Liberals are in for a rude awakening. They own the news media, late night TV, Afternoon TV, Newspapers, most Magazines, Hollywood and Universities. Since Liberals only make up 20% of America however the "Tail" has been wagging the dog for way too long. It will go down in history as the 2016 election where America finally woke up. The United States will finally see what a President with some actual real world experience can do.
2
Trump thrives on creating enemies and then trying to punish and humiliate them when they stand up to him. Until now he has mostly focused his ire on domestic foes, but his impending presidency now gives him an international theater full of major players to demonize and clash with. He has wasted no time in singling out our staunches allies and most trusted partners for this special treatment, while demonstrating great tenderness and leniency for vicious dictators like Putin. At what point do we say enough is enough -- you weren’t elected to wreak havoc on our country and its relations with the rest of the world.
7
Trump has always signaled that unpredictability was his directorate. Respectfully, this approach will only work if there is trust among the governed that his unproductive impulses are going to be reliably wise in their scope. There is nothing wise about Donald Trump. Chaos is imminent, disgust and distrust are the road signs of Trump's unreliable musings and governing.
10
As President elect, Trump has given us a sample of the kind of uncertainty that will follow him after January 20th, we know we are in for a rough ride. We know that he hates criticism, will try to destroy the critic and will attack the messenger. Criticize Trump repeatedly on multiple fronts and he will literally implode.The question is, how much of America will he take with him as he crashes in flames?
7
But all these concerned leaders need only to look into his heart, as Kellyanne Conway has instructed.
5
A withered, cold bumping relic, harboring the ugliness of the pain he caused to the people he scammed. And all the nausea he causes everyday to the majority of Americans who did not vote for him.
In his delusional mind he pretends to have won the election. He hides from the fact that he was "Appointed" by the Electoral College, against the will of the majority of The People. He hides from that fact just as Dracula hides from the cross. He is illegitimate. His presidency will be as big a joke as he is.
Every reporter should have got up and left when this con artist refused to let a CNN reporter ask a question.
In his delusional mind he pretends to have won the election. He hides from the fact that he was "Appointed" by the Electoral College, against the will of the majority of The People. He hides from that fact just as Dracula hides from the cross. He is illegitimate. His presidency will be as big a joke as he is.
Every reporter should have got up and left when this con artist refused to let a CNN reporter ask a question.
9
This ride we are on is like going down the highway at 65mph and the guy next to you steps on the gas, grabs the wheel and turns the car in the opposite direction. How long do you think we can go before Trump causes a catastrophic accident? Changing direction is only good if you follow the rules of the road, and Trump does not believe that is necessary.
11
Very apt analogy.
7
I cannot help but view the change in administration that is about to take place as the final confirmation that our system of government has failed. While some say that the peaceful transfer of power from one person to another is a sign of strength, there are so many questionable and unfathomable aspects to this past election that I see it as a calamity. If after 240 years of Independence we have only been able to arrive at the brink of disaster with the man named "Trump" becoming President, I say that our system has failed and our UNION has also failed. The Federal Government is being handed over to a group of corrupt, immoral, unqualified vulgarians who couldn't care less about the general welfare of the American people with the exception of their own intimates. America will suffer as a consequence and those that find the upcoming change anathema will likewise have to pay the piper for the insane choice that far too many millions of Americans made in electing by far the most vile man to ever occupy the now-defiled office of President of the Divided States of America.
17
As long as Trump's choice of twitter continues, how else is the International Community supposed to fathom what he means. So now words are meaningless and Trump will continue to need an Explainer in Chief to interpret what he "really" means. Is Trump Speak now an official foreign language?
4
Trump is stating the obvious. He is not politically correct. Disruptive.
NATO is obsolete. That was true 25 years ago. Yet still important. Yes the USA will defend all Europe if they were attacked. BUT a valuable question the USA must ask: is country X worth one American life if the do not value their own defense? 2% of GDP for your own defense is a minimal threshold.
Germany's decision to allow unlimited migration was generous but problematic. Integration of 1M people into German society will (best case) require 10-years and billions of euros. However, 10 years from now those migrant will not be Muslim Germans but Muslims living separate and distant within Germany.
The relationship between the president and EVERY foreign leader should start from a position of trust. Trust and verify, later make an informed decision if that relationship must change.
NATO is obsolete. That was true 25 years ago. Yet still important. Yes the USA will defend all Europe if they were attacked. BUT a valuable question the USA must ask: is country X worth one American life if the do not value their own defense? 2% of GDP for your own defense is a minimal threshold.
Germany's decision to allow unlimited migration was generous but problematic. Integration of 1M people into German society will (best case) require 10-years and billions of euros. However, 10 years from now those migrant will not be Muslim Germans but Muslims living separate and distant within Germany.
The relationship between the president and EVERY foreign leader should start from a position of trust. Trust and verify, later make an informed decision if that relationship must change.
3
In assisting with the defence of Europe, USA is defending itself. For the USA, it is better to fight a war before it reaches its shores where many more American lives will be at risk (including civilians). If the USA retreated from its bases in Europe, it would find it much harder and more expensive to defend itself if, for example, Russia attacked. All US troops in Europe would have to be stationed on US soil and there would be no money coming from Europe to help with the cost. A cost benefit analysis would probably determine that having troops stationed in Europe is more cost effective, even under current arrangements.
1
Xi Jinping has made it clear he doesn't suffer fools; for better or worse, he is going to eat Trump alive.
9
In the Bad Old Days The Rest of the World laughed and snickered at Bush Jr. Then, they saluted and nodded respectfully at Obama. Some clapped and cheered. Now, The World will leer with fear and disgust at trump's antics and his unpredictable, child-like ways. We are a disgrace, again.
11
There is no uncertainty. We know where he is headed. He is a bully and mean. And just look at his appointments, White supremacist as key advisor. Man who repeatedly mistreated his employees, as the new Labor Secy, segregationist as attorney general, anti-environmentalist as head of the EPA etc. etc. etc.
There is no uncertainty as to trump and the policies that will follow,
There is no uncertainty as to trump and the policies that will follow,
16
Michelle
Don't believe every negative thing you hear.
Trump's picks are outstanding.
And, P.S. he is not a mean person, and he is not a bully.
Don't believe every negative thing you hear.
Trump's picks are outstanding.
And, P.S. he is not a mean person, and he is not a bully.
4
They are not negative hearsay, they are facts - something Trump supporters don't care about
2
Putin today on Trump was quite humorous. It was almost as pure projection as Trump himself is capable of. Calling the press prostitutes. What? The ones you paid to shower Donald? It was pure Putin. He better watch out, in the Washington Beltway I hear they've taken to calling him, "Bladdermeer."
4
If you look at history, Never has the "It's Payback Time" theme ended well. Hitler, General Custer, or W wanting to even the score of GW all ill conceived climbing. So it follows that Mr. Trump does not view his motivation as wanting to uplift the masses. Sadly He will not be uttering "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free" which is what we'd love to hear. No No NO. It's Payback Time.........
7
Juliette Macmullen
You have posted a mixed bag of words. One caught my eye: Hitler. He was responsible for the murder of 6.000,000 Jews. He and Eva Braun, his girlfriend, committed suicide together. Whatever does this embodiment of evil have to do with President-Elect Donald Trump or his election??
You have posted a mixed bag of words. One caught my eye: Hitler. He was responsible for the murder of 6.000,000 Jews. He and Eva Braun, his girlfriend, committed suicide together. Whatever does this embodiment of evil have to do with President-Elect Donald Trump or his election??
3
It's MacMullen. I should have said W wanted to even score for GHW. As far as evil embodiment--Oh I don't know--let's wait and see..........
1
Trump exhibits similar traits to authoritarians in general and Hitler in particular, and that never bodes well for a people, however manifested. Lying incessantly, maligning and threatening the press, bombastic populist rhetoric - this is how Hitler rose to power
2
Trump is the "blunt instrument," as Steve Bannon called him, because he is the disrupter-in-chief who blames all of his critics. They are spreading Breitbart Fear and Lies across Europe now, and urging Trump to weaken NATO and the EU for Putin.
5
SCZ
Explain please. Thank you.
Explain please. Thank you.
2
We just saw how "Illegitimate Trump" got to be where he is.
He is a scam artist and Con man.
He looks for ways to game a deal and if it's possible, he goes all out to game it, no matter how many folks he stiffs.
Trump found a loophole in the constitution to use. It would only work if the Electoral College went along with the ruse.
Enough republicans willing to sell the country out were in the EC, so all he had to do was use the loophole. Forget who the majority of the American people want as a president, the Electoral College will decide for them. Putin desperately wanted him in the oval office as a stooge for Russia so the flood of fake news flowed across the middle of the country.
Recall his usual Con Job, to stiff a hard working laborer "I didn't like the work"!
Recall how he had a Con Job to Skip out on Taxes and stick us with the tax bills, for decades, "Huge Losses"!
And that is from just ONE tax return. He is hiding the others.
If he didn't stick us with the tax bills where would he be? Con Job Here, Con Job There. And now the biggest Con Job of them all. Coming up on the 20th. Now he will stiff Millions of hard working Americans.
Because we did not vote for him, don't want him, did not elect him.
Illegitimate Trump. Call off the inauguration.
He is a scam artist and Con man.
He looks for ways to game a deal and if it's possible, he goes all out to game it, no matter how many folks he stiffs.
Trump found a loophole in the constitution to use. It would only work if the Electoral College went along with the ruse.
Enough republicans willing to sell the country out were in the EC, so all he had to do was use the loophole. Forget who the majority of the American people want as a president, the Electoral College will decide for them. Putin desperately wanted him in the oval office as a stooge for Russia so the flood of fake news flowed across the middle of the country.
Recall his usual Con Job, to stiff a hard working laborer "I didn't like the work"!
Recall how he had a Con Job to Skip out on Taxes and stick us with the tax bills, for decades, "Huge Losses"!
And that is from just ONE tax return. He is hiding the others.
If he didn't stick us with the tax bills where would he be? Con Job Here, Con Job There. And now the biggest Con Job of them all. Coming up on the 20th. Now he will stiff Millions of hard working Americans.
Because we did not vote for him, don't want him, did not elect him.
Illegitimate Trump. Call off the inauguration.
11
Getreal
You are not telling the truth. Here is something to think about:
"Everyone is entitled to his own opinion,
But not his own facts."
Daniel Patrick Moynihan
You are not telling the truth. Here is something to think about:
"Everyone is entitled to his own opinion,
But not his own facts."
Daniel Patrick Moynihan
1
Take your own advice.
It is You who are not telling the truth.
Or else you can't see it in front of your face.
If you believe Trump there is nothing more to write.
It is You who are not telling the truth.
Or else you can't see it in front of your face.
If you believe Trump there is nothing more to write.
7
What malarkey. This is simple mathematics other countries do not have leverage USA buys $4 for every $1 china buys in american goods, mexico needs to control its population and handout contraceptives so they stop having so many children while expecting the usa taxpayers to pick up the costs of their immigrants, nafta is a ripoff as a whole the USA loses about $75 billion a year in trade to canada/mexico, germany sells more to usa than it buys from usa that's not even including all usa military bases in europe that buy goods from european companies and contribute to their economies, and last but not least the usa pays about 2/3 of the costs for nato while europeans get highly discounted subsidized military protection all told these countries are milking and ripping off the usa little by little and none seems to care but Mr. Trump. if the world gets upset so be it who cares?
What a brave man, Mr. Trump. Welcome.
3
How about this headline: As Trump Era Arrives a sense of INSANITY Grips the Glob.
4
Don
As Trump Era Arrives, a Sense of Hope Grips the Globe.
As Trump Era Arrives, a Sense of Hope Grips the Globe.
sarah: You obviously don't care about the Globe.
You are supporting a Climate denier. The worst type of person on the planet. We need to live here.
You are supporting a Climate denier. The worst type of person on the planet. We need to live here.
5
I am so glad Mr. Trump has the courage to question the one China policy. For years, we have been intimidated by China. All that has been accomplished by our soft peddling is that China has continued to strengthen while America has weakened. Taiwan has the right to determine their destiny. You don't deal with a bully by cowering, that just encourages him. You must stand up and call his bluff. China has broken many of their promise to Hong Kong.
3
Your final comment in your depressingly true article was citing Boris Johnson, the UK foreign secretary who said “I think it’s very good news that the U.S.A. wants to do a good free trade deal with us and wants to do it very fast,” he said. “Clearly it will have to be a deal that’s very much in the interests of both sides, but I have no doubt it will be.” Boris, I remind your readers, was instrumental in convincing the UK 'leavers' to vote by standing in front of a red bus showing how much the EU cost the UK. His statement was a total lie as I explained in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqKTAdjjwlI . But what will UK export to USA? The UK today is mainly a service based economy, and like it or not, the City of London generates most of its wealth. Very important to that are financial services with the EU which will be gone if Johnson and the other fraudulent speakers have their way with Brexit.
As in the USA it is so depressing that arguments, facts and figures dont seem to matter these days. But NYT readers do matter, these comments help and we should all work to ensure the quality press such as the NYT stands up as it has done so well in recent weeks.
As in the USA it is so depressing that arguments, facts and figures dont seem to matter these days. But NYT readers do matter, these comments help and we should all work to ensure the quality press such as the NYT stands up as it has done so well in recent weeks.
6
I’ve been racking my brain about DT. Why would he poke hornet’s nests on every continent? There’s been a lot of talk about possible Russian blackmail. What if it’s not blackmail so much as collusion?
DT is a fellow who seems quite pained his television show did not win a coveted award. As far as billionaires go, he’s a rather minor player when compared to Gates, et al. I’m not buying the sex tape blackmail scenario. His fans would probably not see a problem with him cutting loose with a prostitute or two. I imagine they’d just pass it off as, ‘Wow, DT got two chicks to double down on him? He’s the man.’
It’s got to be something more along the lines of colluding with Mr. Putin for extreme personal economic gain. Mr. Putin may have promised protection for Mr. Trump’s family (read – they will not have to drink polonium in their tea), so in that sense there may be the element of blackmail. But I just don’t see any other way for DT to shoot up the Forbes Billionaire Hit Parade with the current Trump enterprise. I’m thinking it’s got something to do with oil.
Mr. Trump is not a reader. If he was, he’d be familiar with a common plot scenario in which two outlaws pull off a heist (rob a bank, dig up a treasure), at which time one of the badmen decides he wouldn’t have to split the dough or diamonds 50/50 if he was the only one left. I think Mr. Putin stands a much better chance of walking away with the whole pile. Whether he’d be doing it for himself or Mother Russia, I can’t say.
DT is a fellow who seems quite pained his television show did not win a coveted award. As far as billionaires go, he’s a rather minor player when compared to Gates, et al. I’m not buying the sex tape blackmail scenario. His fans would probably not see a problem with him cutting loose with a prostitute or two. I imagine they’d just pass it off as, ‘Wow, DT got two chicks to double down on him? He’s the man.’
It’s got to be something more along the lines of colluding with Mr. Putin for extreme personal economic gain. Mr. Putin may have promised protection for Mr. Trump’s family (read – they will not have to drink polonium in their tea), so in that sense there may be the element of blackmail. But I just don’t see any other way for DT to shoot up the Forbes Billionaire Hit Parade with the current Trump enterprise. I’m thinking it’s got something to do with oil.
Mr. Trump is not a reader. If he was, he’d be familiar with a common plot scenario in which two outlaws pull off a heist (rob a bank, dig up a treasure), at which time one of the badmen decides he wouldn’t have to split the dough or diamonds 50/50 if he was the only one left. I think Mr. Putin stands a much better chance of walking away with the whole pile. Whether he’d be doing it for himself or Mother Russia, I can’t say.
3
I'm not sure why there is uncertainty. Trump has three broad goals. First, self gratification. Second, self enrichment. Third, tearing down the achievements of others which sort of links back to goal 1.
If there is uncertainty, it is caused more by Trump's childish emotional state and his ignorance than by his goals.
Foreign leaders, and indeed Americans, need only refer to the above-mentioned goals to gauge what Trump will do in a particular case. Anyone who thinks that Trump will do what is best for the country and its people should look at his history and background and ask why. Trump has never thought of others in his actions so why would he start now.
I sincerely hope I am wrong because the consequences for the US and the world could be devastating.
If there is uncertainty, it is caused more by Trump's childish emotional state and his ignorance than by his goals.
Foreign leaders, and indeed Americans, need only refer to the above-mentioned goals to gauge what Trump will do in a particular case. Anyone who thinks that Trump will do what is best for the country and its people should look at his history and background and ask why. Trump has never thought of others in his actions so why would he start now.
I sincerely hope I am wrong because the consequences for the US and the world could be devastating.
8
I fail to see any uniqueness in circumstances in Trump taking office as president than when Obama, Bush, Reagan, or even when Eisenhower became president. There is always an air of uncertainty when a new president takes office. The Times really needs to concentrate more on reporting the news than on trying to make it.
5
If America under Trump won't lead, China will. I was blown away by Xi Jinping's recent speech at Davos. I encourage you to listen to it if you haven't already.
3
When your at the top looking down things look far away, when your at the bottom looking up things look closer then they really are, It's easy to loose touch. Don't mess with Mexico, all they have to do is stop spending and we will feel the effects, maybe go into a free fall, who knows? Also the China Sea, Mister Trump better let it be, he should wait till he gets the feel of things, the Sea lanes are safe, China depends on keeping them open, a confrontation would be a foolish move.
2
I feel like I'm in a lose-lose here. I saw a headline in The Guardian that said something like "at least we won't have to look at this anymore" with a photograph of President and Mrs. Clinton coming off a plane together. So excuse me for pointing our the presence of a smarmy group of quasi intellectuals who've been hoping this day would come. The majority of voters here are being held captive by a poseur. Thanks a bloody bunch.
btw: Elsewhere in your paper you quote a researcher saying "Trump’s election victory is a clear indication that the majority of people are not interested in a world government, but want to return to a classical, local democracy,”
Please try to remember what happened: Trump was not put into office by a majority of voters. not a majority.
btw: Elsewhere in your paper you quote a researcher saying "Trump’s election victory is a clear indication that the majority of people are not interested in a world government, but want to return to a classical, local democracy,”
Please try to remember what happened: Trump was not put into office by a majority of voters. not a majority.
10
Trump is inducing insecurity and more uncertainty as a prelude to expanding the de facto scope of executive power and implicitly justifying prospective usage of executive orders to reverse or abolish the effect of Obama's Executive Orders.
4
please translate.I can also write obscurely
1
Ha ha...@GStoya
So...are you a lawyer or a bureaucrat? Time for a little remedial writing 101 so that folks might actually be able to grasp what you wrote.
So...are you a lawyer or a bureaucrat? Time for a little remedial writing 101 so that folks might actually be able to grasp what you wrote.
1
The Chinese are right - what good is democracy when a boob looses by 3 million votes and becomes president - and a congress is elected with a minority of votes - seems like a country of losers.
10
Redemption can be had. It's called impeachment, arrest, trial, criminal conviction. China may be out the $700M they loaned Mr. Trump,
6
Godspeed Europe. Time to arm yourselves. I wish that things were different.
2
My greatest fear and certainty is that even if DJT increases jobs,and rebuilds infrastructure the country will still have lost global and moral leadership. The USA can NOT be a moral center because the leader has none. His center is $. Gone with the wind! A very sad story!
6
Patience
I think it will be a very HAPPY STORY.
I think it will be a very HAPPY STORY.
China has the economic backbone to take over worldwide market. China is already there with cheaper products and resources. China is also funding many key infrastructure building projects all over under developed countries- traditional base of USA and European market place. I do not see why the world cannot boycott USA if China can replace USA. China is already powerful in the china -pacific region. USA has been losing trust and respect it once dominated - military power alone cannot dominate the world as we have seen since 9/11 - you need moral ground in addition of military power. but with Mr. Donald Trump the philosophy is different. Mr. Trump will not be running a Republic he will run a company as he ran his real estate empire. let us wait and see how all shape up in the coming months when the reality hits the ground.
6
Well, now, this isn't entirely fair. After all, Trump is very consistent in one respect: you can always count on Trump to do whatever is best for Trump.
11
Most of America is pretty content. "The World" is on it's own. They can agonize over Trump and Jihadists simultaneously.
1
Aye, the world is indeed a much more uncertain and scarier place.
What we do know for certain, is that the incoming American administration and its policies will all be made to aggrandizing its demagogue leader. ( et. family )
Count on it.
What we do know for certain, is that the incoming American administration and its policies will all be made to aggrandizing its demagogue leader. ( et. family )
Count on it.
10
NATO is obsolete but still essential in the defense of the free world. Born and formulated in post war Europe, many of the current members of NATO were straddled with reconstruction of their home countries decimated by 4 years of war. The US would take the responsibility of defense by paying an disproportionate amount, allowing ravaged nations to concentrate on rebuilding. 70 years later, America is still paying the tab of other European nations; monies that can be reinvested in American infrastructure. Trump's critique of Nato is not of its mission but of the way its is financed. He sees it through a paradigm of an investor; American investment made but Europe benefits at the US economy's expense. Trump's critique is the burden of financing and defending Europe falls on America as Europe contributes less and contributes more to their infra-structure. It is time that a new motto is taken, a financial burden on one is a financial burden on all!
2
Ask any kid who's never swam before by themselves and they feel the same. Every parent knows that's all the more reason to give them lessons and get them in the pool. Nobody ever died from uncertainty, unless there was something else wrong with them to begin with. Who's sure of anything, anyway.
1
Most kids don't have criminal backgrounds like Donald Trump, or a lifetime behavior pattern that makes it all but certain to figure out how they will act in the future.
Nothing uncertain about that...for sure.
Nothing uncertain about that...for sure.
8
N. Smith, I wasn't talking about Trump, I meant cutting Europe loose to look after itself instead of us always having to be the world's policeman to keep their nose up out of the water for them. But I can see the confusion with Trump and any reference to kids.
@thompson
I still have family and friends in Europe.
I'm looking after them too.
I still have family and friends in Europe.
I'm looking after them too.
1
I don't know if anyone has proposed this already but I think we need a third possibility to complement the "Is Trump crazy or is he crazy like a fox" comparisons. I'm coming to the conclusion that Trump just likes to be the proverbial straw that stirs the drink (to borrow from Reggie Jackson). I don't think *he* cares what he says as long as it gets everyone talking. He hasn't held a rally since December, so his tweets and interviews have been sustaining his vampiric need for attention. Heaven help us come January 20.
10
In three days the US begins to abandon NATO and will help rebuild the Warsaw Pact. That may sound crazy but it is entirely possible, and more likely that the US under trump and his seed honoring our commitments to the security of Europe, including Poland and the Baltic States. Some of us will not fight for russia and will join NATO on our own.
9
Good! After 8 years of walking all over Obama a little fear, anger, and uncertainty will do them some good!
10
Carlos, your ignorance is showing. The US has enjoyed support from NATO in blood, lives, and money. When 9/11 hit we were the first time NATO had to go to war for one its members. That's right, for the U.S. The ignorance of your comment is stunning, but helps explain why Trump took Sarasota. Thanks Comey, Vlad, and senility.
5
You correctly describe President-elect Trump's various remarks on British & European affairs as "inflammatory", but should we, over here, be surprised ? (In Britain, the more extreme supporters of "Brexit", are, most likely, delighted - particularly with his characteristically ignorant remarks about Refugees and Immigrants).
You are also correct in stating that Germany's Dr. Merkel has long been regarded as "a figure of stability", but this is not necessarily recognised or accepted by many Britons.
As a lifelong admirer of the U.S., I wish the American People well in coping with their already far from "admirable" 45th President.
Why, I wonder, has the chorus from the Dylan song "It's a Hard Rain's a Gonna Fall" keep haunting me ?
You are also correct in stating that Germany's Dr. Merkel has long been regarded as "a figure of stability", but this is not necessarily recognised or accepted by many Britons.
As a lifelong admirer of the U.S., I wish the American People well in coping with their already far from "admirable" 45th President.
Why, I wonder, has the chorus from the Dylan song "It's a Hard Rain's a Gonna Fall" keep haunting me ?
10
I am a lifelong citizen of the US, and am disgusted by the rise of this vulgar, ignorant con man. The american people need good wishes, but don't deserve admiration.
21
For 70 years most of the world was willing to play by the rules America set up (the UN, the IMF, NATO, GATT, non-proliferation, etc.) because, for all of our hubris and avarice, they respected us as a stable democracy and trusted us to act responsibly. We have now shaken that respect and trust by putting all of America's economic and military power into the hands of an ignorant, mentally unstable demagogue. We are about to see how dangerous the world can be without credible American leadership.
15
Einstein is reported to have stated: "Repeating the experiment and expecting different results is idiotic". We can all agree that Trump is no Einstein, but his desire to repeat the experiments that brought about land wars in Europe and financial destruction clearly demonstrates he is and idiot.
The failure of the electoral college to fulfill their Constitutional duty and not select Trump further shows that experiment failed repeatedly. The Constitution must be changed.
Next up - Will the Cabinet fulfill their Constitutional duty and send a letter to Speaker Ryan advising him Trump is unfit to carry out responsibilities of the Presidency? (Clearly, there remain financial issues in violation of the emolument clause. . .impeachable offense)
Trump remains a clear and present danger, but the Constitution has provisions for redress. . .all must expect the Cabinet to meet their obligation.
The failure of the electoral college to fulfill their Constitutional duty and not select Trump further shows that experiment failed repeatedly. The Constitution must be changed.
Next up - Will the Cabinet fulfill their Constitutional duty and send a letter to Speaker Ryan advising him Trump is unfit to carry out responsibilities of the Presidency? (Clearly, there remain financial issues in violation of the emolument clause. . .impeachable offense)
Trump remains a clear and present danger, but the Constitution has provisions for redress. . .all must expect the Cabinet to meet their obligation.
2
The Republicans support Trump because they say he is taking us in the wrong direction. However, this ride we are on is like going down the highway at 65mph and the guy next to says he doesn't like where we are going so he steps on the gas, grabs the wheel and turns the car in the opposite direction. How long do you think we can go before Trump causes a catastrophic accident? Changing direction is only good if you have a clear notion of where you want to go and follow the rules of the road. Not only does Trump not know where he is headed, he doesn't know how to drive.
5
"China Steps Up as Voice for Global Trade"
Sure they will. They are the primary beneficiary of global trade, along with the global oligarchs who sold it to us in the first place.
How else to get to 8 individuals owning as much as the bottom 50% of the world?
Sure they will. They are the primary beneficiary of global trade, along with the global oligarchs who sold it to us in the first place.
How else to get to 8 individuals owning as much as the bottom 50% of the world?
4
Who enables the realDonaldTrump twitter account?
CEO Jack Dorsey that's who.
Trump will NEVER attempt to talk coherently as long as Dorsey permits him to NOT act presidential.
The GOP Congress sits idly by while Trump rants on, creating chaos by the minute, every day. ...1st amendment working in their favor.
CEO Jack Dorsey that's who.
Trump will NEVER attempt to talk coherently as long as Dorsey permits him to NOT act presidential.
The GOP Congress sits idly by while Trump rants on, creating chaos by the minute, every day. ...1st amendment working in their favor.
2
The GOP Congress is way worse than Trump. He's just not smart enough to read, let alone see through, their destructive legislation.
9
As President elect, Trump has given us a sample of the uncertainty that will follow after January 20th. We know that he hates criticism, will attack the critic and destroy the messenger. Criticize Trump repeatedly on multiple fronts and he will literally destroy himself. It is just a matter of time before we will watch (on live TV) a mentally unstable person implode. The question is, what will he take with him on the way down?
6
Trump's problem is similar to all incoming Presidents with great aspirations. They haven't yet found out who really runs the country. And it isn't politicians. They only jump to the will of their masters... for a price (viz. campaign money).
4
Seems to me that 4 years of uncertainty will have an effect on the stock market, and I don't mean in a good way. The Trump era may be exciting for some, but sends chills down the spines of those that have gotten used to a pay check, stable food and fuel prices and a job. As always with Trump, what he perports to protect is what will go first.
7
So find out what Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey's problem is...
2
" She added that “not everything in the world can be bargained or traded off.”"
Apparently it can be. Theresa May already bargained away Palestinian state in return for hopes of a free trade with US. Trump's comments on NATO is for the same purpose, blackmailing Europe to push them to become Likudnik poodles. It seems his son-in-law is pulling the strings before even inauguration day.
Is this what Trump meant by America First?
Apparently it can be. Theresa May already bargained away Palestinian state in return for hopes of a free trade with US. Trump's comments on NATO is for the same purpose, blackmailing Europe to push them to become Likudnik poodles. It seems his son-in-law is pulling the strings before even inauguration day.
Is this what Trump meant by America First?
4
I was mildly pro-Brexit and was surprised but relieved that the majority of my countrymen and women seemed to think similarly in our referendum. I really believe that we (non-US citizens) should not take any role in or seek to influence the US electoral process, just as I would have preferred it if President Obama had not quite so strongly advised the UK not to vote for Brexit.
But Trump.... Trump's strongly expressed (if not clearly articulated) support for Brexit...that gives me pause. Perhaps we were wrong after all? Perhaps Brexit was a silly, idealistic, impractical idea?
This is the only use I have yet found for Mr Trump's pronouncements: run fast in the opposite direction. Useful to know, but rather a difficult quality in a President.
But Trump.... Trump's strongly expressed (if not clearly articulated) support for Brexit...that gives me pause. Perhaps we were wrong after all? Perhaps Brexit was a silly, idealistic, impractical idea?
This is the only use I have yet found for Mr Trump's pronouncements: run fast in the opposite direction. Useful to know, but rather a difficult quality in a President.
8
With Brexit, you are back to being a small country, beholden to US largess in terms of trade. As part of EU, sure, you had to put up with some unpleasant aspects such as freedom of labor to move around, but you were part of a much bigger economy and the political voice that goes with it.
3
Brexit was aggressively promoted by cut outs working for Russia. Think about that Adrian.
1
All this being "Trumped" up by the media. It is called leadership and is not a popularity contest. Get over it and be ready. I believe Trump has America's best interest at heart. If not, why bother based on his stature.
4
Strongly disagree. Most Americans, swayed by celebrity and so-called "Reality Shows" voted in Trump who until now, has given NO indication that he has anything other than his own self-interests at heart --- certainly not America's!
And that is nothing to "get over".
And that is nothing to "get over".
5
I believe the reason is power and prestige. Wealth grants half the power and a quarter the prestige that the presidency provides. I think the hope that Trump isn't doing this for himself isn't supported by the evidence.
3
Yea. Just like the gullible Americans who voted for the first black American president. Obama swayed the ignorant voters for hope and change. Now his legacy of disaster has to be cleaned up. Get over it and reality is setting in. Trump has already accomplished more positive things than Obama has done in the last 8 years. Called leadership.
1
I believe Donald J. Trump will be Impeached, Removed and under arrest. Or not.
4
The frightening thing is that Donald doesn't know what Donald will do. That would require thought based on principles based on values which requires self-knowledge. He said he does not want to look within himself for fear of what he might find. That was a glimmer of honesty when he said that. And that is the root of why he is unfit to serve as a leader of anything at all. In a quirky twist, we have a fancy set of clothes with no king inside.
But the majority of us are not sheep. We can turn the tide. We must.
But the majority of us are not sheep. We can turn the tide. We must.
8
Could someone please tell me, why do we need Russia? Why is Trump is courting Russia so aggressively? What am I missing?
Thank you.
Thank you.
4
Well, what we could just say about Mr. Trump? Actually nothing in favor or disfavor. We better wait and wish that most of his controversial issues were nothing but whims.
I am not as concerned about Trump as as am where Congress will take the country. As demonstrated, Congress can effectively bottle up the President when it wants to. A Congress that unites across the aisle could override Presidential vetoes. Congress could vote to keep sanctions on Russia, just as it did on Iran, and can stymie the worst of Trump's Russo-philic and trade-a-phobic agendas. Can only hope 4 years pass swiftly and he is a one-term mistake.
2
When Trump calls for war and sending our troops in harms way - do we take him seriously?
In Trump's interview with Bild and The Times of London, he states that Angela Merkel had made a “catastrophic mistake” in allowing "illegals" then says "refugees" to pour into Europe. The inhumanity of this overly-fortunate man to equate refugees as "illegals" (even as potential terrorists) reveals a sick and depraved mind.
If only we could have him trade places with a refugee: letting Putin barrel bomb his Trump Tower into Trump Rubble in Aleppo; then see if he has the guts, means and smarts to survive, feed, relocate himself and his family through a terrorist infested land to a refugee camp, survive there for months/years on end, cross the Mediterranean sea on an overcrowded flimsy inflatable rafts on killer cold water to Greece (losing a few family members on the way) and be welcomed and treated as an "illegal" potential terrorist if you make it to Germany.
Putin has won the lottery with Trump. After all, Putin has no stronger ally than Trump - who will destroy NATO, divide Europe, weaken America with more wars of choice - this time in the Taiwan strait - trash the world order that inconveniences Putin and to make America Great Again for Putin.
Germany gave Mr. H. a chance and look what happened.
On January 20th, we will have a new real leader of the free world in Ms. Angela Merkel, and a new foe in Trumputin.
In Trump's interview with Bild and The Times of London, he states that Angela Merkel had made a “catastrophic mistake” in allowing "illegals" then says "refugees" to pour into Europe. The inhumanity of this overly-fortunate man to equate refugees as "illegals" (even as potential terrorists) reveals a sick and depraved mind.
If only we could have him trade places with a refugee: letting Putin barrel bomb his Trump Tower into Trump Rubble in Aleppo; then see if he has the guts, means and smarts to survive, feed, relocate himself and his family through a terrorist infested land to a refugee camp, survive there for months/years on end, cross the Mediterranean sea on an overcrowded flimsy inflatable rafts on killer cold water to Greece (losing a few family members on the way) and be welcomed and treated as an "illegal" potential terrorist if you make it to Germany.
Putin has won the lottery with Trump. After all, Putin has no stronger ally than Trump - who will destroy NATO, divide Europe, weaken America with more wars of choice - this time in the Taiwan strait - trash the world order that inconveniences Putin and to make America Great Again for Putin.
Germany gave Mr. H. a chance and look what happened.
On January 20th, we will have a new real leader of the free world in Ms. Angela Merkel, and a new foe in Trumputin.
4
I think you can add Canadian PM Justin Trudeau to Angela Merkel. We tried a form of populism, and soundly rejected it at our last federal election. Recently, PM Trudeau also appointed Chrystia Freeland as our Foreign Affairs minister. She has a strong Ukrainian background, and is currently barred from entering Russia. If nothing else Canada will provide a counterpoint to the conservative populism sweeping most of Europe and the US. We need someone against this narcissistic bully becoming POTUS this week, will tell him NO!, and make it stick.
8
I completely agree with you May Loo. For now it seems like Canada and Mr. Trudeau has escaped the wrath of the Trump Tweet. I wonder if he intends on trashing NAFTA with Canada too.
1
NOW, we’re finally starting to talk about a lot of things, to have a conversation. Trump’s method supplies stimuli to gauge (and adjust?) observers’ responses. This is one way to arrive at an intersubjective standard of perception.
1
I think Trump has plunged the USA face-first into a global contest between the international legal order and the nation-state model of constitutional law.
Trump came to power by demonizing international law, which he claimed was smashing domestic constitutional rights and provoking economic crisis. He himself, as with his fellow traveller Putin, is quite willing to smash constitutional rights. He merely wants to take the power of international law -- particularly economic restrictions -- out of governmental hands, and give it to an international business oligarchy that transcends constitutional law.
Some would call it the "dictatorship of the 1 percent" ... others just kleptocracy. The central theme linking US free marketism and Putin's form of dictatorship appears to have been one very obvious thing all along -- Ayn Rand.
Trump came to power by demonizing international law, which he claimed was smashing domestic constitutional rights and provoking economic crisis. He himself, as with his fellow traveller Putin, is quite willing to smash constitutional rights. He merely wants to take the power of international law -- particularly economic restrictions -- out of governmental hands, and give it to an international business oligarchy that transcends constitutional law.
Some would call it the "dictatorship of the 1 percent" ... others just kleptocracy. The central theme linking US free marketism and Putin's form of dictatorship appears to have been one very obvious thing all along -- Ayn Rand.
5
I see, NYT speaks for entire world...
Many are hopeful of change...that was promised in 2008 and didn't happen.
Many are hopeful of change...that was promised in 2008 and didn't happen.
5
Now let me tell you why nothing happened.
In this country, you can't "change" anything without the U.S. Congress.
From Day 1 of the Obama administration, Mitch McConnell and the Republicans swore to obstruct.
And they did.
In this country, you can't "change" anything without the U.S. Congress.
From Day 1 of the Obama administration, Mitch McConnell and the Republicans swore to obstruct.
And they did.
14
Same thing happened to Bill Clinton, initially... However, Clinton has superb skills in working with Congress. He accomplished a great deal because he does not have a thin skin and he is persistent. Obama underestimated what it takes to overcome opposition. He was naive and was easily discouraged. Supposedly read books to sooth his ruffled feathers. I am more inclined to think he "golfed" away his sorrows rather than "read" away the disappointments.
Don't blame Obama's lackluster accomplishments on the Republicans. Democrats made it difficult for both Bushes 41 and 43.
