speech’s strongest passages were devoted to American unity"
There was not a single thing in Don the Con's speech that was unifying - just more of the same divisive lies that feed his followers' dystopian world-view. I realize that we need to understand those 'outside our bubble' but please - don't waste any more space with the type of nonsense that Breitbart posts at the top of their homepage.
8
"“whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the red blood of patriots”. Trump has never bled a drop of blood for this country (or for any other individual).
3
Mr. Judge is saying the exact same kinds of things that other honest observers said about Mr. Obama and Mr. Clinton as they came into the Presidency. The hatred and shrieking by devout progressives hereabouts tells you just how utterly unread and unenlightened the extreme Democrats of today really are.
I see this as an indictment of the 90% biased media and the execrable university educations these people received.
I see this as an indictment of the 90% biased media and the execrable university educations these people received.
2
Every time I see Comrade Trump compared to Andrew Jackson I see someone scared who is trying desperately to convince themselves that this has happened in America before and we were OK. This isn't 1828 and he isn't Andrew Jackson. He's an overgrown spoiled child with authoritarian tendencies and impulse control issues who likes to smash everything with a hammer without concern for the consequences. Shall America be his next bankruptcy?
6
Our educational system is not "flush with cash." Of course, this is what the billionaires who want to move public education dollars out of classrooms and into their pockets want people to believe. Its no surprise who Trump picked as Ed secretary, she's just another greedy oligarch.
10
Trump's puppet masters are out to destroy our core values, so this all breaks down to the survival of the Atlantic Charter for me, too, so thank you for bringing it up.
Many are ignorant of the importance of this document, a real peach of an American achievement, as we wrested from Churchill Britain's Imperial power and demanded self-determination be a right for all peoples. I feel there has been an active core of dissenters in Britain and the US who resent the banishment of ultimate narcissists governing us.
BTW, war reparations were forbidden as they obviously led us into WWII, and we agreed to hold lousy leadership accountable for war crimes, not entire peoples. You should read it everyone, a it is the core of the American Character which we shoved down Britain's throat, or no boat rescue, UK!
Many are ignorant of the importance of this document, a real peach of an American achievement, as we wrested from Churchill Britain's Imperial power and demanded self-determination be a right for all peoples. I feel there has been an active core of dissenters in Britain and the US who resent the banishment of ultimate narcissists governing us.
BTW, war reparations were forbidden as they obviously led us into WWII, and we agreed to hold lousy leadership accountable for war crimes, not entire peoples. You should read it everyone, a it is the core of the American Character which we shoved down Britain's throat, or no boat rescue, UK!
2
Yes, Mr. Egan, the clenched fist was evocative, memorable and telling. Couple that gesture, both imperially defiant and personally assertive, with his odd thanks to the people of the world (perhaps a maladroit nod to Mr. Putin), and you see a gladiator who has slain his opponents and now takes the Emporer's place. He wishes to inspire fear rather than respect, forget love, perhaps ignorant of the opposition and resistance that fear inspires.
4
Trump is a bully, he's the kid hiding behind the gym at school to sucker punch one of his enemies. Bullying has worked for him for a long time.
I want to see his taxes.
I want to see his taxes.
4
His would be a stronger argument if he gave credit where it is due. Obama made progress on a number of these fronts. That would be a unifing message, and a way to show he is in command of the actual situation. I fear Trump's talk about action is all talk. A man born, raised, and living in wealthy priviledge, flaunting it at every opportunity, advocating for "the people?" We can only hope it's not just another made for TV production.
5
Very well said. Most readers are too angry to concede any of these points, but you have captured his message perfectly.
Trump's speech directly addressed many Americans' feelings that government has failed them, and there is a cabal of sycophants around DC propping it up. The media is in the thick of it. None has the interests of American workers at heart.
While democrats were focusing on their identity groups, Trump was focused on this single group, "American workers". They've not had a champion in a while. Trump stepped up to the plate for them.
Trump's speech directly addressed many Americans' feelings that government has failed them, and there is a cabal of sycophants around DC propping it up. The media is in the thick of it. None has the interests of American workers at heart.
While democrats were focusing on their identity groups, Trump was focused on this single group, "American workers". They've not had a champion in a while. Trump stepped up to the plate for them.
2
Trump says his election was intended to take power from Congress and give it back to the people. How do the people implement this new power? By having Trump alone exercise it? By having a strong man in place of a democratic government?
When he says "we", he means the royal we, just himself. Others have gone down that road, and the result has always been calamitous.
When he says "we", he means the royal we, just himself. Others have gone down that road, and the result has always been calamitous.
6
The abysmally hypocritical passages you cite only go to emphasise the vast chasm between what Trump says and what he has done and will do. He is 'taking power back to the people' but installing a cabinet that has never met 'the people' and has no idea of the real challenges they face. He pays paper-thin lip service to unity and equality while demonising and stereoptyping vast swathes of the population and demeaning women. He goes on about how politicians have self-enriched yet sets himself up to take massive financial gain from his position of power by running ad international business while using the might of the US as leverage. Anyone who takes any of those statements at face value is a fool who deserves the misery they are going to get.
2
I want my country back. You know, the one where we were a people who exhibited both pride and humility. Where we valued decency and an open mind, where we celebrated our strengths and acknowledged the need to be better. Where we had the common sense to understand the importance of economic ties to allies that made us safer from true carnage, the kind of carnage our parents and grandparents fought in a world roiled by fascistic nationalism.
Why would any immigrant storm our shores to live in the devastated America of Trumpian imagination? Why would our citizens, especially our young people, wish to live and work in the horrid fever dream he presents? Dispiriting,, dystopian and distorted rhetoric. Heaven help us indeed.
Why would any immigrant storm our shores to live in the devastated America of Trumpian imagination? Why would our citizens, especially our young people, wish to live and work in the horrid fever dream he presents? Dispiriting,, dystopian and distorted rhetoric. Heaven help us indeed.
3
Nobody who wants to weaken unions and public schools and environmental safeguards and access to healthcare is remotely on the side of working people. So he starts his administration with a Big Lie. Appalling.
3
I thought it telling that his only direct mention of race was followed directly by a mention of blood, which for me had overtones of bloodshed.
1
If you were paying attention, Mr. Judge, you might have noticed that today, on his first day in office, your supposed hero of the middle class issued an executive order allowing banks to increase the fees on FHA approved mortgages. He rescinded Obama's order reducing those fees. The National Assn. of Realtors said Obama's order would make owning a home possible for 40,000 more citizens.
Your boy is there to help out the bankers, to whom he owes about 1.5 billion (but we'd know more if he ever were to release his tax returns), and who he has put in charge of the US Treasury Dept. and in other key spots in his administration. You are just a willing dupe who turns a blind eye to what he chooses not to see..
Your boy is there to help out the bankers, to whom he owes about 1.5 billion (but we'd know more if he ever were to release his tax returns), and who he has put in charge of the US Treasury Dept. and in other key spots in his administration. You are just a willing dupe who turns a blind eye to what he chooses not to see..
8
As I write this, I am on a bus headed for the Women's March on Washington. The mood among the women (and men) around me is hopeful, determined, and positive--qualities that appear to have been missing from the inauguration.
4
There has been a lot of blather from Trump and his minions about solidarity. When has this narcissistic gasbag every engaged in an act of Solidarity? He has built a career by shafting his workers, stiffing his investors and finding ways to get the rest of us to pay his taxes. His solidarity ends with himself and his class, which he is about to give a massive tax break. Solidarity my aching rear end!
2
Over the past few weeks in Taiwan, and watched Trump's brief surge of popularity crest and crash.
There was a brief burst of pride following the call from Tsai Ing-wen, and a feeling the the Chinese mainland was in for a little embarrassment, if not an actual comeuppance.
Then Trump walked back from the significance of the call, or at least of his intentions, and people quickly realized that their country was to him nothing more than a bargaining chip, or more likely even less than that, just a way to get a bit of free PR and leave them holding the bill.
It did not take them long to figure this out. Not long at all.
Just yesterday, I was in a small restaurant, where the owner, a woman in her 70s, sat reading news of the inauguration. Like everyone I have talked to, she was in shock that such a man could have been freely chosen by the American people. After asking me a few questions about the mechanics of the Electoral College, she said sadly, "the United States is a great country, and Americans are good people. You deserve better than this."
There was a brief burst of pride following the call from Tsai Ing-wen, and a feeling the the Chinese mainland was in for a little embarrassment, if not an actual comeuppance.
Then Trump walked back from the significance of the call, or at least of his intentions, and people quickly realized that their country was to him nothing more than a bargaining chip, or more likely even less than that, just a way to get a bit of free PR and leave them holding the bill.
It did not take them long to figure this out. Not long at all.
Just yesterday, I was in a small restaurant, where the owner, a woman in her 70s, sat reading news of the inauguration. Like everyone I have talked to, she was in shock that such a man could have been freely chosen by the American people. After asking me a few questions about the mechanics of the Electoral College, she said sadly, "the United States is a great country, and Americans are good people. You deserve better than this."
3
President Trump is pushing a deeply conservative agenda with no mandate. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by three million votes. Trump is not taking liberals--or the majority of voters--in the direction they want to go.
1
The speech was dull boilerplate from the Primaries. Trump can talk about building a reception facility for alien spacecraft with the same aplomb with which he speaks of fixing things that are not broken to begin with, like our military. And when none of his promises come to fruition, through lack of compromise or hard work on his part, he will have the same fantastical delivery for his set of excuses as to why it's Democrats fault. Corporations are already outsmarting him, trading imaginary job-saving for huge tax breaks, a process he eats up as long as he can take imaginary credit.
Trump the blind squirrel may find a few legislative nuts, and I wish him luck. But he won't have the money to build anything, he will only be able to take things apart he doesn't understand well enough to put back together.
Trump the blind squirrel may find a few legislative nuts, and I wish him luck. But he won't have the money to build anything, he will only be able to take things apart he doesn't understand well enough to put back together.
1
In noting the similarities between Russia and America (You must look hard to see the connections), Trudolyubov says Wilsonian idealism and Russian Communism were born about the same time. Although most people think that a fusion of Wilsonian liberalism and Russian Bolshivism would be impossible, I believe that a hybrid of Wilson and Marxist Leninism could have bequeathed a better world.
First, without an ideology, all you have is avaricious nationalism which is only quantitatively different from fascism, i.e., fascism is love of nation on steroids. If not fascism, it's as bad as politics in the ancien regime. This is why both Trump and Putin are detestable; both are throwbacks to Louis XIV.
In the 1940's we had an inkling of communism and Wilson melded together. America and the USSR were allied against Germany. In America, in 1943, income, over 10K a year, was taxed at close to 100%. Govt. control over the US economy was extremely pervasive; we had ration stamps, couldn’t drive every day, and all wages and prices were regulated. Crime was miniscule. Unemployment was virtually non existent. And we can see the health of America in movies, which reached their aesthetic AND moral zenith around 1945, such as "The Best Years of Our Lives," which documents discharged GI's getting acclimated to American life (I have pruned this essay from 1700 characters to 1400 but I am still told it is too voluminous to publish so I'll stop now) The Times does this to me all the time
First, without an ideology, all you have is avaricious nationalism which is only quantitatively different from fascism, i.e., fascism is love of nation on steroids. If not fascism, it's as bad as politics in the ancien regime. This is why both Trump and Putin are detestable; both are throwbacks to Louis XIV.
In the 1940's we had an inkling of communism and Wilson melded together. America and the USSR were allied against Germany. In America, in 1943, income, over 10K a year, was taxed at close to 100%. Govt. control over the US economy was extremely pervasive; we had ration stamps, couldn’t drive every day, and all wages and prices were regulated. Crime was miniscule. Unemployment was virtually non existent. And we can see the health of America in movies, which reached their aesthetic AND moral zenith around 1945, such as "The Best Years of Our Lives," which documents discharged GI's getting acclimated to American life (I have pruned this essay from 1700 characters to 1400 but I am still told it is too voluminous to publish so I'll stop now) The Times does this to me all the time
1
This Onionesque piece under the guise of an earnest opinion is a wonderful example of satire. The most delightful part is the author quoting an "Indigenous activist and filmmaker". A pitch-perfect caricature of the detached liberal elite. After reading this article, five seconds of honest reflection will remind you that the liberal elite and the conservative elite are two sides of the same coin.
4
Just can't quite figure out how a paradigmatic study in narcissistic personality disordered affect manges to beguile folks who should know better. But, so it is. We now have a commander in chief who is incapable of empathy and introspection. The next few chapters promise to be pretty grim.
4
Please, please, please look at all the white faces in the huge crowds protesting this terrible stooge of Putin, and find a way to ally yourself with us. It isn't black vs. white, it really isn't.
And yes, racial politics centered in the former slave states gave Trump the Presidency, and yes, racism is still a nightmare.
But don't isolate the black community from those of us in the white community. When Trump's grubby finger pushes the button and erases life on the planet, that means all of us.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
And yes, racial politics centered in the former slave states gave Trump the Presidency, and yes, racism is still a nightmare.
But don't isolate the black community from those of us in the white community. When Trump's grubby finger pushes the button and erases life on the planet, that means all of us.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
4
Would that these were anything other than empty words. All you have to do is look at the nominees for his cabinet positions to know that what he says and what is likely to happen are 180 degrees apart. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and it's going to be bitter gruel for those at the large end of the economic pyramid.
3
Trump won the presidency because Hilary had rigged the Democratic nomination with her friend from Florida (Wasserman Shultz?). Bernie was the only candidate who could have beat everyone and he was cheated out of it by the Democratic Party insiders, who apparently could not see or recognize that fact. I hope that both political parties learn from this.
2
And Wasserman Schultz gets re elected. A LOT of Trump voters would have preferred Bernie, not because he's more extreme, but because he's more like us.
The message Mr. Judge describes might have credibility if it were delivered by a president who did not enter office with unprecedented conflicts of interest; who did not made his fortune by swindling students at a fake university, manufacturing his company's products in China, and refusing to pay the people who designed and constructed his real estate empire; and who did not appoint a slate of scandalously unqualified and/or conflicted billionaires to his cabinet.
2
The opinion groups people based on their gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Identity politics is not going to be successful because it is based on a racist ideology.
I am not going to the women’s march in Washington today for this reason. I believe not just women, but all humans should be treated with respect.
I am not going to the women’s march in Washington today for this reason. I believe not just women, but all humans should be treated with respect.
And I can't resist the impulse to remind Judge that a speech railing against the elites who
have grabbed power and resist returning a fair amount of it to the middle class (who
ceded that power for different reasons) was given by someone who has just appointed
several billionaires of finance and one billionairesse by inheritance. His cabinet will have
the highest income per capita of any cabinet in the country's history. He has appointed
as labor secretary someone who gags on the phrase "organized labor", the principal reason
there was a middle class after the war. If those facts alone don't make his promise
sound absurd and completely contradicted, Judge could at least have
confessed to having the slightest smirk while he wrote those words, since even he couldn't possibly
believe anyone would have the gall to stand in front of his supporters and say
that after these appointees.
But then again some people can be fooled all the time....many of whom
trekked all the way to the Capital to hear their wizard.
have grabbed power and resist returning a fair amount of it to the middle class (who
ceded that power for different reasons) was given by someone who has just appointed
several billionaires of finance and one billionairesse by inheritance. His cabinet will have
the highest income per capita of any cabinet in the country's history. He has appointed
as labor secretary someone who gags on the phrase "organized labor", the principal reason
there was a middle class after the war. If those facts alone don't make his promise
sound absurd and completely contradicted, Judge could at least have
confessed to having the slightest smirk while he wrote those words, since even he couldn't possibly
believe anyone would have the gall to stand in front of his supporters and say
that after these appointees.
But then again some people can be fooled all the time....many of whom
trekked all the way to the Capital to hear their wizard.
2
I didn't hear Trump blaming the political and economic elite for factories and jobs leaving the US for low-wage, low-regulation countries. He placed that blame solely on Congress. No country has "stolen" jobs from the US; American companies have stampeded over each other to cut costs in order to satisfy Wall Street analysts and shareholders, who have come to believe that rising stock prices are the only metric that counts. I'm guessing that this part of the speech was written by the hedge fund managers and Goldman Sachs alumni that Trump has surrounded himself with. I'm curious to see where this all goes.
1
I feel as if we are seeing the end of American exceptionalism, which I didn't even know I cared about. Now I understand the sad songs of other cultures about things which cannot be controlled because of the inexorable sweep of history, and its unexpected stupidity. How could our country be so careless of its democracy, its political stability and integrity?
1
The first order of business is to deny insurance without any replacement. The next is to stop regulations that protect millions in terms of health, safety, and financial protection. Why don't I believe he cares about all Americans?
1
What a nonsensical opinion piece. A patriot loves their country more than they love themselves. How does Mr. Trump score on that? What has he ever sacrificed for this country aside from not paying taxes for 18 years to the tune of almost a billion. Just think what that money could have done for our public schools! What a dreadful role model for our children.
1
What I saw makes me miss President Obama,& the safety I felt under him. This doesn't have space for what I saw. Trump doesn't care for the people so hope is completely up to us as the people. Before there was at least a man who was one of us as much as a president can be; meeting with activists for BLM for example. Trump would not even walk down the same street as any of us.
& Trump's wife disgraces women, his actions disgrace the nation and no matter how many fabricated speeches he gives his true colors are seen in his behaviors.
The republicans can try to twist his speech into positive hope, but his actions both past and present -as well as future- are evident that the words are hollow; he has no intention of anything that will benefit the masses, and with that I am proud to refuse him as my president.
& Trump's wife disgraces women, his actions disgrace the nation and no matter how many fabricated speeches he gives his true colors are seen in his behaviors.
The republicans can try to twist his speech into positive hope, but his actions both past and present -as well as future- are evident that the words are hollow; he has no intention of anything that will benefit the masses, and with that I am proud to refuse him as my president.
2
Finally the new president is smiling. That is good to see. His inauguration discourse was rich on a myriad of promises, but short on details related to how we the people are going to pay for it, and how much it will cost. His promise of fixing dilapidated roads, tunnels, and bridges is a good start. We should all wish him success, for his is our's too.
1
the birther in chief sprints to the oval office after the ceremony to sign fictitious executive orders, symbolically dancing on the grave of his opponent, with Pribus and Pence standing over him like the thugs they are, hands clenched, unable to wipe the smirks off of their faces. Like that couldn't wait? What a gesture and a foreshadow of things to come for those ordinary citizens he aims to protect. Wake up!
2
Does the writer see reform? I don't. All I see is empty promises and the inability to see that we cannot go back to the world of "Leave It To Beaver". America has not faced carnage. Yes jobs have disappeared but many went the way truck driving jobs will go when the driverless cars are a reality. Or the way book stores started to disappear as Amazon took over. (Which is to say, innovation done us in).
A true reform would ramp up taxes on wealth and high wages to build a better support for those without - so that an unemployed machinist can send his children to college, or receive health care.
But there will be no true reform.
A true reform would ramp up taxes on wealth and high wages to build a better support for those without - so that an unemployed machinist can send his children to college, or receive health care.
But there will be no true reform.
2
I see where Mr. Trump critiqued Washington for enriching itself, that wealth needs to return to the U.S.. But I don't see him critiquing the corporate entities that are sitting on huge profit, give outrageous executive salaries, and are waiting for just the right conditions to invest in the middle class. Well if the jobs do come back, they will cost corporate America more than foreign jobs cost. Can't cut into the profits. And all the investing that companies like GM are going to do in the U.S.? That will be for automated plants, where labor costs and benefits will be ....zero. Of course they will invest. Pure profit. And how hard is it for corporate executives to manage a company whose labor force is...machines? And you will never hear anyone suggest that profit be shared with middle class America. I will begin to believe he is serious when he writes an executive order rescinding Citizens United. Doubt Paul Ryan will smile on that day.
1
with a generous benefit of doubt that he has the best interests of all Americans in his heart and the ability to define and execute substantive policies to achieve his goals, why does he have to express himself so often in such profane and vulgar manner? I'm not suggesting that he must follow the currently fashionable rules of political correctness, certainly that would antagonize his supporters, but at least he should speak in civil manner.
What makes my laugh (and alternately cry) is that all these Trump supporters blame the government for their woes. They don’t seem to understand that it was private, profit-driven industry that abandon their communities. They don’t seem to take any personal responsibility for their situation and their vocal misery. Nope, they blame the government for their woes.
Which is odd, since in all their carping, they extol the virtues of personal responsibility, pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, and financial wealth.
Sad, very sad.
Which is odd, since in all their carping, they extol the virtues of personal responsibility, pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, and financial wealth.
Sad, very sad.
5
I agree that if one only takes the themes in the speech and weighs them as human values, it sounds its most reasonable. The problem is, HOW to achieve those goals involves very complex decisions, replete with imperfections and unsavory side-effects. For example, the TPP clearly sought to level the playing field for the American worker and avoid being eclipsed by China's aggressive economy. But this man is incredibly reactionary and has never demonstrated attention to detail: clearly, the tweet is about as far as his reptile brain can go. The pattern that I see (and fear) is that this combination of shallowness and over-attention to loyalty will continue to have him proxy critical subject matter areas with the extremists who flocked to him early (Bannon, Perry, Sessions, that cretin Friedman he's sending to Israel). Less because he's invested in their policy than because he rewards evident loyalty (sycophancy?) above content.
Lincoln peopled his cabinet with his strongest rivals, against most advice...but he new their strength as rival was exactly because of their depth of ability (and, as he said, how better could he keep his eye on them)
Lincoln peopled his cabinet with his strongest rivals, against most advice...but he new their strength as rival was exactly because of their depth of ability (and, as he said, how better could he keep his eye on them)
1
Wow, "someone is wrong on the Internet." (Cf. XKCD)
Clark Judge is a fool. I don't say that as an insult; I'm using it as a technical term, as in, that's what people are called when they get fooled.
Trump doesn't believe anything he says. All this hopeful Chance the Gardener / Chauncey Gardiner reading-of-tea-leaves is utterly irrelevant. Trump is his own God, and everything he does will be for the worship of himself, and for the furtherance of his own interests and the exercise of his own vendettas. Everything else is just smoke.
Clark Judge is a fool. I don't say that as an insult; I'm using it as a technical term, as in, that's what people are called when they get fooled.
Trump doesn't believe anything he says. All this hopeful Chance the Gardener / Chauncey Gardiner reading-of-tea-leaves is utterly irrelevant. Trump is his own God, and everything he does will be for the worship of himself, and for the furtherance of his own interests and the exercise of his own vendettas. Everything else is just smoke.
2
Clark Judge should not write when under the influence of medications.
What he wrote was in no way a positive vision of America and it isn't so dystopian that it requires the "pox on both your houses" approach to reform. He speaks of women with children in his cities with such a distance and lack of empathy that it is clear he has never stood in the shoes of someone lacking the silver spoon. I found the wrecked factories littering the landscape like tombstones to be particularly depressing.
The most disturbing, for me, was his complete lack of historical context or significance. He didn't feel it would be advantageous to place his presidency within the framework of those who have come before him. I truly believe he sees himself as poised to eclipse all presidents who went before--Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson are only prelude to the YUGE impact he will have on us all. Given his dark vision of America, I fear for the future of our democracy. He knows nothing; he cares nothing; he doesn't listen; doesn't think he needs to learn--the most dangerous type of person to hold the ultimate power on the planet.
What he wrote was in no way a positive vision of America and it isn't so dystopian that it requires the "pox on both your houses" approach to reform. He speaks of women with children in his cities with such a distance and lack of empathy that it is clear he has never stood in the shoes of someone lacking the silver spoon. I found the wrecked factories littering the landscape like tombstones to be particularly depressing.
The most disturbing, for me, was his complete lack of historical context or significance. He didn't feel it would be advantageous to place his presidency within the framework of those who have come before him. I truly believe he sees himself as poised to eclipse all presidents who went before--Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson are only prelude to the YUGE impact he will have on us all. Given his dark vision of America, I fear for the future of our democracy. He knows nothing; he cares nothing; he doesn't listen; doesn't think he needs to learn--the most dangerous type of person to hold the ultimate power on the planet.
1
His speech was a churlish act of self-glorification. If he did nothing, America will create millions of jobs during his term in office, but he will take credit. When he snipes that our education system is flush with cash, he can't be (but is) targeting woefully underpaid and undervalued teachers. When he sweeps our multitude of white, black, brown, yellow and mixed peoples into the notion of patriotic red blood, he bypasses the social facts of inequality and discrimination in a grandiose trope of atavism. When he brays that we are a land of carnage, he must be talking about some inner demon, not our astonishing science, universities, companies, theaters, museums, voluntary associations, and all of the many collective enterprises that have long since made America great.
3
Mr. Clark does not seem aware that America is not this dark dismal country which needs to be saved by the Alpha Anglo. One can see that Mr. Clark is living in another reality by indicating that the old can be brought back via manufacturing jobs and magically we will have the country of "Father Knows Best" reappear. Those jobs are never coming back, the coal mines are never going to hum again - it is technology, technology, technology which is at the root of the job situation and it will take a massive investment in education to make the economy work in a more positive manner for the American people. Mr. Clark: nothing is going to bring back your Ronald Reagan and while I was not a big fan of Reagan I know that Reagan would not be a fan of The Donald.
3
I do think that the phrase "Not My President" is too easy to hear as challenge to the mechanism of election that was so perverted and distorted this time. It also points to strongly to Trump's so-called ideology as being different than mind.
To me, the more important point is in the phrase "Not A President."
In no way, shape, or form, is Trump a leader, a president, a thinker, or even, really, an adult.
To me, the more important point is in the phrase "Not A President."
In no way, shape, or form, is Trump a leader, a president, a thinker, or even, really, an adult.
2
We'll see. I'd welcome a reigning in of the dark state that controls Washington the elements of which have flourished while America's middle and working classes have declined.
Will President Trump start with the military industrial complex that dictates fidelity to the alliances Mr. Trump wants to renegotiate? No, he's calling for a big military build up. And what public school system outside affluent suburbs is "flush with cash?" Are you kidding? Trump's nominee for the Department of Education will continue the attack on public schools in the phony name of "choice."
American manufacturing capacity is at an all-time high, contrary to what Trump would have you believe. Manufacturing employment is declining primarily due to automation. A far more certain road to job building is through a plan such as President Obama's proposed infrastructure bank which the Republican Congress killed. Will Trump's plan, if approved by Congress, build a smart electric grid and move us toward renewable energy? No, he'll deregulate the fossil fuel companies so they can continue to poison the environment with methane and mercury and particulates, not to mention CO2, taking us further down the road to environmental implosion. He will team up with the Republican Congress and pass tax breaks for corporations and the rich and peanuts for the poor. Health care will be accessible to all who can afford it and many will loose coverage.
This doesn't look populist to me.
Will President Trump start with the military industrial complex that dictates fidelity to the alliances Mr. Trump wants to renegotiate? No, he's calling for a big military build up. And what public school system outside affluent suburbs is "flush with cash?" Are you kidding? Trump's nominee for the Department of Education will continue the attack on public schools in the phony name of "choice."
American manufacturing capacity is at an all-time high, contrary to what Trump would have you believe. Manufacturing employment is declining primarily due to automation. A far more certain road to job building is through a plan such as President Obama's proposed infrastructure bank which the Republican Congress killed. Will Trump's plan, if approved by Congress, build a smart electric grid and move us toward renewable energy? No, he'll deregulate the fossil fuel companies so they can continue to poison the environment with methane and mercury and particulates, not to mention CO2, taking us further down the road to environmental implosion. He will team up with the Republican Congress and pass tax breaks for corporations and the rich and peanuts for the poor. Health care will be accessible to all who can afford it and many will loose coverage.
This doesn't look populist to me.
4
Here's what I noticed during the inauguration: punks rioting in the streets--because they don't like the new president. One of the major differences between Conservatives and Liberal? Conservatives don't riot. We have respect for the rule of law. We understand the value of someone else's property. We honor the job the law enforcement is tasked with.
Many Conservatives were devastatingly disappointed to see an ultra-left winger, Barack Obama, elected not once but twice--but we did not burn down their own neighborhoods whenever something doesn't go out way. We didn't whine and cry. Our students didn't need safe rooms, grief counselors, and therapy dogs.
Liberals need to get a grip. Your candidate didn't win. Get over it.
Many Conservatives were devastatingly disappointed to see an ultra-left winger, Barack Obama, elected not once but twice--but we did not burn down their own neighborhoods whenever something doesn't go out way. We didn't whine and cry. Our students didn't need safe rooms, grief counselors, and therapy dogs.
Liberals need to get a grip. Your candidate didn't win. Get over it.
2
Mr. Judge:
If Trump had any track record using his experience to do anything but enrich himself, I might give him the benefit of the doubt. All he's accomplished thus far is to package the anger of the white working class into a winning election strategy without the interest or skill to address it in actual policies or programs. Ultimately, it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing.
If Trump had any track record using his experience to do anything but enrich himself, I might give him the benefit of the doubt. All he's accomplished thus far is to package the anger of the white working class into a winning election strategy without the interest or skill to address it in actual policies or programs. Ultimately, it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing.
7
Trump's rhetoric regarding the negative effects of globalization and deindustrialization has never been totally wrong, and I'd be inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt if he had adopted a more conciliatory tone after the election and chosen people for his cabinet who actually possess the knowledge, temperament, and competencies he does not. Instead he has done the exact opposite. I don't see anything to take a "closer look" at now.
2
A reasonable attitude going in, and a logical conclusion, based on Trump's actions so far (which will only get worse, btw).
Re Lindy West's lament of the sea of white faces at the Inauguration - In view of the bullying and hostility directed at any black celebrity going to Trump Tower or agreeing to perform at the Inauguration, is it any wonder that nonfamous black people who might have wanted to be on The Mall on Inauguration Day chose not to go? It seems that blacks have more to fear from The Left than from the alt-right. God forbid someone should want to think for themselves instead of acting out the liberal party line.
1
Within a short time he will remove the economic sanctions on Russia, wich he didn't mention in his speech. Then he and Tillerson will start getting their reward, mone from Putin into hidden accounts all over the world. Or, most probably, Putin won't give them a dime for removing the sanctions even though they have apparently agreed on this last year. Tillerson, by way of Exxon, has 6.2 million acres of oil leases in Russia. This is the real corruption the 'intelligence' people won't find. And it gives an excellent reason for Trump and his Administration to denigrate climate change. It is all part of a simple plan.
4
I lay part of the blame for Trump at the feet of the economists. My economic textbooks always talked about how great trade was, although they always tempered that position by pointing out that trade could lead to unemployment in some sectors and how it did create winners and losers. However, they always said that the benefits always outweighed the costs and that it wasn't worth it to worry about the unemployed because they could always vote for redistribution.
