Funny, I seem to recall that the NY Times Editorial Board thought President Obama doing the wave with the dictator of Havana represented the height of American statesmanship.
5
I am slightly confused. An article about the president "embracing another despot"......
Did the New York Times write such an article when Obama 'embraced' The Iranian mullahs? Did they write when Obama embraced Castro?
Suddenly it seems they are concerned when a president embraces a distasteful leader of a rogue country!
Did the New York Times write such an article when Obama 'embraced' The Iranian mullahs? Did they write when Obama embraced Castro?
Suddenly it seems they are concerned when a president embraces a distasteful leader of a rogue country!
3
The Editorial Board took an adulatory tone about Barack Obama meeting with Cuban Dictator Raul Castro, who murdered and imprisoned his people. Yet, the Editorial Board scolds Trump for meeting with a democratically elected President Duterte who murdered and imprisoned his people. I don't think the editorials have anything to do with Castro and Duterte.
The Editorial Board starts from the idea that Trump is bad and just paints in background facts to match the predetermined theme. The converse was true with Obama.
So, you end up with the two presidents engaged in the exact same endeavor being treated in polar opposite ways.
Ironically, you can't discern the Editorial Board's position on the practice of engaging with despots because it all depends on who is engaging.
The Editorial Board starts from the idea that Trump is bad and just paints in background facts to match the predetermined theme. The converse was true with Obama.
So, you end up with the two presidents engaged in the exact same endeavor being treated in polar opposite ways.
Ironically, you can't discern the Editorial Board's position on the practice of engaging with despots because it all depends on who is engaging.
Cry me a river people! What's wrong with a man bringing in law and order? What's wrong with a man trying to stop rampant drugs? Those who oppose such moves have their own hidden agenda.
3
We need to do away with the pretense that Donald Trump is the President. No real President of the United States would subject our country to such humiliation. Even his most loyal fans, the ones who would applaud him for shooting someone on 5th Ave, cannot justify his attempt to sully the highest office of the land by being best buddies with a dictator who calls for the assassination of untold thousands. How can the religious right embrace Trump who embraces murdering despots? What excuse can they offer? None! There is no excuse, no justification for Trump's behavior and no excuse for those who help him insult the memory every American who ever died in defense of this nation
12
"Yet for the most part American presidents, Republican and Democratic, have believed that the United States should provide a moral compass to the world"
I would be fine with American presidents providing moral compass with respect to human right to American people only.
I would be fine with American presidents providing moral compass with respect to human right to American people only.
1
How does 45 keep shooting off his mouth and shooting his foot at the same time? He is insane to think that he can operate autonomously. Doesn't anyone in his administration have the courage to tell him "no"? Talk less, listen more!
8
Two immoral, heartless, narcissist and conscienceless dictators.
11
With due respect to the Editors, do we as a nation have any choice except to embrace any foreign government that happens to be in power if we need its help in struggle against trans national terrorism? We overthrew Kaddafi, and now there is no national authority in Libya, just opposing private militias. Overthrow of Hussein in Iraq unleashed centrifugal forces resulting in a coiuntry permanently partitioned. Recall Carter's vaunted human rights campaign intended to deny foreign aid to any country that did not respect human rights of its citizens. Yet Operativo Condor,alliance among Latin American dictatorships to suppress popular dissent resulting in deaths of hundreds of thousands unfolded on his watch. Recently interviewed "familiares" of disappeared in Argentina , including colleagues of 2 French nuns kidnapped and disappeared by marines from ESMA, 2 among 30,000 killed during the reign of 3 juntas(1976-1983), and apart from Pat Derrian and Midge Costanza, few in Carter's admin. took it seriously. Orlando Letelier, Chilean diplomat, was victim of a car bombing in DC while Carter was in office. Hopeless to take a moral stance and say we will not deal with any world leader with blood on his hands, because they all do, including our own elected officials. Like his predecessor, Obama gave go ahead to JSOC to assassinate American citizens abroad who posed a threat, and gave its approval even more rapidly than Bush. Read Jeremy Skahill's articles in The Nation.
1
More of the fascist "Trump Effect" from his campaign,telling his rabid supporters, "rough 'em up,I'll pay your legal fees" "throw 'em out";he had young, black college students who were on their own campus,but when trump,sessions&the rest of his hacks see black,they call in the militarized police and create violence;those arrested for demonstrating at trump's empty inauguration could get up to 75 years in prison for protesting;this is no longer America,it's a sick, immature man's personal obsession with his own power,so he embraces every murdering country leader,runs after his soul-mate Putin,and is the biggest liar and looser ever to get to hold office. And yes, the election was rigged just as he said, rigged for him by billionaire money and his secretive Russian alliances.
4
Lots of us during the campaign that Trump is a fascist and you laughed. Now I still read comments and oped every day trying to make sense and a normal.president out of him. HE'S NOT NORMAL. of couse he embraces every strong man leader and snubs democrats. HE'S A FASCIST, RACIST DICTATOR TO BE. what don't you understand? Stop trying to normalize and equivocate. He must be removed period.
7
What international reputation? Long gone since Trump became president...
7
Thank you so much, Donald Trump.
For dragging everything my Marine Colonel after and my surgeon father-in-law who face D-Day, fought for to protect America.
Please do not even think of starting a war with North Korea, while sleeping with Comrade Putin, and your Philippine friends.
For dragging everything my Marine Colonel after and my surgeon father-in-law who face D-Day, fought for to protect America.
Please do not even think of starting a war with North Korea, while sleeping with Comrade Putin, and your Philippine friends.
5
The headline is embarrassingly wrong.
"Despot" means "absolute ruler". Donald Trump is anything but, given his success rate so far.
Does anyone even edit these things?
"Despot" means "absolute ruler". Donald Trump is anything but, given his success rate so far.
Does anyone even edit these things?
Nonsense all Presidents have embraced despots. Obama for example flew to Cuba to meet the dictator Castro while getting no concessions in return. Embarrassing himself and our country without a word of protest from the left. Spare us the liberal hypocrisy please
5
trump must embrace these people, bc hes almost finished w the new tyrants, despots, mass murderers and dictator wing at his new wash dc hotel
2
I think the editorial board grossly exaggerates America's reputation as a guardian of human rights. The U.S. Gov't has been doing business with regimes which are serious violators of human rights since the get-go, when not doing so itself. The hypocrisy is mind bending. One question I have is whether Americans would engage in and/or permit the extra-judicial killings being carried out against alleged drug dealers and addicts in the Philippines? I would like to think not. Is the drug problem in the Philippines much worse than in the U.S., and if so, why?
1
It is almost as if he is modeling Professior Moriarty, the arch criminal, trying to establish his spiderweb connections with all the corrupt politicians and businessmen in the world, so that, when he leaves office, he has networked his family with those he could never have networked before. Notice how he does not seek out the honest, fair, uncorruptable, decent and revered of the world. Those he dismisses with bizarre handshakes or refuses to shake hands with or fails to call.
3
We need to do away with the pretense that Donald Trump is the President. No real President of the United States would subject our country to such humiliation. Even his most loyal fans, the ones who would applaud him for shooting someone on 5th Ave, cannot justify his attempt to sully the highest office of the land by being best buddies with a dictator who calls for the assassination of untold thousands. How can the religious right embrace Trump who embraces murdering despots? What excuse can they offer? None! There is no excuse, no justification for Trump's behavior ad no excuse for those who help him insult the memory every American who ever died in defense of this nation
The fact remains that significant majorities in many countries like the despotic style of men who seem to make decisions. Just like Trump, they win. We are in a new era of violent and autocratic despots, who unlike earlier, have been democratically elected. Learn to go with the flow.
Trump doesn t sit well with his peers from established democracies (traditional allies), so why not hang out with thugs, and scare your friends into remorse?
3
I am appalled that this writer believes that we should be the moral compass. What would make him think we are beacons of this idea? With abuses by the thousands over the years, probably just as many have been killed in the name of righteous police, sheriffs, politicians, etc. Please stop thinking this country believes in democracy for all; it is only for those few!
2
We're people, not angels. For all our flaws, I'd take America over the Soviet Union, Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, Venezuela, Maoist China, Putin's Russia, etc.
6
When Obama discussed his intention to meet with the leader of No. Korea during a presidential debate in 2008, did the NYT editorial board criticize him for wanting to meet with a despot?
There are gradations of evil regimes and NYT Editorial Board were quiet little mice who did not even peep when a proposal was made to meet with the most evil regime from their "progressive" hero.
There are gradations of evil regimes and NYT Editorial Board were quiet little mice who did not even peep when a proposal was made to meet with the most evil regime from their "progressive" hero.
3
I don't recall Obama saying he wanted to meet the leader of North Korea, but I do remember him saying he wanted to meet with Iran's leader and there was a huge outcry.
1
Obama kills a suspected terrorist who is a U.S. citizen extrajudicially. The left does not care. Trump meets with an ally who extrajudicially kills his own citizens. The left goes crazy. Is there a difference between the two? Weren't both killed because their leaders made a call to operate outside the judicial system?
3
A likely incomplete list of the tyrants the U.S., in efforts to act as a "beacon of democracy and a global advocate of human rights and the rule of law" and to "provide a moral compass to the world, encouraging people to pursue their right to self-government and human dignity," has lauded and supported:
Indonesian dictator Suharto
Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza
Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet
Shah of Iran (after engineering the ouster of democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh )
Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi who overthrew first democratically elected government of Egypt
Indonesian dictator Suharto
Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza
Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet
Shah of Iran (after engineering the ouster of democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh )
Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi who overthrew first democratically elected government of Egypt
2
"Nobody knew health care could be so complicated."
"Nobody's safe."
"Nobody builds walls better than me."
"Nobody has better toys than I do."
"Nobody's stronger than me."
"Nobody loves the Bible more than I do."
"Nobody would be tougher on ISIS than Donald Trump."
So, this is interesting. Here's my take:
There's the "I alone" Donald Trump, the self-aggrandizing, non-stop narcissist and then there's his alter ego - Nobody.
He talks constantly about them both, a verbal "tell" for all the world.
"Nobody's safe."
"Nobody builds walls better than me."
"Nobody has better toys than I do."
"Nobody's stronger than me."
"Nobody loves the Bible more than I do."
"Nobody would be tougher on ISIS than Donald Trump."
So, this is interesting. Here's my take:
There's the "I alone" Donald Trump, the self-aggrandizing, non-stop narcissist and then there's his alter ego - Nobody.
He talks constantly about them both, a verbal "tell" for all the world.
7
I suppose it would be silly of me to think this had anything to do with why Duterte got an invitation to the White House.
1
if duterte comes, trump will put him up at his new wash dc hotel
and bill you for the stay
now that would be galling
but thats trump for ya
3
It is time to reflect on 'How the USA came to elect Trump'.
Trump is the symptom of plutocratic moral decay by mostly, but not entirely, the Republican party. All must remember the GOP since President Obama demanded that the USA be run like a business with a business man in charge. Businesses are amoral. The responsibility of an American business CEO and the Board of Directors is simple: Increase shareholder value. This approach is Trump and this approach is GOP. Ethics and morality have no place in that approach.
Trump is the symptom of plutocratic moral decay by mostly, but not entirely, the Republican party. All must remember the GOP since President Obama demanded that the USA be run like a business with a business man in charge. Businesses are amoral. The responsibility of an American business CEO and the Board of Directors is simple: Increase shareholder value. This approach is Trump and this approach is GOP. Ethics and morality have no place in that approach.
7
America as a corporation is now getting the supreme test. Its CEO is fond of bankruptcy.
The question may yet be, can a nation survive bankruptcy?
The question may yet be, can a nation survive bankruptcy?
4
Donald is very obviously trying to pick-up pointers. " How to Dictate, in 3 easy steps". " Looting the Treasury, for Dummies". " Installing Family Members in Office, Permanently ". AND: " How to Make Enemies, and start Never ending Wars, while Shifting Blame"..
9
It is clear that Trump wants to rule this nation by decree. What frightens me is that a compliant Republican congress, concerned only with keeping their seats, might rig things to let him do just that.
10
Congress has no roll in dealing with diplomats, so I don't see any issue
When Obama was embracing the Iranians to make that unholy deal, I don't recall the NYT supporting such opinion pieces. Trump has his reasons for engaging this leader. It doesn't mean anything more than he wants to have a conversation with him.
4
Obama never openly praised the Ayatollah or his theocracy, so I don't see how your comparison holds much weight.
4
The intervention with Iran was an international collaboration. Your analogy is as misplaced as your analysis.
4
Show me the Oval-office photo of Barrack and the Ayatollah embracing beneath the portrait of Martin Luther King!
2
Didn't Obama embrace Fidel Castro? That guy was much worse. Disingenuous again, NYT.
2
The Saudi rulers embraced by all Presidents aren't despots?
5
straw man
3
Trump likes to "make news" and make statements to bring attention to himself without caring one bit about its effect on the USA. It is so obvious that he is pathological and manic with his personality disorder of narcissism. But that's only part of the Trump problem. The other is that there is no evidence whatsoever that he actually reads anything of substance and can barely and only very slowly read his speeches. He argued about pre-existing conditions issues with, "I just saw it on the shows." It is so dangerous to have a thoughtless, instable man like Trump as President.
7
Is this unique to President Trump? Talk about ignorance of American history.
3
So, now, every time Trump offers to meet with a controversial world leader, the Editorial Board and liberals are going to go off on another tirade?
Good to know.
Good to know.
3
If he released his tax returns and resisted his tweeting instincts we'd cut him some slack.
4
"Controversial world leader" is Trumpian newspeak for murderous despot.
3
i would love to see "not my president" and the other two despots standing together in a photo op of love and forgiveness.
1
I believe it relates to upbringing, to being raised by nannies, a distant mother, a demanding father....being sent to a strict military academy due to bad behavior which included aggression toward a teacher. A different set of parents might have worked that out better. Then, at the military academy, the only honor he was awarded was for neatness. Then as an adult, ruthless.
4
"Birds of a feather flock together."
And, apparently, so do bullies...
And, apparently, so do bullies...
3
Duterte is famous for his stories of having journalists fly with him in his helicopter then throwing them out of the chopper. “HAHAHA!”
Yeah I can see why Trump would get off on that.
Trump is COMPLETELY unable to discern between strength and murderous cruelty. Trump actually thinks that assaulting women, firing people, refusing to pay contractors is somehow a sign of manly strength when it is just the opposite. And his followers have the same confusion.
Yeah I can see why Trump would get off on that.
Trump is COMPLETELY unable to discern between strength and murderous cruelty. Trump actually thinks that assaulting women, firing people, refusing to pay contractors is somehow a sign of manly strength when it is just the opposite. And his followers have the same confusion.
4
Flirting with homicidal leaders, embracing despots, praising authoritarian human rights deniers, all in a days work for the leader of the free world.
Why not include Syria's Assad on the guest list while we're at it? It would make a great "theme night" at the White House (or Mar a Ego) although seating arrangements at dinner may be a bit tricky! Raise a toast to Idi Amin, Pol Pot, the evening could go on forever. To riff on President Kennedy's claim, it would be the greatest collection of deviant minds gathered at the White House with the exception of when Donald Trump dined alone.
Why not include Syria's Assad on the guest list while we're at it? It would make a great "theme night" at the White House (or Mar a Ego) although seating arrangements at dinner may be a bit tricky! Raise a toast to Idi Amin, Pol Pot, the evening could go on forever. To riff on President Kennedy's claim, it would be the greatest collection of deviant minds gathered at the White House with the exception of when Donald Trump dined alone.
3
He shares the same DNA as these depots when it comes to his lies, and attempts to discredit anyone or news outlet that disagrees with his tortured logic. You get that sinking feeling that he wishes for a depots power to impose his solutions to the countries problems or what he perceives to the problems.
3
PlanetRulers site has an up-to-date list of the current world dictators and authoritarian regimes. As of today, there are 49 dictatorships in the world (21 in Africa, 18 in Asia, 7 in the Middle East, 1 in Europe and 2 in Americas). We define a dictator as the ruler of a land rated “Not Free” by the Freedom House in their annual survey of freedom.
Looks like the future guest list at Mar-a-Lago.
Will next year's list include the United States? I bet Trump would brag about being on the list. Alas, is this what is meant by "may you live in interesting times"?
Looks like the future guest list at Mar-a-Lago.
Will next year's list include the United States? I bet Trump would brag about being on the list. Alas, is this what is meant by "may you live in interesting times"?
3
Why, in the graphic that accompanies this article, has the NYT chosen to make the bad guy black and a snake, and the American guy white? Do we really need to add more fuel to the fire of unspoken racial bias?
3
Trump has a big building in manilla. Any conflict there?
Duterte's death squads would do well to kill him- he's a drug addict himself, fentanyl, the opioid stronger than heroin--as the times recently exposed.
Duterte's death squads would do well to kill him- he's a drug addict himself, fentanyl, the opioid stronger than heroin--as the times recently exposed.
5
america began the hole sale eroding of its own reputation when it illegally invaded vietnam, and slaughtered 3 mln innocents w horrific wmd such as agent orange, napalm and 750 pound carpet bombing from b52s
and you kept it up w irq/afg/syria etc etc
trump is swine, but frankly theres not much more eroded your reputation can get
oh, and fyi, your last stooge dictator of the pi, marcos, as horrible a tyrant as he was, asked you to not make your b52 raids from clark
1
"Bad", "sad", "big, big, big", "great, really great": elect a 3-year old mind in a senior citizen's orange hair costume, a boy-man who keeps his ties taped to his shirt, and don't be surprised that he wants a big Daddy image to hug when things get too complicated for him: Daddy Putin, Kim Un, Daddy Duerte, -- and Big Mommy Marine LePen. Get him coloring books and crayons - no words, just pictures to color the way he likes, outside the lines is no problem for our youngster. That's where we are.
We have a li'l tyke President and his childish playmates from Breitbart and TTower's kindergarten for billionaires. Be careful. They'll eat up all the cookies from your party, take your medicine bottles to play with the pretty colored beads, and run away with your pocketbook and wallet, laughing.
It's already started? OK, just make sure he gives back that red button and keep him from butting into adult conversations.
Please. Your life may depend on babysitting this clown of a kid.
We have a li'l tyke President and his childish playmates from Breitbart and TTower's kindergarten for billionaires. Be careful. They'll eat up all the cookies from your party, take your medicine bottles to play with the pretty colored beads, and run away with your pocketbook and wallet, laughing.
It's already started? OK, just make sure he gives back that red button and keep him from butting into adult conversations.
Please. Your life may depend on babysitting this clown of a kid.
3
The difference between the strongman authoritarian figures who President Trump gushes over, and himself, is that he is terrified by them. Trump is the schoolyard bully who picks on the weaker kids to convince himself that he’s a tough guy. But when confronted by real strongmen in the yard, he cowers. He’s forced to flatter them to protect is well-being and false image.
4
All the idiot Obama had to do was maintain the same good relations America had had with the Philippines for decades, but the incompetent lying tyrant fool Obama messed that up too!
1
Is it possible that in his own twisted way of looking at the world, that he wants to cozy up to these dictatorial types to observe them and learn from their ways so that he can become a leader more like them?
He certainly seems to like their style.
He certainly seems to like their style.
3
Trump embraces despots like Duterte and Putin because he wants to be included in their club. He talks like them at his "rallies" and boasts of his toughness throughout his speeches. I think he would like nothing more than to be able to run amuck along with his cronies through the American democracy.
One of my hopes is for the middle of this country to hold steady and for the constitution to hold us in place. This administration is the test of all time for our American way of life; he is the snake he talks about in his rallies. Unfortunately the rest of us are getting the brunt of his venom as well.
One of my hopes is for the middle of this country to hold steady and for the constitution to hold us in place. This administration is the test of all time for our American way of life; he is the snake he talks about in his rallies. Unfortunately the rest of us are getting the brunt of his venom as well.
4
There is nothing inherently wrong with talking to these "despots". It really only matter who is doing the talking. Trump is not the right person. While he may be POTUS he brings little in the way of knowledge or experience. What he does possess, in the way of information, is probably gleaned from twitter, TMZ, Wikipedia and his 1st edition World Book Encyclopedia he keeps by the desk.
Best for Trump to stay home, leave the despots to other leaders to deal with.
Best for Trump to stay home, leave the despots to other leaders to deal with.
2
"But Mr. Trump erodes America’s reputation when he uncritically embraces those who show the least regard for human rights, rule of law and democracy", facts, decency, education, women, people 'of color', history, morality, ethics, and The Constitution.
2
No discussion of President Trump's statements about foreign leaders is complete when the commentary fails to note the Trump Family's financial ties to that other nation and the Trump's financial vulnerability to those leaders' actions.
The Trump Organization has a major hotel and condo complex nearing completion in Manila. Surely, President Trump is aware that President Duterte could influence the Phillipine Government's decisions about that property.
The Trump Organization also has a major hotel/condo complex nearing completion in Istanbul. Surely President Trump is aware that President Erdogan could influence the Turkish Government's decisions about that property.
The Trump Organization just received more than 30 trademarks of the Trump brand in China and Ivanka Trump received another 10 for her brand the night that the Chinese President had dinner at Mar-a-Lago with the Trumps. Surely, the Trumps are aware that the President of China could influence the Chinese Government's decisions about Trump manufacturing and sales in China.
We must presume given this President's greed and lack of propriety that U.S. Government decisions that affect other nations where he and his family have major investment, or want to invest, will focus first on Trump wealth and second on what is good for the people of the United States. Reportage and commentary should at least identify this conflicting interests whenever writing about the Trump decisions as President. Follow the money!
The Trump Organization has a major hotel and condo complex nearing completion in Manila. Surely, President Trump is aware that President Duterte could influence the Phillipine Government's decisions about that property.
The Trump Organization also has a major hotel/condo complex nearing completion in Istanbul. Surely President Trump is aware that President Erdogan could influence the Turkish Government's decisions about that property.
The Trump Organization just received more than 30 trademarks of the Trump brand in China and Ivanka Trump received another 10 for her brand the night that the Chinese President had dinner at Mar-a-Lago with the Trumps. Surely, the Trumps are aware that the President of China could influence the Chinese Government's decisions about Trump manufacturing and sales in China.
We must presume given this President's greed and lack of propriety that U.S. Government decisions that affect other nations where he and his family have major investment, or want to invest, will focus first on Trump wealth and second on what is good for the people of the United States. Reportage and commentary should at least identify this conflicting interests whenever writing about the Trump decisions as President. Follow the money!
5
With Angela Merkel pressing Putin on human rights in Russia, she is becoming the "leader of the free world".
Drumpf does not know what repression and human rights is let alone talk with Putin about it...his behavior over the last couple of days signals that human rights are not a concern for him and his administration.
His stance on freedoms...speech, press and otherwise are already known as exampled by his hatred of a free press and dissent.
Drumpf does not know what repression and human rights is let alone talk with Putin about it...his behavior over the last couple of days signals that human rights are not a concern for him and his administration.
His stance on freedoms...speech, press and otherwise are already known as exampled by his hatred of a free press and dissent.
2
Trump is engaging the despots of the world whereas all Obama could do was sit behind the resolute desk, make idle threats then do nothing. Obama didn't know how to handle these guys and as a result made not only himself but America look week. The only way to get to these guys is through face to face confrontation or war. Trump's calling them out to see if he can deal with them. If not, then he's got a basis to take military action. But the alt-left, resistance and media wouldn't see that as a strategy; drawing red lines and letting the bad guys cross over it without consequence is more their style.
1
Those with military experience, both past and present, don't see it as a strategy, either. But so long as the non-uniformed "tough guys" are happy, well I guess that's all that matters to some.
2
Trump campaigned in a barely veiled way at the strong father that would take care of everything and fix everything so that all the voters had to do was vote for him and let daddy take care of it. Sadly, we have enough of our fellow Americans who feel so powerless and ineffectual that this appeal to let daddy take care of it and fix it for them without them having to do anything themselves proves irresistible for too many of our people. Therefore, since he imagines himself as the great Patriarch, the strong omni-potent father figure, he identifies with these other patriarchal authoritarian tyrants. Because you see, part of the implicit contract you make with Donald Trump when you elect him to fix your life for you you implicitly agree not to criticize or question him. That would be the height of ingratitude for all he is doing for you. So you don't want to do that, you want to worship and adore the great white father. Otherwise, as you've seen he gets very enraged, extremely angry and likely to lash out. Hence civil rights and human rights often appear to Trump as annoyances and pointless encumbrances. Democracy to his authoritarian personality is something he seems he'd like to get rid of or vastly suppress so he can work his will as CEO of America. Lastly and perhaps most disturbing, he has no insight into self, so he's not aware of these anti democratic feelings in himself.
3
The NYT editorial board feels Trump is tarnishing this great country's reputation as the beacon of Democracy.
I might be able to take this editorial a little more seriously if they had said that Trump is tarnishing this great country's facade of a reputation for being a beacon of Democracy.
The self-righteousness of the editorial board couldn't be more visible. This country has never been a beacon of Democracy and never will be as long as the Empire stands. See the long list of despots we supported and those leaders we have had an active role in overthrowing.
I might be able to take this editorial a little more seriously if they had said that Trump is tarnishing this great country's facade of a reputation for being a beacon of Democracy.
The self-righteousness of the editorial board couldn't be more visible. This country has never been a beacon of Democracy and never will be as long as the Empire stands. See the long list of despots we supported and those leaders we have had an active role in overthrowing.
3
I am not opposed to the contents of the editorial. Its WRONG that our President is embracing these despots. However, I must ask the question: Has the NYTimes Editorial Board previously questioned our government's alliance and commitment to Saudi Arabia? If so, great. If not, why not?
The first sentence is true. The United States has indeed long seen itself as a beacon of democracy and a global advocate of human rights and the rule of law. However, I would go a step further with the second sentence. We cannot be blinded by the truth and where we have faltered, it has been horrific. Our government has installed, and supported, a number despots around the world, for many years. Our government kicked out the democratically elected leader in Guatemala (Arbenz) when it did not serve corporate interests (See United Fruit Company). We kicked out the democratically elected leader in Iran (Mosaddegh) when it did not serve corporate interests and countless (See British Petroleum).
What Trump is doing is concerning, but it fits nicely within the corporate interest playbook that was utilized throughout the Cold War and 20th century. Trump is corrupt and as long as we do not know the extent of his global business ties, I am choosing to assume that they are all related to expanding his personal business interests, not for the interests of the American people.
The first sentence is true. The United States has indeed long seen itself as a beacon of democracy and a global advocate of human rights and the rule of law. However, I would go a step further with the second sentence. We cannot be blinded by the truth and where we have faltered, it has been horrific. Our government has installed, and supported, a number despots around the world, for many years. Our government kicked out the democratically elected leader in Guatemala (Arbenz) when it did not serve corporate interests (See United Fruit Company). We kicked out the democratically elected leader in Iran (Mosaddegh) when it did not serve corporate interests and countless (See British Petroleum).
What Trump is doing is concerning, but it fits nicely within the corporate interest playbook that was utilized throughout the Cold War and 20th century. Trump is corrupt and as long as we do not know the extent of his global business ties, I am choosing to assume that they are all related to expanding his personal business interests, not for the interests of the American people.
4
Imagine the agenda of a Trump arranged meeting of strong leaders, Putin, Sisi, Erdogan, Duterte, Kim Jung Un. Whatever the agenda items It would not, of course, include the the continuance of a working Union or maintaining Justice, ensure Domestic tranquilly, promote the general Welfare and secure the Blessings of Liberty, but we could be confident it would quadruple the Defense against ourselves and our posterity.
2
Where is the proof of Trump's "authoritarian tendencies"?
He has had two presidential orders regarding immigration struck down by courts (so far). Has he tried to dismiss the courts or implement his orders?
He lost one, and soon two, efforts in Congress to reform Obamacare? Did he try to dissolve Congress or take action without their approval?
The government was in danger of "running out of money" because of the debt limit. Did Trump try to unilaterally raise the debt limit? Or did he have to accept a deal that he doesn't like?
Or maybe it's because he criticizes some media outlets? Have these media outlets been shut down or are they still operating in full anti-Trump mode?
Did Trump do anything to stop several high profile protests against him?
Sorry, there is no evidence of "authoritarianism". Only an unfounded fear sponsored by liberals to frighten and mobilize their base.
He has had two presidential orders regarding immigration struck down by courts (so far). Has he tried to dismiss the courts or implement his orders?
He lost one, and soon two, efforts in Congress to reform Obamacare? Did he try to dissolve Congress or take action without their approval?
The government was in danger of "running out of money" because of the debt limit. Did Trump try to unilaterally raise the debt limit? Or did he have to accept a deal that he doesn't like?
Or maybe it's because he criticizes some media outlets? Have these media outlets been shut down or are they still operating in full anti-Trump mode?
Did Trump do anything to stop several high profile protests against him?
Sorry, there is no evidence of "authoritarianism". Only an unfounded fear sponsored by liberals to frighten and mobilize their base.
Perhaps the NY Times would prefer that the U.S. refuse to work with Turkey, Philippines, Russia, Egypt, and perhaps a dozen or so current U.S. allies with non-democratic leaders.
Hmm. I wonder how that would impact our geopolitical interests.
Hmm. I wonder how that would impact our geopolitical interests.
2
Not remotely what the NYT wrote.
3
The damage Trump has already done to the prestige and honour of office of the President will continue long after he has left the office.
8
Over the course of his adult life, Trump has always been a wannabe. This is just more of the same.
7
"What is not in any doubt is Mr. Trump’s own authoritarian tendencies and his fondness for other strongman leaders who, like him, chafe at governmental checks and balances, including the courts."
Trump may be an extreme example of a corporate CEO, but aren't they all dictators within their own companies? Isn't this a management style they all feel comfortable exercising? After all, if the CEO gives an order, it's either obeyed or heads roll, albeit not literally ... which brings us back to the extreme nature of Trump.
Trump may be an extreme example of a corporate CEO, but aren't they all dictators within their own companies? Isn't this a management style they all feel comfortable exercising? After all, if the CEO gives an order, it's either obeyed or heads roll, albeit not literally ... which brings us back to the extreme nature of Trump.
5
Except that the CEO is accountable to the Board of Directors, the stockholders, and the marketplace.
3
Recep Tayyip Ergodan must be feeling left out. And he is one of the "good guys", NATO partner and all that.
4
While it is tempting to see Duterte's refusal of the invitation to the WH as a blow to Trump's prestige, I think there may be more to it. I wonder if Duterte does not dare set foot outside of the Philippines for fear of being picked up by Interpol and sent to the Hague to be tried for crimes against humanity. In which case, he would be in good company with Cheney who also cannot leave the USA.
11
Washington Post article has just reminded us of the massive "wonderful" building that Trump is building in Manila. If this alone is not enough for impeachment ...
14
"His White House invitation to Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines erodes America's reputation."
How so? Duterte is the legal, elected president of the Philippines and as such is their head of state. Maybe Berkley won't invite him to speak at their commencement or Portland won't invite him to one of their parades but as a foreign head of state he has every to be invited to the White House as any other head of state. Try reading the Constitution before making stupid liberal progressive intolerant remarks.
How so? Duterte is the legal, elected president of the Philippines and as such is their head of state. Maybe Berkley won't invite him to speak at their commencement or Portland won't invite him to one of their parades but as a foreign head of state he has every to be invited to the White House as any other head of state. Try reading the Constitution before making stupid liberal progressive intolerant remarks.
5
So it's OK for a self-confessed murderer to be welcomed into the White House?
Next Trump will put up pictures of Hitler and Pol Pot in the Oval office.
Next Trump will put up pictures of Hitler and Pol Pot in the Oval office.
11
Tired
Are you saying it is ok to slaughter humans at will? Duterte brags about it. How about someone you cared about being gunned down in the street without any recourse of justice. How can anyone defend this vile human? So let's invite all of the evil dictators to a party at the White House? How does the constitution defend trumps befriending of every murderous thug in the world.
Do you even know what the constitution protects? Justice, life and liberty of all humans not just white rich old men.
Are you saying it is ok to slaughter humans at will? Duterte brags about it. How about someone you cared about being gunned down in the street without any recourse of justice. How can anyone defend this vile human? So let's invite all of the evil dictators to a party at the White House? How does the constitution defend trumps befriending of every murderous thug in the world.