Don't blame Obama's lackluster accomplishments on the Republicans. Democrats made it difficult for both Bushes 41 and 43.
1
The most eerie aspect of Trump so far is his penchant to sit in his familiar setting and tweet and tweet. It is not just eerie but should be scary for everyone in America and the world, for that matter. Why would anyone take this pathway after being elected president of America? Instead of having normal press conferences and meeting questions directly and in person he chooses to hide. At the worst it may reveal an aspect of bully behavior--with the basic cowardice often associated with bullying. At the best it may represent a personality anomaly which may be dubbed excentric for any public figure.The American public deserves better from anyone in public life, purporting to take on the role of a leader. America is in for a rough ride with a president who sits in his hidey-hole and sends out threats and conspiracy theories.
5
Remember, this is a man who wants to replace Obamacare with the Affordable Care Act! Wouldn't you be scared?
5
Most Americans won't know anything until they're suddently sitting there without any insurance, and unable to afford new coverage...if they can get it.
5
Obama used to remind EU members that they should shoulder more military expenses. Trump will follow suit although in a more colorful way.
Since Trump will decidedly challenge China on economica and military grounds, he needs the US to improve relations with Russia on the same grounds : lifting sanctions, and - subsequently - turning a blind eye on whatever caused the sanctions in the first place : aggressions in Ukraine - or maybe soon in Kosovo (helping Serbia), or Caucasus, etc.
Trump has a few European chips to trade that will cost little to the US in the short term.
Take shelter, bumpy road and rough seas ahead.
Since Trump will decidedly challenge China on economica and military grounds, he needs the US to improve relations with Russia on the same grounds : lifting sanctions, and - subsequently - turning a blind eye on whatever caused the sanctions in the first place : aggressions in Ukraine - or maybe soon in Kosovo (helping Serbia), or Caucasus, etc.
Trump has a few European chips to trade that will cost little to the US in the short term.
Take shelter, bumpy road and rough seas ahead.
1
"Governing"? You mean there was more to it than winning?
2
Only 3 more days and most powerfull man on Earth is somebody that has serious mental issues. One only has to read his daily Tweets. Wish Obama listened to the three psychiatrists strongly advising a psychiatric evaluation of your PEOTUS. Many of you have no clue what this eventually will mean for all of us. Remember an interview where he said that his weak point was being extremely aggressive when under attack or in his opinion not threaten nicely. After all those years he still has not changed and will soon have control over the nuclear arsenal lol. What an insane world we live in today!
8
Don't underestimate Americans... Most of us are listening, and that's why we didn't vote for him.
7
So far the most mature temperate competent professional wise Trump that we have seen seems to be 10 year old son Barron.
Trump is part Bozo the Clown, Howdy Doody, Oscar the Grouch, Charlie McCarthy, Madame, Jabba the Hutt and Quark the Ferengi.
Trump is part Bozo the Clown, Howdy Doody, Oscar the Grouch, Charlie McCarthy, Madame, Jabba the Hutt and Quark the Ferengi.
4
Why should America embroil ourselves in Europe’s eastern question? It is not perfectly obvious why we should be adversaries with Putin.
Crimea has long been ruled from Moscow. It is patently ludicrous to presume to block Russia from its Black Sea window that was the object of two hundred years of military political and economic expansion.
How far from the North Atlantic may a NATO member be? We cannot defend the Baltic states from Russian attack. Guaranteeing the independence of the Baltics is beyond the farce of Britain’s war promises to Poland. With Kaliningrad to their rear they are indefensible by conventional military power. Are we willing to go nuke for the independence of Estonia? The Baltics were not even in the Warsaw Pact because they were integral components of the USSR, as well as the Czarist Empire!
As Europe devolves into Eurabia OR chaotic civil war our alliances resemble that of Kaiser Wilhelm’s “shackled to a corpse” (in re: to his country’s alliance with the Habsburg Empire). Our common European heritage and worldview is no longer found on Continental Europe.
We should recognize Russia’s special status in re: to eastern Ukraine and Crimea. We should demilitarize all the new NATO members that were former SSRs. And pledge to keep only defensive weapons in some of the former Warsaw Pact.
We ask Russia to refrain from visiting the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.
We cooperate with Putin in assuring free-elections in Syria...
Crimea has long been ruled from Moscow. It is patently ludicrous to presume to block Russia from its Black Sea window that was the object of two hundred years of military political and economic expansion.
How far from the North Atlantic may a NATO member be? We cannot defend the Baltic states from Russian attack. Guaranteeing the independence of the Baltics is beyond the farce of Britain’s war promises to Poland. With Kaliningrad to their rear they are indefensible by conventional military power. Are we willing to go nuke for the independence of Estonia? The Baltics were not even in the Warsaw Pact because they were integral components of the USSR, as well as the Czarist Empire!
As Europe devolves into Eurabia OR chaotic civil war our alliances resemble that of Kaiser Wilhelm’s “shackled to a corpse” (in re: to his country’s alliance with the Habsburg Empire). Our common European heritage and worldview is no longer found on Continental Europe.
We should recognize Russia’s special status in re: to eastern Ukraine and Crimea. We should demilitarize all the new NATO members that were former SSRs. And pledge to keep only defensive weapons in some of the former Warsaw Pact.
We ask Russia to refrain from visiting the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.
We cooperate with Putin in assuring free-elections in Syria...
2
Trump doesn't even know where he is headed. He doesn't have any real ideas and he has no plan for anything. He will be easy to manipulate and the fools he is choosing to advise him and be in charge of our government agencies are certainly not America's best or brightest.
I guess there is a remote possibility that they could all stumble along for four years and not screw things up too completely, but that possibility is looking slimmer every day. Should our government ever be controlled by sane people again we might consider adding "having a brain and using it" to the list of requirements for being president of the United States.
I guess there is a remote possibility that they could all stumble along for four years and not screw things up too completely, but that possibility is looking slimmer every day. Should our government ever be controlled by sane people again we might consider adding "having a brain and using it" to the list of requirements for being president of the United States.
9
...a Sense of Uncertainty..."
The only sense of certainty under the previous presidency was that the U.S.A. had become just another ordinary nation, ripe for the taking.
The only sense of certainty under the previous presidency was that the U.S.A. had become just another ordinary nation, ripe for the taking.
2
So, not having this country throw itself head first into some international dispute is obviously a sign of weakness for you.
Does that mean you're ready to go yourself???
Get ready.
Does that mean you're ready to go yourself???
Get ready.
10
The idea that a leader's words of the US can be inflammatory, insincere, uninformed, etc., is outrageous, and the rest of the free world knows it.
The fiasco called Trump will end when the rest of the world relentlessly pressures the US Congress and its associated relevant institutions to address the problem.
The fiasco called Trump will end when the rest of the world relentlessly pressures the US Congress and its associated relevant institutions to address the problem.
10
May I suggest they nationalize his personal assets in their country.
5
I'd be willing to bet good money Trump will have us bogged down in a large-scale (and ultimately futile) war within 18 months. I'm going with some sort of manufactured military encounter in the Persian Gulf (Gulf of Tonkin anyone?) which he'll readily employ as an excuse to invade Iran. Of course there's always Korea.
5
Isn't it interesting that Trump is cozying up to Putin and has business connections to Russia going back decades, while at the same time, Trump doesn't support Europe, where he has no business ties outside of a Trump hotel in Turkey and some property in the UK (soon to leave the EU)? Europe is a major (arguably our most important) ally, and Russia is our adversary and yet Trump sees it the other way around. I smell a conflict of interest here. Why else would Trump want to walk away from Europe and run into the arms of Russia? Whose interests is he serving?
17
Whose interests is Trump serving? Perhaps our interest and Europe's interest is being served. Nuclear war will not benefit anyone.
2
Trump is serving his own interests.
Always has.
Always will.
Always has.
Always will.
The world prays that the Senate, Supreme Court, and House of Representatives actually performs their respective duty:
Begin the proceedings for Mr. Trumps's impeachment for Constitutional violations
Begin the proceedings for Mr. Trumps's impeachment for Constitutional violations
7
And to make it easy --- let's start with the Emoluents Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
6
It must be terrifying to have an American president again who (a) doesn't have his tail between his legs because of the Iraqi War and (b) isn't a globalist who only plays by the made up rules of his own small group. Trump has got to be a big shock -- and threat -- after over a decade of that kind of US leadership.
Foreign policy by "narrative" is over. No longer will a brutal dictator be accused of "coming out on the wrong side of history", as if that would actually be a deterrence. And no longer will "leveling the economic playing field" involve demanding environment improvements in our competitors' countries.
Yes, Trump is shaking things up, which is exactly why all those voters -- in all the right places -- voted for him.
Foreign policy by "narrative" is over. No longer will a brutal dictator be accused of "coming out on the wrong side of history", as if that would actually be a deterrence. And no longer will "leveling the economic playing field" involve demanding environment improvements in our competitors' countries.
Yes, Trump is shaking things up, which is exactly why all those voters -- in all the right places -- voted for him.
5
And when they discovered that U.S. Intelligence had Merkel's phone tapped they weren't annoyed, worried or confused?
5
Who are "they"?? -- If you mean the Germans, no problem.
The Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) has it's eyes and ears on the U.S. too.
The Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) has it's eyes and ears on the U.S. too.
4
Russian expert Stephen Cohen writes,
Who are the real enemies of U.S. National Security.
Two conflicting interpretations are suggested, says Cohen. Either Trump is about to become a potentially seditious American president. Or powerful US forces are trying to destroy his presidency before it begins, perhaps even prevent him from taking office.
https://www.thenation.com/article/who-are-the-real-enemies-of-us-nationa...
Who are the real enemies of U.S. National Security.
Two conflicting interpretations are suggested, says Cohen. Either Trump is about to become a potentially seditious American president. Or powerful US forces are trying to destroy his presidency before it begins, perhaps even prevent him from taking office.
https://www.thenation.com/article/who-are-the-real-enemies-of-us-nationa...
4
It is said that Trump may have never read a book through in his life, and giving that he has no discipline or patience to consider any important issue for more than 3 minutes, it is fair to assume that Trump has not read any book about NATO, or European history or the history of any other part of the world, to learn as much as possible about how these societies have been formed, what role they have played, how they are structured, and what is their relationship to the United States. Then how can anybody accept his opinions about all these matters seriously? Where did he get the idea that NATO is obsolete? One has to assume then that Trump came into these notions by hearing from others who mouth these ideas, and he repeats them as the Gospel truth. Or maybe his Russian connections whisper these ideas in his ears. All we know for sure is that Trump lacks any fundamental knowledge about all of them, but also he lacks any common sense and humility to shut up for now and learn something before he opens his mouth or grabs his tweeter device.
11
My three biggest apprehensions about a Trump presidency remain oppression of individual rights, including of minorities, Muslims and immigrants (legal and illegal alike); economic and environmental catastrophe; and Trump accidentally blundering into starting WWIII. Nothing he has said or done so far is reassuring with regards to any of those three areas -- especially the blundering into a world war part. In my half-century of living, I've never seen a politician this reckless in such a position of authority and responsibility. Aren't there any adults in GOP that can hold this man-child by the hand and guide him towards sane behavior?
5
The only thing obsolete in Europe is the British Royal Family. Seriously a ruling monarchy in Europe in 2017! You can rest assured if there weren't one this Brexit foolishness would never have come up. They can't rule if they are just a state in a larger state now can they? That was the whole point of the EU even though they used economics as the carrot to get everyone to join.
IDK what he thinks he is doing with China. I am unsure of anything but the fact that he is using disrupt and divert as his tactic which apparently has no specifically delineated plan behind it.
I see he has declared "Its rigged" once again in regards to the low poll numbers. One wonders when "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" effect will take hold.
IDK what he thinks he is doing with China. I am unsure of anything but the fact that he is using disrupt and divert as his tactic which apparently has no specifically delineated plan behind it.
I see he has declared "Its rigged" once again in regards to the low poll numbers. One wonders when "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" effect will take hold.
3
Something about Trump's logic is very suspiciously flawed: Based on 2016 GDP the #1 economy is the world is the US.
Second would be the European Union if considered as a unit of the nations that were combined to form it. This is a fairer comparison to China than considering all the Euro nations separately. So why would Trump want to scuttle NATO and undermine longstanding relationships with our ally for Russia?
Consider, German's economy alone ranks 4th worldwide.
China is considered is 2nd, and Japan is 3rd.
The UK, which was encouraged to split away from the EU also by Trump and possibly with Russian interference in Brexit, is right under Germany in ranking with France right behind it!
Italy, Brasil, Canada, and even Korea have more powerful diverse economies than Russia, which ranks a weak 12th in economy, even though in land mass - which seems to distract the size oriented Mr. Trump, it's the largest piece of empty frozen mud in the world. But, for some mysterious reason, your Mr. Trump thinks his "improved relationship with Russia" is HUGE, ESSENTIAL, VERY SMART, compared to blowing up NATO, dissing and challenging China over Taiwan, whose ranking is 22nd in the world GDP and fifth among Asian economies.
As yourselves, in the realm of sphere of influence and weighing alliances, why is a self-professed "Entrepreneur and Capitalist Imperialist" as Donald Trump fancies himself, pining to cavort on horseback behind Vladimir Putin?
Second would be the European Union if considered as a unit of the nations that were combined to form it. This is a fairer comparison to China than considering all the Euro nations separately. So why would Trump want to scuttle NATO and undermine longstanding relationships with our ally for Russia?
Consider, German's economy alone ranks 4th worldwide.
China is considered is 2nd, and Japan is 3rd.
The UK, which was encouraged to split away from the EU also by Trump and possibly with Russian interference in Brexit, is right under Germany in ranking with France right behind it!
Italy, Brasil, Canada, and even Korea have more powerful diverse economies than Russia, which ranks a weak 12th in economy, even though in land mass - which seems to distract the size oriented Mr. Trump, it's the largest piece of empty frozen mud in the world. But, for some mysterious reason, your Mr. Trump thinks his "improved relationship with Russia" is HUGE, ESSENTIAL, VERY SMART, compared to blowing up NATO, dissing and challenging China over Taiwan, whose ranking is 22nd in the world GDP and fifth among Asian economies.
As yourselves, in the realm of sphere of influence and weighing alliances, why is a self-professed "Entrepreneur and Capitalist Imperialist" as Donald Trump fancies himself, pining to cavort on horseback behind Vladimir Putin?
8
I hope that other international leaders do not legitimize this president-elect, with the notion that there should respect for the office of the Presidency, as if the title alone has independent meaning and significance. It does not.
We know what this incoming “office” stands for.
This “office” has publicly avowed to deport millions of undocumented workers, a move that will destroy countless American families.
This “office” considers sexual assault a joke, and has publicly boasted about doing so.
This “office” has made a steady drumbeat of disrespect to African Americans, and disparagement of their communities.
This "office" has already trampled relations with many of our nation's long-time allies, even before the man is sworn in.
This “office” has spoken positively of registration and internment of Americans of Middle Eastern ancestry.
This “office” believes that women who have had abortions should be imprisoned.
This “office” has publicly called for the interference in our elections by a hostile nation, and then has failed to condemn that nation when provided proof that it has done so.
This “office” has insulted one of our nation’s most respected Civil Rights Leaders, a lion in our history, and a man who is revered by all decent Americans.
I join Congressman John Lewis, Charles Blow, and millions of other Americans in declaring that Trump is not a legitimate President. I hope leaders of other nations follow suit. Trump's “office” deserves no such respect
We know what this incoming “office” stands for.
This “office” has publicly avowed to deport millions of undocumented workers, a move that will destroy countless American families.
This “office” considers sexual assault a joke, and has publicly boasted about doing so.
This “office” has made a steady drumbeat of disrespect to African Americans, and disparagement of their communities.
This "office" has already trampled relations with many of our nation's long-time allies, even before the man is sworn in.
This “office” has spoken positively of registration and internment of Americans of Middle Eastern ancestry.
This “office” believes that women who have had abortions should be imprisoned.
This “office” has publicly called for the interference in our elections by a hostile nation, and then has failed to condemn that nation when provided proof that it has done so.
This “office” has insulted one of our nation’s most respected Civil Rights Leaders, a lion in our history, and a man who is revered by all decent Americans.
I join Congressman John Lewis, Charles Blow, and millions of other Americans in declaring that Trump is not a legitimate President. I hope leaders of other nations follow suit. Trump's “office” deserves no such respect
15
Well said. trump and his seed are a skidmark upon the Constitution.
6
Again we have to read:"Trump doesnt mean what he says"? No. He does, his supporters do too. We are facing chaos, he has no intention of "order". From the stated intent of his advisors such as Bannon, to the words of his most lowly supporters, the desire is for disruption and anarchy. Remember how the "Tea Party" almost ground our country to a halt, even under a Dem presidency? Well now, those forces are in complete power. GOP "patriotism" is a very thin veneer. Trump voters do not respect the order of our system. They have asked to go back, to a world without equal rights and womens rights, without unions and labor laws, a nasty deplorable time. Make America Great, seems to mean destroy everything. There will be anarchy and into that void the powerful will move to protect their interests first, be it Exxon, or Putin. Would you take a trip in an airplane, with no trained pilot, and repairs done by any untrained person who happened by? Well we all are on that flight, and afterwards there will be no moment of truth where the Trump voters admit they were terribly, terribly wrong. A country, or an airplane, either flies with functioning systems, or crashes and is destroyed.
7
TB: I see we did so well with Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Ukraine, Syria, Yemen and the cold war now with Russia. Hopefully it is time for a little respite from the Foreign Policy Establishment group think.
3
Trump's comments about NATO and Germany seem like they are orchestrated to benefit Russia. If the US withdraws from NATO Russia will be empowered to move in on and conquer the Baltic and Northern European states, probably one at a time. Remember who did that in the past, and what effect it had on WWII? And the role we played? And criticizing Angela Merkle similarly is designed to destabilize Germany, a pillar of strength in Europe, again to Russia's benefit. When Putin moves on all of Europe (because the Russian economy is dying), then we will understand them con Trump is playing. And lest it be forgotten, there is a strong suspicion that Russia holds some sway over Trump because of economic ties or recorded misconduct on his part. His repeated intent to remove sanctions against Russia with no reason (we already have an agreement to reduce nuclear stockpiles) feeds the awful feeling that we will see the ascendancy of Russia, all to his benefit, none to ours.
4
As Donald prepares to take the oath of office it appears that the only people in the world who are pleased with the forthcoming event are the Russians. He's offended nearly everyone else. Even the Israeli's, despite his overtly pro Israel stance can't be too thrilled. A president who is perceived as being so anti-Muslim is going to increase tensions in the Middle East. How dependable is a president who is hinting at disassembling NATO? All of our allies must think that if they ever get into a fight they'll have to constantly be looking over their shoulder to see if America is still there.
Donald Trump with his loose mouth and erratic behavior has raised tensions to a level not seen since the Cuban missile crisis, and the coronation is still days away.
Donald Trump with his loose mouth and erratic behavior has raised tensions to a level not seen since the Cuban missile crisis, and the coronation is still days away.
7
Merkle's approval in Germany is at 45%, a five year low.
The article should be re titled at "As Trump Era Arrives a Sense of Hope"
Since the author contains no direct White House quotes, I guess its all made up.
The article should be re titled at "As Trump Era Arrives a Sense of Hope"
Since the author contains no direct White House quotes, I guess its all made up.
5
I can assure you that Germany does not view Donald Trump with any sense of "Hope" --- In fact, just the opposite......And it's all there in the German Press.
6
As a non American I regard the sentiments of the Democrats about Russia 'throwing the elections' with wry humour.
Of course supporters of this 'conspiracy theory' never mention exactly how the Russians accomplished such a feat.
Was it in the form of an invisible hand filling out the ballot papers?
No- wiki leaks merely exposed the inner workings of Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party much to their chagrin and in the event that this action was backed by the Russian Government-so what.
Look at the past record of the American Government with regard to their sponsorship of direct and proxy wars in foreign lands- its arming of renegade and motley groupings- and support for regime change and call the WikiLeaks action illegal.
The fact that Americans were given the opportunity to inform themselves should count as a service to the country- despite the Democrats feigned self righteous outrage.
Well they would be- wouldn't they?
No doubt the international community will breathe a collective sigh of relief if Trump adopts a 'hands off' foreign policy as opposed to the records of former US administrations.
Of course supporters of this 'conspiracy theory' never mention exactly how the Russians accomplished such a feat.
Was it in the form of an invisible hand filling out the ballot papers?
No- wiki leaks merely exposed the inner workings of Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party much to their chagrin and in the event that this action was backed by the Russian Government-so what.
Look at the past record of the American Government with regard to their sponsorship of direct and proxy wars in foreign lands- its arming of renegade and motley groupings- and support for regime change and call the WikiLeaks action illegal.
The fact that Americans were given the opportunity to inform themselves should count as a service to the country- despite the Democrats feigned self righteous outrage.
Well they would be- wouldn't they?
No doubt the international community will breathe a collective sigh of relief if Trump adopts a 'hands off' foreign policy as opposed to the records of former US administrations.
7
President-elect Trump will not do anything foolish that would harm us or the world. We have to have some faith in our commander in chief and he will not act irrational contrary to what some are saying. He has excellent advisors who are right beside him and he has probably consulted with them all along. There is always uncertainty just as there was with President Obama and there would have been with Hillary Clinton if she had been elected. Nobody has a crystal ball. We will be just fine.
2
The percentage of NATO expenditure paid by US has gone from ~52% in the 70s to 72% in 2016. So Trump is right to point out that the Europeans are not paying their share for their own security and defense (assuming such kind of defense is justified so to fend off a potential Russian invasion in taking over Europe).
More importantly, Europe today is not facing the same kind of threat during the cold war. Dynamics in the region has changed since the cold war ended 25 years ago. After Germany took in close to 1 million migrants from Middle East, Germany is now at the front and center seat of "Eurabia". Considering the significant shift of the demographics in Germany (and EU) in the coming years and radical liberalism of Brussels and Berlin, it is just a matter of time that Sharia law will be a part of EU as dictated by Muslims' demand. When that happens, it will be the end of Western democracy and civilization in Europe. So unless EU begins to take action to prevent the possible reality of Eurabia, why should I as a tax payer continue to support NATO which provides protection for EU superstate to conduct such a suicidal mission?
More importantly, Europe today is not facing the same kind of threat during the cold war. Dynamics in the region has changed since the cold war ended 25 years ago. After Germany took in close to 1 million migrants from Middle East, Germany is now at the front and center seat of "Eurabia". Considering the significant shift of the demographics in Germany (and EU) in the coming years and radical liberalism of Brussels and Berlin, it is just a matter of time that Sharia law will be a part of EU as dictated by Muslims' demand. When that happens, it will be the end of Western democracy and civilization in Europe. So unless EU begins to take action to prevent the possible reality of Eurabia, why should I as a tax payer continue to support NATO which provides protection for EU superstate to conduct such a suicidal mission?
5
Perhaps you fail to understand the Cold War never ended -- and Europe would be facing the same problems, if NATO were to be disbanded.
Another thing.
Since the recent terrorist attack in Berlin, Germany has made an about-face turn in its leniency when it comes to Immigration policy.
I suggest you read the Foreign Press more often, to actually get a better idea of what's going on.
Another thing.
Since the recent terrorist attack in Berlin, Germany has made an about-face turn in its leniency when it comes to Immigration policy.
I suggest you read the Foreign Press more often, to actually get a better idea of what's going on.
3
I'm sure world leaders would feel much more certain and assured with having a president in the White House to whom they were giving hundreds of millions of Dollars a year through her family's foundation. We, the people, though, would feel very uncertain about that!
5
I believe all these countries under NATO provide universal health care for all their citizens, something we do not. Even Israel provides that benefit. Why is the US picking up a good portion of the tab for their security while our citizens do without? Money is fungible, if these countries don't have to spend on defense of their country they can spend on their citizenry.
6
The United States provides 70 % of NATO' s budget. You are entirely right about the lack of any European defense force. Hence, prosperity in the EU is very much related to American military spending.
1
We 100% need to recognize Taiwan as the independent nation it is. China is completely dependent on us to use their factories and therefore, have lost all leverage.
1
Dear Truth777,
China has plenty of leverage in that we owe them more debt than we owe any other nation, and they have the third largest stockpile of nuclear weapons. Plus we depend on exporting goods to them too, and depend on their cheap imports.
More importantly, why do we need to recognize Taiwan as independent? What difference would it make?
China has plenty of leverage in that we owe them more debt than we owe any other nation, and they have the third largest stockpile of nuclear weapons. Plus we depend on exporting goods to them too, and depend on their cheap imports.
More importantly, why do we need to recognize Taiwan as independent? What difference would it make?
2
We, all of us, domestic and foreign (e.g. Germans, Chinese), have been told what Trump says shouldn't be taken "literally" (e.g. Lewandowski). Indeed, the onus is placed on us. It's "we" who err in supposing that Trump might mean what he says, that Trump himself is not responsible for the utter sloppiness, inaccuracies, and outright lies that adorn his communications (e.g. tweets) And surrogates (e.g. Conway, Spicer) are perpetually sent forth to explain that his colossal inadequacies are somehow our fault. For those us of too obtuse to properly interpret Trump's words, we are admonished to read what's "in his heart (Kellyanne).
I suggest that the crux of the matter is quite different. It is that Trump has no idea what he's talking about. He has no real "plan" about anything. What he says is superficial, devoid substance, probably a momentary and transitory thought, possibly a lie, and often designed to insult. Adopting this interpretation of Trump's utterances should remove confusion over his words, even as it leaves serious concern about erratic and questionable judgement.
In short, we don't know what Trump has in mind, because he doesn't. And that is a reason to be concerned.
I suggest that the crux of the matter is quite different. It is that Trump has no idea what he's talking about. He has no real "plan" about anything. What he says is superficial, devoid substance, probably a momentary and transitory thought, possibly a lie, and often designed to insult. Adopting this interpretation of Trump's utterances should remove confusion over his words, even as it leaves serious concern about erratic and questionable judgement.
In short, we don't know what Trump has in mind, because he doesn't. And that is a reason to be concerned.
2
Probably comes as a result of a man who thinks he can run the most powerful nation in 140 characters. What will he do if Twitter goes under? He might actually have to think, and say things in complete sentences so people will understand him. If not, for God's sake, will someone please please please take his Twitter account away from him?
1
"The Germans are angry. The Chinese are downright furious. Leaders of NATO are nervous, while their counterparts at the European Union are alarmed."
That is an excellent start. They all deserved and needed shaking up.
That is an excellent start. They all deserved and needed shaking up.
6
Yeah, nothing could be better than shaking up several antagonistic nuclear powers.
2
There are a lot of Americans who are "angry" and "furious" too.
2
Unfortunately for HRC, she didn't listen to them while Trump did.
3
If we're lucky enough to wake up alive from this nightmare, for heaven sake don't let it happen again. Abolish the Electoral College. Let's actually be what we say we are, a democracy.
14
The electoral college makes sure the POTUS is a president of all the different types of people. Each state does have a majority that elects the president. But you can't just have one faction of the whole country be in charge, that would cause civil wars. That's WHY we have the electoral college, so the president is the president of all peoples in the country.
3
we are, and always have been since the writing of the constitution, organized as a republic. Not a 1 person 1 vote democracy. that's the way it has always been. do you not understand that? now that the outcome is not what was wanted, is the best answer to hem and haw, cry and protest, and not give a new president a chance, as has been done in every election in history, except for Nixon and gwb--they were the 2 most protested post election results until now. btw, do we get who is always crying and protesting instead of trying to be positive and patient and give the new guy a chance? imagine if this elections response was given to obama? his supporters would have been infuriated.
2
@barb
The Electoral College is an antiquated system that needs to be updated or abolished.
Another thing.
This incoming "President" does not represent the Will of all the People -- nor will he be the "President" of ALL the people.
He's already shown us that.
The Electoral College is an antiquated system that needs to be updated or abolished.
Another thing.
This incoming "President" does not represent the Will of all the People -- nor will he be the "President" of ALL the people.
He's already shown us that.
3
We can hope the more rational world leaders such as Prime Minister Theresa May or Chancellor Merkel will be able to take the Donald's rash statements - or God forbid - actions in stride but what about those such as Kim Jong--un of North Korea?
3
Trump's voters elected him precisely because they wanted Trump to sow chaos and wreck the federal government.
The notion that he's going to be impeached for it at some point? Uh, don't underestimate these people.
Like it or not, Don John is with us for at least a full four years.
The notion that he's going to be impeached for it at some point? Uh, don't underestimate these people.
Like it or not, Don John is with us for at least a full four years.
4
The United States has always had two great allies defending our shores, the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Many miles to cross before reaching our mainland. Our first line of defense however, should Russia move west or east against us is our European and East Asian allies. A price can not be put on the fact that for any opposition to reach us they would have to fight through the formidable forces of NATO long before reaching us. The fact that Trump would try and put a value on that type of support is a clear indication for his lack of intelligence and understanding of anything outside of a used car sale or real estate scam. We may be the strongest country in the world but part of why that is so, is do to the fact that we are citizens of a free world supported by our contributing partners. A me-mine president will be hard pressed to understand worlds, contribution or partnership.
16
Why not just make peace with Russia? They're not looking for a fight with us.
2
@es
Sorry. I consider Russian interference in a U.S. presidential election as "looking for a fight".
Sorry. I consider Russian interference in a U.S. presidential election as "looking for a fight".
4
No proof of Russia interference. Show us proof or stop talking about it.
No doubt whatsoever, Trump will attempt to do everything he promised during the campaign, particularly in foreign policy domain of the executive.
Trump's successful political strategy is as old as the Roman Empire. Divide and conquer. Target and dominate low credibility institutions such as the current political system and the powerful security-information-military apparatus, greatly enhanced after 9/11. In foreign policy, the first target was human rich but powerless Mexico.
The Bild editor of the latest interview given by Trump said something fascinating. According to him, Trump is the first American president to have a straight business-based foreign policy approach.
Trump will only negotiate with individual countries instead of economically-socially integrated blocks. This explains his enthusiasm for Brexit and attack against Germany, one of the pillars of the post-war II European integration process.
Trump's successful political strategy is as old as the Roman Empire. Divide and conquer. Target and dominate low credibility institutions such as the current political system and the powerful security-information-military apparatus, greatly enhanced after 9/11. In foreign policy, the first target was human rich but powerless Mexico.
The Bild editor of the latest interview given by Trump said something fascinating. According to him, Trump is the first American president to have a straight business-based foreign policy approach.
Trump will only negotiate with individual countries instead of economically-socially integrated blocks. This explains his enthusiasm for Brexit and attack against Germany, one of the pillars of the post-war II European integration process.
2
Well, if Trump has made everyone so nervous, what will become of us? My goodness. I suppose, like the opening of a new Broadway musical, we'll all just have to wait and see if it was worth the price of admission? I remember Obama getting a Nobel prize for having done nothing when he was first elected. It turned out he did not deserve a cupcake after all. Perhaps the Times should just completely dismiss the possibility that, once actually president, Trump might do something good. Actually, I think the Times has long since dismissed the idea of wait and see and has already written the epitaph of Trump's presidency and it isn't pretty. All really very sad, as Trump would probably say, since, if true, America is going to not just swirl around the toilet bowl, as it has for the past 8 years, but be flushed into the septic field of decayed empires of the past. Not exactly an optimistic stance to take for the next 8 years.
1
Trump is a Russian agent.
18
The best that Russia has ever had.
7
The Manchurian Candidate!
4
A flawed article
To equate spending on the military for a return on trades is a flawed proposition. We have been trying to make the world into a american democracy for years. We need to: 1.stop that proposition...who is to say every country has t be like ours and 2. reduce the military budget so we have some money for other things for the people paying the bill. We now spend about 25.3 percent of the budget of the USA on the military. World peace is not the job of the american tax payer and the working class whites who voted in trump will not reap any value until we address the military budget and spend on other things that will benefit them.
To equate spending on the military for a return on trades is a flawed proposition. We have been trying to make the world into a american democracy for years. We need to: 1.stop that proposition...who is to say every country has t be like ours and 2. reduce the military budget so we have some money for other things for the people paying the bill. We now spend about 25.3 percent of the budget of the USA on the military. World peace is not the job of the american tax payer and the working class whites who voted in trump will not reap any value until we address the military budget and spend on other things that will benefit them.
8
The Russians are not coming, this time any more than last time.
2
Wrong. The Russians are already here -- and they helped to give us this "President".
Read the (Real) News.
Read the (Real) News.
4
Gotham has elected the Joker. I only wish it were a movie.
13
( latweek: "Gotham has elected the Joker. I only wish it were a movie.")
Considering the popularity of (and profits from) films on historical catastrophes, one day it will be that too.
Considering the popularity of (and profits from) films on historical catastrophes, one day it will be that too.
1
I simply do not understand why anyone would say "let's wait and see what he does when he's in office." He hasn't wavered for one second in so far as his: insensitivity to, and disregard for, anyone but his family and fortune; appalling support for Russia and disrespect for our allies; inability to articulate even a broad-brush overview of policies he seeks to enact; or utter lack of mental capacity. Taking a "wait and see" approach only gives him greater power and lulls the rest of us into accepting increasingly absurd behavior that lowers the bar for what is acceptable, which again gives him more power. How do most tyrants or dictators take power? Isn't it while people are giving them the benefit of the doubt?
31
The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire: "An empire is not conquered from without, but from within."
Trump is a combination of Nero & Caligula. Enough said.
Trump is a combination of Nero & Caligula. Enough said.
23
When is the elephant in the room going to be addressed? The man is mentally ill and unable to perform the duties of POTUS, period.
41
Totally agree
12
It's mind boggling that this guy is even in this position. He is completely unhinged!
10
Shaw famously noted that England and America were two countries divided by a common language. I think that Trump feels he has common cause with the emerging right wing in Europe, when perhaps the only cause they have in common is a driving fear of immigration. England, like Germany, and indeed, most of Europe has well established health care, social safety nets, and affordable education available to all their citizens. Much of the anti-immigrant fervor in the UK and Europe is aimed at protecting those services from being overburdened by in influx of dependents who may not be able to contribute to their maintenance. In the US we have none of these programs, or only negligible ones, that the Trump administration seems determined to eviscerate. Hence, two totally different constituencies are temporarily in lockstep. The further agendas of European and US rightists are shrouded beneath the populist rhetoric, and the language seems to indicate agreement between them, but "protecting our way of life" means very different things in Europe then it does in th US. Both are seemingly being manipulated by Russian influence, with somewhat different goals.
8
Where's the hack on Trumps taxes? Putin, do you have them yet? Ed Snowden, do the world a favor! Wikileaks, where are you? Julian? Anybody? You can do it!
20
All I can say is I am glad I secured my permanent residence visa in a foreign country because with this nut case in the White House it might be needed sooner than later.
15
The "uncertainty"" you mention lies not just in Trump, but is growing quickly and surely in the hearts and minds of the American people, in the many parts of those abroad who support us. Donald Trump has such a huge ego that there is no room for common sense or a sense of caring for the unfortunates among us. The fires of hate and the fires of anti-Americanism are growing within us once again. The"New Reich" will soon be with us. Been there . Seen that. Done that. I am glad to be very old........
18
I don't know that the Germans are "angry", as much as they are scared.
At least theat's the impression I get from my family, friends, and the German Press.
The (s)election of Donald Trump here in the U.S., along with the rise of populist right-wing parties across Europe, is making Germany even more uncertain of its political future with Chancellor Merkel, who will be facing elections later this year.
Not only is she is currently facing opposition from a wide spectrum of political adversaries, but within her own party, particularly from Horst Seehofer (CSU) regarding her 'Flüchtlingspolitik' -- Refugee policies.
If anything, this is Merkel's Achilles heel at the moment, and one that could very well undermine her re-election bid.
To a seasoned politican like the Chancellor, the tweets of Donald Trump are probably little more than that.
She, like everyone else on the world-stage will be looking at his actions. But unlike him, she knows how to deal with Vladimir Putin.
Trump would do well to learn something from that.
At least theat's the impression I get from my family, friends, and the German Press.
The (s)election of Donald Trump here in the U.S., along with the rise of populist right-wing parties across Europe, is making Germany even more uncertain of its political future with Chancellor Merkel, who will be facing elections later this year.
Not only is she is currently facing opposition from a wide spectrum of political adversaries, but within her own party, particularly from Horst Seehofer (CSU) regarding her 'Flüchtlingspolitik' -- Refugee policies.
If anything, this is Merkel's Achilles heel at the moment, and one that could very well undermine her re-election bid.
To a seasoned politican like the Chancellor, the tweets of Donald Trump are probably little more than that.
She, like everyone else on the world-stage will be looking at his actions. But unlike him, she knows how to deal with Vladimir Putin.
Trump would do well to learn something from that.
9
If the U.S. goes financially. We can't help he rest of the world.Capitalism kicked in, on the 1950's and 60's. We were able to help many counties in need. The problem was we just threw money at them which enriched the leaders but not their people. We should have given them backhoes, bulldozers, sewage treatment materials and teams to teach how to use them. Capitalism made us the best country in the world and we are getting back to it.
1
Huh?? This isn' the 1950s and 60s. A few things have changed since then. Clearly, you haven't.