They never mentioned that the unemployed workers would turn to full-blown fascism.
In retrospect maybe those cost-benefit analyses of theirs were just a little bit off.
They never mentioned that the unemployed workers would turn to full-blown fascism.
In retrospect maybe those cost-benefit analyses of theirs were just a little bit off.
2
I lay the blame for Trump at the feet of the GOP. They saw to it we did not recover as much as we should have by denying Obama's administration the funding and any credit for helping us get back up on our feet. That is the economic pain they created that you speak of pushing populist and fascistic solution slogans.
Now the GOP have the reins. But since our suffering is their winning strategy, will they help us or drive us further to the wall? When pain is all you got to offer, Trump's their ticket.
Now the GOP have the reins. But since our suffering is their winning strategy, will they help us or drive us further to the wall? When pain is all you got to offer, Trump's their ticket.
1
This is not the Inaugural Address of a President. This is the Inaugural Address of a despot. "The time for empty words is over," because the time for lying words has begun. Some see this as uplifting because it calls for unity, no matter what race or creed. What this speech demands is unity in belief in Trump alone, and Trump's mercantile, antagonistic view of the world.Anyone who does not agree is not "patriotic." Americans must resist this bend towards totalitarian nationalism with all their power.
Starrt now to defeat every Republican running for re-election in 2018.
Starrt now to defeat every Republican running for re-election in 2018.
10
Well that's an interesting philosophy, but let me make it real for you. Trump is taking away the health insurance of my formerly middle-class mother who has a rare pancreatic cancer. She worked her whole life since age 22 (really a trendsetter for her time) and paid into the system. Laid off from corporate America as collateral damage in 2009 after the wall street-induced recession, lost employee health insurance, and diagnosed shortly thereafter. A regular church goer and always put others before her own well being. She needs her policy under ACA to get continuing treatment and pain relief.
Now will someone please tell me what in god's name did she do to deserve becoming what is likely to be one of the first victims of Trumps inaugural death panel? I guess she's just "The Institution" and had to go? Please tell me Mr. Judge. Clark? What's the theory??
Now will someone please tell me what in god's name did she do to deserve becoming what is likely to be one of the first victims of Trumps inaugural death panel? I guess she's just "The Institution" and had to go? Please tell me Mr. Judge. Clark? What's the theory??
9
President Trump's inaugural address was angry, divisive, and backward-looking, with a few meager, half-hearted attempts to inject some uplifting, unifying rhetoric. To me, it sounded like text cribbed by a fourth-grader from old Pat Buchanan speeches and declaimed by a used-car salesman on late-night television. Perhaps the President hopes (or calculates with high confidence) that no one will remember this speech 1, 2, 3, or 4 years from now, when it turns out that the actual performance of the Trump Regency or the Trump Regime falls far short of the promises.
4
Trump's inauguration speech portrayed the United States as being a bleak, desolate and violent landscape more suited to a dystopian scifi movie than the reality we actually live in. It's a common game, called the Shock Doctrine. You manufacture a crisis and use it as the justification for pushing through rapid and transformational change. This same tactic was used by Obama Sec Ed Arne Duncan to hold states hostage to forced federal mandates that "reformed" education by targeting public schools and setting them up for failure. In New York, new tests and curricula came out and the first year there was massive failure. This is because the cut point for passing was set AFTER the exam was given and scored and the teachers were under a gag order not to discuss the tests with anyone. The results were opaque. This was used as justification for more onerous changes and the next year they changed the bar. More kids passed, not because they did better but because the state artificially set the cut score to show improvement. This way they could claim their reforms were working. Trump is going to play from that same strategy...claim things are awful now and then just tell people over time that things are getting better when in fact they are either not getting better or are getting worse. Trump has a long track record as a salesman, a huckster, a fraud. So the start he has gotten off to doesn't give me much reason to hope that he won't be more than another shock doctrinaire con man.
1
Trump supporters view wealth through the narrow prism of their own income and standard of living. How many factories, jobs and opportunities for employment in fields no longer driven by the marketplace will need to flourish for them to view him as the savior he purports to be? Post mortems about the election aside, it is hard to believe Mr. Trump has not painted a picture that will neither satisfy his constituents nor the party he counts on to support his initiatives. The new president has over promised and because his speech intentionally replaced soaring rhetoric with specific examples he will not be judged by what happens in NY, LA and Chicago but also what happens in Scranton, Mobile and Lansing.
2
As I read Clark Judge's interpretation of Trumps speech I wondered if somehow I had entered into some alternate reality. Then I looked at his bio and realized the spin effect was in play.
6
Just go to Atlantic City and observe what he brought there with his sales pitches not much different from those that elected him. Along the boardwalk and in the back marinas one can observe carnage of no different than that which he now proclaimes to end. Bankruptcy, casino tombstones and dilapidations from his pillage are no different than those in the rust belt that he now proclaims to revive - except his Atlantic City victims had affordable healthcare on the day of his inauguration.
4
Both major parties have failed the average American - black, white, yellow, brown, or red, no matter. There is no coincidence in the majority of under 30 (read: naive fools) being the only demographics supporting the status quo candidate. Even women, utterly insulted by Trump, voted for him in majority (or stayed home which was the same thing): the wisdom of the majority - enough is enough! - has once again prevailed. this is why democracy works. Mr. Trump is my President until proven otherwise. God's speed, Mr. President!
4
Only a majority of white women voted for him, not a majority of women.
1
Presuming -- and acting on the presumption -- that all the "white faces" were celebrating a "white victory" and all Trump supporters are uniformly and without exception, racists, sexists, xenophobic white supremacist Neanderthal brutes is an excellent way to ensure the divide rendering the nation gets deeper and wider. It also is helpful in developing an equal and opposite reaction from the other side.
How will that serve the cause of creating a better country? . . . more acceptance of minorities? . . . a better deal and more prosperity for everyone, starting at the bottom and working up?
How will that serve the cause of creating a better country? . . . more acceptance of minorities? . . . a better deal and more prosperity for everyone, starting at the bottom and working up?
4
Mr. Trump is urging us to abandon the "single, colluding entity" of Washington and Wall Street for the "single, colluding entity" of the Russian dictatorship of Vladimir Putin. Mr. Trump wants us to abandon NATO and the world order we have known for the last 60 years in favor of some kind of American isolationism that will reopen coal mines and abandon the economic growth available in solar energy and dawning technology. Isolationism didn't work in the 1930s, and it sure isn't going to work in the 21st Century. Let us hope that Mr. Trump's treason by colluding with Russia is proven soon, so ha can be impeached.
4
" looking over the sea (or, more accurately, the smallish pond) of white faces celebrating what they clearly believe to be a white victory, a reassertion of the natural order "
I believe the above statement sums it up very nicely. I lived through the 60's once and am sorry to say I believe I will now relive them.
I believe the above statement sums it up very nicely. I lived through the 60's once and am sorry to say I believe I will now relive them.
6
Yes, this is the only essay that had any substance. (The first one was morally and ethically bankrupt.) My daughter is 21, my son 20. I am 60. What they've seen today is just the start; what they will see in the future is far worse as this oligarchy will do whatever it finds necessary to stay in power and accumulate ever more wealth off the backs of workers. Hopefully this is it last dying gasp. But for how long? And how many lives and how much of the health of the planet will it take down with it? Make no mistake. Trump, the Koch brothers, and all the others are very well aware of themselves as a class. The question is, can a significant fraction of the US workforce wake up and understand itself as a class with a diametrically opposed interest? For the near term, I am pessimistic.
3
To accept Mr. Clark's opinion, one must accept a false premise - that racial relations, poverty, urban blight, and the lack of opportunities are worse than they were say in the 1960's.
Trump's inaugural address was filled with bad attitude and misperceptions. He lacked the courage to render an honest appeal for American unity and presented a campaign rant based on appeals to fear. Trump exaggerations and stereotypical generalizations were cowardly and self-centered.
Mr. Clark encourages Liberals to pay attention to the effectiveness of demagoguery and hypocrisy from a candidate whose core campaign message was white nationalism.
Trump's inaugural address was filled with bad attitude and misperceptions. He lacked the courage to render an honest appeal for American unity and presented a campaign rant based on appeals to fear. Trump exaggerations and stereotypical generalizations were cowardly and self-centered.
Mr. Clark encourages Liberals to pay attention to the effectiveness of demagoguery and hypocrisy from a candidate whose core campaign message was white nationalism.
8
It would seem that the author just like Mr. Trump is unaware of the social changes that have occurred. Whether you like it or not the good old USA is between 4th and 5th place amongst Spanish speaking nations. Automation and cleaner energy are driving the economy and like all change there is a portion of the nation that feels either rejected or left out, depending on where you are standing. Mr. Trump is 70 years old physically speaking but mindfully speaking he seems to be from the late 19th century. Change is constant, leaders and tyrants come and go...he is the president fair and square, but that doesn't mean we have to give in to social evolution, which is always a bit messy, we have to stand our ground and when the time comes demonstrate how wrong this line of thinking is. The Berlin wall came down after some decades, Trump and his nostalgia filled administration, can start coming down in two years, tops four. Lets be vigilant, patient, active and when the moment arrives vote! The tools are in our democracy bag! Hand me the hammer please!
9
Nonsensical assertions void of any evidence supporting them fills Judge's piece of pure propaganda. He doesn't even hint of anything concrete that will form this fight for the middle class. In the meantime
several of his appointees have given clear indications that they too are clueless about what their
department does. And his budget director is going to require allocations to be matched by
revenue, which in the context of the promised large tax cuts and promised increases in
military spending (despite whatever cessation of the F-35 will manage to save), so exactly
what can actually go to help the middle class get by with their college loan costs, their childcare
costs, their medical costs for them and their aging parents?
So despite nothing concrete and a context where spending will be tightly constrained due to
large tax reductions, what deep insight does Judge actually have to justify his shallow disingenuous
optimism?
several of his appointees have given clear indications that they too are clueless about what their
department does. And his budget director is going to require allocations to be matched by
revenue, which in the context of the promised large tax cuts and promised increases in
military spending (despite whatever cessation of the F-35 will manage to save), so exactly
what can actually go to help the middle class get by with their college loan costs, their childcare
costs, their medical costs for them and their aging parents?
So despite nothing concrete and a context where spending will be tightly constrained due to
large tax reductions, what deep insight does Judge actually have to justify his shallow disingenuous
optimism?
Bringing the sword? Applying it to all established interests and parties? Trump as a populist take-on-all-vested-interests style change agent? You must be kidding. Simply look at his chosen cabinet and who he is and who the corporate interests he intends to advantage are and it should be crystal clear. He's bringing the billionaires, millionaires, hawks, fake competition and fake small government shils and corporate cartel elitists who would say anything to get where they are. The same special interests who have been bleeding the country dry for decades and given us permanent wars we cant win. Maybe the only difference is that, with Tillerson, Mnuchin, etc. these elites no longer feel the need to hide behind the usual professional politicians that they hire through political contributions. My guess is that we'll have yet another series of failed military adventures sprouting soon in order to distract from investigations of Russian interference in our elections and Trump's financial dealings in Russia.
We'll see how applicable Trump's concern for ALL Americans is. I see him signaling that he will crack down on all but white America. We will be subjected to Law and Order redux, but without even the restraint of the Nixon Administration.
The ironic part of this will be that if and when the confrontation comes, it will be mostly in the Trump states within their cities. This will only make these places less appealing as locations for economic development.
The difference between the Nixon era and the Trumo era is that the economic power balance has now been reversed. The Trump supporters are now the underclass, so it will be interesting to see how the ultimate balance of power plays out.
The ironic part of this will be that if and when the confrontation comes, it will be mostly in the Trump states within their cities. This will only make these places less appealing as locations for economic development.
The difference between the Nixon era and the Trumo era is that the economic power balance has now been reversed. The Trump supporters are now the underclass, so it will be interesting to see how the ultimate balance of power plays out.
Populist? You must be kidding. If you read statements on trade by Mnuchin and Ross, it becomes clear that Trump wants to supplant "blanket" trade agreements like NAFTA where to a greater or lesser extent the same trade rules apply to a basket of nations and business entities are left (free or otherwise) to establish their own relationships with governments and entities. What they want to supplant this with is treaties with individual countries, like PM May says Great Britain will do with the individual nations of the EU. So what happens? The elites -those in a particular country with money and power start to make deals with their counterparts in other countries. So a US trade rep starts making deals on behalf of particular corporations. The openings for favoritism and crony capitalism are rampant an certain under such a system. That will be super elitist. It may be that the neo liberal open markets idea is more fair and less subject to government working on behalf of favored enterprises. This is probably and oversimplification but looks like the structural options to me. Can't put the trade genie back in the bottle. As for the so called left out American worker. Join your brothers overseas and unite. Marx was correct. There's such a thing as a labor market. Unions protect from the brutality of human commodification under capitalism.
2
The vast majority of the American people who voted for him have been conned. And the hypocritical Republican Party that now embraces him has revealed its fascist tendencies . It serves only the interests of the ultra-wealthy, and it is willing to sacrifice the values that make democracy possible in order to wield unchecked power. Cultural issues and even Trump himself are just a smoke screen to enable a massive short term gain in wealth for the would be oligarchs.
America is under a grave threat, as is the world. And there is not much that can be done to resist those who reject the values of compromise and objectivity that make democracy possible. Now that one party controls all three branches of government, and not just any party, but one that has transformed into a fascist and ideologically bound gang of thugs ... things will get a whole lot worse for everyone except the oligarchs before any chance of getting better.
But don't worry, Trump will sell one enemy after another to make sure people don't see where the real problems are coming from. He will even encourage Americans to turn on other Americans. The nightmare has only just begun.
America is under a grave threat, as is the world. And there is not much that can be done to resist those who reject the values of compromise and objectivity that make democracy possible. Now that one party controls all three branches of government, and not just any party, but one that has transformed into a fascist and ideologically bound gang of thugs ... things will get a whole lot worse for everyone except the oligarchs before any chance of getting better.
But don't worry, Trump will sell one enemy after another to make sure people don't see where the real problems are coming from. He will even encourage Americans to turn on other Americans. The nightmare has only just begun.
1
The premise that what will make America great again is the return of manufacturing jobs is rubbish. America's economic mix changes constantly. In 1900 agriculture was the dominant sector. Should we strive to return to an agricultural economy? Than why the focus on manufacturing? Today there are tech jobs, financial jobs, service jobs. These often pay far better than manufacturing. Wouldn't it be better to grow these sectors and help more people join them?
We can't compete with overseas wages for manufacturing, and if we bring manufacturing back to the US, goods produced will be economically unviable for export, and they will be prohibitively expensive for Americans.
There's no point in trying to freeze our economy in some dreamed-of 1950s golden age, because 1950s America would be completely uncompetitive today. A more productive approach is to recognize the disruption caused by the changes in the economy and act to help out the disrupted. We should ask questions like: do we really want to have lots of coal mining jobs? It's a horrible job - dirty, dangerous, dehumanizing, and low paying. Coal is an obsolete product today - it's bad for both the producers and the consumers. Why would we not sunset it as quickly as possible and help coal workers join areas of economic activity with a future?
Change is always hard, but countries that can change lead the world. America has long been foremost of these. The new administration shows no understanding of that.
We can't compete with overseas wages for manufacturing, and if we bring manufacturing back to the US, goods produced will be economically unviable for export, and they will be prohibitively expensive for Americans.
There's no point in trying to freeze our economy in some dreamed-of 1950s golden age, because 1950s America would be completely uncompetitive today. A more productive approach is to recognize the disruption caused by the changes in the economy and act to help out the disrupted. We should ask questions like: do we really want to have lots of coal mining jobs? It's a horrible job - dirty, dangerous, dehumanizing, and low paying. Coal is an obsolete product today - it's bad for both the producers and the consumers. Why would we not sunset it as quickly as possible and help coal workers join areas of economic activity with a future?
Change is always hard, but countries that can change lead the world. America has long been foremost of these. The new administration shows no understanding of that.
3
Interesting to see the different editorials and responding comments.
Up to this point Trump seems to be a sort of Rorschach blot, where we see in him whatever it is we are looking for, savior, demon, fascist, man of the people...
The next 3-6 months should clarify who he really is and more importantly, what it is he is trying to do. His talk of "reform" collides immediately with the fact that the GOP power structure that supports him is the same old structure that's been in place since Reagan. So if Trump truly seeks reform he may find nearly as much resistance from his own party as from the opposition.
It will be an interesting experiment to watch, if perhaps a little hair-raising at time.
I miss Bernie.
Up to this point Trump seems to be a sort of Rorschach blot, where we see in him whatever it is we are looking for, savior, demon, fascist, man of the people...
The next 3-6 months should clarify who he really is and more importantly, what it is he is trying to do. His talk of "reform" collides immediately with the fact that the GOP power structure that supports him is the same old structure that's been in place since Reagan. So if Trump truly seeks reform he may find nearly as much resistance from his own party as from the opposition.
It will be an interesting experiment to watch, if perhaps a little hair-raising at time.
I miss Bernie.
1
It was chilling speech. Liberal critics are right to be concerned that the "ordinary citizens" don't care about a corporate plutocracy, saber-rattling foreign policy and climate change denial. On the economy, Obama wanted a much stronger national reinvestment effort but was denied. What makes Trump special? On national unity--well, Trump's rhetoric has alienated millions upon millions at home and around the world. What's so special about that? Political gridlock and pig-headed partisanship? Republicans reinvented it under President Obama, so what's so special about Trump if he doesn't see that? The social safety net, women's rights and gender equality, a global economy, refuge for the persecuted, declining use of fossil fuels--these are all here to stay. What this administration is about to encounter is an unprecedented level of civil and political opposition. We'll give as good as we got until the most under-qualified demagogue ever to take the office is gone. It is just beginning.
1
What was "extraordinary" about it? Trump is the voice of old men, tired and out of date, sitting in a diner whining about the government. "Everything sucks."
But now he's actually in charge. And like a film critic who makes a really bad movie, you realize that complaining is a lot easier than fixing. Critics are a dime a dozen.
The Democrats, at least, lost and get four years to regroup. The Republicans are stuck with him as their candidate - but they have no idea what he's going to do any more than any of us do. He's unpopular already - at a time in the cycle when the worst presidents in history are at their most popular. He lost the popular election not by a few thousand votes - but by a few million. He trashed everybody that came before him - this creator of ugly buildings and falsifier of personal accomplishments. Anybody who gets close to him has to worry that their career will be destroyed by the association.
The media has made the state battle about red. vs. blue but in this case it's the winner states (those with ideas and job growth and innovation) that were solidly pro Hilary and the loser states (passed by time, economics and a failure to adapt to how the world works) that put Trump in this job. Hilary messed up by judging them as "deplorables." But it's really that they're old, out of date, unprepared to succeed in the world the way it is today, pining for Union Jobs that went away in 1978.
But now he's actually in charge. And like a film critic who makes a really bad movie, you realize that complaining is a lot easier than fixing. Critics are a dime a dozen.
The Democrats, at least, lost and get four years to regroup. The Republicans are stuck with him as their candidate - but they have no idea what he's going to do any more than any of us do. He's unpopular already - at a time in the cycle when the worst presidents in history are at their most popular. He lost the popular election not by a few thousand votes - but by a few million. He trashed everybody that came before him - this creator of ugly buildings and falsifier of personal accomplishments. Anybody who gets close to him has to worry that their career will be destroyed by the association.
The media has made the state battle about red. vs. blue but in this case it's the winner states (those with ideas and job growth and innovation) that were solidly pro Hilary and the loser states (passed by time, economics and a failure to adapt to how the world works) that put Trump in this job. Hilary messed up by judging them as "deplorables." But it's really that they're old, out of date, unprepared to succeed in the world the way it is today, pining for Union Jobs that went away in 1978.
1
So all of the Republicans who refused to accept President Obama as their President and did nothing but obstruct his efforts for eight years are now telling us that we must accept Trump. Yeah, no, I'm thinking not. If I live to be one hundred I will never forget then Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stating publicly the day after Obama was inaugurated in 2009 that the Republicans #1 priority for the next four years was to make sure he was not re-elected. #1 priority. Not health care, not education, not national defense, not jobs, not anything that had anything to do with serving the people. I know that we Democrats are now in a minority in this government but we should never accept these people as our representatives. They are not.
4
Are you also willing to excuse all Trump's failures because of the harsh opposition he faced? He's in even a worse position than Obama, who constantly got a pass because of obstinate republicans.
I took a closer look and one could see it the way the author sees it. But this would require a benevolent Trump with a positive, inclusive America.
However, context matters. Given the fact that Trump sees everybody who disagrees as an enemy, he repeated this during the inaugural ball when asking whether he should still use twitter, I am really asking what constitues America in his eyes. The fact that he is not in compliance with any of the safeguard rules which protect America from corruption at the top, is evidence for the hollowness of his promise to put America first.
The struggling communities the author speaks of, will be the first victims of the Trump reality.
However, context matters. Given the fact that Trump sees everybody who disagrees as an enemy, he repeated this during the inaugural ball when asking whether he should still use twitter, I am really asking what constitues America in his eyes. The fact that he is not in compliance with any of the safeguard rules which protect America from corruption at the top, is evidence for the hollowness of his promise to put America first.
The struggling communities the author speaks of, will be the first victims of the Trump reality.
2
In response to "Liberal Critics," Mr. Clark, should consider that Trump's speech can be interpreted in multiple ways. Is his call for patriotism as a cure for bigotry a genuine call? Or is it one that signifies, in its own strangely honest way, that Americans will no longer be able to look to their Federal government for protection (Sessions as AG) but should take their licks as a "patriotic"American? (Not to mention, isn't there something chillingly fascististic about that line?) And what of his broad and undetailed promise to bring prosperity back to those communities still reeling from the recession? Does appointing billionaires who have only worked to enrich themselves and their corporations signify a new "action for the little guy" America of just more of the same? More corporate-welfare in the guise of "infrastructure spending" and more Dubya-style tax cuts that show once again that Trickle Down was a sham. Trump is right on one thing, talk is cheap, but this is a man who built his business empire on a flimflam routine, and one who loves to throw out insults best directed at himself. You heard Jackson, I heard Buzz Windrip. For the sake of everyone I genuinely hope I am wrong.
2
The punk had his minions shut down the Dept of Interiors Twitter account because he didn't like the negative comments posted about the low turnout for his inauguration.
This is just the start of the punk's crack down on the media. He wants to have total control over the message and will shut down any negative comments made about him, his policies or his administration. Communist countries and dictators do this in order to maintain control over the people. I'm sure the Punk in Chief can learn lots from his buddy Putnin when it comes to message control.
Fortunately for the United States, we don't back down. I and others will post the truth of what we see and read until they come to take my computer out of my cold dead hands.
If the punk thinks he can control content and opinion, he's dead wrong. Citizen journalists will never bow down to the oppression that the punk and his clown car of uneducated deplorables will try to impose on the citizenry of the United States.
I'm hoping for a swift impeachment.
This is just the start of the punk's crack down on the media. He wants to have total control over the message and will shut down any negative comments made about him, his policies or his administration. Communist countries and dictators do this in order to maintain control over the people. I'm sure the Punk in Chief can learn lots from his buddy Putnin when it comes to message control.
Fortunately for the United States, we don't back down. I and others will post the truth of what we see and read until they come to take my computer out of my cold dead hands.
If the punk thinks he can control content and opinion, he's dead wrong. Citizen journalists will never bow down to the oppression that the punk and his clown car of uneducated deplorables will try to impose on the citizenry of the United States.
I'm hoping for a swift impeachment.
4
His actions and his slogans have little connection. To "give the country back" to the citizens requires an environment where citizens have the freedom to disagree with government. Trump reacts to any criticism with the petulance of a spoiled 10 year old. To know what government is doing in their name, citizens need a free press with access to leaders. Trump is attempting to alienate and denigrate journalists. His vow to lift banking regulations and give the wealthy tax breaks allows predatory lending and removes an important government revenue stream. His insistence on a non-establishment Cabinet brings together unqualified billionaires (Betsy DeVos is ridiculous) and iconiclasts who plan to gut their departments. Reagan's hands off government, trickle down economics didn't work to encourage jobs and break poverty, and Nixon's paranoia brought him down. In Trump, we have their joint heir. Nothing good can come of this.
4
Great speech and thank you President Trump for being so honest about our current condition. In virtually every survey of quality of life, America usually appears at the bottom among the developed nations of the world despite the fact we are constantly being told we are the richest nation in the world. Something is very wrong here.
As President, he may not be able to solve every problem, but I appreciate his honesty and fresh approach.
For far too long, we have been lied to by the establishment and their enablers, the Main Stream Media. In reality, they have sold us out at every turn, enriching themselves in the process. No wonder they are so sad and angry now. Their party is over.
The smug, self-satisfied County Club that was Washington is no more.
As President, he may not be able to solve every problem, but I appreciate his honesty and fresh approach.
For far too long, we have been lied to by the establishment and their enablers, the Main Stream Media. In reality, they have sold us out at every turn, enriching themselves in the process. No wonder they are so sad and angry now. Their party is over.
The smug, self-satisfied County Club that was Washington is no more.
1
I am hopeful even as President Trump now that takes office. I am hopeful that democracy will survive the Trump Administration. Trump will be humbled by the universe as every authoritarian is always humiliated and the cause of their demise. Yes, it will be tumultuous. Yes, we will have to protest and fight back. Yes, we may even have to practice civil disobedience if unjust laws are put in place. But, to be very clear, there won't be any mass movement of minoritiies out of the county or into hiding. The past is uninhabitable. Hopefully, every Trump supporter and non-supporter recognize and accept this reality. Justice always prevails in a moral universe as designed by God.
In his first executive order, Trump directed government agencies to scale back as many aspects of the Affordable Care Act as possible….In broad language he gave federal agencies wide latitude to change, delay or waive provisions of the law that they deemed overly costly for insurers, drug makers, doctors, patients or states…essentially allowing the dismantling of the law to begin even before Congress moves to repeal it.
He also directed HUD to suspend the FHA mortgage insurance rate cut President Obama signed into law to help first-time home buyers. Trump's war on lower and middle class Americans begins!
He also directed HUD to suspend the FHA mortgage insurance rate cut President Obama signed into law to help first-time home buyers. Trump's war on lower and middle class Americans begins!
2
Untrue. He stopped any further changes and price/budget increases.
“The time for empty talk is over. Now arrives the hour of action.” Yup.
(1) In his first executive order, Trump directed government agencies to scale back as many aspects of the Affordable Care Act as possible….In broad language he gave federal agencies wide latitude to change, delay or waive provisions of the law that they deemed overly costly for insurers, drug makers, doctors, patients or states…essentially allowing the dismantling of the law to begin even before Congress moves to repeal it. (2) One hour after his inauguration, Trump suspended the FHA mortgage insurance rate cut President Obama has signed to aid first-time home buyers.
So much for helping the little people.
(1) In his first executive order, Trump directed government agencies to scale back as many aspects of the Affordable Care Act as possible….In broad language he gave federal agencies wide latitude to change, delay or waive provisions of the law that they deemed overly costly for insurers, drug makers, doctors, patients or states…essentially allowing the dismantling of the law to begin even before Congress moves to repeal it. (2) One hour after his inauguration, Trump suspended the FHA mortgage insurance rate cut President Obama has signed to aid first-time home buyers.
So much for helping the little people.
4
Isn't it possible that there are other ways of "helping the little people"?
Massachusetts was well on its way to experimenting with universal healthcare, before the A.C.A. steamrolled across the country and flattened it and hundreds of other healthcare frameworks that were working quite well for ordinary citizens.
The Left, for all its self-congratulatory praise as the standard bearer of pluralism, is increasingly revealing itself to be prone to an aggressive form of political sclerosis; while conservatism — perhaps because of its nostalgia for the federal principle — now appears to be the more flexible and, in some significant ways, more tolerant ideology.
Massachusetts was well on its way to experimenting with universal healthcare, before the A.C.A. steamrolled across the country and flattened it and hundreds of other healthcare frameworks that were working quite well for ordinary citizens.
The Left, for all its self-congratulatory praise as the standard bearer of pluralism, is increasingly revealing itself to be prone to an aggressive form of political sclerosis; while conservatism — perhaps because of its nostalgia for the federal principle — now appears to be the more flexible and, in some significant ways, more tolerant ideology.
It has to be noted somewhere on these pages that Trump lifted lines from Batman villain Bane for his speech. That's exactly what today felt like, the dystopic scenes where the villain is ascendant and we're waiting for the caped crusader in the wings: "We take Gotham from the corrupt! The rich! The oppressors of generations who have kept you down with myths of opportunity! And we give it back to you, the people!"
1
Nah. That was Steve Bannon. The producers of The Dark Knight should sue.
http://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-channels-steve-bannon-inaugural-add...
http://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-channels-steve-bannon-inaugural-add...
What to we expect from a cartoon president?
It would be helpful if Democrats looked at themselves with the same critical eye they use for the Republicans. I favor Democrat policies but not the exaggerated self-righteousness with which they are promoted. Legalized abortions are sad outcomes to what otherwise might be joyous. To celebrate the right to abortion as an affirmation of women's right to choose strikes a tone that is too proud and positive. The ACA is not a choice among alternatives. It's a life and death matter. Gun rights are not designed to frame a reasonable compromise. They, too, are about life and death. The minimum wage is not a paltry raise to paltry pay. It is all about dignity and justice. And policy toward illegal immigrants isn't cutting them a break. It's recognizing their humanity and showing compassion.
Democrats infuse their agenda with a self- righteous claim of moral superiority. If they looked at themselves, they would realize that all of their policies, good or bad, are defended with a messianic view that is, to put it bluntly, obnoxious. I can't remember any Democrat proposal that was conceded to be debatable. Democrats purport to legislate from on high. Republicans are proud to legislate from the swamp. The biggest problem we face is not Trump. It is the exaggerated sense of both parties that all their policies are non-negotiable and right. We have a childish president because we ourselves are childish.
Democrats infuse their agenda with a self- righteous claim of moral superiority. If they looked at themselves, they would realize that all of their policies, good or bad, are defended with a messianic view that is, to put it bluntly, obnoxious. I can't remember any Democrat proposal that was conceded to be debatable. Democrats purport to legislate from on high. Republicans are proud to legislate from the swamp. The biggest problem we face is not Trump. It is the exaggerated sense of both parties that all their policies are non-negotiable and right. We have a childish president because we ourselves are childish.
2
How odd.
It was the Republicans who, from day one of Obama's presidency, dug there heals in, covered their ears and started saying "no" like two year olds.
And, contrary to what you seem to believe, no one "celebrates" abortion. What is important is that women can make decisions about their own bodies without breaking laws passed by strangers enforcing their own "moral" code.