Do you even know what the constitution protects? Justice, life and liberty of all humans not just white rich old men.
and you sir should read a newspaper and inform yourself of the horrific attrocities that Dutarte is responsible for before discrediting responsible journalism
1
TRUMP Has issued an invitation to Duterte who is an even more extreme, unhinged "leader" bent on destroying the Philippines. With the blood of some 7,000 citizens on his hands due to the executions he said he'd performed--but had ordered performed--he's a pariah. A pariah with an invitation to the White House. Why, you may well ask? It's because the Trumpenstein Monster is planning a Monster's Ball, which would be impossible to plan without bringing the worst monsters in the world into the White House. To do the People's Business? To plan how to make heads roll more like. Putin will be there, traveling incognito, dressed as a leopard. With changed spots. Along with the warring leaders from South Sudan, who will bring some people whom they deem expendable for fun and games in the White House firing range.
7
"Most victims were poor drug users and low-level criminals, but bystanders, children and political opponents were also caught up in the bloodshed." This sentence seems, inadvertently I am sure, to be saying that it is OK to kill "poor drug users and low-level criminals." I'm sure this is not what the Editorial Board meant to suggest.
3
Could someone please wake me up when the nightmare is over? Or maybe we are all going to end up in the big sleep. I just can't take any more thinking about the fact that we elected a man who deosn't believe in democracy at all. No he is working every minute to eliminate it. It, and "the people," stand in the way of his profit and his will.
9
Is this editorial suggesting the US President can somehow have its image tarnished because he's gathering with leaders with bad reputation according to patterns from the Western establishment?
And other way around, isn't it equally embarrassing for those world leaders to gather with someone who represent an institution - the United States Presidency - responsible for countless death from innocent civilians from around the world, more assuredly, at least in the last 100 years?!
And other way around, isn't it equally embarrassing for those world leaders to gather with someone who represent an institution - the United States Presidency - responsible for countless death from innocent civilians from around the world, more assuredly, at least in the last 100 years?!
6
Yes and yes.
3
I'm sure there are countries that feel that way. In the past I would have said their loss...Now I don't know...
Nothing new here. Tom Lehrer's song, "Send the Marines:"
When someone makes a move
Of which we don't approve,
Who is it that always intervenes?
U.N. and O.A.S.,
They have their place, I guess,
But first send the Marines!
We'll send them all we've got,
John Wayne and Randolph Scott,
Remember those exciting fighting scenes?
To the shores of Tripoli,
But not to Mississippoli,
What do we do? We send the Marines!
For might makes right,
And till they've seen the light,
They've got to be protected,
All their rights respected,
'Till somebody we like can be elected.
Members of the corps
All hate the thought of war,
They'd rather kill them off by peaceful means.
Stop calling it aggression,
O we hate that expression.
We only want the world to know
That we support the status quo.
They love us everywhere we go,
So when in doubt,
Send the Marines!
When someone makes a move
Of which we don't approve,
Who is it that always intervenes?
U.N. and O.A.S.,
They have their place, I guess,
But first send the Marines!
We'll send them all we've got,
John Wayne and Randolph Scott,
Remember those exciting fighting scenes?
To the shores of Tripoli,
But not to Mississippoli,
What do we do? We send the Marines!
For might makes right,
And till they've seen the light,
They've got to be protected,
All their rights respected,
'Till somebody we like can be elected.
Members of the corps
All hate the thought of war,
They'd rather kill them off by peaceful means.
Stop calling it aggression,
O we hate that expression.
We only want the world to know
That we support the status quo.
They love us everywhere we go,
So when in doubt,
Send the Marines!
6
Duarte shows no taste.
2
It seems to me that protocol and tradition are not enough. I can just see Trump sharing that delicious chocolate cake they make at Mar-a Lago with Mr. Duterte. "Yummy, it's so good, you're my friend". We need laws that mandate how and where our president meets with world leaders. He is not a private citizen when acting in his elected role.
10
You got the graphic backwards. Duterte may be misguided and too simplistic and violent in his approach, but so is Trump. To show Trump as the "white hat" and Duterte as the snake wrapping around him, I think it's the other way around. Trump is a snake of the lowest order.
6
Who believes such Orwellian nonsense? The US re-arms Israel *mid warcrime* and NYT editors' sense of outrage slumbers.
Fact is that the U.S. has always coddled dictators as long as they did what it asked them to do. Clinton, Bush, Obama all welcomed various theocratic sheiks and murderous dictators at the White House. Since World War II the U.S. has attempted or succeeded in "regime change" over 50 times. It did not care if those countries were dictatorships or staunch democracies . In fact none of these illegal interference was motivated by "human rights". Many such coups made things far worse (see Iraq; Libya; Syria).
Bush invaded Iraq based of lies willingly peddled by the New York Time and the Washington Post. Obama directly ordered American citizens killed by drones and without any legal procedure.
One makes peace with one's enemies, not with friends. But such logic does work on chickenhawk hyperinterventionists.
Any head of state disliked by the establishment is called a strongman, totalitarian, autocrat or dictator. The real reason for such characterization has nothing to do with democracy, elections or "human rights". Never has.
What do writers and editors like the above think when they peddle such mythology? They know that it is evidently contradicted by facts their own papers report on other occasions.
George Orwell called this "doublethink"
Is that not just another form of insanity?
Fact is that the U.S. has always coddled dictators as long as they did what it asked them to do. Clinton, Bush, Obama all welcomed various theocratic sheiks and murderous dictators at the White House. Since World War II the U.S. has attempted or succeeded in "regime change" over 50 times. It did not care if those countries were dictatorships or staunch democracies . In fact none of these illegal interference was motivated by "human rights". Many such coups made things far worse (see Iraq; Libya; Syria).
Bush invaded Iraq based of lies willingly peddled by the New York Time and the Washington Post. Obama directly ordered American citizens killed by drones and without any legal procedure.
One makes peace with one's enemies, not with friends. But such logic does work on chickenhawk hyperinterventionists.
Any head of state disliked by the establishment is called a strongman, totalitarian, autocrat or dictator. The real reason for such characterization has nothing to do with democracy, elections or "human rights". Never has.
What do writers and editors like the above think when they peddle such mythology? They know that it is evidently contradicted by facts their own papers report on other occasions.
George Orwell called this "doublethink"
Is that not just another form of insanity?
6
As my dearly departed mother would say "it takes one to know one" and I'll leave it at that.
5
Which explains why Obama got along so well with Castro and the mullahs on Iran
The true headline of the article should be "Donald Trump Embraces Another Democratically Elected Leader We Don't Like".
This is particularly funny given today's article by the editorial board that calls Trump to embrace an actual despot - Raul Castro:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/01/opinion/push-and-pull-on-cuba-trump-o...
This whole "pick-and-chose" when it comes to forms of government is not only annoying - it's dangerous. The editorial board effectively runs on a platform that the amount of "dictatorship" in a country should be determined not by how it is governed, but rather how its policies align with the theoretical tastes of a group of people half the globe away from it; the next logical step is to go full Mussolini and relieve uneducated masses from the burden of governing and delegate it to the Class That Knows What's Good for Everyone.
This is particularly funny given today's article by the editorial board that calls Trump to embrace an actual despot - Raul Castro:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/01/opinion/push-and-pull-on-cuba-trump-o...
This whole "pick-and-chose" when it comes to forms of government is not only annoying - it's dangerous. The editorial board effectively runs on a platform that the amount of "dictatorship" in a country should be determined not by how it is governed, but rather how its policies align with the theoretical tastes of a group of people half the globe away from it; the next logical step is to go full Mussolini and relieve uneducated masses from the burden of governing and delegate it to the Class That Knows What's Good for Everyone.
3
Gee, Trump might want to build a hotel - or sell his name to someone else to do so - in Havana! He will find Castro a "heck of a guy" to seal the deal, maybe take him on a tour of Little Havana to boot.
1
Another headline might be, "Trump Strengthens Ties with Asian Leaders in Anticipation of Direct Talks with North Korea".
2
America has faced this same problem repeatedly since the Second World War. Every single American President since then has had to balance American interests and American values. It’s never been pretty, and it never will be—and that’s just allies. Making peace with competitors and even enemies is even uglier.
4
It began long, long before WWII. This has been going on since the Monroe Doctrine.
Half the people out there think he's giving the North Korean leader "legitimacy" and the other half I'm not sure overall, but I'm part of the other half. Maybe we should remember that Kim Jong-un IS the leader of North Korea. There isn't anyone else. So when Donald Trump hints that, under the right conditions, he'd be willing to meet with the little brat, he means not that he's "embracing" Kim Jong-un (what a ridiculous headline; it's how I know the NYTimes editorial board up to no good), but that he's willing to get into the young leader's head, maybe play around a little in there looking for a weakness. After all, all Obama did was....
nothing, really.
nothing, really.
3
You give Trump too much credit. He is not that deep!
1
A lot of this is just sour grapes. Everything Trump does elicits some kind of outrage. He is on the right path with North Korea. It's likely he'll surpass Obama in terms of results there. They'll despise Trump even more for it.
2
Trump's preference for the bad hombres of the world is pretty consistent. He admires power anywhere no matter how those dictators cause harm to their people. I just wish that we, the American citizens, had other spokespeople for our values in the world. Trump doesn't represent most of America in his simpleton admiration of brutes. What a terrible representative Trump is for our image in the world.
6
GINA
IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE PRESIDENT TO HAVE CONNECTIONS WITH MANY COUNTRIES. YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT THE PRESIDENT DOES NOT HAVE A "PREFERENCE" FOR "BAD HOMBRES." I THINK THAT POSSIBLY YOU JUST WANT TO MAKE AN UNPLEASANT REMARK.
IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE PRESIDENT TO HAVE CONNECTIONS WITH MANY COUNTRIES. YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT THE PRESIDENT DOES NOT HAVE A "PREFERENCE" FOR "BAD HOMBRES." I THINK THAT POSSIBLY YOU JUST WANT TO MAKE AN UNPLEASANT REMARK.
1
Gina. None of us want to just make an unpleasant remark. Not the point. What we want is to see an incompetent and destructive president removed from office while we still have a few rights left!
1
It's positively obscene that the leader of the free world is quite happy to meet with a murderous thug. What does that say about him and about the U.S.? Trump's personal financial interests yet again trump our national interests.
4
He's not only "happy" to meet with this murderous thug, he considers it an "honor" -- That's the really frightening part.
2
SHARON
THE PRESIDENT NEEDS TO MEET WITH MANY LEADERS AROUND THE WORLD. WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT HIM? ANSWER: THE PRESIDENT IS DOING HIS JOB.
THE PRESIDENT NEEDS TO MEET WITH MANY LEADERS AROUND THE WORLD. WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT HIM? ANSWER: THE PRESIDENT IS DOING HIS JOB.
This editorial is utter hypocritical nonsense and one can say this while agreeing that Donald Trump has no interest in human rights. But that last quality is fully in evidence in American foreign policy going back generations. Right now the US is siding with Saudi Arabia in helping to starve children in Yemen--the NYT could mention this, but didn't, no doubt because the policy started under Obama. Our entire Mideast policy over the past 17 years has been a fiasco under both parties, with the overthrow of regimes or the attempted overthrow leading to massive civil wars and refugee flows.
Trump is unique in his own awful way, but the hypocrisy of this editorial shows a more deep rooted problem in US foreign policy. Mere words expressing good intentions seem enough to make us feel better about ourselves.
Trump is unique in his own awful way, but the hypocrisy of this editorial shows a more deep rooted problem in US foreign policy. Mere words expressing good intentions seem enough to make us feel better about ourselves.
7
Adding the Philippines to rogue nation status reeks of desperation on the part of those here seeking to present Trump as a failure or incompetent. Every President since FDR has broken bread with the Russian leaders, including the Soviet era leaders with significant blood on their hands. The list goes on and on of despots and dictators who have visited the White House over the generations. They all got warm welcoming speeches and toasts. An understanding real politic was once a hallmark of the Editorial page of this paper; today’s Editorial is that of a partisan rag drumming up a false indictment of the President.
5
"False indictment of Trump". Captures pretty much everything the media conjures up these days about Trump.
1
I do not see the big issue here. The USA has financed Marcos for years, only to reverse their policy once Aquino was murdered.
Allende was democratically elected, hence, the USA fomented a coup and supported Pinochet unconditionally.
Trump is only following the tracks of some of his predecessors.
Allende was democratically elected, hence, the USA fomented a coup and supported Pinochet unconditionally.
Trump is only following the tracks of some of his predecessors.
3
I think everyone is missing the point. DJT does not admire despots so much as look after his business interests. I believe that there are Trump branded properties in Manila.
4
Which brings us right back to his income taxes, and the Emoluents Clause....
3
What next? A White House invitation and Trump photo op for Charles Manson?
Sometimes with overuse diversion becomes a spotlight. Obviously takes an agile mind to know that.
PS. Great illustration...I imagine unseen behind Duterte are two small but but equally venomous snakes.
Sometimes with overuse diversion becomes a spotlight. Obviously takes an agile mind to know that.
PS. Great illustration...I imagine unseen behind Duterte are two small but but equally venomous snakes.
6
Sooo, according to the NY Times, it is great to blow kisses to the leader of Communist China, but to embrace the leader of an ally like the Philippines is bad? It is okay to embrace terrorists like Abbas, but not the leader of 110 million people who love America (the Filipinos)?
3
Again. I'm forced to ask, have you any idea who Rodrigo Duterte is, and what he has beem doing to his people???
4
Please don't distract President Trump with these meaningless criticisms. He needs to focus all of his major, major intellect on the deal he would have negotiated to avoid the Civil War.
6
Does his embrace of so many foreign dictators and authoritarians seem more than a little ominous to the rest of you? because this is beginning to look like he's assembling his own "axis of evil", made up of any strong-man America would have previously shunned.
Is he getting ready to stage a coup? I guess we'll know when protest marches turn lethal and are then banned outright.
Is he getting ready to stage a coup? I guess we'll know when protest marches turn lethal and are then banned outright.
7
I believe he is getting ready to stage a coup. I hope our military (who all took an oath to defend the US Constitution) will not let that happen.
5
Gosh, I remember when the NYT reported that Obama said he'd "talk" unconditionally with ANY world leader...wait
I guess the NYT headline writers prefer we don't talk to global leaders in search of global solutions. THAT makes a lot of sense...for the NYT
I guess the NYT headline writers prefer we don't talk to global leaders in search of global solutions. THAT makes a lot of sense...for the NYT
5
All of these comparisons to Obama only gives the impression that Trump is unable to stand on his own.
Another thing.
Obama didn't decimate the State Department to the point where diplomatic protocols were abrogated, and murderous dictators were welcomed into the White House with open arms.
Another thing.
Obama didn't decimate the State Department to the point where diplomatic protocols were abrogated, and murderous dictators were welcomed into the White House with open arms.
5
N. Smith:
Downsizing the State Dept. sounds like a smart move. The mission of State had drifted under Clinton and Kerry. Trump is entitled to not want a State Dept. that considers climate change the US's greatest challenge.
Downsizing the State Dept. sounds like a smart move. The mission of State had drifted under Clinton and Kerry. Trump is entitled to not want a State Dept. that considers climate change the US's greatest challenge.
1
Where is Congress???!!!!
5
Well, Duterte has never detonated a nuclear bomb. We have! Remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki and OUR concentration camps? Perhaps it would pay us to ask who is in the wrong.
1
Have we closed our military bases over there yet?
That's what Duterte wanted to do, not too long ago.
If we haven't already, let's get ourselves out of that corrupted country entirely.
We can easily show ourselves to the door of this tin pot dictator.
That's what Duterte wanted to do, not too long ago.
If we haven't already, let's get ourselves out of that corrupted country entirely.
We can easily show ourselves to the door of this tin pot dictator.
2
There is a good reason why Donald Trump liked Duterte: Duterte said something nice to him. That's it. Remember, Donald Trump doesn't really know much about anyone or anything. He likes to golf and watch T.V. That's our president. God help us all.
5
There's an even better reason why Trump likes Duterte -- it's called the Trump Tower in Manila.
3
If Obama or Hillary lavished praise on Erdogen, Kim or Duterte, and invited any of them to the White House, Republicans would have had massive strokes. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised at this.
As the Post's article detailed, Trump has not used the enormous platform of his office to "champion human rights and democratic values around the world." Humanitarian aid disappeared as a value.
Just recently during an interview, Trump complained the constitution was archaic; its checks and balances (of three independent branches) were preventing him from doing what he wanted to do. He longed to be a dictator.
The new bipartisan spending bill achieved gave me some hope. But already Trump bizarrely said he hopes there will be a government shutdown later on.
The shutdown of 2013 cost the Federal Government billions of dollars. As for jobs, the first two weeks of October had 120,000 fewer private sector jobs created.
The shutdown impacted millions of Americans relying on critical services. Business and consumer confidence plummeted. Critical scientific research stopped-- as 4 of the 5 Nobel prize winning scientists working for the government were furloughed by the shutdown.
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2013/11/07/impacts-and-costs-g...
https://journalistsresource.org/studies/government/congress/shutdown-fed...
As the Post's article detailed, Trump has not used the enormous platform of his office to "champion human rights and democratic values around the world." Humanitarian aid disappeared as a value.
Just recently during an interview, Trump complained the constitution was archaic; its checks and balances (of three independent branches) were preventing him from doing what he wanted to do. He longed to be a dictator.
The new bipartisan spending bill achieved gave me some hope. But already Trump bizarrely said he hopes there will be a government shutdown later on.
The shutdown of 2013 cost the Federal Government billions of dollars. As for jobs, the first two weeks of October had 120,000 fewer private sector jobs created.
The shutdown impacted millions of Americans relying on critical services. Business and consumer confidence plummeted. Critical scientific research stopped-- as 4 of the 5 Nobel prize winning scientists working for the government were furloughed by the shutdown.
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2013/11/07/impacts-and-costs-g...
https://journalistsresource.org/studies/government/congress/shutdown-fed...
2
Trump's announcement didn't bring dismay because it signified that the US would speak to despots - we have a long history not only of speaking to them, but supporting some.
But there is a difference between inviting them, with fanfare, into the nation's living room, as opposed to setting up communications first through - for instance, the State Department, and then meeting at a location which carries less symbolism.
But there is a difference between inviting them, with fanfare, into the nation's living room, as opposed to setting up communications first through - for instance, the State Department, and then meeting at a location which carries less symbolism.
3
Very well said Cheryl.
We do embrace the brutal Saudi and Quatar regimes, have been doing it for a long time, is that so different? They massacre dissenters without or with sham trials. Trump is just taking it one step further and invites a self-described assassin, who can be surprised?
3
Trump embraces another despot? Hugo Chavez? Fidel Castro? No, that was Obama. Remember the Time's editorial board headline?
5
Ok, so maybe you have a point there, but maybe you don't.
But you don't have a problem with what Trump is doing?
But you don't have a problem with what Trump is doing?
3
Obama hardly embraced Castro. He reversed a counterproductive policy and established relations only after negotiations were completed after years of work on the problem. likewise, he never met the Ayatollah in Iran or the President Rouhani, but he completed a treaty which has successfully turned back their nuclear program without a shot being fired.
1
Oh, is that the progressive's excuse? Well then, Trump is simply reversing a counterproductive policy that was hurting our relations with a key Asian ally the Philippines, not to mention working out relations with a country that remains a NATO ally vital in the war against ISIS. How's that for an excuse? Oh, I forgot. When Obama did the suck ups, it was for vital strategic needs; but if Trump does it, it's because he's really a despot at heart. Is that the standard line in NY and LA cafes?
Duterte, Erdogan, Xi Jinping, el-Sisi, Putin, and even Kim Jong-un. These are the leaders whom Trump admires, as they command unquestioned power and authority in their respective homelands.
While dialog is preferable to warfare, given his careless, scattershot interactions with world leaders who represent traditional U.S. allies, what could DT say to these men that could generate genuine trust and confidence at home or abroad?
Perhaps the truth is that countries controlled by these despots are ripe for development of hotels, golf courses, and other business activities. Much more valuable to the Trump clan than mature, sophisticated markets in Australia, Germany, et al. $ trumps all.
While dialog is preferable to warfare, given his careless, scattershot interactions with world leaders who represent traditional U.S. allies, what could DT say to these men that could generate genuine trust and confidence at home or abroad?
Perhaps the truth is that countries controlled by these despots are ripe for development of hotels, golf courses, and other business activities. Much more valuable to the Trump clan than mature, sophisticated markets in Australia, Germany, et al. $ trumps all.
3
Donald appears to be losing control: he reflexively clings to authoritarian characters from around the globe as if for solace. Dictators don't have to compromise or cooperate with the opposition party. Lamentably, the Senate requires 60 votes.
3
What makes anyone think that these despots including Putin and Assad would be convinced of anything Trump has to say? These men could out maneuver Trump in a gnat's eyelash. All they would need to do is let Trump do all the talking, letting him think he has won the day and then go home and continue doing just as they did before. Just as GW Bush looked Putin in the eye and read his soul, Trump will think he can make a deal with these people. What happens after he realizes they were not only listening to him but actively considering the exact opposite course of action? Putin is truly the clever one who also has the ex KGB to do his dirty work. Duterte and Kim Jong Un will continue to slaughter anyone they choose, and Assad has nothing to loose by hiding behind Putin's support. Trump's only choice at that point would be to force military action or loose face himself. Not a good situation for the world and the US in particular.
2
Time for steps to be taken to relieve Trump of his post.
There are surely abundant reasons already to replace him .
Things have gone far enough.
There are surely abundant reasons already to replace him .
Things have gone far enough.
6
Trump so far has been showing the world the concept of "you can do anything for money" along with his daughter. That's it. And there are many American who love and accept that.
1
It's Obama who brought shame to himself, the Office of the President, and America by accepting $400,000.00 for a bribe for his actions while president- oops, I mean for giving a speech. Yeah, that's the ticket...
1
@Larry
You're right. You don't know the difference between a bribe and a speaker's fee.
Tell you what -- Let's see you achieve what Obama has, and how much you'd receive for doing the same thing.
You're right. You don't know the difference between a bribe and a speaker's fee.
Tell you what -- Let's see you achieve what Obama has, and how much you'd receive for doing the same thing.
3
The Times is as usual spot on. This revolting engagement by Trump with yet another mindless, heedless proto-fascist despot reveals the imminent threat Trump poses, not just to America and to the concept of the rule of law, but to the entire project of liberal democracy. As another commenter posted here a few days ago, “Black robes matter.”
Any engagement by an American president with another country’s leader has been seen abroad as the greatest of prizes, to be accomplished after deep diplomacy and back-channel agreements on significant issues (including human rights.) It has been a tangible symbol of America’s post-war internationalism.
With this authoritarian, ignorant buffoon as president, it has become a symbol of the political and moral ‘race to the bottom’, and those who throw raw meat to the lowest of their base are rewarded by Trump, who has done the same.
Any engagement by an American president with another country’s leader has been seen abroad as the greatest of prizes, to be accomplished after deep diplomacy and back-channel agreements on significant issues (including human rights.) It has been a tangible symbol of America’s post-war internationalism.
With this authoritarian, ignorant buffoon as president, it has become a symbol of the political and moral ‘race to the bottom’, and those who throw raw meat to the lowest of their base are rewarded by Trump, who has done the same.
3
The average american president over the last forty years are far more despotic than those Trump seeks to talk to ad have killed far fewer people that the US has. You assume the US has the moral high ground, which it has not had since Vietnam.
6
The U.S. has somehow managed to kill many more people in this world than any other country. I spent 20 years in the military and I still cannot figure out why we are mostly the killers of others...
1
"Yet for the most part American presidents, Republican and Democratic, have believed that the United States should provide a moral compass to the world"
No morals = no compass
No morals = no compass
1
The republican controlled congress needs to reign our own "despot in chief" in and teach him there are THREE branches of government and remind him that he is not in charge.
The more he gets away with these idiotic occurrences (tweets, moronic observations, rapture for murderous dictators) with no consequences the more our standing as that great nation on the hill sinks into the abyss.
And it's only been a 100 days....
The more he gets away with these idiotic occurrences (tweets, moronic observations, rapture for murderous dictators) with no consequences the more our standing as that great nation on the hill sinks into the abyss.
And it's only been a 100 days....
3
Really on the track - for reasons unknown to me, we seldom hear of the Senate and The House. Are they still part of our government, or has The Trump stolen them, also?
3
The first question to ask of any statement or action of Trump is how does this benefit Trump psychologically or financially? The answer will be either or both, but if it will not benefit anyone other than Trump except by pure coincidence.
3
"But Mr. Trump erodes America’s reputation when he uncritically embraces those who show the least regard for human rights, rule of law and democracy."
Maybe Duterte is a fallback in case Putin does something Trump can't agree with. It seems as if Trump lives in a world where agreeing with him is more important than challenging him to do a better job. That's frightening because every president, no matter how prepared they are for the job, has a lot to learn.
Maybe Duterte is a fallback in case Putin does something Trump can't agree with. It seems as if Trump lives in a world where agreeing with him is more important than challenging him to do a better job. That's frightening because every president, no matter how prepared they are for the job, has a lot to learn.
3
Trump has no moral compass. Hence his lack of understanding regarding despots and would be despots. They are just like him
4
This is a joke right? Obama embraced Cuba and Iran. The Philippines is at least an ally of ours. This is backwards, we need all the help we can get in the region with China and DPRK, only a fool would not try and improve our relationship with allies.
6
If Pres. Trump paid a tribute of over $100 billion to the Philippines would the Left call that a good idea, since Obama did that with Iran?
4
Do you have ANY idea of who Rodrigo Duterte is, and what he has been doing to his own people?
You seriously need to get updated.
You seriously need to get updated.
3
President Obama did no such thing. The money belonged to Iran, it had been held in an effort to bring Iran to the negotiating table, and you know it. It worked, btw.
5
You couldn't invite a man like Duterte to the White House for chocolate cake if you didn't respect their work.
4
Did you forget "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer?"
Sometimes Men in high office need strong advisors.
Sometimes Men in high office need strong advisors.
Re Rodrigo Duterte. As vile as his history of extrajudicial killings as both mayor of Davao and president of the Philippines is, every American woman and every American man who has a daughter, a mother or a wife should recall what Duterte said when an attractive woman was gang raped and murdered in that troubled country. He said it was a shame that he could not have been the first to sexually assault the victim. As filthy as Trump is, he gets worse every week. And the Grey House smells worse every week.
5
To paraphrase one of Trump's oft-quoted poems, he knew these dudes were snakes when he took them in.
3
To criticize President Trump for fixing one of the countless messes he inherited from the ignoramus Obama while ignoring for 8 years of how Obama not only cozied up to nearly every dictator on the planet but also emulated them by spying on journalists and shredding the Constitution proves the Times is not concerned about relations with dictators but only with blind mindless unpatriotic attacks on our President
6
Falsehoods are out of place anywhere that has been printed in the NYTimes.
2
One would think these despots suddenly sprang into existence when Trump acknowledged them. These are "inheritances" from Obama, after all.
Will The Times be honest enough to acknowledge that Obama's approach did little to resolve the North Korea crisis? And will it give Trump credit if he diffuses the situation?
"Embracing" despots to achieve desired results is something Obama did all the time. Why the sudden uproar? Wait for the results. It's obvious the Times Editorial Board has no idea what might be achieved from Trump's actions if all it can see is an "embrace" at this point.
Will The Times be honest enough to acknowledge that Obama's approach did little to resolve the North Korea crisis? And will it give Trump credit if he diffuses the situation?
"Embracing" despots to achieve desired results is something Obama did all the time. Why the sudden uproar? Wait for the results. It's obvious the Times Editorial Board has no idea what might be achieved from Trump's actions if all it can see is an "embrace" at this point.
1
If it has only been clear democratic leaders and worthy allies, like the Castros in Cuba or the Mullahs in Iran the New York Times could have give him the same support it provided when Obama reached to Cuba and Iran.
2
What's with the image of Trump, in white, embracing the serpent devil in black? Yes, I get it. Trump symbolizes the white-goodness of democracy while the color black represents the badness of Duterte and the other authoritarian thugs referred to in the article. So by this color logic, what precisely do our fellow black citizens of the United States of America symbolize? The answer is, of course, the same vulgar, ignorant, violently offensive and wholly destructive trope that found a foundational root in the making of America - and that apparently continues to exist in the unquestioned images provided to us by The New York Times.
2
Yes. The exact same though occured to me -- and while the graphic itself is well-executed, the symbolism of the color schematic is profound.
This editorial is so disappointing. It assumes that American presidents should only hang out with good guys. The truth is that every president must deal with foreign leaders as they come along.
Mao murdered tens of millions yet Nixon was praised for cutting a deal with him. Stalin murdered tens of millions before WWII yet Roosevelt was not afraid to call him an ally. Then there was the Shah of Iran, Diem, Lon Nol, Tshombe, Noriega, Hussein and more.
The hypocrisy, strong it is.
Mao murdered tens of millions yet Nixon was praised for cutting a deal with him. Stalin murdered tens of millions before WWII yet Roosevelt was not afraid to call him an ally. Then there was the Shah of Iran, Diem, Lon Nol, Tshombe, Noriega, Hussein and more.
The hypocrisy, strong it is.
6
@Brette
"We can no longer say we rule by example."
Or even have a leg to stand on when we pretend to....
"We can no longer say we rule by example."
Or even have a leg to stand on when we pretend to....
2
Trump should talk to all leaders. We are allies of the Philippines, who under Mr. Duterte has promised to loosen relations with the US and move closer to China.
If we followed the policy of only talking to those who have the same human rights standards we have, then we shouldn't talk to China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, etc. Stupid policy.
If we followed the policy of only talking to those who have the same human rights standards we have, then we shouldn't talk to China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, etc. Stupid policy.
5
John,
Maybe Trump can hold a rally with you when he invites the Great Leader from North Korea to the White House -- with you of course!
Maybe Trump can hold a rally with you when he invites the Great Leader from North Korea to the White House -- with you of course!
1
"But Mr. Trump erodes America’s reputation when he uncritically embraces those who show the least regard for human rights, rule of law and democracy."
Trump erodes America's reputation and credibility just by etting out of bed and opening his mouth. This love, not just for dictators, but for insane dictators, is nothing new. He refuses to shake the hand of one of the wisest and successful leaders on the planet, Angela Merkel, and practically falls over praising the likes of Erdogan, Putin now this obviously psychotic individual in the Philippines.
There has to be some way to unelect this guy. Cosmos does not like imbalances. It will tolerate them just so long, and then, there will be correction. Let's hope it is in time.
Trump erodes America's reputation and credibility just by etting out of bed and opening his mouth. This love, not just for dictators, but for insane dictators, is nothing new. He refuses to shake the hand of one of the wisest and successful leaders on the planet, Angela Merkel, and practically falls over praising the likes of Erdogan, Putin now this obviously psychotic individual in the Philippines.
There has to be some way to unelect this guy. Cosmos does not like imbalances. It will tolerate them just so long, and then, there will be correction. Let's hope it is in time.
7
It is imperative to America's national security that President Trump restore good relations with the Philippines. The US and the Philippines enjoyed excellent relations for decades under Democrat and Republican administrations, until Obama messed this up too. Plus, China expanded its influence in the Pacific while Obama was golfing, vacationing and filling out his NCAA brackets. President Trump must undo the mess in the Pacific he inherited from the incompetent fool Obama and repair relations with the Philippines and curb China's influence, while keeping North Korea in check. Great job, Obama!
4
How is possible to NOT judge someone by what he says? Is the world up to that task? Isn't that kind of a "big ask"? Sheesh.
2
Strategically, the U. S. needs the Philippines, due to its location in the South China Sea. After a 20 year respite, we once again have access to air and naval facilities in the Nation, which was a U. S. Territory for 45 years, a part of the Reparations following the Spanish-American War.
The current President, Rodrigo Détente is a shoot-first, and ask questions later "Leader". The idea of his extrajudicial killings, supposedly to rid the nation of even suspected drug dealers and users is a horrific situation. It seems that the poor are just considered so much collateral damage.
But, can anyone be assured that, within this mentality, political opponents are also targeted for elimination?
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
The current President, Rodrigo Détente is a shoot-first, and ask questions later "Leader". The idea of his extrajudicial killings, supposedly to rid the nation of even suspected drug dealers and users is a horrific situation. It seems that the poor are just considered so much collateral damage.
But, can anyone be assured that, within this mentality, political opponents are also targeted for elimination?
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
1
Please give the artist a raise. The graphic is brilliant!
2
For the last year or so, I've been applauding the Times's coverage and criticism of the ignoramus in the White House. Now, it seems that the Times is taking a page from Trump's playbook by having us believe that "for the most part, American presidents have believed that the U.S. should provide a moral compass to the world". Really?!? What a piece of fiction! You really expect us to believe that by enshrining criminal US puppets like Somoza, Pinochet, Duarte, Duvalier, etc, US presidents were guided by your so-called "moral compass"? The second sentence of your piece admits, only in passing, that there have been "strategic objectives". That's it. Why then take us back to the canard of the "moral compass"?