1
What a dangerous, disruptive and ignorant man. Ruining any and all detente with European and world leaders. Encouraging the thug Putin to complete his break up of the EU and destabilize this USA. Deplorable, dispicable, the new President of the Disunited States of America
17
The world isn't the only one wondering what Trump is saying. Trump is wondering, too. He doesn't seem to know what he's saying from day to day.
23
I really believe we are witnessing a coup by Putin. Not in the traditional sense, but it is obvious that they have been working on Trump for a long time. Trump's campaign and behavior, insinuations and rhetoric, the company he keeps, not one utterance against Putin, his stance on NATO, etc.....everything that would be beneficial to Putin, Russia and the world order. And if that's not enough proof, Trump wants to move the Press from the West Wing to across the street and physically out of the White House. Something is not right in Glocca Morra ....the stench is overpowering!
42
Trump is a blustering self-promoter, and that is all he has ever been. Although his offspring present a quieter (if slicker, literally) version, there is nothing in this clan to suggest good for anyone but them. If I were in Europe I would be very concerned, to the point of worrying that US troops could be stood down in the case of russian moves to retake the Baltic states or to coerce other nations. What a trump says doesn't matter; we should look at the history of what he and his seed have done.
19
How can any of us survive in today's very dynamic world if even our best allies can't trust a darned word of the US president?
36
That sounds just like Bibi's response to our current POTUS.
2
I'm trying to see this from a Trump supporter's point of view. Cozying up to Russia is good, because then the US and Russia can join forces to defeat ISIS. If ISIS and its vision of fundamentalist Islamists conquering Europe are taken out of the picture, then Europeans and Russians can settle down and go about their business, right? No more worries about crazy assassins and terrorist attacks. All of the white people can just relax and stop worrying about being overrun by brown people. I'm guessing that this is what Trump supporters hear. They see NATO as ineffective, an expensive alliance that costs them a lot of money, but offers them nothing in terms of protection. Am I getting this right?
So...dial back to the first bit, about defeating ISIS. What kind of a war is that going to entail? If we join forces with Russia, who's going to be in charge? Will we have American soldiers fighting over in Syria and Iraq again? Or will we carpet-bomb trouble zones and wipe out the entire bothersome population of the area? And then what happens? Who's going to counter-attack? What other countries will get involved? Will China give support to the Islamists, if Trump upsets them over Taiwan? Will the Russians and Turks, known for their oppressive regimes, be trustworthy allies, or will they turn on us after we've helped them clean up the terrorists in and around their countries? What kind of an international backlash against the US will emerge? Surely someone else is asking these questions.
So...dial back to the first bit, about defeating ISIS. What kind of a war is that going to entail? If we join forces with Russia, who's going to be in charge? Will we have American soldiers fighting over in Syria and Iraq again? Or will we carpet-bomb trouble zones and wipe out the entire bothersome population of the area? And then what happens? Who's going to counter-attack? What other countries will get involved? Will China give support to the Islamists, if Trump upsets them over Taiwan? Will the Russians and Turks, known for their oppressive regimes, be trustworthy allies, or will they turn on us after we've helped them clean up the terrorists in and around their countries? What kind of an international backlash against the US will emerge? Surely someone else is asking these questions.
50
Gen Mattis claims he admires the advice of Sun Tzu.
Let's hope he does and can put a brake on Trump's verbal fits and pride, without being fired, that is.
Let's hope he does and can put a brake on Trump's verbal fits and pride, without being fired, that is.
2
Trump supporters want jobs back in the rust belt. So trade agreements are at play as well because they believe that affects manufacturing jobs. Their view is to some degree inside moving out (domestic then international), where yours and mine is outside moving in. They are both important and work simultaneousy.
That said, there are additonal factors Donald Trump is immune to, that includes first and foremost factual knowledge of current events and historical policy and an even temperment. His main goal is enriching himself while keeping us distracted with chaos.
That said, there are additonal factors Donald Trump is immune to, that includes first and foremost factual knowledge of current events and historical policy and an even temperment. His main goal is enriching himself while keeping us distracted with chaos.
"Uncertainty"? I think dread is a better word, at least to describe how the majority of Americans feel.
34
Dread has a fearful connotation and fear is a conservative trait. Don't be afraid, be active. There is a march near you on Saturday. Go to it. Send a note to your representatives to oppose Trump. Act!
6
After our involvement in Ukraine and posting combat troops on the Russian border, I'm glad the Trump will not threaten Russia. Most of the countries that we have troops in despise the US. I know personally from spending years in the military assigned in Korea , Germany and the Phillipnes. I look forward to disengaging from being the police man of the world and making America first.
9
maybe you should have stayed out of the military playing policeman to the world.
you broke it. you own it.
you broke it. you own it.
2
I actually was drafted during the Vietnam era. I know first hand how our government leaders both democratic and republican lead us into unnessecary wars. I'm sure if there was still a draft there would be no calls to be the world's policeman. It ain't me, I ain't no fortunate son.
3
Rapidly, regarding repeal of the ACA, buyers remorse is setting in. Those feeling duped are low income, poor whites and coal miners.
A sucker is born every minute and Trump seems to have cornered the market.
A sucker is born every minute and Trump seems to have cornered the market.
22
The world is falling, chicken little!! Another article of apocalyptic content!! So, let's take some of these issues one at a time. The refugees: do we need to agree with the decision that Angela Merkel made - by herself, without consultation with the German parliament - of letting in 1M of them? Or, should we worry about the potential these refugees will destabilize European countries? And, not only Germany, since they are free to move across Europe. China and Taiwan: the US has been playing this charade for over 40 years; we "agree" to a one China policy but support Taiwan economically and militarily. And, since the US believes in self determination, should that not apply to Taiwan? And, has anybody noticed how terrified the Chinese leadership is of a potential trade war? Finally, NATO: the post WWII "world order" has been based on the confrontation between the US and the old Soviet Union. NATO and the Warsaw Pact were the expression of that "world order"; that "world order" is getting a little old, the Warsaw Pact is no more and the expanded NATO - to the border of Russia - needs some rethinking. Plus, the US should not continue to pay for most of the cost of NATO.
Yes, Trump is making noises that are getting the old establishment diplomats concerns but.... this might be the right time to start questioning these issues. That is what a new administration should be doing!
Yes, Trump is making noises that are getting the old establishment diplomats concerns but.... this might be the right time to start questioning these issues. That is what a new administration should be doing!
7
He's sowing conflict and chaos. Won't we soon need a strong leader, a very very strong leader, to restore and maintain order? Will the title "President" suffice? Will a black suit and zipper-covering red or blue tie suffice, perhaps with an expanse of bright medals on the breast, or will a full uniform be necessary?
He's already stepped outside the limits of what the office of the president has been until now. Next...?
He's already stepped outside the limits of what the office of the president has been until now. Next...?
7
"He's sowing conflict and chaos."
W and Cheney did that.
Obama was unable to stop his national security team from expanding conflict and chaos to ever more places, nor to resolve any conflict or chaos going when he arrived eight years ago.
We've had 16 years of conflict and chaos spinning up ever higher.
Hillary had promised yet more of it, in Syria and Ukraine, against Russia and China.
So if Chicken Little is right about Trump, entirely right, it is nothing new, nor much different from the only other alternative we were offered.
At least he won't do the very same exact things that have not worked in two decades.
W and Cheney did that.
Obama was unable to stop his national security team from expanding conflict and chaos to ever more places, nor to resolve any conflict or chaos going when he arrived eight years ago.
We've had 16 years of conflict and chaos spinning up ever higher.
Hillary had promised yet more of it, in Syria and Ukraine, against Russia and China.
So if Chicken Little is right about Trump, entirely right, it is nothing new, nor much different from the only other alternative we were offered.
At least he won't do the very same exact things that have not worked in two decades.
4
You read the news, so you may not be aware that the level of world violence has not followed a continuously rising pattern. For a very long time, it was dropping. The two decades you clump together are not as alike as you assume.
Whatever the case, change for change's sake makes no logical sense. This machine is broken and the screwdriver doesn't fit: so let's give a child a sledge hammer and see what happens.
Whatever the case, change for change's sake makes no logical sense. This machine is broken and the screwdriver doesn't fit: so let's give a child a sledge hammer and see what happens.
2
Thanks to precedent set by previous administrations, Trump has a free hand in diplomacy. He can strike bargains with foreign powers as he pleases without the advice and consent of the Senate, as long as he refers to them as "agreements" or "deals" instead of "treaties."
6
At least, Trump won't be outmatched the way Obama has been.
1
Dear AACNY,
I guess Obama has been outmatched in a couple of respects. But why on earth would you think Trump won't be, when he has no self-control, no knowledge of foreign policy, no understanding of history, no experience governing, and a track record of constant business and marital failure?
I guess Obama has been outmatched in a couple of respects. But why on earth would you think Trump won't be, when he has no self-control, no knowledge of foreign policy, no understanding of history, no experience governing, and a track record of constant business and marital failure?
4
Dan: "constant business and marital failure"? We should all be so unlucky.
Surprise? Yes! The typical American sees Trump as providing lots of entertaining variety; but, actually, it's just a 50/50 proposition - we can end up as either a heap of bones, or as a heap of ashes - depending on whether he ruins the economy, or gets us into a nuclear war, first.
American voters failed at "caveat emptor"; so now, we are in "caveat Emperor" mode. It will be exciting - until it starts to hurt.
American voters failed at "caveat emptor"; so now, we are in "caveat Emperor" mode. It will be exciting - until it starts to hurt.
9
Watching Trump is like watching a toddler in a warehouse full of glass...
19
Trump agitates to fracture our world, even as crises already tear at the Middle East. He disdains NATO, even though his defense-secretary pick says if the alliance didn't exist, it would have to be created. He bellows about the most basic foreign trade agreements, which have drawn our world closer. He cheers Britain's EU exist, helping weaken a four-decade-old bloc that links most of Europe. And now he equates, in his view, Angela Merkel, a stabilizing democrat, with Vladimir Putin, a murderous dictator. If the U.S. thus drubs it allies and draws close to its foes, we will help shatter world order and thereby, our place and global peace.
11
If Trump wants to, he can use his position to become the world's first trillionaire.
And if anyone complains or tries to pass laws against what he is doing,
he can have them thrown in jail.....
....on Trumped-up charges.
.
==============
And if anyone complains or tries to pass laws against what he is doing,
he can have them thrown in jail.....
....on Trumped-up charges.
.
==============
9
"Others cautioned against taking Mr. Trump’s words literally." It's "less clear about whether his remarks represent meaningful new policy guidelines, personal judgments or passing whims." In other words, you can't believe anything he says.
His remarks are "sometimes contradictory interviews." His "words should be regarded as tactical, intended merely to keep his options open." "No one knows where exactly he is headed." In other words, Trump does not have policies.
His remarks are "sometimes contradictory interviews." His "words should be regarded as tactical, intended merely to keep his options open." "No one knows where exactly he is headed." In other words, Trump does not have policies.
14
"In other words, Trump does not have policies."
Trump has 2 policies that I know about.
1/ Sheldon Adelson endorsed Trump because as he said "He will be good for Israel" the corollary to that policy is bad for the USA & the indigenous people of Palestine. Trump`s appointments re Israel & his son-in-law make this a certainty.
2/ He will find ways/policies that increase his wealth. eg. Tax breaks for him. He will never release his income tax returns as there is so much immoral & illegal activity in them.
Trump has 2 policies that I know about.
1/ Sheldon Adelson endorsed Trump because as he said "He will be good for Israel" the corollary to that policy is bad for the USA & the indigenous people of Palestine. Trump`s appointments re Israel & his son-in-law make this a certainty.
2/ He will find ways/policies that increase his wealth. eg. Tax breaks for him. He will never release his income tax returns as there is so much immoral & illegal activity in them.
5
Duncan Lennox -- "1/" If you were Sheldon Adelson, would you trust Trump to deliver?
No, I don't think we know that he will be Adelson's definition of good for Israel. I doubt a man like Adelson trusts that either.
No, I don't think we know that he will be Adelson's definition of good for Israel. I doubt a man like Adelson trusts that either.
2
This paper and the people who write for it are disgustingly dishonest. Clearly, after a quick glance at the front page, there is a vendetta, a mission to do what ever it takes to mar, to harm, to delegitimize the incoming President Trump. I don't recall articles like this one wondering how the industrialized world would react to the ardent socialist as he came into office. Your efforts, please know, will have about as much success as Mrs. Clinton had in defeating him. President Trump's success isn't based upon your worthless approval.
6
Nice try. If you can't take the heat, get out of the Oval Office.
16
The "ardent socialist" can be compared to many other government officials in Scandinavia and elsewhere.
The Donald is totally unpredictable, not very knowledgeable, vindictive, given to tweets of outrage over minor matters such as veiled criticism by an esteemed actress.
Now instead of Twitter, he will have access to the whole American arsenal.
The Donald is totally unpredictable, not very knowledgeable, vindictive, given to tweets of outrage over minor matters such as veiled criticism by an esteemed actress.
Now instead of Twitter, he will have access to the whole American arsenal.
7
Len, let's imagine that you are actually an American who believe Putin or Trump. Ask yourself the wisdom of Trump's brilliant strategy, proposing your nation throw its lot in with Russia:
We are the #1 economy is the world based on GDP. Europe taken as a whole would easily rank ahead of China in 2nd rank. But, consider, Germany alone is 4th, andthe UK, which was encouraged to split away from the EU also with Russian interference in Brexit, is right under Germany in ranking with France right behind it! Why does Trump seem determined to undermine NATO and inflate Russia?
Italy, Brasil, Canada, and even Korea have more powerful diverse economies than Russia, which ranks a weak #12 as an energy resource mono-rail economy that sinks or swims on the price of oil. Even though Russia is huge in its land mass - which seems to distract the size oriented Mr. Trump, it's the largest piece of empty frozen mud in the world. Trump thinks his "improved relationship with Russia" is HUGE, ESSENTIAL, VERY SMART, compared to blowing up NATO, dissing and challenging China over Taiwan, whose ranking is 22nd in the world GDP and fifth among Asian economies
Why is a self-professed "Entrepreneur and Capitalist Imperialist" as Donald Trump fancies himself, pining to cavort on horseback behind Vladimir Putin? I get that you don't like Hillary Clinton. But changing for Putin's horse in midstream and deserting 70 years of treaties is a bit nuts don't you think?
We are the #1 economy is the world based on GDP. Europe taken as a whole would easily rank ahead of China in 2nd rank. But, consider, Germany alone is 4th, andthe UK, which was encouraged to split away from the EU also with Russian interference in Brexit, is right under Germany in ranking with France right behind it! Why does Trump seem determined to undermine NATO and inflate Russia?
Italy, Brasil, Canada, and even Korea have more powerful diverse economies than Russia, which ranks a weak #12 as an energy resource mono-rail economy that sinks or swims on the price of oil. Even though Russia is huge in its land mass - which seems to distract the size oriented Mr. Trump, it's the largest piece of empty frozen mud in the world. Trump thinks his "improved relationship with Russia" is HUGE, ESSENTIAL, VERY SMART, compared to blowing up NATO, dissing and challenging China over Taiwan, whose ranking is 22nd in the world GDP and fifth among Asian economies
Why is a self-professed "Entrepreneur and Capitalist Imperialist" as Donald Trump fancies himself, pining to cavort on horseback behind Vladimir Putin? I get that you don't like Hillary Clinton. But changing for Putin's horse in midstream and deserting 70 years of treaties is a bit nuts don't you think?
10
President-elect Trump's attacks on the EU violate decades of a consistent, bipartisan U.S. policy supporting European integration and unity in the interests of peace and prosperity. On May 8, 1985, President Reagan delivered a landmark address before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, and praised the "genius" of the EU and its predecessors: "I'm here to tell you that America remains, as she was 40 years ago, dedicated to the unity of Europe. We continue to see a strong and unified Europe not as a rival but as an even stronger partner. Indeed, John F. Kennedy, in his ringing declaration of interdependence in the Freedom Bell city of Philadelphia 23 years ago, explicitly made this objective a key tenet of postwar American policy; that policy saw the New World and the Old as twin pillars of a larger democratic community. We Americans still see European unity as a vital force in that historic process. We favor the expansion of the European Community; we welcome the entrance of Spain and Portugal into that Community, for their presence makes for a stronger Europe, and a stronger Europe is a stronger West."
13
Angela Merkel -- "I am waiting for the president to be sworn into office... And then, of course, I will work with him together" -- seems to be the only person who is willing to acknowledge that she has successfully decoded and made sense of Mr. Trump's seemingly inane public declarations.
I suspect that, by this time, the psychiatrists hired by the intelligence services of most world powers have informed their respective leaderships that Mr. Trump is a deal-maker -- "he goes into negotiations hoping that the other side thinks that he is unbalanced and possibly a madman."
For Mr. Trump -- whose refusal to talk about his past and propensity for an aggressive, assume-the-offense bravado suggests he was bullied as a child -- this approach has allowed him to make billions of dollars as a successful businessman. (It does not work for Kim Jong Un because the North Korea is a hermit kingdom, not a global powerhouse.)
Why should we expect him to behave any differently now that he is about to re-negotiate (or so he thinks) America's place in the world?
If I were to demand that Mexico pay for a wall; a reconfiguration of established US policy vis-a-vis China and Taiwan; upending 50 years of US Middle East policy; or a re-evaluation of traditional alliances that have bolstered for decades European security -- all in the name of getting a better deal for the United States -- I too would want to sit at the table knowing the other side thought I was completely unpredictable.
I suspect that, by this time, the psychiatrists hired by the intelligence services of most world powers have informed their respective leaderships that Mr. Trump is a deal-maker -- "he goes into negotiations hoping that the other side thinks that he is unbalanced and possibly a madman."
For Mr. Trump -- whose refusal to talk about his past and propensity for an aggressive, assume-the-offense bravado suggests he was bullied as a child -- this approach has allowed him to make billions of dollars as a successful businessman. (It does not work for Kim Jong Un because the North Korea is a hermit kingdom, not a global powerhouse.)
Why should we expect him to behave any differently now that he is about to re-negotiate (or so he thinks) America's place in the world?
If I were to demand that Mexico pay for a wall; a reconfiguration of established US policy vis-a-vis China and Taiwan; upending 50 years of US Middle East policy; or a re-evaluation of traditional alliances that have bolstered for decades European security -- all in the name of getting a better deal for the United States -- I too would want to sit at the table knowing the other side thought I was completely unpredictable.
2
I'm not sure convincing the world he is Putin's sock puppet and buffoonish stooge is going to bring the wonderful counter-offers rolling in. But, nice try. Unfortunately Tony Schwartz wrote that script and Trump follows it incoherently. He's been played by the Russians for quite some time from all the indications.
2
I hope the rest of the world can remember that most of us who voted did NOT vote for this man!
39
I have lived in both the UK and the US for a total of 16 years and did so with a lot of pleasure. Therefore it pains me all the more to have to conclude that both of these countries now harbour serious antipathy towards continental Europe and have leaders that are in fact out to undermine us fundamentally. Electing Trump is your business but when he starts attacking fundamental values we stand for and provides active support for Russia and Putin in his endeavours to weaken Europe then Trump becomes our business. I think we Europeans should regard the US and Trump in particular as actively hostile to Europe. It is clear that we need to get our act together as the US and the UK are simply no longer reliable allies. A very sad conclusion but I am afraid an unavoidable one.
21
As long as you understand that the majority of US citizens DID NOT vote for this man.
15
Steamer61,
Goedemorgen! I lived in Amsterdam for about five years and it's still my second home.
But you cannot pretend that the continent is exempt from this self-defeating ideology. Look at Geert Wilders. When I lived there, he was regarded as a lunatic or a clown or both. Now he is more popular than any other single politician. Or look at Marine Le Pen in France. Or the Alternative for Germany.
No one is immune from this plague.
Goedemorgen! I lived in Amsterdam for about five years and it's still my second home.
But you cannot pretend that the continent is exempt from this self-defeating ideology. Look at Geert Wilders. When I lived there, he was regarded as a lunatic or a clown or both. Now he is more popular than any other single politician. Or look at Marine Le Pen in France. Or the Alternative for Germany.
No one is immune from this plague.
9
Reply to Amsterdam. Like you I'm aghast at the dangerous and foolish diatribes this man is making towards Angela Merkel. Speaking about refugees as "illegals", saying NATO moribund and redundant although he did not use those exact words. The problem with Trump is he lives in his ivory tower with his court of yeah Sayers whispering in his ear. He is incapable of arguing a point or debating an idea with another human being. He attacks the messenger by firing his salvos through Twitter. He is always insulted. He forms opinions based on nothing. He behaviors have no bad consequences for him. He seems love The dictator, murderer and invader Putin more than the citizens of this country. He is a total disaster for this country and I am very sad for Americas future.
11
President Trump top priority should be reuniting this country,that is his biggest challenge by far and that should be his first,not going after every other nation.
I need a leader that can play chess,not chinese checkers,.If he wants to share with everyone what he is thinking,it better be about his love for this country first not some stupid rant attacking a person who does love this country.,.
I need a leader that can play chess,not chinese checkers,.If he wants to share with everyone what he is thinking,it better be about his love for this country first not some stupid rant attacking a person who does love this country.,.
7
Obama plays 3D chess.
Trump and his followers can't even understand the instructions on a child's box of checkers.
Trump and his followers can't even understand the instructions on a child's box of checkers.
21
Yes, KosherDill, the problem is no one else is playing 3D chess, so Obama is playing a game entirely by himself with his made up rules that no one else is following.
1
Soon, I hope, people will have had their fill of pointing out and then ridiculing characteristics of president-delegated Trump that are obvious to all. We can then focus on forming strategies for survival and remediation. In so doing we must be aware of what might be termed “institutional inertia,” the resistance to change inherent in any large organization.
This property will work in favor of those of us who have progressive leanings. One example might be a decree from the White House that certain groups of people presently in this country be deported. It seems unlikely that all 120,000 employees of the Immigration and Naturalization Service will do their utmost to comply even if so directed by INS director, Leon Rodriguez.
The terms of all 435 Representatives in the House will expire in two years. Thus those two years must be devoted to ensuring favorable results in as many as possible in the 2020 elections.
Inertia within the Democratic Party will also cause delays, Thus I believe that progressives mustn't try to make improvements in the existing party but instead support the rise of a new party which will, of course, be strengthened by all Democrats willing to leave that party and register as members of the new party.
This property will work in favor of those of us who have progressive leanings. One example might be a decree from the White House that certain groups of people presently in this country be deported. It seems unlikely that all 120,000 employees of the Immigration and Naturalization Service will do their utmost to comply even if so directed by INS director, Leon Rodriguez.
The terms of all 435 Representatives in the House will expire in two years. Thus those two years must be devoted to ensuring favorable results in as many as possible in the 2020 elections.
Inertia within the Democratic Party will also cause delays, Thus I believe that progressives mustn't try to make improvements in the existing party but instead support the rise of a new party which will, of course, be strengthened by all Democrats willing to leave that party and register as members of the new party.
3
As someone who relies on Social Security and Medicare for my life, I have been worried about Republicans promise to end them, but now with the possibility of world war and the end of all things, maybe it just won't matter.
18
"Government is the Entertainment Division of the military-industrial complex."-Frank Zappa
15
While I recognize that it is easier said than done the European Union, NATO, and other international entities should be looking options to minimize dependence on or obligations to the United States. Donald Trump is a bully sitting in Trump Tower; his narcissism lead him to assume the world revolves around him. It is time for the Europeans and others to look for ways, great and small, to begin to quarantine the bully and his Russian enabler. To start with assume that unless there is tangible evidence to the contrary Trump is a mouthpiece for and acts on behalf of Vladimir Putin. Assume Trump's notion of a "deal" is a transaction that leaves Trump economically and/or politically better off, no matter what it does for other parties or even the United States as a country. Look for American vulnerabilities; the Iran nuclear agreement is multi-lateral so if the US has a snit work with the Iranians to shift the Boeing purchases to Airbus, then plaster the news of job losses due to Republican perfidy all over the American press. Donald Trump and advisors want to see the European Union broken up on the assumption he can manipulate smaller pieces more easily than the whole. Above all remember that Donald Trump is afraid; afraid of Muslims, afraid of people of other colors, afraid of women, afraid of investigators and scientists, afraid even of history. Trump seeks to provoke fear in others but he himself is afraid. He is afraid we will ignore him as a buffoon, blowhard, and empty bag.
10
Trump's caprice is fodder for writers to craft a whole host of essays. As a rancorous and cantankerous man, he ruthlessly rummaged thru GOP primaries, in quest of a GOP nomination, and earned the wrath of many. His painstaking populist campaign rhetorics, slowly, were superseded by some smidgen of softening, after his election success, but his burgeoning twitter tantrum shows no signs of abatement. It is music to the ears of his harsh critics, when he says, everyone will have a health plan, and the prices of drugs will come down, in addition to his lowering the taxes for the rich. And all that sounds quite quixotic.
Peter Morici of Univ. of MD, and Jared Bernstein were having a field day, when they were confabulating on Trump's nihilism, peppered with a few droplets of realism, in his inchoate economic policy announcements, recently. His cabinet picks are a whole different ball of wax.
To add fuel to fire, Richard Cohen prognosticates doom for Trump presidency, in his Washington Post article. One can imagine the facts accumulated by Richard to come up with such a foretelling. But then, one thing that can also be predictable is Trump's tweeting set of rejoinders to all these blather, as he might style them as. No kidding.
Peter Morici of Univ. of MD, and Jared Bernstein were having a field day, when they were confabulating on Trump's nihilism, peppered with a few droplets of realism, in his inchoate economic policy announcements, recently. His cabinet picks are a whole different ball of wax.
To add fuel to fire, Richard Cohen prognosticates doom for Trump presidency, in his Washington Post article. One can imagine the facts accumulated by Richard to come up with such a foretelling. But then, one thing that can also be predictable is Trump's tweeting set of rejoinders to all these blather, as he might style them as. No kidding.
So far all the professional prognosticators have gotten it wrong, haven't they? Why not just sit back and enjoy the show?
2
This is not a "Show".
This is a Tragedy waiting to happen.
This is a Tragedy waiting to happen.
3
On Friday Donald J. Trump becomes our employee. He will take an oath to do and not do certain things. If he does not fulfill his part of the contract, he will be fired. If you want to know how all this is going to play out, watch the Trump Towers in Istanbul.
5
Of course the Trump presidency is making Europe nervous. The US taxpayer gravy train could end. We have been supporting Europe for a century. WWI, WWII, Marshall plan, cold war, and it continues today. Europe spends next to nothing on defense. Easy to afford healthcare, six weeks vacations, retirement at 60, high speed trains, etc.. when the US taxpayer is paying for your defense. The almost one trillion in trade with Europe comes at too high of a price - keeping 80,000 troops / personnel in Europe. Time for Europe and others to start pulling their own weight.
8
"Europe spends next to nothing on defense."
I'm a French citizen and let me tell you this is wrong.
I'm a French citizen and let me tell you this is wrong.
3
You are not in possession of all the facts if you think Trump's presidency is making Europe nervous for the reasons you have given.
Any cursory glance at World History should remedy that.
Any cursory glance at World History should remedy that.
4
Everything he does is showing his actions are at the ends of a Russian marionette.
Its unbelievable that we have a willing asset of a contentious country going to be sworn in as our president!
Its unbelievable that we have a willing asset of a contentious country going to be sworn in as our president!
5
You're right, it is un-believable.
3
Not only does Trump thrive on the attention he is getting from all of his tweets, he wants people to be afraid and uncertain as to what he thinks or will do. I don't believe that he knows himself what he is going to do but I think that he assumes that if he is threatening enough now, that people will be greatful and conciliatory when/if he moderates his stance. However, he may find that Angela Merkel & Xi are not so easily duped.
8
Dear Media - You are underestimating Trump. Again. He will move ahead with all of his Great Leap Backward plans. He will implement changes to trade, to political alliances, to existing government programs, and much more--and do it so quickly--that he will cause a huge tsunami of disruption.
Worst case? A war with China that could end with cyberattacks from Asia that will stun us; civil unrest/war on the southern border with Mexico; a contraction of the economy as companies struggle to abruptly bring their manufacturing back to the US or to pay high tariffs; a widening of the gap between rich and poor as government programs from public education to the VA Health Administration are abruptly downsized; and every abrupt action that Trump takes will cause a domino-effect of unanticipated results because we live in a highly-interconnected world.
Civilization is fragile. We saw that when our Shock and Awe military invasion of Iraq didn't result merely in a change of leadership, it destroyed the entire functionality of Iraq as a nation. Everything that did work in Iraq (education, local farming and markets, healthcare, water supply, electricity, etc.) was completely devastated. Even with our efforts to rebuild, Iraq has been left as only a shadow of itself and, in terms of infrastructure, is much worse off than it was under Saddam Hussein.
Please write plainly about what can go wrong with Trump. You owe us that.
Worst case? A war with China that could end with cyberattacks from Asia that will stun us; civil unrest/war on the southern border with Mexico; a contraction of the economy as companies struggle to abruptly bring their manufacturing back to the US or to pay high tariffs; a widening of the gap between rich and poor as government programs from public education to the VA Health Administration are abruptly downsized; and every abrupt action that Trump takes will cause a domino-effect of unanticipated results because we live in a highly-interconnected world.
Civilization is fragile. We saw that when our Shock and Awe military invasion of Iraq didn't result merely in a change of leadership, it destroyed the entire functionality of Iraq as a nation. Everything that did work in Iraq (education, local farming and markets, healthcare, water supply, electricity, etc.) was completely devastated. Even with our efforts to rebuild, Iraq has been left as only a shadow of itself and, in terms of infrastructure, is much worse off than it was under Saddam Hussein.
Please write plainly about what can go wrong with Trump. You owe us that.
14
The Times headline writer tells us The World is gripped in a sense of uncertainty.
Whose World is The Times referencing? The World of the 20,000 globalists and their sycophants frolicking in Davos? Those Davos Men (what, no women?) plotting to add to their enormous plunder? Those filthy richers competing to be the first trillionaire?
Is it The World of 1.384 billion Chinese who are downright furious? Not just plain old furious, but downright furious! Who wouldn't be furious living under the uncertainty of life under a totalitarian regime that might pull the bulldozers into your ancient village and level it for another mega-factory with its Spartan dormitories tailor made for a sweatshop economy?
Maybe it's The World of the American political establishment that is uncertain about the future of its lobbying efforts. How can you buy America if the President-Elect is a crazy buffoon?
Maybe it's The World of The New York Times. In public, The Times is leading the crusade against the onslaught of Satan and the demise of democracy. In the back room, The Times' bean counters are cheering on the uncertainty of Trump, the Click-Baiter-in-Chief, because he has single handedly created financial stability in a company foundering in the backwash of technology.
Tell us Times, whose World is gripped in uncertainty?
Whose World is The Times referencing? The World of the 20,000 globalists and their sycophants frolicking in Davos? Those Davos Men (what, no women?) plotting to add to their enormous plunder? Those filthy richers competing to be the first trillionaire?
Is it The World of 1.384 billion Chinese who are downright furious? Not just plain old furious, but downright furious! Who wouldn't be furious living under the uncertainty of life under a totalitarian regime that might pull the bulldozers into your ancient village and level it for another mega-factory with its Spartan dormitories tailor made for a sweatshop economy?
Maybe it's The World of the American political establishment that is uncertain about the future of its lobbying efforts. How can you buy America if the President-Elect is a crazy buffoon?
Maybe it's The World of The New York Times. In public, The Times is leading the crusade against the onslaught of Satan and the demise of democracy. In the back room, The Times' bean counters are cheering on the uncertainty of Trump, the Click-Baiter-in-Chief, because he has single handedly created financial stability in a company foundering in the backwash of technology.
Tell us Times, whose World is gripped in uncertainty?
6
Yes, Davos attendees practically choked on their caviar.
2
Trump said a lot of things which are correct, but painful to hear.
1, NATO is obsolete and we are stupid to keep funding it while member countries spend the money that should go to pay their dues to NATO on their citizens. Think of what we could do for THIS country if we stopped subsidizing
NATO and spent the money here at home on our crumbling infrastructure. It is time the EU spent the money to defend itself.
2. Merkel has destroyed Germany by her thoughtless and reckless policy of "Open Borders" for middle east Refugees. They are committing crimes like rape, arson - just read some of the smaller German papers and not the NYT if you want to see the results of Merkel's policies. Remember the CHristmas Market - that was one of Merkel's beloved refugees.
3. Merkel allowed this refugee influx without consultation with her EU allies and now is trying to force them into accepting a quota system to relieve Germany of the burden of these refugees.
4. Merkel blackmailed Greece into accepting a harsher austerity policy knowing full well that she was destroying the people and the social fabric of Greece. She has refused to even think about debt Forgiveness. This is a cruel and bitter woman.
Hopefully she will lose her reelection bid as she is not fit to lead any country.
1, NATO is obsolete and we are stupid to keep funding it while member countries spend the money that should go to pay their dues to NATO on their citizens. Think of what we could do for THIS country if we stopped subsidizing
NATO and spent the money here at home on our crumbling infrastructure. It is time the EU spent the money to defend itself.
2. Merkel has destroyed Germany by her thoughtless and reckless policy of "Open Borders" for middle east Refugees. They are committing crimes like rape, arson - just read some of the smaller German papers and not the NYT if you want to see the results of Merkel's policies. Remember the CHristmas Market - that was one of Merkel's beloved refugees.
3. Merkel allowed this refugee influx without consultation with her EU allies and now is trying to force them into accepting a quota system to relieve Germany of the burden of these refugees.
4. Merkel blackmailed Greece into accepting a harsher austerity policy knowing full well that she was destroying the people and the social fabric of Greece. She has refused to even think about debt Forgiveness. This is a cruel and bitter woman.
Hopefully she will lose her reelection bid as she is not fit to lead any country.
6
"Open Borders'? I guess your forgot about the part where because of a lie, (WMDs in Iraq) and support of a so-called rebel group in Syria, the American military/industrial complex has fought consistent battles in the Middle East that greatly contributed to the rise of ISIS, thus creating further instability in the region AND the mass migration of refugees whom would prefer not to get killed in the battles going on around them. Europe does not have a vast ocean between them and these wars preventing those whom want to get away from the genocide where much of it was created by American self-interest and a bankrupt Middle Eastern foreign policy. Do you remember WWll? Where were those battles fought?
7
I agree that Bush started out Middle East mis-adventures. But Obama continued them - we did not have to go into Libya, we could have Ghadaffi deal with the terrorist in Benghazi, but I believe HIlllary wanted us to intervene. The problems in Syria were started and enhanced by Robert Ford, Obama's Ambassador to Syria, just like Obama did the wrong thing to so lavishly support the Muslim Brotherhood; Morsi in Egypt, and Obama was wrong to run an undercover operation to overthrow the legitimate President of Ukraine etc.
So it is not all Bush;s fault, and Obama made the situation worse by his form of intervention. But Merkel never made a serious effort to stop the flood of refugees. Without consulting the rest of the EU, she issue a big welcome to the refugees who flooded the EU by the thousands, and stubbornly refused to put a limit on admissions.
Merkel's action are an existential threat to the EU, and thus Trump is right about her. Her unilateral policies threaten the entire EU.
So it is not all Bush;s fault, and Obama made the situation worse by his form of intervention. But Merkel never made a serious effort to stop the flood of refugees. Without consulting the rest of the EU, she issue a big welcome to the refugees who flooded the EU by the thousands, and stubbornly refused to put a limit on admissions.
Merkel's action are an existential threat to the EU, and thus Trump is right about her. Her unilateral policies threaten the entire EU.
5
Ignore Trump's tweets. We really don't need to know about his juvenile tantrums. I think twitter is a crutch for him because he can't articulate his thoughts. He also cannot deal with the media because they hold him accountable for his constant lies.
7
Great. Are we now entering a world where what we say should not be taken literally? Here's an example of what the future holds.
Suspect in police custody: "Yes I shot him in the head"
Police: "Is that your statement?"
Suspect: "Yes."
Judge to suspect in court: "Sir you've confessed that you shot the victim in the head. Is that your final statement?"
Suspect: "I didn't mean I actually shot him in the head. I meant that someone shot him in the head and I don't remember if it was me."
Suspect in police custody: "Yes I shot him in the head"
Police: "Is that your statement?"
Suspect: "Yes."
Judge to suspect in court: "Sir you've confessed that you shot the victim in the head. Is that your final statement?"
Suspect: "I didn't mean I actually shot him in the head. I meant that someone shot him in the head and I don't remember if it was me."
6
Maybe unpredictability and an all options are on the table strategy is a reasonable approach to negotiating a real estate deal, but what are the consequences of a failed real estate deal?
A loan from your father to bail you out and get your feet back on the ground? A billion dollar write off that prevents one from having to pay taxes for the next 20 years? Personal profits scraped out first, leaving the investors holding the losses? A 30-year pursuit trying set up shop in Moscow, only to be continually turned away?
