I really do not believe that the President is at a loss re this issue of DACA. He's seemingly to undo what his predecessor did, maybe doing it a better way. Anything that Obama did to create his legacy is under attack. In my opinion, not to undo the program itself but separating (Mr. Obama's) name from it. It is all about personality clash between these two-ex and present. I think Trump is even ready to something better on this issue if an alternative is shown stamping his name (NOT Obama's) on it.
Good idea to dump it on Congress - they have a pretty empty plate between reforming all of healthcare, multi-billion dollar wall projects, nuclear war with NK, etc. Why doesn't Trump just "overreach" a new policy himself? That's what he/his base really want. Since when does Brietbart believe in due process and the Constitution?
Florida is about to be hit with a Category 5 hurricane. Miami usually floods with just a high tide or some light fog.
Meanwhile, Houston and smaller Gulf communities are destroyed. $70 billion in damage, 30,000 people displaced. Environmental and humanitarian crisis.
Maybe one issue at a time? Wait until storms and threats of nuclear war pass, at least.
By the way, what's the Dark Jedi Jared, up to? Any new deals? How about Princess Ivanka? No? Just lounging then around? Good. Stay there.
Florida is about to be hit with a Category 5 hurricane. Miami usually floods with just a high tide or some light fog.
Meanwhile, Houston and smaller Gulf communities are destroyed. $70 billion in damage, 30,000 people displaced. Environmental and humanitarian crisis.
Maybe one issue at a time? Wait until storms and threats of nuclear war pass, at least.
By the way, what's the Dark Jedi Jared, up to? Any new deals? How about Princess Ivanka? No? Just lounging then around? Good. Stay there.
1
"the conflicting messages seemed to reflect what aides describe as the president’s own conflicting emotions about the issue."
Poor Mr President, struggling with his emotions.
While 800,000 people whom most of us consider fellow Americans consequently ride an emotional roller coaster that he probably can't even imagine.
Donald, let this go. Take another look at Houston, for example, or the next hurricane, already on its way. There are real issues to deal with where good might be done'
Poor Mr President, struggling with his emotions.
While 800,000 people whom most of us consider fellow Americans consequently ride an emotional roller coaster that he probably can't even imagine.
Donald, let this go. Take another look at Houston, for example, or the next hurricane, already on its way. There are real issues to deal with where good might be done'
Lady Liberty’s lamp beside the golden door is slowly fading under our president. These Dreamers cannot be seen as outcasts in society anymore. They have implemented themselves in this country. Their lives are here now, and not anywhere else. Where can they go when the place and country they call home is taken away from them? Trump cannot say that he truly cares for these children and young adults while rescinding the program that protected them. Immigration is already a complex and convoluted issue and the way Trump deals with it shows that we are retrogressing as a country instead of advancing and further developing the process of immigration. Instead of attacking those under the DACA, it is better to focus on the massive and complicated root of the problem: illegal immigration. The immigration process is lengthy and strenuous, and is one of the main reasons immigrants come here illegally-- because they cannot wait five to ten years or longer to support their families and give them better lives. Stripping Dreamers of their citizenship is not going to solve the rising numbers undocumented immigrants. If the Trump administration wants to stop that, Trump needs to go beyond just undoing the acts of the Obama administration. Actual logical plans and solutions are needed to properly address this problem. He cannot keep going back and forth with his shaky principals, manipulated by different forces that surround him. He should really be listening to the people.
The truth...
...giving Congress 6 months to grant amnesty makes Trumps action meaningless.
...fix it? Amnesty is NOT a 'fix' that Americans, who voted for Trump, want!
...Democrats want the Dreamers votes, so they do care, about that.
...giving Congress 6 months to grant amnesty makes Trumps action meaningless.
...fix it? Amnesty is NOT a 'fix' that Americans, who voted for Trump, want!
...Democrats want the Dreamers votes, so they do care, about that.
Allowing the Dreamers to remain is just common decency. This is America. For the record, only citizens can vote.
Donald Trump's behavior range is limited to bullying and ego, neither of which will do him well as President. He's bewildered now because his previously "successful" (depends on your definition) behavior is failing. And he has no fallback except more of the same. At times I see him as the saddest man in our country and were it not for his wealth and his abrasiveness, he would be.
Lady Liberty’s lamp beside the golden door is slowly fading under our president. These dreamers cannot be seen as outcasts in society anymore. They have implemented themselves in this country. Their lives are here now, and not anywhere else. Trump cannot say that he truly cares for these children and young adults while rescinding the program that protected them. Immigration is already a complex and convoluted issue and the way Trump deals with it shows that we are retrogressing as a country instead of advancing and further developing the immigration process. Instead of attacking those under the DACA, it is better to focus on the massive and complicated root of the problem-- illegal immigration. Stripping dreamers of their citizenship is not going to solve the rising numbers undocumented immigrants. If the Trump administration wants to stop that, Trump needs to go beyond just undoing everything under the Obama administration, and come up with actual solutions and not just going back and forth with his shaky principals, manipulated by different forces that surround him, when he should really be listening to the people.