Wasn't it Theodore Roosevelt who openly admitted that "the United States doesn't have friends; it has interests"? Every US president has operated under that basic principle. Trump, of course, is motivated, first, by his own (financial) interests and, second, by his vaunted "America first". Being crass and vulgar, he expresses shamelessly what other presidents have at least tried to disguise with empty platitudes like "beacons of democracy" and "global advocate of human rights and the rule of law". Moral compass? Please.
Wasn't it Theodore Roosevelt who openly admitted that "the United States doesn't have friends; it has interests"? Every US president has operated under that basic principle. Trump, of course, is motivated, first, by his own (financial) interests and, second, by his vaunted "America first". Being crass and vulgar, he expresses shamelessly what other presidents have at least tried to disguise with empty platitudes like "beacons of democracy" and "global advocate of human rights and the rule of law". Moral compass? Please.
7
Charles De Gaulle is known to have coined the expression about friends and interests...
Anyone who believes that the new RepubliCon party is the "America First" party must now realize that the opposite is true... it is the "America Last" party. The party of Don The Con is moving more and more to being the party which stands against many of the principles that the United States of America stands for. Praising ruthless dictators, demeaning human rights, hatred for minorities, women, threatening war, etc. Is more in line with a dictatorship called Amerika.
3
Where was the outrage when the Obama praised the repressive Desalegn of Ethiopia, and lied through his teeth by claiming Desalegn was democratically elected with a miraculous 100% of the vote? The entire world recognized these elections as a sham, only Desalegn and Obama saw them as legitimate.
4
Larry
What are you rambling on about. How does Obama have anything to do with trump wanting to further his business interest by inviting a man who has slaughtered his own citizens and then bragged about it into the whit house.
Your dictator in chief is a vile human and there is no defense of this.
What are you rambling on about. How does Obama have anything to do with trump wanting to further his business interest by inviting a man who has slaughtered his own citizens and then bragged about it into the whit house.
Your dictator in chief is a vile human and there is no defense of this.
2
Actually, it was Susan Rice with extensive business interests in Ethiopia, interests that made Obama disgrace himself and the nation with his lunacy
1
@Larry
Any business interests that Susan Rice might have had in Ethiopia, pale in comparison to the world-wide interests of the Trump "empire".
And try as you might to make it seem otherwise, no other president in history has shamed this country by depending on Russian interference in the elections.
Any business interests that Susan Rice might have had in Ethiopia, pale in comparison to the world-wide interests of the Trump "empire".
And try as you might to make it seem otherwise, no other president in history has shamed this country by depending on Russian interference in the elections.
Trump embraces that which he wishes to be.
6
“A man is known by the company he keeps”
Seems like "Making America Great Again" is heading in the "Bloody Dictator" direction.
Seems like "Making America Great Again" is heading in the "Bloody Dictator" direction.
4
Either that, or "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
4
He is a joke. An unguided missile. He is clueless and without a solution for any situation that confronts him. My concern comes when he is faced with military issues with a depth and range he will not be able to glibly address. How many lives will he spend to make it right in his mind's eye. This is not a new normal. This is a catastrophic mistake of the electorate.
5
I understand meeting leaders through formal or informal channels but to say that you would be "honored", to admire in any way, thugs of the world who harm their own people, is mind blowing. Shut down the government in September.... Look at my six month old electoral map.... Ted Cruz's father was involved with Oswald. And less we forget, Obama is a mean, vindictive, wiretapping, Muslim from Kenya! I want to think he is inexperienced. I want to think is is uneducated. I want to think he is a narcissist. But what I really think, with all his bouncing around, illogical rhetoric is that he has dementia. I am concerned when those who knew him from ten years ago express shock at the Donald Trump we see today. It is too bad that candidates are not required to have a dementia screening. To his supporters, swap his name for any Democrat. Would you still defend him? I am frightened in ways that I have never felt with any of our other Presidents.
7
He is learning about being a dictator from the best in the biz. He is seriously scary.
On 1/20/09, the Philippines were led by Arroyo. Relations between the US and the Philippines were good, as they had been for decades. Yet President Trump inherited Duterte and the Philippines rejecting America and cozying up to China.
How did Obama screw this up so badly?!?!
How did Obama screw this up so badly?!?!
5
Obama and Iran come to mind.
6
R
So trying to stop crazy men from having nuclear bombs is the same as embracing dictators who butcher people in the streets.
Your argument is ludicrous. I wanted Obama to do all that he and the state department could to stop the spread of nuclear bombs in the hands of people who are insane like duterte.
So trying to stop crazy men from having nuclear bombs is the same as embracing dictators who butcher people in the streets.
Your argument is ludicrous. I wanted Obama to do all that he and the state department could to stop the spread of nuclear bombs in the hands of people who are insane like duterte.
2
This from the guy who said Andrew Jackson would've stop the Civil War. One has to wonder how many slaves Donald Trump would own right now if Andrew Jackson had his way?
5
I do not believe the crew in the white house has the guts to tell the orange one what a despot is. Based on his past display of knowledge he might think a despot is coffee brewing tycoon.
3
I despise everything about Trump, but to be fair, there is a photo of a smiling President Obama at the White House with Gambian despot Yahya Jammeh, whose government imprisoned and murdered dissidents during his tenure.
3
While Trump courts despots like Duterte, Kim, Erdogan and Putin let's not forget the complicit despots in congress and this administration like Mitch McConnell, Jeff Sessions and Chaffez who continue to cover up the treasonous collusion with Russia to build their anti-American cabal that is poisoning our democracy.
Please NYT - stay focused on the Russian collusion. We need your investigative journalism now more than ever.
Please NYT - stay focused on the Russian collusion. We need your investigative journalism now more than ever.
7
Funny, I don't recall any protest when the tyrant Obama got in bed with Cuba's Castro, one of the most repressive and murderous regimes in history.
4
Obama got in bed with Castro? Larry you're full of it.
Obama did it to open the doors for the people of Cuba.
It was a humanitarian move not act of a desperate want to be despot like trump.
Obama did it to open the doors for the people of Cuba.
It was a humanitarian move not act of a desperate want to be despot like trump.
3
There is no "America's Reputation" but only the reputation - well earned - of America's various presidents. Carter's was different from Reagan's, Clinton's was different from Bush's, and Obama's was different from Trump's.
We simply do not have a governmental structure that enables continuity in foreign policy.
We simply do not have a governmental structure that enables continuity in foreign policy.
1
"Mr. Trump extended his invitation in a telephone call that was described as “very friendly.” " With friends like this, who needs enemies?
45 is telegraphing precisely who he is. You can tell alot about a man by the company he keeps. His lack of sophistication is truly reflected in his tendency to want to use brute force to solve all of his problems. He dropped the MOAB... His is methodically bombing everything around him, including our Constitution. What's next?
45 is telegraphing precisely who he is. You can tell alot about a man by the company he keeps. His lack of sophistication is truly reflected in his tendency to want to use brute force to solve all of his problems. He dropped the MOAB... His is methodically bombing everything around him, including our Constitution. What's next?
3
To the Editorial Board of the NYT:
Thank you for expressing this view of Donald Trump's predilection for the company and approval of unprincipled and murderous world leaders, however "democratically" elected. Other commenters have made the point that past presidents have reached out to similar dictators, but I doubt that the conversations were congratulatory on the U.S. side or "friendly" in the true sense of that word. Polite, perhaps, but not suggesting friendship and bonhomie. Comparing our past leadership's goals and actions with Trump's is comparing apples to giraffes. Nothing matches.
A president of the United States who doesn't even understand the dynamics of how and why the Civic War came to be certainly doesn't have the knowledge or world view to be hobnobbing with thugs who know the world as he never will. America should not be made vulnerable to a president who thinks only about how he can wine and dine and strike a deal that makes him feel like he got the best of it.
Thank you for expressing this view of Donald Trump's predilection for the company and approval of unprincipled and murderous world leaders, however "democratically" elected. Other commenters have made the point that past presidents have reached out to similar dictators, but I doubt that the conversations were congratulatory on the U.S. side or "friendly" in the true sense of that word. Polite, perhaps, but not suggesting friendship and bonhomie. Comparing our past leadership's goals and actions with Trump's is comparing apples to giraffes. Nothing matches.
A president of the United States who doesn't even understand the dynamics of how and why the Civic War came to be certainly doesn't have the knowledge or world view to be hobnobbing with thugs who know the world as he never will. America should not be made vulnerable to a president who thinks only about how he can wine and dine and strike a deal that makes him feel like he got the best of it.
5
This year marks the death of America's moral authority in the world, and the rise of authoritarianism. The moment it was clear Trump won the election, depots around the world viewed it as an opportunity to ramp up their murderous ways, because they knew Trump wouldn't care.
It's not that the U.S. has a stellar moral record, to say the least, but the world used to listen when we called them on human rights abuses. Now we're viewed as a burgeoning authoritarian state ourselves, worse the laughing stock of the world, so our words carry no weight anymore.
It's not that the U.S. has a stellar moral record, to say the least, but the world used to listen when we called them on human rights abuses. Now we're viewed as a burgeoning authoritarian state ourselves, worse the laughing stock of the world, so our words carry no weight anymore.
6
The bright beacon that was once America is flickering feebly. We can no longer say we rule by example.
3
I grew up in LatinAmerican in the 50s so forgive me if I find nothing new or surprising in the embrace of brutal dictators by the US government. Trujillo, Batista, Perez Jimenez, to mane a few were worse in every imaginable way to Mr Duterte and out longtime ally Phliipino President Ferdinand Marcos bled the country dry while dispatching his enemies without resort to any law or constitution. While I am appalled by Mr Trump's behavior in and out of office, trying to seize the moral high ground because of his embrace of a Philipino dictator ignores our own history.
6
Barack Obama went to Cuba and shook Raul Castro's hand but people are worried about Trump's conversation with Duterte? I don't see the difference except that Duterte looks like an amateur compared to the Castros. The hypocrisy is stunning.
7
Trump believes he can impress these dictators with his fancy house, golf course and numbers. Trump certainly is impressed by them himself. That is about as far as his thinking goes.
8
Whether you agree with Trump or not is not really this issue here. The problem is the Time's almost breathtaking historical amnesia -- or perhaps lack of historical knowledge. U.S. presidents have long supported any number of South American tin generals and other brutal despots -- Chile's Augusto Pinochet (who we likely helped to install in office in a murderous coup of his democratically elected predecessor Salvador Allende); Nicaragua's dictator-leader Anastasio Somoza, who actually started what became a dictatorship dynasty in that country, which the U.S. fully supported; Carlos Castillo Armas, Guatamala's brutal dictator whom the CIA, with full support of the Eisenhower administration, helped to install in office by overthrowing his democratically elected predecessor, Jacobo Árbenz; Paraguay's dictator Alfredo Stroessner, and, Nicolae Ceausescu, Romania's brutal and repressive firebrand dictator (President Nixon was particularly good friends with this despot).
The list goes on and on. Yet the "New York Times" seems to have either forgotten about all of these brutal despots that U.S. presidents wholeheartedly supported, or simply chosen to ignore the facts. U.S. presidents have embraced "those who show the least regard for human rights, rule of law and democracy" for many decades. A paper of the stature of the Times has a responsibility to acknowledge the basic facts of history -- facts that even many high school U.S. history students know.
The list goes on and on. Yet the "New York Times" seems to have either forgotten about all of these brutal despots that U.S. presidents wholeheartedly supported, or simply chosen to ignore the facts. U.S. presidents have embraced "those who show the least regard for human rights, rule of law and democracy" for many decades. A paper of the stature of the Times has a responsibility to acknowledge the basic facts of history -- facts that even many high school U.S. history students know.
Donald Trump is sending a message to the American people. Is anyone listening?
How is his "embrace" any different than Obama's embrace of the likes of Saudi Arabia .... oppressive dictatorship .... or Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, etc. ..... seems to be an example of selective outrage. Didn't Obama, and Clinton as part of his administration. meet with dictators, invite dictators to the White house and offer praise?
The MSM is pretending this is new and offering fake outrage .... the news is real, but the concern, criticism and dismay seems to be selective.
The MSM is pretending this is new and offering fake outrage .... the news is real, but the concern, criticism and dismay seems to be selective.
6
I wonder if the New York Times realizes that running so many stories on Trump and including a Trump angle in many others has built Donald Trump into the most important man on earth. Sure the coverage is mostly scathing, but the continuous mentioning of his name suggests he is the most important person to walk the planet in 2000 years. You might think the Times is eroding his facade, but they are actually giving him an incredibly high Q score -- the measure of how extensive and passionate opinion is about an individual.
I do not believe that everyone who voted for Donald Trump is a bad person; many were manipulated by Russian interference and perhaps influenced by family members and friends. But aside from the hardcore who voted for him because they are racists, xenophobes and bigots who hated the idea of a multiracial man being elected President twice and are appalled at the rise of women in decision-making positions in government and the private sector and the increase in populations of people of color, what do others who voted for him for whatever their reasons think now? Do they not see that the fears expressed prior to the election about the danger of electing Donald Trump to President were real? Do they not see what is happening to our great nation? Do they not see that he and the ghastly people who surround him have unsavory ties to Russia and the underworld that has sought to destroy America for decades, even centuries? Do they not see what is happening in the world, that the destruction of the U.S. is just part of a master plan to destroy Western Europe and take over Asia? And if they do see, what will they do about it?
9
A phrase like this "fondness for other strongman leaders” is the problem. I am scratching my head reading and watching people on television labeling all these authoritarians who are killing their own people, suppressing freedom of the press, cannot handle dissent and in some cases running their economy to the ground as strong leaders. If that is what being strong means, we probably need to redefine it. These men, Vladimir Putin, Rodrigo Duterte, Tayyip Erdogan and others like them should never have the word strong associated with their names because if you do, you are encouraging and telling other would be leaders that they will be celebrated and called strong if they behave like that.
18
I agree, they are not "strong men" (interesting that there are no "strong women"), they should be called despots and tyrants, certainly not strong.
4
I used to think America stood for something. I looked on with pride at America's mission of spreading freedom and democracy around the world. We led by example. We were the only nation powerful enough to stand up to despots.
Now we have a president and commander-in-chief who understands little about what America stands for and cares even less. He admires the power despots wield and wishes he could do this himself.
Shame on him and all of his followers.
Now we have a president and commander-in-chief who understands little about what America stands for and cares even less. He admires the power despots wield and wishes he could do this himself.
Shame on him and all of his followers.
30
Trump is playing right along Putin's original plan - to destabilize the West. Trump has turned his back on European leaders and insulted our allies like Australia, Canada and Mexico in favor of courting depot authoritarians.
I never imagined I'd see a US president so determined to ruin our country.
I never imagined I'd see a US president so determined to ruin our country.
21
Edydee Trump is making up his presidency as he goes along. I don't for one minute believe he is "determined" about anything. "Determined", according to a dictionary, means "To decide or settle conclusively and authoritatively, to establish or ascertain definitely, as after consideration, investigation, or calculation". All of these functions are beyond the scope of his conscience to grasp. Trump is ruled entirely, I suspect,by his unconscious needs and desires. In short, the man is an emotional abyss.
2
Each time I hear another of President Trump's "statements" regarding what he intends to do, a quote from 19th century theologian Tryon Edwards occurs to me.
"Some so speak in exaggerations and superlatives that we need to make a large discount from their statements before we can come at their real meaning."
"Some so speak in exaggerations and superlatives that we need to make a large discount from their statements before we can come at their real meaning."
7
"The Philippines is very important to me strategically and militarily," the president said.
The Philippine leader has already named Mr. Trump’s business partner in Manila as a special envoy to the United States.
The company, Stock in Century Properties, is building the Trump Tower at Century City, a $150 million, 57-story apartment building in metropolitan Manila.
That's a pretty sound (business) strategy. No?
The Philippine leader has already named Mr. Trump’s business partner in Manila as a special envoy to the United States.
The company, Stock in Century Properties, is building the Trump Tower at Century City, a $150 million, 57-story apartment building in metropolitan Manila.
That's a pretty sound (business) strategy. No?
19
True the U. S. has embraced many despots before and our Presidents have shaken hands with them, Obama and Putin come to mind. But who has admitted to actually committing murder, Duterte does. A murderer in the WH, well it will certainly add flavor when impeachment proceedings start on King Trump. Whatever comes out of this meeting one thing is certain, taxpayers will refuse to pay the bill. As one commentator states, the psychology of this type of behavior must give Congress chills but more than that his delusional bubble is popping and we need to hang on tight for the blow out. All the protests are popping holes in King Trump's bubble, he now sees he is to be the scapegoat for the GOP when they impeach him. GOP is in survival mode and they are allowing him to hang himself. We win.
9
It's a sad day in America when the "president" and Republican party feel more comfortable in the company of murderers and human rights abusers. Thank you for writing this opinion. Keep that criminal, Duterte, out of our White House.
21
Where is Mitch McConnell, John McCain and Lindsay Graham's outrage over a president courting authoritarian depots? Their silence is deafening.
31
Where were Pelosi's and Reid's when Obama did the same thing with other despots?
1
George S,
Can you name a single instance in which Obama exchanged warm words with and extended an invitation to the White House to a muderous, tinpot despot like Duterte? Someone responsible for the deaths of 7000-plus of his own citizens?
Can you name a single instance in which Obama exchanged warm words with and extended an invitation to the White House to a muderous, tinpot despot like Duterte? Someone responsible for the deaths of 7000-plus of his own citizens?
2
Small thing, but why is the snake black?
Is Trump an innocent (white) because ours?
Why not Trump orange, tepid red?
Is Trump an innocent (white) because ours?
Why not Trump orange, tepid red?
2
From the 1950's on, we have supported many despots, the list is quite long. Perhaps we were willfully blind as we were enjoying our post WW2 prosperity and the rise of the largest and wealthiest middle class in our history. We were also content to rationalize this behind the banner of "spreading democracy", when in reality we were protecting our own economic self interests and wealth of the wealthiest individuals. In return, we've left a swath of destruction from Chile to Vietnam to Nicaragua to Iraq and the list goes on.
Now let's fast forward to the 21'st century. Our levels of individual wealth, health and education has been steadily eroding for a generation. Add to that the devastating recession starting in 2008 and the time was ripe for the election of our own despot.
Trump like all despots do what despots do best: lie to the public, work to enrich themselves, their families and their cronies and perhaps enjoy the sense of power. Trump has certainly done all this while distracting us by legitimizing hate, racism and violence.
Thus, are we surprised that Trump can embrace Duterte, Putin and even Kim Jong Un ("A pretty smart Cookie")?
The behavior of the campaign and the first 100 days needs to be our wake-up call. Are we willing to take action?
Now let's fast forward to the 21'st century. Our levels of individual wealth, health and education has been steadily eroding for a generation. Add to that the devastating recession starting in 2008 and the time was ripe for the election of our own despot.
Trump like all despots do what despots do best: lie to the public, work to enrich themselves, their families and their cronies and perhaps enjoy the sense of power. Trump has certainly done all this while distracting us by legitimizing hate, racism and violence.
Thus, are we surprised that Trump can embrace Duterte, Putin and even Kim Jong Un ("A pretty smart Cookie")?
The behavior of the campaign and the first 100 days needs to be our wake-up call. Are we willing to take action?
9
It is the anomalous way in which democracy sometimes works that enabled these two dictators to lead their respective countries. The anomaly lies in the fact that in a democracy, very often, it is not the majority of eligible voters in the country that elect its leader. It is the majority of those who participate in the election.
An important difference here is that the majority of Filipinos who participated in the election in the Philippines voted for Rodrigo Duterte. The majority of those who participated in the 2016 presidential election in the U.S. did not vote for Donald Trump. They voted for Hillary Clinton.
If the U.S. is now saddled with a president, who rules by impulse and who has utter contempt for democratic process, it has to be blamed on its outdated institution called the Electoral College. The only way to save the country from the possibility of the likes of Donald Trump being elected president in the future is to abolish the Electoral College. Let’s begin the work toward abolishing it now.
An important difference here is that the majority of Filipinos who participated in the election in the Philippines voted for Rodrigo Duterte. The majority of those who participated in the 2016 presidential election in the U.S. did not vote for Donald Trump. They voted for Hillary Clinton.
If the U.S. is now saddled with a president, who rules by impulse and who has utter contempt for democratic process, it has to be blamed on its outdated institution called the Electoral College. The only way to save the country from the possibility of the likes of Donald Trump being elected president in the future is to abolish the Electoral College. Let’s begin the work toward abolishing it now.
11
It is extremely revealing to see Trump's obvious rapport with authoritarian dictators versus his obvious discomfort with women and blacks. He couldn't even look at Angela Merkel; she was clearly appalled by him. Let's face it- we've elected an authoritarian, ignorant, bloated misogynist as President of the U. S.- so sad.
24
I wonder if Venezuela's Maduro is asking, "Why not me?"
9
I imagine ex-president Trump waxing philosophical about the good old days when he tried to set the world straight saying, "I never met a dictator I didn't like."
7
Our "Conniver-in-Chief", in his business life, had no self-restraint in dealing with despotic, thug infested regimes, and their conspirators, across the world to enrich himself. Yes, it is appalling that now, as President, he should cozey up to these international pariahs but this recurring behavior should come as no surprise to us. In so many respects, Trump has failed to change or even modify his disturbing conduct, including his provocative language, despite occupying the highest office in the land. He is intellectually, but more important emotionally, incapable of grasping that he is no longer the unrestrained, New York real estate wheeler-dealer in complete control of his "empire". As the folk saying goes, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" or, more appropriately in the instant case, civic virtues can't penetrate where there is no soul.
A "new" Trump, chastened by the enormity of the Presidency, is a wishful fantasy America. The only hopeful outcome is that this incapacity for any positive change will hasten his political demise, and our national nightmare will, mercifully, come to an end.
A "new" Trump, chastened by the enormity of the Presidency, is a wishful fantasy America. The only hopeful outcome is that this incapacity for any positive change will hasten his political demise, and our national nightmare will, mercifully, come to an end.
12
Besides the $100,000,000 Congress is spending to protect POTUS' outside the Very White House, Trump is openly governing the country based primarily on his own business interests. A Muslim ban that did not apply to Muslim countries that had actually had citizens who committed terrorist acts against us. But Trump had buildings and such there. So forget the real terrorism. Now he is obviously trading our previous security interests for favors from dictators of countries he is actively doing business with. The Emoluments Clause (and the rest of the Constitution) are an unpleasant, ancient memory (2 weeks old). Ivanka and Jarrod also have their own important business interests to promote before running our country. He won so he gets to sell our heritage.
13
Donald J. Trump is the most blatantly corrupt president the United States has ever known!
3
And people think Trump doesn't know history..."most blatantly corrupt president"?
1
Mr. Trump has met his match in Mr. Duterte. The foul-mouthed Filipino has an even sharper, less diplomatic tongue than the English-language-challenged adolescent from Queens. What a strange match! Imagine the gang of Trump, Putin, Kim, Duterte and perhaps Erdogan terrorizing the world!!!!!!!
17
Don't have to imagine. They already are.
12
It is clear that Mr. Trump does not know the difference between good and evil, right and wrong, moral and immoral. He has no personal restraint and no moral compass. He also lacks the capacity for revulsion and repudiation of those in power who have achieved and maintain their power by outright murder and even mass slaughter as in the case of Assad.
The great ignorance of Mr. Trump is unmatched. Trump believes wrongly, that everything is negotiable. He also believes that because a negotiation may result in a favorable outcome then who he negotiates with does not matter. It does matter. Negotiating with murderous tyrants undermines the moral standing of the America. It makes it seem that United States would talk with monsters that destroy humanity in order to achieve political goals.
Trump's inner circle needs to advise and educate him. The lesson of Neville Chamberlain of Great Britain needs retold. Chamberlain believed that a negotiated settlement with Hitler would end the threat of war. But terrible price of "Peace in our Time", the ultimate price, was war on a scale unimagined.
The United States of America does not negotiate with tyranny. America does not give even the least recognition to those leaders abroad who end human rights, murder opponents, end the rule of law, and destroy the lives of their own countrymen. Trump needs to understand the United States stands above all others for human rights, democracy, freedom and the rule of law for government and citizens.
The great ignorance of Mr. Trump is unmatched. Trump believes wrongly, that everything is negotiable. He also believes that because a negotiation may result in a favorable outcome then who he negotiates with does not matter. It does matter. Negotiating with murderous tyrants undermines the moral standing of the America. It makes it seem that United States would talk with monsters that destroy humanity in order to achieve political goals.
Trump's inner circle needs to advise and educate him. The lesson of Neville Chamberlain of Great Britain needs retold. Chamberlain believed that a negotiated settlement with Hitler would end the threat of war. But terrible price of "Peace in our Time", the ultimate price, was war on a scale unimagined.
The United States of America does not negotiate with tyranny. America does not give even the least recognition to those leaders abroad who end human rights, murder opponents, end the rule of law, and destroy the lives of their own countrymen. Trump needs to understand the United States stands above all others for human rights, democracy, freedom and the rule of law for government and citizens.
19
I am not surprised at #45's comments, during his campaign he had a regular bromance going on with Putin. Now in two day's time he has made really strange comments about two despots, going so far as to invite one to the WH.
9
Great illustration---says it all!
8
Trump's presidency reminds of the game Jenga, as piece by piece he removes the foundation that supports the President of the United States as the leader of the free world. Out comes the piece that reassures our NATO allies of our commitment. Out comes the piece that disavows human rights violators. Out comes the piece that advocates for expansion of democracy and opposes consolidation of power. Out comes the piece that shows compassion for the refugees from violence and war. Out comes the piece that embraces the immigrant history of the U.S. Out comes the piece that honors and respects past presidents. Out comes the piece that recognizes great power comes with great responsibilities. Out comes the piece that strives to honesty even as many disagree with you.
And, eventually, when enough pieces have been removed, down comes the tower.
And, eventually, when enough pieces have been removed, down comes the tower.
16
The world is split between 'rule of law countries' and 'rule of man countries'. Trump is hankering to join the latter group.
That's been the plan from the beginning.
That's been the plan from the beginning.
10
Anybody who could have dinner with palin and nugent is a mental midget who would love other nuts.
12
How can the Times write this article without mentioning Trump Family financial interest in keeping this despot satisfied with Trump?
12
For someone to say and do these things, it is apparent he hates our country and we are doomed until we rid ourselves of this despot.
7
So Trump issues a White House invitation to a Banana Republic dictator and is then snubbed? Duterte might be smarter that we think. Why tie you boat to a sinking ship, when President Xi is offering low interest loans and no questions asked where the money goes?
5
Extreme narcissism is not the only mental illness that #45 suffers from. He frequently boasted about being able to function bigly on just three hours of sleep per night, something that would drive every other human being absolutely crazy.
He stops tweeting at 3am and starts again at 6am.
Then the Energizer Bunny full living of hamburger and cokes starts talking about Andrew Jackson and the Civil war, praised the Kim as a 'smart cookie', invites the butcher of the Philippines, Duterte, to the WH, sticks to his attack on his predecessor that he is a 'sick guy', is the one president who has achieved more in his first 100 days than any other, etc., etc..
His spokesman, who is ordered to defend every single world salad and contradiction that comes out of his mouth, then tells the assembled press that Kim junior has 'moved his country forward', after not long ago insisting that even Hitler did not us poison gas on 'his people', and calling concentration camps Holocaust 'centers'.
The very last 24 hours of this man playing the TV Apprentice role of president, albeit without a script, were even more bizarre than anyone can imagine.
Gen. McAuliffe's NUTS to to the Germans at the Battle of the Bulge went into the history books.
It is high time that sooner rather than later leaders from both parties use that description for a man who tries to destroy democracy as we know it, one who is not only intellectually challenged, but mentally as well.
He stops tweeting at 3am and starts again at 6am.
Then the Energizer Bunny full living of hamburger and cokes starts talking about Andrew Jackson and the Civil war, praised the Kim as a 'smart cookie', invites the butcher of the Philippines, Duterte, to the WH, sticks to his attack on his predecessor that he is a 'sick guy', is the one president who has achieved more in his first 100 days than any other, etc., etc..
His spokesman, who is ordered to defend every single world salad and contradiction that comes out of his mouth, then tells the assembled press that Kim junior has 'moved his country forward', after not long ago insisting that even Hitler did not us poison gas on 'his people', and calling concentration camps Holocaust 'centers'.
The very last 24 hours of this man playing the TV Apprentice role of president, albeit without a script, were even more bizarre than anyone can imagine.
Gen. McAuliffe's NUTS to to the Germans at the Battle of the Bulge went into the history books.
It is high time that sooner rather than later leaders from both parties use that description for a man who tries to destroy democracy as we know it, one who is not only intellectually challenged, but mentally as well.
13
Where are the Republicans?
When Obama ran and won the presidency he promised to meet with other world leaders directly to achieve solutions to various conflicts. He was continually criticized by the Republicans for being naive, rash and inexperienced. Where are they now? In fact where are the Republicans in light of the very long list of extreme Trump off the top of his head behaviors that dominate and characterize his presidency. The Republican hypocrisy would be staggering if it were not so apparent during the Obama administration as the party of NO..
When Obama ran and won the presidency he promised to meet with other world leaders directly to achieve solutions to various conflicts. He was continually criticized by the Republicans for being naive, rash and inexperienced. Where are they now? In fact where are the Republicans in light of the very long list of extreme Trump off the top of his head behaviors that dominate and characterize his presidency. The Republican hypocrisy would be staggering if it were not so apparent during the Obama administration as the party of NO..
8
America's reputation is the least important consideration. Far more important is America's failure to lead in the development of universal human rights.
2
I wonder if his embrace of these mainly fascist dictators is because he really, really wants to rule that way, but the remnants of our pesky democracy keep getting in his way?
7
He, Dear Leader, has alluded to that the pesky legislative bodies and the judiciary is hampering his bigly leadership initiatives.
2
Two thoughts:
First, I recall that for many decades a standard conservative/Republican position was that we shouldn't "talk to enemies". Evidently the new Trumpism suggests that we not only chat with them, but that doing so is an "honor". I suspect this approach makes many of the faithful appropriately uneasy.
Second, I have never objected to talking with anyone, including bad guys. However, such talks should always be accompanied by preparation, constrained by realism, and pursued with intelligence. Trump is hardly the one for this task.
First, I recall that for many decades a standard conservative/Republican position was that we shouldn't "talk to enemies". Evidently the new Trumpism suggests that we not only chat with them, but that doing so is an "honor". I suspect this approach makes many of the faithful appropriately uneasy.
Second, I have never objected to talking with anyone, including bad guys. However, such talks should always be accompanied by preparation, constrained by realism, and pursued with intelligence. Trump is hardly the one for this task.
3
An American President who encourages repression and human rights violations- a taste of more to come in THIS country. And yes- despite the historical cynicism and hypocrisy of American foreign policy- this is a departure and a bald faced warning. Your freedoms are expendable!
6
Is your solution then to ignore all of our allies who do things we think are mean? Then where is the editorial condemning all past presidents for supporting Saudi Arabia? Should we cut off all communications with Russia and China? Seriously, I want to hear how we can justify dealing with those nations if we can't deal with the Philippines
1
We cannot allow Democrats' hatred of this American President and of the people of the United States to damage our relationship with this Asian ally. With Red China building a naval and air station in the Spratly Islands, the future of peaceful passage in the Pacific is now endangered.
Go have your ignorant protests over something else that won't involve American airmen or sailors getting killed because you played politics. Is anyone in charge at the NY Times any more?
Go have your ignorant protests over something else that won't involve American airmen or sailors getting killed because you played politics. Is anyone in charge at the NY Times any more?
4
Republican hatred for last President was not a problem?
1
I certainly hope you will like living under a dictator because, if Trump gets hi way, that is where we are headed.
1
Jean,
Trump wants to work us back toward the smaller role of the federal gov't. The gigantic all-powerful federal role desired by Democrats is the ONLY way a despot will ever rule America.
Here are your giveaways that we have a despot:
1. Makes up laws that he can't get passed by Congress and simply refuses to enforce others that he chooses not to like. (Obama)
Alters a law dozens of times because he knows Congress won't change it. (Obama)
Sues religious organizations for not surrendering their long-respected practices based on religion. (Obama, but only about Christians. He NEVER crossed Muslims.)
Even Obama DID talk to our allies and enemies alike, but now progs don't want Trump talking to the Phillippines?