My greatest fear (to which I find no evidence to the contrary) is that Mr. Zero-sum President-elect Trump is only capable of viewing the world through his real estate snake oil salesman lens, the lens where he does not have to worry about real consequences on account of being born into inherited real estate wealth/power and can bully the contractors with lawsuits that they can't afford to fight, and
i.) that he will fail to recognize that the costs associated with the pursuit of a deal and the consequences of a deal that has gone belly up have risen exponentially (or gone up bigly, if you will), and/or
ii.) that he will continue to think that he can bully his way around a global stage, using the threat equivalent to a lawsuit aimed at his minor partners and allies and work under the belief that they won't show up for their day in court to contest, believing that he will always be able to find other equally capable partners to work with him in the future.
A loan from your father to bail you out and get your feet back on the ground? A billion dollar write off that prevents one from having to pay taxes for the next 20 years? Personal profits scraped out first, leaving the investors holding the losses? A 30-year pursuit trying set up shop in Moscow, only to be continually turned away?
My greatest fear (to which I find no evidence to the contrary) is that Mr. Zero-sum President-elect Trump is only capable of viewing the world through his real estate snake oil salesman lens, the lens where he does not have to worry about real consequences on account of being born into inherited real estate wealth/power and can bully the contractors with lawsuits that they can't afford to fight, and
i.) that he will fail to recognize that the costs associated with the pursuit of a deal and the consequences of a deal that has gone belly up have risen exponentially (or gone up bigly, if you will), and/or
ii.) that he will continue to think that he can bully his way around a global stage, using the threat equivalent to a lawsuit aimed at his minor partners and allies and work under the belief that they won't show up for their day in court to contest, believing that he will always be able to find other equally capable partners to work with him in the future.
3
That "sense of uncertainty", as you put it, will end several hours after Trump takes the oath of office Friday afternoon; just past midnight Moscow time.
While Trump's minions and Congressional Republicans celebrate his victory with banquets and balls Russian troops will reoccupy Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and cross the Ukrainian border in force, the operation timed to coincide with the peak moments of the new president's inexperience, his administration still unformed, not even functional; himself intoxicated with hubris and alcohol.
Initially, our new president will say nothing about it before vanishing from sight. Later that weekend, while everyone waits for his reaction, anticipating a very forceful US-led NATO response (with baited breath), our newly-minted president will remain invisibly enigmatic while rumors swirl. Perhaps our nation will then be treated to some tweets of reassurance, promises that there won't be war with Russia because NATO is "obsolete", and because it is he isn't going to war to honor American military commitments in Eastern Europe.
The only bangs heard in Moscow will be those made by popping champagne corks as Putin celebrates the first of many bloodless coups made possible by his Oval Office stooge.
While Trump's minions and Congressional Republicans celebrate his victory with banquets and balls Russian troops will reoccupy Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and cross the Ukrainian border in force, the operation timed to coincide with the peak moments of the new president's inexperience, his administration still unformed, not even functional; himself intoxicated with hubris and alcohol.
Initially, our new president will say nothing about it before vanishing from sight. Later that weekend, while everyone waits for his reaction, anticipating a very forceful US-led NATO response (with baited breath), our newly-minted president will remain invisibly enigmatic while rumors swirl. Perhaps our nation will then be treated to some tweets of reassurance, promises that there won't be war with Russia because NATO is "obsolete", and because it is he isn't going to war to honor American military commitments in Eastern Europe.
The only bangs heard in Moscow will be those made by popping champagne corks as Putin celebrates the first of many bloodless coups made possible by his Oval Office stooge.
1
With bated breath
All that posturing and misdirection may be effective for negotiating in the private sector, but they will inevitably undermine Mr. Trump's and America's credibility and effectiveness on the national and world stage.
3
"When I am attacked, it is my instinct to strike back."
--- Richard M. Nixon
--- Richard M. Nixon
6
Trump is not the problem and never has been. WE THE PEOPLE who elected him are the problem. And we still are. I did not vote for Mr. Trump but am still working for the values he lacks. So should everyone. This country has freedoms in place to allow us citizens to speak and act. Let's use them for the benefit of all life. The more we focus on Trump, the less we will get done.
12
Memo to German, British, NATO, EU and other allied officials: stop thinking Trump's erraric behavior reflects some hidden shrewd strategy or tactics. It doesn't. He's erratic because he is crazy as a bed bug. Think of him as President Whackjob. What you need to do is simple: call Trump brilliant, or handsome, or strong. No, no, you don't have to mean it, but he'll be eating out of your hand.
16
Trump's nasty remarks on Europe were not a display of candidness, or him being a realist, but the streak of a cynical leader, who doesn't have global stability at heart.
He aims to sow discord in Europe and stoke fear among German voters, hoping to destabilise the EU and unseat Angela Merkel in September. This is exactly what Putin wants. Perhaps Trump really is at his bidding after all. Although Trump is just a loudmouth, who can't hold his tongue, and his statements should be taken with a pinch of salt, unfortunately he has his fingers on the nuclear button.
He aims to sow discord in Europe and stoke fear among German voters, hoping to destabilise the EU and unseat Angela Merkel in September. This is exactly what Putin wants. Perhaps Trump really is at his bidding after all. Although Trump is just a loudmouth, who can't hold his tongue, and his statements should be taken with a pinch of salt, unfortunately he has his fingers on the nuclear button.
11
What is more disheartening than Trump himself is that the a minority of the US electorate voted for the man. Many voted party or as a protest – but what does it say about those that actually believed this con-artist could benefit this country by being its President? Has the intelligence level of voters denigrated to the point that they actually believe some reality show clown is capable of leading the free world? His comments about Hispanics, women and torture and dismissing bedrock Constitutional rights should have alarmed even a moderately intelligent person. Something is very wrong with a country that has even a minority of the population so vulnerable.
27
"Has the intelligence level of (US) voters denigrated to the point that they actually believe some reality show clown is capable of leading the free world? "
Your answer is demonstrated in this headline. 46% Americans Believe In Creationism According To Latest Gallup Poll http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/05/americans-believe-in-creationism. Forty six % Americans believed in creationism, 32% believed in theistic evolution and 15% believed in evolution without any divine intervention. The data shows that the percent of Americans who believe in creationism has increased slightly by 2% over the last 30 years.
Most educated people today see the natural world through the lens of science rather than the Bible. That shift in perspective is largely complete outside the United States,
This Gallup poll indicates that more than 100 million Americans are not ready to abandon the biblical understanding of the natural world, insisting that the Earth is but a few thousand years old and that humans were created in their present forms.
Now the US has a deranged Con man as POTUS via the "people who can be fooled ALL of the time".
Your answer is demonstrated in this headline. 46% Americans Believe In Creationism According To Latest Gallup Poll http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/05/americans-believe-in-creationism. Forty six % Americans believed in creationism, 32% believed in theistic evolution and 15% believed in evolution without any divine intervention. The data shows that the percent of Americans who believe in creationism has increased slightly by 2% over the last 30 years.
Most educated people today see the natural world through the lens of science rather than the Bible. That shift in perspective is largely complete outside the United States,
This Gallup poll indicates that more than 100 million Americans are not ready to abandon the biblical understanding of the natural world, insisting that the Earth is but a few thousand years old and that humans were created in their present forms.
Now the US has a deranged Con man as POTUS via the "people who can be fooled ALL of the time".
4
Well said Josh. It's incomprehensible to me how anyone could have voted for this man if they had either read anything about his business and personal history, or if they had watched one of his rallies, or if they had seen even one of the debates. I'm as frightened of - and disgusted by - the 60 million of our countries citizens who voted for him - as much as I'm frightened of - and disgusted by him. He is ignorant, unqualified, dangerous, narcissistic, and devoid of any morals and/or ethics.
Using business terms, if the President is America's CEO then who are the Board of Directors? In past administrations it more-than-likely was Congress with the VP acting at times like the Chairman as needed when weighing in to cast a deciding vote. With this new administration I get the feeling Trump does not see Congress as his Board of Directors.
Rather he sees himself as both CEO and Chairman and an aggregate grouping of oligarch businessmen as his steering committee. And now that he has taken the oval office by shareholders' electoral vote he is answerable to no one but himself
Rather he sees himself as both CEO and Chairman and an aggregate grouping of oligarch businessmen as his steering committee. And now that he has taken the oval office by shareholders' electoral vote he is answerable to no one but himself
8
Whatever we may say about or read into Mr Trump's statements about NATO, the EU, and our relations with countries that are considered by most to be our closest allies, we should note they conform to the Kremlin's positions.
8
Donald Trump talking about trust is like a pyromaniac discussing fire safety. As objective fact checkers have determined, 70% of what comes out of his mouth is either blatantly false or significantly misleading. The other 30% falls into the category of "word salad", with a different salad being served up each day, sometimes several on the same day. Simply put, whether by dint of dishonesty or lack of coherency, you can't trust a word the man says. How to proceed?
10
We have to do everything we can to fight against this man of despicable character who was elected by only 25% of the nation's voters. Every issue that Progressives hold dear is at stake. Go to a rally, call your Congressman, pay for access to real news organizations. We are as much stewards of our Constitution as any of our elected officials.
12
What a horrifying headline. I'm old enough to remember the reactions of adults to news out of Europe in the early 1940’s, and my own fear bordering on terror now is diminished only by the sense of mortality that acceptance of one's age brings. The terror is for our young people who will have to learn how to negotiate a world where up is down, down is up, but not always, and sometimes it might even be sideways. Creating such chaos is how this pig "wins."
How any sane person can listen and still expect something normal is beyond me.
How any sane person can listen and still expect something normal is beyond me.
14
I voted for someone other than Trump, but it's baffling to see the same people who said "Trump will start WWIII" before the election are now chastising him for pursuing warmer relations with Russia.
The most provocative foreign policy initiative of the past year was undertaken by the present (Nobel Peace Prize winning) administration: placing US ground troops permanently in Poland for the first time ever.
The most provocative foreign policy initiative of the past year was undertaken by the present (Nobel Peace Prize winning) administration: placing US ground troops permanently in Poland for the first time ever.
4
It's like Susquehanna Hat Company (see "Abbott & Costello" skit). They respond to everything involving Trump this way. It's sounds nonsensical after a while.
While all too eager to place the blame on our "present (Nobel Peace Prize winning) administration" -- It appears that you have no idea Poland actually requested US/NATO troops to be stationed there.
Just a suggestion.
Get the facts first.
Just a suggestion.
Get the facts first.
1
The sense of uncertainty is heightened by Trump's inability to work within a traditional system of government. I expect that Trump plans to go around/behind his own Cabinet picks. He continues to appoint outsiders to advise him and direct policy. I am sure he has his on "intelligence" in Flynn. He has his own security team of thugs. No one will know what he is planning until it is executed. How long will Maddox stay in this world?
4
"A global sense of uncertainty"? No kidding. Trump's whole career -- and especially his campaign -- has been built on creating uncertainty, so that he can't be held accountable for anything in particular. He never says anything in particular, beyond unbacked, unverified expressions of his feelings at the moment he tweets or opens his mouth. There's nothing there to tell us what any actual plans or positions or policies might accompany these ever-hitting feelings. We elected a phantom, a chimera, and we have no idea what, if anything, he believes or plans to do. "Uncertainty" is an understatement.
4
The West has been dying for a very long time now; the symptoms should have been self-evident, but collective denial ensued. Civilizations do Rise and Fall; Mythology/ideology chilled the brain. It was not so long ago that Fukayama proclaimed the End of History with Europe and America Triumphant! The sheer arrogance of his arguments remains absolutely stunning; a twisted re-working of Hegel underpinned his thinking. What a tortured world we live in; hence a Trump emerges as a surprise, rather than as a totally predictable event. Internationally, the American Age became a horror story. The US was ill-equipped to replace Britain as the Hegemonic power, although the world had little choice but to accept, sometimes passively, the new role assigned to the US by History! Internally, the American Political Realm collapsed and thus belched forth the Donald; spontaneous combustion comes to mind here! Hysterical reaction to his “Will to Power” will solve nothing--que será será! And, some prayers might help!
4
Who assumes the mantle? My guess is China, which has been quietly buying up global resources and real estate while the US has been bogged down in mindless oil wars.
8
I heard the Marine Corp Band will play "Hail to the Thief".
13
Captain Obvious strikes again. Merkel's importation of refuugees was a disaster. The U.S. brings 3 times the resources to NATO than all the other 27 countries combined. NATO has not addressed the world's main threat of terrorism. Britain does not want to be ruled by unelected and unaccountable foreigners. China does not have veto power over the U.S. President's telephone calls. The list goes on and on. Trump won because he states the obvious and no one else dares.
3
Trump won because of the Electoral College.
8
Yes, James, like most presidents. A candidate has never been able to win by getting majorities in California and New York.
Too bad your reasoning doesn't account for the fact that he lost by nearly 3 MILLION popular votes.
2
Between Trump an W, I now wonder how much an Ivy League is education is really worth.
So they're what you get?!
So they're what you get?!
1
Well, to be fair, Trump did not go to an ivy league college. He went to some business technical school.
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is the business school of the University of Pennsylvania, a private Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2
Dear MMPack,
Sorry but Ivy league refers to IV, roman numeral 4, for the four top schools of the day: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Brown. Ivy league truly just means those four schools, it does not include some adjunct business school of a state university.
Also it's clear Trump didn't learn anything and only got into the school due to his father's generous cash donations.
Sorry but Ivy league refers to IV, roman numeral 4, for the four top schools of the day: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Brown. Ivy league truly just means those four schools, it does not include some adjunct business school of a state university.
Also it's clear Trump didn't learn anything and only got into the school due to his father's generous cash donations.
2
When it comes to Russia, I think he means what he says. That's been one of the few constants in his rhetoric. He is bending over backwards for Putin. Now we need to find out why. I hope the NYTs and a whole bunch of other people are working on that. Thank you.
15
Hello - It is only common sense that we make friends with Russia. They will never cost us the money the EU and NATO do and they will be helpful in helping us out of the mess in the Middle East which Obama and Bush got us trapped in.
I am glad we have a President who will want to be friendly with Russia. I think it is a real plus and our current policy a real negative.
I am glad we have a President who will want to be friendly with Russia. I think it is a real plus and our current policy a real negative.
1
It is not a good idea for this country to depend on Russia, or any other country .... for anything.
This has nothing to do with having "friendly" relations with Russia.
But as someone who lived in the Soviet Zone, I do not share the blindness of Americans who have NO IDEA of what they're actually dealing with when it comes to Vladimir Putin, an ex-KGB Intelligence Officer.
Trump is clueless.
This has nothing to do with having "friendly" relations with Russia.
But as someone who lived in the Soviet Zone, I do not share the blindness of Americans who have NO IDEA of what they're actually dealing with when it comes to Vladimir Putin, an ex-KGB Intelligence Officer.
Trump is clueless.
1
We’ve never seen this level of fear among people over a new President in our entire lives: Disabled people are afraid. People on Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are afraid; LGBT people are afraid; Dreamers are afraid; Environmentalists are afraid; Women (the ones who didn’t vote for Trump) are afraid; Black people are afraid; Scientists are afraid; Journalists are afraid; Young people are afraid; Low-wage workers are afraid; Doctors and Hospitals are afraid; Sick people are afraid; People insured for the first time ever under the ACA are afraid;
There’s something very wrong here. This isn’t the country we grew up in and knew and loved. There’s a darkness looming over this country. No wonder so many people are boycotting the inauguration. Who wants to celebrate a man who causes so much distress?
There’s something very wrong here. This isn’t the country we grew up in and knew and loved. There’s a darkness looming over this country. No wonder so many people are boycotting the inauguration. Who wants to celebrate a man who causes so much distress?
43
They are all government dependent.
3
Then we all must unite and stop being so fearful. Fear is not going to generate positive changes. Just being afraid is weak. We must not fear our government, ever. Those who do are easily defeated. There is power in numbers and united we are strong.
2
You mean government dependent like the red-state takers in Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas, True Observer? Or government dependent like farmers who grow useless subsidized corn and other junk crops? Or government dependent like the useless ethanol industry or Exxon or Shell or Marathon that receive tens of billions of taxpayer dollars each year in subsidies? Or government dependent like Paul Ryan, who's been on the public trough since he was a chidl? Or government dependent like defense contractors such as Halliburton?
THAT kind of government dependent, True?
THAT kind of government dependent, True?
6
Trump as President of the USA would be funny if it wasn't so frightening.
6
When you elect an authoritarian personality who's a narcissist and a racist, who is busy building an oligarchy with his cabinet, you can see where we're heading--to a Putin-style and Putin-friendly government. The first sign will be whether the "emoluments" clause of the Constitution will be violated with the help of ethically-challenged Republicans like Jason Chaffetz. Then. of course, there's the cabinet itself. The 'handwriting is on the wall" and soon will be on Congressional legislation.
6
Even Putin is popular in his own country. Trump has the worst trustworthiness rating of any Presidential candidate in history.
2
Uncertainty? You've got that right. It gets worse by the minute, literally. Now, Putin is out there whining about the dossier. Reince Priebus whines that President Obama should be telling Democrats to tone down the rhetoric about illegitimacy, and throws around "warnings" about looking into ethics, & investigation--as if we haven't witnessed this mess unfold & can't connect the dots..it's ironic that a campaign to isolate the US from the West and the larger World, is running off the rails. They must think everybody is stupid.
5
"As Trump era arrives, a sense of uncertainty grips the world."
Better: "A sense of abject terror grips the world."
Better: "A sense of abject terror grips the world."
10
This is how I feel about the incoming president.
http://www.ilenekemerley.com/illustration/#/donald-trump/
http://www.ilenekemerley.com/illustration/#/donald-trump/
3
Dark and ominous illustration. The Russian flag upon the White House is apt.
2
The hyenas have taken over the pridelands.
Trump finally has a boss. It is us. He needs to figure this out before he is fired.
8
Yes, a way better attitude than the mindless worship of Obama.
2
@mpack
Your mistake. It is the "mindless worship" of a charlatan like Trump that has brought us to this point.
Americans will wake up to this fact too late.
Your mistake. It is the "mindless worship" of a charlatan like Trump that has brought us to this point.
Americans will wake up to this fact too late.
2
After 8 years of obama, of course there will be uncertainty -- and rightly so. Trump is not a pushover - and no doubt will work to 'regain' the respect the US lost because of obama.
Among other things, the Iran agreement is an example of selling this country down the river; imagine millions of dollars in a suitcase being brought to Iran. What a disgrace!
Among other things, the Iran agreement is an example of selling this country down the river; imagine millions of dollars in a suitcase being brought to Iran. What a disgrace!
7
It was their money.
9
that will be used to amass weapons to be used to attack the US.
2
Yes. Like those billions of dollars being brought to Iraq on pallets, never to be seen again.
3
I watched several hours of the Smithsonian channel on Sunday about the rise of fascism in Germany. The similarities are frightening.
History repeats itself again. Humans are really stupid.
History repeats itself again. Humans are really stupid.
14
I would also recommend studying the history of the Presidency of Silvio Berlusconi in Italy. Trump's soon to bePresidency will be virtually a carbon copy.
Berlusconi was a similar populist wealthy business man whom ultimately used the Italian Presidency as his personal wealth builder also using intimidation tactics towards anyone in his way. The problem is, once removed from office, he left his countries economy in shambles.
Berlusconi was a similar populist wealthy business man whom ultimately used the Italian Presidency as his personal wealth builder also using intimidation tactics towards anyone in his way. The problem is, once removed from office, he left his countries economy in shambles.
6
Agreed, Deus. Berlusconi provides a very instructive example. I have a friend who lives in Montepulciano. I visited him last summer and he immediately, like all of my foreign friends last year, brought up Trump. He said, "We had a Trump here with Berlusconi. Americans should look at what he did to Italy."
5
There is an old Hindi proverb - if you a candle to a monkey to light the house, the monkey is going to burn the house down.
This is what is happening w/ President-Elect Trump. This man proves every single day that he is a dumber than a rock and has no knowledge of any kind, has a vocabulary of 200 words or less and get all his knowledge/info from watching TV.
To those who voted for Trump - you only have yourself to blame when this man makes mistakes/fopa day in day out.
This is what is happening w/ President-Elect Trump. This man proves every single day that he is a dumber than a rock and has no knowledge of any kind, has a vocabulary of 200 words or less and get all his knowledge/info from watching TV.
To those who voted for Trump - you only have yourself to blame when this man makes mistakes/fopa day in day out.
17
Republicans accused President Obama of "retreating from America's leadership role" in the world. Now Trump has leaped over retreat and moved on to an American anti-leadership role, promoting Russian leadership instead. Will Republicans embrace Trump's anti-leadership role as an improvement?
9
We can still lead. Others just need to start contributing a fair amount of $ and people.
5
The nations of the world should be wary...because our own has proven too stupid to be. We will have a person who is unfit, unstable and unqualified at the head of our country. He is neither emotionally nor intellectually capable.
"Unpredictable disruption" isn't a quality the world needs right now.
"Unpredictable disruption" isn't a quality the world needs right now.
18
I still maintain that Trump will initiate a new world order and that Obama will be regarded as America's last great President.
12
Did it ever occur to you that we need a new world order. We need a world order in which the US is NOT the policeman and the piggy bank for greedy countries like the EU.
4
Did it ever occur to you Judy that the current world order has made us the richest country on earth and that free trade and treaties like NATO have kept it that way. By the way, the EU is not a country.
2
One thing that is certain is that anything that Trump says or tweets is a lie.
13
Behind every great fortune there is a crime.
—Balzac
Trump is the living embodiment of this.
—Balzac
Trump is the living embodiment of this.
23
Does Trump have a great fortune?
3
Trump doesn't realize he is no longer The Donald, that it's not about him anymore. He is president of the United States, leader of the free world. That's a role that is actually bigger than a single person, and there are consequences that cannot be mitigated by just filing for bankruptcy and suing your enemies.
5
True, but the president of the U.S. is, as of now, no longer the leader of the free world. America is no longer fit to lead, and demonstrates no leadership.
4
Are you saying that we've gone from leading to leading from behind, to no leadership at all? What's the difference between the last two again?
How long will it be until world and business leaders just start ignoring him.
How long will it be before really sane and serious people like Jame Mattis simply refuse to work with him.
How long will it be before really sane and serious people like Jame Mattis simply refuse to work with him.
3
The words of the president of the US always need to be taken both seriously and literally. How are we supposed to understand our country and the policies that affect us if the rulers don't mean what they say--at least at the time they say it? Presidents have always and will always go back on their promises, but at least they typically meant what they said when they said it. Trump doesn't even know what is coming out of his mouth. And we are supposed to be okay with that? I'm not.
2
If China would hack into Trumps tax accountants files to release his tax returns we could prove he is a traitor and a Manchurian candidate. The Relublicans can cry all they want but it was ok for Trump to call out for help from Russian hackers to get elected then using Chinese hackers to remove him is fair game.
8
Words are the tools of men in power, politicians around the globe. Words from powerful men move financial markets, can trigger armies to go to war, words mean everything.
Politicians don't craft or build anything anything with their hands, their words create policy.
The words from men in power can decide who lives and who dies, who becomes rich or poor, and even a single sentence can affect the stability of governments around the globe.
Our new President appears to be forming policy and sending dangerous signals around the globe motivated by settling scores based on his fragile and bruised ego.
Words are all we have from men in power, words mean everything. Every. Single. Word.
Politicians don't craft or build anything anything with their hands, their words create policy.
The words from men in power can decide who lives and who dies, who becomes rich or poor, and even a single sentence can affect the stability of governments around the globe.
Our new President appears to be forming policy and sending dangerous signals around the globe motivated by settling scores based on his fragile and bruised ego.
Words are all we have from men in power, words mean everything. Every. Single. Word.
8
I hope we all survive him. I'm not convinced we will.
5
Well no future support for Europe, no support for NATO, anti German. Guess Trump really is Putin's puppet - basically giving him everything Putin has been seeking for a long time. Wonder what will happen when Russia attempts to take more small countries. What will be Trump's excuse for not honoring past treaties? Does he finally get his Trump Hotel in Moscow?
4
Can't you see and understand that not supporting NATO and the EU, means we will have money to spend on the US and US CITIZENS. !!! We have to stop spending money on other countries when these is so much that needs to be done for US CITIZENS..
There is no such thing as a money tree. Make an effort to learn how NATO and the EU are treating the US like a piggy bank. You are naive about money.
There is no such thing as a money tree. Make an effort to learn how NATO and the EU are treating the US like a piggy bank. You are naive about money.
1
So then we should not be giving Israel 3-billion dollars a year? or another 10-billion in weapons? And by the same logic - we can have a smaller military - so lets cut that budget in half and spent on infrastructure or education - are you for that also?
2
I guess you never read Eisenhower's speech about his fear of the rise of the American military/industrial complex. America has bases all over the world in its self-interest. Do you see any Russian bases on the borders of the U.S.? European countries are Russia's biggest customers for its oil and natural gas. Why would the Russians want to go to war with them? You are a product of the 1950s and 60s cold war era. Despite all the current rhetoric, economic globalization and profits prevail over everything else.
Uncertainty in Health Care also:
The Republican Plan for Health Care has been unveiled. Ryan's State High Risk Plan. It has been tried before and failed.
A summary from experts:
“It’s better than nothing, to help some people,” said Henry Aaron, a senior fellow in the Economic Studies Program at the Brookings Institution, “but it’s a massive step backward from the Affordable Care Act."
"A high-risk pool is not an appropriate substitute,” said Linda Blumberg, a senior fellow in the Health Policy Center at the Urban Institute. It’s not an equivalent in anyway for making sure that people with pre-existing conditions have adequate affordable coverage on an ongoing basis, unless the federal government was willing to invest an enormous amount of dollars into making it work.”
“The problem with it is it’s very inefficient and it’s hugely expensive,” said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute. "
All below From Kaiser Foundation on Ryan type plan:
Premiums above standard non-group market rates – 150%-200%.
Pre-existing condition exclusions –, usually for 6-12 months.
Lifetime and annual limits – imposed annual dollar limits on specific benefits such as prescription drugs, mental health treatment, or rehabilitation.
High deductibles.
A small number of states capped or closed enrollment to limit program costs, though enrollment caps were not allowed for HIPAA-eligible individuals
The Republican Plan for Health Care has been unveiled. Ryan's State High Risk Plan. It has been tried before and failed.
A summary from experts:
“It’s better than nothing, to help some people,” said Henry Aaron, a senior fellow in the Economic Studies Program at the Brookings Institution, “but it’s a massive step backward from the Affordable Care Act."
"A high-risk pool is not an appropriate substitute,” said Linda Blumberg, a senior fellow in the Health Policy Center at the Urban Institute. It’s not an equivalent in anyway for making sure that people with pre-existing conditions have adequate affordable coverage on an ongoing basis, unless the federal government was willing to invest an enormous amount of dollars into making it work.”
“The problem with it is it’s very inefficient and it’s hugely expensive,” said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute. "
All below From Kaiser Foundation on Ryan type plan:
Premiums above standard non-group market rates – 150%-200%.
Pre-existing condition exclusions –, usually for 6-12 months.
Lifetime and annual limits – imposed annual dollar limits on specific benefits such as prescription drugs, mental health treatment, or rehabilitation.
High deductibles.
A small number of states capped or closed enrollment to limit program costs, though enrollment caps were not allowed for HIPAA-eligible individuals
3
Many readers may be too young to remember the role Peter Sellers played in the movie "Being There". That of "Chauncey Gardiner" a simpleminded gardener whose knowledge of the world was derived totally from television.
In the movie he is mistaken as a mysterious yet serious mind by influential people. His simple statements are repeatedly misunderstood as profound and he is quickly elevated to the inner circles of the country's highest powers.
Whatever he says is translated by others as they imprint (or guess) what they think he meant to say.
Trump appears to be a real life perversion of Chauncey Gardiner. His statements on camera and in tweets, when read or listened to word for word, lack much of any substance. Yet in the hours and days that follow, his surrogates go out into the media to explain and interpret the meaning of what he said.
In the movie he is mistaken as a mysterious yet serious mind by influential people. His simple statements are repeatedly misunderstood as profound and he is quickly elevated to the inner circles of the country's highest powers.
Whatever he says is translated by others as they imprint (or guess) what they think he meant to say.
Trump appears to be a real life perversion of Chauncey Gardiner. His statements on camera and in tweets, when read or listened to word for word, lack much of any substance. Yet in the hours and days that follow, his surrogates go out into the media to explain and interpret the meaning of what he said.
8
Talk about being in uncharted waters. Can a person change from being obsessed with building hotels and putting his logo on them and who builds golf courses really go immediately to being president of the USA? The leader of the free world? This is especially true if the person spent the campaign attending rallies and not informing himself about the duties of the president of the USA?
For those who think this could have a good end I hope you're correct. Trum is at least 70 years or older and I doubt if he could change.
I read a few years ago in an interview in the newspaper the response of Trump's classmates in elementary school when they were asked what he was like and they all said he was a trouble maker. Can this man change? I hope so but don't believe it is possible.
For those who think this could have a good end I hope you're correct. Trum is at least 70 years or older and I doubt if he could change.
I read a few years ago in an interview in the newspaper the response of Trump's classmates in elementary school when they were asked what he was like and they all said he was a trouble maker. Can this man change? I hope so but don't believe it is possible.
2
Trump's impeachment is imminent! On Friday, he will be in violation of the Constitution's restriction on taking favors or profits from foreign governments. He will have broken anti-nepotism ethics as well as transparency ethics on tax returns and foreign holdings. If it's shown that his campaign communicated directly with Russia over the Russian cyber attacks in the DNC, then collusion with a foreign power to over throw our government will result in charges of treason.
4
Yahoo only 3 more days, Mr Trump will be the 45th President. Obama's legacy is going by-by, Clinton will not be president or every be president. The Middle East is in shambles, We have bad relations with China and Russia. The EU is on it's way out. The American people have spoken and don't want anything to do with the destructive new would globalism order. European countries should pay a much larger potion of their national defense, Trump will see to it they do. I'm ecstatic Hillary will not be sworn in, America really dodged
a bullet.
a bullet.
If you want to watch a mentally unstable person implode, Criticize Trump repeatedly on multiple fronts. He will literally destroy himself trying to defend his name and destroy his opponents. For those that expect leadership, too bad.
7
Unlike Obama, Trump is not other-directed but self-directed. He's not constantly looking over his shoulder to see what others think, but is his own man right or wrong. He's a force of nature. One either goes along with him or is swept away. It's a style of leadership that can lead to greatness or disaster, but it operates by its own rules. The established world order and the venerable institutions which serve it can only watch in dismay as the phenomenon of Trump plays itself out for better or worse. The meteor shoots across the sky.
2
Yeah, I'm sure they said that about Attila the Hun too. Except he was probably better educated.
2
Easy to say when you are located several thousand miles out in the Pacific ocean.
1
Whatever decisions trump makes will not be well thought out and off the cuff reactions to the advice of his minions. This is a petulant sixth grader with little nuance.
3
So let me get this straight: Trump called Merkel's refugee decision a 'catastrophic mistake' (if anything an understatement) and applauds Britain from being the first to abandon the sinking EU. When has become stating facts become such a troubling issue?
2
World? How about right here?
I never got this Conservative argument about running the government like a business. CEO's dump unproductive workers, pay the ones they have as little as possible, and rake in as much money for themselves as they can get away with. And this is what the GOP does. Ignore fly over land, regardless of the number of representatives and senators they have, and maximize cash for the already rich.
The GOP Congress controls legislation and the budget, and controlled Congress 6 of the last 8 years.
And, supposedly, that is what the Red States are against...
I never got this Conservative argument about running the government like a business. CEO's dump unproductive workers, pay the ones they have as little as possible, and rake in as much money for themselves as they can get away with. And this is what the GOP does. Ignore fly over land, regardless of the number of representatives and senators they have, and maximize cash for the already rich.
The GOP Congress controls legislation and the budget, and controlled Congress 6 of the last 8 years.
And, supposedly, that is what the Red States are against...
5
What if Trump's Twitter account gets hacked and then a war or some other negative military response will begin due to falsified information, not verified?
The Twitter war has a good ring to it, no?
The Twitter war has a good ring to it, no?
7
I think Trump does not know how to deal with educated, intelligent women like Dr. Merkel. His world is limited to beauty pageants, golf, and Trump Tower. He blusters and insults to hide his ignorance - as he did with the CIA over hacking and most recently Rep. Lewiis. Astonishing that corporate leaders fear him - soon his Tweet insults will be a badge of courage.
3
Not only us, the whole world except Russia are scared. Hope Trump will not lead to us to the crater of active volcano. As Americans we have been proud of our democracy, human rights and decency and all these good things will be gone very soon.
2
Russia's interference in our election to assist Trump in getting elected has left out country in a state of uncertainty and chaos, doubting the legitimacy of our election. Putin will likely attempt to do to Germany's election process what he did to ours. And now we have Trump making negative comments about the merits of the EU and the leadership of Merkel. It is hard to dismiss the feeling of dread that there is a sinister connection in their actions.
2
The entire world - citizens, politicians, media, pundits - seem to believe that at some unannounced future date Mr. Trump will unveil his "plans" and show us all he has been devising in terms of policy, signs of "where he is going" - signs that he is "normal" after all, and was just working his business magic.
But there is a real danger in viewing the unreal as real, the crazy as a method, the abusive as posturing, and the ignorant as fresh.
I am not convinced that there is anything to unveil. His campaign was one of fierce honesty, never attempting to cover up the egocentric, insecure, dim-witted figure that he is. Unlike every other candidate for the Presidency, he claimed no specifics, he showed no humility, he demonstrated no expertise, and he asserted (and continues to assert) that he is above the law. If his past is any guide to his future, "uncertainty" may be the very least of our problems.
We, and the world, need to stop believing in a future that will not come, and figure out how to deal with an ill-adjusted megalomaniac with antiquated ideas and questionable judgement...the man is not "normal" and he won't become so, just because someone has him repeat an oath and swears him in as President.
But there is a real danger in viewing the unreal as real, the crazy as a method, the abusive as posturing, and the ignorant as fresh.
I am not convinced that there is anything to unveil. His campaign was one of fierce honesty, never attempting to cover up the egocentric, insecure, dim-witted figure that he is. Unlike every other candidate for the Presidency, he claimed no specifics, he showed no humility, he demonstrated no expertise, and he asserted (and continues to assert) that he is above the law. If his past is any guide to his future, "uncertainty" may be the very least of our problems.
We, and the world, need to stop believing in a future that will not come, and figure out how to deal with an ill-adjusted megalomaniac with antiquated ideas and questionable judgement...the man is not "normal" and he won't become so, just because someone has him repeat an oath and swears him in as President.
6
I always have a hard time remembering the difference between an oligarchy and a plutocracy. However, if world leaders are paying attention to what is going on domestically, they will note that the wheels are in motion for one or both in the USA. Trump's infatuation with Russia is likely driven as much by their corrupt and unequal economic system as it is by any strategic military or political drivers. Trump will have strong allies in Congress as they take steps to eliminate any resistance to corporate dominance within and beyond our borders. It is unlikely that we will see a Supreme Court turn away from rulings that corporations have the same rights (greater, in fact) as individuals, which can be translated into unfettered lack of corporate responsibility on the international legal stage as well.
3
Trump and his heartland supporters are turning people against each other here, and now Trump sets his sights on the world. The discord in the Trump administration is remarkable: how can he disagree with his SECDEF over the rôle of NATO?
It's a Kabuki dance for Trump followers They hate our government, but Trump has to have a government, so he selects his cabinet and then makes controversial comments about them in order to show that he's the anti-government Trump that his followers elected.
Trump's statements are at the emotional level of an eight-year-old. That NATO might need to improve a policy on terrorism does not mean that NATO is obsolete. By that reasoning, Trump has gone though so many bankruptcies that is business model is obsolete.
So far, Trump has shown that he cannot get along with the entire world, with the exception, of course, of Russia. His isolation of the US from constructive alliances decrease our power in the world. This man truly is not qualified to be president of the US.
It's a Kabuki dance for Trump followers They hate our government, but Trump has to have a government, so he selects his cabinet and then makes controversial comments about them in order to show that he's the anti-government Trump that his followers elected.
Trump's statements are at the emotional level of an eight-year-old. That NATO might need to improve a policy on terrorism does not mean that NATO is obsolete. By that reasoning, Trump has gone though so many bankruptcies that is business model is obsolete.
So far, Trump has shown that he cannot get along with the entire world, with the exception, of course, of Russia. His isolation of the US from constructive alliances decrease our power in the world. This man truly is not qualified to be president of the US.
7
It's somewhere far beyong sad to see the NYT as a major perpetrator of the pre- and post-Hillary hysterias. I've voted Democrat ever since Adlai and the MSM has never pulled such an irrational boner en masse, not even when there was good cause like Joe McCarthy or Johnson/Nixon's Vietnam that we knew were worse. And this is all because she was backed by the establishments: political and "intelligence" and LGBT and women, but lost for reasons no longer to be discussed.
Like it or not, America has elected Trump and panic is not going to be an anecdote. That the NYT with its political impact is incapable of keeping a clear head is more ominous than that Trump, like everyone but Sanders, said contradictory things is not so unusual.
Try hard, please, to act like responsible adults. Tell your journalists to tone down their horror stories until your (and my) new President actually does something. See if his D & R opposition tones him down and if the good things he's promised like no more bellicosity and wars, medicare for all, either turn out to be true or false. Otherwise your hysteria will work against you in the long run.