It was the Republicans who, from day one of Obama's presidency, dug there heals in, covered their ears and started saying "no" like two year olds.
And, contrary to what you seem to believe, no one "celebrates" abortion. What is important is that women can make decisions about their own bodies without breaking laws passed by strangers enforcing their own "moral" code.
Michjas, At first, your description of the political divide sounds reasonable, but further consideration, raises questions. In 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president, the Republican Party decided almost immediately not work with him. The goal was to make him an unsuccessful one term president. ACA is full of compromises without the help of the republicans. Many Americans wanted universal health care and or extended health insurance coverage through Medicare. You have misrepresented the arguments in favor of raising the minimum wage, although, to give you a bone, there is little 'dignity' about being one of the working poor. It is easy for you to eloquently blame the election of Trump on childish citizens and rigid political parties, yes easy from your perch on high. Does racism, technology, cable, the internet and the extreme difficulties, if not impossibility, of creating good jobs for those that worked in the manufacturing sector not play a role? Nationalistic, right-wing bigots have risen in the Western Democracies. Are we all just childish?
It's unbelievable to me how Republicans will try to parse Trump's words as if they contain some deeper, noble meaning. He doesn't have a plan. He doesn't have principles. His inauguration speech, like everything else he says, was just unmeasured words. He didn't write it, and if you asked him to explain what it meant he wouldn't be able to. Face it--the man is an inarticulate, sophomoric dunce. It's truly frightening.
7
Thank you Ben Domenech for ackowledging, in your obviously oblivious way, that Trump, like Bane is a pathological narcissistic psychopath and will be proven such during the course of his presidency. Oh, and hello, wasn't Batman the "good guy " in that movie...mmmm, Bane as president, yeah I'll say, that's about as "dark" as it gets.
4
He will now be held to those promises.
Really, Mr. Wehner? I sincerely hope you are right, but is it not likely that he will find myriad ways to deflect criticism of his failures, as many politicians do, but mostly of the Republican stripe, since they are the ones who usually make promises born in Fantasyland? Won't he simply redefine what "bring back jobs" means, as he has already done with the Carrier deal? I am not optimistic that he will either fulfill many of his promises or take responsibility for not doing so though it was he who conjured up and made the promises in the first place.
Really, Mr. Wehner? I sincerely hope you are right, but is it not likely that he will find myriad ways to deflect criticism of his failures, as many politicians do, but mostly of the Republican stripe, since they are the ones who usually make promises born in Fantasyland? Won't he simply redefine what "bring back jobs" means, as he has already done with the Carrier deal? I am not optimistic that he will either fulfill many of his promises or take responsibility for not doing so though it was he who conjured up and made the promises in the first place.
3
perhaps, you're just not optimistic in general? a sad old stranger in a strange land? please do not project your life's failure onto our new President. it is unfair at best, petty at worst.
American Carnage -- sounds like a great title for a new reality TV format! Oh wait...
5
Our isolationist, bigoted fellow Americans are still with, as they will forever be. For now, at least, they have their champion in the black-built White House. President maybe, but not mine, not ever.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
5
Re: Liberal Critics Should Take a Closer Look
So let me get this straight for the record: Trump supporters are opposed to "Big Government" - but they don't mind "Big Money", is that it? They don't want a career politician to fleece them but they don't mind if a gutless jackal like Trump ushers in a band of his soulless cronies to fleece them. They're ok with keeping their long-obsolete job of digging coal and working in a factory manufacturing Trump steak knives because that's their idea of REAL America instead of educating themselves and their children to compete in a modern world. I beg to differ with your uninformed opinion Clark - Trump's address was neither direct nor honest. It was a poor regurgitation of other fascist speeches made through the ages by other dictators and as red meat for another crop of foolish, small-minded citizens who cling to ignorance and hate with tight fists and shining eyes, certain that this time they're going to come out on top. Yes, what a fine inspiring message to share with the world. I'm sure his supporters are very proud.
So let me get this straight for the record: Trump supporters are opposed to "Big Government" - but they don't mind "Big Money", is that it? They don't want a career politician to fleece them but they don't mind if a gutless jackal like Trump ushers in a band of his soulless cronies to fleece them. They're ok with keeping their long-obsolete job of digging coal and working in a factory manufacturing Trump steak knives because that's their idea of REAL America instead of educating themselves and their children to compete in a modern world. I beg to differ with your uninformed opinion Clark - Trump's address was neither direct nor honest. It was a poor regurgitation of other fascist speeches made through the ages by other dictators and as red meat for another crop of foolish, small-minded citizens who cling to ignorance and hate with tight fists and shining eyes, certain that this time they're going to come out on top. Yes, what a fine inspiring message to share with the world. I'm sure his supporters are very proud.
10
Couldn't agree more. Mr. Clark is clearly as delusional as Mr. Trump. But, there's no need to go through a long list of everything that Mr. Clark and Mr. Trump get wrong--and there's plenty, let's cut to the chase. If Mr. Trump is sincere in his desire to put America first, to protect our borders, to end the outsourcing of jobs, then I'm sure there he will soon announce that the companies he still controls because he doesn't have an ethical bone in his body will immediately stop producing goods in China, Mexico and other foreign nations, that all such goods in inventory will be destroyed and that all Trump-branded products will from this day forward be produced in the U.S.
I'm not holding my breath...the hypocrite-in-chief would never do it because it might cost him a few bucks. So we'll continue to see red hats that say "Make America Great Again" on the outside and "Made in China" on the inside...
I'm not holding my breath...the hypocrite-in-chief would never do it because it might cost him a few bucks. So we'll continue to see red hats that say "Make America Great Again" on the outside and "Made in China" on the inside...
1
wake up, sir: the entire Nation cannot "educate themselves and their children" - who will drive your garbage truck? who will grow and harvest your food? who will maintain your roadways? wake up, the blue-color jobs are just as (if not more) important for your own (and this country's - any country's) survival. we, the forgotten many, have finally spoken!
The mirror image.
Imagine if Hubert Humphrey had won the Presidential election of 1968.
And nominated for his cabinet
Dr. Timothy Leary, Surgeon General.
HHS. Father Berrigan
HUD Bobby Seale,
Homeland Security. Malcolm X
FBI Jerry Rubin,
Abbey Hoffman, DOJ/Attorney General.. .
Mark Rudd, Department of Education. (for his outstanding work at Columbia University... so he has experience in education)
Todd Gitlin, CIA.
Wavey Gravy, HHS.
Max Yasgur, Agriculture.
Jerry Garci Commerce
Jimi Hendricks U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.
Pete Seger for Department of Defense??
Chief of Staff? Jane Fonda,
Communications Director. Bob Dylan,
Inner circle? The members of the Weather Underground. And the lack Panthers,
And then told America, "we won. Get over it?"
No. That I could not imagine.
Flip the coin and I feel as thought this is more or less equivalent to what President Trump is doing on the right. With the GOP, anything goes.
Imagine if Hubert Humphrey had won the Presidential election of 1968.
And nominated for his cabinet
Dr. Timothy Leary, Surgeon General.
HHS. Father Berrigan
HUD Bobby Seale,
Homeland Security. Malcolm X
FBI Jerry Rubin,
Abbey Hoffman, DOJ/Attorney General.. .
Mark Rudd, Department of Education. (for his outstanding work at Columbia University... so he has experience in education)
Todd Gitlin, CIA.
Wavey Gravy, HHS.
Max Yasgur, Agriculture.
Jerry Garci Commerce
Jimi Hendricks U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.
Pete Seger for Department of Defense??
Chief of Staff? Jane Fonda,
Communications Director. Bob Dylan,
Inner circle? The members of the Weather Underground. And the lack Panthers,
And then told America, "we won. Get over it?"
No. That I could not imagine.
Flip the coin and I feel as thought this is more or less equivalent to what President Trump is doing on the right. With the GOP, anything goes.
5
I think Jerry Garcia would have made a better Secty of Agriculture
1
Meet the new boss ...
Same as the old boss ...
... on reflection, a lot worse.
Good luck America.
Same as the old boss ...
... on reflection, a lot worse.
Good luck America.
5
Clark Judge:
Were we listening to the same speech? The one I heard was nothing but triumphalism and division.
Were we listening to the same speech? The one I heard was nothing but triumphalism and division.
4
"Not my president" the sign says. Fact: Mr. Trump is now everyone's president, period. Recognizing that fact does not mean you endorse him, but declaring otherwise is to castrate the growing opposition. Many citizens are in stage one of an ersatz dying process. But you and the country are not dying. Let's get on with stages II and III - anger followed by bargaining.
If cards are played right and if Trump continues his M.O., we may be able to substitute impeachment for bargaining.
If cards are played right and if Trump continues his M.O., we may be able to substitute impeachment for bargaining.
3
Sorry, if he was elected fairly, I would say yes. But the Russian connection and the Comey email are simply too much to overlook. The punk yelled for months about Clinton being corrupt and crooked when all all along he should have been looking in the mirror. The corruption which will come out of this administration over the next four years, will make the Nixon years look like the Obama years.
I hoping for a switch impeachment.
I hoping for a switch impeachment.
I am deeply and profoundly saddened by the election of Donald Trump, a demagogue, con artist, and likely strongman.
Our wonderful country does not deserve this fate.
Our wonderful country does not deserve this fate.
10
"Our wonderful country does not deserve this fate."
Considering that a large subset of Americans are bigoted, misogynistic, deny science and believe things like Hillary Clinton and John Podesta running a child sex ring out of the basement of a restaurant owned by a DC-Area Dem donor, then maybe this wonderful country really does deserve this fate. I know we at least deserve the mantle of laughingstock to the world after this election.
Considering that a large subset of Americans are bigoted, misogynistic, deny science and believe things like Hillary Clinton and John Podesta running a child sex ring out of the basement of a restaurant owned by a DC-Area Dem donor, then maybe this wonderful country really does deserve this fate. I know we at least deserve the mantle of laughingstock to the world after this election.
He is only as strong as his approval ratings, and those are going down the dumper. How about how roundly his speech has been rejected, except in Russia where it was directed.
every nation has leadership it deserves - a fact proven many times over by the human history.
The Trump movement is not just about republican vs democrat. Its about hopeless vs hopeful. Trump followers believe that hope and the future of this country lies in the past. In every road to progress, there is resistance that forces a step backward. This is one last hurrah for people whose jobs will be replaced by robots and for people who did not retool themselves for the future. This is their final revolt against the inevitable tide of robotics, artificial intelligence and globalization playing a bigger role in our survival. In this election, nostalgia won over future because the future may not be for everyone. Whenever a historical change is afoot, a desire to go back to the "good old days" becomes inevitable. What is alarming is how many Americans are not ready for the change and how many are refusing to see it. The course set for the future is not democratic or republican. Its technological for lack of a better word. Unfortunately it is inevitable regardless of who the president may be.
8
Donald Trump in the primary debates, at his rallies, on the campaign trail, and during the transition relied upon the vocabulary and demeanor of a middle school bully. Now, as President Trump, the man remains consistent.
Whatever you think of the man and his limitations, he instinctively understands a basic truth which gives an outsider or newcomer a big advantage over career politicians.
If you exaggerate and tell outright lies about how bad conditions are before you can be held accountable for those conditions, then it is easy to explain and excuse a subsequent lack of success on your watch.
President Trump takes center stage and talks about the “carnage” we are experiencing. Six months from now, when we look around and confirm that there really isn’t any carnage, President Trump will say, “Of course not. I fixed it.”
Whatever you think of the man and his limitations, he instinctively understands a basic truth which gives an outsider or newcomer a big advantage over career politicians.
If you exaggerate and tell outright lies about how bad conditions are before you can be held accountable for those conditions, then it is easy to explain and excuse a subsequent lack of success on your watch.
President Trump takes center stage and talks about the “carnage” we are experiencing. Six months from now, when we look around and confirm that there really isn’t any carnage, President Trump will say, “Of course not. I fixed it.”
11
Trump's fist action as PPOTUS was to cut Obamacare, an act of revenge against his predecessor for -what?- a few jokes at a WHPC dinner? Wasn't the birther thing revenge enough? Wasn't becoming president tenge enough?
Not for Trump. So he's about to take health care away from 18 million people. Wow.
Think about it. If -IF- Trump and Ryan do pass a replacement bill, how many of those 18 million will have coverage? Let's say 90%. They would be happy with 90%. But that leaves out 1.8 million people, who either get turned down, can't afford, or opt not to buy the new Trumpcare. Let's say that half of those people get a catastrophic illness in the next four years, not an unlikely number considering how many will be rejected by providers. That would mean that one out twenty people currently on Obamacare would either die or go into heavy debt because Donald Trump wanted to get more revenge on his predecessor. 900,000 people will suffer, because a thin skinned, angry, immature narcissist is more concerned with his petty ego than with the American people.
That is why Trump is NOT MY PRESIDENT.
Not for Trump. So he's about to take health care away from 18 million people. Wow.
Think about it. If -IF- Trump and Ryan do pass a replacement bill, how many of those 18 million will have coverage? Let's say 90%. They would be happy with 90%. But that leaves out 1.8 million people, who either get turned down, can't afford, or opt not to buy the new Trumpcare. Let's say that half of those people get a catastrophic illness in the next four years, not an unlikely number considering how many will be rejected by providers. That would mean that one out twenty people currently on Obamacare would either die or go into heavy debt because Donald Trump wanted to get more revenge on his predecessor. 900,000 people will suffer, because a thin skinned, angry, immature narcissist is more concerned with his petty ego than with the American people.
That is why Trump is NOT MY PRESIDENT.
5
You say Mr. Trump is taking aim at both billionaires and the government. Knowing that he is planning to eliminate the estate tax, which affects only the truly wealthy and will cut government revenue, somehow I don't see it that way.
22
Agreed. In his first executive order, Trump directed government agencies to scale back as many aspects of the Affordable Care Act as possible….In broad language he gave federal agencies wide latitude to change, delay or waive provisions of the law that they deemed overly costly for insurers, drug makers, doctors, patients or states…essentially allowing the dismantling of the law to begin even before Congress moves to repeal it. He also directed HUD to suspend the FHA mortgage insurance rate cut President Obama signed into law to help first-time home buyers. Trump's "American carnage" on the lower and middle class begins!
1
Your comment is well taken but at issue are only 5,200 estate across the country, which together will pay less than $20 billion. See http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/how-many-people-pay-estate-tax.
That legitimate reasons exist for eliminating "death taxes" is evidenced by the fact that New Hampshire, where you appear to reside, repealed its estate taxes in 2005.
That legitimate reasons exist for eliminating "death taxes" is evidenced by the fact that New Hampshire, where you appear to reside, repealed its estate taxes in 2005.
The very small turnout appeared to unnerve our new Prez, family and staff. Instead of reaching out to all of us, he remained petty and arrogant. It will be a long four years for moat of us.
You cannot credibly claim that this speech was "honest" given both Trump's record of deception and the obviously exaggerations and false conclusions within the speech itself. You are nothing more than a shill for a con man.
38
Actually, I think Clark has given a very clear and accurate description of Trump's address. The fact that Trump was elected is proof in itself that both parties have neglected and failed the average American rather than Trump being the "great deceiver".
The only question I would have would be if Mr. Judge thinks that a President Trump can be effective in providing a remedy for these ills.
The only question I would have would be if Mr. Judge thinks that a President Trump can be effective in providing a remedy for these ills.
As honest as Reagan's speeches, anyway. Just nastier.
Nor has Detroit seen urban sprawl in 50 years.
"Whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska"
You think this pap is lyrical? It sounds like the overblown prose of a freshman writing class in high school!
You think this pap is lyrical? It sounds like the overblown prose of a freshman writing class in high school!
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And, furthermore, it is inaccurate. Detroit is recovering, no longer failing, and the windswept plains of Nebraska are under the till of Big (G)Ag.
The turgid prose is indeed intended as a nod to a past that will never exit in the present or the future.
The turgid prose is indeed intended as a nod to a past that will never exit in the present or the future.
It's not even correct. He meant the inner city of Detroit.
He does not know the difference between sprawl and inner city, our president of all Americans with a net worth over $1B
He does not know the difference between sprawl and inner city, our president of all Americans with a net worth over $1B
Written during one 40 minute class.
Thanks for your opinion piece.
I could not agree more; we are stuck with him for 48 months, (Unless he refuses to fix his ethical problems...), but a second term? Even his many partisan supporters in the Congress won't tolerate his spouts. This majorities in both houses of Congress may vanish in 2018 or 2020, and oh, that would be sweet! In office for <12 hours, and the fool already makes me ill!
I could not agree more; we are stuck with him for 48 months, (Unless he refuses to fix his ethical problems...), but a second term? Even his many partisan supporters in the Congress won't tolerate his spouts. This majorities in both houses of Congress may vanish in 2018 or 2020, and oh, that would be sweet! In office for <12 hours, and the fool already makes me ill!
10
I agree, it would indeed be interesting karma if this administration blows it so that by 2020, the pendulum has swung back and it's all Ds in office, so that they control more of the redistricting process. That, coupled with the demographic changes, I think would work better than having Clinton in power with Republican legislatures in 2020. I don't support gerrymandering but we have never really had one person, one vote.
The 2018 Senate race should be our 110% focus. Trump has 2 years to stack the Supreme Court. One seat is already open and he will certainly fill it with his preferred pick. The DEMs won't be able to influence the decision at all.
But there's a fairly decent chance a second seat will open. If it happens in the next 2 years that's tough luck for us. But if it happens after the 2018 election and the DEMs gain a majority, we might actually be able to divert a catastrophe.
Trump stacking the court with 2 far right picks would have an impact lasting a generation. I think this is one of the biggest dangers we face from his administration.
But there's a fairly decent chance a second seat will open. If it happens in the next 2 years that's tough luck for us. But if it happens after the 2018 election and the DEMs gain a majority, we might actually be able to divert a catastrophe.
Trump stacking the court with 2 far right picks would have an impact lasting a generation. I think this is one of the biggest dangers we face from his administration.
Seriously? I am amazed that the only response is to throw insults and accusations. Why not try to accept that there may be more than on opinion on an issue and work toward progress. Many of us have been doing that for the past 8 years.
11
In my lifetime, I have never seen a president or an administration as reviled, insulted, disparaged, obstructed or accused, without benefit of fact, of as much malfeasance as was the presidency of Barack Obama over the last eight years. He spent six years being accused by this fraudulent con-man of being illegitimate per a completely made-up narrative that he was foreign-born. Indeed, the new president lied on any number of occasions that he had "investigators" finding "some interesting things" about the president's actual birthplace and/or his birth certificate---as it turned out, he never hired "investigators."
This is only partly about issues/policies, though his issues/policies, such as they are, weigh heavy on the hearts of many, many Americans tonight---not to mention how much weight our long-time allies bear having heard him imply that the only borders that matter to him are American borders.
This is primarily about character. Barack Obama never lacked for character. Donald Trump has none---my old DSM diagnosis would be Borderline Personality Disorder with Narcissistic Components, while one of my best clinical friends simply calls him "a sick puppy." He will say or do whatever satisfies the impulse of the moment and, because he lacks them, his words and actions will not reflect either core principles or core values.
Give such a person power and one risks real carnage---something about which this demagogue seems to enjoy pontificating.
This is only partly about issues/policies, though his issues/policies, such as they are, weigh heavy on the hearts of many, many Americans tonight---not to mention how much weight our long-time allies bear having heard him imply that the only borders that matter to him are American borders.
This is primarily about character. Barack Obama never lacked for character. Donald Trump has none---my old DSM diagnosis would be Borderline Personality Disorder with Narcissistic Components, while one of my best clinical friends simply calls him "a sick puppy." He will say or do whatever satisfies the impulse of the moment and, because he lacks them, his words and actions will not reflect either core principles or core values.
Give such a person power and one risks real carnage---something about which this demagogue seems to enjoy pontificating.
I think people do accept that there may be more than one opinion on an issue.
However, the events leading up to this inauguration include:
- the Republican Congress working under cover of night to remove as much in the way of ethical oversight as possible (presumably laying the road they may later travel to personal enrichment)
- the Republican Congress attempting to bypass conflict of interest questions in an effort to push through cabinet nominees without allowing Congress to fully identify each candidate's strengths or (in most cases) weaknesses
- the Republican Congress laying the groundwork to repeal over 20 million citizens' lifeline to medical care without a suitable replacement or fix
- repeated efforts to thwart the press, and threats regarding a possible future curtailing of first amendment rights
- clear signals that straight white men will dominate in society if these "leaders" have their way, with women and non-whites a distant second
Just a few of the things that have colored the response to today's events. While many may have tried to "work toward progress" for the past eight years, many others have obstructed, questioned Obama's legitimacy based on the false birther argument, and Republican Congress people said, up front, "we will not work with THIS President!"
Insults and accusations?...many of us feel that what President Trump and the Republican Congress are doing right now is insulting, and dangerous to American democracy.
However, the events leading up to this inauguration include:
- the Republican Congress working under cover of night to remove as much in the way of ethical oversight as possible (presumably laying the road they may later travel to personal enrichment)
- the Republican Congress attempting to bypass conflict of interest questions in an effort to push through cabinet nominees without allowing Congress to fully identify each candidate's strengths or (in most cases) weaknesses
- the Republican Congress laying the groundwork to repeal over 20 million citizens' lifeline to medical care without a suitable replacement or fix
- repeated efforts to thwart the press, and threats regarding a possible future curtailing of first amendment rights
- clear signals that straight white men will dominate in society if these "leaders" have their way, with women and non-whites a distant second
Just a few of the things that have colored the response to today's events. While many may have tried to "work toward progress" for the past eight years, many others have obstructed, questioned Obama's legitimacy based on the false birther argument, and Republican Congress people said, up front, "we will not work with THIS President!"
Insults and accusations?...many of us feel that what President Trump and the Republican Congress are doing right now is insulting, and dangerous to American democracy.
No, the Republican Party and Donald Trump have spent the last eight years in a racist funk with one goal: to destroy the legitimacy of an honest and thoughtful man and to do everything possible to hobble our recovery from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.
I know it's happened - but I still can't believe that Americans would allow themselves to be domestically hobbled and globally humiliated in this way. President Trump is laughing stock from Tasmania to Vladivostok and everywhere in between. As a US Citizen, resident abroad, I too take the position that this man is Not My President - he does not represent me or my values - nor do I believe he is representative of most Americans. America has not so much taken a turn to the right as it has stepped back in time...or as Chris Rock puts it 'Don't Forget To Set Your Clocks Back 300 Years Tonight.'
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As a traveler myself, I can imagine how you feel. I was in Thailand when Obama won in 2008. When local men learned I'm American, they would give me the biggest thumbs up and smiles, they were so proud and happy for America that we had lifted-up, empowered and respected someone of the lower caste, someone who genuinely seemed humane, wise and fairer that GWB. I still consider America to be the best country to come home to. But they understand and I understand that the America we have known is effectively over. I have seen trump's kind do their damage before. He is a destroyer, a user and abuser. He is mentally-ill and unstable. And yet, he will increasingly rule us. The world is sad, amazed and fearful. So am I.
Thank you for the Chris Rock quote. Thank you thank you thank you. I so needed a laugh that came all the way from my toenails .... that I cut yesterday.
As the author points out, Trump’s inaugural speech was by far the most populist inauguration speech ever delivered by an American President, very Jacksonian. However, it was not delivered by a populist but by a pathological liar with a megalomaniacal personality who also happens to be a kleptocratic billionaire.
It was also the most stirring speech about patriotism – totally unmoored from the law, the Constitution, checks, or balances. The only protections Trump offers are the power of the police, the military, and of God.
As an American, I fear that the first two - untethered from any reference to the rule of law or the guarantees of freedom, will afford the vast majority of Americans scant liberty. I also fear that the third, like “the law” itself, will soon be deployed to benefit some, but not all, of God’s children.
God save the Republic.
It was also the most stirring speech about patriotism – totally unmoored from the law, the Constitution, checks, or balances. The only protections Trump offers are the power of the police, the military, and of God.
As an American, I fear that the first two - untethered from any reference to the rule of law or the guarantees of freedom, will afford the vast majority of Americans scant liberty. I also fear that the third, like “the law” itself, will soon be deployed to benefit some, but not all, of God’s children.
God save the Republic.
50
Mr Judge - for all his ideological blindness - seems to have found himself a great moment of clarity. Andrew Jackson is historically famous for his ethnic cleansing of Native Americans - in a clear violation of the Constitution as ajudged by the Supreme Court; as well as his determined efforts to move the institution of slaver to the West and into the Mississipi Valley - entrenching the gross economy and ensuring that its needs would be paramount over the health of the young republic. The presidency of Andrew Jackson pioneered the spoils system, created a financial crisis through rampant speculation, provoked a depression, and put the country firmly on the road to civil war: a great exemplar of the way irascible amateurs can do great harm when toying with politics
1
Wow! Not even President for a whole day yet, and President Trump is already making the hardened Left repeatedly mention The Almighty. Yo can't make this up!
I imagine everyone around the world hearing that American will now be first and thinking, "So, nothing changes."
4
I think his comment signals an important and disturbing shift in thinking. If it is America out for itself, it won't make the large contributions that it historically has to NATO, the UN, and other alliances and organizations, including USAID for support in developing countries and charity for refugees, etc. That is not the America the world knows. It gives our EU/NATO partners shivers down their spines and probably has people in the Baltic countries moving on high alert against a Russian incursion. Trump is taking the wheels off the go-cart and we are careening down the hill with no break or way to steer. I don't recognize the "American carnage" he outlined and the withdrawal from the international stage w/ its stabilization of world conflicts. If we don't lead, all fail.
This no-change speech is the best way to nurture basic hatred among average people
I like Clarks essay. Our country has two separate worlds. Liberal and Conservative. I am glad that the NYt had at least a few voices from the conservative side. I am a Transgender woman, and I work in medical marijuana. I should be absolutley terrified and be cowering in my house.
However, I am not afraid. Despite what everyone says, our nation's institutions ARE strong enough to handle Trump. If he steps too far, our nation is strong enough not to let him.
Rather, I am saddened that the Democrat party has strayed so far from its roots. I am saddened that the Democrats have wallowed in denial since the elections. Instead of taking a look at the fundamental reasons why they lost, they have fantasized about unfaithful electors, recounts, illegitimacy due to Russian hacking, abolishing the electoral college, even California leaving the union! Looking at why Hillary lost, Democrats have not taken responsibility for losing blue collar workers and the crumbling of the Democratic "Blue Wall." Instead, the answer is Russia Russia Russia and that all Trump voters are sexist and racist.
However, I am not afraid. Despite what everyone says, our nation's institutions ARE strong enough to handle Trump. If he steps too far, our nation is strong enough not to let him.
Rather, I am saddened that the Democrat party has strayed so far from its roots. I am saddened that the Democrats have wallowed in denial since the elections. Instead of taking a look at the fundamental reasons why they lost, they have fantasized about unfaithful electors, recounts, illegitimacy due to Russian hacking, abolishing the electoral college, even California leaving the union! Looking at why Hillary lost, Democrats have not taken responsibility for losing blue collar workers and the crumbling of the Democratic "Blue Wall." Instead, the answer is Russia Russia Russia and that all Trump voters are sexist and racist.
19
Wake up and smell the roses! (Much nicer the MJ). Here's another accounting. The GOP controls 70% of the Electoral College votes (by design) as in the states accounting for these votes, they enacted new voting restriction regulations. Gutting key provisions of the Voting Rights Act and Operation Redmap substantially helped.
The fantasy that Democrats have inadvertently brought Trump to power ignores the fact that he lost the popular vote, has no mandate and set the record for the lowest pre-inauguration approval rating. It is silly to deny the impact of Russian criminal intervention in our election, not to mention the Comey collusion with Republicans to villify Clinton. No, let's just swallow whole the theory that middle America rose up like a sleeping dragon and swept Trump into power because they were angry at being forgotten. A true analysis of what actually happened is pending, even as the transfer of power unfolds. Jumping to conclusions is premature. Let's see what the intelligence agencies lay out for the American people, and watch thousands march in protest in the coming months, before looking in the rear view mirror at Trump's so-called win.
Jacqueline, you're right regarding the hypocrisy of the Democrats and some of the overreaction. But he is an inveterate liar, and he is a master at intimidation and at manipulation of truth, he has convinced a huge part of the population that he is the second coming, his party controls both houses and will soon control the supreme court, and he will control soon as well much of the media through intimidation and through the threat to selectively deny access to asking questions if not actual access to his press conferences and their information, and timely information is the bread and butter of the press. Perhaps the biggest danger is to the earth itself in the form of global warming, a problem the magnitude if which is not grasped by the majority of the population; because its remedy is bad for certain major industries, Republicans for decades have sown confusion in the populace through continual hiring of bogus scientists waving around bogus science; and the more the temperature rises, the more drastic will be the measures required to reverse it. This man is more powerful than you imagine.
Cuba has one of the strongest constitutions in the world, and yet it could not save that country from a bully who bore many similarities to Mr. Trump.
Democracy depends ultimately on an involved and well-informed populace to work, and we are lacking that essential ingredient, what with big money's extraordinary influence in the media, and in politics.
Cuba has one of the strongest constitutions in the world, and yet it could not save that country from a bully who bore many similarities to Mr. Trump.
Democracy depends ultimately on an involved and well-informed populace to work, and we are lacking that essential ingredient, what with big money's extraordinary influence in the media, and in politics.
Clark Judge is living in the bubble of deceit the new Gaslighter in Chief wants him in. Strong? Only if your idea of strength is bashing and lashing at strawdog abstractions like "the establishment" (which, if we are going to consider it in some kind of concrete terms, includes Trump and his entire cabinet). Direct? If you think it's somehow forthright to characterize an America where the economy has been recovering and production is at an all-time high and minorities are more enfranchised than ever, all due to the president of the last eight years, as a site of "carnage". Honest? Well, let's see: You will never be ignored again? White House website pages for LGBT and people with disabilities GONE the second this goon is installed. Photo of inauguration he tweets? Obama's. Keep drinking the koolaid, Clark...
52
It's a white world there!
6
Just the kind of vapid and hateful comment that the moderators love, as long as the vapid hate is directed towards people who do not share the views of the moderators.
1
Trump's speech was a series of advertising slogans and curses. His view of America is as far from reality as an asteroid is from the Garden of Eden. Republicans and Democrats better learn how to cooperate because this man is seriously fascistic and his language is that of an intemperate king.
50
He's was molded by his sinister father, and mentored by sinister figures. No surprise.
The way he conducted himself during the campaign makes him a failure before his administration even begins.