Trump wants to work us back toward the smaller role of the federal gov't. The gigantic all-powerful federal role desired by Democrats is the ONLY way a despot will ever rule America.
Here are your giveaways that we have a despot:
1. Makes up laws that he can't get passed by Congress and simply refuses to enforce others that he chooses not to like. (Obama)
Alters a law dozens of times because he knows Congress won't change it. (Obama)
Sues religious organizations for not surrendering their long-respected practices based on religion. (Obama, but only about Christians. He NEVER crossed Muslims.)
Even Obama DID talk to our allies and enemies alike, but now progs don't want Trump talking to the Phillippines?
2
At what point will someone like Mattis or McMasters threaten to resign if Trump doesn't shut up.
3
Trump embraces political murderers and anti-democratic thugs like Duterte, Kim and above all Putin while snubbing and insulting the democratically elected leaders of America's long time allies Angela Merkel.
That's what the Republicans have brought to the White House. The Democrats need to start speaking bluntly about Trump's anti-American agenda.
That's what the Republicans have brought to the White House. The Democrats need to start speaking bluntly about Trump's anti-American agenda.
5
What is the author thinking? Duerte fits perfectly into the company of U.S. allies in Latin America in decades past.
So we have a dangerous madman in the White House? God's in His heaven and all's right with the world.
So we have a dangerous madman in the White House? God's in His heaven and all's right with the world.
1
You're right Reagan loved despots too.
3
I think that globally, Trump's obliviousness and intellectual laziness is becoming pretty apparent. When he embraces people like Putin, Erdogan, El Sisi, or Duterte, it reflects on Trump ignorance, not fundamental American policy.
Globally we all realize that Trump is an accident that needs to be managed for the next four years. Some will try to exploit him, some will fear him, and some may even try to help him. But his approach to "governance" is not sustainable, and his personal impulses towards totalitarians will leave office with him.
Globally we all realize that Trump is an accident that needs to be managed for the next four years. Some will try to exploit him, some will fear him, and some may even try to help him. But his approach to "governance" is not sustainable, and his personal impulses towards totalitarians will leave office with him.
5
Just admit it - he is a fascist who loves dictators.
4
Trump is the weakling who is fawning on dictators who he perceived as stronger than him. Classic bully.
6
Trump has never been comfortable sitting in a room with individuals--especially women---who are bright, articulate, and knowledgeable. His very fragile ego becomes unhinged in the company of competence and class---remember how he responded to the ultimate in competence and class: Angela Merkel. No, he is at home with Duterte types---vulgar, erratic, impulsive, and ignorant.
9
Ted Nugent, the man who famously called President Obama a "sub-human mongrel" and Secretary Hillary Clinton a "worthless bitch", was recently feted at the White House by trump. Now, Duterte, who is vying for title of the most vulgar ignoramus in donald's rolodex, and called President Obama a "son of a whore" has also been invited into that august building to be feted - on our dime.
Perhaps like Jackie O, Melania will one day come up with a phrase for the stench of trump's times in the white house, but "Camelot" it most certainly won't be.
Perhaps like Jackie O, Melania will one day come up with a phrase for the stench of trump's times in the white house, but "Camelot" it most certainly won't be.
6
Quite simply, Trump is a bumbling fool. I have no doubt that the offer of a White House visit was a spur of the moment impulse, in response to some nice words by Duterte. It probably never even crossed Trump's mind that others should be involved in such a decision, like the departments of State and Defense. Yet another display of complete and utter incompetence by the Commander in Chief.
5
Embraces another despot? No evidence that President Trump has embraced any despot. He is trying to get the United States in a secure position, so he feels it necessary to talk with these "despots" UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES. The NYT fails to state the part, "under the right circumstances". He has NOT embraced one single despot.
Dude:
To invite a "despot" to the White House who has murders thousands his own people and referred to a president of democratic nation as a "son of a whore", one could say is a direct reflection of a leader's and of a country's values. I'm curious to know what you see as American values as well as to know what your personal values are.
To invite a "despot" to the White House who has murders thousands his own people and referred to a president of democratic nation as a "son of a whore", one could say is a direct reflection of a leader's and of a country's values. I'm curious to know what you see as American values as well as to know what your personal values are.
3
Trump's actions have been so bizarre one wonders whether he was placed here by some malicious force in order to undermine our democracy. Under the circumstances, this is as believable as Trump's behavior these past one hundred days. It seems time, now, to be afraid, very afraid.
5
Yes, the force is called Putin.
2
By now it is clear that Trump admires despots and wishes he had similar powers. We should all be worried by his attacks on the media and our judiciary. It is chilling to hear his chief of staff say the administration is going to try to weaken the first amendment or break up the 9th Circuit Court. What next? Extrajudicial killings of Trump's opponents?
5
Duterte, Erdogan - each has used lawless police power to terrorize the public and solidify their positions of power. This is clearly Bannon's strategy, using Trump as his tool. Trump is trying to pull it off, but is at least partially hampered by American systems of government (thank you federal judges, thank you marchers) and because his main goal is more about money than power. But there is also great risk. The worst possible scenario becomes possible when you give an unstable narcissist power over the army and nuclear reserves. We have to rely on the armed forces to be rational. If we make it to 2018, vote Democrat.
5
Let's look at Trump's "embraces" in context:
Trump personally invited the leaders of Singapore, Thailand and The Philippines to the White House. He is building a new relationship with China and for the first time has been successful in engaging China on North Korea. He has confirmed our relationships with Japan and South Korea. Yet at the same time he has dramatically increased US military presence around North Korea. He has now offered a face-saving meeting to the fragile leader of North Korea.
Perhaps all the outrage really masks a concern that this president, to whom no credit must ever be given, might actually be succeeding.
Trump personally invited the leaders of Singapore, Thailand and The Philippines to the White House. He is building a new relationship with China and for the first time has been successful in engaging China on North Korea. He has confirmed our relationships with Japan and South Korea. Yet at the same time he has dramatically increased US military presence around North Korea. He has now offered a face-saving meeting to the fragile leader of North Korea.
Perhaps all the outrage really masks a concern that this president, to whom no credit must ever be given, might actually be succeeding.
1
"...successful in engaging China on North Korea."? Really, I don't think China is moving N. Korea at all. Remember who Kim Jong-un is, and who he is not. Trump will get nowhere with him (as previous US leaders have not) so long as he tries to use the military as a stick.
2
Why stop with Duarte and Kim? He should go for the trifecta and invite Robert Mugabe over for a State Dinner.
4
It's a fundraising move, plain and simple. His base loves dictators and donate more when he professes his admiration of them.
That's the sorry truth.
That's the sorry truth.
2
Birds of a feather.
2
The loose cannon careens across the deck, smashing and wrecking, flinging stuff overboard, wreaking havoc and mindless destruction....
"Administration officials said that Mr. Trump was looking to mend ties with the Philippines as a hedge against China’s expansion in the South China Sea. But there is no evidence that he consulted the State Department, or that the White House has done anything to prepare the groundwork for a Duterte visit...."
Like Ralph Kramden, Trump has a b-i-i-i-i-i-g mouth.
"Administration officials said that Mr. Trump was looking to mend ties with the Philippines as a hedge against China’s expansion in the South China Sea. But there is no evidence that he consulted the State Department, or that the White House has done anything to prepare the groundwork for a Duterte visit...."
Like Ralph Kramden, Trump has a b-i-i-i-i-i-g mouth.
4
"Mr. Trump reportedly admires Mr. Duterte’s aggressive rhetoric about fighting the Islamic State...." My concern is that the president did read or listen further than the aggressive rhetoric. He might not, God help us, have had the slightest idea of the extent Duterte's brutal tactics.
Once again, the result of the leader of the free world, making decision based on cable news and a quick skim of the headlines stumbles into an embarrassing (at best) and dangerous (at worst) position.
Once again, the result of the leader of the free world, making decision based on cable news and a quick skim of the headlines stumbles into an embarrassing (at best) and dangerous (at worst) position.
2
I think killing drug dealers on sight is a good idea. Despot? I think not.
2
Shoot first......ask no questions later. So much for due process.
4
Would your opinion change if this country engaged in extrajudicial killings, to begin with, then actions were taken to silence the 4th Estate and ignore the other two branches of our government and stifle all dissent through extreme "law enforcement" actions?
3
In spite of all that he already has, 45 seems to have despot envy and how they are unconstrained by a silly document from the 1787 to 1791 he has sworn to obey and defend. Hence he has become a beacon to despots around the world. All other leaders are stupid and incompetent - especially American and that of our allies.
Putin, Erdogan, Duterte, Sisi, Kim, Xi and countless others have received the Trump Seal of Approval.
At this point, it is hard to imagine 45 tarnishing the White House any more than he already has by his mere presence in the People's house.
Now that he has essentially no checks and balances, with one party control, he can continue to get away with breaking the rules and all norms of behavior and decency.
The moral compass of 45 and the GOP is - shamelessly - on full display to the world. They're so immoral that they are intentionally putting health care for millions at risk and the environment on a planetary scale at risk for profit of the wealthiest 0.00001% of the global population.
Will Trump consult with Duterte on how to empower the 2nd amendment people he referred to in a campaign speech last year to take care of Her? Perhaps use the 2nd amendment people to handle the drug addiction epidemic in our country too - including all those opioid addicts. They can also handle the immigrant issue, protesters, America's enemy - the press like they do in Mexico - who knows, the NRA may support him with this. No need for courts!
Putin, Erdogan, Duterte, Sisi, Kim, Xi and countless others have received the Trump Seal of Approval.
At this point, it is hard to imagine 45 tarnishing the White House any more than he already has by his mere presence in the People's house.
Now that he has essentially no checks and balances, with one party control, he can continue to get away with breaking the rules and all norms of behavior and decency.
The moral compass of 45 and the GOP is - shamelessly - on full display to the world. They're so immoral that they are intentionally putting health care for millions at risk and the environment on a planetary scale at risk for profit of the wealthiest 0.00001% of the global population.
Will Trump consult with Duterte on how to empower the 2nd amendment people he referred to in a campaign speech last year to take care of Her? Perhaps use the 2nd amendment people to handle the drug addiction epidemic in our country too - including all those opioid addicts. They can also handle the immigrant issue, protesters, America's enemy - the press like they do in Mexico - who knows, the NRA may support him with this. No need for courts!
4
Trump is so pitifully needy for approval that he will take it from any tyrant, thug, crook, or political horror show......anywhere. Trump is a classic example of the kid who needs "participation trophies," but who will never earn a winner's trophy. What a sad, sad little boy. And what an endangered great nation and free world because others who haven't gotten enough attention threw a nationwide temper-tantrum (there is no other way to describe what happened in November) in 2016. Sad.
3
More complete baloney from Trump who does seem to favor despots. All readers including this one need to remember that all analogies are not apt. Duterte is the strong-arm leader of the Phllipines as Sissi is head of Egypt as Putin is head of Russia, but Trump's invitation to the above and his showering of praise for some, but not for Angela Merkel, the head of a democratic Germany, shows a certain preferential bias toward the male, autocratic head of state where pluralism, transparency and rule of law run the country. Add to this latest strange turn in Trump's tenure the complete lack of the basics of American history. In terms of geopolitical matters, Duterte and his people could be visited by our people, but the public gesture Trump has made as so many other outre displays of the public persona of this president is just shocking. This is why the words"diplomacy" and "politics" are important and not throwaway words. We continue on, day by day as a nation, to be rightfully shocked and dismayed.
2
While realpolitik is necessary in world affairs, Trump is overly deferential to authoritarian leaders, even those democratically elected. A smart relation with the Philippines, employed by neither Obama nor Trump, would be to acknowledge their drug problem but critique their methods for dealing with it. I don't understand why death squads need to be the remedy, when you are a country of many islands (rehab island?). You can't tell your friends what to do, but offer strategic advice that won't hurt their national pride.
But Trump's own despotic intentions are revealed when he cozies up to these macho leaders who undermine their own countries rules of law. Trump should want a stable Philippines (he has so many investments there, ha). But critics of Duterte end up missing their mark and hitting their supporters, much like critics of Trump.
But Trump's own despotic intentions are revealed when he cozies up to these macho leaders who undermine their own countries rules of law. Trump should want a stable Philippines (he has so many investments there, ha). But critics of Duterte end up missing their mark and hitting their supporters, much like critics of Trump.
2
When are we going to stop giving Trump free publicity? He's running a re-election campaign, not a government. Please turn off this spigot.
3
This is all heading in a bad direction. Move your savings to treasury bonds today.
1
Duterte established his record as mayor of Davao over two decades and he still was elected president last year. There are many in the Philippines who support their president and his drive to combat drug crime in the country. What about the victims of those out of control criminals?
Duterte said he was going to tear up the American visiting forces agreements and kick them out of the country. I wouldn't blame him for doing that because it was the American military who significantly helped establish the sex trade economy in the Philippines during WW2 and the Vietnam war. Is that how America built its reputation, encouraging people (not women) to pursue their right to self government and human dignity?
Duterte said he was going to tear up the American visiting forces agreements and kick them out of the country. I wouldn't blame him for doing that because it was the American military who significantly helped establish the sex trade economy in the Philippines during WW2 and the Vietnam war. Is that how America built its reputation, encouraging people (not women) to pursue their right to self government and human dignity?
Elections have consequences which is something everyone who voted for Jill Stein or Gary Johnson ought to consider
4
"...Mr. Trump's own authoritarian tendencies....". That in itself fully describes our "president" given his screeching cries about the onerous rules in our legislative bodies and the judiciary that would dare, dare mind you, rule against our Dear Leader.
Indeed, if those separation of powers was neutered in Trump's favor, one not need to imagine what the great negotiator would be capable of.
When I observe these authoritarian leaders in other countries then learn that our "president" has a "fondness", as stated in the editorial, for those strongmen, it gives me pause and hope that our other two branches of government will be strong enough to maintain our form of government.
Indeed, if those separation of powers was neutered in Trump's favor, one not need to imagine what the great negotiator would be capable of.
When I observe these authoritarian leaders in other countries then learn that our "president" has a "fondness", as stated in the editorial, for those strongmen, it gives me pause and hope that our other two branches of government will be strong enough to maintain our form of government.
2
If Hillary had become President and reached out to Duterte, Congress would have already started impeachment proceedings.
4
Somebody should remind Mr. Trump that the White House is not his house but the People's House.
And the People don't want these despicable characters in their house.
And the People don't want these despicable characters in their house.
4
Roll models from HELL,
This pugnacious "In your face" bully seeking attention by showing off on how inhuman and anti American he can flaunt himself and his cabal of administration cutthroats.
We are paying a price of perpetual insult and disrespect.
This pugnacious "In your face" bully seeking attention by showing off on how inhuman and anti American he can flaunt himself and his cabal of administration cutthroats.
We are paying a price of perpetual insult and disrespect.
2
We've snuggled with dictators before, much to our detriment -- anyone remember the Shah of Iran?
The difference is in the oratory. Past Presidents have been careful not to heap praise upon thugs, doing their necessary interaction within the bounds of diplomacy and parsed language. This President has no filter, and is like a sock puppet, changing with every shifting current. This is dangerous on a lot of levels. Our allies are probably aghast and nervous, certainly most of the conscious popluation of the U. S. is, or should be -- but what about the Republican Congress? Is this just "business as usual?"
The difference is in the oratory. Past Presidents have been careful not to heap praise upon thugs, doing their necessary interaction within the bounds of diplomacy and parsed language. This President has no filter, and is like a sock puppet, changing with every shifting current. This is dangerous on a lot of levels. Our allies are probably aghast and nervous, certainly most of the conscious popluation of the U. S. is, or should be -- but what about the Republican Congress? Is this just "business as usual?"
1
Do we have to continue to make the mistakes of our past? The episodes of flirtations with despots have taught us that depots eventually fall and when they do the long suffering population of those countries does not forgive us. But it is too much to expect Mr Trump to do this type of abstract thinking.
3
That Mr. Trump bypasses the State Department suggests strongly to me that neither he nor Mr. Tillerson have any intention whatsoever of filling the 200 plus vacant positions there that would normally be dispensed to cronies or campaign donors.
That could end up being a good thing, inasmuch as career professionals -- vice political appointees -- are now managing the geographic and functional bureaus.
Besides, between those individuals who have insulted Mr. Trump publicly (and who would never get a green light from the White House) and those who wish to preserve their reputations by avoiding this administration like the plague, there may not be 200 people to be found.
That could end up being a good thing, inasmuch as career professionals -- vice political appointees -- are now managing the geographic and functional bureaus.
Besides, between those individuals who have insulted Mr. Trump publicly (and who would never get a green light from the White House) and those who wish to preserve their reputations by avoiding this administration like the plague, there may not be 200 people to be found.
2
Obama reaches out to Iran and Cuba and is praised as an open-minded visionary diplomat. Trump makes overtures to similar thugs and you throw him under the bus.
4
Obama's outreach was done with the backing of not just his mouth. The entire government apparatus was involved in those moves. As to Iran, all the world powers were brought together to negotiate including Russia and China.
3
Brilliant, spot-on illustration.
Trump's admiration for authoritarian leaders is a true marker of where we may be headed. This is a man completely without any principles. That was evident during the campaign and it is even clearer now.
Trump's admiration for authoritarian leaders is a true marker of where we may be headed. This is a man completely without any principles. That was evident during the campaign and it is even clearer now.
3
Trump has degenerated into total blithering idiocy in the last few days. His lost marbles are rolling across the floor at the White House, and down the steps of the Capitol. How long can GOP leaders keep this insane president a secret from his own people? How long can they cover up the dementia and break from reality? How long can they prop this guy up?
4
Obama said that it was a mistake to always assume you don't talk to some people. Obama disssed this leader and he went to China and began to accept China's dissing of the rest of Asia in the South China Seas. So you think talking with a thug who kills easily is wrong? Would you rather we just walk away from Iran, Syria, Russia, and diss them all as well. Perhaps not. So maybe this is just your way of saying, anyone but Trump. Plain politics, not sound advice.
1
Have you forgotten what Duterte called Obama, and the threats he made against this country? -- or, is it just your selective memory?
1
Hopefully when Trump leaves the presidency, his bizarre haphazard approach towards foreign policy will be quickly forgotten, and America can again take a reliable, principled leadership role in the world.
4
No matter what Trump says or does the NYT and the liberal establishment will create a way to call him incompetent, stupid, corrupt, etc. etc. They just make the situation worse and still blame Trump because that's all they can do.
3
Duterte is not a despot. He was elected and Filipinos elected him to do exactly what he is doing: to protect them from chaos and criminality. I envy Filipinos for having a president like Duterte. We desperately need a Brazilian version of Duterte here in Brazil! Governments that are soft on crime, allow criminals to commit atrocities against honest, tax-paying, law-abiding hardworking citizens. This is not the right human-rights policy. The correct huma rights policy is to be tough on people who don't respect someone else's rights. That's what Duterte does.
Very well said. Trump is reckless. An opportunist who seems to feel most comfortable with tyrants like himself, and whose motto has been, and is, "my way or the highway". Let's make America great again, coming from big mouth Trump, has lost its meaning, almost an insult, given his treacherous behavior.
2
I can only surmise that DT feels more comfortable with these rogue leaders. Perhaps it makes him feel superior, or it's an "in your face" move directed at his critics, which would certainly be in character. Who knows? Either way, it hurts our reputation and credibility. It's as though he's giving a thumbs up to the despots of the world, or putting them on par with our allies. I still firmly believe there is something very wrong with DT's mind. He should be removed from office, asap.
1
To the Editorial Board:
You have missed the perfectly Trumpian flip side to the Duterte invitation. Donald Trump embraces another murderous despot while simultaneously working behind the scenes to deny Jimmy Carter a humanitarian award to be presented to him by the Argentinian government for his outspoken opposition to the military junta that ruled Argentina during and after his presidency.
It's not enough that Trump stoops to the level of tinpot dictators... killers, really... lending them the legitimacy such recognition confers. Men who have subverted the will of their own people, rigged elections, stolen billions, "disappeared" their opposition. He must also spitefully deny his predecessor the recognition he deserves because for a brief moment the spotlight might be shining on another(truly deserving) individual and not Trump himself.
http://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2017/04/23/argentina-no-entregaria-condecoraci...
You have missed the perfectly Trumpian flip side to the Duterte invitation. Donald Trump embraces another murderous despot while simultaneously working behind the scenes to deny Jimmy Carter a humanitarian award to be presented to him by the Argentinian government for his outspoken opposition to the military junta that ruled Argentina during and after his presidency.
It's not enough that Trump stoops to the level of tinpot dictators... killers, really... lending them the legitimacy such recognition confers. Men who have subverted the will of their own people, rigged elections, stolen billions, "disappeared" their opposition. He must also spitefully deny his predecessor the recognition he deserves because for a brief moment the spotlight might be shining on another(truly deserving) individual and not Trump himself.
http://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2017/04/23/argentina-no-entregaria-condecoraci...
8
Wilbur Ross explains the bombing in Syria. Speaks volumes as to why trump and ross have a long-term friendship:
"Just as dessert was being served, the president explained to Mr Xi he had something he wanted to tell him, which was the launching of 59 missiles into Syria,” Ross said, according to Variety. “It was in lieu of after-dinner entertainment.” “The thing was, it didn’t cost the president anything to have that entertainment."
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/may/02/trumps-attack-on-syria-a...
"Just as dessert was being served, the president explained to Mr Xi he had something he wanted to tell him, which was the launching of 59 missiles into Syria,” Ross said, according to Variety. “It was in lieu of after-dinner entertainment.” “The thing was, it didn’t cost the president anything to have that entertainment."
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/may/02/trumps-attack-on-syria-a...
2
The fact that Donald Trump suffers from early senile dementia and can't hold on to history nor present events either, can't make firm decision, forgets what he just said, contradicts himself every few minute, and is inappropriately jolly all refer to his mental state. He is old, too old to be an alert and competent president---even if he were mentally stable. The reason nothing has been done to remove him from office is that many of his cohorts are as old and unhinged as he is and that includes McConnell and most of his cabinet. These associates like the pres live in a century long past, stubbornly clinging to their outmoded ethic---now deceased.
4
A bull in the china shop is bad enough. Now we see what happens when it is a blind, raging bull.
2
An invitation is not an embrace! Only Liberal Hacks would call it that!
4
Trump has been our president for over 100 days now and he has horrified and embarrassed us every step of the way. His appalling actions and his remarks are way too numerous to list here and he is getting more bold and dangerous every day. If he left office today, I don’t know if the damage he has done could be rectified. I think the elephant in the room here is whether
Trump is mentally ill. Someone needs to pick up the baton and steer America in the right direction before it’s too late.
Trump is mentally ill. Someone needs to pick up the baton and steer America in the right direction before it’s too late.
5
I've commented before on similar descriptions of our "so-called" president, that he never should have desired to be our president as he doesn't even like our country, its laws and traditions, nor most of its people. The only reason I can think of for him desiring to be president is to further enrich himself and his cronies, as that is all he has done. In regards to chumming up to dictators, he sees no wrong in this, as he has utter contempt for our laws and values related to human rights, and only sees how he and his family might profit. The poor 27% of the electorate who still see him as their champion, will soon come to realize he is a champion for no one but himself and never was their advocate, which will become more obvious as his policies unfold - no job, no healthcare, no clean water, air or ground, no common sense decency for the hurting or dying here or abroad. We need grace to hold on till "Righteousness exalts our nation" once again.
4
NYT: I am uncomfortable with the white/black illustration. Please re-consider.
4
Talk-talk is better, than jaw-jaw.
1
Donald Trump's perception of America and the world is shaped by television info-entertaining news, movies, NY social nightlife, and business associates.
As far as making a friendly gesture towards Putin, Duterte and now Kim Jon-un, he is probably influenced by Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II.
"My father taught me many things here — he taught me in this room. He taught me — keep your friends close but your enemies closer."
Michael survived the mafia killing fields of NY and Sicily.
As far as making a friendly gesture towards Putin, Duterte and now Kim Jon-un, he is probably influenced by Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II.
"My father taught me many things here — he taught me in this room. He taught me — keep your friends close but your enemies closer."
Michael survived the mafia killing fields of NY and Sicily.
3
Sure looks like it's past time to bring back the true (and originalist) purpose of the Electoral College as envisioned in The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, doesn't it? We certainly could have prevented the Imbecile-In-Chief from being seated as the 45th POTUS.
What a dope.
What a dope.
7
Strange timing. Is this a sign the multiple investigations into Trump's Russian ties are heating up?
5
This story misses the corruption angle: Trump invited Duarte because he owns property in Manila, and Duarte named Trump's business partner to be envoy to the US. Why is the New York Times ignoring the elephant in the room?
6
Donald Trump said to John Dickerson regarding his comments about his claims of President Obama's wiretapping and urveillance, "I think that should be discussed......".
I think Donald Trump is right, it should be discussed, as to whether he is right in his mind, or is Trump showing signs of a diminished mental capacity that indicates a coming on of dementia.
I think Donald Trump is right, it should be discussed, as to whether he is right in his mind, or is Trump showing signs of a diminished mental capacity that indicates a coming on of dementia.
4
President Trump is against everything that our country and our Constitution has been for and which is why the United States has been revered as a country that could lead and encourage the world to be a better place for all humanity. It is very sad that because of his insecurity and need to be thought of a strong, he is showing the world community that we are nothing more than fools. He makes those of us who care for our country and moral values very ashamed.
3
I have two thoughts. First I wonder whether Fox has praised Duterte's reign of terror, giving the SCP the idea that he was a good guy.
Secondly, I was wondering if he should only be allowed to talk to foreign leaders if he has a teleprompter to give him the script?
Secondly, I was wondering if he should only be allowed to talk to foreign leaders if he has a teleprompter to give him the script?
2
Moral compass? Laughable. Trump appears to lack a moral compass. As for reputation, the election of 45 sank the reputation of the USA. I think the first thing that hurts will be the tourist industry, as many do not want to go to a country that appears to have sunk into a swamp of idiocy and xenophobia.
3
Trump's moral compass has been spinning ever since he was an adolescent.
2
Trump's inviting him into the woodshack not to the dance.
2
Donald Trump is disloyal the founding principles of our great nation.
He is the worst President ever.
Wake up, America! This will not end well.
He is the worst President ever.
Wake up, America! This will not end well.
3
Trump is embarrassing - to himself, to the US and to the world. Only he thinks he's doing a great job. He's not. Who's going to tell him? Nobody. Because Nobody has told Nothin' to Trump Ever. He has done what he wants since he was a child, damn the human hurt he causes.
I despise him.
I despise him.
2
I'm resting to think of a stronger word than "despise". Is " loathe" stronger?
1
It's been a hallmark of American foreign policy to tacitly "embrace" despots when it's in our interests. Thus the U.S. has for decades openly supported the despotic monarchy in Saudi Arabia despite the fact that it is and has been the main source and supporter of "radical Islamic (actually Sunni) terrorism." Of course, the Saudis have oil which we no longer need and have for the most part been our ally until recently. The major distinction with Putin-admiring Donald Trump is that there is no such subtlety in his approach. It is an indiscriminate "embrace" of one authoritarian personality, here Mr. Trump, of all others whether it be Egyptian President el-Sisi, a harsh autocrat recently invited to the White House, or now the murderous tyrant, Duterte. Mr. Trump's inability to embrace a nuanced approach to such men who, while allies, are also violating human rights on a massive scale, sends a very chilling signal about America's continued ability and willingness to stand up for the down-trodden and oppressed.
3
What could Donald Trump posssibly have in mind by embracing Rodrigo Duterte?... or for that fact, Kim Jong-un, and yes, Vladimir Putin?
But even more importantly, what does that say about this country, and where is he trying to take us?
If Trump's recent outreach to these two despots were of a "diplomatic" nature, it should have gone through proper U.S. State Department protocol, but since that agency is basically lifeless, Trump's invitation came across as eerily personal.
One might argue it's part of a plan, but Trump prides himself on never having a plan -- or one that he sticks to, anyway.
The same goes for "Foreign Policy" -- there is none.
Which essentially leaves us all at the mercy of his "gut instinct", that same thing he often referred to during his campaign.
The only problems with that is, that's no way to run a country, and he'd be the only one who knows where it's going; which in effect means, it might be too late for the rest of us.
But even more importantly, what does that say about this country, and where is he trying to take us?
If Trump's recent outreach to these two despots were of a "diplomatic" nature, it should have gone through proper U.S. State Department protocol, but since that agency is basically lifeless, Trump's invitation came across as eerily personal.
One might argue it's part of a plan, but Trump prides himself on never having a plan -- or one that he sticks to, anyway.
The same goes for "Foreign Policy" -- there is none.
Which essentially leaves us all at the mercy of his "gut instinct", that same thing he often referred to during his campaign.
The only problems with that is, that's no way to run a country, and he'd be the only one who knows where it's going; which in effect means, it might be too late for the rest of us.
3
Obviously Trump and his followers will drag the U.S. Down until we go beyond being the laughing stock of the western world, rather until we are irrevocably
despised by all. We are well on our way.
despised by all. We are well on our way.
2
The old saying (with a change or to), "Keep your friends close and those of questionable reputation closer" is something we all could do a better job with at all levels. Whether is a neighbor that never mows his lawn or a leader of another country that does not fit our perception of working for the common good, is it not better to sit down and talk than to shoot his dog or bomb his country. Compromise and letting the other person have everything their way is not always the best policy, but to many times the American government and the leaders at that time have tried to impose their will with less than positive results. Sometimes a little diplomacy and good will goes a long way.
1
Mr. Trump snubs Angela Merkel, and picks senseless fights with Mexico and Canada, but he fawns over strongmen and dictators and seeks to cozy up to them. This gives us the measure of the man. Sad. Scary.
12
That's funny... I did not see any editorials from the NYT about Obama meeting Cuban dictator Raul Castro... a person who imprisons gays lesbians and blacks and others who does not conform to the Party line. I wonder why?
2
"I wonder why?" Asking the question simply address' your lack of knowledge. There was plenty of negative media at the time. One just has to make an effort to be informed.
2
There's was little negative press from the Times. They praised Obamas magnificent achievement of opening up Cuba. The Castros were treated in a delusional way as Champions of their people, ignoring the massive suffering they have caused. Duterte is an angel compared to those 2. And Trump did not embrace him, he offered to meet with him, the Democratically elected leader of a state that is supposed to be our ally.
The Times editorial page is an absurd joke.
The Times editorial page is an absurd joke.
But in your "exercise of knowledge" you do not answer my question... did the NYT write an editorial about the Obama-Castro meeting and Obama's visit to the island... was it because the Castros projected to be champions of the left? Left tyrants are OK for you?
Well, when you have a president who lacks a moral compass.....
4
"But Mr. Trump erodes America’s reputation when he uncritically embraces those who show the least regard for human rights, rule of law and democracy."
You are right!
How dare Trump upend the moral clarity and vision of the Obama era in which we embraced those great champion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law; Muhammad Morsi of Egypt, sorry, I mean the Ayatollah Khamenei, sorry, I mean Hafez Al Assad of Syria by foolin' about those "red lines," or by strongly confronting North Korea's In.
So, if Hill's "Russian reset" had worked, would the official NYT line now be that Putin is a fine "partner"?
One can only stand so much hypocrisy.
You are right!
How dare Trump upend the moral clarity and vision of the Obama era in which we embraced those great champion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law; Muhammad Morsi of Egypt, sorry, I mean the Ayatollah Khamenei, sorry, I mean Hafez Al Assad of Syria by foolin' about those "red lines," or by strongly confronting North Korea's In.
So, if Hill's "Russian reset" had worked, would the official NYT line now be that Putin is a fine "partner"?
One can only stand so much hypocrisy.
2
Yet another ludicrous editorial from this comically partisan editorial board. So he offers to talk to a head of state who we happen to disagree with. Since when is talking and negotiating and trying to come to an understanding such a bad thing? with each passing day this paper loses relevance.
3
Agreed. And I'm a progressive, liberal, NYT's loving (or used to be) guy! I grieve for my paper and its readers.
Well, at least Trump's not sneaky about it.
1
It shouldn't surprise anyone that the likes people who mirror him and operate at the same low level. Fake has a very tiny intellect to go with his very tiny hands. Talking to real policy leaders would be impossible for him. Recall his brush off of Angela Merkel. She's far to smart and knowledgeable for him. If she started to say "Make Germany Great Again." he'd be so happy that he'd sexually assault her.
2
Where was this righteous indignation when President Obama was in office and he wanted to speak with controversial world leaders?
The Obama Administration engaged in diplomacy. A concept and word that is not in Trump's or his administration's vocabulary.