Like it or not, America has elected Trump and panic is not going to be an anecdote. That the NYT with its political impact is incapable of keeping a clear head is more ominous than that Trump, like everyone but Sanders, said contradictory things is not so unusual.
Try hard, please, to act like responsible adults. Tell your journalists to tone down their horror stories until your (and my) new President actually does something. See if his D & R opposition tones him down and if the good things he's promised like no more bellicosity and wars, medicare for all, either turn out to be true or false. Otherwise your hysteria will work against you in the long run.
8
Thank you for your sane insight.
Trump must be countered and toned down by sanity, not hysteria. Where he's correct he even needs to be helped, because the Republican Establishment will not always be with him on those. When he's wrong, he must be opposed.
He's not the insane dummy Hillary and the MSM have painted.
He's not the insane dummy Hillary and the MSM have painted.
How could you do this America, this man is so dangerous.
15
Sorry Geoff, apparently about 46% of voting Americans are xenophobic, sexist, ignorant fools. Gullible too, in that they assume this lying ignorant Trump is telling them the truth. Rome fell partially because of too much lead in their diet, and too much inbreeding. Whatever is making Americans less intelligent by the decade is the cause of our current fall.
4
The root cause of the dumbing down of certain parts of America has been pointed out before. The talented and intelligent people usually leave small towns and rural areas to seek educational and career opportunities in the cities. They often never go back. So there has been a steady brain drain in Middle America for decades. Each generation a little less ambitious, educated, and intelligent than the one before.
Has anyone considered the possibility that he suffers from raging insomnia, and it affects his judgement? If he tweets things at 3:00 AM, he can't be sleeping properly. Maybe Ambien is all he needs to become rational.
10
I figured his aging brain or prostate was the culprit. Or both.
3
What Mr Trump fails to realize that his words, repulsive opinion and his gestures are all taken literally by the American Public and the world.
Without refraining from insulting, threatening and he risks economic repercussions, alienation(domestic & foreign) from Not Only Enemies & Allies and Ultimately setting us in a course of Eroding The Stability that Every President from FDR, Eisenhower, JFK, Reagan, Clinton, Bush and OBama has Built.
Is NO LONGER about your Mr Trump ...you're taking US(America) down with you ,...Us & Our Children gonna have to pay for it.
Without refraining from insulting, threatening and he risks economic repercussions, alienation(domestic & foreign) from Not Only Enemies & Allies and Ultimately setting us in a course of Eroding The Stability that Every President from FDR, Eisenhower, JFK, Reagan, Clinton, Bush and OBama has Built.
Is NO LONGER about your Mr Trump ...you're taking US(America) down with you ,...Us & Our Children gonna have to pay for it.
9
Trump tapped into the masses forgotten by the elites and knew how to channel their resentment. Millions of others - including Muslims, Mexicans, blacks and even many Jews - felt this morning that they belong less to the country that is their home
3
Not in the style of NYT comments but ---- HELLO!!! This is my country, my life, my future and the future of my children, and I am wondering too.
8
This whole thing about not taking his words literally is TOTAL NONSENSE. If he can't effectively communicate his thoughts and/or vomits everything that crosses his tiny brain then he shouldn't be President. The job is about much, much more than bringing back blue collar jobs and killing Obamacare. His act of playing to his base by continuing to campaign is getting very tired. At some point very soon he will have to at least take a stab at governing - a part of the job the majority of Americans, myself included as if you couldn't guess, feel he has neither the intelligence, the empathy or the patience for.
48
THERE would be a Backlash by the Euro-Public as Mr. Trump uses his "Simplistic Slogans" against Angela Merkel, NATO et al and the US will end up being the Net-Loser by Imposing Taxes on Cars and other Euro Imports.
AS for US-UK Trade Agreement, currently each year about $50 Billion of Imports and Exports crosses either way with the UK with a Surplus of about $2 Billion.
Main Exports of the UK are Cars, Petrochemicals and Pharma and currently the Eurozone takes in Ten Times what the UK Trades with the US....
AND it is Unlikely that US can replace Euro Market for Britain and all this talk is mere "PR Propaganda".
THE UK is going to be the "Ultimate Loser" by trying to Intimidate Brussels as the Europeans know well that ANY US Trade Deal Cannot Replace Europe.
AS for US-UK Trade Agreement, currently each year about $50 Billion of Imports and Exports crosses either way with the UK with a Surplus of about $2 Billion.
Main Exports of the UK are Cars, Petrochemicals and Pharma and currently the Eurozone takes in Ten Times what the UK Trades with the US....
AND it is Unlikely that US can replace Euro Market for Britain and all this talk is mere "PR Propaganda".
THE UK is going to be the "Ultimate Loser" by trying to Intimidate Brussels as the Europeans know well that ANY US Trade Deal Cannot Replace Europe.
2
Isn't uncertainty and disruption of the current world order what the 'alt-right' want? Mr. Bannon is obviously the one with PE Trump's attention at the moment. European unity, peace and prosperity and NATO are what threaten Russia in Putin's view as well. This wave of 'populism' would have nation's retreat unto themselves with borders secure to fend off the Muslim tide seen as a threat to Judo-Christian prominence. PE Trump and definitely Mr. Bannon are playing a game which IS disruptive. What I wonder is how much PE Trump understands? He is in way over his intellectual capacity.
4
Washington, DC, will soon be known as Vichy on the Potomac.
9
Let's think of Trump as a tennis player. He responds to whatever comes at him from over the net. He serves and he returns serves. He gets them or they get him and if they get him they get a ball in the stomach or maybe the face. If the referee calls Out on him, the referee gets it in the head, and the game is rigged, according to the king of the castle.
It's Trump against The World. He has no plan. When the ball meets the racket the racket meets the ball. Period. That's all there is to it, folks. A tennis player on a chess board.
It's Trump against The World. He has no plan. When the ball meets the racket the racket meets the ball. Period. That's all there is to it, folks. A tennis player on a chess board.
108
You have aptly described the situation, @JS. There is no Trump strategy, and that enables his followers to attribute anything they want to him. Some of the comments here merely offer the belief that Trump will transform the world.
A value of having an education is to be able to understand the difference between belief and rational thought. Trump followers attribute rationality to their unfounded beliefs. Probably that comes from watching too much Fox News and Rush Limbaugh, and reading Ann Coulter. So Trump followers can feel optimistic about this ranting demagogue as he flails his inflammatory racket.
A value of having an education is to be able to understand the difference between belief and rational thought. Trump followers attribute rationality to their unfounded beliefs. Probably that comes from watching too much Fox News and Rush Limbaugh, and reading Ann Coulter. So Trump followers can feel optimistic about this ranting demagogue as he flails his inflammatory racket.
2
The image of a flabby, pale-skinned Donald Trump in tennis gear, his hair all over the place, face redder now than orange as he throws his racket, tweets his rants at the umpire while he stamps his little feet can never be unseen.
But I did appreciate your analogy. He is definitely more of a checkers person than chess. Checkers more than tennis too. And soon, it'll be Chinese checkers.
But I did appreciate your analogy. He is definitely more of a checkers person than chess. Checkers more than tennis too. And soon, it'll be Chinese checkers.
6
I see no opinion in this article. Other countries are rightfully nervous about Trump because he has made statements that were unnecessarily provocative and upsetting. Does Mr. Trump imply that a stable world order is not desirable? Two world wars seemed to have convinced the Europeans, the Japanese, and America that it is. Now we have Trump. Does he intend to make things better or worse? Does he favor replacing NATO and the Eurozone with more independent right wing reactionary states? Does he really believe that Russia will blithely go along with Trump's new world order? Yes, Islamic terrorism is a problem but the Europeans didn't unleash Sunni extremism on the world. The US did, by toppling Saddam Hussein and leaving chaos in his place. Why would anyone think that putting everyone on edge is good leadership? And he hasn't even been sworn in!
6
The world order is not stable. China is terra-forming the South China Sea. North Korea is working on ICBM. The Philippines is approaching martial law. Myanmar is Myanmar. Pakistan and India are in a perpetual standoff. Afghanistan? The Middle East is a powder keg - Sauds vs. Iranians, Palestine vs. Israel. The US is modernizing its nuclear arsenal.
To pretend that the post WWII liberal order has produced stability is folly.
To pretend that the post WWII liberal order has produced stability is folly.
1
Before even taking office, Trump has become a pivotal figure in history--something that Obama aimed for but could never achieve despite all his high-flown rhetoric. Before Trump, liberal globalism seemed to be the future of a borderless world, but suddenly all of its assumptions have been challenged. In another article in this edition the NYT praises Obama for his reading list. Indeed, Obama does love to read and ponder and think, but all his words, his endless meetings and briefings, his fondness for ceremony and protocol as an excuse for action do not translate into a genuine achievement or to a legacy based on anything but hot air. Trump may be primitive and crude, but his words have immediate repercussions which for better or worse make the world spin. So fasten your seat belts. We're not in the library anymore.
6
Pivotal figure? He hasn't done anything, except behave in a manner unbecoming an adult, much less the future leader of the US. He has revealed no plans or vision, simply antagonism and petulance. How on earth is this a good thing?
7
and time to recondition those old cold war bunkers in the back yard. Words have consequences- and his are those uttered by a fool.
2
Yes Ed, Mr. Trump will make the world spin. But it is likely to be topsy turvy and who knows which way it will fall? In Trumps business world if it fell the wrong way his hope was he could wiggle his way out from under the rubble and try again. Only he was to suffer or gain. That's not what his actions or words are limited to as President of U.S. The rubble or gain affects the entire world. His actions reach far beyond his own little private kingdom.
3
We must join the world community in hoping for an early impeachment and removal from office. We already have ample grounds for impeachment. The man is dangerous. No, let's not "give him a chance." We already have. He has proven beyond reasonable doubt that his character is highly unsuited to holding the highest office in the land, in the most powerful nation on earth.
41
Doctor - Totally disagree with your baseless commentary. I was no fan of Bush, Obama but at least with Trump you have a person with a business mind who can get us out of this weak economy. New Yorker's like Donald and me for that matter tend to shoot for the stars and strive to be #1. Open your mind up and give the guy a chance. I gave Obama a chance (2 years to be exact) and eventually saw that his unwillingness to compromise on any fronts.....and his desire to appear more on TV than compromise with Congress, failed foreign policy will be his legacy. Don't get me started on the Health Care Act.
Tens of thousands of qualified, educated persons like me have had their jobs go overseas through the 1HB Program. Because of the inept politicians who have been voted in, jobs are going overseas and people are struggling!!!
Wake up because we are fed-up with inept political hacks.
Tens of thousands of qualified, educated persons like me have had their jobs go overseas through the 1HB Program. Because of the inept politicians who have been voted in, jobs are going overseas and people are struggling!!!
Wake up because we are fed-up with inept political hacks.
1
Trump is simultaneously for and against every possible position on any possible subject. Trump's position at any given moment in time is the position that will most benefit him at that particular moment in time. That is the only certainty in the age of Trump.
10
How hard can it be to cut off his Twitter account, for God's sake! If not, we must like them. so we should shut up about them. Kids and matches, whose fault is that?
1
Take away his twitter account and he will go into withdrawal. Like any addict.
3
how many times are we going to let trump lie about his interest in Russia?.He has repeatedly visited russia in search of "deals" and all seem to turn a blind eye to these multiple excursions.This man's tax returns are now crucial to the safety of our country..when will anyone care enough to demand he produce them???
11
@TomJ of Berwyn, Illinois, fears: "what would happen if China played hardball and shut down garment industry exports? Think about what might happen."
Yes...if Macy's and Marshall's ran low on clothes, that would indeed be a national emergency.
The comment is so ridiculous that I almost spit out my coffee reading it.
Knocking out power grids is scary, withholding garment exports...not so much. Besides, China's entire economy depends upon their exports of goods. They are not going to act against their economic interests.
The fear mongering and 'doom & gloom' nature of many of these comments is depressing.
The Dems lost the election, so they are determined to criticize, undermine and to behave like unsupportive, spoiled brats during our inauguration and beyond. I am not proud of my fellow Americans who are acting this way.
As DJT would say...sad!
I'm an independent with mixed feelings about this past election, but I'm also a grown-up who can accept the FACT that Trump will be our 45th President of the United States and to wish him well. It is in ALL of our interests that he succeeds.
#CountrybeforePolitics
Yes...if Macy's and Marshall's ran low on clothes, that would indeed be a national emergency.
The comment is so ridiculous that I almost spit out my coffee reading it.
Knocking out power grids is scary, withholding garment exports...not so much. Besides, China's entire economy depends upon their exports of goods. They are not going to act against their economic interests.
The fear mongering and 'doom & gloom' nature of many of these comments is depressing.
The Dems lost the election, so they are determined to criticize, undermine and to behave like unsupportive, spoiled brats during our inauguration and beyond. I am not proud of my fellow Americans who are acting this way.
As DJT would say...sad!
I'm an independent with mixed feelings about this past election, but I'm also a grown-up who can accept the FACT that Trump will be our 45th President of the United States and to wish him well. It is in ALL of our interests that he succeeds.
#CountrybeforePolitics
6
I don't wish him well. I wish that he will be a responsible leader who will promote policies that will improve the lives of Americans. His intemperance does not bode well.
2
"The Dems lost the election, so they are determined to criticize, undermine and to behave like unsupportive, spoiled brats during our inauguration and beyond. I am not proud of my fellow Americans who are acting this way."
Just curious if you felt this way the last 8 years. The GOP voted against legislation the GOP introduced just to keep Obama from any kind of victory. That is the historical record.
Just curious if you felt this way the last 8 years. The GOP voted against legislation the GOP introduced just to keep Obama from any kind of victory. That is the historical record.
2
@gratis : There is no question that the far right sought to obstruct Obama. It wasn't right, either. I voted for Obama. But he ruled with 'a pen and a phone' as he himself pointed out. That will greatly impact his political legacy, as abusing executive orders fulfills one's own ideology but not the will of the electorate who supported him for two terms. That's when I felt really let down by him (and judging by Trump's surprise victory, millions of Americans felt disillusioned as well).
1
A good start would be to take his phone away. His tweets are infantile and idiotic. He's not a six year old child. He should grow up and act like a man.
18
It is very serious that Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, wants to bring back the Russian Empire. President Putin said that the dissolution of the Soviet Empire was the worst event of the twentieth century.
Hopefully President Trump will listen to General Mattis and Senator McCain and not allow Vladimir Putin to take over eastern Europe (Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic states). After these countries are brought back under the thumb of Russia, what about Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, the Chech Republic and Hungary?? Vladiimir Putin's dream would be reality.
Perhaps President Trump can explain his thoughts on this matter.
Hopefully President Trump will listen to General Mattis and Senator McCain and not allow Vladimir Putin to take over eastern Europe (Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic states). After these countries are brought back under the thumb of Russia, what about Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, the Chech Republic and Hungary?? Vladiimir Putin's dream would be reality.
Perhaps President Trump can explain his thoughts on this matter.
8
Just a few years ago, every business leader and Republican were using the talking point of uncertainty to object to Obama, the ACA, and just about anything coming from Democrats. For the next four years, two words that will never come from the GOP are uncertainty and deficit.
8
Every plan I see from the GOP blows up the deficit.
I bet they blame it all on the Dems, even though the Dems have been in the minority since 2010.
They blamed the Dems for the 2008 Financial Crisis, even though they were in the minority from 1994 to 2007. Worked, too.
I bet they blame it all on the Dems, even though the Dems have been in the minority since 2010.
They blamed the Dems for the 2008 Financial Crisis, even though they were in the minority from 1994 to 2007. Worked, too.
Forget the pinch of salt. I and many of our citizens implore Trump to please Say What You Mean and even more importantly Mean What You Say. We deserve no less from the President of the United States.
1
`Future generations - if there are any - may refer to the next four years as the Trump Nightmare. I say "if there are any" because Trump raises the threat of nuclear war higher than it has ever been. We survived the Cuban missile crisis only by JFK's cool head and his courageous resistance to the generals and admirals who demanded that he "nuke em". Trump's fondness for Putin may make nuclear war with Russia less likely (though I wouldn't count on it) but his hatred of China makes it more likely.
But if we ever wake up alive from this nightmare will we learn from what we have to do to make sure it never happens again, we must, once and for all get rid of that shameful - and dangerous - relic of slavery in our
Constitution, the Electoral College. One Trump nightmare is enough.
But if we ever wake up alive from this nightmare will we learn from what we have to do to make sure it never happens again, we must, once and for all get rid of that shameful - and dangerous - relic of slavery in our
Constitution, the Electoral College. One Trump nightmare is enough.
13
I will be relieved if the Trump era ends with anything other than mushroom clouds.
13
Good point Lauren, and I'd take heart from this. When past leaders messed around too much with nuclear annihilation, they died. Stalin, JFK, Kim Jong Il, all terminated with extreme prejudice. My hope is that when nitwit Trump takes offense to the Pope's statements and tries to give the order to nuke Italy, some wise underling eliminates him on the spot.
I would prefer Financial devastation, like the one the GOP brought us in 2008, to that.
There's going to be chronic disappointment with Mr. Trump for his entire presidency unless there is some dramatic change in his behavior...his popularity is low though he won't be officially Pres. until Fri...because he lost the majority of the popular vote.He is unpopular with those who voted for him reluctantly rather than Clinton ..and there was a percentage of voters who chose not to vote because they liked neither candidate He is unpopular with all 3 of these groups which could realistically be up to 65% of Americans.
5
Trump is right somewhat in regards to NATO. While NATO is not obsolete, the NATO members need to contribute significantly more to their defense. The US has been providing the bulk of manpower and money to protect that area since WWII. The European intelligence community has been depending on our services because theirs intelligence gathering is weak. The US provides the bulk of the nuclear deterrent and naval forces for the region. The Europeans have rebuilt their Infrastructure while at the same time providing health care for their citizens. The European fear is that they are going to have to put on their big boy pants to provide the bulk of their protection. Other countries have benefited from the protection of our military including Canada, Mexico, South Korea and Japan. I spent 26 years serving our country, so I'm not a liberal socialist who wants to remove our troops from the NATO area. However, this country needs to focus on our needs while at the same time supplementing our allies protection. Let them put their youngsters in harms way.
2
Not sure about the world but I am depressed. He lies so much nothing he says can be taken literally.
14
You can keep your doctor, costs will go down, etc.
Dear MMPack,
Those are two things about the ACA which President Obama was incorrect about. Being incorrect every now and then is not the same as compulsively, pointlessly, lying nearly all the time, which Trump does. Obama was wrong now and then, and Trump is a constant liar and possibly a traitor. So I prefer Obama.
Those are two things about the ACA which President Obama was incorrect about. Being incorrect every now and then is not the same as compulsively, pointlessly, lying nearly all the time, which Trump does. Obama was wrong now and then, and Trump is a constant liar and possibly a traitor. So I prefer Obama.
2
Here comes trouble. In fact: when your republicans are ruling there is trouble. And not alone for the USA but for the whole world. And now it's a bit worser and... what are you going to do? How worst must it be that you people do something real... you will lose freedom of press, you will lose your medical care. You are ruled by billionaires that have never struggled live as it is.
When the USA elected Trump i had a very bad feeling (as many of us). We thought: this will not be true, but it is. And it will effect our children as it will hurt all people in the world and the planet.
Now Trumps focus is on Europe. He (and Putin) want to reduce the power of Europe and separate the states. But i think we are powerful enough and must stand. We are on one of the latest continents with good civil rights, independent justice, good (medical) care for our citizens, free education, and we will not let go, because our children diserve this!!! Children deserve a good world with caring people, not a real estate broker who deals in a bad way and finds himself in the way Putin acts. We have seen Putin in The Netherlands how he is. It's proven that the MH17 airplane is shot down by rockets coming from Russia. False stories said the Kremlin. We here the same from Trump...
The best thing what may happen in the EU is that our eyes get more open thanks to Trump and we look the populists in the face and choose for a powerful but caring democracy to defend our rights, for our children!
When the USA elected Trump i had a very bad feeling (as many of us). We thought: this will not be true, but it is. And it will effect our children as it will hurt all people in the world and the planet.
Now Trumps focus is on Europe. He (and Putin) want to reduce the power of Europe and separate the states. But i think we are powerful enough and must stand. We are on one of the latest continents with good civil rights, independent justice, good (medical) care for our citizens, free education, and we will not let go, because our children diserve this!!! Children deserve a good world with caring people, not a real estate broker who deals in a bad way and finds himself in the way Putin acts. We have seen Putin in The Netherlands how he is. It's proven that the MH17 airplane is shot down by rockets coming from Russia. False stories said the Kremlin. We here the same from Trump...
The best thing what may happen in the EU is that our eyes get more open thanks to Trump and we look the populists in the face and choose for a powerful but caring democracy to defend our rights, for our children!
9
Hans - I've lived in New York my entire 61.5 years and you have no clue what-so-ever who Trump is as a businessman and chief executive officer. Fact is it's none of your business who we elect to lead our country......just as it's none of my business who runs Norway. I'm enjoying my Norwegian Netflix shows on TV these days but when I see comments like yours, I'm getting second thoughts.
Stay on your side of the Atlantic Ocean with respect to Politics!!
Stay on your side of the Atlantic Ocean with respect to Politics!!
That's funny. Among other issues, there was no shortage of Americans commenting about the "Brexit" outcome and other issues in other parts of the world, most of which those, like yourself, know little or nothing about.
2
I think other countries have got to keep in mind a couple of things about Trump. First is, he lies all the time, whether for self-aggrandizement, to attack someone, to cover something up, or because he just doesn't know the answer. Second, he is nearly completely ignorant about everything a President should know.
His tweets are thus just lies and ignorance, and so far, nothing has been done based on anything he's said on twitter. So the world should not pay attention to what Trump says, because there are good odds it's a lie, or he simply doesn't know what he's talking about.
On the other hand, the tough truth to accept is that America does not lead the West nor democracy any more. America, by this election, has proven that its democracy is in tatters, that half the nation are half-wits, and that a coalition of the rich is really running the show. America does not stand for its values anymore, is not a trading partner or ally to be relied on, and cannot lead the world in anything now.
It's unfortunate, but all empires fall, and America's influence just has. We are not the ones to look to for leadership, but the ones to look to for a cautionary example: don't let this happen to your democracy.
Maybe in four years or less, when Trump is out of office, things will change. For now, ignore everything Trump says, focus on what he does, and don't trust him or America.
His tweets are thus just lies and ignorance, and so far, nothing has been done based on anything he's said on twitter. So the world should not pay attention to what Trump says, because there are good odds it's a lie, or he simply doesn't know what he's talking about.
On the other hand, the tough truth to accept is that America does not lead the West nor democracy any more. America, by this election, has proven that its democracy is in tatters, that half the nation are half-wits, and that a coalition of the rich is really running the show. America does not stand for its values anymore, is not a trading partner or ally to be relied on, and cannot lead the world in anything now.
It's unfortunate, but all empires fall, and America's influence just has. We are not the ones to look to for leadership, but the ones to look to for a cautionary example: don't let this happen to your democracy.
Maybe in four years or less, when Trump is out of office, things will change. For now, ignore everything Trump says, focus on what he does, and don't trust him or America.
29
I tried to see as many family members and friends during the holidays, for fear it might be the last time.
Voters who wanted "change" will undoubtedly be rewarded, but they should remember that "change" is not necessarily good.
Voters who wanted "change" will undoubtedly be rewarded, but they should remember that "change" is not necessarily good.
12
I am a dual citizen, dividing my time between USA and a European nation. It is with pure horror that I watch trump threatening my way of life in both countries in which I hold citizenship. He creates fear and loathing wherever he goes. This is a long international nightmare.
11
Prepare for autocracy, defiance of all standards, discrimination, and the decay of civilization as we know it!
15
Once there is a leadership change in Germany they won't be angry anymore. They will love Donald Trump. Under Hillary the Muslimification of Germany would have been complete. Angela Merkel did make a catastrophic mistake in Germany and I will bet you she will never get elected again.
Angela Merkel has very high approval ratings, and would win re-election in a landslide. There is no "Muslimifcation" of Germany. I'm a German citizen and this is alt-right nonsense.
9
I am as well. Where you in Cologne Silverster???? Watch real close what the AFD will do. We will see if Merkel will have another turn!
In listening to the news this morning, it was reported that the NYT's has seen a surge in online subscriptions since Trump won the election. I expect this publication to be filled with negative articles and opinion pieces on Trump to satisfy their new base.
1
No uncertainty here. Trump is unqualified and unfit to be president of the United States.
31
We just rid ourselves of an unqualified president.
1
The world has seen this churlish personality in a leader before, and it has never gone well. His childish twitter rants are amplified in the ears of the world by the nuclear arsenal that will soon be at his command.
13
Without his Twitter account, Trump would be voiceless. 900 Million in debt and four bankruptcies, and Trump is viewed as a successful businessman. A misogynist, a racist, a narcissist, a friend of Putin. Anyone who's lived in NYC for the past 30 years has always know what a clown Trump is.
It's astounding that he was able to con an entire country, and now everyone is getting a glimpse of his childish outbursts. And until he gets impeached or four years pass, we're all along for the ride.
It's astounding that he was able to con an entire country, and now everyone is getting a glimpse of his childish outbursts. And until he gets impeached or four years pass, we're all along for the ride.
21
In the past certain people were proud to say, "I say what I mean and I mean what I say." If the past is any indication Trump is not in such a group. To me it's very scary to have a leader like him. What really horrifies me is that he often denies saying what he is on record saying, and then gets mad at whatever news agency reports this.
9
What really worries Germany is the 35% tariff that Trump proposed if Germany doesn't build more cars in the US. And it is this kind of talk that got Trump elected. Merkel may lose the election and it is not because of Trump. Trump is a symptom of the populist movement not the cause.
1
Does the Donald know that BMW makes more cars in the US than in Bavaria?
1
This should be no surprise. This Trump is the Trump I saw during the campaign and voted against. I am not sure what his supporters saw.
I read in other places that many of the sub-groups that comprise the "Alt-Right" are fans of a more autocratic style of government, and admirers of strong dictators, like Putin. But being white supremacist, they obviously do not want a black autocrat.
In my view, we are getting exactly the guy he always was.
I read in other places that many of the sub-groups that comprise the "Alt-Right" are fans of a more autocratic style of government, and admirers of strong dictators, like Putin. But being white supremacist, they obviously do not want a black autocrat.
In my view, we are getting exactly the guy he always was.
7
Anyone else get the sense that the billionaire power holders of the world are working heard to create this sense of uncertainty as a tool to maintain world power? Isn't this a tool to create fear?
Uncertainty is a part of every time period moving forward; but here it has become the primary focus, to feed and look for uncertainty rather than look for and discuss issues and goals.
Uncertainty is a part of every time period moving forward; but here it has become the primary focus, to feed and look for uncertainty rather than look for and discuss issues and goals.
3
NYT: "Mr. Trump [...] repeated past criticisms that NATO is “obsolete” [...] only to quickly add that “with that being said, NATO is very important to me.”"
So...not "US",
but
"Me, me, ME!!!"
[9:50am]
So...not "US",
but
"Me, me, ME!!!"
[9:50am]
9
NATO obsolete huh? Putin must love his good boy.
27
It's not obsolete, but the structure needs fixing. The Europeans need to provide more money and manpower to defend themselves. Yes, we can supplement their defense. However, the heavy loading needs to shift.
Those of us in New York City have been living with Trump's headline-grabbing antics for 40 years - that is why we voted against him 9 to 1. We know him too well, and we were sick of him decades ago. Now this.
What the past 40 years has illustrated to us is that Trump is a shallow, vain, aggressive egotist who will do absolutely anything to bulldoze his way into the center of everyone's attention. Being liked is less important to Donald than being the loudest voice in the room.
Trump's method has been to steal attention by attacking Harry and Leona Helmsley, then it was Mayor Koch, then Roseanne, then it was the birther campaign, and on and on it goes. And this is how Trump will govern - endless attacks and counter-attacks with the only purpose being to keep us riveted on what he will say or do next.
By the time Trump leaves office the nation and world will be in a state of emotional exhaustion, is not shell-shock. Trump wouldn't have it any other way, and he will make sure of that.
What the past 40 years has illustrated to us is that Trump is a shallow, vain, aggressive egotist who will do absolutely anything to bulldoze his way into the center of everyone's attention. Being liked is less important to Donald than being the loudest voice in the room.
Trump's method has been to steal attention by attacking Harry and Leona Helmsley, then it was Mayor Koch, then Roseanne, then it was the birther campaign, and on and on it goes. And this is how Trump will govern - endless attacks and counter-attacks with the only purpose being to keep us riveted on what he will say or do next.
By the time Trump leaves office the nation and world will be in a state of emotional exhaustion, is not shell-shock. Trump wouldn't have it any other way, and he will make sure of that.
51
What Trump is doing needs to be done. During the past several decades, the U.S has done nothing but help the rest of the world from defending the Europe to the lifting of hundreds of millions of Chinese out of poverty, providing food grains to the starving nations, fighting terrorism and providing military and economic foreign aid to deserving nations. In return, the U.S became a punching bag for friends and foes, because all the nations that we helped are standing on their own feet. Look at how our president was insulted by Israel and Philippines and threats from China. It is time to re-negotiate everything and re-arrange everything to the welfare of the United States.
4
You would think the liberal socialists would support that. However since it is Trump that has finally opened the envelope, they criticize. Remember Obama recently chided the Europeans to start providing more for their own defense. Where was the criticism then?
I would give citizens of other nations the same advice I've been giving my fellow Americans these past two months: If you think this is going to end well, you haven't been paying attention.
43
The only thing to look forward to is the schadenfruede of watching the smirks fade from his supporters' mugs as they suffer the worst damage. Assuming we all don't perish in a nuclear tantrum.
53
What on earth has happened to the Republican Party? Once it proudly lead the defense of our national security against despots like Russia. Now, the GOP through Trump is moving to dismantle the very institutions (EU, NATO, UN) that it fought to build and that have kept our country free. The heart and sole of the GOP is dead.
34
The heart and soul of the GOP died the day our Pr. Obama was sworn in the first time, the day McConnell had his private meeting with other republican senators and congressmen to oppose EVERYTHING that this president wanted, that was traitorist, and we as a nation didn't care!!!!!!
1
An actual communications strategy that takes into account a negotiating position may be too complicated for the press to understand.
1
I tip my hat to you Vlad. Well done sir. Well played, indeed.
16
Donald J. Trump. President of America. Sad!
16
I don't think so. I gave the less qualified person a 2-3 year test (Obama) and he was a huge disappointment in my humble opinion.....as was Bush. Open your mind!
1
When does secession from the South become the only viable option? Just think... No more Republican Senate. No more Republican House. No more Republican Supreme Court. No more Republican President. No more useless wars for corporate profit. No more cuts to education. Universal Healthcare for all citizens. Safe Social Security. Mass investment in infrastructure and clean energy...
And what do we lose? The FOX News Nation?
I'm in...
And what do we lose? The FOX News Nation?
I'm in...
63
I'd join in a New York minute.
2
I'm in too - can't happen soon enough.
1
Mr. Trump is doing exactly what he was elected to do, which is to turn the established order upside down, and start shaking. Instead of moaning over their precious institutions, the chattering classes should judge him on the results. Chancellor Merkel's comments on waiting for him to take office are spot on in this regard.
2
Certainly DT will be judged on the results of his presidency. In hindsight, what I see is a trail of his bankruptcies, unpaid bills, lies, insults, and failures (personal and other). I am not hopeful.
8
Yeah Mr. Godinez, Trump is an idiot. Life long failure in business and marriage, he is nearly completely ignorant on every subject, and he lies all the time. There is no reason to expect anything good to come of his presidency, except for the chance that, if we get more elections, the people will never go with an incompetent, unqualified, racist, sexist, fascist fool again.
1
All else aside - we are now stuck with Trump.
How do we keep him in line - other than closing down his access to his Twitter rumblings.
The day AFTER Trump takes the Oath of Office an impeachment effort must begin as a perpetual maneuver to keep him in line and to secure a modicum of safety for all extant.
The "Impeach Trump" declaration must be introduced in the House of Representatives on Day One - as a tactical imperative.
Doing so on a regular basis, prompted by Trump's behavior - whatever it may be - is a strategic and never ending plan for the country's greater good.
Win or lose but build momentum is the overall plan - until finally ....
The GOP wrote the playbook on this tactic (ACA) and it is now their turn to be on stage for their close-up.
Seat Trump under a Damocles sword that hangs by a hair, over the hair on his large, swollen head, as a reminder that if he goes too far ..... another vote will be taken to remind him that we the people may have the last word on any issue he may wish to advertise, promulgate, or toss around as his latest bullying behavior.
Polls to evaluate the impeachment action can be taken immediately to
to publicize, verify, and maintain momentum
Trump has no mandate. He lost the popular vote by a credible margin.
Our mandate is in our numbers.
With time Congressional Republicans, for their own and for GOP survival, will join the effort to establish reasons to impeach and the event may well take place - at long last.
How do we keep him in line - other than closing down his access to his Twitter rumblings.
The day AFTER Trump takes the Oath of Office an impeachment effort must begin as a perpetual maneuver to keep him in line and to secure a modicum of safety for all extant.
The "Impeach Trump" declaration must be introduced in the House of Representatives on Day One - as a tactical imperative.
Doing so on a regular basis, prompted by Trump's behavior - whatever it may be - is a strategic and never ending plan for the country's greater good.
Win or lose but build momentum is the overall plan - until finally ....
The GOP wrote the playbook on this tactic (ACA) and it is now their turn to be on stage for their close-up.
Seat Trump under a Damocles sword that hangs by a hair, over the hair on his large, swollen head, as a reminder that if he goes too far ..... another vote will be taken to remind him that we the people may have the last word on any issue he may wish to advertise, promulgate, or toss around as his latest bullying behavior.
Polls to evaluate the impeachment action can be taken immediately to
to publicize, verify, and maintain momentum
Trump has no mandate. He lost the popular vote by a credible margin.
Our mandate is in our numbers.
With time Congressional Republicans, for their own and for GOP survival, will join the effort to establish reasons to impeach and the event may well take place - at long last.
25
The Dems should have binders full of ethics charges ready for impeachment on Day 1. There is so much real world evidence. I think the lack of his tax returns is a threat to national security, because we just do not know.
I wonder if the Dems are that organized.
I wonder if the Dems are that organized.
3
The idea that one man can cause so much anxiety and confusion in the world by "tweeting" whatever passes through his head - unfiltered, unchecked, unverified, often untrue, and almost always intended to be provocative - is bordering on insane. The entire world is on edge.
Congress should get unified on one thing. A President Trump who twitters random thoughts on U.S. policy is dangerous to us all. It is literally a national security threat. Congress should pass a law to stop the twitter nonsense. They can do so with a two-thirds vote in order to override any veto attempt. They can do it, and they should do it.
Congress should get unified on one thing. A President Trump who twitters random thoughts on U.S. policy is dangerous to us all. It is literally a national security threat. Congress should pass a law to stop the twitter nonsense. They can do so with a two-thirds vote in order to override any veto attempt. They can do it, and they should do it.
31
I'm assuming Congress would fail us in this, as they seem to be made up of corrupt profiteers, yes-men, and spineless cowards. But Twitter itself could and should ban Trump from its services for life.
2
Trump is a genius. In a negotiation, if you want X, first you have to ask for 5X.
That's why held putting the One China position into play. He doesn't actually care about Taiwan, but the Chinese do, and putting it into play means we get a better bargaining position with respect to trade and the islands they are building.
That's also why he's undermining the EU/NATO. If they continue thinking they are going to get a free lunch from us, they'll never contribute properly to NATO. Only 4 other countries pay the required 2%. The first step is to scare them sufficiently, so they don't think it's a bluff. Trump is doing that. The next step is to require the 2%. Brilliant!
That's why held putting the One China position into play. He doesn't actually care about Taiwan, but the Chinese do, and putting it into play means we get a better bargaining position with respect to trade and the islands they are building.
That's also why he's undermining the EU/NATO. If they continue thinking they are going to get a free lunch from us, they'll never contribute properly to NATO. Only 4 other countries pay the required 2%. The first step is to scare them sufficiently, so they don't think it's a bluff. Trump is doing that. The next step is to require the 2%. Brilliant!
3
I pray that he's that rational, and that the 'crazy' is an act to confuse his adversaries. We'll find out.
Meanwhile, although he railed against Hillary giving speeches for Goldman Sacks, he has stuffed his cabinet with high-ranking Goldman Sacks executives.
Meanwhile, although he railed against Hillary giving speeches for Goldman Sacks, he has stuffed his cabinet with high-ranking Goldman Sacks executives.
3
The problem that Mr. Trump does not seem to realize is that there is a big difference between opinions and actual ideas and plans. It's easy to have an opinion, but the President of the US doesn't have the luxury of expressing his opinions on twitter without affecting many people.
His irrational behavior has already affected our relationship with China, North Korea and possibly Germany and he hasn't even been sworn in yet.
He's been allowed to ignore many of the standards that previous Presidents adhered to such as producing his tax returns and completely separating himself from all personal business and financial matters.
Our system of government has allowed Trump to be President, now hopefully our system is robust enough to get rid of him if he cannot legally do the job.
His irrational behavior has already affected our relationship with China, North Korea and possibly Germany and he hasn't even been sworn in yet.