44
He should have been man enough to acknowledge that he was standing on the shoulders of giants. Instead he merely grimaced and trod upon them while standing for no one but himself.
11
Timothy Egan is dead-on.
Question is: where do we go from here? There's a sense of just waiting for the inevitable train wrecks to start piling up, one by one.
Maybe there's some pre-emotive action (non-violent) that can be taken by we, the people -
Any ideas, anybody?
Question is: where do we go from here? There's a sense of just waiting for the inevitable train wrecks to start piling up, one by one.
Maybe there's some pre-emotive action (non-violent) that can be taken by we, the people -
Any ideas, anybody?
8
I favor a series of national boycotts-- starting with an action that causes the DOW to fall significantly for a limited time, followed by a 3-day boycott of Walmart and LL Bean, and a forever boycott of Exxon, Chevron, Hardees/Carl Jr.s, Goldman Sachs and companies Trump appointees are involved in. Yes, I have money in the stock market but I would think a few days of loss to get attention is acceptable given the enormous damage an unchecked Trump and a Republican Congress will do. I will boycott any and all corporations who support Trump. Let them feel the burn!
Get your Republican representatives in Congress to not vote along party lines, starting with the nominations for his cabinet.
This is going to turn out badly. How badly -- we will now have to witness this in-progress train wreck to answer that question. My Lord -- out of 330 million Americans, our country is now being led by this man-child bully. Trump owns it now. I strongly believe he will be ousted within a year. He is not above the rule of law, and I am certain that he will violate many laws in a very short period of time. The news media must be vigilant, not back down. and report fully when Trump makes those transgressions.
9
Best piece in this lot. Those who condemned Trump should have the guts to quit.
1
Quit what? Oh I guess you must mean quit being free citizens of a free country.
7
Sgt Schulz from Stalag 13 is correct. Congress members who swear to uphold the Constitution but hate or don't understand the Electoral College with two hundred years existence do not appear to be qualified to represent anyone and should resign their posts.
If a man repeatedly refuses to consider elections legitimate he has no business in any elective office. Sorry.
If a man repeatedly refuses to consider elections legitimate he has no business in any elective office. Sorry.
To Clark Judge, the parts of the speech you cite as "poetic" sounded so phony. It was a horrible speech. Not fooling anyone.
10
D.elinquent J.uvenile Trump, told by V-President Biden to “grow up,” after Trump called Senate Minority Leader Schumer, “head clown,” is not going to do so. He is an aged whiner, lacking adult temperament to be above petty things, diving into them with egoistic, tantrum tweets, exposing childish impulsiveness, deeply disturbing in one heading the world’s most formidable military, making decisions touching hundreds of millions.
Trump’s impulsive pettiness, barbed with demonstrative vindictiveness, cast the darkness of bully upon the disabled. One wonders, in dread, how his penchant for revenge will be manifest, launched from the Oval Office, or how that, combined with his capitalist-inspired authoritarianism may lead to power abuses transcending those of “I am not a crook” Nixon, focusing federally-backed retribution against lawful citizens, institutions.
The Founders’ republic withstands dangers, but Trump’s failings are at work in a world of instantaneous, global consequence they could not imagine, paired with a political climate of contention, divisiveness and a tilted power balance that is a cauldron of trouble, apt to boil over, burning many people and the nation in ways both known and unforeseen. Trump’s vengeful vision, voiced in his address, killed the light, opening the door to a horrific darkness, making the next two and four years a perilous ocean of rogue waves, shrouded in dense, persisting fog. God help America’s ship of state find the safety of its next port.
Trump’s impulsive pettiness, barbed with demonstrative vindictiveness, cast the darkness of bully upon the disabled. One wonders, in dread, how his penchant for revenge will be manifest, launched from the Oval Office, or how that, combined with his capitalist-inspired authoritarianism may lead to power abuses transcending those of “I am not a crook” Nixon, focusing federally-backed retribution against lawful citizens, institutions.
The Founders’ republic withstands dangers, but Trump’s failings are at work in a world of instantaneous, global consequence they could not imagine, paired with a political climate of contention, divisiveness and a tilted power balance that is a cauldron of trouble, apt to boil over, burning many people and the nation in ways both known and unforeseen. Trump’s vengeful vision, voiced in his address, killed the light, opening the door to a horrific darkness, making the next two and four years a perilous ocean of rogue waves, shrouded in dense, persisting fog. God help America’s ship of state find the safety of its next port.
8
Trump's inaugural speech was further evidence that he is mentally ill. His psyche is gripped by the
notion that the world of regular people, a place he has never lived in and has little truck with, is
scary and hateful. He sees himself as a savior. No one else does. We, the regular folks, see him as a
thin skinned bully. He is a sad little man who suffers little man syndrome. God help us.
notion that the world of regular people, a place he has never lived in and has little truck with, is
scary and hateful. He sees himself as a savior. No one else does. We, the regular folks, see him as a
thin skinned bully. He is a sad little man who suffers little man syndrome. God help us.
19
I hate these self-appointed savior types, their understanding is nearly always shallow and do more damage than they fix. It's one reason for my almost instant dislike for Bernie Sanders during the primaries. Obama had shades of that too and I think that held him back as a leader since it prevented him from seeing the problems of anyone who disagreed with him.
It is such a relief to know that Mr. Obama is out of office. The Nation is taking a big sigh
of relief. We've had a traitor in the White House for the last eight years. Now he is leaving
for vacation, hopefully, permanently.
His actions will have great consequences in a very near future and years to come.
of relief. We've had a traitor in the White House for the last eight years. Now he is leaving
for vacation, hopefully, permanently.
His actions will have great consequences in a very near future and years to come.
2
My Obama is not going away. He is a patriot. To call him a traitor merely reveals that your version of America is a bigoted one.
28
Dear Maria: I'm not sure what you're talking about, calling President Obama a traitor. A traitor to what? When you talk about "great consequences" -- perhaps it would be useful to see what was accomplished for America. Nearly every sector of our country benefited under Obama's leadership. View: pleasecutthecrap.com/obama-accomplishments/
Maria is correct. The angry man blew through thirty trillion dollars and left the country's economy, national defense, international relationships, and law enforccement in shambles. History will not be kind to him.
If I may, I would like to paraphrase a famous line from FDR's first inaugural speech: "We now have everything to fear, especially fear itself." Mr. Trump's speech is not encouraging at all, and it suggests that those who were the targets of Mr. Trump's speeches (Hispanics, Muslims, et al) will have much to worry about. I have nothing to look forward to for the next four years except apprehension for the future of our country, and all of its people.
5
Clark Judge's comments are just nuts. Did you hear/read the same speech as everyone else? There the rantings of a authoritarian. Egan has it right: "soulless."
14
You are hearing what you want to hear. Read the words carefully and you can see that it's a unique speach and is very inclusive and compassionate. Put aside your hate and give Trump a chance to live up to his words.
Great insight. It's amazing that so many refuse to see what is really happening here and how much compassion Trump really has for working people and this country. He may yet prove to be the leader we need.
5
Yes one could sense the compassion in the man who is now our President especially concerning the health care needs of the poor and the middle class. Oh wait, he did not utter a word about "health" or "healthcare" did he?
Yes one could sense the empathy of our new President especially those who will die because they cannot afford the medications priced by profiteers. But alas alack there were no populous phrases aimed like daggers at the hearts of heartless drug profiteers.
Yes one could sense the understanding of our 45th chief executive by our allied partners so dear to our survival. But wait, this man seeks to create a hostile relationship with foreigners in general and muslims in particular as he seeks to eradicate those scoundrels. And there are those soothing "new alliances" are there not to anticipate with this new outreaching President.
Yes one could sense the empathy of our new President especially those who will die because they cannot afford the medications priced by profiteers. But alas alack there were no populous phrases aimed like daggers at the hearts of heartless drug profiteers.
Yes one could sense the understanding of our 45th chief executive by our allied partners so dear to our survival. But wait, this man seeks to create a hostile relationship with foreigners in general and muslims in particular as he seeks to eradicate those scoundrels. And there are those soothing "new alliances" are there not to anticipate with this new outreaching President.
Compassion for working people: In his first executive order today, Trump directed government agencies to scale back as many aspects of the Affordable Care Act as possible.…essentially allowing the dismantling of the law to begin even before Congress moves to repeal it.
He also directed HUD to suspend the FHA mortgage insurance rate cut President Obama signed into law to help first-time home buyers.
He also directed HUD to suspend the FHA mortgage insurance rate cut President Obama signed into law to help first-time home buyers.
Why is it so hard to understand that professionals are also "working people," Raul Campos? That so are nurses -- who are about to get laid off after Obamacare is repealed? That so are the single moms caring for toddlers who will grow up to be generals, or even Presidents? Why is the phrase "working people" only meant to apply to the workers who are willing to follow demagogues, fascist or Bolshevik dictators, Lenins, Hitlers, Stalins, Putins -- people who enact draconian laws to punish "enemies of the people" for lacking "total allegiance"? Why are you so smugly content at the prospect of this oppressive opportunist fixing what is not actually broken?
I so agree. Dark times. As muscian Bruce Cockburn wrote : " got to kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight".
3
It would be instructive if the anti-Trump rhetoric and hysteria were supported by a even shred of evidence. You'd do well to listen to the voices of the millions who voted for Trump. Try to get past your myopia and self-absorbtion. You might learn something.
7
Perhaps it would be instructive to look at the empty, feel-good promises of demagogues throughout history and see exactly how Donald Trump fits the well-established pattern. Hitler promised to make Germany great again. We've seen where that led. It might also be instructive to look not just at the promises but at Trump's biography. What has he ever done in his life of 70 years that gives even a shred of proof--even a small indication--that he's an honest, successful, and ethical businessman who is more concerned with the "common man" than in filling his own pockets any way possible?
Let's just look at one topic, taxes. As you probably know New Jersey taxpayers have done a great job of supporting Trump. Essentially when Christ Christie forgave Trump's $30 billion tax bill (settled for 17 cents on the dollar), that left helpful taxpayers to pick up the freight. More evidence here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/17/us/politics/trump-chris-christie-casi...
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/01/us/politics/donald-trump-tax.html
http://money.cnn.com/2016/10/25/news/companies/donald-trump-property-tax...
Of course there are many other issues, but this is good start.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/17/us/politics/trump-chris-christie-casi...
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/01/us/politics/donald-trump-tax.html
http://money.cnn.com/2016/10/25/news/companies/donald-trump-property-tax...
Of course there are many other issues, but this is good start.
There were almost 3 times as many people who didn't vote for Trump than that voted for him, since ~50% of the electorate sat it out. Anyways, I agree being hysterical is pointless. The Republicans own the government lock, stock, and barrel. The beginning doesn't look promising.
Lindy West you said everything I was thinking and feeling and that is wonderful! Thank you so much, I feel a lot better.
7
Really, you want us to "look closely" at Trump's words? I guess you haven't heard what Kellyanne Conway has to say about that.
In the same sequence of NYTimes commentaries, Sean Wilentz has a far more incisive analysis of the (completely phony) analogy to Jackson, who actually fought against the wealthy of his era rather than talk the talk and then invite them to lead his cabinet. Jackson also suffered wounds to his thick skull during action in the military, while Trump suffered wounds to his thin skin after ridicule over his vacuous boast that "There's nobody bigger or better at the military than I am!" His speech was more of the same ill-informed frightful nightmare that we heard throughout the campaign. But really there are no words any speech-writer could have fashioned that would have launched this presidency on a promising start. We've already had too many chances to look closely at Trump's words and deeds.
In the same sequence of NYTimes commentaries, Sean Wilentz has a far more incisive analysis of the (completely phony) analogy to Jackson, who actually fought against the wealthy of his era rather than talk the talk and then invite them to lead his cabinet. Jackson also suffered wounds to his thick skull during action in the military, while Trump suffered wounds to his thin skin after ridicule over his vacuous boast that "There's nobody bigger or better at the military than I am!" His speech was more of the same ill-informed frightful nightmare that we heard throughout the campaign. But really there are no words any speech-writer could have fashioned that would have launched this presidency on a promising start. We've already had too many chances to look closely at Trump's words and deeds.
30
HaHaHa! How accurate! If I really looked closely at his words, I would be slapping Conway in the face. Funny, isn't it? The circus is already unraveling.
"The truest sign of how he will rule..." But Presidents shouldn't rule, they should govern. The word choice says it all.
41
Thank you for saying this. Americans are not ruled - we allow ourselves to be led, historically by an individual thoughtfully and legally elected by the majority of the voters.
I take it that you mean that he understands that he knows nothing of and cares not for governance and is therefore admitting that he intends to rule as a despot?
Sadly, spot on. . . .
Thanks a lot, Mr. Baker. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse you tell us about his "baptist minister"? Is everyone around The Con Don evil? I am really starting to think so.
WE must stop them. The end is nowhere near. Their end is.
WE must stop them. The end is nowhere near. Their end is.
3
Re: The American Sisi:
I don't know what was more disturbing--the fist pump during his address or the amassing of so much military hardware for all his "parades. This from a man who used an alleged bone spur to avoid military service during the Viet Nam War.
In my experience with political leaders, the ones who never served are the most militaristic. Military men know better--they know the burden of blood spilled under their watch. But as the Egyptian author of this piece questions, why would Donald Trump be so enamored of a landscape of generals? Or does he see himself as the eventual commander of these generals, puffing himself up with power attained via association?
Today's imagery, for me, just conjures up too much force--almost too much to be "American". Yes, we've always had generals turned presidents, or nonmilitary presidents who love war, but never one like President Trump who seems to have fallen so in love with the symbols of military might.
So, was this his plan all along--to turn the United States into an American version of a military junta? Is this why he ran for president? To act like the CEO of our armed forces?
How are guns, tanks, missiles, and a nuclear arsenal going to bring back jobs to the heartland?
I don't know what was more disturbing--the fist pump during his address or the amassing of so much military hardware for all his "parades. This from a man who used an alleged bone spur to avoid military service during the Viet Nam War.
In my experience with political leaders, the ones who never served are the most militaristic. Military men know better--they know the burden of blood spilled under their watch. But as the Egyptian author of this piece questions, why would Donald Trump be so enamored of a landscape of generals? Or does he see himself as the eventual commander of these generals, puffing himself up with power attained via association?
Today's imagery, for me, just conjures up too much force--almost too much to be "American". Yes, we've always had generals turned presidents, or nonmilitary presidents who love war, but never one like President Trump who seems to have fallen so in love with the symbols of military might.
So, was this his plan all along--to turn the United States into an American version of a military junta? Is this why he ran for president? To act like the CEO of our armed forces?
How are guns, tanks, missiles, and a nuclear arsenal going to bring back jobs to the heartland?
23
Cowardly men cling most strongly to the military, because they need big strong men around them to protect them. It is unfortunate because such abject cowards are also most likely to try to eliminate threats to themselves, real or imagined, and we have already seen this behavior from Trump with his repeated character assassinations on Twitter and inability to ignore a slight.
He actually wanted more military hardware, but was denied due to the damage tanks would have done to our roads (not to mention image problems).
He actually wanted more military hardware, but was denied due to the damage tanks would have done to our roads (not to mention image problems).
I've visited the US many times. New York, Chicago, New Orleans, Florida, Boston, Philadelphia, Buffalo, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Georgia. Never did I see the hell-hole described by Trump. The US has its share of problems like all countries. Now it's got the additional problems of repelling potential tourists and other countries as a result of the hostility demonstrated in the worst, most shameful inaugural address imaginable.
19
Have you visited he Greenwood neighborhood of Chicago? The NY Times has been running articles about it on somewhat regular basis. Hell hole is one way to describe it. Or maybe the NYT is not part of the VRWC.
Pay attention!
Pay attention!
1
It's weird; if Trump points out problems, the left is quick to say everything is WONDERFUL! however, lefties ALSO criticize the US for having a deteriorating infrastructure...poverty...bad public schools....many areas rundown and blighted. Which is it?
OF course, in a nation this big....you have fancy upscale places, and run down places, and everything in between.
But Gloria: you were a tourist on vacation. Did you REALLY see Buffalo and not see rundown areas of poverty? When you went to Florida, was it Orlando and "the Attractions" (like Disney) -- or did you wander off into the small rural towns, or trailer parks of Central Florida? Massachusetts has PLENTY of poverty outside of Boston -- so does Maine.
Maybe next trip, you can scoot over from NYC and check out Newark and Camden, New Jersey.
It would be as I said "well I visited Toronto! therefore, I have seen the totality of Canada, and need see nothing more!"
OF course, in a nation this big....you have fancy upscale places, and run down places, and everything in between.
But Gloria: you were a tourist on vacation. Did you REALLY see Buffalo and not see rundown areas of poverty? When you went to Florida, was it Orlando and "the Attractions" (like Disney) -- or did you wander off into the small rural towns, or trailer parks of Central Florida? Massachusetts has PLENTY of poverty outside of Boston -- so does Maine.
Maybe next trip, you can scoot over from NYC and check out Newark and Camden, New Jersey.
It would be as I said "well I visited Toronto! therefore, I have seen the totality of Canada, and need see nothing more!"
2
Where is this carnage of which you speak? How will you stop it?
Will you use the police to do so? By smart community policing or billy clubs?
Will you use ethical interrogation techniques or merely torture suspects?
Do you mean the carnage of arbitrary police stops of people of color? Or do you mean that the people of color are the ones causing the carnage that must be stopped?
Do you mean the attacks by family members with ready access to guns? Or do you mean to regulate firearms to keep them from the unstable, the depressed, and the children?
Do you mean to stop the heedless exploitation of our planet's resources that sustain life? Or do you mean the demonstrations against climate-unfriendly corporations?
I guess we will find out soon enough.
Will you use the police to do so? By smart community policing or billy clubs?
Will you use ethical interrogation techniques or merely torture suspects?
Do you mean the carnage of arbitrary police stops of people of color? Or do you mean that the people of color are the ones causing the carnage that must be stopped?
Do you mean the attacks by family members with ready access to guns? Or do you mean to regulate firearms to keep them from the unstable, the depressed, and the children?
Do you mean to stop the heedless exploitation of our planet's resources that sustain life? Or do you mean the demonstrations against climate-unfriendly corporations?
I guess we will find out soon enough.
11
"Do you mean the carnage of arbitrary police stops of people of color? Or do you mean that the people of color are the ones causing the carnage that must be stopped?"
You could start by looking on the south side of Chicago. There have been fairly frequent articles about the murder rates increasing their. Read about then come back and describe what you read, ok?
You could start by looking on the south side of Chicago. There have been fairly frequent articles about the murder rates increasing their. Read about then come back and describe what you read, ok?
What's this about children in Detroit looking up at the night sky and dreaming? If this man had ever tried to look at the night sky in Detroit (but never has, since it is not a mirror), he would know those children see but a vast white nothingness, a blankness of air pollution illuminated by light pollution. All of which he wants to make worse. Sad. Loser!
10
You've been in Mexico too long. There's not a lot of visible air pollution in the Detroit area these days.
You're living in the 1950's.
You're living in the 1950's.
6
A part of the speech was lifter without attribution from Avatar Trump is a pig ignorant man gawd help the US and the rest of the world the late 18 early 19th century will be back with a vengeance.
Followed by 1929 and an even better great depression
Followed by 1929 and an even better great depression
There is a vast amount of light pollution though.
Maybe for Trump - and many GOP members of Congress - it really is all carnage and destruction. Their view of jobs in America has been devoted to negativity, based on 8 years of obstruction that still failed to stop 75 straight months of growth (see Benjamin Applebaum's NYT piece for more). Their view of the 20 million America's who gained healthcare insurance under the ACA has been devoted to negativity based partly on visceral antipathy for Obama and partly on implacable ideological opposition to the very idea that government can be helpful. Their view of the gains made by the LGBT community under Obama has been devoted to negativity based on loathing of the LGBT community itself. Their view of gains made in our energy sector, with greatly reduced oil imports and polution, has been devoted to negativity just because reality is at odds with ideology and it's easier to lie about reality than to abandon failed ideology.
For the rest of us, the majority of the nation who voted against Trump, the accomplishments of the last 8 years, starting with saving a national economy that had been driven off a cliff by the GOP, are anything but carnage and destruction. But now, with the masters of disaster and the liar-in-chief running the show, we show every prospect of making all those dire and hateful assessments come true.
For the rest of us, the majority of the nation who voted against Trump, the accomplishments of the last 8 years, starting with saving a national economy that had been driven off a cliff by the GOP, are anything but carnage and destruction. But now, with the masters of disaster and the liar-in-chief running the show, we show every prospect of making all those dire and hateful assessments come true.
20
Just sad beyond words....
12
When Pence took the oath, he recited phrases of the pledge. When Trump repeated Roberts' words he was given only 4 at a time. Trump then signed papers in the Oval Office without reading a word, just what Preibus told him.
11
The upraised fist. "I alone can fix it". It is not subtle. Unbelievably we have brought upon ourselves and the world a classic demagogue, a charlatan, a textbook sociopath, a truly repellant similcrum of a human being.
49
Thanks, Dr. Richard. I think we've see this before, about 1933. One heck of a way to begin his only, single term. The fool is NOT My President. -Cg
5
Sounds like that came directly from Romney's playbook, Dr. Williams. Yet that handsome hypocrite figuratively kissed the demagogue's ring right in the in the lobby of Trump's Tower, and during the "friendly" dinner the two had with chaperone Preibus. Explain that, please? I think it was the elder Governor Cuomo who said politicians campaign in poetry and govern in prose. With Obama, it was pure poetry 101, and little else, for eight long years. And the people were fed up with the onomatopoeia that Hillary wanted to slavishly emulate. Sorry.
And on that happy note....
1
Trump doesn't know how to govern so he just keeps campaigning.
71
It's a nonstop campaign under fascism. The state and the leader are always at war with some enemy or another.
This is only day one folks! Just wait until this guy starts a war! He has the power to do that now, with or without the approval of congress.
This is only day one folks! Just wait until this guy starts a war! He has the power to do that now, with or without the approval of congress.
This was exactly what happened to Obama, any why he never had any luck reaching compromises with Congress. Had he only stayed in the Senate for a few years....
But Trump has decades of experience having to deal with people AND governments.
But Trump has decades of experience having to deal with people AND governments.
Excellent post. The <a href="https://medium.com/@Elamika/see-no-evil-7a05cd77778c#.67da7ulue">denial of evil</a> is proceeding as predicted, showing who has a conscience and who never did.
1
Donald Trump is friendless and that is one of the reasons he is the broken human he is. America is better than that. We are better than the Royalist GOP wealthy takers who have forgotten the middle class who has lifted all that excess fat on their broad shoulders.
Let us throw that fat off. It is time for a middle class wage increase by trimming the fat of the land.
Let us throw that fat off. It is time for a middle class wage increase by trimming the fat of the land.
3
Whatever he says about America is merely a projection of the free-floating anger and loneliness in his mind He is never going to get enough adulation or praise. What he says is merely a way to get a reaction from those who will worship him for his greatness; it has no bearing on the truth. There is something deeply psychologically wrong with the man.
15
Here's your remote diagnosis (as I have retired and turned in my Psychologist licensure after 35 years.) -Michael Thompkins Psy. D.
see:
"Malignant Self-love: Narcissism Revisited" is based on correspondence since 1996 with hundreds of people diagnosed with Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Disorders (narcissists and psychopaths) and with thousands of family members, friends, therapists, and colleagues.
Vaknin, Sam. Malignant Self-love: Narcissism Revisited (FULL TEXT, 10th edition, 2015) . Narcissus Publications. Kindle Edition.
see:
"Malignant Self-love: Narcissism Revisited" is based on correspondence since 1996 with hundreds of people diagnosed with Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Disorders (narcissists and psychopaths) and with thousands of family members, friends, therapists, and colleagues.
Vaknin, Sam. Malignant Self-love: Narcissism Revisited (FULL TEXT, 10th edition, 2015) . Narcissus Publications. Kindle Edition.
8
I was taken with the ideaof young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge.
Did they all attend Trump Uniersity?
Do ugly students retain knowledge?
Does this explain the recent election result?
Is this Trump's plan to expand the under educated which he loves.
Might the speech really be an exercise in self parody .
Did they all attend Trump Uniersity?
Do ugly students retain knowledge?
Does this explain the recent election result?
Is this Trump's plan to expand the under educated which he loves.
Might the speech really be an exercise in self parody .
9
We will become great! Infrastructure: Italians cheered il Duce for making the rains run on time. Raised fist indeed.
1
No wonder there were no historical references.This pathetic excuse for an executive has not read an actual book in 30 years; has no comprehension of the policy basis of the nuclear triad; is unfamiliar enough with John Lewis' civil rights heroism that he insults him and what he stands for, just to name a few. We tend to forget such outrages quickly for their multitudes. Tump has set for himself a low bar; don't preemptively nuke North Korea; don't default on US Treasury Bonds; don't make us burn any more coal; don't make real estate deals of our national parks; don't upgrade from war criminal wannabe to war criminal; don't give Alaska back to Czar Vladimir. Is the bar low enough?
13
Very Jacksonian. But who will be on Trump's trail of tears?
13
Sadly, all of us who aren't in the billionaire class.
America first? Winning like never before? Trump's inaugural address was a lemon. Pure puff and piffle.
Alas, the 45th President will soon discover that stiffing China and NATO, even with Putin holding his hand, is not as easy as gaming the real estate business.
Alas, the 45th President will soon discover that stiffing China and NATO, even with Putin holding his hand, is not as easy as gaming the real estate business.
14
He's trashed our country in view of the whole world...........You can parse this any which way you want,
but this is beneath contempt..........and it is contempt I expect to hear from all reasonable quarters
but this is beneath contempt..........and it is contempt I expect to hear from all reasonable quarters
10
"Not my President" is flabbergast. The man was legitimately elected. He is President.
That doesn't mean he represents my thinking. He is despicable, he carries no dignity, he is not a gentleman, he is not a humanist. He is a racist, he is a 100% self-serving opportunist, a thug of the meanest and lowest type, a try representative of lumpen-proletariat thinking no matter how rich he is.
Personalized statements like this demean the very institutions the USA is founded upon, and gut the Executive office of the dignity it deserves.
Bozo the Mean-Spirited Clown will debase the office on his own terms, and since his operating principle is to back-stab and cut-throat anyone who does not agree with him or disparages him, he soon find that there is no honor among the very people he has chosen as executives of self-service disguised as public service.
Bozo the Mean-Spirited Clown's average American supporters had their own way of saying the same thing about H Clinton: "Lock Her Up."
Instead of empty slogans, find a way to truly expose him for what he truly is.
That doesn't mean he represents my thinking. He is despicable, he carries no dignity, he is not a gentleman, he is not a humanist. He is a racist, he is a 100% self-serving opportunist, a thug of the meanest and lowest type, a try representative of lumpen-proletariat thinking no matter how rich he is.
Personalized statements like this demean the very institutions the USA is founded upon, and gut the Executive office of the dignity it deserves.
Bozo the Mean-Spirited Clown will debase the office on his own terms, and since his operating principle is to back-stab and cut-throat anyone who does not agree with him or disparages him, he soon find that there is no honor among the very people he has chosen as executives of self-service disguised as public service.
Bozo the Mean-Spirited Clown's average American supporters had their own way of saying the same thing about H Clinton: "Lock Her Up."
Instead of empty slogans, find a way to truly expose him for what he truly is.
12
Trump was not legitimately elected. Check out CrossCheck, or Greg Palast's article about the purging of voters in this election. A friend of mine here in Maine had a problem with her vote because of this organization and still doesn't know if her vote ccounted. Democrats: Wake up!
9
My dignity is offended by the automatic nullification of my vote simply for where I live.
5
No, he wasn't legitimately elected.
1
I am looking forward to seeing if America can pull together to fight this regime. If we cannot we must blame ourselves. The White House web site is the first step. Email and protest. Do something every day until we are free from this madman.
3
Dear Mr. Judge:
Are you sure you used all the stereotypes you could think of?
Are you sure you used all the stereotypes you could think of?
4
Clark Judge, please read Sean Wilentz's piece, for an unbiased, non-self-deluding, assessment of how Jacksonian the new President's speech was.
4
As my college history professor told me in 1982, "Countries have no permanent friends or enemies, they only have permanent interests".
1
Trump certainly has many faults. But isn't this statement from a contributor from the guardian a racist, polarizing, ad hominem attack:
" looking over the sea (or, more accurately, the smallish pond) of white faces celebrating what they clearly believe to be a white victory"
Substitute "white " for "black" and change the year of the inauguration.
How is this any better than the flaws displayed by Mr Trump or his supporters?
" looking over the sea (or, more accurately, the smallish pond) of white faces celebrating what they clearly believe to be a white victory"
Substitute "white " for "black" and change the year of the inauguration.
How is this any better than the flaws displayed by Mr Trump or his supporters?
2
• Who Rules This Nation? By Charles R. Kesler
George III?
George III?
1
Call me crazy, but I think the $1 trillion dollars we blew in Iraq might have gone a long way toward this expansive infrastructure plan that "President" Trump has in his mind. As it stands now, the money that's available will not even begin to pay for this Trumpian Fantasy. Spending on this level portends huge battles between Trump and Congress. Will Mitch McConnell once again step up and say that Congress's job is to make this President a one term President? Stay tuned.
3
I agree with Mr Egan about everything except one: Trump is not the leader of the free world. That mantle has evidently been passed on to Angela Merkel. It's up to the citizens of the United States to earn it back by electing a President who cherishes democracy and will fight for it.
11
Keep it up Tim. You have this insecure bully pegged. He can do irreparable harm to our nation if his lies are not shouted daily to a confused public. First they came for the ........ Then they came for me and there was no one to speak-up.
Speak-up. Expose the lies. Educate the voter for the true revolution in 2018.
Speak-up. Expose the lies. Educate the voter for the true revolution in 2018.
4
Mr. Shesol writes about the famous Christmas truce during WWI, warriors who just wanted to be men. Lay down their guns. Wrap their human arms around each other. End the bloody war. Go home. Just at the start of the war, in August 1914, Germany's Kaiser Wilhem told his departing troops, many young uneducated white boys, "You will be home before the leaves have fallen from the trees." They would make Germany great. Trump's ignorance of history, his fake promises to his legions of duped followers, his pusillanimous and obsequious Republican sycophants in Congress and the Senate, his billionaire cabinet, will doom this country unless we revolt. I don't believe a word you say, Mr. Trump. Signed: A White Working Class Guy
7
Mr. Domenich,
I frequently agree with you, but take issue with you here.
No credit should be given to Trump for breaking with the values of Inauguration Day magnanimity--yet another normative tradition and one established and practiced by the very best of American presidents.