"The normal way to mend diplomatic ties is to negotiate privately over months and have the process culminate in, not begin with, a White House meeting." Hope this info is helpful.
"The normal way to mend diplomatic ties is to negotiate privately over months and have the process culminate in, not begin with, a White House meeting." Hope this info is helpful.
2
CNN's Christiane Amanpour gushing beside Felipe Calderon. Yup, it's the Mexican President whose war on drugs in Mexico led to at least 100,000 people dead.
Nope. Calderon was never tagged a killer.
Nope. Calderon was never tagged a killer.
2
He's probably looking to Duterte for advice on how to manage a country. Now if only he had Hitler to invite to the White House. He would have gotten a lot of advice there. Trains running on time. Unruly press successfully silence. Enemies (and friends) too frightened to make a sound. Great shows of adoration by crowds. The world beyond the borders frightened of him. Gosh, if only he could read there are books that could show him how Hitler managed it.
4
This is because Trump is a despot. He has run his business like a despot. What he hasn't been able to come to terms with (and never will) is being President is different. He has brought in the princess and prince-ling of his family in flagrant nepotism. They will all be trillionaires (if this is a word) by the time he gets of office. After all, it's how all despots operate with the bottom line first. The people totally subdued, in jail or dead. Yes, we have supported despots but with no great success. Eventually the tail comes back to bite you.
6
Why it sounds like Trump has found a true friend.
Moral compass? Trump has none other than I am the greatest.
Human dignity? Trump 'gives' that to certain people only. People of color need not apply. Like wise with human rights and civil rights.
Democracy? Why isn't it Steve Bannon and Trump who want to destruct the entire framework of our working government?
Trump has publicly stated that he does not wish to be a leader in the world, of the world. His focus is to represent his supporters only. Anyone else in America or the rest of the world he does not care about.
As for treatment of President Obama. Trump and the GOP are systematically dismantling every legislation Obama ever did. If they could wipe his name entirely from the written page, they would do so in a nano second.
Trump has no Asian policy as a whole. There is no vision beyond containing North Korean missiles. As with much else, there is no diplomacy for Trump.
Just whatever comes into his head at the moment.
Moral compass? Trump has none other than I am the greatest.
Human dignity? Trump 'gives' that to certain people only. People of color need not apply. Like wise with human rights and civil rights.
Democracy? Why isn't it Steve Bannon and Trump who want to destruct the entire framework of our working government?
Trump has publicly stated that he does not wish to be a leader in the world, of the world. His focus is to represent his supporters only. Anyone else in America or the rest of the world he does not care about.
As for treatment of President Obama. Trump and the GOP are systematically dismantling every legislation Obama ever did. If they could wipe his name entirely from the written page, they would do so in a nano second.
Trump has no Asian policy as a whole. There is no vision beyond containing North Korean missiles. As with much else, there is no diplomacy for Trump.
Just whatever comes into his head at the moment.
5
Trump wants to muzzle the media. Unfortunately a good number of his supporters believe the media are their arch enemies. And their news is fake. They forgot that Trump used to call into shows impromptu and that gave each medium high ratings. So he used the media to get free access. Now that he is president the media are unfair and should not be believed. Now he wants to change the libel laws to sue reporters. It's a good thing the founders were prescient to include freedom of the press, the only profession, in the bill of rights. I believe it exists in the Philippines but unfortunately President Duterte can intimidate unfortunately judges who have sided with the law have met untimely deaths.
3
Don't be so naive to think Trump can't kill our freedom of the press and freedom of speech also.
Our system of checks and balances are only as strong as the men and women who exercise those powers.
How much confidence do you have in Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and others to keep Trump in check?
I don't....especially when (God forbid) the day comes when we have a terrorist event or conflict with a foreign power N Korea. History has shown that it is events like that that give someone like Trump the opportunity to consolidate power "for the good of the country."
As our Founding Father James Madison warned "If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy."
Our system of checks and balances are only as strong as the men and women who exercise those powers.
How much confidence do you have in Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and others to keep Trump in check?
I don't....especially when (God forbid) the day comes when we have a terrorist event or conflict with a foreign power N Korea. History has shown that it is events like that that give someone like Trump the opportunity to consolidate power "for the good of the country."
As our Founding Father James Madison warned "If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy."
2
Where was the Times when Kerry & Obama went to bed with Putin & Iran, & worked out a ridiculous deal which enriched Iran, the Mecca of Terrorism throughout the world.There are Times subscribers that do not walk in lock Step with crony Liberalism.This may sound like a contradiction ,but I agree with the premise of this article, however the Times does not have the credibility to take this position.
I don’t expect my comment to be published, but I feel cleansed by making it.
I don’t expect my comment to be published, but I feel cleansed by making it.
5
There is a huge difference between containing the Iranian nuclear threat and praising muderers like Sissi and Duterte. You may also want to reconsider your tired "Bibi dissiminated" slogans about Iran and terrorism, I have no defense for their role in Syria but still not a single terrorist attacking the west came from Iran. There is a big difference between negotiating with a tyrant for the good of the world and embracing him as a smart leader, a friend who is a true partner, these are some of the words used to describe Sissi of Egypt, he was profusely praised by Trump. This is an individual who removed an elected president in a military coup and since has killed, tortured and improsoned scores of activists and peaceful demondtrators.
3
MR
I seem to have touched a sensitive issue with you.The God Father does not do the killing he pays some one else to do the dirty work. There is no question about the Iranian's terrorist involvement, & the unrest they cause in the Middle East. Their proxies are Assad , Hezbelah & Russia.All brutal murders.
By the way, I don't support Bibi, & I resent his speech to congress, but he is correct in calling the billion dollar Bribe to Iran by Kerry & Obama a looming disaster.
I seem to have touched a sensitive issue with you.The God Father does not do the killing he pays some one else to do the dirty work. There is no question about the Iranian's terrorist involvement, & the unrest they cause in the Middle East. Their proxies are Assad , Hezbelah & Russia.All brutal murders.
By the way, I don't support Bibi, & I resent his speech to congress, but he is correct in calling the billion dollar Bribe to Iran by Kerry & Obama a looming disaster.
1
Trump's admiration for authoritarian and often vicious rulers of countries where human rights have been nearly extinguished, reminds me of those people who fawned over and admired gangsters. How Bonnie and Clyde were made into anti-heroes, and how today women unknown to them write imprisoned murderers telling them how much they love admire and them.
No discretion, no standards of decent moral behavior, no concept of what is best for the image that America wants to show the world. Trump hasn't a clue, and I'm afraid if he had a clue he would not care - his way or the highway.
No discretion, no standards of decent moral behavior, no concept of what is best for the image that America wants to show the world. Trump hasn't a clue, and I'm afraid if he had a clue he would not care - his way or the highway.
6
More incompetence!!! When will it stop???
8
It won't ever stop, if it doesn't stop soon.
3
I wish Trump were merely incompetent.
What scares me is that Trump is likely to be highly capable of consolidating authoritarian power because of his brash style and the complete impotence of both the Republican and Democratic members of Congress
What scares me is that Trump is likely to be highly capable of consolidating authoritarian power because of his brash style and the complete impotence of both the Republican and Democratic members of Congress
3
There is a vast difference between rhetorical, espoused, or professed values as opposed to values expressed through actions. The NYT seems to believe that while the US has sometimes sacrificed its professed values for the sake of "strategic" imperatives, it nonetheless remains a "beacon" for goodness and light. But if it were to give its readers a true history of the numerous brutal dictators it has embraced, the coups, assassinations, and destabilizations it has engineered, the resulting cognitive dissonance would become intolerable. To avoid this self-reckoning, compartmentalization and selective memory are essential. America cannot on the one hand claim exemption for its own (presumably sacred and inviolable) "national interest," yet on the other hand cling to the notion that it continues to have credibility as an exemplar "for human rights, rule of law and democracy." To accuse President Trump of undermining this delusional myth is the epitome of hypocrisy and sophistry.
1
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Good advice from the Godfather.
The NYT editorial board has been busy hating Trump and denigrating everything that he does. This editorial is the perfect example. When Nixon went to China, everything was great. When the Allies met with Stalin, everything was great. When Obama sent a message to Putin saying that he would have more flexibility after the election, it was wonderful. Now with the North Koreans threatening a nuclear attack on the US, the Chinese grabbing islands next to the Philippines , the NYT is denigrating a meeting with the elected leader of the Philippines and slamming Trump. When are you going to stop with the bias and hate. You have lost credibility with most of America and continue to show why nobody should subscribe to the NYT.
4
This is a very sad day for me as an American.
Perception is reality and the US, formerly a beacon of moral clarity (most of the time) had been reduced to a nation lead by a blow hard know-nothing with a moral compass on crack!
Through good times and bad times we as a nation espoused important and timeless values. We cherished human life and human rights. Now we have the president of questionable mental stability inviting the lowest of the low into the White House.
It is as if a great 250 year vision has died.
Perception is reality and the US, formerly a beacon of moral clarity (most of the time) had been reduced to a nation lead by a blow hard know-nothing with a moral compass on crack!
Through good times and bad times we as a nation espoused important and timeless values. We cherished human life and human rights. Now we have the president of questionable mental stability inviting the lowest of the low into the White House.
It is as if a great 250 year vision has died.
2
What a feckless blunderer. He can't even get an invite with the world's second most hatred man right. The only thing Trump detests as much as criticism is a slight. So now we have to wonder - how will he get even with the murderous psychopath who snubbed him? I shudder to think. And I wonder if getting even will outweigh the interests of his hotels in the Phillipines (permit problems by Duterte's henchmen could effect revenues ....)
(On an semi-related note, I keep on being distracted by this kind of news - WHERE are those tax returns ?)
(On an semi-related note, I keep on being distracted by this kind of news - WHERE are those tax returns ?)
5
President Trump's invitation to the Philippine president is not some sort of breach of moral standing, as this paper wishes to portray it. In fact, this editorial board seems to have no sure idea as to why the invitation was extended. What is a serious problem, a breach of moral standing, a serious loss and danger is this paper's insistence on providing a daily diet of lies to the American people. Although it started decades before, the past presidential election provides proof as to how depraved the editorial board and reporters here have become.
Trump feels these dictators have something to teach him.
4
North Koreas entire GDP , all currency flows directly to Fat Boy in N Korea.
Trump dynasty sees an enormous opportunity to take over North Korea as a business venture.
Figures the N Korean starving masses would love jobs and money and he can give them jobs building his hotels etc. it will be trumps version of Disneyworld.
" something wicked this way comes"
Trumpland , Asia.
Trump dynasty sees an enormous opportunity to take over North Korea as a business venture.
Figures the N Korean starving masses would love jobs and money and he can give them jobs building his hotels etc. it will be trumps version of Disneyworld.
" something wicked this way comes"
Trumpland , Asia.
3
It's probably too much to expect that President Trump is aware of how his invitation to Rodrigo Duterte shames and diminishes the United States in the eyes of the world.
Does it, however, occur to Donald Trump that his courting of clownish, but cruel, dictators like Duterte places him -- Donald Trump -- in the category of penny-ante, marginal and crackpot leaders of outlaw nations?
Does it, however, occur to Donald Trump that his courting of clownish, but cruel, dictators like Duterte places him -- Donald Trump -- in the category of penny-ante, marginal and crackpot leaders of outlaw nations?
4
'Mr. Trump erodes America's reputation' every time he opens his mouth. Sadly, outrageous as his impromptu praise and White House invite to Duterte may be, it scarcely makes a ripple in the tidal wave of bile and stupidity emanating from our current President and his entourage. Wait five minutes and some new idiocy and outrage will supersede it.
Perhaps our President will suggest repealing the First Amendment, or publicly muse that there was no point to the Civil War, or have a tantrum when asked to explain his claim that his predecessor in the White House improperly 'spied on' the Trump offices in New York and is a 'sick man,' or...
Heck, that's just the past 72 hours or so. We're drowning in it. And this does not merely 'erode America's reputation.' It is eroding America, period.
Perhaps our President will suggest repealing the First Amendment, or publicly muse that there was no point to the Civil War, or have a tantrum when asked to explain his claim that his predecessor in the White House improperly 'spied on' the Trump offices in New York and is a 'sick man,' or...
Heck, that's just the past 72 hours or so. We're drowning in it. And this does not merely 'erode America's reputation.' It is eroding America, period.
9
please, someone with a cooler head than mine explain in writing to these "normalizing" commentators why the tramp/twitter is wrong in his vocal embrace of these despots. What this country did prior to the twitter was wrong but that does not justify his self serving business acts now...
3
What should be unsettling for every thoughtful American is that we are watchin the basic elementary education of Donald Trump on fundamental known perspectives in our countries founding, history and alliances.
This isn't a sharp crazy like a fox of a critical thinking mind, using phycology to change the discourse in strategy of American policy, it's a uncomfortable public focus of either shear incompetence, ignorance or a deterioration of the President's mental capacity to a magnitude that we have never seen.
When you compare even the basic public utterances of any previous President in interviews or press conferences, especially in comparison with President Obama and Donald Trump, this last week with Donald Trump shows something is askew in the current President's mind or thought process that is only going to get worse.
This isn't a sharp crazy like a fox of a critical thinking mind, using phycology to change the discourse in strategy of American policy, it's a uncomfortable public focus of either shear incompetence, ignorance or a deterioration of the President's mental capacity to a magnitude that we have never seen.
When you compare even the basic public utterances of any previous President in interviews or press conferences, especially in comparison with President Obama and Donald Trump, this last week with Donald Trump shows something is askew in the current President's mind or thought process that is only going to get worse.
5
Hey, if you were well on your way to changing and destroying all the accepted forms of behavior and protocol on your way toward taking over the country as its dictator wouldn't you get as much information about how to do it as you could from those who are already dictators?
5
Trump's deplorable supporters have elected a man who does not believe in democracy. Trump is among the financial/celebrity elite, he does not know or care a whit about average people unless he's trying to sell a product or get their vote. He prefers the autocracy of business, and of autocratic despots and does not understand consensus. To Trump, consensus is what happens when everyone around a leader agrees with him, because they are relatives or dependent upon his approval for their positions and their livelihoods and lives. Compromise is not a possibility in Trumpland. When selling a product or a bill of goods hustlers cannot tolerate compromise. They and their product or scheme are the very best. Acknowledging alternatives, flaws, or lies is never possible.
Losing the election by 3 million votes but winning the electoral college is a failure of our Constitution that allotted 2 Senators and 1 Congressman to each state deprives every citizen of populace states of the "one vote for each person" essential to genuine democracy. There is a bizarre disproportional power granted to sparsely populated states. Trump and Republicans revel in this disenfranchisement as it is the ONLY means for them to succeed. Stupidly, Republicans brag that Trump won more counties when they know that Los Angeles County has 10 million people and Loving Texas has 82 people.
Duterte, Un, Sisi, Putin are Trump's kind of guys. Trump is impeded by his inability to crush opposition.
Losing the election by 3 million votes but winning the electoral college is a failure of our Constitution that allotted 2 Senators and 1 Congressman to each state deprives every citizen of populace states of the "one vote for each person" essential to genuine democracy. There is a bizarre disproportional power granted to sparsely populated states. Trump and Republicans revel in this disenfranchisement as it is the ONLY means for them to succeed. Stupidly, Republicans brag that Trump won more counties when they know that Los Angeles County has 10 million people and Loving Texas has 82 people.
Duterte, Un, Sisi, Putin are Trump's kind of guys. Trump is impeded by his inability to crush opposition.
13
Will we be seeing a bust of Idi Amin in the Oval Office soon?
11
There's a saying: "Birds of a feather, flock together."
Trump needs issues that divert attention away from his failure. By inviting a butcher like Duterte to the White House, he draws - rightly criticism, that will distract the public and the press.
Duterte emerges as the star of this club of pariahs. He can boast at home that world leaders want to rub shoulders with him, on his terms.
Trump needs issues that divert attention away from his failure. By inviting a butcher like Duterte to the White House, he draws - rightly criticism, that will distract the public and the press.
Duterte emerges as the star of this club of pariahs. He can boast at home that world leaders want to rub shoulders with him, on his terms.
6
Another saying : " snakes know the way of snakes"
3
It wouldn’t be my way to seek a modus vivendi with a world with which we don’t agree to invite Kim Jong-un or Rodrigo Duterte to share a cheeseburger or three. But, then, Obama’s way of assuming that all was light out there didn’t appeal to me any more than Trump’s view that where there are interests, deals can be struck. As a matter of fact, Trump’s view may be the more rational by a Texas ton.
And, then, I didn’t earn the right to try Trump’s way by getting elected president of the United States; and neither did the editors. At least someone is trying, and not just talking (or scribbling) about it. Good for Trump.
Heaven knows, the world out there is full of strongmen, buccaneers and mass murderers – probably no more than at any other time in history, but grown arrogant and particularly abusive over the past eight years. Ignoring that fact and merely lecturing them that they’re not nice people or worthy of a cheeseburger with a U.S. president probably isn’t any way to save the lives of a few Philippine drug dealers.
And, then, I didn’t earn the right to try Trump’s way by getting elected president of the United States; and neither did the editors. At least someone is trying, and not just talking (or scribbling) about it. Good for Trump.
Heaven knows, the world out there is full of strongmen, buccaneers and mass murderers – probably no more than at any other time in history, but grown arrogant and particularly abusive over the past eight years. Ignoring that fact and merely lecturing them that they’re not nice people or worthy of a cheeseburger with a U.S. president probably isn’t any way to save the lives of a few Philippine drug dealers.
As opposed to what?
To being like President Obama, who met some fairly reprehensible leaders during his term?
Out of the 194 countries in the world, there are maybe 20, perhaps 30 that have open democratic systems. Does the NY Times suggest that the American embassies be closed in all but that handful of countries?
Should the NY Times close down its foreign bureaus in countries that are led by less-than-desirable leaders?
To being like President Obama, who met some fairly reprehensible leaders during his term?
Out of the 194 countries in the world, there are maybe 20, perhaps 30 that have open democratic systems. Does the NY Times suggest that the American embassies be closed in all but that handful of countries?
Should the NY Times close down its foreign bureaus in countries that are led by less-than-desirable leaders?
1
Thant's quite a leap of logic, Alex. Nobody said not to speak with 'fairly reprehensible' leaders, but should we expect a US president to praise their ways?
2
Trump as a 'moral compass' - that's the funniest thing I've read in years.
4
I would dearly love to have several of the top neuroscientists in the country do fMRI scans of Trump's brain. The workings of it are a wonder, are they not?
It has been said there is no one so righteous as the reformed prostitute. This might explain Trump's approval of Duterte's solution for illicit drug use in the Philippines. Donald's playboy years in the 80's included his partaking of such pleasures. But now, a tee-totaler who would make Carrie Nation proud, he is seeking pre-approval before he looses his own special pogrom...sorry, "program"... upon the citizens of America.
Trump is guilty of many transgressions against, individually, collectively and now nationally. Hypocrisy is the key connection between them all. It is also said that, of all the sins of man, that is the one sin the Christian god cannot forgive.
It has been said there is no one so righteous as the reformed prostitute. This might explain Trump's approval of Duterte's solution for illicit drug use in the Philippines. Donald's playboy years in the 80's included his partaking of such pleasures. But now, a tee-totaler who would make Carrie Nation proud, he is seeking pre-approval before he looses his own special pogrom...sorry, "program"... upon the citizens of America.
Trump is guilty of many transgressions against, individually, collectively and now nationally. Hypocrisy is the key connection between them all. It is also said that, of all the sins of man, that is the one sin the Christian god cannot forgive.
2
What's another despot among friends when American 'allies' like the ethnic sectarian supremacist autocrat inhumane evil thugs like King Salman of Saudi Arabia, Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi have lifted their legs like dogs to urinate all lover the furniture in the Oval Office of our White House. Compared to the deathly reigns of these experienced rulers Duterte is a newbie rookie.
Among Trump's other beloved buddies are Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Recip Tayyip Erdogan. Trump is also blowing kisses to his beloved boyfriend Kim Jung In. Who next? Bashar Assad?
For the foreseeable future Donald Trump is destined to be the dumbest person in any room of nation state leaders to the detriment and potential doom of American values and interests in a Constitutional divided limited power democratic republic.
Among Trump's other beloved buddies are Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Recip Tayyip Erdogan. Trump is also blowing kisses to his beloved boyfriend Kim Jung In. Who next? Bashar Assad?
For the foreseeable future Donald Trump is destined to be the dumbest person in any room of nation state leaders to the detriment and potential doom of American values and interests in a Constitutional divided limited power democratic republic.
7
Trump is a bully and like any other bully he is at heart a coward who does not have the guts to undergo a roast at the White House correspondents dinner. Of course he admires dictators--in his tiny mind having absolute power would mean that he would never have to be afraid because everybody else would be afraid of him.
The continued presence of this obscenity in the White House is an insult and a disgrace to what we thought America stood for.
The continued presence of this obscenity in the White House is an insult and a disgrace to what we thought America stood for.
11
Boids of a fetha flock togetha.
4
Of course, the New York Times was equally harsh when Obama embraced Fidel Castro, the Iranians, the Russians, and the Saudis. No? Oh, but that was different. Obama was a black Democrat.
5
I don't remember Fidel Castro or Iranian mullahs visiting the White House. And even if they had does that justify inviting a self-acknowedge murderer like Duarte for a warm personal tete-a-tete with a US President? It is one thing to maintain relations with a country's government for the sake of promoting US interests, quite another to embrace murderers and treat them as if they were our dearest friends.
4
It's kind of like Obama embracing the Iranians mullahs. No bias here. Keep it up.
4
I'll bet if there were a poll taken of who Americans would rather see negotiating with a despot, Obama or Trump, a majority would select Trump.
1
Oh I see. When Obama hung out with Chavez and shook his hand, accepted his gift that was fine. When Obama pretended the Castros were good fellows, went there to reward them for years of despotic actions and murdering of political opponents that makes Duterte look like an angel, the Times applauded.. a milestone achievement!
Trump simply agrees to meet this guy, that's an "embrace",
warrants a drawing of them hugging at the top of the article?
Please.... How absurd. Trump has it exactly right when it comes to the Times.
Trump simply agrees to meet this guy, that's an "embrace",
warrants a drawing of them hugging at the top of the article?
Please.... How absurd. Trump has it exactly right when it comes to the Times.
4
Hahahahha. And Nixon went to China. And Reagan made nice with Gobachev.
trump's latest bromance with a ..... psychopath.
5
Gosh, its pretty simple. "Twitler" was trying to call the leader of Germany but had to be told that Adolf Hitler was dead. Hence, he was told to call the next "butcher" on the list, the effervescent Mr. Duterte.
For, you see, our "leader" would LOVE to have the kind of power Hitler had but must settle for a pale imitation, the leader of the Philippines. I assume Ivanka told him he couldn't just have all the journalists arrested who don't agree with him but if he borrowed some other strong man's tactics, he might be able to jail/assassinate a few of them. He'd truly like to emulate the leader of North Korea but he really, really doesn't like his hair style; just not 'orange' enough.
As for Mr. Duterte at the White House? One tip; hid the silverware!
For, you see, our "leader" would LOVE to have the kind of power Hitler had but must settle for a pale imitation, the leader of the Philippines. I assume Ivanka told him he couldn't just have all the journalists arrested who don't agree with him but if he borrowed some other strong man's tactics, he might be able to jail/assassinate a few of them. He'd truly like to emulate the leader of North Korea but he really, really doesn't like his hair style; just not 'orange' enough.
As for Mr. Duterte at the White House? One tip; hid the silverware!
5
If yesterday’s series of bizarre statements and actions by Mr. Trump concerning the Civil War, President Obama’s wiretapping of his office, Mr. Duterte , Kim Jong-Un and Obamacare was not a sign of imminent mental collapse, than I and this good dog should resign our honorary memberships in the American Academy of Amateur Psychiatrists.
What we have here is a bruised, virtually incoherent man, badly in need of an extended vacation far away from Washington in a quiet rest home where
he can be brought hot chocolate and French pastries and regularly told that he is a good man, a kind man, a truthful man and an honorable man.
There are some occasions in life when telling lies can help advance a greater good. This is one of them.
What we have here is a bruised, virtually incoherent man, badly in need of an extended vacation far away from Washington in a quiet rest home where
he can be brought hot chocolate and French pastries and regularly told that he is a good man, a kind man, a truthful man and an honorable man.
There are some occasions in life when telling lies can help advance a greater good. This is one of them.
19
Indeed. How many times, in how many ways, do people need to say that this stupid, immature so-called president is dangerous, and has to be removed from office before he precipitates a truly awful event from which recovery might be impossible?
His only actual interest is in humiliating the United States for outranking him.
1
Great graphics!
6
"Hitler massacred 3 million Jews. Now there is 3 million, what is it, 3 million drug addicts (in the Philippines), there are," he (Duterte) said in a speech in his hometown of Davao City.
"I'd be happy to slaughter them. At least if Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have (me)."
Meanwhile, Trump's administration intervened to prevent Argentina giving a planned tribute to President Carter.
http://www.arbiternews.com/2017/04/29/trump-rejects-argentina-tribute-ji...
"I'd be happy to slaughter them. At least if Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have (me)."
Meanwhile, Trump's administration intervened to prevent Argentina giving a planned tribute to President Carter.
http://www.arbiternews.com/2017/04/29/trump-rejects-argentina-tribute-ji...
7
And let's not forget his adoration of Marie Le Pen in France
9
What is that saying about birds of a feather?
If it were up to Mr. Trump he would be running the US in the same manner as those despots he has admired and embraced.
He's got the Mussolini look down pat already.
If it were up to Mr. Trump he would be running the US in the same manner as those despots he has admired and embraced.
He's got the Mussolini look down pat already.
13
Embracing the tyrannical heads of state of North Korea and the Philippines is what our 45th President is up to right now. Horrifying that Trump is such a terrible judge of character that he includes despots in his go-to bunch of world leaders. Bloodshed has marked Duterte's malign reign of the Philippines, and there is no way that Kim Jone-un's deathgrip on North Korea can be released without removing him from office in Pyongyang. Removing his growing nuclear capabilities is one way to ratchet down the frightening rise of North Korea. The man who called President Obama the "son of a whore" - Duterte of the Philippines - should not be welcomed to our White House. Where was Trump's Secretary of State Tillerson when Trump made nice to Duterte? The Philippino president and the tyrant of North Korea do not regard human rights, democracy or the rule of law. They are laws unto themselves. The shame of Trump, embracing our enemies, will be an unimaginable catastrophe.
5
Remember this -- Mr. Duterte was elected to his office. He certainly is not the first murderer to be entertained by a US president -- and he will not be the last.
2
It occurs to me that Trump would have led U.S. appeasers of Germany during the Third Reich ("America First"), at least in its early stages before the general public -- well ahead of him on the learning curve -- discovered the truth about Hitler's domestic activities. One can only imagine how Trump would assess the character of Hitler, Mussolini and Tojo -- or deal with an erstwhile ally like Stalin, far more clever and brutal than Trump puppeteer Putin.
7
Didn't Obama embrace the Castros, Chavez and Iran?
4
No
3
Dady. No Obama did not do that. He freed Cuba and opened it to the world. He did his best to free Iran,
a Persian country, put it back on track and make it part of the free world.
a Persian country, put it back on track and make it part of the free world.
3
No.
2
Trump is a mean kid who likes to hang out with other mean kids. Why are we surprised?
16
There is a difference between dealing with foreign leaders of questionable character and inviting them to the White House. IMHO
12
@jtcsul: Yes! That's the difference. It's one thing to have to deal with them so that the US and world can reap benefits of such a relationship. But Trump keeps saying to each dignitary (Duterte is not a dignitary, he's a thug, as are several others who have already come to the White House) that the White House is "The People's House". He makes a big deal of it! (Probably because he doesn't know what else to say and it sounds good). So it is OUR HOUSE and we don't want authoritarian dictator killers visiting OUR HOUSE.
1
Can't someone cut the phone lines to the White House?
12
I have doubts that Mr. Trump even knows the Philippines are islands, or where they are on the map.
13
Between Arkansas quickly trying to kill as many dead row prisoners as possible, a policeman in Texas having killed a 15 year old Afro American kid, and Trump welcoming a killer to the White House Europe has lost all trust and respect for America. This country truly has become a disgrace of the 21st century. Very Sad.
18
with America's crazy gun laws and it's appalling treatment of it's poorest citizens it's safe to say that for a lot of Europeans respect has been lost some time ago.
1
"... a policeman in Texas having killed a 15 year old Afro American kid...."
Trump's attitude toward the nation's trigger-happy police departments -- rah rah -- show his cluelessness, his uncaring, his tone-deafness more than anything.
Trump's attitude toward the nation's trigger-happy police departments -- rah rah -- show his cluelessness, his uncaring, his tone-deafness more than anything.
1
The Trump years will be hilarious in high school history class. But it won't be hilarious to live them.
As I've said: all Fascists love Fascists. I think trump is just plain stupid and doesn't know who he admires. They sound good like all Fascists, trump included.
As I've said: all Fascists love Fascists. I think trump is just plain stupid and doesn't know who he admires. They sound good like all Fascists, trump included.
16
The NY Times praised Obama when he met with the murderous bigoted dictator Castro who long ago embraced our geopolitical nemesis, Russia. Hypocrisy defined.
3
Trump has disgraced our nation. His dealings with killers Kim Jong-in and
Rodrigo Duterte diminishes our role as a world leader. We are a proud nation
and his behavior has left us weakened. Where is Congress?
Rodrigo Duterte diminishes our role as a world leader. We are a proud nation
and his behavior has left us weakened. Where is Congress?
2
The news media, NYTs and others, seem to have little to report so they give us what a superior Troll tries to do everyday.
The daily focus of the news media should be about the efforts of Mr. Trump and conservative Republicans to move beyond Russia's involvement in the presidential election. It's no longer on the front page, which is what they want. Should Trump be president? He stole the election with the help of Putin until proven otherwise.
Trump, the only American president elected by and for the people of Russia.
The daily focus of the news media should be about the efforts of Mr. Trump and conservative Republicans to move beyond Russia's involvement in the presidential election. It's no longer on the front page, which is what they want. Should Trump be president? He stole the election with the help of Putin until proven otherwise.
Trump, the only American president elected by and for the people of Russia.
1
We give Trump too much credit when we fault him for inviting Duterte to the White House. We assume that Trump knows something about who Duterte is and what he stands for. To Trump, Duterte may be just another South American leader. (In Trump's mind, the Phillipines may be part of South America, or even part of Hawaii.) Trump thinks, "He's a leader. I'm a leader. We should get together." Near the end of Reagan's term, he was faulted for saying he could not remember things. Later it became clear that he may well have been in the early stages of dementia. Trump too may well be in the early stages of dementia. Or maybe he just has a low IQ. The man seems to be mentally handicapped. Maybe he does not deserve our ridicule. Maybe he deserves our grave concern. Maybe he needs to be permanently confined to an institution where trained professionals can take care of him around the clock -- a place where he can't hurt anybody else. A place where when he picks up the phone, there is a psychiatrist on the line in another room. He can still pretend to be president. When he wants to meet with a strongman leader, whether it be Putin, Duterte, Noriega, Hitler, even Stalin, a trained actor (perhaps from Saturday Night Live?) can be sent in to talk to the poor man about how to solve the Muslim problem, or the wiretap problem, or whatever. We need to get Trump out of the White House and put him in his own private institution. We just need to make a few small tweaks to Mar a Lago.
2
Why can not you call a spade a spade ? Why do you expect anything but from the lair in chief desecrating the grounds of our White House ? This man looked at the presidential election as a reality show and did all of his tricks to win the prize and now that he has won he is intending on using the office to do what he does best, grab every opportunity to enrich himself and his family on the back of all of us especially those who voted, I mean conned, by him. Every act after that is just a diversion to con you in treating him seriously and divert you and other honest people from the fact that he will shake hand with the devil, the assassin Putin, the TV so called Evangelical, the anti-Semite, the racists and those desperate who enabled all of them in order to win. So again stop treating him seriously and wasting your paper space on him.
3
Embrace? Where was the outcry when Obama got in bed with the Iranian mullahs and gave them a path to nuclear weapons? Trump is crazy like a fox. Stay tuned.
1
Mr. Trump erodes American interests when I get out of bed in the morning.
4
Dictators like other dictators
They trade notes and tactics
Hitler Mussolini Franco
Putin Trump Duerte
They trade notes and tactics
Hitler Mussolini Franco
Putin Trump Duerte
9
Donald J. Trump . . .
Expiration Date 01 MAY 2017 . . .