He's been allowed to ignore many of the standards that previous Presidents adhered to such as producing his tax returns and completely separating himself from all personal business and financial matters.
Our system of government has allowed Trump to be President, now hopefully our system is robust enough to get rid of him if he cannot legally do the job.
11
As Trump era arrives and Brexit achieves a clean break from Europe there will be a significantly different world order. It is a golden opportunity to do away with what has not been working, end America's longest war and all the current conflicts, change what has not been working perfectly including the attempts at regime change and making change for the better while alleviating human suffering. I am an optimist and I see a way forward through the cloud, mist and fog of hacking which will make the world more vigilant to cyber crime and to finding ways to crush it. A sense of uncertainty grips the world because in 2016 there were some earth shattering events as they were wrongly predicted outcomes but that does not mean it is the end of the world. It is the end of the established world order as we knew it until now. Hail to the new chief who is the batter on deck to be inaugurated this week. Hope Trump will usher an era of true justice for all of humankind, peace on earth, an united global effort to end disease, poverty, terrorism, climate change, crime, lack of a balanced nutrition. In most cases, I would hold the feet of politicians to the fire to keep their promises but in the case of Trump, who has never before held an elected office, I would hope that he does not keep some of his divisive promises but when all is said and done he will have contributed to making America greater and the world a better place. God bless the USA and our fellow human beings around the world.
14
There are no perfect systems in the real world. No software, machine, company that is perfect.
This is what the GOP has been really good at. Pick a few things in the system that are flawed, then make a big noise how the whole system is a failure. And their system is perfect. And loads of people buy it.
I hope the Dems learn to fight in this way. But I really do not think they have it in them.
This is what the GOP has been really good at. Pick a few things in the system that are flawed, then make a big noise how the whole system is a failure. And their system is perfect. And loads of people buy it.
I hope the Dems learn to fight in this way. But I really do not think they have it in them.
2
Prepare to be a disappointed Polyanna. Trump has no magic plan to "end disease, poverty, terrorism, climate change, crime, lack of a balanced nutrition." His cabinet appointees and stated positions are likely to exacerbate most of the list of problems you naively hope he cares about enough to solve. Trust Trump's words to be the harbinger of his actions.
1
Rose-colored glasses indeed. You'd need to be completely blind to think that Trump wouldn't be divisive. He's always been divisive, he's racist, sexist, and xenophobic. Every ignorant lie he spews divides us further. Absolutely nothing you hope for here has any possibility of happening with Trump in office, I hope you can live with that.
1
Well there is never a shortage of specuguesslation to fill the empty spaces of a newspaper. But that is all there is. Who knows what Trump will do. I for one do not think he could be worse than Obama, who if you remove his 8 year effort to erase his campaign pledges, has accomplished little of value and managed to keep the military consuming tax dollars at a prodigious rate. Also, there was not much left of institutional legitimacy even before Donald came along to hammer its head to mush. So bring it on President Trump, there isn't much left to lose.
4
With all due respect you suggest that Mr. Trump's actions respond to a negotiating strategy, say from a position of power. If so, it suggests that Mr. Trump assumes that he is no longer the owner and director of a corporation but the leader of a sovereign country with a history and legitimate interests...
"there isn't much left to lose."....
Actually, for those of us that have spent a lifetime working, saving, and of service to family and country, there is!
Actually, for those of us that have spent a lifetime working, saving, and of service to family and country, there is!
4
McGuffin8 writes "there was not much left of institutional legitimacy even before Donald came along...." Right, and Wrong. Someone else came along too: Bernie. And there are still individual representatives of legitimacy, of every political stripe. Let's roll up our sleeves and elect dozens more of them! We choose and employ the ingredients of the institution. Or at least we used to, until the 2 percent snatched the key to the pantry.
Trump said during the campaign that he didn't choose to be predictable in his statements. According to Trump, any reliable statements would simply tip off his enemies as to his true intentions. Since he apparently considers most people outside his family to be an enemy, he must lie a lot. That would appear to be confirmed by the history of his statements.
30
When I'm feeling optimistic about the whole thing, I believe you might be right. Perhaps the 'crazy' is an act to wrongfoot his adversaries. When I'm feeling pessimistic, I suspect it is systemic.
It's a very loose paraphrase, but it all reminds me of what President Kennedy said about the Soviets during the arms race in his day - the Russians love their children too. Let's hope Mr. Trump loves his children and grandchildren enough to listen to reason.
52
My hopes are pinned on the notion that the leaders of just about every other country - North Korea being the big exception - are probably saner than the incompetent boor now ostensibly in charge of ours.
9
Trump probably has a certain fondness for his children and grandchildren. But "love" is something which narcissists don't truly feel except towards themselves.
5
I haven't seen any particular affection and doubt he played much of a role in parenting. His love of family is his love of himself.
3
We must assume that the millions of good solid reactionary and intellectually incapable middle white Americans who voted for Trump must agree that a destabilized Europe, a rankled China and a Russia about to be granted liberties it will likely seize upon, are all good for America and will surely make it Great Again.
22
I said it first- I think Trump is going to deliver a single payer health care system. The Democrats will be elated and the Republicans will be forced into a Trump corner to go along with him- imagine what would happen to a sitting Republican who openly opposed Trump..? "Hey everybody- This Senator over here doesn't want to make America great again!"...
At this point- Trump has more political leverage than LBJ and it's now up to him to decide if he'll use it for the betterment of the nation or the enrichment of himself. To be honest- let him do both- as long as our nation comes first.
At this point- Trump has more political leverage than LBJ and it's now up to him to decide if he'll use it for the betterment of the nation or the enrichment of himself. To be honest- let him do both- as long as our nation comes first.
6
Which one of Trump's reactionary right-wing advisors is going to design a single-payer health care plan? He can't just decide for it to happen.
2
Everyone will have cheap insurance, it just won't cover anything.
Speaking from experience, if you have ever had a claim denied, either for health or property, you would understand how devastating that can be.
Speaking from experience, if you have ever had a claim denied, either for health or property, you would understand how devastating that can be.
2
The government of ex-generals, oligarchs symmetrical to friends of the Kremlin (no women, no poor), dark business bankers, pateticos sons-in-law, militant racist, ultra-liberal in the fiscal and interventionist if it touches populism, copies the profile of their master. That he deals, with facts, against the liberal economic order and the hegemony of democracy. This is what it is....
1
Dear World,
I am so sorry.
Sincerely,
America
I am so sorry.
Sincerely,
America
61
Exactly what do you expect the world to think? In his last "60 Minutes" interview, Obama said it was all about PR. Yet he spent half of last year traveling the world announcing that Trump was "unfit for office," likely crazy, had no experience, and wouldn't win anyway.
The Clinton campaign never bothered with a positive message, thinking that attacking Trump was more than adequate to defeat him.
The NYT said on its own front page that Trump was such a clear and present danger that journalist norms should be discarded to defeat him at all costs. And coverage from the front page all around proceeded to attack him relentlessly as did the rest of the MSM. Foreign media followed their lead.
Even since his win, the losers tried everything they could to overturn the results. Failing that, they have vowed to "resist," defeat his cabinet nominees, and impeach him if possible. Now some are calling him an "illegitimate" president. There are even plans to disrupt the Inauguration.
The media continues to abet them.
And yet some wonder why the world is worried? They have been told to in the most alarmist of terms.
It's time to ask a lot of the questions that Trump is raising.
The Clinton campaign never bothered with a positive message, thinking that attacking Trump was more than adequate to defeat him.
The NYT said on its own front page that Trump was such a clear and present danger that journalist norms should be discarded to defeat him at all costs. And coverage from the front page all around proceeded to attack him relentlessly as did the rest of the MSM. Foreign media followed their lead.
Even since his win, the losers tried everything they could to overturn the results. Failing that, they have vowed to "resist," defeat his cabinet nominees, and impeach him if possible. Now some are calling him an "illegitimate" president. There are even plans to disrupt the Inauguration.
The media continues to abet them.
And yet some wonder why the world is worried? They have been told to in the most alarmist of terms.
It's time to ask a lot of the questions that Trump is raising.
1
Fearful of Trump? Shine a light in your window!
As Communists ruled Poland for decades people lit their front windows every night in solidarity for freedom. A nation of light will kill the darkness descending on our great country.
As Communists ruled Poland for decades people lit their front windows every night in solidarity for freedom. A nation of light will kill the darkness descending on our great country.
3
Pretty sure Putin told him to do it.
5
On Mr. Trump's Era, the only certainty is that you cannot be certainty about nothing.
2
Frau Merkel, Trump is your immigration policy come home to roost! I know that's an inditement you want no part, but it's true. It would be really wise to learn the lesson of recent history than be so smug to dismiss our new president, whether you like him or not, for you are dismissing a pretty sizable American electorate, including many former veterans of war who are the reason you are in the position of power you are in. That's all. Have a nice day!
2
"Loose lips sink ships."
6
....and loose fingers? The mind reels....
4
Trump weakens the US's national security by criticizing our allies, talking down to the EU/UN/NATO, and by being lapdog to Putin. He has no grand secret plan to negotiate some future agreement. Its all seat-of-the-pants self-interest for him and his billionaire friends. It's a compliment to call him a con artist, rather he is a traitor to our national security and world order.
11
Here's a scenario that seems plausible with Trump as president...
Trump secretly lets Putin know that the US would do nothing in response if Putin were to invade the Baltic countries. Next, Trump publicly tells the EU that they need to take responsibility for their own security. Later, Putin invades the Baltic countries and Trump orders the US military to stay clear, publicly claiming that there's nothing to be done at that point, and it's all the EU's fault because they did nothing to prepare for such an invasion.
Frightening. And, not nearly as worrisome as some other scenarios that now seem very possible as well with Trump as president.
Trump secretly lets Putin know that the US would do nothing in response if Putin were to invade the Baltic countries. Next, Trump publicly tells the EU that they need to take responsibility for their own security. Later, Putin invades the Baltic countries and Trump orders the US military to stay clear, publicly claiming that there's nothing to be done at that point, and it's all the EU's fault because they did nothing to prepare for such an invasion.
Frightening. And, not nearly as worrisome as some other scenarios that now seem very possible as well with Trump as president.
10
His comments are "sought of contradictory." Under this new Presidency you don't ask what his policy is, you ask what day of the week it is.
2
To paraphrase TS Eliot: This is the way the world ends, with a nuclear bang and a Trump.
2
How out that Clinton has an 85% chance to win certainty? Could have had Bernie. Thanks NY Times!
2
85% is not "certainty." That is a 15% chance of Trump winning, which is what happened.
Math!
Math!
2
Do you honestly think that Putin, Murdoch, the Kochs, Limbaugh, O'Reilly, Hannity, Breitbart, the NRA, etc. would have allowed Bernie to win? He would have lost by a bigger margin than Hillary by the time they got through with him.
2
The public sector cannot be run like the private sector. In the public sector you need to be ethical and follow the law because you work for the citizens. We do not work for you trump. How far down the rabbit hole do we go as a country before it stops. Turn of the tweet.
151
The citizens elected Trump. Please take your direction from him, especially when it comes to working hard and achieving results. That's precisely why he was elected.
Start with the VA.
Start with the VA.
AACNT: fact-based correction is needed here: We the People elected Hillary Clinton with 2,850,000 votes to spare. And we certainly do not take our "direction" from a failed casino huckster who was just fined $25 million for defrauding innocent students at his fake university, now also bankrupt and defunct.
3
The public sector was not "running", hence Trump.
So Trump is not to be taken seriously. Isn't that what's been said about him from Day 1?
3
Really...well given the NYT totally misread this election I do not put a lot of faith in articles like this...borrowing a word the NYT likes to use in connection to President Obama....my perspective on President Elect Trump (my that felt good) is evolving. I certainly have my issues with him, but I feel cautiously hopeful about the direction of the country now.
22
Debra, whatever you're taking, please give me some....what I'm taking now isn't covered by Medicare.
1
I'm mystified as to how this arrogant, ignorant, loudmouthed, racist, sexist fool gives you any hope for the direction of this country. I assume you voted for him, and I hope that you come to understand how the horrible things that will happen to the nation and to you are partially your fault.
2
The direction the country is in now is due to President Obama. Trump had nothing to do with it.
1
"No one knows where exactly he is headed"
let's get this out of the way..... neither does he. he has no clue how to be president.
let's get this out of the way..... neither does he. he has no clue how to be president.
51
did you see the Washington Post article today on Trump's health plan? He appears to be moving forward with what he has been talking about the past year, a universal health plan for all.
Trump may be the most "certain" president elected with no backing from other power players who seem to need to make the case for uncertainty in order to muddy the waters to maintain leverage of the status quo.
Trump may be the most "certain" president elected with no backing from other power players who seem to need to make the case for uncertainty in order to muddy the waters to maintain leverage of the status quo.
I'm no particular fan of the President elect but nice to see a change. "Sense of Uncertainty"? There's always uncertainty when a new leader takes over the helm. People should chill out.
Glad for one thing about Trump. He says what's on his mind (right or wrong). Hey guys.....he's from New York City. We are all "wise guys" here.
Glad for one thing about Trump. He says what's on his mind (right or wrong). Hey guys.....he's from New York City. We are all "wise guys" here.
6
The difference is he is going to be President, you "wise guys" aren't!
JB - Chill out. He's probably going to be better than the past two Presidents who were horrible in my opinion! Accept reality and get with the program.
3
Uncertainty? No.
Sheer horror? More like it.
The issue at hand is not what he says. The issue is that he says things as he sees fit at any given particular moment, only to change his position a minute later if asked the same question using different words. He is like an elementary particle obeying the Heisenberg equation: you can never know where it is and where it's going at the same time.
This chaotic approach to politics, policies, war, peace, the economy, the Constitution and everything else America and the rest of the world holds dear can only end in drama, war, collapse and destruction. And he knows that. And he he doesn't care. He thinks that everything is negotiable, and re-negotiable, until he gets what he wants. He's dangerously deranged in this respect, he doesn't understand that there are triggers in the world that - once triggered - can not be undone!
Here's my advice to DJT: show us, on TV, how good you are by squeezing out a package of toothpaste and than putting it back into the tube. If you can manage that I'd be much more inclined to listen to your "I'm the greatest" soundtrack...
PS: I'm not going to defend my Chancellor, she's a grown up woman and can do so herself, and with much more efficiency than I can in this forum, just wait til they meet in person, it won't be Oktoberfest and Gemütlichkeit, I can promise you that!
Sheer horror? More like it.
The issue at hand is not what he says. The issue is that he says things as he sees fit at any given particular moment, only to change his position a minute later if asked the same question using different words. He is like an elementary particle obeying the Heisenberg equation: you can never know where it is and where it's going at the same time.
This chaotic approach to politics, policies, war, peace, the economy, the Constitution and everything else America and the rest of the world holds dear can only end in drama, war, collapse and destruction. And he knows that. And he he doesn't care. He thinks that everything is negotiable, and re-negotiable, until he gets what he wants. He's dangerously deranged in this respect, he doesn't understand that there are triggers in the world that - once triggered - can not be undone!
Here's my advice to DJT: show us, on TV, how good you are by squeezing out a package of toothpaste and than putting it back into the tube. If you can manage that I'd be much more inclined to listen to your "I'm the greatest" soundtrack...
PS: I'm not going to defend my Chancellor, she's a grown up woman and can do so herself, and with much more efficiency than I can in this forum, just wait til they meet in person, it won't be Oktoberfest and Gemütlichkeit, I can promise you that!
34
On the world stage, he will come up against people who are stronger than he is, have fundamental interests they are not willing to deal away, and are a whole lot smarter than he is. This has, tragically, not happened here in America.
1
He relishes this headline - feeds his ego because he sees himself as an agent of change out to upset the status quo. SAD!
3
NYT, stop telling us that he has the attention span of a three year old and what he says one minute, might change in the next. It is your responsibility to inform us of his LIES and call him for what he truly his. I don't trust friends who lie to me. Those folks I know hold the same opinion. It is immoral and unethical and truly disgusting when it comes from the leader of your country. The media, the people of this land cannot let him get away with diminishing this great country.
13
Really . With terrorist attacks across Europe ; with refugees in Germany reeking havoc ; with Israel= US relations at a low ebb. With fake news running rampant even in the mainstream media....well uncertainty iis high has been for several years but who is the president?
3
Guess what everyone's talking about today?
EVERYONE'S talking about ME!
EVERYONE'S talking about ME!
1
Just back from Munich ... I getting the same feeling as in the USA and UK last year before both votes. The polls show on thing but everybody you talk to (business) ... is tired .. they don't like how things are going. Not sure about Trump .. sure that things need to change.
My academic friends (LSE 85) from Hamburg/ Florence/ Paris -- would agree with this article .... has me worried.
My academic friends (LSE 85) from Hamburg/ Florence/ Paris -- would agree with this article .... has me worried.
Oh my gosh, we are not to take him too literally?? This is the LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD. People hang on EVERYTHING that comes out of his mouth. Why does this guy get free passes constantly?
Tell you what, the press needs to step up its game. Stop letting him get away with everything. The bar is set so low it's somewhere in that swamp.
Tell you what, the press needs to step up its game. Stop letting him get away with everything. The bar is set so low it's somewhere in that swamp.
17
"Tell you what, the press needs to step up its game. Stop letting him get away with everything. The bar is set so low it's somewhere in that swamp."
I agree. The press should shout out "You (Trump) lie" and immediately demand that Ryan & McConnell give a straight answer to the lie or bear it along with the many ,many other lies that they have tried to ignore. Roast these unpatriotic self serving politicians.
I agree. The press should shout out "You (Trump) lie" and immediately demand that Ryan & McConnell give a straight answer to the lie or bear it along with the many ,many other lies that they have tried to ignore. Roast these unpatriotic self serving politicians.
1
"...a Sense of Uncertainty Grips the World"
Maybe this president will succeed in "fundamentally transform[ing]" the world instead of just the United States. It is blatantly obvious to so many people that the world needs transforming.
Maybe this president will succeed in "fundamentally transform[ing]" the world instead of just the United States. It is blatantly obvious to so many people that the world needs transforming.
1
Transforming into what is the question. All change is not good change. People seem to have forgotten that. Where has he shown that he would help people? Tall is cheap.
So now trump is the man to lead a worldwide transformation? God help the world.
As Trump Era Arrives, a Sense of Uncertainty Grips the Times
3
They don't even know where their seat will be at the next news conference.
The British foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, who supported Brexit, emphasized Mr. Trump’s warm comments on the Anglo-American relationship. “I think it’s very good news that the U.S.A. wants to do a good free trade deal with us and wants to do it very fast,”
Thank god for that, I love their cheese and the Brits make a very good steam engine.
Thank god for that, I love their cheese and the Brits make a very good steam engine.
1
Oh really? *Trump said that? And Johnson actually expects him to actually follow through? Well, there's a first time for everything.
1
But everything Trump has said about trade contradicts the idea that he would do a quick free trade deal with England. I hope he does, it's the obvious plan of action with England, one of our best allies, exiting the EU trade agreement.
1
He's a global threat to the security and peace.
4
So many people upset that the US won't fund their free lunch forever.
Good.
Good.
1
A lot of people, supposedly experts in analyzing every utterance for its political implication, suddenly cut free with no clear role. A lot of wasteful efforts have been exposed by Trump.
1
This article is not news--it is opinion. A sense of uncertainty gripped the world when any new president arrives. You are trying to present it as something more than it is.
3
Not really. Trump shoots off his stupid tweets which are dangerous and unsettling for the whole world. We live in this world. Trump is a dictator, bully and bigot.
He is a not responsible leader and embarrassing. More American "God We are So Good and So Powerful That We Can Treat Everyone Else With Disdain and Threats.
He is a not responsible leader and embarrassing. More American "God We are So Good and So Powerful That We Can Treat Everyone Else With Disdain and Threats.
An opinion piece disguised as news. I think that Robin Niblett has it right. Trump is keeping his options open. He does not telegraph his plans. He is preparing to negotiate. With the people whom he has nominated to his Cabinet, he has solid, experienced personnel who will keep him within the realm of civility. Some just love to have something to worry about.
3
"...he has solid, experienced personnel who will keep him within the realm of civility." And if the can't?
Trump seems to think he rules the world. The world will remind him he doesn't.
4
Obama thought the world loved him. History will remind him it was misplaced.
The real problem with Trump and his thoughts is that the Republican congress will do everything he wants--America be dammed.
1
We are all very nervous and the people surrounding him do not exude confidence.
Prima Donald is a six-year-old drama queen. He belongs on basic cable, not in the White House.
1
If Reagan was the great communicator, Trump is the great negotiator. With Reagan his positions were clear: taxes were bad, Soviets were the Evil Empire; government was the problem, not the solution. With Trump everything is on the table, including the whole post war system of alliances. Anyone who has negotiated something of importance, even for example, buying a car, or a labor contract, knows you keep your bottom line hidden, you keep the other side guessing, sometimes with threats ("If you don't meet my price I'm walking out."), sometimes with misdirection, usually in secret, and you end up with a deal you can live with, or not, but that's negotiations. Trump is doing this on a global stage. We are about to see him negotiate the biggest deals of his life - it will be interesting to see how it all turns out.
24
Oh please, Trump is as incompetent at negotiation as he is at everything else. The only 'great' he is, is the Great Doofus. It will be interesting to see how badly it all turns out, but there is really no way any good can come of this.
3
No it won't. It will be tragic.
3
When a business deal doesn't turn out, the worst case scenario is bankruptcy (which, btw, Trump has plenty of experience with in a bigly way, which leads to the question of just how successful a business person he's really been; but I digress).
"On the global stage," on the other hand, if "a deal" doesn't turn out, the worst case scenario can include any/all of these: economic collapse, famine, authoritarianism, war, genocide, etc. Therefore, it is impossible for any rational/sane person to simply say "it will be interesting to see how it all turns out."
"On the global stage," on the other hand, if "a deal" doesn't turn out, the worst case scenario can include any/all of these: economic collapse, famine, authoritarianism, war, genocide, etc. Therefore, it is impossible for any rational/sane person to simply say "it will be interesting to see how it all turns out."
1
Uncertainty serves him and his circle; the world is not well served. This is not a patriot.
5
Trump is trying to weaken NATO's resolve to face the future invasion of the Baltics by his buddy, Putin. I'm surprised the pro-Brexit crowd isn't embarrassed by support from Trump, I didn't think their unseemly politics would go this far. Can they really be so happy that they will be able to shut their doors to those suffering from the ravages of war? What if the English countryside had refused refuge to Londoners fleeing the blitz? Shameful!
1
NATO is not a military alliance. When most of its members do not live up to their agreement to spend a certain percentage of their GNP on their own defense, it is a charity. How laughable is it that American taxpayers pay for Europe's defense, while they spend the savings in their own countries? If the Europeans feel so strongly about NATO, let them pay their fair and legally obligated amounts. If they had, Trump would never have mentioned NATO in the first place. I welcome any comments to the effect that we, not Europe, should pay for their defense.
2
It's an investment in the future. Look at it that way. It's an investment in maintaining the world order where we are on top.
Anti-globalists, in their hurry to be free of foreign influence, forget that we are the most powerful country in the world right now. By disrupting world order all you are doing is making sure that we are no longer Number One.
Anti-globalists, in their hurry to be free of foreign influence, forget that we are the most powerful country in the world right now. By disrupting world order all you are doing is making sure that we are no longer Number One.
2
Trump is more than Putin's stooge. he is a traitor, who collaborated with, and benefited from Putin cyber assault on the US political system. Not content with that, we now see he is part of stage 2 of Putin's plans, to destabilize and subvert the EU and NATO.
Just as America saved European democracy in Europe in WW2, perhaps they will return the favor and save American democracy from falling prey to Putin. Luckily for them, it will be much easier, getting rid of Trump would not require more than one SAS company.
Just as America saved European democracy in Europe in WW2, perhaps they will return the favor and save American democracy from falling prey to Putin. Luckily for them, it will be much easier, getting rid of Trump would not require more than one SAS company.
4
Yes, the Germans are angry, but they use very few word to express their anger.
Angela Merkel said about Trumps NATO comment, we new his position before and it has obviously not changed, while he knew our position and it also hasn't changed.
Then Trump announced that he will to put a 35% tariff on BMW cars built in Mexico and other German automobile makers as well.
He complained that only BMWs and Mercedes are parked in front of 'houses' on Fifth Avenue, and complained that no one ever sees Chryslers in Germany.
The German Vice Chancellor and economy minister, Sigmar Gabriel, replied:
"Build better cars".
Angela Merkel said about Trumps NATO comment, we new his position before and it has obviously not changed, while he knew our position and it also hasn't changed.
Then Trump announced that he will to put a 35% tariff on BMW cars built in Mexico and other German automobile makers as well.
He complained that only BMWs and Mercedes are parked in front of 'houses' on Fifth Avenue, and complained that no one ever sees Chryslers in Germany.
The German Vice Chancellor and economy minister, Sigmar Gabriel, replied:
"Build better cars".
2
n 1951 Ed Murrow went live on the CBS network and said this:
“We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep into our history and our doctrine and remember that we are not descended from fearful men. This is no time for men who
oppose Senator McCarthy’s methods to keep silent.
We can deny our heritage and our history but we cannot escape responsibility for the result.
There is no way for a citizen of a republic to abdicate his responsibility.
The actions of the junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad and given considerable comfort to our enemies.
“We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep into our history and our doctrine and remember that we are not descended from fearful men. This is no time for men who
oppose Senator McCarthy’s methods to keep silent.
We can deny our heritage and our history but we cannot escape responsibility for the result.
There is no way for a citizen of a republic to abdicate his responsibility.
The actions of the junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad and given considerable comfort to our enemies.
2
Trump's complete dismissal of the Paris Climate Accords should unify the entire world against him. He needs to be brought under control, like the belligerent child that he is.
Trump fans, however, still seem to respond by saying "Get over it; Hillary lost--you're just sore losers." How do we counteract those kinds of attitudes when mainstream media may be ejected from the West Wing?
If this were a children's book preschoolers would recognize him as a mad man--a truly bad guy who needs to be overcome for the sake of us all. But who is our Superhero?
Trump fans, however, still seem to respond by saying "Get over it; Hillary lost--you're just sore losers." How do we counteract those kinds of attitudes when mainstream media may be ejected from the West Wing?
If this were a children's book preschoolers would recognize him as a mad man--a truly bad guy who needs to be overcome for the sake of us all. But who is our Superhero?
1
A bully always needs new targets so Trump just shoots off his mouth with no regard to the consequences. As long as he can take someone, or something, down, he remains king of the hill which is all Trump cares about. He'll survey the smoldering ruins from his perch and smile at his victory.
1
I don't see what people are worried about. Aside from the very serious doubts about his honesty, loyalty, and sanity, Trump seems like an exemplary leader
2
I am uneasy because Trump hides too much information from the public. He could do many things to help us trust him but he refuses. Because he will not release his tax returns there will be a dark cloud over his presidency. Why would he do this? I am uneasy for a very good reason- I do not trust PEOTUS Trump.
2
While nobody can predict the future, nevertheless there has never been a demagogue in history that has done any good for their country/people from Alcibedes in classical Athens to Chazez in Venz. today.
So the odds against Trump doing good is about app. 3000-1 against him.
So the odds against Trump doing good is about app. 3000-1 against him.
3
This is the way the world ends.
Not with a bang but a tweet.
Not with a bang but a tweet.
2
A tweet and a lot of progressive whimpering...
I fear too many people are searching for rational thinking where there simply is none.
4
I suspect that nobody is more interested in Trump's policies than Trump. I also am sickly suspecting that nobody knows less about them.
3
Countries that don't like the US are happy for what we got for a president. Many other countries are better off than the US at this point. There's no difference now from governments from third world countries and this one.
Puppet Trump as a president of the US will not be respected but laugh at. Someone has to rephrase everything that comes out of his mouth. It's a disgrace and an embarrassment to have him as the president.
Imaging the republicans if Obama would have behave like Trump during his presidency... Just imaging them...
Puppet Trump as a president of the US will not be respected but laugh at. Someone has to rephrase everything that comes out of his mouth. It's a disgrace and an embarrassment to have him as the president.
Imaging the republicans if Obama would have behave like Trump during his presidency... Just imaging them...
3
"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
--Maya Angelou.
Trump will not change. He cannot change. He will behave in the presidency the way he's behaved in all his endeavors. He will claim victory (no matter the outcomes) whenever possible and make up his own version of events to support the conclusions. If there are failures he cannot ignore, he will blame them on others. Look at his past. It is prologue.
God help us.
--Maya Angelou.
Trump will not change. He cannot change. He will behave in the presidency the way he's behaved in all his endeavors. He will claim victory (no matter the outcomes) whenever possible and make up his own version of events to support the conclusions. If there are failures he cannot ignore, he will blame them on others. Look at his past. It is prologue.
God help us.
12
If you still cling to the idea that Trump is "unpredictable," then you are in denial. All you have to do is look at the people he has surrounded himself with to see what his policy is going to be. Short-sighted, self-serving, and reactionary.
Trump can no longer be considered some kind of outlier. He is a plutocrat, pure and simple. We've seen them before.
His personality may have seemed unpredictable once, but the pattern has emerged there as well: thin-skinned petulance about personal slights while displaying a total ignorance of politics beyond the latest right-wing media meme. Is he that ignorant, or is it just smoke and mirrors to act as a distraction while he robs our pockets? Since either way we lose, it hardly matters anymore.
Trump can no longer be considered some kind of outlier. He is a plutocrat, pure and simple. We've seen them before.
His personality may have seemed unpredictable once, but the pattern has emerged there as well: thin-skinned petulance about personal slights while displaying a total ignorance of politics beyond the latest right-wing media meme. Is he that ignorant, or is it just smoke and mirrors to act as a distraction while he robs our pockets? Since either way we lose, it hardly matters anymore.
6
The stock market has steadily risen since his election.
Certainly some folk are quite certain of a good future.
Certainly some folk are quite certain of a good future.
2
As always on the backs of others.
1
Yes, the stock market has been rising under Trump. But that rose is mostly driven by huge increases in the banking and finance sector. Goldman Sachs stock is doing amazingly well. Many of Trump's advisors and cabinet members have Goldman Sachs connections. I expect the stock market to continue to produce untenable growth leading to an inevitable collapse, probably starting in the banks, like last time.
I watched the movie The Big Short the other day. Surely there is some way for intelligent people to profit off of the upcoming catastrophe. I have no qualms about trying.
I watched the movie The Big Short the other day. Surely there is some way for intelligent people to profit off of the upcoming catastrophe. I have no qualms about trying.
Trump is sending two messages to the world. One: The United States is unreliable as a trading partner. Two: The United States is unreliable as a strategic military ally.
And it makes sense when you consider that Donald Trump has always been unreliable personally, and in business. He's untrustworthy. And the closer you get to his inner circle, the less trustworthy his associates are.
With Donald Trump, a deal is not a deal. Don't believe me? Just watch.
And it makes sense when you consider that Donald Trump has always been unreliable personally, and in business. He's untrustworthy. And the closer you get to his inner circle, the less trustworthy his associates are.
With Donald Trump, a deal is not a deal. Don't believe me? Just watch.
4
Basket of deplorable with the help of Russia have created a chaos in the whole world. I'll give it a couple of months.
7
Once seen as the strong stabilizing power in the world, we are quickly devolving into a crazy, erratic two bit player that no one can trust.
7
To the rest of the world - we apologize for our soon to be leader. He is an embarrassment. As you judge us, please remember that the majority of Americans did not vote for him. Trump lost the popular vote by 3 million votes. He is our president only because of some outdated relic called the electoral college.
4
Throughout Trump's life his actions have never lived up to his hype. Take the ACA repeal. He will not be able to replace it quickly with something better. In six months it will look like one of his Atlantic City Casinos - bankrupt. As for Europe, it will be the same. All talk. Action? Not so much. He will soon be the boy who cried wolf.
3
Not only the politicians in office no longer represent their people, but also the press, whose members seem to be ideologically alienated from the real world and from what the people really think and feel. Contrary to this NY Times headline, shining hope dawns on the horizon as Trump is about to be sworn in as President of the United States of America. And, I hope, a new nations realignment will be enforced for the good of the US and the Western World.
2
Mr. Trump is a joke around the world. He is considered to be like our little fat friend in North Korea, only he has a bigger gun and more bombs. The political cartoons and articles about his instability, quirks, dishonesty of character, and lack of morality are growing daily. He has surrounded himself with second rate intellects to match his own, people of great anger, bigots and liars. As an American who wore the uniform of this country proudly, I am ashamed of him and what he stands for. I apologize to the people of the world and I urge you to now be cowed by this man who is so deeply flawed and dangerous.
16
Uncertainty is a concept that depends on your point of reference. It is an uncertain time for ideas on people who have been in the politically correct mainstream for years. Now who knows what will happen to things like immigration, Obamacare, LGBT rights, Womens rights, people of color rights, Muslim rights, the global warming industry, multi-kulti diversity industry, the 'i'm a victim, give me privileges' industry, and others. If I were involved in any of the above I would be extremely worried. For others, it is a rebalancing of the neo-Liberal agenda, that has gone too far left, and needs to be rolled back somewhat.
The marginalized people you dismiss in your letter (women, Muslims, people of color, LGBT folks and others listed) easily make up quite a bit more than half the world's population. Women alone are 54% of the world's population. Add in all Muslims, refugees and immigrants and the others you list and the rights and concerns of the folks you believe are "minorities" are actually well over the majority. You may have your "man" (and that is questionable) in the White House soon, but he does not represent many of us, and he won't be there long, as all matter of things already indicate. He is making a fool of himself prior to even being inaugurated.
1
" Ms. Merkel said Monday in Berlin. “I think we Europeans have control of our destiny.”
Britain has control of its destiny. The rest of Europe is controlled by Brussels following the orders of the Germans.
Britain has control of its destiny. The rest of Europe is controlled by Brussels following the orders of the Germans.
1
Let's hope Britain realizes that soon enough its destiny will involve an economic downturn. Those in the know in Britain realize they allowed a small group of voters to make a terrible decision, just as we did.
2
You certainly have no understanding of the German/French relationship.
1
I have no uncertainty with regards to Donald Trump. Indeed, I am quite certain that he and his administration will be the worse that this country has ever seen.
16
International relations require leaders to be diplomatic, polite, and well-informed. Trump has repeatedly indicated his utter lack of and resistance to any of these traits. Instead, his approach is to bloviate and bully. He refuses to admit that anyone is ever more competent or knowledgeable than he is. The last European leader to submit to this kind of behavior was Neville Chamberlain of Britain in his appeasement policy toward Hitler. We all know how well that worked.
5
Some people say give Trump a chance. But haven't we seen enough already? (And he's not even president yet.)
What the world needs is a calm, rational, thoughtful, intelligent person as president. Instead we got Trump.
Our allies are right to worry.
What the world needs is a calm, rational, thoughtful, intelligent person as president. Instead we got Trump.
Our allies are right to worry.
12
Why is it startling that this president-elect would say things in support of right-wing European populists? Those are his people across the pond. He's looking to reshape the way the West looks at things; he's not about preserving norms or maintaining continuity.
2
Let's see what happens in the German elections. Democracy is about what people want than what is convenient to some holding privileged positions.
If people knew what they wanted we would not have Trump. People do not bother to understand ramifications, many vote from feeling and nothing else. That is why they consistently choose someone that promises the impossible.
Yesterday can be summed up with: "Trump to Europe: Drop dead."
Why is Trump so eager to pick a fight? Why must he insult Merkel's administration? (Imagine his reaction if she did the same!) Why can't he say he trusts Putin more than Merkel? I fear he is more than an ignorant buffoon -- he has dangerous motives and is clearly under the influence of Steve Bannon, known for his desire to undermine the order in the EU.
May the media stop reacting to every Tweet and start getting to the bottom of Trump's bizarre antipathy toward our staunchest allies.
Why is Trump so eager to pick a fight? Why must he insult Merkel's administration? (Imagine his reaction if she did the same!) Why can't he say he trusts Putin more than Merkel? I fear he is more than an ignorant buffoon -- he has dangerous motives and is clearly under the influence of Steve Bannon, known for his desire to undermine the order in the EU.
May the media stop reacting to every Tweet and start getting to the bottom of Trump's bizarre antipathy toward our staunchest allies.
9
"Why must he insult Merkel's administration? (Imagine his reaction if she did the same!)"
His reaction? Not sure, but it would most assuredly end with one of "Sad!", "Unfair!", or maybe even "Horrible!".
His reaction? Not sure, but it would most assuredly end with one of "Sad!", "Unfair!", or maybe even "Horrible!".
1
Why does he choose to insult Merkel? Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that she's a woman?
Theresa May is posing for Vogue, Trump is on twitter and all is well in the world. Yesterday I heard a quote Trump gave to the London Times. By the way, I think that Murdoch has ownership interest in both Vogue and London Times. The question was what person in history does he most admire. The answer was almost completely unintelligible, but came down to his father and himself. If anybody thinks there is going to be a coherent foreign policy they are deluding themselves. We'll be lucky if we are still alive in four years.
17
There will be a foreign policy and it will be the alt right one fostered by Steve Bannon. Bannon has been in control of Trump for some time now. Unlike Trump, Bannon is smart but very extreme. He wants to tear apart the existing world order which endears him to Putin.