Really, all we have seen Trump do to this point is break. He has not yet signaled an awareness of the need to build, let alone an idea or plan to do it. Trump was the Limp Bizkit candidate and now president: Gimme SomethingTo Break. That song appeals to brooding teens who have yet to emerge from the hormonal funk of adolescence.
The rest of us are waiting for an indication that he can build.
I frequently agree with you, but take issue with you here.
No credit should be given to Trump for breaking with the values of Inauguration Day magnanimity--yet another normative tradition and one established and practiced by the very best of American presidents.
Really, all we have seen Trump do to this point is break. He has not yet signaled an awareness of the need to build, let alone an idea or plan to do it. Trump was the Limp Bizkit candidate and now president: Gimme SomethingTo Break. That song appeals to brooding teens who have yet to emerge from the hormonal funk of adolescence.
The rest of us are waiting for an indication that he can build.
4
Today, I attended an anti-Trump rally in the rain here in Palm Springs. Tomorrow, I intend to attend the Woman's rally. The incoming charlatan is friendless across the world, has the lowest approval rating of any incoming POTUS in history, and will leave office at the most reviled POTUS in US history. That is a guarantee. I intend to make sure that history records his total personal humiliation by being part of the resistance.
10
For all the anger that this speech has engendered along with his campaign where is the insight that one gets from the Bible or other reflective tomes: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31,32).
1
Gun slinging Don will save the day from all this carnage that befalls America. Round up the wagons, put up the walls, we ain't doing business with them no mo - even if it is against our best interests. Hold that fist up high as a faux protester (ain't 1968 olympics) you are and claiming you are a populist but you have your elite inner circle ready to line their pockets.
3
I was deeply surprised and disappointed that Tim Egan didn't like Trump's Inauguration address. I eagerly await comments from the other NY Times columnists to see if any of them share the same sentiments.
Okay, John, I'll play. What exactly did you hear in the dark, dreary, hyper-nationalistic speech that gave you great hope for America? I heard ridiculous claims that our newly
minted President would "eradicate Islamophobia from the world," and that we should all
gather together and under a patriotic banner we would have no room for racism. Right.
minted President would "eradicate Islamophobia from the world," and that we should all
gather together and under a patriotic banner we would have no room for racism. Right.
5
I'm curious. What exactly do you think there was to like in that horrible speech?
I predict that people will very quickly tire of the Armageddon theme. I have traveled through most of the United States, I have lived in the Midwest as well as the Northeast, and I have backpacked 500 miles of the Appalachian Trail, most of those miles through coal country and the Shenandoah Valley. I've also worked as a police reporter covering the South Side of Chicago. And my home now is upstate New York, which could fairly be described as the most beautiful part of the country I've ever seen, and also one of the most impoverished and forgotten regions of the United States. This is a gorgeous country, and yes, it has problems and shameful parts of its history and both urban AND rural poverty - but it is not the Last Battlefield of Donald Trump's world, and it never will be.
14
Congress our last bastion: "What America becomes in the years ahead will depend largely on how seriously Paul Ryan, Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer view their roles — not as heads of their parties, not as presidential water-bearers or knee-jerk adversaries, but as those charged with the awesome responsibilities imposed on Congress by the Constitution."
We are in trouble. Two of the four are essentially powerless without the aid of some GOP Congressmen, The other two, Ryan and McConnell, have already made it clear their chief loyalty is to Party and to themselves. Those two have endorsed a man they know is unfit for the office as our President. They have let him ignore the Office of Government Ethics along with the appointees who in some cases wish to destroy the agencies they will now head. McConnell, especially, is without par in pursuing "non-governance" for the last 8 years as his contribution to our nation. He will go down as a byword for nonconstructive obstruction.
In fact, Congress's war on Ethical Oversight for themselves and their refusal to perform their mandated duty of oversight over the Exec Branch of Government has been their first order of business in this new Congress. Surely, they realize that the fatally tainted Mr. Trump--if not corrupt, merely seems so--taints them also as they cling to his coattails.
We are in trouble. Two of the four are essentially powerless without the aid of some GOP Congressmen, The other two, Ryan and McConnell, have already made it clear their chief loyalty is to Party and to themselves. Those two have endorsed a man they know is unfit for the office as our President. They have let him ignore the Office of Government Ethics along with the appointees who in some cases wish to destroy the agencies they will now head. McConnell, especially, is without par in pursuing "non-governance" for the last 8 years as his contribution to our nation. He will go down as a byword for nonconstructive obstruction.
In fact, Congress's war on Ethical Oversight for themselves and their refusal to perform their mandated duty of oversight over the Exec Branch of Government has been their first order of business in this new Congress. Surely, they realize that the fatally tainted Mr. Trump--if not corrupt, merely seems so--taints them also as they cling to his coattails.
16
What now?
And, like all of Trump's utterings and writings, is anything to our benefit he proposes really "True?"
2
This a national tragedy of unprecedented proportions. Its going to get a lot darker, a lot more twisted before we are done with Trump and his band of cranks, kooks and criminals.
6
President Trump's inaugural address reminds one of John Mitchell's admonition: ''Watch what we do, not what we say.'' Aside from Gens. Mattis & Kelly, Trump's cabinet nominee indicate that he will not do what he says. DeVos, Tillerson, Mnuchin are part of the establishment that has prospered while the middle class suffered.
4
But his loyal followers certainly seem unable to see that. It's kind of mind-boggling.
To my ear, Mr. Trump's speech was blessedly brief, did not sound presidential and had a lot more in common with a campaign stump speech that one might expect. The clinched fist was over the top and I hope that demonstration does not set the tone for the next four years.
Again to my ear, I heard virtually nothing suggesting of any attempt to unify a horribly fractured nation. I tried to find something, but it simply was not included in his remarks. I have no choice but to conclude:
1. He still does not get it,
2. He is obligated to defend and protect the ENTIRE population,
3. Not just the rarified 1%.
Someone in the White House should sit him down in private and explain that the campaign is OVER, by some quirk of fate, he won, and that he now sits in the Oval Office, stump speeches to the 1% are not good enough.
All (except Mr. Trump!) recognize that he still faces some serious ethical problems. He can correct them, but I am not confident that he will. The ethical issues may become the only grounds for impeaching this fool and that will require a majority in one or both bodies of Congress; that will not happen before the mid-terms of 2018.
A second term for this fool? Over my cold, dead b0dy. -CG
Again to my ear, I heard virtually nothing suggesting of any attempt to unify a horribly fractured nation. I tried to find something, but it simply was not included in his remarks. I have no choice but to conclude:
1. He still does not get it,
2. He is obligated to defend and protect the ENTIRE population,
3. Not just the rarified 1%.
Someone in the White House should sit him down in private and explain that the campaign is OVER, by some quirk of fate, he won, and that he now sits in the Oval Office, stump speeches to the 1% are not good enough.
All (except Mr. Trump!) recognize that he still faces some serious ethical problems. He can correct them, but I am not confident that he will. The ethical issues may become the only grounds for impeaching this fool and that will require a majority in one or both bodies of Congress; that will not happen before the mid-terms of 2018.
A second term for this fool? Over my cold, dead b0dy. -CG
8
By God, he really is channeling Mussolini!
25
You nailed it. I looked it up and found Trump doing a Mussolini clench feast salute:
http://c8.alamy.com/comp/BTJGYJ/benito-mussolini-january-31-1939-BTJGYJ.jpg
and this one
https://timedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/mussolini.jpeg?quality=85...
compare with Trump
https://www.blazingcatfur.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/trump-stands-wit...
http://c8.alamy.com/comp/BTJGYJ/benito-mussolini-january-31-1939-BTJGYJ.jpg
and this one
https://timedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/mussolini.jpeg?quality=85...
compare with Trump
https://www.blazingcatfur.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/trump-stands-wit...
4
"An education system flush with cash." Watch all those greenbacks, provided compliments of the taxpayers, find their way into the pockets of the charter schools cartel.
5
I am surprised to be saying this, but in some ways Trump is not wrongbut perhaps incomplete in his rhetoric. There is always a balance to be sought between the needs of our country and the rest of the world. Going too far in one direction or the other sets you up for a fall.
President Obama sought that balance and oversaw eight years of steady growth. We do need more emphasis on infrastructure, education and health care for all, things that Republicans have overlooked in their hatred of Obama.
But it seems that Trump's nationalist rhetoric is not aimed at any sort of balance but at pleasing his base. I do not expect Trump to accomplish anything for the people or even help them to accomplish anything themselves. His narrow point of view will never allow him to see the larger picture.
Governing despite what Trump and Republicans say is always about some sort of compromise and talking to each other and of course listening none of which Trump has been able to do.
President Obama sought that balance and oversaw eight years of steady growth. We do need more emphasis on infrastructure, education and health care for all, things that Republicans have overlooked in their hatred of Obama.
But it seems that Trump's nationalist rhetoric is not aimed at any sort of balance but at pleasing his base. I do not expect Trump to accomplish anything for the people or even help them to accomplish anything themselves. His narrow point of view will never allow him to see the larger picture.
Governing despite what Trump and Republicans say is always about some sort of compromise and talking to each other and of course listening none of which Trump has been able to do.
3
I'm pretty sure his idea is that first he hypnotizes his followers into believing that everything in the U.S. has gone bad. Then, he doesn't have to do anything to fix anything (he wouldn't know how to do that in any case). Since things in the U.S. are actually pretty good, all he has to do is say, "look, see how good everything is now?" Then his followers will think he is a genius.
6
I'm recovering from surgery but the Percocets just couldn't dull the pain of today's disaster - nor, I thought, could anything lift my despair. And then with tears welling, I viewed posted images of planes, buses and trains packed with women from all across our great country heading to DC for tomorrow's protest. That's my America - I only wish I could join them.
15
thank you.
My feelings as well
My feelings as well
3
T@MUR: I too wish I could join them, having had knee surgery three weeks ago. I know many who will be there and I'd love to hear the speeches. I love the fact that mini-marches in every city off the country will occur together.
Some say marches aren't effective. I say, to hell with that. Of course they are? First they reinforce our founding principle of free speech--something to be guarded with one's life if Trump tries to take it away. And second, they exert a moral force that's badly needed right now, more than ever:
Never underestimate the power of resistance. It was, and is, a contributing factor to every single bit of social progress the US has made.
Some say marches aren't effective. I say, to hell with that. Of course they are? First they reinforce our founding principle of free speech--something to be guarded with one's life if Trump tries to take it away. And second, they exert a moral force that's badly needed right now, more than ever:
Never underestimate the power of resistance. It was, and is, a contributing factor to every single bit of social progress the US has made.
Trump peoples' selection of the Rolling Stones song yesterday of "Heart of Stone" said it all. The WWF and NASCAR crowd have finally got their President. A man who is angry, defiant, and definitely not inclusive, he is a kindred spirit to the white rural set. The Mid West gave Trump the power to rampage through this country for the next four years. The raised fist salute is perfectly in keeping with the mentality and direction he will be leading us.
3
I am not a gambling person but I will bet there were plenty of middle class and upper class white suburbanites who voted for Trump. If you think only the "white rural set" voted for Trump, you need to think again.
Amazing photo. Looks like a couple thousand people, and pretty much every one of them "white."
1
I have lived in the DC area for 28 years and know plenty of people in our nation's capitol. None of them has "reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost." Just who are these people that President Trump has in mind? Wall Street seems to be a much more likely place to look for people who have profited at the expense of others.
4
Maybe he meant the lobbyists and the defense contractors? But, if he did, one seriously doubts he'll do anything at all to protect the rest of us from their profiting at our expense. After all, he's the guy that led his Atlantic City casino empire into bankruptcy and profited bigly while those who invested with him lost their money. And then bragged that it was good business. See the NYT article "How Donald Trump Bankrupted His Atlantic City Casinos, but Still Earned Millions".
So right, Timothy Egan and so sad.
2
so many things i could say, he did not expect to win, was troubled at first with the tedious details and everyone compalaining, but he brightened at letting gop take over agenda and he can make new hotel deals and travel. the problem for us ,the gop is immediately doing the opposite of what trump campaigned on, they will end taxes on corporations and wealth particularly money made very quickley in large amounts will definately not be taxed.only working people will pay taxes and ss, medicare, veterans admin , education dept. all go by bye Just ask paul ryan he is soo happy.
4
Seems the NYT "Opinion Kingdom" (Dowd's phrase) is quite busy pouring out the poison this glorious day. Get the feeling the Editorial Board doesn't much care for the fellow. What a surprise--95% chance it wouldn't happen according to the NYT front page.
Nonetheless, the diatribes from the "Opinion Kingdom" have failed to mention that Trump is not keen on the EU's inability to control its borders or social-fiscal policies. Nato, of course, is a fraud--nothing but dollars holding the thing together. Worse, they couldn't stop a bunch of tag-rag refugees from invading. Whatever makes them think they could stop a Russian invasion, which won't be coming?
But the real problem for the US is China's massive economic global "footprint". Something in eight years of Obama was never addressed--too busy doing the Liberal Imperialist stomp on US citizens, it seems. Trump will be changing that--but not fast enough for the many who elected him.
Nonetheless, the diatribes from the "Opinion Kingdom" have failed to mention that Trump is not keen on the EU's inability to control its borders or social-fiscal policies. Nato, of course, is a fraud--nothing but dollars holding the thing together. Worse, they couldn't stop a bunch of tag-rag refugees from invading. Whatever makes them think they could stop a Russian invasion, which won't be coming?
But the real problem for the US is China's massive economic global "footprint". Something in eight years of Obama was never addressed--too busy doing the Liberal Imperialist stomp on US citizens, it seems. Trump will be changing that--but not fast enough for the many who elected him.
1
How do you know all you think you know about the byzantine workings of China?
Too many people of no knowledge, yapping and making things up to support
someone who also knows nothing of the complexities of this world. Enough,
Just tell us how much you love trump without treating us to your expertise on China.
That would be more than enough.
Too many people of no knowledge, yapping and making things up to support
someone who also knows nothing of the complexities of this world. Enough,
Just tell us how much you love trump without treating us to your expertise on China.
That would be more than enough.
3
The New York Times predictions did not factor the FBI's Comey assist not commie Putin's assist.
Trump the unpresident is just as illegitimate as George W Bush election with a brother's assist.
Trump the unpresident is just as illegitimate as George W Bush election with a brother's assist.
3
My wife and I went to Kingston Ontario for the day to avoid the news. I started the day with a nice jog along the river. I overheard two workers in hardhats heatedly deploring Mr. T's plans to "trash NATO". Thursday's papers had articles describing the "end of the American epoch". In more than one shop friendly people asked where we were from.They then told us they felt sorry but wished us all well. Our friends in Sweden texted at 11:30 and told us they were watching the speech and were thinking of us. I wish it were all FAKE NEWS! SAD!
6
Reading the comments in the times is always interesting to me, reminding me of Pauline Kael's not knowing any Nixon voters.
The opinion piece is ridiculous. Times writers act as if Mr. Trump should adopt all of Mrs. Clinton's positions, so that he may garner some of that strange new respect Republicans get when someone new is running.
Continuing to spin the yarn, Mr. Shesol lies in a "bigly" manner. Mrs. Clinton won the popular vote by 3M votes, not 10M. For a paper as august as the Times used to be, this should be embarrassing. But, as they always do, they offer an apology for getting it so wrong and then go back to their myopic ways. Good luck to you and your readers. You're going to need it.
The opinion piece is ridiculous. Times writers act as if Mr. Trump should adopt all of Mrs. Clinton's positions, so that he may garner some of that strange new respect Republicans get when someone new is running.
Continuing to spin the yarn, Mr. Shesol lies in a "bigly" manner. Mrs. Clinton won the popular vote by 3M votes, not 10M. For a paper as august as the Times used to be, this should be embarrassing. But, as they always do, they offer an apology for getting it so wrong and then go back to their myopic ways. Good luck to you and your readers. You're going to need it.
How does the word carnage find its way into Trump's inaugural address? Simply, in order to take the one word that most accurately describes Trump's rise to power out of play.
4
Trump's nationalist rhetoric may play well with his voters and their sense of being left behind, but it said little as to the course of the country and how he would accomplishgoals.
He practically declared a war against our trading partners especially China. This will have a dark rippling affect on many of those he seeks to help as prices rise and the flow of goods around the world stops.
Contemplating your belly button as you walk in the world may lead you off a cliff. Trump's attitude of countries around the world leaves us isolated and without friends. This includes Russia with whom Trump is enraptured.
And where was his pledge to help the suffering with health care? Lost amidst the empty promises of this vacuous speech.
He practically declared a war against our trading partners especially China. This will have a dark rippling affect on many of those he seeks to help as prices rise and the flow of goods around the world stops.
Contemplating your belly button as you walk in the world may lead you off a cliff. Trump's attitude of countries around the world leaves us isolated and without friends. This includes Russia with whom Trump is enraptured.
And where was his pledge to help the suffering with health care? Lost amidst the empty promises of this vacuous speech.
3
I have never been to Disneyland. I think I can stay away a bit longer. America invented Disneyland. It also played a part in making the Third World what it is today. Now Americans can stay home and live the experience.
This is the best. America has been becoming a third world country for the last 30 years, with the collapse of a bridge in Minnesota and the poising of the drinking water of a entire city in Michigan being a few of the significant markers of our descent. But now that we have managed to elect a corrupt, mentally ill, dullard as President, I'm afraid we may have hit the point of no return. The steps to begin the impeachment proceedings should begin immediately.
This is the best. America has been becoming a third world country for the last 30 years, with the collapse of a bridge in Minnesota and the poising of the drinking water of a entire city in Michigan being a few of the significant markers of our descent. But now that we have managed to elect a corrupt, mentally ill, dullard as President, I'm afraid we may have hit the point of no return. The steps to begin the impeachment proceedings should begin immediately.
5
Mr. Egan, you could very well have written this last week--except for a few references to today's speech. We get it--you hate the guy. Nothing he could have said would have impressed you--or saved him from your derision.
Once upon a time, the Grey Lady was evenhanded. But no more. This publication has become a cheerleader from progressive causes, and a shill for the Democrat Party. You couldn't slip an eyelash between the NY Times and Pravda.
Once upon a time, the Grey Lady was evenhanded. But no more. This publication has become a cheerleader from progressive causes, and a shill for the Democrat Party. You couldn't slip an eyelash between the NY Times and Pravda.
This is an inaccurate criticism.
Egan mentioned any number of ways the speech might have been acceptable, even given Trumps dangerous inanity. But none of those things happened; instead, we were left with words inspiring to no one but the most ill-informed.
A dark day for our country.
Egan mentioned any number of ways the speech might have been acceptable, even given Trumps dangerous inanity. But none of those things happened; instead, we were left with words inspiring to no one but the most ill-informed.
A dark day for our country.
5
I prefer the truth to even-handedness.
Your ending remark - priceless!
Your comment, " Thanks for telling us that the American dream is basically a Ponzi scheme", really hit home. Until today, I wanted to believe that this country's values were sustainable. But after listening to the speech by Trump, my heart sank. He is turning our constitution on its head. He is inviting division among the races, classes, discarding the poor and the weakest among us ( LGBT webpage has already been taken down). Hopefully, tomorrow I will be reinvigorated to join a group that will challenge the Trump philosophy of me first. But today ,I share your opinion that the American dream is a Ponzi scheme.
2
LGBT, back in the closet with all of you. What or whom we have sex with ought to remain private. Tha is, unless a minor is invoked, and the we should bring in tne authorities
1
Pragmatic instead of empty gestures and phony platitudes. What's not to like about that?
There is no mystery here, in the violent gesture of the raised clenched fist.
This is a fascist salute, and today Fascism took leadership in American.
Smug gestures to rouse the angry mob.
Demonising the 'other'.
Promising without specifics 'to rise again, a Great Nation.'
Stacking the deck with individuals who exemplify the opposite of what they claim to be.
Selfishness, hatred, disrespect.
Not My President
This is a fascist salute, and today Fascism took leadership in American.
Smug gestures to rouse the angry mob.
Demonising the 'other'.
Promising without specifics 'to rise again, a Great Nation.'
Stacking the deck with individuals who exemplify the opposite of what they claim to be.
Selfishness, hatred, disrespect.
Not My President
6
We are seeing the rebirth of a nation where the people will have a say again.
God Bless President Trump and God Bless America.
God Bless President Trump and God Bless America.
Ouch! I wish I could be insulted or even disagree slightly with Mohammed Hanif's, The 'Me First' President. Unfortunately, his perspective from being a citizen of another country with a very different culture and history is insightful and of value to all us Americans. Hopefully, we will at least get over our longstanding conceit of referring to our President as The Leader of The Free World. President 'America First' should help us recover from that nonsense.
Maybe El Chapo needed to be extradited in time to be put in charge of FDA.
1
Trust me Mr. Hanif, not all Americans wanted it to go this way. In fact, 3 million more did NOT want this. But that's now how it works in this country.
1
Timothy Egan: Beautifully written. You captured my feelings and the ache in my heart for our country.
1
I did not watch, though did endure the 'highlights' videos and read the transcript. It was 17 minutes of insults to all Americans and 'our Better Angels'. I find myself with the feeling that I have more love for my country than the sitting president. Shame on him.
6
I live in a great suburb of NY. Great neighbors, dedicated garbage collectors, and lots of mom's taking their kids to school. We have one rule though: from mid-night till 6 am all cars must be parked on either the drive way or in the garage. We all follow that rule except one guy; his car is always parked on the street. He is a Trump voter.
9
The reign of the Dark Ochre Lord begins...
2
Dear Ms. Stephanie Siu,
Please don't allow Mr. Trump to paint you as being less American than he is, after all American's identity is not registered in the DNA but in the common purpose, dream and respects we share. I, myself not even born in the country, but nevertheless consider myself American. Don't allow him to divide us, turn us against each others. We all want to make America great, not by building walls, dividing families, but by ensuring all her children has equal opportunity to educate and pursuit their dreams.
Please don't allow Mr. Trump to paint you as being less American than he is, after all American's identity is not registered in the DNA but in the common purpose, dream and respects we share. I, myself not even born in the country, but nevertheless consider myself American. Don't allow him to divide us, turn us against each others. We all want to make America great, not by building walls, dividing families, but by ensuring all her children has equal opportunity to educate and pursuit their dreams.
1
After reading "A Dark Rhetorical Cloud Over Washington", by Jeff Shesol, I more fully understood the ignorance of so many people during the current condition of our nation. By alluding to the historical temporary Christmas Day truce between British and German troops in 1914, Jeff is representing and worsening the dividing tone of the country. Noting this event represents an very unrealistic division. We are not in war-like state as a nation as Jeff is trying to portray. The nation has become increasingly divided thanks to recent presidents on both sides of the isle. A division in our country did not start the day republicans took the majority of the Senate, House and the White House. Considering this division to be of recent is failing to acknowledge the past while placing the blame on another. There may be a division in our nation, not to the degree of a world war however. What has taken place to day is done. Furthering the conflict without trying to influence others around us for good will in no way show progress for our country.
The Peace Ball sounds beautiful. Wonderful. Civilized. As it should be.
I cannot wrap my head around the multi-generational, multi-decade lurch backwards we all got dragged into today.
70 years after WWII ... A raised fist? Calls for military parades? All this insanity? Really?
I cannot wrap my head around the multi-generational, multi-decade lurch backwards we all got dragged into today.
70 years after WWII ... A raised fist? Calls for military parades? All this insanity? Really?
5
Fine comments by Mr. Egan, but Mr. Trump was not "introducing himself as leader of the free world," he was announcing America's abdication of that role. Sad!
2
There is nothing more dangerous than ignorance in action! "This American carnage...." What an abomination!
3
"While populist rhetoric refers to the power of the people, it doesn’t really invite them to be active citizens. Mr. Trump promised to return power to the people, but he didn’t talk much about their role in the process. Instead, it indicates that the government will be the vehicle of popular sentiment — placing power with the people."
A stark contrast with President Obama's farewell, which called on Americans to be the agents of change.
A stark contrast with President Obama's farewell, which called on Americans to be the agents of change.
2
Yes, Mr. Leonhardt, we still need an answer. A "full" answer, not a "fulsome" one. But suspect we're more likely to get the latter.
2
The irony of his speech being a populist speech yet his entire cabinet are insiders and the financial elite. It is quite clear that the "every day person" that he is referring to in his speech are going to suffer the most consequences from his administration.
His actions and staff are "anti-populist", so it is just disturbing that he thinks people are going "to buy" what he has said. He is a con-man and full of hot air. His speech today proved it.
His actions and staff are "anti-populist", so it is just disturbing that he thinks people are going "to buy" what he has said. He is a con-man and full of hot air. His speech today proved it.
4
In the interest of fairness, the U.K. Daily Mail published a photo today that appears to show Mike Pence shaking Hillary Clinton's hand (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4140810/Hillary-Clinton-white-pa.... I am as unhappy as anyone about the Trump presidency, but let's not stoop to spreading petty inaccuracies.
Without a doubt, today's was the creepiest inaugural address I've ever heard.
"Carnage"? Let's see where we are in four years, if the planet hasn't been engulfed in flames. I truly hope you aren't as destructive as your mean and divisive rhetoric, Mr. President. FAIL on unifying, FAIL on inspiring.
"Carnage"? Let's see where we are in four years, if the planet hasn't been engulfed in flames. I truly hope you aren't as destructive as your mean and divisive rhetoric, Mr. President. FAIL on unifying, FAIL on inspiring.
4
I am proud of President Obama.
And I am proud to say that America is still great.
And I am proud to say that America is still great.
3
Classy, ain't he? Trump can herald his own self worth, while we, as Americans suffer a national embarrassment.
2
The nightmare inside of the nightmare started today and the only part of it that seems sane are the protests that are going on today, will go on tomorrow all over the country, and no doubt the weeks and months to come.
1
A truly sad day for America. The zeitgeist has swung violently right and we have an unprepared huckster telling the nation that we are really just a third world country whose enemies surround us. Tragically sad -- he's a nasty fool who leveraged hate and fear, re-igniting the embers of racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and classism. In truth, he sees his supporters as "losers" -- the kind of people who are worthy, maybe, of being his caddy or waiter. "Sad" indeed.
2
There is no doubt that Trump knows the history of the phrase "America First." It was pointed out many times after he first used it so many months ago. And so do Kellyanne Conway and Mr. Bannon. It was used purposely to remind everyone that he is a nihilistic bigot and proud of it.
3
**What terrible sin did Americans peform that warranted this smite from God?
3
"Predators' ball" -- truthful phrase that says everything. The clenched fist is the symbol of the day.
The man is a charlatan. He has no understanding of the office he has slithered into, and we should drop the pretense of wanting him and his shrill, sycophantic team to succeed. If they succeed in doing what they want to do, then so many of the values and objectives that are the heart and soul of this country will be trampled, if not gutted. His speech - tone-deaf, devoid of dignity and historical context, a crass shout-out to himself and his supporters, deeply alienating - is a clear call to action to make sure this twitter-happy man does not succeed.
Trump et al.: we are watching you.
Trump et al.: we are watching you.
4
Well put....finally someone else recognizes the Ponzi scheme. Well, Donald, get those textile factories up and running, you don't have much time before the crazies turn on you.
President Obama's was not marked by healing, but by extreme hatred of him by the Republican party, and by Donald Trump in particular. Everything that Obama did was wrong (environmental concerns), evil or incompetent (TPP, the Iranian deal, or deferred deportations for dreamers), or disasters (ACA). The fact that none of that is really true is irrelevant in Trumpland. It would be nice if he could actually work on behalf of the American people but the America he envisions is a fiction. At the end of 4 years, I am sure we will hear how great everything that he has done was.
1
After all the U.S. deprivations enforced on the Europeans all these decades and especially in the least 8 year what with a rising and perhaps even drowning tsunami or refugees from the areas where the U.S. has instigated wanton war and killing and the pitting of NATO (U.S. _ Europe) against Russia which directly endangers Europe with nuclear war and with sanctions against Russia which have had little impact here in the U.S. but considerable economic impact on Europe...I keep wondering...why don't you revolt against the U.S. master who treats you as both a vassal, a ready battlefield and an auxiliary military force?
Is your servility actually that ingrained?
Is your servility actually that ingrained?
I voted for Obama twice. I did not vote for Trump or Clinton. There are points on which I agree with Trump. The U.S. has been a dumping ground for foreign-made products made cheaper because of foreign labor which has no worker protections.. We have been doing the heavy lifting on military defense for 70 years while we excuse Canadian and European NATO allies (and Japan) from developing credible militaries. The U.S. has over-extended NATO right up to Russia's border--we aren't going to start WWIII over Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania, seriously? When the U.S.S.R. stationed nuclear missiles in Cuba in 1962 we were prepared to start a war with Russia.
I have traveled extensively in Europe and have good friends there. They see U.S. forces stationed in Europe as vestigial artifacts of the Cold War. In truth, the forces we now have in Europe, even when combined with European forces, would not stop a Russian ground invasion. I recall that the members of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) extended protection to South Vietnam, which was accepted, but that didn't do much for South Vietnam. The Russians see Americans as not having the intestinal fortitude to go toe-to-toe with them in a nasty, high-casualty ground war in Europe unless perhaps Germany, France or the Scandinavian countries were threatened--and I think they have correctly sized us up.
I have traveled extensively in Europe and have good friends there. They see U.S. forces stationed in Europe as vestigial artifacts of the Cold War. In truth, the forces we now have in Europe, even when combined with European forces, would not stop a Russian ground invasion. I recall that the members of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) extended protection to South Vietnam, which was accepted, but that didn't do much for South Vietnam. The Russians see Americans as not having the intestinal fortitude to go toe-to-toe with them in a nasty, high-casualty ground war in Europe unless perhaps Germany, France or the Scandinavian countries were threatened--and I think they have correctly sized us up.
Yes. President Trump is correct, most American towns and cities are in decline.
Let's give the man a chance to fulfill his campaign promises.
Let's give the man a chance to fulfill his campaign promises.
What if Bernie Sanders gave the same speech--wouldn't my liberal friends applaud the points that Trump made if it were delivered by Bernie instead of Trump?
Establishment politicians come into office in debt and like Obama, they use their offices to get rich. Trump isn't taking the presidential salary, he returned 1.3 million to inauguration that he saved on expenses.
I'm worried about climate change under Trump but I do believe that he's going to 1) end the Middle East Bush-Obama regime change wars, 2) he'll eliminate global military bases that are costing a fortune, something that the Dems would never dream of doing because they're all talk and No action, and 3) he'll use the trillions saved by those 2 decisions alone to rebuild our aging infrastructure.
I think we'll see many infrastructure projects in the works within his 1st year. Place your bets!
He will also drain the filthy swamp at the CIA starting with You're Fired pink slips to Brennan and Klapper -- McCain and CIA partly responsible for spreading the garbage rumors on Trump and Russia...