Remove As Soon As Possible . . .
Without further delay.
Expiration Date 01 MAY 2017 . . .
Remove As Soon As Possible . . .
Without further delay.
8
He likes these guys because they are just a incompetent and crazy as he is.
8
Duterte declines...but maybe Stonewall Jackson can make it
4
The president is not embracing Duterte. He is trying to get inside his head and get ideas about North Korea as they are secretive and evasive. He is trying to negotiate as he is a businessperson and using psychology. Something the left refuses to believe and is incapable of.
1
Jan. The president cannot even get inside his own head much less someone else's and that is because he is too old to be president.! His confusion and contradictory behavior suggest pre-senile dementia, says this geriatric nurse.
2
Sad.... he has a Tower in the Philippines and Ivanka's picture is on a billboard there promoting it.. wake up
2
Deplorable birds of a feather flock together.
8
And Trump also called General Prayut, leader of the military junta that overthrew a democratic government in Thailand, and invited him to visit the USA. The White House is now a clubhouse for despots and dictators.
7
And just how many times did President Obama and other presidents host Saudi kings and princes, hardly paragons of democracy, leaders of a country and which slavery still exists, even if it was officially outlawed some decades ago?
Money tends to cloud judgement when it comes to despots.
Money tends to cloud judgement when it comes to despots.
2
The election of President Rodrigo Duterte is the best thing that happened to the Philippines.
NY Times editorial and human rights groups 100% wrong on DU30.
NY Times editorial and human rights groups 100% wrong on DU30.
1
Putin's tactic of sowing discord in the west is having outsize success beyond his wildest dreams and borders.
Hey Vlad! Turn down the heat. Will you really gain anything beyond personal wealth? Oh! I guess that was the point. The stock over at " Autocrats are Us" is rising faster than a North Korean missile!
SAD
.
Hey Vlad! Turn down the heat. Will you really gain anything beyond personal wealth? Oh! I guess that was the point. The stock over at " Autocrats are Us" is rising faster than a North Korean missile!
SAD
.
1
Trump wants to get some pointers on how to run an autocratic state.
5
Guess who's coming to dinner? Trump and his supporters seem unaware or uncaring about the atrocities committed by these authoritarian and brutal dictators. They reflexively bash President Obama or trot out false analogies with previous leaders with whom the United States worked.
At one point, Republicans could not accuse Democratic presidents enough of "appeasing" tyrants like Hitler a la Chamberlain.
Yet their golden haired boy praises Putin (former KGB thug and war criminal), Duterte (brutal killer in person and through death squads of thousands), Kim Jong-un who had his uncle killed and keeps hundreds of thousands of children, men, women including the elderly in prison camps where they are tortured, raped, and killed.
Trump, his supporters, and Congress have now sunk to a level of complete immorality. You do not praise mass murderers and torturers. You do not sully the White House or the United States by praising brutal dictators. There is no equivalence with diplomatic negotiations from earlier times. Diplomacy has always been about negotiating with enemies. Embracing them, praising them while disparaging your own country is not just un American: it is evil.
You must speak out against tyranny and not support it. You must condemn mass murder and torture and not support it. You don't say it's an honor to meet a brutal tyrant and invite another to the American White House where great men like Pres. Lincoln once lived. Shame on all Republicans.
At one point, Republicans could not accuse Democratic presidents enough of "appeasing" tyrants like Hitler a la Chamberlain.
Yet their golden haired boy praises Putin (former KGB thug and war criminal), Duterte (brutal killer in person and through death squads of thousands), Kim Jong-un who had his uncle killed and keeps hundreds of thousands of children, men, women including the elderly in prison camps where they are tortured, raped, and killed.
Trump, his supporters, and Congress have now sunk to a level of complete immorality. You do not praise mass murderers and torturers. You do not sully the White House or the United States by praising brutal dictators. There is no equivalence with diplomatic negotiations from earlier times. Diplomacy has always been about negotiating with enemies. Embracing them, praising them while disparaging your own country is not just un American: it is evil.
You must speak out against tyranny and not support it. You must condemn mass murder and torture and not support it. You don't say it's an honor to meet a brutal tyrant and invite another to the American White House where great men like Pres. Lincoln once lived. Shame on all Republicans.
3
Let's keep our eye on the ball. It's a fake-reverse end-run. Trump's taxes hold the answers, We must follow the money and the deceptions of his evasive words. What the con-man said to CBS's John Dickerson is more of the same smoke and mirrors we've always heard from The-Schmoozing-Hyberboler-in-Chief.
4
Trump also praised dictator Kim Jung-Un of North Korea as a "smart cookie." This "smart cookie" routinely threatens the U.S. and its allies with nuclear weapons, eliminates his relatives and rivals in nefarious ways, and starves most of the populace of his own country. Meanwhile it looks like he packs the Chips Ahoy and Oreos in those chubby cheeks.
2
Many American Presidents have done business with despots. FDR referred to the petty thugs in Central America as "Sons of Bitches but our Sons of Bitches." We did business during the Vietnam war with Duterte's predecessor Ferdinand Marcos. We made deals with Stalin and later Brezhnev. Nixon sat with Mao in the forbidden city. Gamal Abdel Nasser as well as Mubarak. The list goes on.
The difference with Il Trumpolini is simply that he admires these types of men. Wishes he could be like them. Other Presidents, even Nixon, held their nose when the interests of the nation required them to make nice with dictators. And rarely did any of them get invitations to the White House. The example ot Nixon meeting with Brezhnev in San Clemente comes to mind.
The danger it seems to me is his lack of knowledge of world events and inability to see this as the country interests vs. his own ego. We must remain vigilant and call him out on his 'turn on a dime' foreign policy habits.
And resist at all times.
The difference with Il Trumpolini is simply that he admires these types of men. Wishes he could be like them. Other Presidents, even Nixon, held their nose when the interests of the nation required them to make nice with dictators. And rarely did any of them get invitations to the White House. The example ot Nixon meeting with Brezhnev in San Clemente comes to mind.
The danger it seems to me is his lack of knowledge of world events and inability to see this as the country interests vs. his own ego. We must remain vigilant and call him out on his 'turn on a dime' foreign policy habits.
And resist at all times.
2
excellent graphic idea--whose?
4
I see, so the TImes believes that there should have been no meetings between say Kennedy and Kruchev and that Nixon should not have talked to Mao. Further, it seems the Times apparently believes that Obama was wrong to engage with Havana.
3
Those are all excellent examples of how this sort of thing is done. Those meetings and engagements were, as the article says, part of a process that culminates in a White House meeting, not ones that begin with one.
Diplomacy is hard, tedious and time consuming. Trump has shown us that he is incapable of doing anything that is any of those.
Diplomacy is hard, tedious and time consuming. Trump has shown us that he is incapable of doing anything that is any of those.
2
Putin, Un, Duterte, El Assisi all have a common enemy: Truth and human decency. And they all do what Trump wants to do: Jail or kill journalists and political opponents. No wonder he admires them.
5
Can't decide if it's a birds of a feather kind of thing...or the ominous winds of war beginning to blow again.
4
...birds of a feather...
3
Trump is a disgrace. The Republic Party must rid us of him if they are to have a future.
5
Moe, Larry and Curly have no future.
2
Ah, yes. The uncelebrated pleasures of fascism. Another reason why I, descendant of many generations of Prussian authoritarians, will be strutting into my law enforcement workplace in high boots, gratuitously armed and clicking heels. It'll be all I can do to keep from thrusting my right arm out at the appropriate junctures and barking out a "Heil". Trump has certainly fulfilled my darkest imaginings of hegemony and revenge.
2
I Agree w/Times. on Trumps embracing some dictators. It's questionable tactics.
Where however is "The Times", who is sensible in its smart view of Dictatorial Governments, on Turkey and Erdogan who is, contrary to excuses and attempts of concealing real destruction of the Kurdish Race, committing genocide?
This is today's genocide! This is skin to WWII Germany. Do no be late on this! Do Not allow others reports to replace your incredible network.
There is genocide going on!
Turkey is preparing to fully invade Kurdistan!
Erdogan is building a militant Sunni Caliphate!
Where however is "The Times", who is sensible in its smart view of Dictatorial Governments, on Turkey and Erdogan who is, contrary to excuses and attempts of concealing real destruction of the Kurdish Race, committing genocide?
This is today's genocide! This is skin to WWII Germany. Do no be late on this! Do Not allow others reports to replace your incredible network.
There is genocide going on!
Turkey is preparing to fully invade Kurdistan!
Erdogan is building a militant Sunni Caliphate!
1
you forget turkey,saudi arabia and even china as america's friend even they are against to their values which i dont heard any criticism against them but only duterte whho aare being criticize as of now that i called hypocrisy of America.
Not true. When Trump called Erdogan to congratulate him on his (stolen) "victory", the press was sharply critical of him, as were some (not enough) Congressmen.
2
"Birds of a feather flock together" describes Trump's fascination with world leaders who violate civil rights and act without moral compass.
4
We've scooped up a screaming mad man at the Port Authority and made him president. Once was the day that lunatics weren't revered or given media time.
6
"The United States has long seen itself as a beacon of democracy and a global advocate of human rights and the rule of law. "
But, how does the rest of the world see us based on the data that we have generated since WW II? We invaded Vietnam and turned it into a testing zone for experimental weapons, saturation bombing, and wasted 58,000 American youth for absolutely nothing. All the while, the rest of the world stood aghast at what we were willing to do at a country that bore no threat to the US.
Then, again, the USA invaded the sovereign countries of Afghanistan and Iraq even though they offered no threat to the USA. Yes, Bin Laden did, but, by the time we invaded, he was already in Pakistan. So, we invaded for no reason.
In the end, even Americans have begun to realize that we are really just funding companies for war profits and that companies have become addicted to that little perk of being in the USA.
Haliburton got NO BID contracts in Iraq and probably still does. Every military contractor in the US has billed the USA for massive amounts of profit.
Basically, the USA has become a war profits machine. And, some in the US know it now, but, the rest of the world is positive.
Democracy? Really? Or just a war profit machine?
But, how does the rest of the world see us based on the data that we have generated since WW II? We invaded Vietnam and turned it into a testing zone for experimental weapons, saturation bombing, and wasted 58,000 American youth for absolutely nothing. All the while, the rest of the world stood aghast at what we were willing to do at a country that bore no threat to the US.
Then, again, the USA invaded the sovereign countries of Afghanistan and Iraq even though they offered no threat to the USA. Yes, Bin Laden did, but, by the time we invaded, he was already in Pakistan. So, we invaded for no reason.
In the end, even Americans have begun to realize that we are really just funding companies for war profits and that companies have become addicted to that little perk of being in the USA.
Haliburton got NO BID contracts in Iraq and probably still does. Every military contractor in the US has billed the USA for massive amounts of profit.
Basically, the USA has become a war profits machine. And, some in the US know it now, but, the rest of the world is positive.
Democracy? Really? Or just a war profit machine?
29
The United States needs a constitutional amendment to prevent future presidents from being able to single-handedly change the substance of the country so dramatically as Mr. Trump has been able to do, in the future. Because I have grown to love the country so much, I have been in a state of stress since Mr. Trump won the election. Although I am a democrat, I admire the younger Mr. Bush and has much respect for his father. On the contrary, I don't see much that is respectable or admirable in Mr. Trump. The fact that Mr. Trump is disruptive, lewd and contemptuous of the American system of government and that some people lost their jobs to globalization and are upset that a black person was president for eight years should not have been enough justification for making a U-turn in the movement towards the appreciation of human value that the United States was engaged in. Mr. Duterte is a distasteful human being. A leader that boasts about crudely killing human beings is one the United States should maintain an arms length relationship with, if it must maintain any relationship at all. However, in Mr. Trump's world, that is precisely the type of leader the United States must embrace if only to make the point that it has now recognized the mistake it made by allowing a black man to be president of the United States.
11
"Embraces"? Says you.
Senator Angus King, Sunday on Meet the Press, theorized Congress would be far more productive, more bipartisan, if legislators actually lived in D.C. as they did in years past. If they squared off face-to-face, or simply talked baseball over beer once in a while.
It was one of the more perspicacious observations about how our nation might start to mend itself. And there's no reason why an act as simple as meeting with foreign leaders face-to-face in informal circumstances (best of all, cooking dinner for them - Trump would have to learn to cook) would have global influence inversely proportional to its lack of pretense and snobbery.
Meeting is initiating a dialogue. Not embracing, not tweeting - and it's the best way to get the ball rolling.
Senator Angus King, Sunday on Meet the Press, theorized Congress would be far more productive, more bipartisan, if legislators actually lived in D.C. as they did in years past. If they squared off face-to-face, or simply talked baseball over beer once in a while.
It was one of the more perspicacious observations about how our nation might start to mend itself. And there's no reason why an act as simple as meeting with foreign leaders face-to-face in informal circumstances (best of all, cooking dinner for them - Trump would have to learn to cook) would have global influence inversely proportional to its lack of pretense and snobbery.
Meeting is initiating a dialogue. Not embracing, not tweeting - and it's the best way to get the ball rolling.
3
I agree 100%. Problem is - DT can't "do" dialogue. He only does monologue. and he walks away if the question is too tough.
3
If Obama had extended the invitation, we'd be trucking in the smelling salts and Prozac for Republican pundits.
2
Quite naive. This is a dictator not a congressman.
1
As many writers have pointed out, let's not be hypocritical here: The U.S. has supported many authoritarian regimes and strong men when it was in our best interests. The take away though from this editorial is that U.S. support was always part of a larger strategic vision. The state department, in concert with the Defense Department, is the long term manager of that strategy. The take away is that Trump, in his incompetence and ineptitude, simply calls without consulting his experts who might be able to shed light. knowledge, and background on the leader/country/strategy. In short, another example of Trump the bull in a china shop. Unfortunately, he breaks it, & we own it.
39
I agree with your remarks in the last half of your comment, however, US support for authoritarian regimes is in itself unacceptable. Certainly, that it may be in the interests of the US is no justification. It breaches another tenant of human rights.
1
Credit where credit is due: Trump is consistently absurd. That's not going to change. So to expect anything more from this guy is equally absurd: ain't gonna happen.
Only question is, what do we do now? Hope is not a strategy.
Only question is, what do we do now? Hope is not a strategy.
22
The obvious mental illness Mr. Trump suffers is full-blown narcissism. His illness is profound;it demands the attention of all others. He craves admiration but will settle for any attention because it feeds his need to be the center of everything. This leads him to behave in unexpected ways as he doesn't focus on what is appropriate but how he can grab attention. Thus, an invitation to a murderer.
Mr. Trump's compulsive need for attention has a long history. His need to have women who are "10's," his flaunting a life of luxury, his calling reporters pretending to be his own publicist, his need to have his name plastered everywhere. He believes everything revolves around him;"I alone can fix it" is a display of hubris which translates into "all eyes on me." He needs the attention of others as a heroin addict needs a fix. Both are driven irrationally to get that fix. Thus, his claims that his inauguration crowd was larger than that of his predecessor in the White House who, by the way, bugged his phones.
Mr. Trump's need for attention is dangerous because he will do anything to get the attention he craves. That anything includes acting in irrational ways. His defenders claim he likes to be unpredictable, to keep others off balance. In truth, he doesn't have a plan or strategy, he just sees a way to grab attention and acts before he thinks.
Mr. Trump is no leader. He cannot, should not be trusted. He must be watched closely by someone who understands how ill the president is.
Mr. Trump's compulsive need for attention has a long history. His need to have women who are "10's," his flaunting a life of luxury, his calling reporters pretending to be his own publicist, his need to have his name plastered everywhere. He believes everything revolves around him;"I alone can fix it" is a display of hubris which translates into "all eyes on me." He needs the attention of others as a heroin addict needs a fix. Both are driven irrationally to get that fix. Thus, his claims that his inauguration crowd was larger than that of his predecessor in the White House who, by the way, bugged his phones.
Mr. Trump's need for attention is dangerous because he will do anything to get the attention he craves. That anything includes acting in irrational ways. His defenders claim he likes to be unpredictable, to keep others off balance. In truth, he doesn't have a plan or strategy, he just sees a way to grab attention and acts before he thinks.
Mr. Trump is no leader. He cannot, should not be trusted. He must be watched closely by someone who understands how ill the president is.
77
JABarry - Thank you for your comment....you are correct and because of Trump's illness, he puts our country in peril everyday.
1
After the adoring crowds at the NRA on Friday and in PA on Saturday and the emotional high he gets from them, he probably crashed 'BIGLEY' when he went back to being face to face with 'fake news' people who try to get him to make sense!
1
Mr. Trump has demonstrated, in his attitudes, tweets at attempts at foreign policy changes with regard to China, North Korea, NATO and now the Philippines, that he is imbued with the audacity of ignorance. He has also demonstrated it when handling domestic policy--witness the health care legislation debacle. He seems to be learning slowly some of the basics of what should be a requisite to even seek a presidential nomination. Let us hope he masters them before he ends his stay in the White House, and that he does so without leaving behind a nation in tatters.
9
There is a world of difference between talking to a brutal or flagrantly authoritarian leader and "embracing" him or her. What is troubling about Trump's overtures is twofold. First, it is unclear that his willingness to meet with these leaders is part of any cogent or thought out policy, developed with the expertise and advice of State Department staff and other knowledgeable as advisors.
Equally disturbing is Trump's almost wistful admiration for these strongmen unhampered by pesty constitutional issues. He seems to equate their willingness and ability to shoot bad guys and throw journalists in jail with strong leadership. As in "Putin is a strong leader."
It is not the act of talking to these strongmen leaders. It is the muddled thinking and dubious morals of the person doing the talking on behalf of the American people that is disturbing and worrisome.
Equally disturbing is Trump's almost wistful admiration for these strongmen unhampered by pesty constitutional issues. He seems to equate their willingness and ability to shoot bad guys and throw journalists in jail with strong leadership. As in "Putin is a strong leader."
It is not the act of talking to these strongmen leaders. It is the muddled thinking and dubious morals of the person doing the talking on behalf of the American people that is disturbing and worrisome.
17
Yup!
1
For all his talk of protecting America and the American way, Trump is our biggest threat to American values we have. America's currency abroad, and our ability to be a moral voice depends on the fact that other countries, historically, have viewed the United States as a beacon for democratic values. (I know, believe me, before commentators jump all over this, that this has not always been the case, in reality, at home, or around the world). But that authority has been whittled away by a madman with a hatchet in the last hundred days. We are losing a crucial bargaining chip, and if we don't have it, the world, abroad and at home, will be infinitely more dangerous for Americans, and we will have lost the ability to make the world safer for our friends and allies, and for people living in authoritarian regimes throughout the world. It's a disgrace, but it is also very very scary.
19
I wonder if he wonders why his popularity rating is historically low?! At some point soon the republicans are going to have to decide if this is worth it. If there were ethics and morals involved in their so-called patriotism this would not have happened - somehow, here we are in this dark dream. This is beyond outrageous. Anyone that claims to want to return to an America that is emblematic of any kind of ideal that is based on anything remotely considered good has to stop in their tracks and understand that this is not the country we the people want.
Trump doesn't think before he opens his mouth and he doesn't think before he tweets. Since his "shoot from the hip" style is admired as a kind of honesty, he gets both publicity and a boost of approval ratings for it.
And Trump doesn't care what other world leaders think, they are all just losers anyway. When consequences are truly dire, his foreign affairs team seems to be able to get him to shut up, but generally not until then.
This is nothing new. He was just the same on the campaign trail. I'd like to see more focus on how to report on Trump so that people start to become more thoughtful and less knee-jerk enchanted with this knee-jerk reactions.
Leaders who find Trump a buffoon will take advantage. And that is not good for foreign policy or for Americans.
And Trump doesn't care what other world leaders think, they are all just losers anyway. When consequences are truly dire, his foreign affairs team seems to be able to get him to shut up, but generally not until then.
This is nothing new. He was just the same on the campaign trail. I'd like to see more focus on how to report on Trump so that people start to become more thoughtful and less knee-jerk enchanted with this knee-jerk reactions.
Leaders who find Trump a buffoon will take advantage. And that is not good for foreign policy or for Americans.
10
When are the media going to realize that President Trump does not give a hoot about what he says and its ramifications, he has only one objective in mind, to dominate the next 24 hour news cycle and keep himself front and center? Our endless discussions on his actions and editorializing are playing into his hand.
12
Since the day Trump entered the political arena, I have used my mute button more than in any other time of TV watching.
2
The combination of despotic power and high ratings must fill Trump with envy but personal profit, through real estate or marketing opportunities for the family businesses might be the strongest motivation for his poor choice of friends.
6
Enough. Please.
Variations on the line "One does not make peace with one's friends. One makes peace with one's enemies" has been used by Yitzhak Rabin after he was excoriated for shaking the hand of terrorist Yasser Arafat, as well as by Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones to describe the intrigue necessary for survival.
Obama infamously kneeled before the King of Saudi Arabia - an enslaver of women, supporter of terrorists, and amputator of hands and heads - but sadly also a needed ally of the United States. Obama was the first President to ever do what some described as groveling before a foreign leader, and yet he was given a free pass by the press.
Before someone foolishly invokes Godwin's Law here, it should be remembered that if diplomacy were practiced by those who posted vitriolic rants against President Trump, we would be speaking with no other country. As was pointed out by many, the US is no saint either as those of us who remember LBJ and Nixon in Vietnam can attest.
So please reserve your fits of pique for issues that deserve them, and kindly refrain from any vulgar, puerile and abusive remarks about the President or anyone else for that matter. The readers of this paper used to be civil, even when strenuously opposed to a point of view. This is not a supermarket tabloid like the National Enquirer, although it unfortunately seems like it's drifting in that direction.
Variations on the line "One does not make peace with one's friends. One makes peace with one's enemies" has been used by Yitzhak Rabin after he was excoriated for shaking the hand of terrorist Yasser Arafat, as well as by Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones to describe the intrigue necessary for survival.
Obama infamously kneeled before the King of Saudi Arabia - an enslaver of women, supporter of terrorists, and amputator of hands and heads - but sadly also a needed ally of the United States. Obama was the first President to ever do what some described as groveling before a foreign leader, and yet he was given a free pass by the press.
Before someone foolishly invokes Godwin's Law here, it should be remembered that if diplomacy were practiced by those who posted vitriolic rants against President Trump, we would be speaking with no other country. As was pointed out by many, the US is no saint either as those of us who remember LBJ and Nixon in Vietnam can attest.
So please reserve your fits of pique for issues that deserve them, and kindly refrain from any vulgar, puerile and abusive remarks about the President or anyone else for that matter. The readers of this paper used to be civil, even when strenuously opposed to a point of view. This is not a supermarket tabloid like the National Enquirer, although it unfortunately seems like it's drifting in that direction.
"...erodes America's reputation?" That reputation was wiped out the day half of the country elected Trump and the other half was not focused and organized enough to prevent this. There is little point in blaming Trump, who is a defective human being, for anything that comes after his election.
5
Trump does not even remotely seem to have any frame of reference for evaluation of a leader, other than power and the capacity to schmooze with him. His narcissism apparently creates blinders, regarding all other factors.
10
I would love to know what he sees as redeeming in these individuals. Is it that he equates brutality with strength? Does he admire these folks for quelling descent? The answer came in his own words when he declared May 1 as loyalty day.
All criticism of Trump relationship with despots should start by acknowledging that, despite rethoric to the contrary, it has been standard US practice, from Batista (to start somewhere) to the Saudis. This is one thing where he is no different from all other Presidents.
4
See this for what it is. Trump embraces despots because they hold the kind of absolute power he hungers for. I expect the hardest part about being the so-called president for him is that he thought he would be like a fifteenth-century king with absolute power. Congress and the courts have not gone along.
As he says: Sad.
As he says: Sad.
5
Another news cycle, another embarrassment for the United States provided by President Donald Trump. It is frightening to imagine that we have not yet been exposed to the full extent of his ignorance, incompetence and asinine behavior. This is a serious situation. The nation needs some creative solutions.
2
In order to provide a moral compass, one must have a moral compass. By nature Trump is himself an amoral dictator. No surprise that he admires and identifies with the likes of Putin, Duterte and Erdogan. America has lost its way in the world. Sad.
5
Trump continues to out-do himself, and in his world, this all that matters. Repulsive, odious, immoral, offensive on every level. He deserves to be impeached. Meanwhile, we Americans, whose values are challenged but untarnished by this aberration in history, should collectively turn our backs on him, depriving him of the attention he craves. Instead of a constant barrage of Trump news, let us daily review the truly great accomplishments of past leaders: Washington, Lincoln, the Roosevelts, Kennedy, and Obama. Trump is not our president.
9
Trump wants to build hotels. This is his "foreign policy."
This may not be a bad thing. It might save us (only incidentally) from a nuclear winter. Bad for business.
This may not be a bad thing. It might save us (only incidentally) from a nuclear winter. Bad for business.
2
Isn't it ironic that now Trump is struggling to assert American influence in Asia, when he destroyed our best tool to do that, the TTP, on his first day in office.
6
So what should President Duterte do?
This op-ed piece and the related comments from fellow readers offer no suggestions as to how President Duterte should address the drug problem in the Philippines, a country with a population of 103 million and a nominal GDP of less than 2% of that of the US.
In spite of the enormity of its wealth compared to that of the Philippines, the US doesn’t seem to be able to solve its own drug problem as it is noted that “more than 50,000 Americans died from drug overdoses last year (2015), the most ever. The disastrous tally has been pushed to new heights by soaring abuse of heroin and prescription painkillers, a class of drugs known as opioids.”
Maybe the good people of the Philippines have looked at the US and have noted that the “beacon of democracy and global advocate of human rights and the rule of law” has failed to solve its drug problem and decided to elect Duterte and give him a mandate to try more drastic measures, however unpalatable such measures are.
This op-ed piece and the related comments from fellow readers offer no suggestions as to how President Duterte should address the drug problem in the Philippines, a country with a population of 103 million and a nominal GDP of less than 2% of that of the US.
In spite of the enormity of its wealth compared to that of the Philippines, the US doesn’t seem to be able to solve its own drug problem as it is noted that “more than 50,000 Americans died from drug overdoses last year (2015), the most ever. The disastrous tally has been pushed to new heights by soaring abuse of heroin and prescription painkillers, a class of drugs known as opioids.”
Maybe the good people of the Philippines have looked at the US and have noted that the “beacon of democracy and global advocate of human rights and the rule of law” has failed to solve its drug problem and decided to elect Duterte and give him a mandate to try more drastic measures, however unpalatable such measures are.
1
"Mr. Trump erodes America’s reputation...", oh please, that ship has sailed. Most of our allies feel sorry for us, look on us with pity and apprehension for a world order we once maintained. As for us being a beacon law and democracy, not a chance. Prison's overflowing and our 'elected' leader under criminal investigation, the list goes on and on. The Times had better wake up and forget about our dead American reputation - its first priority should be getting Trump out of office, instead of normalizing him as a goofy first time president who is learning on the job and changing.
Gee Didn't Obama embrace the Castro brothers? Three choices: fight those you disagree with; ignore those you disagree with or talk to those you disagree with. In retrospect, Nixon is credited for going to China. If there is no agreement to bomb North Korea and their nuclear abilities are only going to increase, maybe talking is a viable option? Isn't that called diplomacy?
1
It seems to me given Trumps conduct before, during, and after the election you can be a Republican or an American but you can't be both.
4
My guess is that Trump in his egotistical mania probably identifies with these nuts simply because he admires their authoritarian position. He is not of sufficient intellect to recognize that there is more value in ignoring these folks than embracing them. The fool obviously does not have a clue when it comes to the do's and dont's of international diplomacy.
I have no doubt that he in some sort of twisted Trumpian way views himself as the man who will and should change diplomatic policy for the good of the world. The good of the world as he imagines it of course. Unfortunately for him reality in the world of international affairs far outweighs imagination.
I have no doubt that he in some sort of twisted Trumpian way views himself as the man who will and should change diplomatic policy for the good of the world. The good of the world as he imagines it of course. Unfortunately for him reality in the world of international affairs far outweighs imagination.
2
"The normal way to mend diplomatic ties is . . ." We all need to get over expecting "normal." This presidency is entirely abnormal and as long as he is in office, it will remain so.
"What is not in any doubt is Mr. Trump's own authoritarian tendencies and his fondness for other strongman leaders who, like him, chafe at governmental checks and balances, including the courts." Exactly. And this is the danger to which we must remain attuned and vigilant as long as his deranged, abnormal presidency is enabled by his advisers, his cabinet, the fawning, cowardly and craven Republican Congress, and his adoring base which is entirely willing to overlook his lack of scruples, principles, qualifications, and the absence of anything resembling a moral compass.
"What is not in any doubt is Mr. Trump's own authoritarian tendencies and his fondness for other strongman leaders who, like him, chafe at governmental checks and balances, including the courts." Exactly. And this is the danger to which we must remain attuned and vigilant as long as his deranged, abnormal presidency is enabled by his advisers, his cabinet, the fawning, cowardly and craven Republican Congress, and his adoring base which is entirely willing to overlook his lack of scruples, principles, qualifications, and the absence of anything resembling a moral compass.
2
Talking and agreeing are two different concepts. A married couple who can't talk can't coexist. Let's face it, aren't we married by necessity to every despot on the planet? Trump is wise enough to recognize the diplomatic advantages of holding discussions with his adversaries.
1
No, previous presidents were wise enough, both Democrats and Republicans. Trump just acts impulsively, without any preparation or consulting with experts.
1
Trump is not wise about anything. He admires other bullies and craves their absolute power. That should frighten you.
1
Let´s call things by their name: America is no longer a beacon of democracy because it is now governed by a despot who is imposing a corrupt regime favoring him and his family at the expenses of the American people. America was a beacon of democracy. Let´s hope it will be again. But it is not now. In the meantime, Mr Duterte is a a perfect counter partner for the USA President.
The one thing more frightening than Trump is that 96% of the 63 million of his voters on election night would vote for him today.
5
We're rather worried in Berkeley, CA, because we think that Trump may be trying to get a few tips on quashing his opposition.
2
It is called geopolitic you support those who advance your agenda and interest. When you don't you wind up with the mess of the middle East. The US may have the ability to influence aligned governments not so much with governments we alienate. When Geo politic is not followed because of "moral high ground" we all too often end up with Iran, Libya or Syria.
Trump may be a villain -- embracing a despot -- but surely the most pathetic aspect of this shameful invitation is that he is clearly a fool if he believes that Duterte could have the least influence on North Korea.
He is NOT what democracy looks like!
4
What would happen if Duerte were given a warm welcome with a one-way ticket to an international criminal tribunal? Would any civilized country in the world have a tantrum, throw a fit, or come to the rescue of this aggressive self-proclaimed killer of humans.
1
Although I find the illustration to be grievously unfair to snakes, if one man is shown as a snake, both ought to be. It is also way off the mark to have trump portrayed by as white, the color symbolically representative of purity. The flip-flopping liar-in-chief is many things, but pure is not one of them.
2
I wish that when the news media refers to "extra judicial" killing , they would make it clear that this means gunning down people in the streets with no arrests, no trial and usually no evidence. Extra-judicial sounds a little too official and tidy for what's going on.
5
Proof further that President Trump stands for nothing, abides by nothing. He
will partner with the devil for personal gain.
will partner with the devil for personal gain.
4
I am reminded that JFK said to never fear to negotiate but never to negotiate in fear. I've no problem with Trump meeting with Duterte or Kim. However, a President should let the State Department manage the diplomatic process and work its course so that there is a likelihood of success. The problem with Trump's approach is that there is no sense of what is supposed to be accomplished by the meeting. Otherwise, the risk of the US being internationally embarrassed in any number of ways is profoundly increased and the likelihood of any improvement in relations is dramatically decreased. There is something psychologically wrong with Trump's obsessive interest in having relations with despotic authoritarian figures. Even a cocktail party psychologist has to wonder how authoritarian his father must have been.
Trump's management of the Presidency at this point causes me to imagine a 15-year-old who decides to take an 18-wheeler out for a joy ride never having driven any motor vehicle. It's sheer, reckless, bravado whose only intention is to show off with no consideration of the potential consequences to his actions. That's our so-called President, desperately seeking attention.
Trump's management of the Presidency at this point causes me to imagine a 15-year-old who decides to take an 18-wheeler out for a joy ride never having driven any motor vehicle. It's sheer, reckless, bravado whose only intention is to show off with no consideration of the potential consequences to his actions. That's our so-called President, desperately seeking attention.