2
Maybe the American people are starting to sense that their democratic way of life is heading toward a dictatorship.
The writing is on the wall.
Trump wanted to fire the commander of the DC National Guard and install his puppet, someone who when the time comes will resist the need to lead a company of troops into the Oval Office and carry the maniac out in chains.
Trump wants the press out of the White House. No close up press coverage to reveal his evil and likely illegal behavior. Communicate to Americans by tweets. (Birds tweet. Birdbrains tweet. Ergo Trump is a birdbrain. Apologies to the real birds of the word.) Freedom of the press - no more.
As a group, Trump's cabinet picks are unsuitable for service to the America. Secretary of State wants fuel deals with Russia. Others do not believe in evolution. (If not how did the Trump family get here from its previous form of snake?) Others are trying to undermine health care for Americans. One of them, Rick the Crook Scott of Florida, used to head up Hospital Corporation of America when it stole BILLIONS of dollars from Medicare. He is a real good choice to provide guidance on health care for the people. The Labor Department nominee has a history of breaking labor laws.
It is already crystal clear - Trump is a failure. He is a failure, a liar and a known swindler as a business person (has never held a real job in his life where he had to report to someone) and must be taken out of office as soon as possible.
The writing is on the wall.
Trump wanted to fire the commander of the DC National Guard and install his puppet, someone who when the time comes will resist the need to lead a company of troops into the Oval Office and carry the maniac out in chains.
Trump wants the press out of the White House. No close up press coverage to reveal his evil and likely illegal behavior. Communicate to Americans by tweets. (Birds tweet. Birdbrains tweet. Ergo Trump is a birdbrain. Apologies to the real birds of the word.) Freedom of the press - no more.
As a group, Trump's cabinet picks are unsuitable for service to the America. Secretary of State wants fuel deals with Russia. Others do not believe in evolution. (If not how did the Trump family get here from its previous form of snake?) Others are trying to undermine health care for Americans. One of them, Rick the Crook Scott of Florida, used to head up Hospital Corporation of America when it stole BILLIONS of dollars from Medicare. He is a real good choice to provide guidance on health care for the people. The Labor Department nominee has a history of breaking labor laws.
It is already crystal clear - Trump is a failure. He is a failure, a liar and a known swindler as a business person (has never held a real job in his life where he had to report to someone) and must be taken out of office as soon as possible.
29
Trump keeps yammering about how he has "no deals in Russia." Since by "deal" he means only hotel or real estate development projects, this is presumably an attempt to distract everyone from the real question: Which Russian individuals and/or corporations have loaned Trump money or loaned money to and/or invested in any of Trump's business, and how much? In other words, to whom in Russia is Trump beholden?
13
In an already dangerous world, the incoming King will make our allies question if we really want peace. Putin clearly wants an empire. Rattling sabers against Germany, some European countries still remember the carnage of two World Wars, can destabilize a region which is exactly what Putin wants, neighbors distrusting each other. While we are searching and resisting Trump's crazy legislation, the world will become more inhospitable towards us. In fact, we planted the seed of distrust since the "weapons of mass destruction" were never found. Now, the nail in the coffin, our coffin not Trump's billionaire club, is allowing crazy King George (alias Trump) the security codes to the largest nuclear arsenal in the world.
8
I have seen comments that the US pays "only 22%" of the NATO costs. After WW2 when EU was in shamble and deeply troubled financially perhaps this made sense. But now the EU's GDP is about 10% more than the US. So why are we contributing at all to their defense? We pay rent on bases in Germany. South Korea and Japan and other countries and get thanked with student protesters and scoldings from politicians. And the fact is , in any real deployment the typical pattern is that we put up over 60% of the troops, hardware and costs. In both Gulf wars, with the sole exception of the UK, our so called allies made a token effort with a few millions of dollars and a few hundred troops. In any sane world they would be paying us because we are defending their boarders. But we have gotten into this pattern of paying other countries to "let us" defend them. We need to break this pattern and get to alliances that make sense. I don't wish to see American's dying in foreign lands for foreign issues. We should renegotiate the whole landscape so that we provide air power, satellite intelligence and they do the dying and they do the paying. These countries are no longer poor or in shambles and are well able to provide their own troops and pay for themselves. Whether they actually have the will to do so is another story.
2
We did that because it benefits us. Bannon wants to tear apart the existing world order and is well on his way to do it. Putin wants the same and Putin has Trump in a position where trump has to do what he says.
1
It used to benefit us. After WW2 we did not want a repeat World War and badly wanted world stability. What I am saying is that I think we can now have that stability without the US picking up the tab for everyone else, without US bases in 500+ locations and without our troops being used as "tripwires" all over the world. These countries are now wealthy and developed. They can take a more forward role in our alliances and pick up the tab for their own defense We should at most act as advisors, coordinators and air support.
Being the highly successful business mogul that he purports to be (how bout those tax returns Donald?) one would think he might realize that his entrance into the new job and bigger boardroom would warrant some restraint, thoughtful consideration of the landscape and attention to those conversant with the history and background of his new digs. However what we are witnessing and sadly what he is so grandly exhibiting to the new crowd, the biggest audience he has ever hoped to strike a deal with, is his unrestrained arrogance, hubris, condescending demeanor and ultimately his ignorance. Yep, Donald you are making quite an impression out there and the biggest audience you have ever played to is either sadly shaking their heads, laughing with glee or shaking their fists. The show hasn't even started but the critics are already panning this bizarre offering.
225
Words matter. Conscious decisions and actions matter. It's one of the many privileges and responsibilities of walking this planet as a human being. We have elected a man who is not up to the snuff of being a respectable human being despite his incredible privilege. This is tragic, and to the rest of the world we are likely perceived as a nation of fools.
344
The fools are proud of their ignorance. Knowledgeable folks are dismissed as elites. The curtain has been pulled back to reveal the underbelly of our society and the myth of American exceptionalism.
3
We are likely perceived as a nation of fools because, having elected this ignorant, racist, sexist, arrogant blowhard, we ARE a nation of fools.
The press wants you to think to the rest of the world "we are a nation of fools". We've been a nation of fools the past 8 years and now we are standing up again . . . and the rest of the world is concerned because they can't out negotiate us any more.
Trump has no foreign policy grand strategic plan. That would require critical thinking drawing upon s strong grasp of world history. Ha! Trump does not have the attention span greater than the length of time it takes for him to type a single tweet. In the end, his foreign policy initiatives may well be guided by, "what's in it for me?"
8
The elected leaders and average citizens of foreign countries are rankled. My entire household is on high and tense alert and we are packing to go to DC this weekend to the Women's March. His inflammatory comments have infuriated China. He is consorting with Communist dictators who have stolen our election process! Unlike the Europeans, we are no longer in control of our destiny, and this buffoon, who is not a legitimate President, is going to destroy anything good that we have ever created. Hope you had a nice three-day weekend.
1
She added that “not everything in the world can be bargained or traded off.”
Words that Trump would do well to heed. But of course, he won't. It would conflict with his dispositionally held conviction that, like Mao, destruction of long held conventions can only be salutary. Specific facts no longer matter. He is the embodiment of the Republican created meme of bashing 'reality based' positions.
Words that Trump would do well to heed. But of course, he won't. It would conflict with his dispositionally held conviction that, like Mao, destruction of long held conventions can only be salutary. Specific facts no longer matter. He is the embodiment of the Republican created meme of bashing 'reality based' positions.
1
It's sad and in a way humorous that due to his assuming the presidency, Trump's statements, which much of the time seem like made up responses on topics he knows little to nothing about, must be constantly analyzed and debated.
It's as if he were some kind of god or emperor that can reorganize the world with every nonsensical tweet, and the rest of us can do little other than try to interpret the 'true meaning' of his every whim. Is this what the republicans want the role of the president to be?
It's as if he were some kind of god or emperor that can reorganize the world with every nonsensical tweet, and the rest of us can do little other than try to interpret the 'true meaning' of his every whim. Is this what the republicans want the role of the president to be?
"It holds that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the mainland." - Article
Actually, Trump probably believes that. But, being that the mainland provinces were the provinces which were taken over by rogue communists agents, led by Mao Zedong, and Chiang Kai-shek was the legitimate government of China, Trump may well see that it is the mainland provinces who are the "rogue provinces" and that the One China can only be legitimately led by Taipei.
Actually, Trump probably believes that. But, being that the mainland provinces were the provinces which were taken over by rogue communists agents, led by Mao Zedong, and Chiang Kai-shek was the legitimate government of China, Trump may well see that it is the mainland provinces who are the "rogue provinces" and that the One China can only be legitimately led by Taipei.
1
Here in Italy the general view is more practical, at least for most people I've spoken to, something like:
For reasons beyond explanation, a section of the US population couldn't recognize the difference between competence and crass ignorance, and now all the world is in for a dangerous ride, where Trump (generally considered lower than clown-level credibility) attacks anything which is mainstream and reasonable, fanning the flames of populism and far-right hopes in Europe.
After the 2008 crisis, we're headed for another economic meltdown, and as usual, it's the regular people who will suffer most.
Let's so hope that this shared view is, at least, not completely on target.
For reasons beyond explanation, a section of the US population couldn't recognize the difference between competence and crass ignorance, and now all the world is in for a dangerous ride, where Trump (generally considered lower than clown-level credibility) attacks anything which is mainstream and reasonable, fanning the flames of populism and far-right hopes in Europe.
After the 2008 crisis, we're headed for another economic meltdown, and as usual, it's the regular people who will suffer most.
Let's so hope that this shared view is, at least, not completely on target.
2
Uncertainty or the denial of certainty? All of Trump's nominees are diametrically opposed to the mission statements of the departments they have been nominated for. Trump himself is opposed to the oath of office by putting his son-in-law, with a laundry list of conflicts of interest, into the White House. Trump corroborated with an international war criminal, V. Putin, before the election. There is little doubt that the Putin-Trump-Tellerson world order is looming large. There ought not to be any uncertainty about it.
2
Of one thing we can all be certain when it comes to the incoming Illegitimate president: Uncertainty. Whatever the Demagogue does, it is guaranteed to be a mess.
Trump's dismal track record as an haphazard business executive precedes him. His blunders are legendary. That is why the only thing he has left to salvage is, get this?, his name, which he can plaster on buildings that banks refuse to lend him credit to own. Try to find a bank in Manhattan who trusts Trump is like looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack.
A cocksure White majority decided to thumb its nose at all this logic and let out one final gasp. Their real aim is to stick it to the first African-American President. By denying the most competent candidate in eons the presidency because of her gender made it a twofer.
Trumpians are overjoyed this week, as they enjoy all those military marching bands at the inaugural. They are rejoicing to the high heavens with hope that the change they believe in will restore White dominance. The last laugh will not be had by them. They are soon to become the laughingstock in the near future. The chortling will begin this Friday.
DD
Manhattan
Trump's dismal track record as an haphazard business executive precedes him. His blunders are legendary. That is why the only thing he has left to salvage is, get this?, his name, which he can plaster on buildings that banks refuse to lend him credit to own. Try to find a bank in Manhattan who trusts Trump is like looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack.
A cocksure White majority decided to thumb its nose at all this logic and let out one final gasp. Their real aim is to stick it to the first African-American President. By denying the most competent candidate in eons the presidency because of her gender made it a twofer.
Trumpians are overjoyed this week, as they enjoy all those military marching bands at the inaugural. They are rejoicing to the high heavens with hope that the change they believe in will restore White dominance. The last laugh will not be had by them. They are soon to become the laughingstock in the near future. The chortling will begin this Friday.
DD
Manhattan
2
Like any narcissistic toddler Donald Trump knows how to smash his plate and tweet ridiculous things in order to get attention. And there is no doubt he is the World's expert at getting attention. It is now time for all of the world's leaders and media outlets to treat this spoiled brat exactly the way he should be treated, to marginalize him and change his status from elected world leader to the thoughtless self-important tweeting clown that he really is. On the day of his inauguration all the world's media outlets should simply ignore him and anything he says or tweets. Everyone, including the U.S. Congress should just pretend he doesn't exist. No photos, no comments on his tweets. Ignoring him just as one should ignore a child throwing a tantrum is the best way to minimize this buffoon throwing tantrums on a daily basis.
1
Trump seems to view the U.S. in the same way he views himself: as the center of the universe. But, just as our allies depend on the U.S., so do we depend on them. It is not all the one-sided support that Trump believes it to be. Should he isolate the U.S., the rest of the world will go on without us. Countries will broker security and trade deals with each other that the U.S will not benefit from, and we will be adrift. When the day comes that the U.S. needs a friend,(and that day will come sooner rather than later with Trump at the helm) we could find ourselves with nowhere to turn. As Trump continues to alienate Congress and the populace at home and creates unease and isolation abroad, he may discover too late that going it alone is dangerous and lonely.
1
Chaos ensues : proving without a doubt that Donald J. Trump is
simply an insane person and has proven how as our President he cannot survive ; even now responsible members of Congress are calling for immediate action to quell fears of our nation that this chaos will stop...
It is getting blatantly obvious that we cannot allow this mad and deranged
man to be our President. He is a danger to not only the USA but the world.
The question is when will the Congress deem that this man is actually insane.
and incapable of being the President of the USA.
simply an insane person and has proven how as our President he cannot survive ; even now responsible members of Congress are calling for immediate action to quell fears of our nation that this chaos will stop...
It is getting blatantly obvious that we cannot allow this mad and deranged
man to be our President. He is a danger to not only the USA but the world.
The question is when will the Congress deem that this man is actually insane.
and incapable of being the President of the USA.
1
We are living in an unprecedented time in American history. The incoming president has managed to alienate, terrify, alarm and cause a general sense of complete unease around the world and at home.
Over half of the U.S. population will not watch the inauguration. I've lost count of performers who said no to performing at the event. The media is dejected as DT & Co make plans to alter media access to the president.
Buckle up world we must defeat this lone wolf political anomaly.
Over half of the U.S. population will not watch the inauguration. I've lost count of performers who said no to performing at the event. The media is dejected as DT & Co make plans to alter media access to the president.
Buckle up world we must defeat this lone wolf political anomaly.
2
American voters were very certain about the Trump Era. What may be less certain is the future employment prospects of the reporters who continually question those same voters.
You've included a very disingenuous chart describing the costs and benefits of the NATO alliance. On the cost side, you neglect to mention the billions required to maintain force readiness for possible conflicts in two theaters. In the benefits side, you seem to suggest that we receive "European trade" as a product of our defense agreement. That is nonsense. Furthermore, the Europeans pick up some limited funding for our military bases, but when it comes to contributing expensive military hardware, they woefully under fund their own defense. They have been free riders for a very long time.
The alliance should stand, but the US should pull back its force commitment and reduce NATO's presence in Eastern Europe. Germany ran a $6 billion budget surplus this year. It can afford its own defense.
The alliance should stand, but the US should pull back its force commitment and reduce NATO's presence in Eastern Europe. Germany ran a $6 billion budget surplus this year. It can afford its own defense.
2
Trump's caprice is fodder for writers to craft a whole host of essays. His painstaking populist campaign rhetorics, slowly, were superseded by some smidgen of softening, but his burgeoning twitter tantrum shows no signs of abatement. It is music to the ears, when he says, everyone will have a health plan, and the prices of pharma will come down, in addition to lower taxes for the rich. And all that sounds quite quixotic.
Peter Morici of Univ. of MD, and Jared Bernstein were having a field day, when they were confabulating on Trump's nihilism, peppered with a few droplets of realism, in his inchoate economic policy announcements, recently. His cabinet picks are a whole different ball of wax.
To add fuel to fire, Richard Cohen prognosticates doom for Trump presidency, in his Washington Post article. One can imagine the facts accumulated by Richard to come up with such a foretelling. But then, one thing that can also be predictable is Trump's tweeting set of rejoinders to all these blather, as he might style them as. No kidding.
Peter Morici of Univ. of MD, and Jared Bernstein were having a field day, when they were confabulating on Trump's nihilism, peppered with a few droplets of realism, in his inchoate economic policy announcements, recently. His cabinet picks are a whole different ball of wax.
To add fuel to fire, Richard Cohen prognosticates doom for Trump presidency, in his Washington Post article. One can imagine the facts accumulated by Richard to come up with such a foretelling. But then, one thing that can also be predictable is Trump's tweeting set of rejoinders to all these blather, as he might style them as. No kidding.
Yes, all the evil empires of the world are upset because they are coming off 8 years of a spineless president who did nothing to strengthen our country on the world stage, but sat back and let everyone else crap all over us. Why? Because Obama hates the idea of America as the world superpower. He's tried to spread the power with other nations like he's tried to spread the wealth in our nation.
The one thing people, including Obama do not seem to understand (I know this is going to sound arrogant but it's true); no other nation can be trusted to be a military superpower other than the USA. History has proven this. We really are the only ones that can be trusted to do and seek what is right in the world. That cannot be said of China, Iran, N.Korea, Russia, or even Germany.
And what so many people in our country are struggling to realize is, if we sit back and continue this weak posture and this butt-kissing ideology that was promoted under Obama, we will not have a country.
There are many lessons that can be taken from the fall of Rome. But will the average American take to time to study world history in order to learn the lessons history has taught us?
It's going to take some adjusting to be sure, but I think the world, including Russia, is about to get a serious reminder that America still is, albeit barely, the leader and superpower of the free world.
The one thing people, including Obama do not seem to understand (I know this is going to sound arrogant but it's true); no other nation can be trusted to be a military superpower other than the USA. History has proven this. We really are the only ones that can be trusted to do and seek what is right in the world. That cannot be said of China, Iran, N.Korea, Russia, or even Germany.
And what so many people in our country are struggling to realize is, if we sit back and continue this weak posture and this butt-kissing ideology that was promoted under Obama, we will not have a country.
There are many lessons that can be taken from the fall of Rome. But will the average American take to time to study world history in order to learn the lessons history has taught us?
It's going to take some adjusting to be sure, but I think the world, including Russia, is about to get a serious reminder that America still is, albeit barely, the leader and superpower of the free world.
1
Your lack of historical knowledge is showing. There have been many "super powers." Some ruled the world for hundreds of years--like the Roman Empire--far longer than the United States has even been in existence. Some "super powers" like Nazi Germany thankfully only lasted a handful of years--but look at the destruction they wrought in the short time they hoped to run the world: millions upon millions dead and utter destruction of a continent that had to be rebuilt from scratch, not to mention the unbelievable suffering of millions of survivors, genocide--shall I go on? The United States is hanging on to its power by the skin of its teeth, thanks to a thoughtless, bumbling, twittering fool who has not even been inaugurated. We, along with the rest of the world, have much to fear.
3
The uncertainty stems largely from his angry tweets that condemn current policies without providing workable alternatives or, just as frequently, attack his critics in childish outbursts.
He has made much of his self-described business success as the main qualification he brings to the highest office in the land. Would he defend the use of tweets In the conduct of his business? To similarly express his nasty judgments and unyielding terms when making his vaunted deals? Not likely. He should be asked to explain why, then, he thinks twitter is a suitable medium by which to conduct the business of the nation.
He has made much of his self-described business success as the main qualification he brings to the highest office in the land. Would he defend the use of tweets In the conduct of his business? To similarly express his nasty judgments and unyielding terms when making his vaunted deals? Not likely. He should be asked to explain why, then, he thinks twitter is a suitable medium by which to conduct the business of the nation.
2
The press should be covering the news. Not trying to predict the news in an effort to incite panic and delegitimization.
The press now puts more effort in to trying to form and guide future events rather than report them when they happen.
Until further notice the sky is not falling.
The press now puts more effort in to trying to form and guide future events rather than report them when they happen.
Until further notice the sky is not falling.
2
As uncomfortable as things are at present I feel the time for real worry will be four years from now if that buffoon soon to become President of the United States succeeds in winning a second term in office. I believe it is important that people of good will both in the US and abroad join together in opposing the oncoming inanities soon to break out of the Oval Ofiice.
May I suggest that any presidential "official visits" abroad for the next four years be tactfully discouraged - Trump's ego certainly doesn't need any further examples of adulation, either feigned or sincere. Meanwhile, Mrs. Trump (if she should still be around) could help things out if she would take away her widdle-baby-boy-Donald's computer toy with its twitter trappings.
Also I believe the time has come to begin dismantiling the Electoral College, I dare say that well-meaning folk in both parties will consider that to be a bipartisan effort worth pursuing.
Of course, I am nobody, my opinions carry no weight, but dammit, I can still take advantage of the free speech granted to me by the US Constitution. I accept Donald J.Trump as the next President of the United States -but I don't have to like it and, believe me, I don't like it at all.
May I suggest that any presidential "official visits" abroad for the next four years be tactfully discouraged - Trump's ego certainly doesn't need any further examples of adulation, either feigned or sincere. Meanwhile, Mrs. Trump (if she should still be around) could help things out if she would take away her widdle-baby-boy-Donald's computer toy with its twitter trappings.
Also I believe the time has come to begin dismantiling the Electoral College, I dare say that well-meaning folk in both parties will consider that to be a bipartisan effort worth pursuing.
Of course, I am nobody, my opinions carry no weight, but dammit, I can still take advantage of the free speech granted to me by the US Constitution. I accept Donald J.Trump as the next President of the United States -but I don't have to like it and, believe me, I don't like it at all.
1
Trump has the complexity and simplicity of a fruit fly. He is concerned with his own ego, succor and welfare at all times. That and chasing eastern-European models around the table. The tail wagging the dog, indeed. The photo the Times features under the headline "Trump Chasing Deals in Russia For Two Decades" begs for a different title. Putin obviously grasped what Trump gropes a long time ago.
The know-nothings, trolls and power-starved coalition of Republican lobbyists who put Trump barely over the finish line with the help apparent, begged for, and in full sunlight, from Russia, must now interact with a much larger stage and world.
Do we need a war, civil or otherwise, at our southern border with Mexico? That never goes well. Do we need a white-supremacist resurgence movement in France, Germany or elsewhere? These are the destabilizing influences Putin seeks to push out against NATO.
Ms. Merkel is a cool-headed professional. She is as if our nation somehow got over its compulsion to infantilize women and allowed Hillary Clinton to lead us competently. But, Trump is a psychopath, frozen somewhere deep in is psyche during his infantile development before developing mammalian capacities for empathy. Merkel had better understanding this going forward, better than the German high court did in its ruling that while Neo-Nazis violate the German constitution, they do not (yet) represent a threat sufficient to curtail their right to free speech.
The know-nothings, trolls and power-starved coalition of Republican lobbyists who put Trump barely over the finish line with the help apparent, begged for, and in full sunlight, from Russia, must now interact with a much larger stage and world.
Do we need a war, civil or otherwise, at our southern border with Mexico? That never goes well. Do we need a white-supremacist resurgence movement in France, Germany or elsewhere? These are the destabilizing influences Putin seeks to push out against NATO.
Ms. Merkel is a cool-headed professional. She is as if our nation somehow got over its compulsion to infantilize women and allowed Hillary Clinton to lead us competently. But, Trump is a psychopath, frozen somewhere deep in is psyche during his infantile development before developing mammalian capacities for empathy. Merkel had better understanding this going forward, better than the German high court did in its ruling that while Neo-Nazis violate the German constitution, they do not (yet) represent a threat sufficient to curtail their right to free speech.
3
This letter, I believe, fundamentally speaks to the core reason for the sense of uncertainty gripping so many--Donald Trump's apparent mental instability.
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
November 29, 2016
Dear President Obama,
We are writing to express our grave concern regarding the mental stability of our President-Elect. Professional standards do not permit us to venture a diagnosis for a public figure whom we have not evaluated personally. Nevertheless, his widely reported symptoms of mental instability — including grandiosity, impulsivity, hypersensitivity to slights or criticism, and an apparent inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality — lead us to question his fitness for the immense responsibilities of the office. We strongly recommend that, in preparation for assuming these responsibilities, he receive a full medical and neuropsychiatric evaluation by an impartial team of investigators.
Sincerely,
Judith Herman, M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
November 29, 2016
Dear President Obama,
We are writing to express our grave concern regarding the mental stability of our President-Elect. Professional standards do not permit us to venture a diagnosis for a public figure whom we have not evaluated personally. Nevertheless, his widely reported symptoms of mental instability — including grandiosity, impulsivity, hypersensitivity to slights or criticism, and an apparent inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality — lead us to question his fitness for the immense responsibilities of the office. We strongly recommend that, in preparation for assuming these responsibilities, he receive a full medical and neuropsychiatric evaluation by an impartial team of investigators.
Sincerely,
Judith Herman, M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School
5
President-Elect Trump, before even taking office, has managed to alienate key allies and jeopardize the doctrine that has guided American foreign policy since the late 1940's. If we are to continue promoting democratic institutions and basic human rights globally, we simply must have the support of institutions such as NATO. If the US enters these battles (diplomatic or military) alone it will be viewed as imperialism, and you'll see much more resistance from adversaries. Make America America again.
2
Clearly, predictability in its broad sense is off the table for the duration of Trump presidency. Personally, I am imagining this to mean that each individual downstream process/operation will become more reactive and less consistent, but the winners and losers form that effect may be practically random.
But there is an even more dangerous aspect in my view: Trump's volatility becomes a factor that anyone can try to use. On the eve of a big decision, all someone has to do is mock up a picture of an impotent, teenie-weenie Donald Trump and suddenly he's reacting for days about his virility; whatever process was leading to the important decision goes awash in a self-centered diatribe. And it's not just the opportunity for distraction. I can imagine Trump's decision on, say, a gun law decision could be massively swayed by planting a few stories about rich patrons at his golf results fleeing because of an alleged poor immigrant walking around with an automatic rifle in sight of the 18th green. He's so opposite from a policy wonk, we should coin something else: policy wink?
But there is an even more dangerous aspect in my view: Trump's volatility becomes a factor that anyone can try to use. On the eve of a big decision, all someone has to do is mock up a picture of an impotent, teenie-weenie Donald Trump and suddenly he's reacting for days about his virility; whatever process was leading to the important decision goes awash in a self-centered diatribe. And it's not just the opportunity for distraction. I can imagine Trump's decision on, say, a gun law decision could be massively swayed by planting a few stories about rich patrons at his golf results fleeing because of an alleged poor immigrant walking around with an automatic rifle in sight of the 18th green. He's so opposite from a policy wonk, we should coin something else: policy wink?
3
Trump was raised by a father who was a real estate developer and has himself been a developer from his early twenties. He never reads books. He does peruse newspapers and watch TV. If he has any friends, they are mostly other people involved in commercial real estate.
Trump's whole world view has been shaped by his experience as a real estate developer. One of the necessary skills of developers is negotiating with other people, either fellow developers or governmental entities. In his world everyone is someone he can get something from and "beat" or someone who is seen as an enemy for failing to gratify his ego by giving him was he wants. Everything is "let's make a deal". All problems can be negotiated away. Negotiations should begin by personally demeaning the adversary in subtle or not so subtle ways. Everyone is either for him or against him. His "me"focused view is supported by highly paid enablers who never use the word "no."
He also views the world as a set of unconnected problems to negotiate. Once one deal is done you move onto another. To use an old metaphor, he sees nothing but trees to cut down. There is no forest.
Emersion in this business together with his narcissistic personality disorder makes him totally unsuitable for the presidency. Not all of our problems are solvable by negotiation and softening up potential adversaries through insults does not work in foreign relations.
Trump's whole world view has been shaped by his experience as a real estate developer. One of the necessary skills of developers is negotiating with other people, either fellow developers or governmental entities. In his world everyone is someone he can get something from and "beat" or someone who is seen as an enemy for failing to gratify his ego by giving him was he wants. Everything is "let's make a deal". All problems can be negotiated away. Negotiations should begin by personally demeaning the adversary in subtle or not so subtle ways. Everyone is either for him or against him. His "me"focused view is supported by highly paid enablers who never use the word "no."
He also views the world as a set of unconnected problems to negotiate. Once one deal is done you move onto another. To use an old metaphor, he sees nothing but trees to cut down. There is no forest.
Emersion in this business together with his narcissistic personality disorder makes him totally unsuitable for the presidency. Not all of our problems are solvable by negotiation and softening up potential adversaries through insults does not work in foreign relations.
6
Thank you Steven. As many leaders of the world are noting, we should focus on what Trump does and not what Trump says. But the problem with this is - we as a world society live by words. What leaders of countries say actually does matter. It is difficult if not impossible to take ourselves out of a process that we've used for thousands of years to weigh the intentions of a nation and the import of a man.
It is totally disheartening that someone who's incapable of rational thought and analysis, has no moral compass and no character, and is and has been a bully for his entire lifetime, will take the oath of the President of the United States of America this Friday.
And for someone to take such an oath without a clue how the words he mutters affects nations and peoples throughout the world....God help us all here and throughout the entire world.
It is totally disheartening that someone who's incapable of rational thought and analysis, has no moral compass and no character, and is and has been a bully for his entire lifetime, will take the oath of the President of the United States of America this Friday.
And for someone to take such an oath without a clue how the words he mutters affects nations and peoples throughout the world....God help us all here and throughout the entire world.
3
"As many leaders of the world are noting, we should focus on what Trump does and not what Trump says. But the problem with this is - we as a world society live by words. What leaders of countries say actually does matter."
So true. Look at the nuance that President Obama has had to endure, to the point of how a half phrase affects an entire speech. Trump has no such worries, as no one remembers any part of his "speeches" 24 hours later, after he has contradicted them, completely.
From skilled orator to buffoon in one easy step, Trump's entire ramp-up process to the presidency has been one long and "terrible" SNL sketch.
So true. Look at the nuance that President Obama has had to endure, to the point of how a half phrase affects an entire speech. Trump has no such worries, as no one remembers any part of his "speeches" 24 hours later, after he has contradicted them, completely.
From skilled orator to buffoon in one easy step, Trump's entire ramp-up process to the presidency has been one long and "terrible" SNL sketch.
1
A best case scenario to this situation is that the naysayers underestimated Trump and he'll do at least some positive things while in office. I would hope that our other elected officials will be able to identify those opportunities and work with him. A second best case scenario, is that permanent damage will be avoided and this will serve as a warning shot to those that are in government or strive to be about the seriousness of the office. In other words, I have high hopes for the next person.
This country needs to reevaluate its values and start having serious, non-partisan, conversations in an inclusive way. A way that includes the "opposition" and allows for the idea that some times there actually IS a right answer and there aren't always two equal and opposing arguments.
People also need to start taking responsibility for what is happening in Washington. Local and state elections have results. Start tending to your own yard. If affects us all.
This country needs to reevaluate its values and start having serious, non-partisan, conversations in an inclusive way. A way that includes the "opposition" and allows for the idea that some times there actually IS a right answer and there aren't always two equal and opposing arguments.
People also need to start taking responsibility for what is happening in Washington. Local and state elections have results. Start tending to your own yard. If affects us all.
143
Non-partisan is a term that has left this country. just recall the stalemate created by the GOP. Now they have it all. Let's see what they can accomplish with the ball in their court!
"This country needs to reevaluate its values and start having serious, non-partisan, conversations in an inclusive way." Trump has not engaged in or shown any interest in such conversations. "Other elected officials" should "work with him." Is it the responsibility of "others" to work with Trump when his only engagement has been attacking them?
The US got what the two parties made possible
"No one knows exactly where he is headed."
We must consider the possibility that he isn't "headed" anywhere, and that as far as he's concerned he has already "arrived," having somehow become "king of the hill"--both of the world's most powerful nation and, to a large extent, of the world.
Now he will play with the fantastic new toy that he has won. If his shifting and contradictory positions prior to holding power are any indication, he will govern according to whim, based on his enthusiasm, grudge or fear of the moment. His total lack of experience, or real interest, in the minutiae of real governance promises four years of fingerpainting, as opposed to deeply considered policy-making. The consequences are simply unknowable.
Those who dismiss Mr. Trump's eccentric pronouncements and behavior, and tell themselves that he will soon reveal a master vision for a functional new America, are deluding themselves. Donald Trump will make it up as he goes along, with only the consequences for himself and his empire in mind. That's what wheeler-dealers do.
We must consider the possibility that he isn't "headed" anywhere, and that as far as he's concerned he has already "arrived," having somehow become "king of the hill"--both of the world's most powerful nation and, to a large extent, of the world.
Now he will play with the fantastic new toy that he has won. If his shifting and contradictory positions prior to holding power are any indication, he will govern according to whim, based on his enthusiasm, grudge or fear of the moment. His total lack of experience, or real interest, in the minutiae of real governance promises four years of fingerpainting, as opposed to deeply considered policy-making. The consequences are simply unknowable.
Those who dismiss Mr. Trump's eccentric pronouncements and behavior, and tell themselves that he will soon reveal a master vision for a functional new America, are deluding themselves. Donald Trump will make it up as he goes along, with only the consequences for himself and his empire in mind. That's what wheeler-dealers do.
606
He will do what Putin and Bannon tell him to do.
1
I disagree: he's following Steve Bannon's playbook and it's a frightening one. Bannon wants to destroy the conventional and institute a fascist state and world.; Trump is his puppet to get it done.
3
Excuse the typo. THERE is no nuance. He is a fraud and a sociopath. The only nuance was staging death threats against the young woman he was headed to trial for on charges of juvenile sexual assault right at election time. This person is evil.
7
Note that President Obama was taken to the woodshed for using the phrase, “that would be a red line.” Mr. Trump routinely makes threats and hyperbole about everything. Obama's statement engendered major criticism about the phrase with its lack of military follow-up as a weakness in American will to stand up staunchly as he was given no ground for using language in a more literary sense. Yet, Trump seems to be given free play for his loose bombastic tone that he cannot possibly follow up with hard policy with his profuse bravado. Lots of people experience anxiety about what will follow in action over Trumps words. His experience in real estate “deals” left only the banks and the courts to activate and clean up after his negotiations. Now, the much larger world of ICBM's and multicultural diplomacy among multiparty players complicates and endangers all of us. There are no analogs to banks with the discreteness of finance and the full authority of court decisions to to clean up after a Trump “deal” on the international stage. Trump, as an agency of real estate marketing and finance is does not scale to international leadership. I fear he does not understand this, unless he does possess a nuance I have not seen.
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It was never the statement that was the problem. It was Obama's retreat. He didn't even have the sense to keep up appearances that the US was responding forcefully. For that, he lost tremendous credibility.
It's hard to imagine Trump's behaving so sheepishly.
It's hard to imagine Trump's behaving so sheepishly.
1
Obama was taken to the shed over "the red line" because he set it and did little when it was crossed. Assad repeatedly crossed the red line drawn by Obama and he did little. Assad's use of chemical weapons being one. Obama's red line as to Iran and nukes was crossed with the deal Obama agreed to with iran. Does anybody think that nukes are not in Iran's future unless another President stops them? Perhaps the deal put them off for awhile but did nothing to permanently stop them. If one is not to enforce the red lines one draws, why should anybody else believe anything one says? Those red lines if not to be enforced should not have been drawn in the first place.
1
Obama had no leadership skills nor experience that exceeded Trump's.
1
Watch what Trump does not what he twits.
Although it is a little alarming that his statements in interviews seem more consistent with Russian foreign policy than with our own long standing policies.
Although it is a little alarming that his statements in interviews seem more consistent with Russian foreign policy than with our own long standing policies.
4
Not very comforting, considering the things he actually does.
Mr. Trump is so erratic and off-putting in his pronouncements--both policy and personal ones--that anxiety is the best way that I can describe what his impending inauguration brings. And there are millions of people both here and around the world that probably share that same very uneasy feeling.
Given how the political system has been taken over by special interests and extreme wealth, Mr. Trump's election as president is not all that surprising.
Given how the political system has been taken over by special interests and extreme wealth, Mr. Trump's election as president is not all that surprising.
10
There is a reason we don't let eight year olds drive. There is a reason why we assign young people the status of "minor" and have legal adults be responsible for them. We do these things because children do not have the emotional and intellectual tools to preform the tasks required in our society. The are not held responsible because they don't understand the implications of their actions.
Then we elect Trump, the man child, to the most powerful office in the world. All of our allies are trying to figure him out but there is nothing to figure. Trump is out of his depth. He is mentally incapable of holding high office.
Oh but his supporters say, but he is a billionaire! How could he be incompetent if he made all that money? Drug lords are billionaires. Dictators are billionaires. Hucksters are billionaires. Trump made his money by selling himself, his brand. In fact, his personality disorder(s), narcissism, gave him the ability to succeed in his business endeavors. But those characteristics prevent him from governing. He can only rule and rule badly.
Trump is mentally unstable. He cannot be predicted. His actions are not based in reason and logic. The foreign powers are rightly concerned. Unfortunately they and the US have yet to cross the threshold and grasp the terrible reality of the situation. That is, we just put an eight year old in the White House. An eight year old with serious personality disorders which render him incapable of governing.
Then we elect Trump, the man child, to the most powerful office in the world. All of our allies are trying to figure him out but there is nothing to figure. Trump is out of his depth. He is mentally incapable of holding high office.
Oh but his supporters say, but he is a billionaire! How could he be incompetent if he made all that money? Drug lords are billionaires. Dictators are billionaires. Hucksters are billionaires. Trump made his money by selling himself, his brand. In fact, his personality disorder(s), narcissism, gave him the ability to succeed in his business endeavors. But those characteristics prevent him from governing. He can only rule and rule badly.