Let's see if N.Y. Times censors this comment.
Establishment politicians come into office in debt and like Obama, they use their offices to get rich. Trump isn't taking the presidential salary, he returned 1.3 million to inauguration that he saved on expenses.
I'm worried about climate change under Trump but I do believe that he's going to 1) end the Middle East Bush-Obama regime change wars, 2) he'll eliminate global military bases that are costing a fortune, something that the Dems would never dream of doing because they're all talk and No action, and 3) he'll use the trillions saved by those 2 decisions alone to rebuild our aging infrastructure.
I think we'll see many infrastructure projects in the works within his 1st year. Place your bets!
He will also drain the filthy swamp at the CIA starting with You're Fired pink slips to Brennan and Klapper -- McCain and CIA partly responsible for spreading the garbage rumors on Trump and Russia...
Let's see if N.Y. Times censors this comment.
And yet the strengthening of,the military was the promise of one of his first changes to the White House web site. Doubt you will see much cost saving there.
If only this were a democracy.
In A Dark Rhetorical Cloud Over Washington, Shesol states that "it was Mr. Trump — who was roundly, even vehemently, rejected by nearly 66 million voters, about three million more than the number that supported him."
This is incorrect, because it's only looking at those who voted for Hillary vs Trump, and excludes votes for 3rd party candidates. The real count is even more stark. It should read:
"it was Mr. Trump — who was roundly, even vehemently, rejected by more than 78 million voters, about 10.7 million more than the number that supported him."
Source: http://cookpolitical.com/story/10174
This is incorrect, because it's only looking at those who voted for Hillary vs Trump, and excludes votes for 3rd party candidates. The real count is even more stark. It should read:
"it was Mr. Trump — who was roundly, even vehemently, rejected by more than 78 million voters, about 10.7 million more than the number that supported him."
Source: http://cookpolitical.com/story/10174
1
President Trump is now clearly in violation of the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution.
Having sworn to defend and protect the Constitution, VP Pence is now obligated along with all members of Congress to remove Trump from the Presidency as written in Amendment 25 of the Constituion:
"Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President."
Because of his clear violation of the U.S. Constitution, Donald Trump is no longer a LEGITIMATE President and must be immediately removed from office.
Having sworn to defend and protect the Constitution, VP Pence is now obligated along with all members of Congress to remove Trump from the Presidency as written in Amendment 25 of the Constituion:
"Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President."
Because of his clear violation of the U.S. Constitution, Donald Trump is no longer a LEGITIMATE President and must be immediately removed from office.
3
"Mrs. Trump cares deeply about issues impacting women and children, and she has focused her platform as First Lady on the problem of cyber bullying among our youth." Did Andy Borowitz write this?
1
Funny your wife should say Disneyland. I took my son and his best friend to Knott's Berry Farm (an amusement park 5 miles from Disneyland, but with better roller coasters) on Veterans' Day. We found ourselves immersed in multicultural community, with eager, happy children from all ethnicities, including many from biracial or multiethnic families, enjoying a day away from school. Because of the holiday discount offered that day to Veterans and military families, a lot of the adults wore insignia demonstrating their service to our country. I wasn't expecting to get teary at an amusement park, but I couldn't help feeling proud to be a part of this great American experiment. (And believe me, my 11 year old and his friend would have ridden something called "American Carnage" at least 5 times.)
1
The Trumps are filled with Obama-envy. Melania plagiarizes Michelle, and Trump longs for Obama's Inauguration crowds. This is just the beginning.
2
Trump's dark vision of the nation is the perspective of the white working class left behind by globalization and automation. Steve "Breitbart" Bannon should be proud of his creation.
Trump's grand plan is to push the pause button so that those left behind can catch up.
I hope his attempt to save the angry few will not collapse the economy and destroy the rest.
Trump's grand plan is to push the pause button so that those left behind can catch up.
I hope his attempt to save the angry few will not collapse the economy and destroy the rest.
1
Obama is gone. Trump is now President. Reality strikes. Get over it.
Reality strikes ! No -- not under a Trump administration. It was suspended along with common sense.
3
Did anyone notice our new Pre..(I just can't write it!) demanded "total allegiance?"
Sounds like it's going to be the Brexits of the world versus each other, and the devil take the hindmost. Such is the economic foreign policy of right-wing nationalism in the 21st century.
I hate Trump. Without reserve. But keeping a headline that calls him an old man is ageist. Bernie sanders is an old man. I dont think his age has any bearing on his idiocy. If anything, it should be his asset. Unfortunately he reaps no wisdom from his years.
1
While there is a lot to dislike about Mr. Trump, and rightfully so, his references to the carnage ring true to most Americans. It does to me. We, as a nation, have tolerated third world conditions, in terms of housing, crime, family breakdown and general squalor, in our inner cities for too long. The politically correct liberals presume this is some normal course of events. Like a society in transition from poverty to stability and growing toward affluence. But, realists see it a blight, and one that is not going away. After several generations of social programs meant to correct it, common sense alone shows that the money and the social programs funded by so much money have done little. So, maybe it is time to get serious, and boost police enforcement to the point where we see progress. Like the "broken window" approach of Rudy Giuliani.
The law is the law, and that should include inner cities and all races. In the end, a crackdown and consistent enforcement is the best gift Mr. Trump can bring to these places that most shun and steer around. In a perverse way, perhaps his understanding of the value of this is closely related to his knowledge of real estate. Order, tidiness and assurance of safety bring up property values.
The law is the law, and that should include inner cities and all races. In the end, a crackdown and consistent enforcement is the best gift Mr. Trump can bring to these places that most shun and steer around. In a perverse way, perhaps his understanding of the value of this is closely related to his knowledge of real estate. Order, tidiness and assurance of safety bring up property values.
It's time for mourning in America.
The clenched fist is a symbol of solidarity. The African Americans use it. The Polish strikers used it during their revolution. I use it with my neighbors (white, middle class neighborhood).
Everyone seems to know what it means and what we know of it is not that it's a threat. It's symbol that he was with, perhaps forever with or until death do us part with, his supporters who were there in substantial numbers.
I believe it was entirely appropriate. After all, he's leading a populist movement and perhaps a revolution against the status quo and, interestingly enough, against both established political parties.
Everyone seems to know what it means and what we know of it is not that it's a threat. It's symbol that he was with, perhaps forever with or until death do us part with, his supporters who were there in substantial numbers.
I believe it was entirely appropriate. After all, he's leading a populist movement and perhaps a revolution against the status quo and, interestingly enough, against both established political parties.
In the context, no, it was definitely not appropriate. But better than a flat hand. How about a wave, a salut, a thumbs up, anything else? His instincts are always wrong.
Oh Mr. Hanif, you should go to Disneyland. It does do a little bit of overpraise of the turn of the century main street that Mr. Disney grew up in but Disneyland embraces diversity, selflessness, kindness and the true American values.
Tim, Trump had to clench his fist, lest the world see how Lilliputian his stubby hands are. That, of course, pales in contrast with his ugly, divisive and harshly isolationist rhetoric. Sorry, but we cannot divorce his 3rd grade language and speech from what has has consistently done throughout his entire failed business career. He is a fraud, a liar, a con man, a cheat and a crook - and those are just for starters. Spare us, please, the absurd "populist" description for anything this man says, let alone does - he is the antithesis of a populist. If our own journalists cannot discern or loudly call out that fundamental lie - the nation is truly doomed. What he has always done, and what he and his family will do with total abandon, is to enrich themselves at every turn, conflicts of interest and violations of the Emoluments Clause notwithstanding. To paraphrase Leona Helmsley: "laws are only for little people." 1/20, 5:19 PM
3
People, today we'd like to welcome a new student to class, Donald Trump. I'm sorry, Donald, that's not your seat, you can't take it, you have to earn it. Now Donald, every day we try to learn and practice a new word. In view of what you just did, I think today's word should be "humility." Can you say that word, Donald? No ... well here it is again, "humility." It means, " a modest view of one's own importance, humbleness." Now practice that word tonight, Donald, and we'll try again tomorrow.
1
A remarkably Panglossian take on this cataclysmic set of circumstances.
The clenched fist, indeed. I loathe the wannabe "tough guys" like Trump. what has he ever done in his entire life that was "tough"? Oh, yes, avoiding STD as he was avoiding the draft, that was tough. Using the paltry "few" million $ that his father gave him to build a business, that was tough.
Then, there are his toadies. They've walked around for 8 years with clenched fists because a black Democrat was in the WH.
Then, there are his toadies. They've walked around for 8 years with clenched fists because a black Democrat was in the WH.
7
I watched his inaugural speech and dislike him even more.
And lions and tigers and bears, oh my! And cats and dogs, living together... We'll end all this right here and now!* And then we'll bomb Iran and North Korea and Rosie O'Donnell and Meryl Streep and....*huh, what do you mean it hasn't ended yet? Didn't they hear me? I said it would end here and now! Are those cats and dogs trying to make a fool of me??!!
2
He says it's America for the people, but he and his Cabinet of elite are going to create a government with benefits for the rich with the faulty idea that anything good for the rich is good for the country. He engaged a big enough minority with catchy phrases that gave no indication of what he plans or how he'll do it. From what we've seen and from his Cabinet picks, it's all for the rich and enhancing the riches of the 1%. If this is populism, I don't want a part of it.
13
"and 'the crime, the gangs and the drugs.' "
Sounds like the same rhetoric we hear after a shooting of a Black person by a police officer. See, there is common ground! Praise be!
Sounds like the same rhetoric we hear after a shooting of a Black person by a police officer. See, there is common ground! Praise be!
3
Why is this surprising? We have put a psychotic sociopath into power. These kinds of people have no friends and do not know what friendship is. The only "friend" trump has is his lord and master, the KGB thug Putin.
13
Give me a break. You sound like a parrot repeating CNN rumors. Can't you think for yourself.
GroupThink. Always thought liberals were independent thinkers. Wrong. They just repeat what they hear from their groups and friends like parrots.
GroupThink. Always thought liberals were independent thinkers. Wrong. They just repeat what they hear from their groups and friends like parrots.
That is certainly the predominant view in Europe alright!
When do the goose-stepping military parades start?
12
Actually, quite soon. Read Charles Blow's editorial on Trump's plans for big military parades in this week's Times.
3
Within the first 30 minutes following Trump's speech the environmental and also LGBT reference pages on the White House official website were deleted. Republicans want to ignore global warming and would like to delete gay people. Here we go - no honeymoon for Trump, only a direct line to divorce court.
31
So what?
What good did identity politics do the Democrats this election cycle...I'll submit nothing but "carnage" for the party.
What good did identity politics do the Democrats this election cycle...I'll submit nothing but "carnage" for the party.
Trump didn't do that - Obama's people removed it.
If this is true then an avalanche of letters & postcards et al should be sent to the White House until they reappear.......copies sent to every Senator.....
It begins
I will write mine today
It begins
I will write mine today
Doom and gloom. And Mike Pence wouldn't shake HRC hand? Another germaphobe?
The fact checking needs to begin.
The fact checking needs to begin.
8
Have you noticed that every time Pence speaks, he shakes his head no? I wonder if that's because he is doesn't believe what he is saying.
Mr. Rosenthal forgets the strident tones of Lincoln in HIS first inaugural, as he warned what had just become the Confederacy that he would not tolerate an impossible secession. Like Trump, he was setting up the existential challenges that he saw facing the nation and committing to the people that they would be overcome.
America DOES face "carnage", as well as many other challenges. It is not appropriate to acknowledge all that yet still fill an inaugural address with expressions of Kumbaya that mean absolutely nothing. What is appropriate is to define the enemy and vow that together we will overcome him ... just as Trump did.
And there is NOTHING more "dark and angry" than the reaction liberals have expressed to Trump's election, and now his assumption of the presidency. Democratic vows of "resistance' are nothing but precisely evocative of Mitch McConnell years ago, and we saw what THAT brought us -- a shattered, diminished presidency and rise of the conditions that SUMMONED Donald J. Trump's election.
I've offered perhaps enough words in this forum over the past eight years to fill a small novel of praise for Barack Obama the man, including praise of some of his initiatives. Yet I have read NOTHING from the strident liberals who write for the NY Times OR comment in its forum that offer the slightest measure of real balance on Donald Trump.
You might want to step back for a moment and consider what we all just witnessed; and reconsider that "opinion".
America DOES face "carnage", as well as many other challenges. It is not appropriate to acknowledge all that yet still fill an inaugural address with expressions of Kumbaya that mean absolutely nothing. What is appropriate is to define the enemy and vow that together we will overcome him ... just as Trump did.
And there is NOTHING more "dark and angry" than the reaction liberals have expressed to Trump's election, and now his assumption of the presidency. Democratic vows of "resistance' are nothing but precisely evocative of Mitch McConnell years ago, and we saw what THAT brought us -- a shattered, diminished presidency and rise of the conditions that SUMMONED Donald J. Trump's election.
I've offered perhaps enough words in this forum over the past eight years to fill a small novel of praise for Barack Obama the man, including praise of some of his initiatives. Yet I have read NOTHING from the strident liberals who write for the NY Times OR comment in its forum that offer the slightest measure of real balance on Donald Trump.
You might want to step back for a moment and consider what we all just witnessed; and reconsider that "opinion".
12
Richard -
Indeed I have read many of your comments over the past several years, but you fill this one with a strong whiff of false equivalency. There is no comparison between expressions of compassion and a "can do" spirit in an inaugural with the concept that we must "define the enemy." In fact, Trump seems to believe that everyone is the enemy and that we can go it alone on this small planet. We can not! Carnage is harsh language that makes Trump seem tough to his base, but the rest of us see it for what it really is -- the empty boasts of a sad little man.
As to the McConnell comparison? Mitch's threat was couched not in policy terms, but in a desire to delegitimize an African-American President and thereby build the GOP block of underground racists. And it worked.
There is no need for balance when it is clear that Trump and his billionaire club of uber-geniuses are on the job! Nothing he has said or done is likely to work and is more likely to cause conflict, pain, war and poverty (especially here at home) than it is to fix anything. You could agree or disagree with Bush or Carter or Obama on the issues -- but this isn't about issues -- but about a failed, tin-pot reality star who now holds the nuclear codes....
Indeed I have read many of your comments over the past several years, but you fill this one with a strong whiff of false equivalency. There is no comparison between expressions of compassion and a "can do" spirit in an inaugural with the concept that we must "define the enemy." In fact, Trump seems to believe that everyone is the enemy and that we can go it alone on this small planet. We can not! Carnage is harsh language that makes Trump seem tough to his base, but the rest of us see it for what it really is -- the empty boasts of a sad little man.
As to the McConnell comparison? Mitch's threat was couched not in policy terms, but in a desire to delegitimize an African-American President and thereby build the GOP block of underground racists. And it worked.
There is no need for balance when it is clear that Trump and his billionaire club of uber-geniuses are on the job! Nothing he has said or done is likely to work and is more likely to cause conflict, pain, war and poverty (especially here at home) than it is to fix anything. You could agree or disagree with Bush or Carter or Obama on the issues -- but this isn't about issues -- but about a failed, tin-pot reality star who now holds the nuclear codes....
25
Clyde:
Trump made it clear that he didn't regard 63,980,160 Americans (c/o Julian Assange, growing increasingly hirsute hidden away in London's Ecuadorian embassy without regular Internet OR, understandably, razor blades), plus a ton of those who voted or Hillary, as "enemies". It was for THEM that he made his remarks today.
And it's only a "false equivalency" because you supported Obama and don't support Trump.
His administration is no more likely to cause war than Obama's (and likely will REDUCE war, as I expect him to get us out of that failed state, Afghanistan, very fast indeed) and FAR more likely to return the globe to some semblance of stability. And, perhaps you weren't listening carefully, but pain and p0verty were precisely the things he vowed to combat with his "last breath".
There is ALWAYS a need for balance, if a people wishes to move forward despite deep ideological divisions. You'll find after one year that Trump understands that FAR better than Obama ever did.
Trump made it clear that he didn't regard 63,980,160 Americans (c/o Julian Assange, growing increasingly hirsute hidden away in London's Ecuadorian embassy without regular Internet OR, understandably, razor blades), plus a ton of those who voted or Hillary, as "enemies". It was for THEM that he made his remarks today.
And it's only a "false equivalency" because you supported Obama and don't support Trump.
His administration is no more likely to cause war than Obama's (and likely will REDUCE war, as I expect him to get us out of that failed state, Afghanistan, very fast indeed) and FAR more likely to return the globe to some semblance of stability. And, perhaps you weren't listening carefully, but pain and p0verty were precisely the things he vowed to combat with his "last breath".
There is ALWAYS a need for balance, if a people wishes to move forward despite deep ideological divisions. You'll find after one year that Trump understands that FAR better than Obama ever did.
1
"I've offered perhaps enough words in this forum over the past eight years to fill a small novel of praise for Barack Obama the man, including praise of some of his initiatives. Yet I have read NOTHING from the strident liberals who write for the NY Times OR comment in its forum that offer the slightest measure of real balance on Donald Trump."
Here is an example of false equivalence. The implicit premise of your argument is , because Barack Obama was a Democratic President, and Trump is a Republican President, so they are both due some measure of praise from the other side. You said some nice things about Obama, so liberals should have been saying nice things about Trump if they were being "balanced." Why? Should facts and actual merit not determine that? Also, Trump has not even been on the job for one whole day at this point. What praise has he earned?
I think you will the criticism for either John McCain or even Mitt Romney to be nowhere as harsh as that for Trump. Trump is no uniquely awful even conservatives (those with some integrity) are among his critics. Maybe liberals say nothing good about Trump because there is nothing good about Trump.
Here is an example of false equivalence. The implicit premise of your argument is , because Barack Obama was a Democratic President, and Trump is a Republican President, so they are both due some measure of praise from the other side. You said some nice things about Obama, so liberals should have been saying nice things about Trump if they were being "balanced." Why? Should facts and actual merit not determine that? Also, Trump has not even been on the job for one whole day at this point. What praise has he earned?
I think you will the criticism for either John McCain or even Mitt Romney to be nowhere as harsh as that for Trump. Trump is no uniquely awful even conservatives (those with some integrity) are among his critics. Maybe liberals say nothing good about Trump because there is nothing good about Trump.
A few thoughts from observers of the American dilemma from the past and present:
Democracy is only an experiment in government, and it has the advantage of merely counting votes instead of weighing them. - William Inge
The surest way to prevent seditions (if the times do bear it) is to take away the matter of them. - Bacon
We are at a turning point in our history. There are two paths to choose. One is a path...that leads to fragmentation and self-interest. Down that road lies a mistaken ideal of freedom, the right to grasp for ourselves some advantage over others. That path would be one of constant conflict between narrow interests ending in chaos and immobility. It is a certain route to failure. - James Carter in 1979.
The common trinity of the world - Profit, Preferment, and Pleasure - Roger Williams
I could stand in the middle of 5th Ave. and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any voters. - DJT
Democracy is only an experiment in government, and it has the advantage of merely counting votes instead of weighing them. - William Inge
The surest way to prevent seditions (if the times do bear it) is to take away the matter of them. - Bacon
We are at a turning point in our history. There are two paths to choose. One is a path...that leads to fragmentation and self-interest. Down that road lies a mistaken ideal of freedom, the right to grasp for ourselves some advantage over others. That path would be one of constant conflict between narrow interests ending in chaos and immobility. It is a certain route to failure. - James Carter in 1979.
The common trinity of the world - Profit, Preferment, and Pleasure - Roger Williams
I could stand in the middle of 5th Ave. and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any voters. - DJT
2
It is a turning point and what America needs to do is have all students, persons who can read, and listen, read Henry David Thoreau. Those who in the GOP seem to want America to adhere to the constitution as written in the 18th century must also respect the actions of Thoreau. I hope some theatrical groups in America manage to get together a musical theatre production on the level of Hamilton, about Thoreau and Emerson. It would be timely and would be great theatre. I claim first right for this suggestion in this email. Production companies can contact me.
Trump is an outlier-a serious problem for world peace and economics and a serious problem for American domestic tranquility. If his policies are allowed to see daylight America can expect a time of serious internal strife and world strife.
Trump is an outlier-a serious problem for world peace and economics and a serious problem for American domestic tranquility. If his policies are allowed to see daylight America can expect a time of serious internal strife and world strife.
Beautifully written piece. But wait. Much as I want to, I will refrain from embarking on a caustic, anti-Trump diatribe because maybe, just maybe, he will show some reason that will surprise us all in the next 9-12 months. Cause that's all he gets.
2
A famous practicing psychiatrist once wrote: "People can change--but not that much." Trump will forever be in campaign mode and the Gullible people who voted for him will quickly see there will be no wall and there will be no mass deportations.
That would be nice, but I wouldn't hold my breath. And I'm not talking about the policies, which I disagree with, I'm talking about the man himself.
"... because maybe, just maybe, he will show some reason that will surprise us all in the next 9-12 months..."
I had resolved the same, when he was nominated. But at every turn he has shown his worst self, and today he took that a step further.
It might have been good strategy to keep playing to the angry base up to today, then to give a unifying inauguration speech. Perhaps even an unusual opportunity to bring the nation together, since he had reached so many alienated people. But his speech seemed to be an expression of anger and grievance more than anything else, and his facial and body language seemed to express the same.
He is very smart, and has great skills for motivating people, at least with anger. He is frightening.
One of my 1st thoughts was, I wished this was 20 years earlier, so that some of the viewers might still recall the little moustache guy and remind us of the similarities.
I had resolved the same, when he was nominated. But at every turn he has shown his worst self, and today he took that a step further.
It might have been good strategy to keep playing to the angry base up to today, then to give a unifying inauguration speech. Perhaps even an unusual opportunity to bring the nation together, since he had reached so many alienated people. But his speech seemed to be an expression of anger and grievance more than anything else, and his facial and body language seemed to express the same.
He is very smart, and has great skills for motivating people, at least with anger. He is frightening.
One of my 1st thoughts was, I wished this was 20 years earlier, so that some of the viewers might still recall the little moustache guy and remind us of the similarities.
1
Rosenthal and the rest of the disgruntaled Lefties will never give Trump credit for anything, just more of the same loathing and resentment....consider the Lefts" resistance to the Republicans 'gridlock", note the use of the words. Trump correctly points out what wreckage Obama and the rest of the redistributors left of America using the administrative model of Europe as the hope. Europe is in its death throes and America will be resurgent again under Trump. Rosenthal, get over losing.
6
Credit? For what?
" Europe is in its death throes and America will be resurgent again under Trump." Demonstrates your utter ignorance of global economics. If Europe dies, to whom does a resurgent America sell all of our made-in-USA goods?
Trump is inheriting the BEST US economy of the several past Presidents. Just a fact.
1
I can't wait to see what Alec Baldwin does with this material.
25
Yeah, I cant wait for him to assault more people walking NYC streets, he is a Yahoo
1
Why? There is nothing funny here.
I guess recovery from the Great Recession in terms of jobs and the markets, provision of medical insurance to millions of uninsured, keeping the U.S. economy on a far better track than most other Western democracies, mandating equal pay for equal work, modestly increasing taxes for the rich, keeping big government out of personal decisions who to marry, enabling gay people to openly serve America in the armed forces, slowing Iran's atomic weapon development, and ending a half-century of useless sanctions against Cuba constitute carnage in Trump's world view. Granted there was carnage - in the leadership of Al Qaeda and ISIS but also the continuation of a trend for job loss in rust belt and income disparity that started in the Reagan administration. I had some hope that Trump would drop the con when he took office and act like a businessman but his team's handling of transition has been a mess. Perhaps that's to be expected from a guy whose business outcomes were equally divided between successes, break-evens and failure. By that measure, we have a 33% change that he'll make the country better. Not again, because it's already pretty great.
4
I agree that 30,000 gun deaths a year is carnage.
7
Typical liberal reply, blame guns. Black on black crime-guns. Terrorist in the military-guns. Unemployment-guns. Stocks up-guns. Stocks down-guns. Slavery-guns. Whites founding country-guns. Porous borders-guns. Radical Islam-guns. A gun has never fired itself. There is always a person behind it.
It is a good speech like all other speeches. But speech is just that. I would have rather he say: Don't waste your time listening to my speech, just go back to work and so will I and leave the podium. From now on, we pay attention to what he does rather than what he says.
1
More than 1,000,000 went to Obama inauguration day. I'm hearing that not many are going to Trump's. Anybody know how many?
1
Don't know the number at his inauguration but I can tell you with absolute certainty that there were enough Electoral College votes to make him President of the United States. Those same votes regulated Mrs. Clinton to her former First Lady status once again.
Is that really important? D.C. Neighborhoods are 85% African American and Obama was the first AA President.
What would a thinking person expect?
What would a thinking person expect?
250,000
If you assume that President Trump is as smart as he says he is, an integrated strategy emerges into clear view. There are three Trumpian goals: 1) eradicate terrorism, 2) goose GDP, 3) reverse income back to the People.
Taken together they are: "Make America Great Again." This is red meat nationalism turned into a CEO's mission statement designed to inspire and challenge. There is huge risk and no assurance of success except through faith in American exceptionalism, which will be tested. Trump is testing God.
He's a high flyer and now we are too. There is no net under us...
Step 1) Use the full force and fury of the military to eradicate terrorism. The gloves are off. This will be good TV and involve the People. As he said, "Black, brown or white does not matter - only patriotism matters. Patriotism will give us unity." Or, "You're either with me/us or against me/us."
Trump sees a terrorist with a nuke in NYC as the primary problem. This existential threat will be "eradicated".
2) Threaten China to goose GDP. No one will start a war - they'll lose less by sucking it up. American companies will be advantaged.
3) Keep the People happy. Trump runs on adulation. He's neither Republican nor Democrat - he's anti-politician - just like the People. When the Establishment blocks him they'll get a Tweet storm and the People will vote them out.
Trump will govern by the populist Wave, which he creates as he goes. We're all on his Wave now.
Taken together they are: "Make America Great Again." This is red meat nationalism turned into a CEO's mission statement designed to inspire and challenge. There is huge risk and no assurance of success except through faith in American exceptionalism, which will be tested. Trump is testing God.
He's a high flyer and now we are too. There is no net under us...
Step 1) Use the full force and fury of the military to eradicate terrorism. The gloves are off. This will be good TV and involve the People. As he said, "Black, brown or white does not matter - only patriotism matters. Patriotism will give us unity." Or, "You're either with me/us or against me/us."
Trump sees a terrorist with a nuke in NYC as the primary problem. This existential threat will be "eradicated".
2) Threaten China to goose GDP. No one will start a war - they'll lose less by sucking it up. American companies will be advantaged.
3) Keep the People happy. Trump runs on adulation. He's neither Republican nor Democrat - he's anti-politician - just like the People. When the Establishment blocks him they'll get a Tweet storm and the People will vote them out.
Trump will govern by the populist Wave, which he creates as he goes. We're all on his Wave now.
2
Have you forgotten who he chose for his cabinet? Billionaires and Wall Streeters. How will they accomplish what you see as his agenda. I see the agenda as - Make Trump wealthier period!
It has been 10 years and one month since my wife and I left the Michigan and America's Midwest and came to Quebec where I was born. I have very little respect for Donald Trump and his ideology but today after reading his speech I am beyond simple joy. I am ecstatic. When my wife said it is time to take out Canadian citizenship simply put icing on the cake.
It is time for Canada , Mexico Europe, Australia, Latin America and the rest of America's satellites to leave the nest. I could not envision Donald J. Trump as my Messiah but today's speech was the music my ears have been waiting to hear since Ronald Reagan was President elect.
I am Canadian and the problems of Canada must be solved by Canadians, Mexico's problems must be solved by Mexicans and Europe's problems must be solved by Europeans.
Thank you Donald Trump for explaining clearly and concisely that America's problems can only be solved by Americans. The American ideology of neoliberalism has for too long hidden the fact that America's real problems were internal. The days of blaming Russia, Cuba, Viet Nam , China, Iran, Iraq, Isis and everyone else are over. I am in total agreement with the Trump Doctrine announced today.
"Good fences make good neighbors."
Robert Frost; Mending Fences
It is time for Canada , Mexico Europe, Australia, Latin America and the rest of America's satellites to leave the nest. I could not envision Donald J. Trump as my Messiah but today's speech was the music my ears have been waiting to hear since Ronald Reagan was President elect.
I am Canadian and the problems of Canada must be solved by Canadians, Mexico's problems must be solved by Mexicans and Europe's problems must be solved by Europeans.
Thank you Donald Trump for explaining clearly and concisely that America's problems can only be solved by Americans. The American ideology of neoliberalism has for too long hidden the fact that America's real problems were internal. The days of blaming Russia, Cuba, Viet Nam , China, Iran, Iraq, Isis and everyone else are over. I am in total agreement with the Trump Doctrine announced today.
"Good fences make good neighbors."
Robert Frost; Mending Fences
7
we dont miss you a bit, Save your comments for your local paper too
Oh yeah amd practice your french mon ami
Oh yeah amd practice your french mon ami
The Robert Frost poem is "Mending Wall," not "Mending Fences."
I know what you mean in one respect, insofar as the world has for years been shaking its head in disbelief at the idea of the US (I mean successive US governments, not the lovely individual citizens) being 'the policeman of the world', 'leader of the free world', while what we feel we were witnessing was a country that was just powerful (by virtue of having so much money and military might) and so able brutally to pursue its own interests in the world, at the expense of justice and of so many innocent lives. We all just have no choice but to put up with it. I despise everything Trump stands for but I have to say that a rest from US 'world leadership' would be nice if he is planning that! The narrative of we have to stop 'helping' all those people in the world is a hard one to swallow - that is not how the world experiences it!
I suppose reluctantly I have to admit that at our current level of lower order world thinking that kind of hegemony can serve a purpose stability-wise, even though at a high cost. I look forward to the day when world leaders pursue a common purpose of world peace and justice.
I suppose reluctantly I have to admit that at our current level of lower order world thinking that kind of hegemony can serve a purpose stability-wise, even though at a high cost. I look forward to the day when world leaders pursue a common purpose of world peace and justice.
Autocrats and fascists exist on fear...that is exactly Trump's method....blame someone else....let him and him alone fix it...with Trump, there will always be a scapegoat....what a contrast to the Obama inauguration...where the message was hope and together....Trump energized the the disenfranchised and Clinton made no connection...and we are here....facing 4 years of a president that doesn't understand anything about the job....
6
Saved myself from watching any coverage of this day. He did win the election and I accept that, but he is incapable of running this country - even with the slew of people he has chosen to aide and abet for what is to be the next four years. Convinced he will not be on Penn Ave for the four years, and at his own hands. Just hope it doesn't take 3.75 years to happen!