211
After electing the so called called man to the White House the U.S.A. cannot be any more embarrassed on the world stage. Your image of the 15 year old in the semi was perfectly captured when the so called president got behind the wheel of that parked rig during the photo op with truckers.
Had it been a 15 year old in that photo one might have thought it was cute, I'll bet he was even making truck sounds with his mouth. But coming from a 70 year old side show clown it was just SAD.
Had it been a 15 year old in that photo one might have thought it was cute, I'll bet he was even making truck sounds with his mouth. But coming from a 70 year old side show clown it was just SAD.
2
Not hardly ... he is using the reputation and authority of the United States to advance his business interests in Manilla. If this is not a violation of the emoluments clause and a clear cause for impeachment I can't imagine what is. The Republican party had better wake up before the midterms.
1
Well, they can always share "amazing" chocolate cake at Mar-a-Lago!
1
I am embarrassed at the behavior of our President, it's shameful. The only reason he reaches out to a country that we have had an alliance with for many years is because he owns real estate there - Trump tower. He reaches out to the Despot who rules Turkey - because he owns real estate there - Trump tower. The President of our Country only cares about his and his family's self interests. He had no clue about domestic policy , spouts off about how great this new version of the GOP healthcare bill is while not having any understanding of the details. So millions will lose healthcare insurance or won't be able to afford it. He could care less. What will it take for the moderate Republicans who care about our country to join with the Dems and impeach this person who is clearly not qualified to be President of the greatest country of the world .
218
Trump cannot conduct himself internationally holding up the strongest American values regarding democracy, self-determination and human rights because he lacks the most basic ethical parameters; because he is overwhelmed by the power of his job and, he is dazed by the glitter of fake strong leaders.
Let us not forget that Trump started his professional practice in a company that practiced racial discrimination in home rentals; continued his career thinking that chapter 11 is a developer's tool; does not respect women and, practices nepotism in the most brazen way.
When I add up these facts to his immense ego and even greater ignorance, I am not surprised by this "embrace the despots" trend (because we do not have a foreign policy).
Let us not forget that Trump started his professional practice in a company that practiced racial discrimination in home rentals; continued his career thinking that chapter 11 is a developer's tool; does not respect women and, practices nepotism in the most brazen way.
When I add up these facts to his immense ego and even greater ignorance, I am not surprised by this "embrace the despots" trend (because we do not have a foreign policy).
127
His own family business obsession and the authoritarian impulses have driven him to embrace the similarly inclined discredited leaders of the world. He cares little about the damage such unpresidential behaviour on his part might inflict on the US standing in the world or on the values it abides by.
5
As if the US has never embraced authoritarian despots? Please. Anyone aware of US foreign policy knows that there's a long list of former 'friends' who were ultimately deposed, sometimes by the US, once they refused to cooperate with us. Let's see....Saddam Hussein, Qaddafi, Noriega, Mubarak, Ziya ul-Haq, Aliyev, Stalin, Batista, to name just a few. It's been said quite often that as long as 'they're OUR dictators', they're ok. But, as soon as they spread their wings, we turn on them. I don't see much change w/ Trump, if anything, he's continuing a long tradition, just in a more public way. Let's stop the fake outrage.
33
It isn't "fake" outrage if you were already outraged by our nation lending it's support to Hussein, Qaddafi, Noriega, Mubarak, Zika, Aliyev, Stalin and Batista, to name just a few. Just because the Dulles brothers thought they were useful, doesn't mean the rest of us ever wanted to lie in bed with them.
Yes, that may be true, but let's face it, this is and has been US policy for a very long time, and neither you, nor I nor anyone else opposed to it has had much say or influence over what Congress and the president have done. Heck, the last line of the article is the height of hypocrisy., particularly when you look at the cozy relationship the US has with Saudi Arabia, which has never, ever been close to being a bastion of human rights or democracy. It's not about democracy at all, that's just a front word....much easier than saying 'open for business' to anyone with either cash or resources.
The track record of the United States certainly isn't a pretty one when it comes to supporting dictators, particularly in Third World countries. President Trump, however, is doing something different. He is personally endorsing someone who not only encourages death squads but leads them on indiscriminate killing sprees. The rule of law has been suspended in the Philippines and critics of Duterte are targets as well. This admiration of Trump's for a strong man who answers to no one has nothing to do with official foreign policy and demeans the Presidency.
trump has two interests: making money and basking in admiration. That's it. His interest in the Philippines, and I doubt he could find it on a map, is that he has trump tower Manila. ("has" or lends his name to, who cares?). That's it. Our entire domestic and foreign policy serves his economic interests and nothing else. If there is anything else going on, he doesn't really care. Syria? No trump hotel or casino there so not important. Turkey? A couple of hideous trump buildings there so, very important. Any other parsing of this or that is irrelevant.
152
Couldn't agree more.
Chinese premier Xi suddenly became a friend from currency manipulator because almost three dozen requests to market Trump and Ivanka's lines of products were approved by China the same day he visited Trump.
Chinese premier Xi suddenly became a friend from currency manipulator because almost three dozen requests to market Trump and Ivanka's lines of products were approved by China the same day he visited Trump.
"It has faltered, sometimes badly, undermining leaders whose views did not fit its strategic objectives and replacing them with pliant despots. Yet for the most part American presidents, Republican or Democratic, have believed that the United States should provide a moral compass to the world..."
Anyone familiar with modern Asian or Latin American history knows that this is statement is grossly erroneous. Indeed, for decades the U.S. foreign policy goal was to support any dictator as long as he maintained a stable, anti-communist government. We looked the other way when democracy was trashed and human rights abuses were wide-spread. This policy came at enormous cost to the people, frequently resulting in civil wars with untold death and destruction. Vietnam and Nicaragua are but two examples.
Consider the long list of cruel, abusive strongmen U.S. presidents either brought to power or maintained in power: Chiang Kai-shek in China and Taiwan; Prapat and Thanom in Thailand; Diem in Vietnam; Rhee in Korea; Pinochet in Chile; Batista is Cuba; Somoza in NIcaragua; and yes, Marcos in the Philippines. And let's not forget the Shah of Iran--the reason we have such terrible relations with Iran today.
Take Marcos. Throughout his presidency, Marcos was "our boy", despite the fact that he spat on democracy, tortured his opponents, and stole billions from his countrymen. When he was finally kicked out of office, he was warmly welcomed in my state of Hawaii.
Anyone familiar with modern Asian or Latin American history knows that this is statement is grossly erroneous. Indeed, for decades the U.S. foreign policy goal was to support any dictator as long as he maintained a stable, anti-communist government. We looked the other way when democracy was trashed and human rights abuses were wide-spread. This policy came at enormous cost to the people, frequently resulting in civil wars with untold death and destruction. Vietnam and Nicaragua are but two examples.
Consider the long list of cruel, abusive strongmen U.S. presidents either brought to power or maintained in power: Chiang Kai-shek in China and Taiwan; Prapat and Thanom in Thailand; Diem in Vietnam; Rhee in Korea; Pinochet in Chile; Batista is Cuba; Somoza in NIcaragua; and yes, Marcos in the Philippines. And let's not forget the Shah of Iran--the reason we have such terrible relations with Iran today.
Take Marcos. Throughout his presidency, Marcos was "our boy", despite the fact that he spat on democracy, tortured his opponents, and stole billions from his countrymen. When he was finally kicked out of office, he was warmly welcomed in my state of Hawaii.
66
It is far better to support a "democratically" elected Egyptian than have an Egypt run on Sharia Law and by those who were trying to establish ancient "caliphates". It was a grave blunder to support the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, plain and simple. Erdogan is the elected leader of Turkey, a Nato state and critical in the war against Isis for many reasons. If the Turkish people, whose vote should be respected, wanted another leader they would vote for another leader. Duterte is a typical president of the Phillipenes. Let the world court do its work, and the UN. In the meantime, China's expansion needs to be checked before it controls all the fishing and shipping in the Southesat Pacific.
1
The use of nuclear weapons by our against the DPRK (North Korea) would clearly be tragic. As putative civilized humans we should never repeat Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The fears of DPRK using nuclear weapons and causing nuclear annihilation are overblown except perhaps for the millions in Seoul and our military contingent based in South Korea. Mr. Kim must understand the use of nuclear weapons would sign his personal death warrant.
Fear of Mr. Kim should not encourage us to support President Duterte's extrajudicial killings directly or indirectly. We do not become stronger or safer by jettisoning our values. Where does it stop? Even the most despicable human loves his children or his dog. Values inconsistently applied become valueless. A ship of state needs a resolute hand on the helm and a solid rudder to steer a successful course through difficult times most of all.
Fear of Mr. Kim should not encourage us to support President Duterte's extrajudicial killings directly or indirectly. We do not become stronger or safer by jettisoning our values. Where does it stop? Even the most despicable human loves his children or his dog. Values inconsistently applied become valueless. A ship of state needs a resolute hand on the helm and a solid rudder to steer a successful course through difficult times most of all.
23
Hitler loved his dogs, and look what he did with that. We can never assume that despots or terrorists can be reasoned with.
Fear of North Korea's nuclear ambitions are not overblown. At the pace they are developing their nuclear abilities, we have to assume that they'll be able to strike against the US with nuclear weapons well within the time of Trump's first term of office.
Nobody knows what'll happen if Kim's regime topples unexpectedly. Assume there is a coup going on and the US is not even involved - what warranty does the US have that a failing regime won't still strike with a nuclear attack against a perceived enemy abroad? Clearly, the human rights record in North Korea cannot get any worse and we know this regime has less regard for human life even than Nazi Germany.
Kim cannot gain the ability to use nuclear weapons on long range missiles. Period. UN security council members need to accept that and make sure Kim gets the message, one way or another.
Nobody knows what'll happen if Kim's regime topples unexpectedly. Assume there is a coup going on and the US is not even involved - what warranty does the US have that a failing regime won't still strike with a nuclear attack against a perceived enemy abroad? Clearly, the human rights record in North Korea cannot get any worse and we know this regime has less regard for human life even than Nazi Germany.
Kim cannot gain the ability to use nuclear weapons on long range missiles. Period. UN security council members need to accept that and make sure Kim gets the message, one way or another.
Naïve. Mr. Trump wants to be a good-fellow who gets along with everyone. He seems to think that just by force of his nice guy personality he can be chummy with, then change, all the bad actors of this world. He is much more likely to be duped and used than to change the likes of Duterte, Erdogan, Sisi, and Putin (I suppose if Sadaam and Kaddafi were still alive he'd be singing Kum-by-yah with them, too).
30
Yes. He's nuts. He doesn't know who he is or where he is. A lost little boy with fragile self esteem. Something happened way back when, likely related to parents, etc. We will never know unless he sees a doc for screening. Obviously his family has been shielding him all these years and it really didn't matter as long as he was "locked up" in the Trump business. They had enough money to absorb his wack-o behavior; just pretended everything was "OK." Denial (Ivanka's recent speech in Germany). But now, it is a different story - he is in an "adult" environment, cannot hide . . . and unless someone collars him he going to seriously damage the whole nation (already has). His party needed to take care of this in the primary. Sad bunch, hard to believe. In fact they are worse than Trump because they are using him. Sick.
1
I hope the confidence placed in our frayed "checks and balances" prove up to the task of keeping Donald Trump, his family of grifters, and his Cabinet of monied opportunists from turning the US into another right-wing dictatorship in line with those he praises. I have my reservations: Congress has already fully abdicated its responsibility in regard to oversight of the executive and, with the unfettered appointment of more rightwing ideologues to the courts, we could soon have more in common with Putin's Russia than a bunch of corrupt politicians who would gladly sell out their country for a share of the profit.
44
As a man who secured five deferments during Vietnam and finally escaped military service because of "bone spurs" in his heels, Trump's lifetime habit of associating himself with thugs and tough guys and now with killers comes as no surprise. People who are afraid of other people often do that.
63
It takes guts, guile and nerve to become President. Everyday he is a target...."afraid of other people"....give me a break.
1
He was/is afraid of Mrs. Clinton and believed right up to the end that he was going to lose.
1
Please tell me what difference is there with other ''allies'' of the US or countries it does business with ?
China, Russia, Pick a Middle Eastern country, Israel ?
Right.
China, Russia, Pick a Middle Eastern country, Israel ?
Right.
8
None to little difference compared to those other "allies." What is different is a U.S. president that openly embraces destruction of the Rule of Law as a governing concept.
Exactly
I believe you missed the essential difference. Russia and China HAVE to be dealt with but they are by no means our allies. Rulers in the Middle East control the largest share of oil which fuels modern societies. Not really our allies either. Israel has a powerful influence group in the US and if you recall, relations have not been as good of late.
In Duterte, we have someone who is openly contemptuous of law, brags about his own role in extrajudicial killings and has declared open season for the police and vigilantes. He is openly contemptuous the US and is going to play China against the US.He may have to be dealt with but not fawned over. Trump is out of his depth here, as in so many other things.
In Duterte, we have someone who is openly contemptuous of law, brags about his own role in extrajudicial killings and has declared open season for the police and vigilantes. He is openly contemptuous the US and is going to play China against the US.He may have to be dealt with but not fawned over. Trump is out of his depth here, as in so many other things.
How about the Ivanka Billboard in Manila, announcing The new Trump Tower downtown?
117
That explains much.
1
This is not on the news anywhere why not?
1
Obama indicated he was open to talking to our adversaries and it helped get us a nuclear deal with Iran, so there is nothing unreasonable about talking to your adversaries, unless you are the rightwing and hated him for it.
The real problem with Trump is not the desire to talk to our adversaries but the fact of his working with our advisories (aka Putin) to undermine our nation and the hypocrisy of it all.
The real problem with Trump is not the desire to talk to our adversaries but the fact of his working with our advisories (aka Putin) to undermine our nation and the hypocrisy of it all.
18
That was quietly and methodically arranged over the course of years, not attempted in one rash phone call.
3
"Though the Philippines is an ally and a democracy, Mr. Duterte is neither a democratic leader nor a worthy ally."
Neither is Mr. Trump.
Neither is Mr. Trump.
86
Trump is sacrificing our democracy to his conflicts of interest and unprincipled business practices. He embraces fascists from Turkey to the Philippines while emulating Putin's kleptocracy and collaborating with China's crony capitalism for his own benefit while castigating our own judicial and legislative branches as "archaic." When will Congress fulfill it's duty to uphold the Constitution and end this abomination?
33
America has a long and continuing history of embracing dictators, despots, and the demented when they served our interests, but I guess we are simply not used to our own President being one of them.
30
Without in any way wanting to paint Donald the Magnificent in any better light than he deserves, doesn't historical accuracy demand that we remind the quality press reading public (admittedly a vanishingly small percentage of the total population) of previous administrations' embrace of the likes of the King of Saudi Arabia, the Shah of Iran, the current President of Egypt, and assorted strongmen, junta leaders and outright dictators in South and Central America and Africa? Objectively looked at, what is there that is especially odious about Mr. Duterte, compared to say Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire or Anastacio Somoza of Nicaragua? You have to take heed, or American exceptionalism will soon only refer to a particularly high degree of hypocrisy...
10
This article is hypocritical.
All this huffing and puffing about morality and human rights is a big lie.
The US prostrates itself to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar - who are doing immense damage to humanity and are among the worst practitioners of human rights on this planet - and hardly any writer complains about it.
Then when Trump wants to speak to a tin-pot minor rough man, everyone stands up and shouts about how much they care about human rights.
What hypocrisy!
All this huffing and puffing about morality and human rights is a big lie.
The US prostrates itself to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar - who are doing immense damage to humanity and are among the worst practitioners of human rights on this planet - and hardly any writer complains about it.
Then when Trump wants to speak to a tin-pot minor rough man, everyone stands up and shouts about how much they care about human rights.
What hypocrisy!
11
During the buildup to W's war with Iraq, Condoleezza Rice justified going after Saddam Hussein because he "cavorts with terrorists." Fast forward 15 years, and she could have been describing Trump.
9
They are about equal in their thoughts and understanding.
9
Just a question: how is it that the previous US government dealing with the Iran government was seen by the left and international politicians as good diplomacy, but dealing with KJU and Duterte is not?
For what we know, Trump and his... "unusual" style might actually avoid an armed conflict.
(and btw, I didn't vote for Trump)
For what we know, Trump and his... "unusual" style might actually avoid an armed conflict.
(and btw, I didn't vote for Trump)
2
Is Trump's reputation now ours?
9
Yes.
2
America has a long tradition of supporting authoritarian leaders of other countries. This has created an uneasy dichotomy between our self perception of the US as a bastion of democracy, and the common view abroad of us as an illiberal country that too often props up dictators like Saddam and Diem, and overthrows democratically elected leaders like Allende. Trump's embrace of Duterte, el-Sisi, and Erogan might be seen as consistent with this dark tradition. The difference, however, is that previous presidents presumably supported leaders with distaste, despite their undemocratic inclinations because doing so was seen as supporting America's interests, whereas Trump's enthusiasm for dictators has nothing to do with foreign policy and everything to do with his own sordid authoritarian impulses. His embrace of them normalizes their brutalization of the citizens of their countries, and diminishes our position in the world.
17
Trump is aching to be a member of the international bullies' club. He denigrates Obama, doesn't shake hands with Merkel, blasts Turnbull, yet praises Erdogan, Putin, Xi Jinping, and now....that murdering thug Duterte. Trump sullies the office of the Presidency.
32
Birds of a feather flock together. They are just like daddy, tyrants.
1
Rodrigo isn't anyone's model of a good leader. But by any rational standard he's not as bad as Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea. You had no problem when President Obama literally rolled out the red carpet for him in 2014. Obiang is Africa’s longest sitting dictator seizing power in 1979. Since then, he has shot or jailed nearly all of his political opponents. Along the way he acquired personal assets of $600 million.
José Santos of Angloa another 2014 guest leads one of the most corrupt regimes in Africa. Nearly 70% of the population lives on $2 a day. Yahya Jammehof Gambia was also a 2014 visitor. According to Amnesty International over a 1,000 Gambians have been abducted, taken to prisons where they were forced to drink poison. In 2008, he threatened to ‘cut off the head’ of any gay or lesbian person discovered in the country.
Duterte is cruel man...but these other people are monsters. Yet all of them were feted & praised, at Obama's three-day U.S.-Africa Summit. It is incredibly hypocritical to overlook the fact that the previous administration essentially rolled out the red carpet for the world’s most vicious dictators. I'm not picking on Obama... Bush, Clinton, & Reagan did the same thing. Unfortunately American presidents have to work with foreign leaders of all kinds...some of them ruthless criminals... to advance the national interest. It's wrong to fault Trump for doing what every other administration has done and will continue to do.
José Santos of Angloa another 2014 guest leads one of the most corrupt regimes in Africa. Nearly 70% of the population lives on $2 a day. Yahya Jammehof Gambia was also a 2014 visitor. According to Amnesty International over a 1,000 Gambians have been abducted, taken to prisons where they were forced to drink poison. In 2008, he threatened to ‘cut off the head’ of any gay or lesbian person discovered in the country.
Duterte is cruel man...but these other people are monsters. Yet all of them were feted & praised, at Obama's three-day U.S.-Africa Summit. It is incredibly hypocritical to overlook the fact that the previous administration essentially rolled out the red carpet for the world’s most vicious dictators. I'm not picking on Obama... Bush, Clinton, & Reagan did the same thing. Unfortunately American presidents have to work with foreign leaders of all kinds...some of them ruthless criminals... to advance the national interest. It's wrong to fault Trump for doing what every other administration has done and will continue to do.
2
As you said, the U.S. has to work with leaders of all kinds. But every president's every contact with such leaders has to be considered in context. Distasteful as it may be, the inclusion of Obiang and Santos at the African summit was most probably carefully considered; and the decision was that it would be better to engage with them at that plenary event of African leaders, rather than not. The Obama administration in itself was a very different context from the freewheeling, wheeling-dealing Trump administration.
Obiang has been in power since 1979. Duterte has been in power for less than a year; but more than 7,500 mostly poor, defenseless people--not insurgents, not warlord armies, not druglords in his "war against drugs," not even drug dealers--but mere "drug suspects"--have shot because the police are egged on and pressured by the Executive branch to meet monthly quotas of summary executions, with bounties paid off to both the killer policeman and his superior. And Duterte has defiantly and gleefully announced several times in public meetings, on radio and on TV, that he is ready to kill, kill, kill--and to defend the police who carry out his policy of extrajudicial executions. In the meantime, he's been coddling the Marcos family--whose late father always lands in lists of the world's biggest tyrant-thieves.
Obiang has had a four-decade head start, that's all.
Obiang has been in power since 1979. Duterte has been in power for less than a year; but more than 7,500 mostly poor, defenseless people--not insurgents, not warlord armies, not druglords in his "war against drugs," not even drug dealers--but mere "drug suspects"--have shot because the police are egged on and pressured by the Executive branch to meet monthly quotas of summary executions, with bounties paid off to both the killer policeman and his superior. And Duterte has defiantly and gleefully announced several times in public meetings, on radio and on TV, that he is ready to kill, kill, kill--and to defend the police who carry out his policy of extrajudicial executions. In the meantime, he's been coddling the Marcos family--whose late father always lands in lists of the world's biggest tyrant-thieves.
Obiang has had a four-decade head start, that's all.
Here's the problem with your analysis. I'm not defending Duterte...he is an extremely cruel man. But he was democratically elected. There is no evidence that he is killing his political opponents or stealing the country's oil wealth. Plus he is 72 the oldest person ever elected to the presidency, and probably will not be in office much longer. If Human rights is the issue...and how can it not be...then Obiang and Santos should not have been invited to the White House. Or if they were...then the red carpet should not have been rolled out for them in effect treating them like Nobel Peace Prize winners...google the pictures...it's disgusting. These two men seized power, systematically looted their country, impoverished their people, imprisoned or murdered all of their opponents. On any rational scale of horrible despots they are clearly some of the worst. You can't indict Trump for something Obama and every previous administration has done and will continue to do.
"What is not in any doubt is Mr. Trump’s own authoritarian tendencies and his fondness for other strongman leaders who, like him, chafe at governmental checks and balances, including the courts."
Trump will certainly learn the attitudes of Duterte, Erdowan, El-Sisi, and Xi and possibly more. Not to mention Trump's aim to increase ICE by 10,000 agents, a force renowned for operations that disregard the law.
Trump will certainly learn the attitudes of Duterte, Erdowan, El-Sisi, and Xi and possibly more. Not to mention Trump's aim to increase ICE by 10,000 agents, a force renowned for operations that disregard the law.
5
Do we really think Trump knows anything about the Philippines or its leader? He has been unashamedly clueless and unprepared for this entire debacle. Sheer ignorance and a total disinterest in any policy issue explain almost all his actions and statements. The rest are explained by vanity and greed.
16
I agree entirely with this editorial and those who say here it should have been and should be the policy of our government to shun all human rights abusers. However, it would have made more of an impact if the editors had included HRC's comment, "I really consider President and Mrs. Mubarak to be friends of my family."
2
But it's OK in places like Honduras when the thugs are de facto backed by Obama/Clinton & Co. That the GOP has long supported thugs abroad in nothing new. As long as they're our thugs, cool. Duterte is a bit too flashy about it, needs a p.r. advisor, but his country is very much a US legacy, from both Dems & GOP.
3
No. it's not ok. Two wrongs still don't make a right
Can Trump be interested in real estate deals in the Philippines?
9
The outrages pile up until the exhausted public is no longer surprised by anything this clown does. Trump is a national and international disgrace.
7
From a global perspective, outside of war and climate degradation, perhaps the biggest threat resulting from the installation of trump as president is the loss of the US as a role model of stability, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. As you said, our nation has not always fully lived up to those high ideals, but for generations the world knew it could count on it to recognize its faults and work to correct them, openly, honestly, and sometimes painfully. But, now, with every new day bringing news of another absurdity emanating from the White House, the world is in shock to see that we no longer seem to care. And from that ensues chaos.
Watching over the weekend CBS' recap of trump's first 100 days and seeing clips of his executive order signings in the Oval Office, I couldn't help but notice the obvious - he's an empty suit with a smirk on his face, and he knows full well that he is the center of an absurd and tragic joke on this country. His face fairly shouted the fact that he wonders just how long he'll be able to pull this off. I wonder the same.
Watching over the weekend CBS' recap of trump's first 100 days and seeing clips of his executive order signings in the Oval Office, I couldn't help but notice the obvious - he's an empty suit with a smirk on his face, and he knows full well that he is the center of an absurd and tragic joke on this country. His face fairly shouted the fact that he wonders just how long he'll be able to pull this off. I wonder the same.
4
"a role model of stability, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law"
These are words detached from reality. The US are far from a civil war situation where bandits roam around Mad Max style.
These are words detached from reality. The US are far from a civil war situation where bandits roam around Mad Max style.
I am not entirely against the Filipino president receiving an invitation if it helps control the North Korean problem, namely keeping the world from the precipice of nuclear destruction. However, the way the issue of human rights seems to be generally overlooked by this administration is frightful, with another example being the Trump Administration last month nixing the Argentine president awarding President Jimmy Carter with the San Martin medal, an honor which had was to be given to Carter for his defense of human rights during the Argentine military dictatorship. (The way the Argentine president seemed to quickly acquiesce was pathetic, too. One hopes there is follow-through in granting the award and the medal is finally given to President Carter, which could help prove it had not been just a public relations gesture by President Mauricio Macri.)
3
Please remember Trump has business interests in Istanbul & in manila - so hail Mr. Erdogan & Mr. Dutarte. Maybe Trump thinks about a golf course in North Korea or Ivanka can have her licensed clothing made there if hse can pay less than they do in China? We need Congress to exert its power as an equal partner in a system of checks and balances before trump attacks our cherished freedoms as vigorously as he attacks American values.
10
"But there is no evidence that he consulted the State Department, or that the White House has done anything to prepare the groundwork for a Duterte visit."
While this editorial is instructive on "The normal way to mend diplomatic ties...", no one should be surprised if "Protocol" is not found among the words listed in the Trump lexicon.
While this editorial is instructive on "The normal way to mend diplomatic ties...", no one should be surprised if "Protocol" is not found among the words listed in the Trump lexicon.
2
Trump Tower in Manila, from the Trump organization's website:
http://www.trump.com/real-estate-portfolio/philippines/trump-tower-manila/
Notice that the name, "Donald J. Trump", is clearly stated on the page. Apparently the 45th President of the United States of America is hawking Asian condos while in office. Wasn't he supposed to divest himself of his businesses? If not, why still is the opposition party silent over this fact? In what ways will this fact forever change the office of the president for the worse?
Anyway, given his investment in the Philippines, is it any wonder that Trump invited Duterte to the White House?
http://www.trump.com/real-estate-portfolio/philippines/trump-tower-manila/
Notice that the name, "Donald J. Trump", is clearly stated on the page. Apparently the 45th President of the United States of America is hawking Asian condos while in office. Wasn't he supposed to divest himself of his businesses? If not, why still is the opposition party silent over this fact? In what ways will this fact forever change the office of the president for the worse?
Anyway, given his investment in the Philippines, is it any wonder that Trump invited Duterte to the White House?
12
Birds of the same feather flock together!
4
Trump identifies with these despots because he envies their unchecked power. Almost everything Trump has done has reeked of disrespect for democracy and disrespect for our Constitution. Still, what disturbs me even more is the masses of Americans who revere this greedy, monstrous, misogynistic circus clown.
8
Duterte is the democratically elected leader of the Philippines. He has not been accused, tried and convicted in the International Criminal Court. Until he has, he remains the legal Head of State of a sovereign nation.
It is not for us to snub him because we disapprove of the choice of the Philippine people, no matter how much we may disagree with his policies and actions.
We have no right to snub him. And if we do, then we cannot complain when he snubs our democratically elected leaders either. His insult of Obama is not justification for us to refuse to meet with the leader chosen by the people of the Philippines. And if we do choose to reject and ignore him, then we cannot complain when he chooses to reject and ignore our leaders.
This is a 2-way street. America is not the shining light on the hill. We are simply another large and prosperous democracy. This does not give us a right to try to impose our political will on the citizens of other countries.
Now if he is brought to trial at the ICC ... AND convicted of crimes, that changes everything. But until then we have to live with the will of the people of the Philippines.
It is not for us to snub him because we disapprove of the choice of the Philippine people, no matter how much we may disagree with his policies and actions.
We have no right to snub him. And if we do, then we cannot complain when he snubs our democratically elected leaders either. His insult of Obama is not justification for us to refuse to meet with the leader chosen by the people of the Philippines. And if we do choose to reject and ignore him, then we cannot complain when he chooses to reject and ignore our leaders.
This is a 2-way street. America is not the shining light on the hill. We are simply another large and prosperous democracy. This does not give us a right to try to impose our political will on the citizens of other countries.
Now if he is brought to trial at the ICC ... AND convicted of crimes, that changes everything. But until then we have to live with the will of the people of the Philippines.
Well yes, he has been accused. Read the article again. And there is a big difference between snubbing a foreign ruler (we have, after all been interacting with the Philippine government), and inviting a self confessed murdered to dinner.
4
Hitler was also democratically elected and never convicted of any crime...
2
By your logic, it would be fine for a police chief to meet with a mob boss that hasn't been convicted of anything and see if they can come to an understanding about crime in the neighborhood.
3
Where has the Times editorial board been?
Mr. Trump began to erode the reputation of our country when publications like the Times took him seriously as a candidate for the presidency, and devoted inordinate fawning on Mr. Trump while worrying over Hillary's emails like they were magic worry beads that were about to turn into the Walking Dead.
The Times does not have the moral authority to question his reputation now and its impact upon this country when it passed up its numerous opportunities over roughly a year and a half to do just that.
Mr. Trump began to erode the reputation of our country when publications like the Times took him seriously as a candidate for the presidency, and devoted inordinate fawning on Mr. Trump while worrying over Hillary's emails like they were magic worry beads that were about to turn into the Walking Dead.
The Times does not have the moral authority to question his reputation now and its impact upon this country when it passed up its numerous opportunities over roughly a year and a half to do just that.
2
Maybe not, but someone has to do it.
1
Methinks the apprentice is begging to be fired.
3
Our current POTUS has expressed admiration for the rulers of some of the most despicable autocratic regimes in power in 2017.
If that is what you voted for, we will know who to blame a year from now.
And we WILL remember.
If that is what you voted for, we will know who to blame a year from now.
And we WILL remember.
2
And the spineless Republicans in Congress refuse to do anything about this continued onslaught to our Constitution as Trump uses his position to line his pockets after conspiring with the enemy in order to steal the election. Shameful and scary.
4
If there is one thing that American school children need to be taught in school, it is the difference between democracy and authoritarianism, both in terms of what they look like, and what historically have been the results. Clearly, such a lesson has been missing from what our young people have been learning, or else Mr. Trump would never have been elected our president. The importance of giving our children such a lesson is one kind of education that all American should be able to agree on, because, historically, authoritarians have come from both the political left and the political right, and from every race and ethnicity.
3
For over a 100 years, the American people were admired for their Qualities of Heart - fearless Champion of Freedom & Justice & Equality. In less than a 100 days, this so-called President has dragged the American Character into muck, & worse.
11
So Trump had a "very friendly" telephone call with Duterte? Hmm...what could it possibly have been about?
http://www.trump.com/real-estate-portfolio/philippines/trump-tower-manila/
http://www.trump.com/real-estate-portfolio/philippines/trump-tower-manila/
7
His daughter is the spokesperson for a new trump hotel in the Philippines
40
Donald Trump despotically gained his wealth.
9
It seems that Duterte doesn't want to soil his reputation with a visit to a fellow deplorable, demurring due to his busy schedule and prior commitments. Embarrassing.
9
Obama held talks with dictators and despots as well. Except Obama also made it a point to bow to them and apologize for our country.
6
And the "right wing press" and pundits went nuts about it too and openly condemned President Obama over it.
1
Thank you , that's a great point. Now I understand why he is such a great leader. A man to be praised for his wisdom and great leadership skills.
And I hate when liberals say that the tower his company is building has anything to do with this warm invitation... it was just "friendly conversation" about the business of American people.. that all.
And I hate when liberals say that the tower his company is building has anything to do with this warm invitation... it was just "friendly conversation" about the business of American people.. that all.
Duterte, Xi, Erdogan, Fattah el-Sisi, Putin, Jong-un: Trump.
The Republicans put a despot in the White House. Welcome to the New Order of USA. Let's hope we can return to sanity soon.
The Republicans put a despot in the White House. Welcome to the New Order of USA. Let's hope we can return to sanity soon.