Trump is mentally unstable. He cannot be predicted. His actions are not based in reason and logic. The foreign powers are rightly concerned. Unfortunately they and the US have yet to cross the threshold and grasp the terrible reality of the situation. That is, we just put an eight year old in the White House. An eight year old with serious personality disorders which render him incapable of governing.
236
Bruce: and as a post-script, trump has done nothing to prove he's a billionaire other than say so.
Like his business empire, his presidency will be a House of Cards.
Like his business empire, his presidency will be a House of Cards.
1
Keep saying it, Bruce. On my end, I can never stop the amazement at this rediculous and horrifying predicament. Just keep saying it; those who voted for him have yet to wake up.
To understand Trump, pay no attention to what he says. Instead, pay attention to what he does. And what he does is:
- Sexually assault women.
- Do deals with whoever he has to to get what he wants, including mobsters and foreign despots.
- Rip off business partners, contractors, and customers.
- Put his name on everything he can think of, in giant gold letters.
- Avoid any consequences for his behavior.
- Sexually assault women.
- Do deals with whoever he has to to get what he wants, including mobsters and foreign despots.
- Rip off business partners, contractors, and customers.
- Put his name on everything he can think of, in giant gold letters.
- Avoid any consequences for his behavior.
164
And think about what he doesn't do:
- Prepare, study and learn
- Think before speaking or tweeting
- Take criticism
- Uphold the bare minimum norms of transparency (hello, tax returns)
- and on and on
- Prepare, study and learn
- Think before speaking or tweeting
- Take criticism
- Uphold the bare minimum norms of transparency (hello, tax returns)
- and on and on
3
Trump is better than clinton who takes money from foreign counties, muslim countries, kills Americans by not responding for their cries for help, then destroys the emails which would have put her in jail. Trump is better than obama - an empty suit that has bankrupted this country; apologized all over the world and make a mockery of us, totally disregarded actions by terrorists, who will go down as the worst president this country ever had.
Trump was elected by the AMERICAN people who are tired of crooked politicians; he is a businessman who knows how to make this country great again.
Trump was elected by the AMERICAN people who are tired of crooked politicians; he is a businessman who knows how to make this country great again.
1
In 1985-87, ‘The Art of the Deal" ghost writer Tony Schwartz spent eighteen months with Donald Trump— in his office, on his helicopter, at meetings, and spending weekends with him at his Manhattan apartment and his Florida estate.
Schwartz got to know Trump better than almost anyone else outside the Trump family.
Schwartz regrets writing the book.
“I put lipstick on a pig,” Schwartz has said. “I feel a deep sense of remorse that I contributed to presenting Trump in a way that brought him wider attention and made him more appealing than he is. I genuinely believe that if Trump wins and gets the nuclear codes there is an excellent possibility it will lead to the end of civilization.”
If he were writing “The Art of the Deal” today, Schwartz said, it would be a very different book with a very different title. Asked what he would call it, he answered, “The Sociopath.”
Schwartz recalls Trump as “like a kindergartner who can’t sit still in a classroom.”
“Trump has been written about a thousand ways from Sunday, but this fundamental aspect of who he is doesn’t seem to be fully understood. It’s implicit in a lot of what people write, but it’s never explicit—or, at least, I haven’t seen it. And that is that it’s impossible to keep him focused on any topic, other than his own self-aggrandizement, for more than a few minutes. . . ” Schwartz said.
FROM http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/07/25/donald-trumps-ghostwriter-t...
Welcome to the Trumpian Nightmare.
Schwartz got to know Trump better than almost anyone else outside the Trump family.
Schwartz regrets writing the book.
“I put lipstick on a pig,” Schwartz has said. “I feel a deep sense of remorse that I contributed to presenting Trump in a way that brought him wider attention and made him more appealing than he is. I genuinely believe that if Trump wins and gets the nuclear codes there is an excellent possibility it will lead to the end of civilization.”
If he were writing “The Art of the Deal” today, Schwartz said, it would be a very different book with a very different title. Asked what he would call it, he answered, “The Sociopath.”
Schwartz recalls Trump as “like a kindergartner who can’t sit still in a classroom.”
“Trump has been written about a thousand ways from Sunday, but this fundamental aspect of who he is doesn’t seem to be fully understood. It’s implicit in a lot of what people write, but it’s never explicit—or, at least, I haven’t seen it. And that is that it’s impossible to keep him focused on any topic, other than his own self-aggrandizement, for more than a few minutes. . . ” Schwartz said.
FROM http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/07/25/donald-trumps-ghostwriter-t...
Welcome to the Trumpian Nightmare.
449
"it’s impossible to keep him focused on any topic, other than his own self-aggrandizement, for more than a few minutes."
I actually think this may make Donald less threatening than would otherwise be the case. To me, he most closely resembles not so much Hitler or Stalin--two men who were true believers in particular visions for the world and not much interested at all in money or sex--but rather Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Now, Mobutu was terrible but I'd like to think that a born looter and taker won't have as much success in Washington as Mobutu did in Kinshasa.
Donald's fatal weaknesses are the desire for self-enrichment and pleasures of the flesh. He's more potential kleptocrat than utopian ideologue. The big question mark in all of this will be the response of Republicans who control the legislative branch of the U.S. government. Those people ARE true believers in a particular vision characterized by corporatism and irredeemable hostility to the rights of working people, and unfortunately they appear poised to make Donald into a useful idiot for achieving their own goals.
I actually think this may make Donald less threatening than would otherwise be the case. To me, he most closely resembles not so much Hitler or Stalin--two men who were true believers in particular visions for the world and not much interested at all in money or sex--but rather Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Now, Mobutu was terrible but I'd like to think that a born looter and taker won't have as much success in Washington as Mobutu did in Kinshasa.
Donald's fatal weaknesses are the desire for self-enrichment and pleasures of the flesh. He's more potential kleptocrat than utopian ideologue. The big question mark in all of this will be the response of Republicans who control the legislative branch of the U.S. government. Those people ARE true believers in a particular vision characterized by corporatism and irredeemable hostility to the rights of working people, and unfortunately they appear poised to make Donald into a useful idiot for achieving their own goals.
18
Trump hasn't mentally matured beyond finding his calling as a rich barracks bully in a military academy reform school.
4
We can always count on Socrates for a biased, slanted view of the world. Ever hear of Republic / Democracy when leaders are elected by the people for the right or wrong reasons?
2
Russia has been sowing seeds of disunity, and ethnic strife for years in an attempt to weaken the E.U. and NATO.
Trump is emerging as their dream weapon.
It is the duty of patriotic Americans to ask why.
Trump is emerging as their dream weapon.
It is the duty of patriotic Americans to ask why.
353
"Russia has been sowing seeds of disunity, and ethnic strife for years"
There's a problem with your theory: The US has plenty of disunity and ethnic strife without any help from the Russians.
There's a problem with your theory: The US has plenty of disunity and ethnic strife without any help from the Russians.
1
This shows the work and influence of Steve Bannon. When will our news media investigate him?
1
You might find gold in those there tax returns,.
1
How will the Trump Organizations financial agenda influence international policy?
30
The Germans increasingly look at the US as a country that is unhinged. That is how a lot of our German friends describe the political situation in the US. It is clear that currently nothing that is being voiced from the US is taken seriously. I think Merkel will receive broad support now that Trump tried to discredit her. One thing I would caution against doing is underestimate the Germans' resolve to close ranks once they perceive a threat towards their peaceful "social market economy". The newspapers are full of dismissive editorials concerning Trump and reflect the mood in the country quite accurately.
153
The revelation of the key role of the Electoral College voter nullification scheme to culturally and politically divide the US stuns the world, as does the incapacity of the US to do anything about it.
5
To coin a phrase, who cares? The German society has its own problems. It's called excess immigration from the Muslim world. German culture is being threatened and watered down by immigrants who refuse to adopt German ways. Meanwhile these same immigrants are eating up every social welfare benefit that they can get their hands on, creating severe problems for the taxpayers who fund their freeloading. German newspapers and media like to criticize America, but at least we elected a man who is opposed to letting America go the way of countries like Germany.
27
And you are an expert on Germany? Please give us links to your scholarly papers.
1
His Administration hasn't taken office yet. Smart people will wait and see what it does and not waste time on sensationalized tweets and media reports like this.
The world will just have to get used to Trump. As long as he produces for Americans, they'll support him.
The world will just have to get used to Trump. As long as he produces for Americans, they'll support him.
14
Looking at his Cabinet picks, he will produce a lot ... for some Americans.
12
AACNY, I've talked personally with women who insisted, over and over again, that their husband would follow through on all the wonderful promises he had made - that he would "produce" for her.
When I've asked them, "After being beaten for the umpteenth time, after being hit over the hit with a frying pan, thrown off a second story porch, locked in a freezer, shot at" (this all happened to one particular woman, but the individual elements have happened to several hundred I've interviewed), "why did you stay with him?"
After the various "for the kids," "I had nowhere to go," etc, they finally realize, "I have no idea."
AACNY, as of 2007, because the Republicans refuse to OK a measly 110 million dollars to appoint new judges for backed up disability claims, one North Carolina attorney estimated that approximately 1 person was dying each week waiting for their disability hearing. And that was 10 years ago.
How many broken promises will it take, how many hundreds of thousands of deaths, before the Charlie Brown Trump voters will realize that Trump/Lucy is going to pull away the football every time?
When I've asked them, "After being beaten for the umpteenth time, after being hit over the hit with a frying pan, thrown off a second story porch, locked in a freezer, shot at" (this all happened to one particular woman, but the individual elements have happened to several hundred I've interviewed), "why did you stay with him?"
After the various "for the kids," "I had nowhere to go," etc, they finally realize, "I have no idea."
AACNY, as of 2007, because the Republicans refuse to OK a measly 110 million dollars to appoint new judges for backed up disability claims, one North Carolina attorney estimated that approximately 1 person was dying each week waiting for their disability hearing. And that was 10 years ago.
How many broken promises will it take, how many hundreds of thousands of deaths, before the Charlie Brown Trump voters will realize that Trump/Lucy is going to pull away the football every time?
1
Rita:
You don't know that. Trump's already standing up for Americans. He has no problem with sending republicans back to the drawing board when he feels their proposals are overly burdensome. For example, he's said he won't let them repeal Obamacare without having a viable replacement.
For what it's worth, the media often gets it wrong because it approaches Trump ideologically (ex., uses ideology as litmus test for his appointees). He's far from an ideologue.
You don't know that. Trump's already standing up for Americans. He has no problem with sending republicans back to the drawing board when he feels their proposals are overly burdensome. For example, he's said he won't let them repeal Obamacare without having a viable replacement.
For what it's worth, the media often gets it wrong because it approaches Trump ideologically (ex., uses ideology as litmus test for his appointees). He's far from an ideologue.
3
Just as Richard Nixon thought he had the world by the tail with a big win in the second term, his grandiosity became a separate identity and brought him to ruin in a few months. All the megalos in history think their story will be different, because they honestly believe they are "good people" and their "strong leadership" and "stamina" will give the people a sense of being protected and cared for. Donald Trump is no exception.
Remember Confucius' admonition: "He who mounts the tiger will not descend the tiger."
Remember Confucius' admonition: "He who mounts the tiger will not descend the tiger."
60
What is amazing is that the votes of only 26% of American voters in the context of a suspect election result (Russia, Comey, fake news, voter supression laws, etc) can produce such instability and fear worldwide. You would think a mature democracy would have a solution to such a calamity.
But no, when it becomes winner take all in the extreme, damn the costs (like with the Supreme Court justice, obstructionism, gerrymandering, etc), and no one is there to stand up for decency and order we have all lost, even the "winners" as they cut of their nose to spite their face (climate change, etc...).
But no, when it becomes winner take all in the extreme, damn the costs (like with the Supreme Court justice, obstructionism, gerrymandering, etc), and no one is there to stand up for decency and order we have all lost, even the "winners" as they cut of their nose to spite their face (climate change, etc...).
114
When Trump tweets at 3 AM in the morning, it’s like when one is sleep walking & doesn’t know where he’s going.What he’s doing is ventilating his thoughts & setting off trial balloons of the pros & cons of various issues he will have to confront.Like this article suggests what he says should not be taken literally.It has nothing to do with what he finally decides to do.However, it does make for interesting copy.
3
At least he'll be able to take that 3 a.m. call. His advisors, all intelligent, experienced people, will give Trump direction. Those of you who worry are wasting precious hours of each day.
1
What? We are not to "take the President-elect's words literally???" Are we to be mind readers?
Are we as Kelly Conway recommends, to fantasize what we want him to have said and believe that??? Who knows what's in his heart when he lies about John Lewis' district, and demeans a man whose courage and wisdom have been a beacon of hope for half a century?
Please, news bearers, fulfill your duty. Report the facts, and don't tell us to cherry pick the ones we want to believe.
This man is frightening and dangerous. And he is to be our president. Tell us what he says, and leave the sharp edges visible.
Are we as Kelly Conway recommends, to fantasize what we want him to have said and believe that??? Who knows what's in his heart when he lies about John Lewis' district, and demeans a man whose courage and wisdom have been a beacon of hope for half a century?
Please, news bearers, fulfill your duty. Report the facts, and don't tell us to cherry pick the ones we want to believe.
This man is frightening and dangerous. And he is to be our president. Tell us what he says, and leave the sharp edges visible.
265
I would love to be able to hit 'recommend' a thousand times. Really, NYT, don't soften the edges, we NEED to be aware, alert and angry.
Exactly John, less editorializing more facts. Start from the point that whatever he says will at least have an odor of truthiness to it if not a flat out lie. If he says something outrageous say to yourself "rabbit" then try to determine what he doesn't want you paying attention to. In the end you can only determine him by his actions. On that count he is a petulant amoral brat given to tantrums and cares for none but himself.
While a sense of uncertainty may be griping Europe, many of here in the U.S. are not so much uncertain as downright scared...
175
Only the cowards are scared.
2
A big reason why there is uncertainty, amazingly ignored, is that Trump has not yet become President. I am confident that after a few months in office all Americans and world leaders will have a clear notion of American policy which will be worked out between his administration and Congress. It seems like a good idea to re-examine the workings of NATO begun a half century ago in light of major changes in the world since then. It seems like a good idea to re-examine policy toward Russia and China in view of bad bi-lateral relations with them. It seems also like a good idea to take a close look at the intelligence agencies since they have been mired in leaks and political involvement and were negligent on 9-11, a number of terrorist acts here and abroad, did not foresee Crimea and Ukraine or the North Korean nuclear breakout. We can't become too complacent with the status quo forged by Busg and Obama.
3
and what about the 30,000 Americans killed by guns each year?
and that too.
So let me get this straight...Trump's gonna help American manufacturers by infuriating over a billion potential customers in China? That makes sense. Considering it's coming from the same guy who believes the way to fix healthcare is by taking insurance away from 20 million people, and the way to solve America's gun problem is to prevent even the slightest sensible restriction on gun sales.
If Trump is dead set on "fixing" things, I wish he would focus on things I don't like. Like cars with thumping radios or people who walk slower than me or my brother's deadly deep-threat jump shot. If he wants to "fix" those things, I could maybe get behind him.
If Trump is dead set on "fixing" things, I wish he would focus on things I don't like. Like cars with thumping radios or people who walk slower than me or my brother's deadly deep-threat jump shot. If he wants to "fix" those things, I could maybe get behind him.
19
Our trade deficit with China should be of great concern. We are importing far more than we export to China. Perhaps Trump will give us a level playing field.
Get ready for your $19 tube socks at Walmart. Oh wait ... since everything at Walmart comes from China, there will be no more Walmart.
@George - If Trump is truly trying to give us a "level playing field", then he can start by abolishing the Capital Gains tax giveaway to the wealthy.
"The Germans are angry ..." this is the lead story in a major newspaper?? America has more important concerns.
7
Well, I guess you would have to look at why they are angry to "get" why it is important. Your president-elects reckless twitters for a start.
1
When he formally takes office, it matters -- not before.
Oh good I am not alone. The concern about Trump is global. My prediction is that if we weather the initial storm, the man will probably implode under the pressure, blame it on everyone but his great self and say "let Mikey do it". Or that could be wishful thinking. HOLD FAST.
39
The election of Trump is a response to the failures of the liberal old order - principally Obama, Cameron, Merkel. By the end of this week only Merkel will still be in office. And who can blame voters? Has allowing millions of Muslims to emigrate to Germany and France been a good idea? In the US, has allowing our manufacturing centers to rust away been good for average Joe voters? The failures of the old order gave an opening to Trump and those following him.
10
The old order of manufacturing gave way to automation and foreign cheap labor long ago. New technologies also emerged, so the coal mining industry, for example, is long gone. Textiles, that used to made in the U.S. were lost to our workers when Walmart and other companies brought in cheaper goods from Asia and Americans can never resist a deal. This is not the fault of Democratic ideals, nor the fault of the EU, nor of Germany or any other party. Since Reagan we have experienced the systematic dismantling of unions and of American manufacturing. The profit of the shareholder is now the only thing an American company cares about. The success of its workers? Having a living wage? Loyalty to community? Not so much. And the refugees? They're our problem too because WE began the destabilization of the Middle East with our pre-emptive and pointless (not to mention costly) wars in Iraq and elsewhere based on Dick Cheney's lies and profiteering. Europe thanks us for their refugees, born of our catastrophic foreign policies. Nope--all of this is ours to own. The chickens have come home to roost.
3
JB- How many jobs in those manufacturing facilities were lost to technology/automation? If you, the average American citizen, wants to go to KMart for a shirt that is 30% cheaper than one made in the US- which are you buying? Those jobs are not coming back.
2
I can blame voters. Their fear of the other is going to end up costing us too high a price. Maybe you should actually meet a few Muslims personally before you decided you are terrified of all of them.
3
During their campaigns, presidents speak in broad terms about the state of the world and American foreign policy. From the start, Obama was welcomed with hopes so high they were impossible to meet. He was invited to address the Muslim world in hopes that he would bridge the gap between terrorists and the West. And he was awarded the Nobel Prize for embodying the world's quest for peace. All of these hope proved much exaggerated as Obama's foreign policy crystallized.
With Trump, it is the opposite. His foreign policy statements are combative and alarming. The world fears that he will cause new and unreasonable divisions and changes in the balance of power for no good reason.
American foreign policy under Obama eventually took its direction from American self-interest. By the end of his Presidency, Obama weighed the costs and benefits of intervening in the most horrific conflict of his time, in Syria, and decided that non-intervention was best for America.
Trump, too, will be faced with the conflict between his ideology and America's best interests. Most likely, he will pursue our interests and put to rest the initial concerns of the rest of the world. Nonetheless, Trump is Trump and we don't yet know if he'll follow a reasonable course. So the fears of the world are reasonable. Trump will have the opportunity to overcome these fears. But, as we all know, what Trump will do is almost impossible to predict.
With Trump, it is the opposite. His foreign policy statements are combative and alarming. The world fears that he will cause new and unreasonable divisions and changes in the balance of power for no good reason.
American foreign policy under Obama eventually took its direction from American self-interest. By the end of his Presidency, Obama weighed the costs and benefits of intervening in the most horrific conflict of his time, in Syria, and decided that non-intervention was best for America.
Trump, too, will be faced with the conflict between his ideology and America's best interests. Most likely, he will pursue our interests and put to rest the initial concerns of the rest of the world. Nonetheless, Trump is Trump and we don't yet know if he'll follow a reasonable course. So the fears of the world are reasonable. Trump will have the opportunity to overcome these fears. But, as we all know, what Trump will do is almost impossible to predict.
6
I feel that this article is another in a long line of "normalizing" the president-elect. NYT must be very careful not to encourage people to accept the fact that he doesn't mean what he says so that he can say whatever he wants. Please stay vigilant.
246
Precise wording is absolutely essential to effective and enforceable contracts. Trump negotiates steals, not deals.
2
My dear citizens of the United States, from the beginning of this electoral year we europeans have first observed with a certain sneer, afterwards with hilarity to pass to the astonishment and to this day the fear before the abyss of the catastrophe. This is no longer exclusively an American problem, it is a global crisis. Your future president represents one of the greatest challenges for peace and global harmony, especially to sustain the alliances that until next Friday have allowed the peace and progress both countries have enjoyed.
But now ,You have a duty to correct the establishment of a Cesar Imperator through a democratic vote.Believe me we Know about that from long time a go, long time...
We have confidence in your criteria in your nobility of spirit and in the high values that have inspired and educated much of your extraordinary people.
But now ,You have a duty to correct the establishment of a Cesar Imperator through a democratic vote.Believe me we Know about that from long time a go, long time...
We have confidence in your criteria in your nobility of spirit and in the high values that have inspired and educated much of your extraordinary people.
121
We cannot even respond to being scammed in this country. The Electoral College is only an illusion of democracy that makes a large percentage of the votes cast irrelevant to the outcome.
1
@Castaner - Europeans have high confidence in our "nobility of spirit"? Buddy, this is the land of monster trucks, unlimited breadsticks, and revenge tweets. You give us waaaay too much credit.
2
@M castaner. "We have confidence in your criteria in your nobility of spirit and in the high values that have inspired and educated much of your extraordinary people."
Don't even bet your lunch money on that assumption let alone the future of civilization as we know it.
Don't even bet your lunch money on that assumption let alone the future of civilization as we know it.
1
The United States voted an entertainer into the White House and thats what they will get. Entertainment...nobody every said it would be good.
71
The most overrated entertainer, ever. Look at that the effort he puts into his "presidential" puss.
bad, low-life, disastrous entertainment.
As a military alliance NATO is a joke, without America that is. It would take Russia 48 hours to devastate its armies. So until they can do a little better for themselves, they better start re-examining their posture towards Trump. Perhaps Europe can adopt China as its new protector and funder. After all, isn't President XI being treated like a rock in Davos?
8
Do you understand that NATO was intended to thwart Soviet aggression? As in fight them over there, so we don't have to fight them here?
now you want to substitute totalitarian Russia for democratic Europe?
now you want to substitute totalitarian Russia for democratic Europe?
3
Russia isn't the Soviet Union anymore, you really think it can defeat the combined NATO forces even sans the US? Really?
1
As illustrated by your obvious lack of knowledge of NATO and its founding- I guess peace and proserity in Europe since the Second World War means nothing?
2
I was thinking about what would happen if just one country, China for example, decided to play a little hardball back and completely shut down the garment industry exports. Think about what might happen here. Still glad Donald is sticking his tongue out every day?
113
All the more reason for us to be nationalistic and do much of our own work here in the U.S.
1
Tom, why not just start making and selling the garments here? What you don't get is that we have been in the "preverbial race to the bottom" and were being made to believe we actully needed a world economy. It's the world economy that needs us.
1
If the Chinese shut down their sweat shops, there would be rioting in their country as jobs surged back to America.
Since the days of Ronald Reagan Americans have been taught that Government is bad and Politicians, the "professionals" of Government, are even worse.
Maybe they are.
Now Americans will get a taste of the forbidden fruit, that is amateurs running the Government of the most powerful Nation known to man.
Good luck with that.
The end game is a clear as light, the GOP will force Trump out within 6 months after taking office and usher in Mike Pence, who'll host the classic over reach of their Reactionary ideology. This could be the best thing that ever happens for Liberals/Progressives.
A general realization that Government has a role in everyone's life by the general population, and that Republicans, to use the words of my Mom, "are bat fecal matter crazy".
Maybe they are.
Now Americans will get a taste of the forbidden fruit, that is amateurs running the Government of the most powerful Nation known to man.
Good luck with that.
The end game is a clear as light, the GOP will force Trump out within 6 months after taking office and usher in Mike Pence, who'll host the classic over reach of their Reactionary ideology. This could be the best thing that ever happens for Liberals/Progressives.
A general realization that Government has a role in everyone's life by the general population, and that Republicans, to use the words of my Mom, "are bat fecal matter crazy".
175
My friends and I have had s similar argument about this prediction - and which is the more unpalatable choice for progressives and liberals.
I have argued that, assuming Trump does not serve the entire 4 years ( indicted? resigns?) though Pence will be exactly what you say - I feel we can sleep at night- he won't start a nuclear war or some other major war somewhere in the world.
Trump reminds me more of Caligula or Nero than of anyone else. He would destroy all that he cannot have. Pence at least wants the world to go on , albeit as a Christian Fundamentalist Society.
I have argued that, assuming Trump does not serve the entire 4 years ( indicted? resigns?) though Pence will be exactly what you say - I feel we can sleep at night- he won't start a nuclear war or some other major war somewhere in the world.
Trump reminds me more of Caligula or Nero than of anyone else. He would destroy all that he cannot have. Pence at least wants the world to go on , albeit as a Christian Fundamentalist Society.
We know what happens where there is no Government. Think Somalia or Congo.
Don't trust anyone who claims to know what God thinks, and you will be spared much heartbreak and annoyance.
After embarrassing itself with polls falsely claiming that Hillary would surely win, the Times is back with new fake polls about Donald Trump. The media elites had selected Hillary as our next president, but were unable to sell her to the voters. For the past two months, the Times and the media elites have been in a full on temper tantrum because they didn't get what they want. They are acting like a child who didn't get invited to a party so they claim it's a lousy party and seek to ruin it. They are setting the bar so low for Trump, that he's going to appear as the greatest president in history even with moderate successes.
23
By setting the bar so low for Trump, Liberals set him up to succeed.
When their apocalyptic predictions of doom and gloom, death and destruction, don't come true, they will be proven the whiny fearmongers that they are.
When their apocalyptic predictions of doom and gloom, death and destruction, don't come true, they will be proven the whiny fearmongers that they are.
1
The final pre-election polls may -- MAY -- have missed the final national vote tally by 1.5-2%.
Now they are showing Trump roughly 30% less popular than Obama was as he prepared to take office.
There is a difference between 2 and 30.
Now they are showing Trump roughly 30% less popular than Obama was as he prepared to take office.
There is a difference between 2 and 30.
3
But that still doesn't address the problem that Trump is emotionally and intellectually unfit to be president.
4
Some may argue that Trump's rhetoric is tactical and strategic at the same time - meant to put all capitals on notice that nothing can be taken for granted and he will ascend into the White House with a new perspective.
This is hogwash.
His statements and missteps with Russia/EU/NATO/China/etc cannot disguise the truth ... that he is struggling to find a way to act and speak as a President. That he is not up for the job and by causing fights he can (he hopes) easily later fix he will appear to be presidential.
Unfortunately this sophomoric strategic will fail. Foreign leaders see through his bravado to view the poorly prepared and poorly equipped man within. They will not forget and they, unlike Trump, have been global players for years.
Those Trump has said he'll meet with first - Putin and Bibi - are in particular master chess players and will run circles around the new president.
This is hogwash.
His statements and missteps with Russia/EU/NATO/China/etc cannot disguise the truth ... that he is struggling to find a way to act and speak as a President. That he is not up for the job and by causing fights he can (he hopes) easily later fix he will appear to be presidential.
Unfortunately this sophomoric strategic will fail. Foreign leaders see through his bravado to view the poorly prepared and poorly equipped man within. They will not forget and they, unlike Trump, have been global players for years.
Those Trump has said he'll meet with first - Putin and Bibi - are in particular master chess players and will run circles around the new president.
46
Keep it up Mr. Trump. After eight years of "leading from behind" it is refreshing to have the leader of the free world step up to the plate on behalf of the U.S.
4
Our definitions of "refreshing" may differ.
4
Trump represents an quantum jump in political and economic thought process.
A nation cannot continue age old staid policies,forever.
Trump represents the Change.
A Change for a changed world.
Accept the Contrarian wholeheartedly,it could change your life for the better,hopefully.
A nation cannot continue age old staid policies,forever.
Trump represents the Change.
A Change for a changed world.
Accept the Contrarian wholeheartedly,it could change your life for the better,hopefully.
2
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; ... Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man" . George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman (1903)
Nothing truer. The go along to get along types have been the ruination of the world. Does anyone remember Neville Chamberlain?
Nothing truer. The go along to get along types have been the ruination of the world. Does anyone remember Neville Chamberlain?
1
Let's wait till he becomes president, but you could be right. At any rate, nothing could be less certain than having a policy, e.g., the past and current administrations' middle east policies, that may sound assuring but results in disasters. No one has a crystal ball, which is why the cry of "unpredictable" Trump is so ridiculously silly. Pragmatism is the only way forward.
1
Somebody needs to buy Trump a world atlas and an international relations primer.
11
Forget the primer, and the atlas will have more than 140 alphabets printed on it, so forget that too.
2
Sadly, that horse is long gone, and the barn door was already shut!
2
Should never have been elected. Shouldn't have even been close. He doesn't seem to realize that flippant remarks can have great consequences for many around the world. "The leader of free world" tweeting about serious issues is bizarre. The world will be a very precarious for the next 4 years.
17
i am thinking he will not make it past the first year and a half.... not that this will be a good thing. strengthen your southern border!
1
Steve - Mind your own business. Do we care who you elect? No!
Steve - Who we elect has little effect on the world. I have no effect on your choices. Just giving my perspective from afar. Glad to hear yours.
3
Why is anyone surprised? This is what Trump's voters WANTED. Everything was already "a disaster" in their view. They voted for anarchy instead, and now they've got it.
184
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; ... Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man" . George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman (1903)
1
But, now, so do we!
1
As a candidate, Trump claimed that America had lost its global standing under President Obama, but that a Trump presidency would command respect. Well, here we are on the cusp of Trump taking the White House, and world leaders express trepidation, offense and, in Putin's case, glee at having a tool. No respect, though.
And we have also barely begun to feel the loss of Obama.
And we have also barely begun to feel the loss of Obama.
83
Buckle up! Trump will be waging wars with our allies and enemies simultaneously. That's what you get for voting for someone who is not politically correct and has an undiplomatic approach in general saying whatever he wants. And the irony is for someone who criticizes the CIA anyone who owes a lot of money or got bankruptcies in their history could never work for the CIA because there is a potential to be compromised and give secrets to the enemy for financial reasons. Now Trump will be at the head of the federal government yet he would have been disqualified for a civil service job while owing Russian oligarchs, Deutsche bank, and the state owned Bank of China that's a tenant in Trump Tower.
21
He already compromised us with Russia for money...
Please stop "normalizing" Trump by implying that his unpredictability is a part of a technique of governance. The answer is much simpler. He is still deeply unfamiliar with history and geopolitics and deflects in order to distract.
112
Don't worry! With Putin running the show we'll all be one big global family. We just have to learn Russian...
5
It seems that President-elect Trump wants a Washington-Moscow Axis against China.
He may sacrifice Continental Europe to that goal and rely on Britain as his key ally.
In that scenario, France and Germany may want to make their own accommodation with Russia.
So good-bye NATO and hello USSR.
He may sacrifice Continental Europe to that goal and rely on Britain as his key ally.
In that scenario, France and Germany may want to make their own accommodation with Russia.
So good-bye NATO and hello USSR.
3
no, good by to world order. what you describe will not be bloodless.
1
You say the Germans are upset that Trump criticized Merkel's refugee policies. Which Germans? Merkel and her assistant? I'd say the vast majority of Germans would criticize Merkel's refugee policies.
In another article you quote the Lithuanian President saying that since we have defended Europe since WWII we must continue. it makes it so much easier for them to pay for other things if we pay for their defense.
The NYT article helping to justify our military presence all over the world by showing how much trade we get from each region where we have placed troops was not too well thought out. If we look at how much military expenditures Europe has versus trade in those same regions, it would be obvious we are over investing in military presence, to be kind.
Trump may be setting the Chinese up for negotiations. The easiest thing for Trump to give away in a negotiation is the one China policy. To retain that, the Chinese will have to give a little. This is good negotiation strategy.
It is time. We need to kick the kids out of the nest. Time for the US to focus on our needs and others to fund their own.
We need a leader brave enough to question what little logic is left in policies begun many, many decades ago and just continued on by unquestioning bureaucrats
In another article you quote the Lithuanian President saying that since we have defended Europe since WWII we must continue. it makes it so much easier for them to pay for other things if we pay for their defense.
The NYT article helping to justify our military presence all over the world by showing how much trade we get from each region where we have placed troops was not too well thought out. If we look at how much military expenditures Europe has versus trade in those same regions, it would be obvious we are over investing in military presence, to be kind.
Trump may be setting the Chinese up for negotiations. The easiest thing for Trump to give away in a negotiation is the one China policy. To retain that, the Chinese will have to give a little. This is good negotiation strategy.
It is time. We need to kick the kids out of the nest. Time for the US to focus on our needs and others to fund their own.
We need a leader brave enough to question what little logic is left in policies begun many, many decades ago and just continued on by unquestioning bureaucrats
7
you make quite an assumption that our policies are not reviewed for their value. but i am sure you are so much smarter and have better resources than the pentagon, the cia and the nsa.
3
If you were to ask thePentagon if they should have troops positioned all over the world they would likely tell you absolutely not.
As for the CIA, after their exploits in Syria and Libya, there probably are not many people arguing for more of that, and if they are they are mentally disturbed.
As for the CIA, after their exploits in Syria and Libya, there probably are not many people arguing for more of that, and if they are they are mentally disturbed.
And there was no uncertainty with the current President?
5
We had 8 years of uncertainty. That is why we elected Trump. We know that he is pro-United States. Obama was pro-Obama who governed with an iron fist. Yes. Not an exaggeration. His abusive use of Executive Orders and thousands of pages of rules and regulations were the acts of a tyrant. His "agreement" with Iran gave them everything that THEY wanted and nothing for us. Perhaps we need someone who understands the art of the deal.
1
We have a president-elect who is fundamentally very weak. Lack of knowledge, network and mandate means his power and the country's bargaining power on the international stage is limited. Unpredictability is his best leverage. It's a bit like a chimp-with-a-machine-gun type power. Let us hope it's not a chimp, or a dragon in disguise. Let us hope his supporters have correctly perceived something good through the disguise.
3
We have been rattling the cages around the world lately. Let us see how the new administration in DC reacts when the world reciprocates in kind.
We are but one step from stepping on a banana peel, and becoming a Banana Republic, or worse. Laughingstock we already have been for some months now. What a comedown!
Or, as our future President would summarize it all and tweet: Sad!
We are but one step from stepping on a banana peel, and becoming a Banana Republic, or worse. Laughingstock we already have been for some months now. What a comedown!
Or, as our future President would summarize it all and tweet: Sad!
15
Well, thanks Trump voters. Just what the rest of us want.
Going into a new presidency, ticking off everyone across the world except Russia.
Going into a new presidency, ticking off everyone across the world except Russia.
94
I like many have continued to wait for Trump to start acting like the Presidency actually means something to him and taking the position seriously.
Unfortunately I'm still waiting and constantly reminded of a comment that was made about him during the nomination process..."when a person shows you who they really are, believe them. I believe.
Unfortunately I'm still waiting and constantly reminded of a comment that was made about him during the nomination process..."when a person shows you who they really are, believe them. I believe.
42
Yes! Trump has been showing us exactly what he is for years. A shameless self-promoter who only cares about making the deal and not what happens afterward.
3
"Mr. Trump’s unpredictability is perhaps his most predictable characteristic." The world is now in bed with an abusive husband, walking on eggshells, unable to insure the security and stability of the family. Let's hope a nuclear power like China won't be the denigrated wife who decides violent retaliation is the only way out.
49
How melodramatic!
1
"A sense of uncertainty grips the world"? - No - it's a sense of certainty that the world is not going to rip off the US anymore and they don't know what to do. Good to see that the "world" is going to respect the US again. Trump is so right in what he says - Germany letting in the refugees is example A - and they "can't handle the truth".
5
You make no sense. How is Germany taking refugees disrespecting or taking away from the US? You do understand that if the world is 100 people less then 5 are Americans? And you understand that American protectionism will work as well as New York State protectionism would.
1
With all due respect you suggest that Mr. Trump's actions respond to a negotiating strategy, say from a position of power. If so, it suggests that Mr. Trump assumes that he is no longer the owner and director of a corporation but the leader of a sovereign country with a history and legitimate interests....
The point on Germany is that Trump said Germany taking in those refugees was a mistake. Now Germany sees that as well. I'm not advocating "protectionism". I and others are advocating not letting other countries out negotiate us.
Far from damaging Merkel they have probably strengthened her particularly in Germany where Trump is widely regarded as a complete buffoon. Her response to his usual bluster was classic Merkel.
270
Really John? - Merkel is going down in the next election and she is scrambling to save her job now.
3
And from what my friends in Paris tell me, the French are horrified by Trump and his Cabinet choices, and the Presidential race there reccently appears to be more like a contest between Emanuel Macron and François Fillon, but Le Pen is quietly building her faction and ready to pounce. After all, it's not just who is running for President, it's what's in the air, and it is called Fear. Anything is possible after Trump. Don't remember having to carry around this much anxiety since the 1950s Soviet menace when the nuns made us hide under our desks to practice for nuclear attack. Big help!
23
He has already damaged America in the eyes of the world for the past 18+ months and now everytime he opens his mouth more dread comes out. It is very clear he and Russia - Putin - have worked something out in the background as everything he is doing and saying points to bolstering Russian relations and sabatoging all others...it is stunning, scarey and so disgusting I would hope someone in American wakes-up before it is way to late!
32