10
I just hope President Trump does not lie to us and tell us that if we like our doctor we can keep our doctor, and that if we like our insurance we can keep our insurance. I do hope that Obama follows President Bush's precedent and keeps his mouth shut about his successor. And I do hope we remember that Hillary Clinton was Trump's opponent in the election, that the alternative to Trump was Hillary with all of her warts and emails and her refusal to even campaign in most of the Midwestern states, and that Hillary was such an awful candidate that she lost the electoral vote to Trump.
And I hope that The New York Times stops acting like Fox News for the Left. Michelle Obama did not say that when they go low, we go lower. Maybe the editors and reporters of The Times will think about that.
And I hope that The New York Times stops acting like Fox News for the Left. Michelle Obama did not say that when they go low, we go lower. Maybe the editors and reporters of The Times will think about that.
8
You sure hope the President won't lie ... TOO LATE. He lies all the time - starting with the lies about President Obama's birth certificate and into lies about his plans. Have you been paying attention at all? His cabinets is full of billionaires and Wall Streeters.
And I pray President Obama is NOTe silent. We will need all the help we can get to keep this loose cannon in check so his administration is not as dangerous as I fear.
And I pray President Obama is NOTe silent. We will need all the help we can get to keep this loose cannon in check so his administration is not as dangerous as I fear.
Tony, why would you hope such things? It's not as if the Republicans and those who identify with the "right" have done that overall, since they tried their hardest to make Obama a failed President (in their own words). I agree with Michelle Obama's comment, but I think you'll find that most people are not so principled and it's more of a "you reap what you sow," the same sentiment that Trump exploited to power. The "left" and the "right" are not different in this regard. To get something different, you need someone transcendental, like the Dalai Lama. Trump is no Dalai Lama and so these divisions will continue, and most likely worsen.
Haha, Trump lies multiple times a day using Twitter handle. He is Cartman from Southpark
“From this day forward a new vision will govern our land,” he said. “From this day forward, it’s only going to be America first, America first.”
Trump is speaking Trumpese in this case, as always he does. In other words, he doesn't mean this, he means it in a way that is known only to him, or he believes that if he says it, regardless of what he does, it is true, regardless of what he does.
He's a liar, a compulsive liar, a a pathological liar.
He either doesn't care about truth, doesn't recognize the difference between truth and fabricated versions of reality, or believes that what he says is the truth. He lies so regularly that nothing should, be relied on.
Whether saying something happened that never did, saying something didn't happen that did indeed happen, or lying by complete omission, pretending that if it isn't talked about it isn't true, he's a liar.
So this statement can be relied upon to be a lie.
Unfortunately that means we have to wait to see what the consequences will be in our shared reality.
The one he's never had to acknowledge thanks to his family endowing him with so much money he wasn't able to lose it all. It allowed him to glide through life, marriages, divorces, incompetent business practice, and abusive criminal behavior with the little consequence that is the isolated reality of some in the heaven of the 0.1%.
Welcome to the administration of "Putin's Toady."
Trump is speaking Trumpese in this case, as always he does. In other words, he doesn't mean this, he means it in a way that is known only to him, or he believes that if he says it, regardless of what he does, it is true, regardless of what he does.
He's a liar, a compulsive liar, a a pathological liar.
He either doesn't care about truth, doesn't recognize the difference between truth and fabricated versions of reality, or believes that what he says is the truth. He lies so regularly that nothing should, be relied on.
Whether saying something happened that never did, saying something didn't happen that did indeed happen, or lying by complete omission, pretending that if it isn't talked about it isn't true, he's a liar.
So this statement can be relied upon to be a lie.
Unfortunately that means we have to wait to see what the consequences will be in our shared reality.
The one he's never had to acknowledge thanks to his family endowing him with so much money he wasn't able to lose it all. It allowed him to glide through life, marriages, divorces, incompetent business practice, and abusive criminal behavior with the little consequence that is the isolated reality of some in the heaven of the 0.1%.
Welcome to the administration of "Putin's Toady."
18
If you like your doctor you can keep your doctor. If you like your insurance you can keep your insurance. Only some examples of the lies from the pathological liar who just left Washington.
He will forever be known as the Matroyshka American president for his toadying and championing of the Russian dictator. He is going to try to establish his own flawed ideas based on his conspiracy theories and his dependence on flawed advice from persons in the minority of usual scientific mainstream. He seems to embrace those whose ideas are not in sync with science nor realistic thought. He projects an image of a president who cannot be a world leader in respect. He is really not a leader in America. He is a outlier and a threat to world peace.
Trump is on a roll and hopefully he will upend the apply cart early and often. He needs five hundred new ships and a new VA medical system, new roads and bridges, higher pay for a much larger military and healthcare for everybody. I expect that the GOP congress will bend over properly and dole out the pork ceaselessly. Spend, spend spend. It's a new day for the GOP small government ideals as corporations are unleashed to issue new shares and make new rules regarding what is a monopoly or fair commerce. Everyone might watch the Feds as they are overwhelmed with inflation, payday loans and mail order retirement accounts and stock purchasing from vending machines at 8th Ave. and 42nd Street. Capital formation in Girl Scout cookies and a tidal wave of healthcare insurance rules. Mayhem unlimited with gangsters ruling the streets of Washington while Trump sleeps on fifth avenue, NY.
3
Sounds just about right.....
Trump didn't do any history or historical reflection because he doesn't know history
7
Sure, all Republicans are dumb and the Democrats are always brilliant. Funny, there wasn't one member of Obamas cabinet that compares with anyone Trump nominated. Holder and Lynch, smart? Remember Mark Rich? Holder is a hack.
4
I think this is all nonsense. Trump is not giving up friendship with other nations. He does want to drive harder bargains, but obviously you cannot do it unless you are interested in bargaining in the first place.
Deliberately misunderstanding Trump and making implausible predictions has now become a cottage industry.
It is bad for America because Trump is not really a right wing Republican. But for him to bring about some liberal reforms, he will need the help of the Democrats. The negative attitude of too many Democrats may prevent that.
Deliberately misunderstanding Trump and making implausible predictions has now become a cottage industry.
It is bad for America because Trump is not really a right wing Republican. But for him to bring about some liberal reforms, he will need the help of the Democrats. The negative attitude of too many Democrats may prevent that.
4
I haven't heard anything resembling "liberal reforms" from Trump since he started flip-flopping on issues like abortion and gun control. Whatever influence he may have from his family, it won't be to protect or honor the citizens of the middle America.
4
It's not the author of this op-ed piece who misunderstands Trump. How much did you charge your friend for Thanksgiving dinner, or attending his or her wedding? Did you support your friend in a breakup, or did you how much you can squeeze from your friend before offering your commiseration? When everything is about the bargain, you have no friends. When you abandon even the pretense of principle in international relations, all you have is great powers carving up the world until they butt heads and go to war with each other.
3
If he were interested in any liberal reforms he wouldn't have selected a uniformly reactionary Republican cabinet. Dream on. He has earned no help from Democrats. Why should they help him? And his chauvinistic vision of America in relation to a world that is in opposition to us and alien from us rings loud and clear. You'd have to twist the speech and him into a pretzel to hear anything else in it. Give him the benefit of the doubt if you wish; I choose not to, and we'll see what he's really about over time.
2
The day democracy died. Trump's inauguration is like watching a funeral. Here comes the procession.
12
Vickie Divoll hates America. Love him or hate him, Trump's the only president we have.
1
Sad!
1
Your so-called "only president" is a sociopathic criminal. What does that do for your moral position when you offer him unwarranted support?
5
Mark Schmitt hopes that the elevation of Trump will mark a return to bipartisanship. This is wishful thinking. Yes, certain members from the upper echelons of the conservative commentariat have taken to Trump to task, but none of them are politicians or frequent contributors to talk radio. They are, like David Brooks, largely irrelevant in the age of Trump. Moreover, while these people decry “the shattering of democratic norms and constitutional practices by Mr. Trump,” most of them went along with Republicans’ refusal to consider President Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court. If Trump now represents a step too far, conservatives have only themselves to blame.
Mr. Schmitt writes: “The new centrist alliance has taken first root among elites,” but that is precisely its Achilles’ heel. The actual work of opposing Trump does not rest with an “elite.” Rather, true and effective resistance to Trump and the Republican Congress begins with demonstrations in the streets, such as those today. We further see that resistance as people pack town hall meetings, holding Republicans accountable for their vote on the ACA (indeed politicians are now cancelling those meetings, rather than face their constituents). These ordinary Americans are "the new community of voices willing to challenge Mr. Trump." It is they, rather than a group of marginalized pundits, who will help us survive this "dangerous era" of Trump and Republican intransigence.
Mr. Schmitt writes: “The new centrist alliance has taken first root among elites,” but that is precisely its Achilles’ heel. The actual work of opposing Trump does not rest with an “elite.” Rather, true and effective resistance to Trump and the Republican Congress begins with demonstrations in the streets, such as those today. We further see that resistance as people pack town hall meetings, holding Republicans accountable for their vote on the ACA (indeed politicians are now cancelling those meetings, rather than face their constituents). These ordinary Americans are "the new community of voices willing to challenge Mr. Trump." It is they, rather than a group of marginalized pundits, who will help us survive this "dangerous era" of Trump and Republican intransigence.
2
Well said.
It's interesting with these nationalists in the world: Trump, Le Pen, Putin etcetera. They all distances themselves from other countries, but those led by fellow nationalists are "truly great", with "terrific leaders". The international society of isolationist nationalists is a strange and scary group. And when they do things abroad it is typically the start of a war. We've been here before, to many times of the past 200 years. Alas for the world.
4
look to where this has happened before.......Begin with Germany 1933
Yes. My first thought as I listened (I don't think I had ever treated myself to an entire Trumpian speech event before) was unprintable in your newspaper. My conclusion, as I emerged from my numbed state was, precisely: at least thank God it was short. Perhaps his verbal incapacity may save us.
11
Opinions like your ma'am are the precise reason Trump is now your President
I was somewhat perplexed by STEPHANIE SIU's comment. Particularly "I knew who I was. I am Chinese-American, and he was talking about me."
I think that is unfair to the president. He was decrying unfair Chinese trade practices that are removing wealth from America. As people who live in America, it is you who China is victimizing. Not only is Trump's assertion NOT anti-Chinese-American, it isn't even anti-China. As he has pointed out, it is the responsibility of a government to protect their people. So, it is in fact a criticism of our elected officials.
As our president said, we all bleed red, regardless of color, we are all Americans. Including people with Chinese ancestors.
I think that is unfair to the president. He was decrying unfair Chinese trade practices that are removing wealth from America. As people who live in America, it is you who China is victimizing. Not only is Trump's assertion NOT anti-Chinese-American, it isn't even anti-China. As he has pointed out, it is the responsibility of a government to protect their people. So, it is in fact a criticism of our elected officials.
As our president said, we all bleed red, regardless of color, we are all Americans. Including people with Chinese ancestors.
7
Uh-huh. Yet, Steve Bannon, the first senior advisor Trump named after he won the election, had a problem with "two-thirds or third-quarters of the CEO's in Silicon Valley are from South Asia or Asia..." The xenophobia is pretty obvious, and it has a home in Trump's West Wing. Don't urinate on my leg and tell me it's raining.
6
We no longer live in the land that elected Reagan, Kennedy and Obama. The dumbing down of Amerika is complete. If this isn't rock bottom, I can't imagine what it will look like.
9
Rock bottom? What if it isn't. Look at the progression of Republican presidents--Nixon, Reagan, Bush II...now Trump. Who next? Fortunately Homer Simpson is a fictional character.
5
St. John's, BTW; NOT St. Joseph's.
I'm sorry to say that Trump's red face and menacing expression and threating radioactive speech might play in a redneck bar but the reminder of the world was nauseated. He is unfortunately in for a troublesome four years with chaos, mayhem and corruption following his everywhere. My best guess is that he is suffering for the worst case of dispetic stomach ever known as his disposition is worse than a Tasmanian Devil.
14
America Alone
3
Yep, Trump is piece of work. I personally don't care about the "greatness" of various religions- which are usually rooted in some trump-like figure, the rejection of the friendship of other nations is a ridiculously stupid strategy that only a combative heel like trump could enjoy. the country may survive this, but I really do think that we will be damaged as a society to the point that a collective "american" identity will be as antiquated as that of yugoslavian. the fatal flaw is that people do not remember trump's lifetime of narcissism and grifting, treating it as something he has only recently employed as a television clown, a "birther", and a candidate for president. Trump, his seed, and his fellow-travelers are delivering a moral wound to the nation.
13
After dedicating his Presidency to aiding common citizens, Trump's first official act, on Day One of his presidency, was to help bankers charge higher fees on mortgage loans. Any fears that he might mean what he says can be put to rest. http://www.politico.com/blogs/donald-trump-administration/2017/01/trump-...
6
Ironically Trump's speech would more accurately given four years from now. Delete the parts about America First, educational systems overflowing with cash (?), etc. Insert a part about income shifting overwhelmingly to the richest 1% of Americans. We no longer have an intelligent, knowledgeable, compassionate grownup for president. It is beyond tragic that a generation of children will grow up with this man as an example of what a President is.
4
The misconception that the GOP and Trump are laboring under is that open engagement and harmonious relations with the rest of the world, including vibrant international trade, is somehow inconsistent with "America first." It's always been "America first," throughout the Obama administration.
The difference is that Trump's distorted vision for America falls far short of Obama's. Trump lowers expectations for our nation, our people and our world. Guided by a distorted concept of America seemingly rooted in 1960s television drama, Trump fundamentally misunderstands how the world works today.
I know that in the long run he will be a meaningless diversion for our country, but at the age of 58, I am sad that the heights to which we could soar in my lifetime have been cut short. I hope my 18-year old son lives to laugh at Trump and this brief step backward.
The difference is that Trump's distorted vision for America falls far short of Obama's. Trump lowers expectations for our nation, our people and our world. Guided by a distorted concept of America seemingly rooted in 1960s television drama, Trump fundamentally misunderstands how the world works today.
I know that in the long run he will be a meaningless diversion for our country, but at the age of 58, I am sad that the heights to which we could soar in my lifetime have been cut short. I hope my 18-year old son lives to laugh at Trump and this brief step backward.
10
'The misconception that the GOP and Trump are laboring under is that open engagement and harmonious relations with the rest of the world, including vibrant international trade, is somehow inconsistent with "America first." '
Open engagement is a great thing but it's long past time we stopped paying in blood and gold to be the world's policeman. e.g. NATO is a worthwhile endeavor but we are currently the only member nation that meets its requirement on military spending. It's long past time Europe starting carrying their fair share of the burden.
The problem isn't international trade. It's passing stringent environmental and labor regulations in the US, and then signing trade deals that encourage corporations to move manufacturing to countries where they can use slave labor and pollute as much as they want.
Open engagement is a great thing but it's long past time we stopped paying in blood and gold to be the world's policeman. e.g. NATO is a worthwhile endeavor but we are currently the only member nation that meets its requirement on military spending. It's long past time Europe starting carrying their fair share of the burden.
The problem isn't international trade. It's passing stringent environmental and labor regulations in the US, and then signing trade deals that encourage corporations to move manufacturing to countries where they can use slave labor and pollute as much as they want.
Working-class prosperity is the number one goal for Trump's Goldman Sachs team. Once they get to work jobs paying 70-100k a year with no college education will abound.
2
"For Mr. Trump, there are no real American friends in the world, just countries that steal our jobs and our money, while letting us dangerously deplete our military and leave our borders undefended"
All con men see the entire world as a mark, to be taken advantage of at every opportunity. The con man believes everyone else is trying to con him, because he can't imagine anything else. The con man believes anyone he can best is a loser, and that he is a winner.
All con men see the entire world as a mark, to be taken advantage of at every opportunity. The con man believes everyone else is trying to con him, because he can't imagine anything else. The con man believes anyone he can best is a loser, and that he is a winner.
8
I was in a clients office and they had the large flat screen in the conference room turned on to the Inaguration ceremony. His employees were all star struck as Pence and Trump came out of the door onto the stage. I receoiled in horror when I heard Trump's "carnage" comment, and the employees were elated. The same group of employee's with their $3,000,000 homes in Grennwich and Darien, and a parking lot of Mercedes, Tesla's, Mercedes and Range Rovers. The carnage is only now to begin- as the rights and quality of lives for all Americans starts to get crushed by the government for, and by, 1%er's. Who needs clean air and water, women's rights, a quality public education, a free press or a President who actually puts forth the effort to learn about any topic. Trump will feed his acolytes bread and provide them with Twitter circus's as he steals this country away from all of us. God help us.
13
Perfect. It helps hear your own thoughts running around in your head expressed so well. Thank you.
Maybe Bannon was his speech writer.
1
He sure did not write the speech himself. Too many big words and no very,very,very great,great,great.
"Govern", or "rule". I believe he may by the "imperial" president that many thought Mr. Obama was. Given his propensity in using the letter "I", and with the alienation with the majority of the people, and possibly Congress, any "carnage" is created by Mr. Trump and he will continue to allow the carnage and hate to fester for the next four years. That carnage may be in the form of edicts and executive orders in the form and quantities that this nation has never seen possibly due to his understanding of the three branches of our government and how they work.
He will seek public support of his edicts and initiatives, yet, with his continual alienation of the Fourth Estate, how will he get his message out other than through many of the "fringe" media outlets. I believe his presidency will be a failure that will be discussed in many history lessons in the future.
He will seek public support of his edicts and initiatives, yet, with his continual alienation of the Fourth Estate, how will he get his message out other than through many of the "fringe" media outlets. I believe his presidency will be a failure that will be discussed in many history lessons in the future.
1
Trump knows all about carnage, as do his creditors. What as sad day for America.
12
" ...... If any new president had a need to repair the breach, it was Mr. Trump — who was roundly, even vehemently, rejected by nearly 66 million voters"
Yes, completely agree and his speech didn't even make an effort to mend any fractures. Vehemently reject is an apt term for how I feel about this embarrassing president-elect. #VehementlyReject
Yes, completely agree and his speech didn't even make an effort to mend any fractures. Vehemently reject is an apt term for how I feel about this embarrassing president-elect. #VehementlyReject
5
" even vehemently, rejected by nearly 66 million voters"
I know folks who didn't vote for Trump. It wasn't a vehement rejection. Your assertion is false.
I know folks who didn't vote for Trump. It wasn't a vehement rejection. Your assertion is false.
1
I did not listen to the inaugural address. My wife did and was brought to tears. I am not a fan of Donald Trump and much less so the GOP. My fear is that the worst aspects of the GOP will be given greater substance during a Trump Presidency; that and Trump as Putin's Chaos agent.
In spite of this, I consider this Op-Ed piece to be paternalistic and condescending. I certainly do not care about "soaring rhetoric", I've heard all the "bright words" that I can stomach for a lifetime. For those individuals who had good paying jobs in manufacturing but lost them, it is a state of "American Carnage".
The tone of this piece is precisely the reason that the Power Elite of the Democratic Party lost this election and has been doing poorly overall.
The truth is that many people care about opportunity and jobs first and foremost and given those "rusted factories" and the resulting annual trade deficit of over 1/2 trillion dollars one rightfully questions how we got here. The Democratic Elite were no less venal than their so-called Republican counterparts with respect to not investing in the wealth creating future of this country but skimming for the short term.
That elite is at the heart of why a nation listened to a short speech this time around as opposed to a speech filled with soaring rhetoric, none of which would result in meaningful policy.
In spite of this, I consider this Op-Ed piece to be paternalistic and condescending. I certainly do not care about "soaring rhetoric", I've heard all the "bright words" that I can stomach for a lifetime. For those individuals who had good paying jobs in manufacturing but lost them, it is a state of "American Carnage".
The tone of this piece is precisely the reason that the Power Elite of the Democratic Party lost this election and has been doing poorly overall.
The truth is that many people care about opportunity and jobs first and foremost and given those "rusted factories" and the resulting annual trade deficit of over 1/2 trillion dollars one rightfully questions how we got here. The Democratic Elite were no less venal than their so-called Republican counterparts with respect to not investing in the wealth creating future of this country but skimming for the short term.
That elite is at the heart of why a nation listened to a short speech this time around as opposed to a speech filled with soaring rhetoric, none of which would result in meaningful policy.
2
Friendless America is now being led by someone who seems to be an unfiendly person. Even his smile is more like a snear than smile.
2
Well, at least we know that that speech was not plagiarized.
4
very good and very funny!
Guess what--I posted yr comment on my FB page , someone pointed out he did plagiarize--lifted from DC Comics villain Bane...what a hoot! I'm sure its out there some where
You mean like Biden's or Elizabeth Warren's Pocahatus or Blumenthal, the Vietnam Vet?
1
Mr. Douthat.
How can something so 'dark', as you yourself describe it, yield either fascism, or if viewed from just the right angle, with just the right lighting, with eyes squinted a bit, be seen alternatively as some new utopian ideal.
You are the Times' answer to Kelly Ann Conway.
How can something so 'dark', as you yourself describe it, yield either fascism, or if viewed from just the right angle, with just the right lighting, with eyes squinted a bit, be seen alternatively as some new utopian ideal.
You are the Times' answer to Kelly Ann Conway.
Let us pray to any and all gods from non fundamentalist Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and New Ageism etc..
Let us pray that our good friends in EU (minus Britain et al.), survive their xenophobia.
Let us pray that progressivism survives this journey run by our own particular xenophobic core and inspired by our new xenophobic president.
While we pray, let us count the WORLD REFUGEES freeing tyranny (most fed by us) and compare the countries that have taken in some of them. In this comparison we do not shine.
Let us pray that our good friends in EU (minus Britain et al.), survive their xenophobia.
Let us pray that progressivism survives this journey run by our own particular xenophobic core and inspired by our new xenophobic president.
While we pray, let us count the WORLD REFUGEES freeing tyranny (most fed by us) and compare the countries that have taken in some of them. In this comparison we do not shine.
2
Michael,
Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the City of London will not leave the EU. Small England will have to decide what it will do but may decide surrendering all sovereignty to Washington might not be the solution to their perceived diminished self government.
Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the City of London will not leave the EU. Small England will have to decide what it will do but may decide surrendering all sovereignty to Washington might not be the solution to their perceived diminished self government.
1
There is NO American carnage. But there is lot of twitter trash on a daily basis. America is already Great and just needs a tune-up. None of the the angry, gloomy talk of the new president. I expected a more positive speech but got none. SAD.
10
"There is NO American carnage."
I don't know about that. The NYT has run articles about the murder rates on the south side of Chicago.
And we did have homegrown ISIS attacks in Florida and California. The scenes there certainly looked like carnage.
I don't know about that. The NYT has run articles about the murder rates on the south side of Chicago.
And we did have homegrown ISIS attacks in Florida and California. The scenes there certainly looked like carnage.
2
@JP
Murder rates on the South Side Chicago is cause for concern, but murder rates and crime rates are still at historic lows in decades nationally. Likewise, although the ISIS attacks were terrible, the odds of dying in a terror attack is still lower than being struck by lightning. While these are real problems to be tackled, calling them carnage is fear-mongering. But then again, without fear-mongering, where would Trump be today? Probably Trump Tower, but not the White House.
Murder rates on the South Side Chicago is cause for concern, but murder rates and crime rates are still at historic lows in decades nationally. Likewise, although the ISIS attacks were terrible, the odds of dying in a terror attack is still lower than being struck by lightning. While these are real problems to be tackled, calling them carnage is fear-mongering. But then again, without fear-mongering, where would Trump be today? Probably Trump Tower, but not the White House.
2
Oh stop with the fear mongering and Nazi analogies. It is amazing how offended extremist liberals are by a President stating that he is going to make the interests of the United States his priority.
You guys are running out of things to use to stoke this mindless partisan fear. Give it a rest. It is silly and makes you all look foolish.
You guys are running out of things to use to stoke this mindless partisan fear. Give it a rest. It is silly and makes you all look foolish.
5
Come on. The speech sucked and it was mean spirited and boring.
This President made clear what he means by "America First" when he railed against the supposed conspiracy of international elites a few days before the election. He made it clear when he made Steve Bannon his senior strategist. He made it clear when he villainized hispanics--not just immigrants, but an American-born judge.
Those who look foolish are those who ignore the history of this President's rhetoric.
Those who look foolish are those who ignore the history of this President's rhetoric.
so in a couple of years, when the deficit is sky high (thanks to unsupported tax cuts), the economy is in a shambles, we are in trade wars with multiple countries, and maybe a hot war or two somewhere, will you rightie's finally admit your fundamental guiding philosophies are completely wrong?
This pathetic excuse for a leader kicked off his Presidency with a speech describing an America that many of us don't even recognize. Where was the hopeful, inspirational, thoughtful language that most of his 44 predecessors called upon to pull us all together? The answer is that just isn't part of his playbook and we can expect this self centered anger, ranting and intimidation to continue for 4 years while our standing in the world with our allies and adversaries erodes. Good luck to the other 2 branches of government in controlling this buffoon.
34
I did not watch the inaugural address, but it I was Trump I would have quoted from W. C. Fields:
"Never give a sucker an even break"
Trump has suckered the nation and now he can exploit us to the max. We have been had, lock stock and barrel. I hope we the American people will start to WAKE UP. The BULLY now has the pulpit and the keys to the nation.
From a War on TERROR, we may now need a War on Trump ERROR!
=================================================
"Never give a sucker an even break"
Trump has suckered the nation and now he can exploit us to the max. We have been had, lock stock and barrel. I hope we the American people will start to WAKE UP. The BULLY now has the pulpit and the keys to the nation.
From a War on TERROR, we may now need a War on Trump ERROR!
=================================================
2
The reason you did not recognize the America Trump described is the reason Hillary Clinton was defeated after cheating Sanders out of the nomination.
“the likes of which the world has never seen before” is Trump speak for I can't believe it myself.
Remember: in his mind, he is the world.
Remember: in his mind, he is the world.
Thank you so much for your incisive comments. Today is a day where we should ALL be proud to be Americans. Your candidate didn't win? Wait til next year, but meanwhile today is a day we should all be grateful for what John F. Kennedy called "Our old but youthful Republic".
Excellent essay. Trump doesn't understand the difference between patriotism and nationalism. He extols the latter at the expense of the former.
2
Drivel indeed. While those those who voted for Trump have lost their jobs to a chip, I personally have prospered in the last 16 years w/out a college education by reinvention. I didn't wait for the government and a bigoted President to bring back steel mills.
Theresa May lashed out at John Kerry on his speech on Israel as she was hoping to ingratiate herself with Drumpf and his minions, fat chance of that happening.
Theresa May lashed out at John Kerry on his speech on Israel as she was hoping to ingratiate herself with Drumpf and his minions, fat chance of that happening.
2
George W Bush was no wordsmith, and he frequently got lost in malapropism. But for the most part, his addresses were lighthearted, optimistic, focused on policy. I'm afraid that we are in for a long four years of dystopian, dreary campaign speeches, with partisan, insulting swipes at any opposed view. And I fear that all the progress made since WW II to integrate the interests of nations so that chauvinism doesn't devolve into conflict will now be swept away by 'America First' or 'Britain First' or God forbid after April, 'France First.' We seem to have lost all memory of the decades that spawned the last world war. Does that simple-minded minority that supported Trump to lash out at elites really understand the enormous danger they have unleashed on the entire world?
4
Expressing the sluggishness, ineptness, instable foundation and tangled wiring of his thinking, Trump is often dragging out a long "okaaaaay?" between his rickety wicked-bent statements, and the only answer can be: "No."
To have witnessed the GOP, in accord with the Greed Overpowered Plutocracy it has come to represent and identify itself with, steal Congress seats, Governorships and now once again a Presidency, jointly with ALEC Annulling the Liberty of the Electorate by Crossmatching, disenfranchising and gerrymandering democracy to poof: not okay.
To have witnessed an election where voters have not been wised up on the issues at stake by their evening news that´s supposed to serve them, but almost solely on stuff the GOP had a joyride with: lies and faked consternation on Benghazi, Obamacare and emails: not okay.
Pieces of fake bake dressed up as delicacies to be bought with a poisoned voucher, while our future is being stealthily robbed, defunded, polluted and scored to the dynamics of hell, just to keep us complacent enough today: not okay.
A Ponzi scheme dynasty poised to outsource our educational and other institutions for private profit sake: not okay.
Russian and FBI election meddling and the continued influence peddling by robber barons like Putin, Puzder, Pruitt, Price, Prince, Mercer, Mnuchin etc. with and in our government: not okay.
A self-professed groper and a stiffer as our President: not okay.
It´s a sad shame and a rigged game.
And it´s not okay.
To have witnessed the GOP, in accord with the Greed Overpowered Plutocracy it has come to represent and identify itself with, steal Congress seats, Governorships and now once again a Presidency, jointly with ALEC Annulling the Liberty of the Electorate by Crossmatching, disenfranchising and gerrymandering democracy to poof: not okay.
To have witnessed an election where voters have not been wised up on the issues at stake by their evening news that´s supposed to serve them, but almost solely on stuff the GOP had a joyride with: lies and faked consternation on Benghazi, Obamacare and emails: not okay.
Pieces of fake bake dressed up as delicacies to be bought with a poisoned voucher, while our future is being stealthily robbed, defunded, polluted and scored to the dynamics of hell, just to keep us complacent enough today: not okay.
A Ponzi scheme dynasty poised to outsource our educational and other institutions for private profit sake: not okay.
Russian and FBI election meddling and the continued influence peddling by robber barons like Putin, Puzder, Pruitt, Price, Prince, Mercer, Mnuchin etc. with and in our government: not okay.
A self-professed groper and a stiffer as our President: not okay.
It´s a sad shame and a rigged game.
And it´s not okay.
3
This is our president. We elected him to lead us.
He is the Commander in Chief and it is our duty to get behind him to make sure he succeeds in leading our country.
If you don't like his policies then do something about it.
But we are all in this together.
He is the Commander in Chief and it is our duty to get behind him to make sure he succeeds in leading our country.
If you don't like his policies then do something about it.
But we are all in this together.
2
No it's not our duty to make him successful in wrecking havoc on minorities, LGBT, climate, foreign policies, struggling countries
This "American carnage" phrase might be the worst and most false notion any incoming president has ever uttered, comparable to Reagan saying that government is the problem.
2
It seems to me that the Prime Minister of England should spend more time working on Brexit, which was an "England first!" declaration to the rest of Europe, than worrying about what the US is going to do. I'm no fan of Trump, which is probably the reason for my crankiness right now, but England wants to focus on itself right now, operate outside the bounds of external agreements and regulations, and strive to reach their full potential, and they shouldn't fault the US President for wanting to do the same.