17
Lets talk about human rights, values, and democracy. America overthrew a democratically elected government in Iran (1950s), supported by another democracy Britain, and replaced with a terrible despot, who had no beliefs in human rights or whatsoever. Before that America allied with Stalin, who had a lot of respect for human rights, values and of course democracy. Then, they allied with Mao's China, and in the meantime, they supported Pakistan even supported Pakistan when it fought against a democractic country and even threatened India. They remained silent to the 1971 Bangladeshi Genocide when Pakistan went on a rampage. Even until now, US provides funding militarily and whatever means to Pakistan, which is a joke to call itself as a democracy. Not to mention their numerous sucessful and unsuccesful coups overthrowing democractic governments in Latin America and Asia. Of the greatest of all, America is a friend and ally to Saudi Arabia, which respects human rights and American values in respect for women. Even funnier is US were close friends with dictatorships in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Iraq before those dictators were overthrown in the Arab Spring. Are you guys just sleeping or ignoring with your liberal cherry picking? NYT please argue with facts, not with your preconceptions and emotions.
12
British Petroleum didn't want to pay Iran the royalty the democratic Mossadegh government demanded to extract oil. The CIA led coup that overthrew it and restored the Pahlevi family to govern a monarchy occurred in 1953, that very fateful year.
1
So what's your point? That what Trump is doing is okay with you and should not only interact with despots, but openly admire and praise them while offending heads of state of Western democracies? Or not? Sjah Reza Pahlevi emancipated Persian women by the way, while Khomeini, darling of the left in my student days, took their rights away again and brutally oppressed them. And was it Democrats responsible for these foreign interventions and regime changes or was it mostly Republicans?
1
Then by all means let's just keep this winning streak going.
Did I miss the editorial about Trump embracing Mr. Abbas, that great supporter of the terror group Hamas? Of course not.
We have military and strategic interests in the Phillipines and surrounding area, especially when you consider that something awful may happen with North Korea. Had Obama met with Duterte we would have read of his wisdom in reaching out to a nation we have supported in the past, how ever unfortunate their current leader is.
What utter hypocrisy.
We have military and strategic interests in the Phillipines and surrounding area, especially when you consider that something awful may happen with North Korea. Had Obama met with Duterte we would have read of his wisdom in reaching out to a nation we have supported in the past, how ever unfortunate their current leader is.
What utter hypocrisy.
5
How long do you think Obama can be invoked as the great satan? Trump has to answer for his own actions now. And no supporter of or appologist for Trump' s actions should be talking about hipocracy.
1
I like the double meaning of this headline. Trump's a fascist, and birds of a feather flock together. Dems simply must take back the House next year and hold the Mad Hatter accountable. The craven, cowed, bought-and-sold GOP certainly will not.
26
Oh please, who doesn't laugh: our whole system is set up for hypocrisy and a double standard as gaping as the Grand Canyon. Take for example, America's corporate media, which falls all over itself calling Syria's leader "the dictator" but sweety-darlings the dictator of Saudi Arabia by calling its government "the Kingdom".
5
Would you please stop bringing up that immensely disingenuous myth about America's ''reputation'' as a beacon of democracy and defender of the rule of law?
Tell that to Native Americans who were the primary victims of 'American carnage', to African Americans held in slavery for nearly a century after American independence.
Then reel up to the twentieth century and consider all sorts of unsavoury regimes in Latin America the United States supported, on a par with the homicidal madman Duterte's today.
At least the French and the British no longer try to hoodwink the world into believing that their imperial experiences were for the good of mankind.
Tell that to Native Americans who were the primary victims of 'American carnage', to African Americans held in slavery for nearly a century after American independence.
Then reel up to the twentieth century and consider all sorts of unsavoury regimes in Latin America the United States supported, on a par with the homicidal madman Duterte's today.
At least the French and the British no longer try to hoodwink the world into believing that their imperial experiences were for the good of mankind.
16
My goodness- Trump high fives Duterte and the NYT thinks the sky is falling.
Believe me worse things are falling from the sky over Yemen. Mainly the U.S. made weapons we sell to Saudi Arabia who then bomb thousands of innocent civilians. How can we support and inadvertently participate in barbarity on a massive scale of unconscionable cruelty? Who is showing the "least regard for human rights" now? Duterte is a saintly compared to what we do...
Believe me worse things are falling from the sky over Yemen. Mainly the U.S. made weapons we sell to Saudi Arabia who then bomb thousands of innocent civilians. How can we support and inadvertently participate in barbarity on a massive scale of unconscionable cruelty? Who is showing the "least regard for human rights" now? Duterte is a saintly compared to what we do...
2
Why is the erosion of reputation the most compelling argument here? I agree whole heartedly with the article, but the NYTimes seems to focus a lot on reputation these days. I'm thinking specifically of its own reputation. Both NYTimes and Trump care too much about their reputation to remember what is really at stake. The fact is, our progressive peers have been laughing at us for years. Our neoliberal peers are biting the same bullet we bite. And our despotic peers love us. And even if they do not, the danger their regimes pose to their citizens or ours wouldn't change much, would they? They could be held to some level of accountability by our otherwise neoliberal moralising government, perhaps. But perhaps not, because of course they work irrationally. The editorial should instead be focusing on what we can do to fix this catastrophe, along with the innumerable others. Make suggestions to Congress. Talk to us, the readers, tell us what we stand to loose if we do not act now. The man will come. He will not respond to whatever humiliation or shame we might throw at him through protests. Instead, let's ignore him. Turn off the media. Implore congress to do real work that day - I'd say 'rebuilding our reputation' but there's so much more to be done. If he's too lonely, throw a party - hosted by the ICC.
1
Come on, this is nothing more than sanctimonious nonsense. What Trump is doing is not new: American presidents embracing dictators is as American as apple pie. Even a cursory glance at history reveals this.
4
I appreciate the fact that "Even a cursory glance at history reveals this." Seems it would have been just as easy to name a few names and presidents.
1
I see your point. FDR, for example, consorted with Stalin during WWII, so Trump and FDR are equivalent.
@totyson: FDR worked closely with Stalin, Reagan supported Saddam Hussein, and Obama famously initiated a rapprochement with Raul Castro, to name a few.
I have hesitated to say it before, but enough is enough.
Not my president
Not my president
5
President Trump’s embrace of dictators, friendly (Egypt’s el-Sisi, Philippines’ Duterte and Turkey’s Erdogan) and adversarial (China’s Xi, North Korea’s Jong-Un and Russia’s Putin), is getting a bit nerve racking. In a February interview with Bill O’Reilly, Trump had offered a rather odd defense of Putin’s murderous ways saying, “You think our country is so innocent?” It’s hard to imagine any other U.S. president throwing his country under the bus to justify the gangster behavior of a foreign adversary. Even more surprising is the radio silence from Republicans every time Trump goes off the rails and says or does something stupid.
President Trump is seriously degrading America’s integrity and standing in the world with his bizarre behavior, which often times from a policy standpoint contradicts his own cabinet. We are only at the 100-day mark, but if this pattern continues, the Republican leadership will need to stage an intervention before too long. After all, Trump was not elected by a majority of Americans and his popularity is at a historic low for any president at this point in his term. Trump can’t continue to embarrass the nation unchecked just because his base, which is probably less than 40% of Americans, has his back no matter what? More importantly, the lying and the exaggerations have to stop – Trump increasingly sounds like Kim Jong Un, the tin pot dictator, he said he would be honored to meet with.
Republicans, Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!
President Trump is seriously degrading America’s integrity and standing in the world with his bizarre behavior, which often times from a policy standpoint contradicts his own cabinet. We are only at the 100-day mark, but if this pattern continues, the Republican leadership will need to stage an intervention before too long. After all, Trump was not elected by a majority of Americans and his popularity is at a historic low for any president at this point in his term. Trump can’t continue to embarrass the nation unchecked just because his base, which is probably less than 40% of Americans, has his back no matter what? More importantly, the lying and the exaggerations have to stop – Trump increasingly sounds like Kim Jong Un, the tin pot dictator, he said he would be honored to meet with.
Republicans, Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!
4
While any reasonable person with a working knowledge of US foreign policy would agree with the editorial's position, I cant' help but think that the real reason Trump is now friendly to Duterte in despite opposite US foreign policy considerations is that Trump Tower in Manila (a/k/a Trump Tower at Century City) is recently complete and condo unit sales are proceeding. Query whether it would be a breach of fiduciary duty by Trump to Trump's partner in the deal, a Manila firm named Century Properties, if Trump were to place the project in jeopardy by taking a hard line with Duterte.
http://www.trumptowerphilippines.com/developer.html
Trump's conflicts of interest are so blatant and numerous that it's difficult to keep up. When will the Republicans in Congress stop protecting Trump by refusing to investigate any of his conflicts?
http://www.trumptowerphilippines.com/developer.html
Trump's conflicts of interest are so blatant and numerous that it's difficult to keep up. When will the Republicans in Congress stop protecting Trump by refusing to investigate any of his conflicts?
20
Trump's overtures to Duterte are a sickening spectacle. He is a disgusting, breathtakingly unfit man who has done nothing but debase our country since he took office.
If there were a better case to invoke the 25th Amendment, I shudder to imagine it. That Congress refuses to do so speaks volumes. Congressional Republicans are either so craven that they would do anything to destroy our nation to retain power, or they are truly terrified of the man. His overtures to vicious dictators are a harbinger of our future.
We somehow believe our system of checks and balances protects us from Trump’s aspirations as a dictator. We would be naïve to think so.
We tend to think of the rule of law as self-executing, in protecting our rights as free people. That civil rights and liberties set forth in our Constitution will, simply by their words alone, protect us. They will not. These guarantees are only as good as the people who make our laws, the people who enforce them, and the judges charged with interpreting them. We now have a president and Congress that will trample on our rights and freedoms with no hesitation.
We assume we’ll have national elections in 2018 and 2020, because they are called for in our Constitution. However, from what I’ve seen of this Republican Congress, I can well imagine their acquiescence in any seizure of power by this deranged man.
Given his first 100 days, Trump’s overtures to Duterte ought to be setting off alarm bells with every decent, sane American.
If there were a better case to invoke the 25th Amendment, I shudder to imagine it. That Congress refuses to do so speaks volumes. Congressional Republicans are either so craven that they would do anything to destroy our nation to retain power, or they are truly terrified of the man. His overtures to vicious dictators are a harbinger of our future.
We somehow believe our system of checks and balances protects us from Trump’s aspirations as a dictator. We would be naïve to think so.
We tend to think of the rule of law as self-executing, in protecting our rights as free people. That civil rights and liberties set forth in our Constitution will, simply by their words alone, protect us. They will not. These guarantees are only as good as the people who make our laws, the people who enforce them, and the judges charged with interpreting them. We now have a president and Congress that will trample on our rights and freedoms with no hesitation.
We assume we’ll have national elections in 2018 and 2020, because they are called for in our Constitution. However, from what I’ve seen of this Republican Congress, I can well imagine their acquiescence in any seizure of power by this deranged man.
Given his first 100 days, Trump’s overtures to Duterte ought to be setting off alarm bells with every decent, sane American.
25
When DT's popularity wanes, Repub members of Congress will distance themselves from him. They'll remove him in order to protect their own jobs.
1
Here's what we can expect next. "Assad has been much better behaved lately. I sure scared him straight with those 59 cruise missiles. Phoned him up yesterday and we had a great talk. Strong, tough leader, that Assad. Really sticking it to those terrorists. I invited him to the White House. He's an ophthalmologist you know. Promised me a free eye exam."
9
As I have already said in a previous post America is fast losing its way. Its moral compass hasn't always stayed on the straight and narrow and has, on countless ocassions, veered to the hypocritical, but I cannot recall a more brazen disregard for the norms all should strive and fight for. . .
7
Our autocrat wannabe wanted to lock up Hillary yet he falls over himself in welcoming the criminal likes of Egypt's el-Sisi and now, Duterte. We need no more proof that he is unhinged, malevolent, and just plain stupid. But it is our Republican Congress that must be held to account. Trump is only one, but the Congress is composed of hundreds. They dragged Hillary before them for every cough and every sneeze, yet Trump's infractions are mounting like the sands that make up our beaches and he has not been made to answer for any of them. Trump is hopeless. He never was and never will be presidential. But it is Congress, many of whose members know better for sure, that is a disgraceful letdown. Our little Nero plays with fire but Congress fiddles while we are courting conflagration.
19
American ignorance has finally caught up with itself. A teenager among countries, it could afford its brash stupidities as long as the economy churned and the rest of the world rebuilt from the ruins of WWII and Stalinism. Now that the machinery of crass capitalism is grinding most of its citizens, suddenly the U.S. is just as selfish and xenophobic as everyone else they've been feeling superior to for decades and ideals can't be afforded. And that fantastic ignorance which voted itself into power, hoping for a last crack at redemption. So they've made the fool king for a day, but the effects will last... who knows?
4
This isn't the level of journalism I am used to, from the New York Times. You would wait for what transpires, then analyze what Trump and Duterte do with it, but between the nonsense some of the editorial staff are apparently at liberty to spout, and a clear anti-Trump bias based purely on assumptions, Fox News is slowly a better source of news than the Times is. Pull yourselves together, peeps - and remember that talking to the more unpalatable world leaders is likely to have a more positive effect than sanctioning them - whatever you may think of Trump, a fool he isn't. I have no idea why the populace wanted a realtor in the driver's seat, but he's there, let's try not to be stoopid about it all the time.
4
Oh, he really is a fool. Just listen to him for a few minutes. Not only does he lack the ability to put together a coherent thought and express it in -- you know - words that make sense, he also appears to lack basic information that you would expect a middle school student to have. The man who ghost wrote "The Art of the Deal" said that he did not think Trump has read a book in his adult life. Even if that is true, wouldn't you expect him to know that Frederick Douglass is dead, that Lincoln was a Republican, and why we had a Civil War?
4
It's disgusting, deranged, and damaging behavior. And all of this should never, ever have been allowed to happen.
Trump as a Presidential candidate was entirely preventable, except for three reckless men named Priebus, Ryan, and McConnell.
Trump as a Presidential candidate was entirely preventable, except for three reckless men named Priebus, Ryan, and McConnell.
9
You forgot Comey.
1
Donald Trump has no moral compass.
7
I'll go ahead and craft Trump's response to this important editorial..."Nobody believes in human rights more than me. I'm very strongly for rights and life, it's beautiful and so, so big...human rights. This guy, what's his name? Dewdart? I don't know him. Never met him. I only said he is, but not human rights, not. I'm very strongly for them."
28
Deja vu all over again.
1
Well done ... ! Terrifying! Grotesque! Must make other leaders extremely nervous and revolted! How bad does he have to get before his base walks away?!?!
2
And he's very popular. Have you seen his ratings?
People in the Phiiipines are hesitant to give an opnion, that is, to try to remain indstinguishable and yet the consequences of genocide persist.
This man we have appointed someone, when asked about the public demagogy of students in hs DISTRICT and STATE allowed as how singling out the poor and causing them to not have the energy to do the 3Rs, for the afternoon incarceration, while not recognizing how humiliation by causing attention on those of us who are unfortunate enough to have our inadequate incomes be compelled to support mechanical governments is not only stupid but also cruel. But these people will never know that.
Mr. Duterte is a terrorist and a scoundrel who wants to skim the coffers of the Phillipines for what they conceal in human blood. See how we feel "justified" in teaching and preaching to do without, while they thrive. The poor and rejected and their children have a place in Heaven even now.
This man we have appointed someone, when asked about the public demagogy of students in hs DISTRICT and STATE allowed as how singling out the poor and causing them to not have the energy to do the 3Rs, for the afternoon incarceration, while not recognizing how humiliation by causing attention on those of us who are unfortunate enough to have our inadequate incomes be compelled to support mechanical governments is not only stupid but also cruel. But these people will never know that.
Mr. Duterte is a terrorist and a scoundrel who wants to skim the coffers of the Phillipines for what they conceal in human blood. See how we feel "justified" in teaching and preaching to do without, while they thrive. The poor and rejected and their children have a place in Heaven even now.
1
This impetuous man, our president, shows his character. What he shows hints at what he may be capable of. It is not only Duterte and Putin, it is Bannon and Gorka. It is the daily terrible fear among men, women and children who live next to us, work with us and go to school with our children. Human life, human dreams do not seem of great value to our president. He himself murders human dreams and now he wants to meet with the president who murders both human dreams and human beings. With his power...will he also become guilty of the latter? He does not seem ill at ease with that. -Rudy
4
Rudolf Ebner, excellent post. May I copy it so I can post it along with this article on my Facebook page. My friends would be heartened by your words.
Thank you. Yes. -rudy
It sickens me to my soul that we have a president that is such an abysmal judge of character. He embraces leaders who consider human rights an annoyance and he calls those leaders "tough". We, as a nation, are by no means clean of human rights abuses: we had slavery in this country, we mistreat people of color and our government has messed with the elections of foreign powers. And of course there is Guantanamo and those prisoners in that Iraqis prison we treated like garbage. And we use torture. But, generally speaking, more often then not, we hold as sacred free speech, right to peaceful assembly, a judicial system that is more often fait than not. We, rightly or wrongly, consider our selves a role model for other countries. To have the PRESIDENT of our country embrace these individuals with no comment or reaction to the atrocious level of human rights abuses makes me ill.
333
@ Jo Trafford
"It sickens me to my soul that we have a president that is such an abysmal judge of character."
What sickens me to my soul is the judgement of millions among us who thought it fit to put an abysmal character such as Trump in the White House. Sickening further is the continuing steadfast support of Trump by those very people, despite Trump's advocacy for policies that will hurt them in the long run.
"It sickens me to my soul that we have a president that is such an abysmal judge of character."
What sickens me to my soul is the judgement of millions among us who thought it fit to put an abysmal character such as Trump in the White House. Sickening further is the continuing steadfast support of Trump by those very people, despite Trump's advocacy for policies that will hurt them in the long run.
2
I'm not sure what you're upset about. He was elected by the American people. Clearly, there is a segment of our society that thinks Mr. Trump's values are a-ok.
I don't believe President Trump is a terrible judge of character; I believe he is attracted to those who share his lack of character, mentality, philosophy and decency. Remember, one of his ex-wives told us that he loves to read Hitler's speeches. It's tempting to sugar coat reasons for why he does what he does, but we know the truth and we must speak it.
Every day it's a new low. I am so sick and tired of having Trump dominate every waking hour. I keep asking myself these questions:
Are we still surprised by Donald Trump's decisions? Is the Republic strong enough to survive his presidency?
How much longer with the Republicans in the House and Senate stand by as their party dissolves before their eyes?
And while I respect Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren, isn't it time for new leadership?
Are we still surprised by Donald Trump's decisions? Is the Republic strong enough to survive his presidency?
How much longer with the Republicans in the House and Senate stand by as their party dissolves before their eyes?
And while I respect Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren, isn't it time for new leadership?
11
Breathtaking stupidity is being normalized.
33
I'm willing to bet this ignoramus couldn't find the Philippines on a globe in the span of a half hour. Therefore, somebody must be advising him to "embrace" this creep. But who?
4
Oh, he knows where it is. He knows where all his hotels are located
2
When Trump was elected, my (rather worried) adult daughter asked me : Is he going to cause another world war? I assured her that America's checks and balances would not allow that. It is pretty well established that he has a very unusual personality. His embrace of authoritarian leaders such as Putin, Erdogan and now Rodrigo Duterte is consistent with his unsophisticated understanding of the world. Turkey used to be a good example of separation of state and religion, now sadly going in a very totalitarian direction. As for the psychopath Duterte, who allows outright murder of his most vulnerable citizens, yes crimes against humanity must be the call. I know impeachment moves are afoot, the world is watching.
228
Emily, don't hold your breath waiting for impeachment. Republican legislators are looking to their own reelections with trepidation and won't dare act against the guy they consider great only for the use of his hand to sign their legislation -- when they can get back from their vacations to formulate it.
2
Drug Dealers are the most vulnerable citizens in the Philippines?
If you turn the figures in the embrace around you will find that Trump has snake arms as well.
6
Lets hope before the end of his term , country will not turn Panama.
Our own home-grown Little Mussolini thinks he is all-powerful and all-knowing and needs no advice from anyone. History will record his downfall in the annals of petty tyrants with no common sense and massive egos who fall headfirst into tragedy, dragging their bewildered countries with them.
4
Folks seem so surprised these days when things like this happen.
Doesn't anyone realize it's just the new normal ?
And it's just beginning.
Doesn't anyone realize it's just the new normal ?
And it's just beginning.
2
How about a dose of realism? There are unsavory leaders in the world we would do well to work with, as their geopolitical goals align with ours. I am tired of the idea that the US should be some guarantor of human rights in every corner of the world. What does that get us?
2
To follow on your "...Trump... uncritically embraces those who show the least regard for human rights" comment:
I think it is sometimes simple. Trump tends to embrace those who embrace him. (OK - he also has an affinity for strongmen and dictators, too...)
Among his many friendly musings about the Russian Leader, on March 21, 2016 Trump said:
“Putin says very nice things about me. I think that's very nice and it has no effect on me other than I think it's very nice.”
Was Trump flattered? Yes. If you believe that the flattery had no effect on him as he claimed; well, can I interest you in in this lovely Rolex that I happen to have up my sleeve?...
I think it is sometimes simple. Trump tends to embrace those who embrace him. (OK - he also has an affinity for strongmen and dictators, too...)
Among his many friendly musings about the Russian Leader, on March 21, 2016 Trump said:
“Putin says very nice things about me. I think that's very nice and it has no effect on me other than I think it's very nice.”
Was Trump flattered? Yes. If you believe that the flattery had no effect on him as he claimed; well, can I interest you in in this lovely Rolex that I happen to have up my sleeve?...
5
I have officially exhausted my supply of snarky comments, arcane historical references, alliterative iterations, mental illness diagnoses (yes, plural), and puzzled bemusement regarding Mr. Trump.
His observations on Kim Jong-Un, Andrew Jackson, the Civil War and the Middle East are hall-of-fame quality; that they occurred within a 24-hour-period is simply astounding.
His willful ignorance knows no boundaries and his ability to display that ignorance is limited only by the hours in the day. If he were some poor soul spouting this nonsense on a street corner or accosting people in a bus station, he would be either ignored or taken in for an evaluation.
His observations on Kim Jong-Un, Andrew Jackson, the Civil War and the Middle East are hall-of-fame quality; that they occurred within a 24-hour-period is simply astounding.
His willful ignorance knows no boundaries and his ability to display that ignorance is limited only by the hours in the day. If he were some poor soul spouting this nonsense on a street corner or accosting people in a bus station, he would be either ignored or taken in for an evaluation.
314
At the time is stated he could murder someone in broad day light and his fans would still love him is the day he should have been hauled in the paddy wagon to the
luny bin in a straitjacket.
But he is white and "Rich" and gets away with the most egregious actions and words.
Off topic: where do we protest about our money supporting their millions of dollars life style?
luny bin in a straitjacket.
But he is white and "Rich" and gets away with the most egregious actions and words.
Off topic: where do we protest about our money supporting their millions of dollars life style?
1
What if it's not just willful ignorance? It seems to me that he has a plan and that plan is to say and do extremely moronic and insane things just to drive sane people to madness. That's his source of happiness. To torture people and play with their heads. Just like the despots of the world who engage in human suffering to their self-enrichment and sadistic pleasure, so does Trump. If that is his goal, then he is succeeding beyond comprehension.
What norm of civil behavior has Trump not violated? What can we anticipate from this accused criminal? Is there any reason to expect that Donald Trump will tell the truth, will acknowledge mistakes, will align himself with facts? Can anyone really imagine that Trump's leadership is "making America great" when his paragons of leadership are murderers?
1
Were it not for the separation of powers embedded in the constitution, one could see Trump behaving something like Duterte. After all, both relish using foul language and see themselves as tough guys and saviors.
Little wonder then that the man with dictatorial tendencies is ready to roll out the red carpet for the despots of the world, including remorseless Duterte, who once said, "Hitler massacred three million Jews... there's three million drug addicts. I'd be happy to slaughter them," playing fast and loose with numbers and facts, of course.
Though the U.S. Congress seems unwilling to fully exercise its oversight responsibilities over the Executive Branch as of now, fortunately, the courts and the press--both of which Trump belittles, besmirches and tries to make irrelevant--are doing their job and stand in the way of Trump's autocratic tendencies. Otherwise, Trump's war on undocumented immigrants could turn quite ugly just as Duterte's bloody war on drug addicts and drug dealers has already.
Little wonder then that the man with dictatorial tendencies is ready to roll out the red carpet for the despots of the world, including remorseless Duterte, who once said, "Hitler massacred three million Jews... there's three million drug addicts. I'd be happy to slaughter them," playing fast and loose with numbers and facts, of course.
Though the U.S. Congress seems unwilling to fully exercise its oversight responsibilities over the Executive Branch as of now, fortunately, the courts and the press--both of which Trump belittles, besmirches and tries to make irrelevant--are doing their job and stand in the way of Trump's autocratic tendencies. Otherwise, Trump's war on undocumented immigrants could turn quite ugly just as Duterte's bloody war on drug addicts and drug dealers has already.
32
We elected Donald Trump to be our President. Forget erosion, the reputation is gone.
64
Trump's overtures to these despots, Duerte and Kim Jong-IL in particular, reek of naivete if not down right ignorance. It also implies approval of their atrocious human rights records.
And calling him ignorant gives him the benefit of the doubt that he isn't just grandstanding because usually these kind of overtures are made through back channels.
With Trump, putting the cart before the horse has become his foreign policy approach.
And calling him ignorant gives him the benefit of the doubt that he isn't just grandstanding because usually these kind of overtures are made through back channels.
With Trump, putting the cart before the horse has become his foreign policy approach.
4
As usual Trump is not about to be defined by the editorial board of the NY Times. He his charting his own independent untested path . If America cannot bring peace through its military strength, what good is that military might?Trump is not ready to embrace anyone leave alone any despot but he seems ready to talk and work with the demonized leaders and despots of the world. It is a change that is long over due. Have we not learned anything from all the wasteful wars since world war II of the last century and the never ending regime change wars??? Let Trump try new ways of preventing wars and close the regime change wars from the beginning of this century to the beginning of the Trump presidency.
4
Clever justification except for the details the Trump's ravings are alienating our allies and he has no use for the stinking State Department. He's leaving it largely unstaffed, slashing its budget and named disinterested Oilerson to run it.
2
We are known by the friends we keep. Our President's salvation might lie in the distinct possibilities that his new sandbox buddies might tell him to take a hike. Striving to be a Putin wannabe is one thing, but Duterte? Kim? al-Sisi? Erdogan?
What next? Assad?
What next? Assad?
8
Trump's embrace of authoritarian dictators is, of course, appalling and horribly typical of his love of powerful men (women not so much). But can we take a moment to look at the reality of America's 'moral compass' ? For decades made allies of many of the most brutal anti-democratic leaders in the world regardless of which party was in power. Not to mention the bombing of Vietnam, Cambodia, helping to overthrow Allende, invading Iraq on a false premise, failing to rally the international community six years ago to support the initially peaceful demonstrations in Syria asking for minimal improvements
to their human rights. Make your own lists..moral compass or moral hypocrisy?
to their human rights. Make your own lists..moral compass or moral hypocrisy?
52
We are supposed to get better over time, not continue mistakes of the past.
Donald Trump Embraces Another Despot"?
Nice ironic ambiguity in the headline!
Does "another despot" mean one despot (i.e. Trump!) embracing another?
Or does it refer to the long line of despots that Trump seems to admire and a have real soul-mate affinity for?
Duterte, Erdogan, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and of course, Putin?
Or BOTH?
Nice ironic ambiguity in the headline!
Does "another despot" mean one despot (i.e. Trump!) embracing another?
Or does it refer to the long line of despots that Trump seems to admire and a have real soul-mate affinity for?
Duterte, Erdogan, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and of course, Putin?
Or BOTH?
5
"Donald Trump embraces another despot" should read "Donald Trump embraces another despot just like him."
7
He wants to give Duterte a copy of the electoral map, how else would he do that?
6
Trump should start up a bunko group for like-minded 'world leaders'.
2
Just how far off our course must we be taken? Our course should be towards greater individual liberty and the enduring values in our Bill of Rights. When and how will this nightmare end?
5
He is a transnational gangster.His investors and friends are transnational gangsters. this is all about business.
121
Too bad Fred Rogers is dead. He's probably the only person that it would be okay for Trump to meet. Everybody else we'll just have to bomb. Peace.
4
Trump moves in so many directions at once that it demonstrates he has no backbone and no fixed ideas. This country and the world are lucky to have passed 100 days of his administration without a catastrophe.
By the way, when (how long ago) did "disrespect" become a verb? Fifty years ago I am quite sure it was not. I know the Times is an expert on such aspects of style and grammar and vocabulary.
By the way, when (how long ago) did "disrespect" become a verb? Fifty years ago I am quite sure it was not. I know the Times is an expert on such aspects of style and grammar and vocabulary.
2
America's reputation?
For what? Raining down drone strikes all over the globe against identified "enemies." With the collateral damage of dead women and children regarded as "regrettable."
Sorry, but the good ole' US of A acts with little regard for human life on a pretty routine basis internationally.
Let's stop with the hypocrisy and call a spade a spade.
Duterte is one bad dude. But we've got a rep too. And it's deserved.
For what? Raining down drone strikes all over the globe against identified "enemies." With the collateral damage of dead women and children regarded as "regrettable."
Sorry, but the good ole' US of A acts with little regard for human life on a pretty routine basis internationally.
Let's stop with the hypocrisy and call a spade a spade.
Duterte is one bad dude. But we've got a rep too. And it's deserved.
1
This reminds me of the saying "If you lie with dogs you get fleas". Someone should warn the dictators about the fleas before they set foot in the White House.
8
During the campaign, Trump bragged that he could walk down 5th Avenue and shoot someone without losing votes. Sadly, that had more than a bit of truth to it. It was also a wish- that he could vent murderous rage without pesky interference from legal niceties.
Seems like he found a role model.
Seems like he found a role model.
7
The white figure should be the snake and despot.
1
it is always worth repeating:
one can accurately measure the character of an individual by evaluating that person's friends.
Mr. Duterte's participation at DJT's trough will only require that Comrade Vlad yield a bit of space.
Oh - - the intrigue of thieves and crooks.
what was once vanquished has returned once again.
reinvigorated vigilance will be required:
in order for evil to succeed,
the good need only to remain silent.
3
Is there a chance that Donald is merely incomprehensibly uninformed and an utterly incompetent manager? rather than pure evil. (Not that it makes a big difference.) I discovered in my own small circle that folks that rely on broadcast media (TV, cable, social networks) didn't even know who Duterte is! By contrast people who read (paper magazines and newspapers, or online print) know very well that he is despicable, inhumane scum.
Donald Trump reads nothing! He watches his own brand of conservative radio and TV for information. Moreover, any experienced manager in business or government, would check with knowledgeable advisers before making any public decision. There is certainly a vast source of individuals from government, academia, and private life that would be able to describe Duterte based on current knowledge. Would Donald seek out such help? No way! He's a very smart man. He always made his own decisions as a real estate CEO and never had to "stoop" or admit his inadequacies by asking for advice before. Why now?
Donald Trump reads nothing! He watches his own brand of conservative radio and TV for information. Moreover, any experienced manager in business or government, would check with knowledgeable advisers before making any public decision. There is certainly a vast source of individuals from government, academia, and private life that would be able to describe Duterte based on current knowledge. Would Donald seek out such help? No way! He's a very smart man. He always made his own decisions as a real estate CEO and never had to "stoop" or admit his inadequacies by asking for advice before. Why now?
4
At what point will Trump's loyal followers realize how profoundly un-American he is in every way, and will it matter to them?
5
Analyzing this from a preferred US foreign policy perspective is a waste of time. Construction on Trump Tower Manila concluded in November 2016, units are now for sale and are being aggressively marketed. Evanka Trump, "Assistant to the President" is featured in print ads for the project. Trump is protecting his business interests first, and US foreign policy considerations are given short shrift. We don't even need to see his tax returns to identify this colossal conflict of interest. When will the Republicans in Congress say enough is enough?
134
If republicans in Congress say enough they will have their perfect Stepford President in pence. We need t rump to be the face of the republican party for the next couple of years so it finally sinks in just how awful the party's policies have always been.
ttp://freebeacon.com/national-security/muslim-brotherhood-leader-meets-obama-in-white-house/
Dealt with Iran.
Kerry visited Assad. http://www.weeklystandard.com/kerry-a-frequent-visitor-with-syrian-dicta...
What are you talking about?