There is no Prime Minister of England. Prime Minister May is P.M. of the entire United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
2
The Resistance? The Left has become unhinged. Here's a thought: instead of public displays of moral vanity, why not pull a Tea Party and organize yourselves. I know its boring, tedious, and hardly full of the revolutionary zeal the bourgeois left loves to display, but it gets things done in a democracy. Yes, a reminder to all you anarchists, fools and children: we are still a democracy.
1
Although you meant your comment as a sneer at all who oppose Mr. Trump and fear his assumption of power, you spoke some hard truths. The left activist wing would rather do street theater (here comes those upper middle class matrons in their pink hats tomorrow) clutching the latest expensive techno wizardry in photo snapping. The opposition needs instead to register voters, learn how to run political campaigns, involve people with less than elite college degrees or addictions to a movement orthodoxy as unyielding as medieval Catholicism. In short build bridges to moderates and big box store shoppers, among others.
2
I'm sure the citizens of DC would appreciate it if the Left would "pull a Tea Party" and clean up after themselves
Did you forget Occupy, BLM ? Those were the biggest protests over the last 10 years, even though Obama was President. Also, once the left protests then you would throw around epithets like jobless, welfare
Celebrate the inauguration of a man who has made it plain that he intends to wreck our political institutions and govern as an autocrat? Who will hand the Atlantic alliance over to the Russians, and destroy the planet to the short-term benefit of his cronies? Trump is not the vindication of our institutions and traditions; he's their executioner. Nothing to celebrate here.
11
Trump always talks about how terrible life is in America. How does he know anything about ordinary people's lives when he lives in a gilded Manhattan penthouse? Trump is a complete fraud.
3
When the school yard bully would threaten to take his ball and go home, eventually he had the good sense that it was more fun to play with others.
We're waiting.......
We're waiting.......
“Leader” is a title to be earned. The media uses the word, but Trump hasn’t earned the respect or trust embodied in that title—he is, by virtue of the election, “Head of State,” because the Founders overlooked character and past-practice qualifications as prerequisites, which would have disqualified him from running, as it does most of his nominees from posts they crave.
Trump can be excused because he believes he is a superior being and whatever he does must be acceptable and accepted. So, as with criminals deemed unable to defend themselves are committed to asylums rather than sentenced to prisons, Trump’s delusional wield of power must be confined for the sake of others. But Republicans in Congress get no such pass. Their acceptance of him and refusal to leash him by denying confirmation to cabinet nominees who are unqualified by experience and past-practice places Republicans in Trump’s behavioral cesspool and represents their selfish, obsessive political ambitions, put ahead of the nation’s welfare.
America needs a “leader,” and will not find one in Trump, so Republicans in Congress must reverse their post-election hypocrisy, repeat the acknowledgment they often made, pre-election, of Trump’s many disturbing flaws, and restrain him by ensuring a cabinet of integrity and experience, since he has none to guide it, and make his businesses’ divestiture a legal requirement by passing Sen. Warren’s bill, which might drive him to resign, since they are his obvious priority.
Trump can be excused because he believes he is a superior being and whatever he does must be acceptable and accepted. So, as with criminals deemed unable to defend themselves are committed to asylums rather than sentenced to prisons, Trump’s delusional wield of power must be confined for the sake of others. But Republicans in Congress get no such pass. Their acceptance of him and refusal to leash him by denying confirmation to cabinet nominees who are unqualified by experience and past-practice places Republicans in Trump’s behavioral cesspool and represents their selfish, obsessive political ambitions, put ahead of the nation’s welfare.
America needs a “leader,” and will not find one in Trump, so Republicans in Congress must reverse their post-election hypocrisy, repeat the acknowledgment they often made, pre-election, of Trump’s many disturbing flaws, and restrain him by ensuring a cabinet of integrity and experience, since he has none to guide it, and make his businesses’ divestiture a legal requirement by passing Sen. Warren’s bill, which might drive him to resign, since they are his obvious priority.
1
Now hang on. There is a lot about Trump I neither like nor trust, but he did strike some positive & unifying themes in his speech. Let's give them some credit.
"Through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other. When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice."
"We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the earth from the miseries of disease and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow."
"Remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American flag."
These are not exactly racist dog-whistles. Talk is cheap, but at least it sounds like he's taking the job seriously and trying to do it well.
We can and should call him out, when he fails to live up to his oath of office but I don't see how you can say "Absent was any soaring declaration of the values and traditions of our nation" when his speech included them.
Facts matter on our side of the ideological divide too, you know.
"Through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other. When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice."
"We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the earth from the miseries of disease and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow."
"Remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American flag."
These are not exactly racist dog-whistles. Talk is cheap, but at least it sounds like he's taking the job seriously and trying to do it well.
We can and should call him out, when he fails to live up to his oath of office but I don't see how you can say "Absent was any soaring declaration of the values and traditions of our nation" when his speech included them.
Facts matter on our side of the ideological divide too, you know.
2
The speech probably sounded better in the original German.
7
Let's agree that the speech was recycled campaign rhetoric with nothing of nobility or introspection included in it. Did anyone who watched this person over the campaign expect him to suddenly morph from a nasty caterpillar into a butterfly?
What is wrong with noting the distress of blue collar America and the fact that trade policy/globalization had a large part in forever wiping away the basis of a solid middle class existence for many who now struggle in a service economy? He didn't exempt the GOP in his remarks. He attacked the political class (and as an HRC voter I must ruefully concede that includes her) and the Dem establishment who voted for NAFTA and everything else. As to they are not (though a distressing number qualify) all white nationalist, conspiracy minded, tinfoil hat wearing kooks and racists. Most were simply ordinary afraid and ignored persons told repeatedly by the hard left they were "privileged" as they faced bankruptcy, relatives on drugs, and main streets with shuttered storefronts. You think they might be slightly resentful if told they are "privileged" by activists ?
Yes, he is a loathsome human being, and one who may have dark secrets to hide and ethical issues the height of Mt. Denali, but don't confuse him with the ordinary Americans who voted for him and whose cares and fears get no hearing but only disdain on the hard left. We can and must do better or else more demagogues lurk in the wings (See Europe).
What is wrong with noting the distress of blue collar America and the fact that trade policy/globalization had a large part in forever wiping away the basis of a solid middle class existence for many who now struggle in a service economy? He didn't exempt the GOP in his remarks. He attacked the political class (and as an HRC voter I must ruefully concede that includes her) and the Dem establishment who voted for NAFTA and everything else. As to they are not (though a distressing number qualify) all white nationalist, conspiracy minded, tinfoil hat wearing kooks and racists. Most were simply ordinary afraid and ignored persons told repeatedly by the hard left they were "privileged" as they faced bankruptcy, relatives on drugs, and main streets with shuttered storefronts. You think they might be slightly resentful if told they are "privileged" by activists ?
Yes, he is a loathsome human being, and one who may have dark secrets to hide and ethical issues the height of Mt. Denali, but don't confuse him with the ordinary Americans who voted for him and whose cares and fears get no hearing but only disdain on the hard left. We can and must do better or else more demagogues lurk in the wings (See Europe).
1
Yes, sadly, it will be far worse than anyone imagined, or was willing to articulate. It will be so awful, in fact, Americans will be asking themselves why they did not deploy a much firmer strategy to prevent this calamity. This is not an unknown quantity. Everything about this man & his entourage is very well known. Allowing them to put their collective weight on the levers of US power is extraordinarily reckless. Look to yourselves, first and foremost. Don't forget how decisively Russian dementia figured in this toxic wish list, either. First casualty: our habitat on this planet.
5
Pastor Jeffress previous statements that Barack Obama paved the way for the antichrist may turn out to be a bit more prophetic than he originally imagined.
11
As an artist, here's a quick cartoon I just made with my reaction to today's astonishing events:
http://www.yjstudios.com/blog/2017/01/20/trump-inauguration-cartoon/
http://www.yjstudios.com/blog/2017/01/20/trump-inauguration-cartoon/
2
Rhetoric without Intellect! -
Secretary of Treasury nominee (Goldman Sachs) forgets about $100M of real estate.
Secretary of EPA nominee - a climate change denialist.
All talk! Drain the swamp! bring back coal jobs! Fantastic! Sad and overrated......
Secretary of Treasury nominee (Goldman Sachs) forgets about $100M of real estate.
Secretary of EPA nominee - a climate change denialist.
All talk! Drain the swamp! bring back coal jobs! Fantastic! Sad and overrated......
2
Humanity's exposure to one another reveals we are becoming more interdependent. New challenges, for example, the threat of nuclear war, pollution of the environment, and widespread hunger require a global method of problem solving. The present nationalistic model of social, economic, and political organization described by Mr. Trump is inadequate and anachronistic.
Both decentralization toward local initiative, and globalization towards international agreements, cooperation and structures is critically necessary at this stage of human development.
Mr. Trump's demand of "America first" will undoubtedly be tested as the paradigm of an advancing civilization resists human devolution.
Both decentralization toward local initiative, and globalization towards international agreements, cooperation and structures is critically necessary at this stage of human development.
Mr. Trump's demand of "America first" will undoubtedly be tested as the paradigm of an advancing civilization resists human devolution.
1
A full investigation. Absolutely.
But the truth is right before us- Russia wants Trump because he discredits our system, weakens our international standing, is easily manipulated, has chaos and disinformation as a method, etc., etc. He is a spectacularly weak character masquerading in ambition and bluster.
Republicans in congress will put up with him because they want/need him for their agenda of control of the federal government and rewards for their donor class. He has not yet become a full, flaming liability, but the dumpster is smoldering, so they must hurry.
Trump's relationship to Russia, his taxes, ethical problems, etc. - certainly there are more revelations to come, but none of them will be a surprise. There will be new outrages as well. Will new findings rise to a level such that public opinion negates him or an actionable technocratic course to end his presidency (impeachment or other) develops?
It is only a matter of time.
But the truth is right before us- Russia wants Trump because he discredits our system, weakens our international standing, is easily manipulated, has chaos and disinformation as a method, etc., etc. He is a spectacularly weak character masquerading in ambition and bluster.
Republicans in congress will put up with him because they want/need him for their agenda of control of the federal government and rewards for their donor class. He has not yet become a full, flaming liability, but the dumpster is smoldering, so they must hurry.
Trump's relationship to Russia, his taxes, ethical problems, etc. - certainly there are more revelations to come, but none of them will be a surprise. There will be new outrages as well. Will new findings rise to a level such that public opinion negates him or an actionable technocratic course to end his presidency (impeachment or other) develops?
It is only a matter of time.
6
Getting America back to its true direction of representation of the people and the carnage Obama's administration caused will be a big challenge to us.
CNN commentator Jack Cafferty wrote in his 2007 book, "It's Getting Ugly Out There," about president Bush;
"…he was the worst president I can remember —ever. He's a disgrace and an embarrassment. He's arrogant and ignorant... he has single-handedly ruined the reputation of the greatest nation on earth."
Except for the anti-Semitic Jimmy Carter who constantly defames Jews and Israel in all his interviews in the media—after eight years Obama now exceeds the disparagement Cafferty said about Bush.
Millions of Americans think so according to the polls and the trouncing the Democratic party received.
He has set poor against rich.
He has set blacks against whites.
He has set young against the aged.
He has set workers against employers.
He has set states against government.
He has set Democrats and Repubicans against each other.
Even worse.
He promised to bring us together with his "rainbow coalition" in his presidential campaign.
Obama has divided our nation more than any other president.
CNN commentator Jack Cafferty wrote in his 2007 book, "It's Getting Ugly Out There," about president Bush;
"…he was the worst president I can remember —ever. He's a disgrace and an embarrassment. He's arrogant and ignorant... he has single-handedly ruined the reputation of the greatest nation on earth."
Except for the anti-Semitic Jimmy Carter who constantly defames Jews and Israel in all his interviews in the media—after eight years Obama now exceeds the disparagement Cafferty said about Bush.
Millions of Americans think so according to the polls and the trouncing the Democratic party received.
He has set poor against rich.
He has set blacks against whites.
He has set young against the aged.
He has set workers against employers.
He has set states against government.
He has set Democrats and Repubicans against each other.
Even worse.
He promised to bring us together with his "rainbow coalition" in his presidential campaign.
Obama has divided our nation more than any other president.
3
He has not. This is a myth of misinformation. It takes two not to tango -- and you know it.
4
Fantastic speech pointing out the failures of the Marxist leaving office and the uselessness of Congress. Glad we have a person who won't back down from foreign governments and will put America first.
3
You don't know what Marxism is. You are a slave to misinformation.
3
This is a joke? A bit of sarcasm?
"Absent was any soaring declaration of the values and traditions of our nation."
Perhaps the absence was due to the fact that Trump hasn't a clue about the "values and traditions of our nation." He knows only that which feeds his monstrous ego and infantile need to be admired.
Perhaps the absence was due to the fact that Trump hasn't a clue about the "values and traditions of our nation." He knows only that which feeds his monstrous ego and infantile need to be admired.
5
In November, scores of Americans who lost faith in the federal government's leadership decided it was proper to support a faithless, shameless demagogue to preside over that leadership.
Idiocy is now devastating this once fair nation like a conflagration.
Idiocy is now devastating this once fair nation like a conflagration.
7
And those of us who did not vote for Trump will suffer as well..
1
Maybe before everyone jumps on Trump's employment band wagon they should take the time to read the books of all the people who worked for Nixon and went to prison. Or listen to John Dean who has talked and written extensively about working for someone who doesn't respect the rule of law.
4
"American Carnage" is the phrase speechwriters were forced to come up with when they realized there was no actual policy plans coming from the the man who is history's least prepared for his new role. It is hard to remember another speech with more empty rhetoric-----but I am confident we can expect nothing but more and more empty rhetoric as Mr. Trump and his party do everything possible to diminish the effective role of government. By the end of his term, I am certain Mr. Trump and the GOP "leadership" (sic) will have done all they could to fulfill Grover Norquist's hope that they can "drown it in the bathtub."
1
In his inaugural speech, "President" Trump (a dreadful oxymoron) spoke with the kind of free spirit that guided many westward during our nation's 19th century adolescence.
Trouble is, his was the kind of free spirit that guided drunken adolescent gunslingers and blowhards, not the mature visionaries and innovators.
Trouble is, his was the kind of free spirit that guided drunken adolescent gunslingers and blowhards, not the mature visionaries and innovators.
Perhaps the author should "resist" identity politics instead of further promoting it. It clearly contributed to the Democrats' loss.
I wrote about the "American carnage" 12 years years ago in my first novel Dream Junkies, and no publisher wanted to get dirty with it. I am glad that an American President is finally talking about it. It will be incredibly hard to reverse it, but I wish him success!
Trump's inauguration speech was a strategic social war tactic. He reinforced the hopeful fervor of those who elected him, regardless of facts. When liberals protest as Trump sells off our national parks and basic infrastructure while further lining the pockets of the top 10%, while he and his appointees simultaneously strip our basic rights, the disenfranchised who Trump appeals to will fight to their death clinging to beliefs Trump is a compassionate despot who will save them. The press keeps ignoring the real needs of middle America feeling better understood and supported...in reality not in rhetoric. Obama supported too much "business as usual", starting with his initial cabinet appointees. Middle America has a fervent need to be rescued from the "system". They don't trust the press. The profiteering our laws have supported, regardless of political affiliation, has created a poorly educated, consumer-oriented, sound bite reactive America.
1
Hillary devoutly wished to strip Americans of our Second Amendment rights, per her desire for Australian-style bans and confiscation. She was planning to stack the Supreme Court, in order to have the Second Amendment redefined (as they recently redefined MARRIAGE) so that essentially, the Second Amendment would be toothless and worthless.
That WAS her plan. She stated it often, and loudly, and clearly.
That WAS her plan. She stated it often, and loudly, and clearly.
2
"Donald Trump gave us “American carnage.”
Tombstones of rusted factories. Foreign enemies stealing our jobs and swarming our borders."
As these things are not true, it will be easy for him to claim in four years' time that HE fixed them and made America Great Again.
There is no carnage, industry is being reborn, if any job stealing is being done it is by automation and our borders are not being swarmed.
America IS great already - thanks to a great Democratic President: Barack Obama!
Tombstones of rusted factories. Foreign enemies stealing our jobs and swarming our borders."
As these things are not true, it will be easy for him to claim in four years' time that HE fixed them and made America Great Again.
There is no carnage, industry is being reborn, if any job stealing is being done it is by automation and our borders are not being swarmed.
America IS great already - thanks to a great Democratic President: Barack Obama!
2
So...in some hoity toity CONNECTICUT suburb, you don't think there are tombstones of rusting factories?
Sir, I cordially invite you to my hometown in Ohio, where I will take you on an all-expenses paid tour of rusting and empty factories that were occupied and busy within my lifetime. And I will provide documentation of where those factories went, and I assure that it was not "automation" which closed them down. They went to Mexico and China and India and I CAN PROVE IT.
The lefty meme that "it's all due to automation" is one of the ugliest and most self-serving lies in politics today.
And our borders ARE being swarmed -- what happened in the summer of 2014? or is that too long ago for your fragile memory to recall?
Sir, I cordially invite you to my hometown in Ohio, where I will take you on an all-expenses paid tour of rusting and empty factories that were occupied and busy within my lifetime. And I will provide documentation of where those factories went, and I assure that it was not "automation" which closed them down. They went to Mexico and China and India and I CAN PROVE IT.
The lefty meme that "it's all due to automation" is one of the ugliest and most self-serving lies in politics today.
And our borders ARE being swarmed -- what happened in the summer of 2014? or is that too long ago for your fragile memory to recall?
2
I think it was one of the greatest inauguration speeches since Gerald Ford's or you could go back further for the profound thematic elements posited by John Tylor, Andrew Johnson and Chester Arthur or compare it favorably to the gold standard of inaugurations speeches set by Millard Fillmore.
1
The best part of the inauguration were the lyrics sung by the Missouri State Chorale. (The lyrics by Michael Dennis Browne). Would potus understand this poem?
Here are the voices of every creature,
Here are the calls of every heart;
Here is the place of strangers' welcome,
We who once walked in strangers' shoes.
Once we were strangers,
We were welcomed,
Now we belong and believe in this land.
Here are the rivers of many echoes,
Here are the leaves of every tree;
Within us live the long horizons,
Winds that stir the sacred stones.
Once we were strangers,
We were welcomed,
Now we belong and believe in this land.
Keep faith, keep watch,
Take heart, take courage,
Guard mind, guard spirit,
Feed love, feed longing.
Here are the cities where we have gathered,
Here are the barns where hope is stored;
We are the gleams of every being,
Filled with the dreams that build the day.
Once we were strangers,
We were welcomed,
Now we belong and believe in this land.
Keep faith, guard mind,
Take heart, guard spirit,
Take courage, keep watch,
Feed longing, feed love.
Here are the voices of every creature,
Here are the calls of every heart;
Here is the place of strangers' welcome,
We who once walked in strangers' shoes.
Once we were strangers,
We were welcomed,
Now we belong and believe in this land.
Here are the rivers of many echoes,
Here are the leaves of every tree;
Within us live the long horizons,
Winds that stir the sacred stones.
Once we were strangers,
We were welcomed,
Now we belong and believe in this land.
Keep faith, keep watch,
Take heart, take courage,
Guard mind, guard spirit,
Feed love, feed longing.
Here are the cities where we have gathered,
Here are the barns where hope is stored;
We are the gleams of every being,
Filled with the dreams that build the day.
Once we were strangers,
We were welcomed,
Now we belong and believe in this land.
Keep faith, guard mind,
Take heart, guard spirit,
Take courage, keep watch,
Feed longing, feed love.
1
Resistance is Fertile!
Well done.
Here's what I saw at the inauguration: trump's off-on-off-on-again critic/ally Paul Ryan positioning himself in full view of the camera and grinning like a Cheshire cat.
No wonder. His pre-election switcheroos were all dictated by which way the political winds seemed to be blowing, but the cat landed on its feet. Ryan's party now has a president in its own mean image, and he's clearly salivating at the thought of a White House that will rubber stamp his agenda.
No wonder. His pre-election switcheroos were all dictated by which way the political winds seemed to be blowing, but the cat landed on its feet. Ryan's party now has a president in its own mean image, and he's clearly salivating at the thought of a White House that will rubber stamp his agenda.
2
Ryan is no friend of Trump, and Trump remembers every slight. Trump likely ran for President because Obama humiliated him at a press dinner event some years ago, making jokes at Trump's expense. Guess who's laughing NOW?
Ryan criticized Trump and withdrew his support, and refused to campaign for him, very clearly. Ryan made a huge mistake, and has been backpedaling since November 8th.
He has a secure job as Speaker, but "friend of Trump"? No way.
Ryan criticized Trump and withdrew his support, and refused to campaign for him, very clearly. Ryan made a huge mistake, and has been backpedaling since November 8th.
He has a secure job as Speaker, but "friend of Trump"? No way.
2
Resist all you like...but a lie is still a lie, and WE the people have sussed you all out.
Trump is going to succeed, despite your arrogance, your sanctimonious permission of the violence and intimidation of your opposition, your insults, your mendacity.
You leftists have failed, and will continue to fail.
Trump is going to succeed, despite your arrogance, your sanctimonious permission of the violence and intimidation of your opposition, your insults, your mendacity.
You leftists have failed, and will continue to fail.
4
They (lefty liberals) predicted Trump would never run. He ran.
They predicted Trump could not possibly win the nomination, not against Jeb(!) or Rubio or Cruz. He won.
They then predicted he had zero chance to win against the well-funded, professional, experienced Clinton Team and the DNC. He won.
He won against all odds, with no political experience or credentials -- relatively little money -- outspent 10-1 -- and every media outlet on both sides of the aisle AGAINST HIM FROM DAY ONE.
He won despite a complete lack of support from his party, which threw him a half-hearted, unenthused Convention where people did not attend or actually walked out. He won anyhow.
Maybe -- MAYBE -- it is time for the left to start taking Mr. Trump seriously?
All the crazy talk about nullifying the Electors and tossing out the election, of do-overs and Obama third terms -- it just has to end. Trump is sworn in. He is your President, no matter how much you dislike him.
They predicted Trump could not possibly win the nomination, not against Jeb(!) or Rubio or Cruz. He won.
They then predicted he had zero chance to win against the well-funded, professional, experienced Clinton Team and the DNC. He won.
He won against all odds, with no political experience or credentials -- relatively little money -- outspent 10-1 -- and every media outlet on both sides of the aisle AGAINST HIM FROM DAY ONE.
He won despite a complete lack of support from his party, which threw him a half-hearted, unenthused Convention where people did not attend or actually walked out. He won anyhow.
Maybe -- MAYBE -- it is time for the left to start taking Mr. Trump seriously?
All the crazy talk about nullifying the Electors and tossing out the election, of do-overs and Obama third terms -- it just has to end. Trump is sworn in. He is your President, no matter how much you dislike him.
2
Remember the words of JFK - what can you for your country. Opposing Trump before he is seated seems to me to be the height of folly and self-absorption. There will be plenty of time to oppose if his acts do not ring true
1
It's easy (and satisfying) to deride the individuals who demonstrate this hypocrisy, especially for those from the opposite party.
But really this is just another indication of how broken party politics are: the power and importance of the two parties, enabled by our flawed plurality voting system, has made party loyalty more important than either policy or morality.
Parties are truly the 4th branch of government, but unlike the first three there are no checks and balances in the Constitution to protect us from their avarice.
So don't blame the individuals...Democrats would fall in line behind Al Sharpton just as quickly. Blame the two party system, and support ranked choice voting! Only voting systems that prevent split votes can take some of the power and influence away from the parties.
But really this is just another indication of how broken party politics are: the power and importance of the two parties, enabled by our flawed plurality voting system, has made party loyalty more important than either policy or morality.
Parties are truly the 4th branch of government, but unlike the first three there are no checks and balances in the Constitution to protect us from their avarice.
So don't blame the individuals...Democrats would fall in line behind Al Sharpton just as quickly. Blame the two party system, and support ranked choice voting! Only voting systems that prevent split votes can take some of the power and influence away from the parties.
1
I'm surprised that the Republican conspiracy machinery isn't running away with the Trump-Russia connection. This is the group that believed Hilary was running a child-sex ring from the basement of a downtown pizza parlor, but can't fathom that Trump has any connection to Putin/Russia. Guess only Democrats are involved in conspiracies.
1
Once Again the Rest of the World views the American Citizens as Fools. Just like when in spite of his obvious war crimes, using lies about WMD to launch an invasion and then continuing the cover up the American public re-elected him and his henchman Cheney. Its another very sad day in America for Americans.
2
When Trump fails, as he will, he'll blame the Democrats, the house Republicans, a rigged system, the federal employees, Obama or whoever comes to his mind. He's the coward boss who never takes responsibility and never says "I'm sorry" when he's wrong.
2
This was my introduction to the "speech" as my resistance today is not to watch. Somehow, against all odds I was hoping for something a bit better than this. But no.
Thank you.
Thank you.
40 times when talking with the Cubs. Lets get real about, personalization. It's all about me, is an Obama hallmark. Why else did he leave his party behind, write executive orders and lose all those seats. Because, it was about himself. His so called legacy.
2
Worse; nothing thoughtful, coherent, or inspiring. Historians of the future will try to make senso of how voters of the most secure, prosperous, and powerful nation could have elected this charlatan, menace, demagogue.
1
“For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost,” he said, shouting that the “establishment protected itself” at the expense of “struggling families across our land,” as though he himself were not a representative and beneficiary of that very establishment.
While I agree with much of that, I also lay the blame at Big Business and the 0.1%, who have reaped all the rewards while the people have borne the cost. The 0.1% protected itselft at the expense of everyone else.
NMP Trump needs to reign in the power of the 0.1%, which includes business as well as politicians, and return it to the people. Or, we will do it ourselves.
While I agree with much of that, I also lay the blame at Big Business and the 0.1%, who have reaped all the rewards while the people have borne the cost. The 0.1% protected itselft at the expense of everyone else.
NMP Trump needs to reign in the power of the 0.1%, which includes business as well as politicians, and return it to the people. Or, we will do it ourselves.
So a trump supporter now decides the campaign promises were smoke and mirrors. This is a surprise how? The blame for this horrible outcome rests completely on the shoulders of those who voted for him. There was ample, MORE THAN AMPLE, information a year ago that this man is a serial liar and completely unfit for office, and yet they still supported him. Now they get what they bought. Unfortunately so do the rest of us.
1
Give the man a chance to be impeached. He is already violating the emolument clause.
"No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States: and no person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state."
"No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States: and no person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state."
3
What office or title or presents is Trump getting from anyone?
Oh, you mean Putin. They don't even know each other.
And what "title of nobility" could you possibly mean? Do you think Trump is now Czar?
Oh, you mean Putin. They don't even know each other.
And what "title of nobility" could you possibly mean? Do you think Trump is now Czar?
2
I am happy today. The Obama legacy.
Republican President
Republican Senate
Republican House
Republican Supreme Court
Couldn't have done it without the help of snotty and hateful liberals like the ones who are constantly commenting in the New York Times.
Thanks libs. :)
Republican President
Republican Senate
Republican House
Republican Supreme Court
Couldn't have done it without the help of snotty and hateful liberals like the ones who are constantly commenting in the New York Times.
Thanks libs. :)
2
Oh lets face it. For most Republicans, Trump was an unqualified and dangerous candidate who could not get elected. Once that last part was no longer the case, they have no problem with the unqualified and dangerous part.
2
Certainly he played to his sparse crowd as they yelled "Lock Her Up" as Hillary stepped out onto the platform. The speech sounded like another "America First" from the 1930's, the "Know Nothings" in the 19th century and Joe McCarthy. We are in trouble.
3
I'm sure the Inaugural Address was amply applauded by the Booboisie.
1
Trump's inauguration speech was a strategic social war tactic. He reinforced his message and the hopeful fervor of those who elected him, regardless of facts. When liberals protest as Trump sells off our national parks and basic infrastructure, while further lining the pockets of the top 10%, while he and his appointees simultaneously strip our basic rights, these disenfranchised hopefuls who Trump appeals to will fight to their death clinging to beliefs Trump is a compassionate despot who will save them. The press keeps ignoring the real needs of middle America feeling better understood. The press reinforces an educated lingo middle America hears as a suspicious betrayal. These profiteers, regardless of political affiliation, have created a poorly educated, consumer-oriented, sound bite reactive America.
Sheldon Adelson in a highly visible seat on the dais doesn't jive with the claim that Trump will put America interests first.
3
Which is it then? I've read a hundred comments that "Trump is anti-Jewish and we will see Jews persecuted in the US" but then I also read "Trump is a dupe of AIPAC".
You can't have it both ways.
You can't have it both ways.
2
"America first!" This from a man who still has all his branded merchandise manufactured overseas. How much disrespect and indifference can he exhibit toward a nation he has headed for less than three hours?
6
That is a silly criticism. Trump does not a textile or manufacturing BUSINESS. He licensed HIS NAME to some shirts and neckties. That's all.
Nobody could single-handedly revive the moribund US textile industry, which shipped OUR JOBS overseas decades ago. Just try to find linens or clothes made in the USA today!
Nobody could single-handedly revive the moribund US textile industry, which shipped OUR JOBS overseas decades ago. Just try to find linens or clothes made in the USA today!
1
!! Thank you, Mike !!
Here in New York, I was wondering what that substantial blast of hot air was right around noon. Then I remembered, oh yeah. Lovely speech for Trump supporters. A nice slab of red meat, from the guy who can do and say no wrong. For the rest of us, sadness and trepidation. Any thoughts of him departing campaign mode were quickly squelched. Hang in there America. Its the ride of the century.
4
In reading the comments I notice that there seems to be a lot of anger in America. Mr. Trump did not create the anger but is most certainly the catalyst who brought it to the surface. One of my college Profs once stated "beware of the Peacemaker because he was surely the SOB who started all the turmoil in the first place". The Peacemaker Donald J. Trump has declared himself the Messiah who is the only one that cans save us, so then.... let the miracles begin. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst America.
1
Thank you for your bluntness. Given your title, it strikes home. As one who has resisted every day since the election results were in, I am delighted to see the Times publish such assessments as yours.
1
It will be simple for Trump to deliver all of his promises. Since none of the problems he stated are anywhere near as bad as he states, he only needs to start tweeting about how good thing are now that he is President. Promises delivered, another four years.
Mickey Edwards has no business preaching what Congress should be doing at this point. He was one of those who started it. He voted for impeachment of Pres. Clinton on the most shallow bases imaginable.
Protest is only useful to wake up and energize people. Tomorrow, get off the streets, get down to business, and organize. It all comes down to one thing, the hardest thing of all to get: VOTES.