This will put a great deal of pressure on those in the GOP who can't get DACA or something similar as law within six months. It will expose the far right candidates, who are already braying about "revisiting DACA", as the true obstructionists and as an impediment to a successful Trump Presidency. Trump likes to build and to brand, impossible to do with obstructionist. (see healthcare)
Trump is not beloved by the GOP and the feeling is reciprocated by Trump. It is the people who love Trump and those people will be going to the voting booths in 2018. With the current animosity, that signals to be increasing daily now between the GOP and Trump, the game will change for 2018. Trump could endorse the challengers to the current Republican Reps and Senate incumbents in 2018 if he is unable to accomplish anything of substance with this lot.
Given the past political history of a Democrat leaning Trump, I could see him endorsing and supporting more moderate Republican candidates who are willing to reach and work with the people across the aisle. It is possible that Trump could actually make our Congress an effective governing body, opposed to the current mess it is and has been. It certainly improves Trump's chance to win that second term. Does Trump have the gravity to pull the GOP away from the far right fringe and back to the center? Maybe.
Is some of this for the benefit of our nation, sure, but mostly it is about Trump and the brand. That's called winning.
Trump is not beloved by the GOP and the feeling is reciprocated by Trump. It is the people who love Trump and those people will be going to the voting booths in 2018. With the current animosity, that signals to be increasing daily now between the GOP and Trump, the game will change for 2018. Trump could endorse the challengers to the current Republican Reps and Senate incumbents in 2018 if he is unable to accomplish anything of substance with this lot.
Given the past political history of a Democrat leaning Trump, I could see him endorsing and supporting more moderate Republican candidates who are willing to reach and work with the people across the aisle. It is possible that Trump could actually make our Congress an effective governing body, opposed to the current mess it is and has been. It certainly improves Trump's chance to win that second term. Does Trump have the gravity to pull the GOP away from the far right fringe and back to the center? Maybe.
Is some of this for the benefit of our nation, sure, but mostly it is about Trump and the brand. That's called winning.
I disagree with the author of this article. He tries to find contradictions that don't exist. The administration is right to delegate to the Congress to legislate this issue.
Most Americans don't want the children of illegal immigrants to be deported. If the Congress fails to act it will be another sign that our representative democracy is really a sham and we have a bigger problem on hand.
Trump is right to say that he will re-examine the issue if the Congress fails to act. That's said, all will depend on political expediency: The Congress and the president will not act if it is beneficial to them on the ballot box not to. So all this talk of "love" to these young immigrants is cynical and pointless. Political gain has supremacy over principles and compassion.
Most Americans don't want the children of illegal immigrants to be deported. If the Congress fails to act it will be another sign that our representative democracy is really a sham and we have a bigger problem on hand.
Trump is right to say that he will re-examine the issue if the Congress fails to act. That's said, all will depend on political expediency: The Congress and the president will not act if it is beneficial to them on the ballot box not to. So all this talk of "love" to these young immigrants is cynical and pointless. Political gain has supremacy over principles and compassion.
This is a no brainer. Trump should have simply said "this was put in place with no legal authority and it is now over". I know some people will say these kids were brought here by "no fault of their own" but......laws are laws. If we do not deport these people then the U.S. should charge their parents for bringing them in. I am quite sure the parents knew exactly what they were doing.
The mix of desperation and hope that leads people to leave their homes to start anew deserves compassion and admiration, not hate. Also, we need to recognize that in this chaotic era of climate change, we are all in danger of becoming refugees.
Seems a real waste of our countries investment in 800,000+ would be thrown away.
Presidet Obama’s DACA executive order protecting young aliens within our land was as much about ending the crushing of lives within the disregarding prejudice of some others as was Abe Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation executive order that freed people “legally” held as slaves in the states that had rebelled with the stated intent of the Confederate Constitution to keep holding people down in bondage. Like Lincoln, Obama faced a Congress that was not the governance of the land being in harmony with the purpose to which the Founders set the nation on July 4, 1776 and like Lincoln Obama took action.
Trump pretends what he is doing was forced on him by the neglect of others (actually Republicans in Congress that blocked via veto action on the matter) is someone else’s fault and that he and those that intentionally blocked action are now all full of love, compassion and intent to right a wrong. Trump contends that neither he nor Obama have the power to free these by presidential action, but Trump did find a way to free a thug of a sheriff from his being held responsible under the law for his criminal maltreatment of these same people. Gee, why doesn’t Trump just use his power to pardon to free from the law these hundreds of thousands of illegals?
Trump pretends what he is doing was forced on him by the neglect of others (actually Republicans in Congress that blocked via veto action on the matter) is someone else’s fault and that he and those that intentionally blocked action are now all full of love, compassion and intent to right a wrong. Trump contends that neither he nor Obama have the power to free these by presidential action, but Trump did find a way to free a thug of a sheriff from his being held responsible under the law for his criminal maltreatment of these same people. Gee, why doesn’t Trump just use his power to pardon to free from the law these hundreds of thousands of illegals?
Trump has no agenda but to look good for the most possible people at the most propitious time.
His action with the Dems today, this tweet, his meandering all over the political map except when he's blowing off at his "rallies" leave nothing to the imagination. For someone who wants maximum coverage and chaos, his behavior is totally understandable.
His action with the Dems today, this tweet, his meandering all over the political map except when he's blowing off at his "rallies" leave nothing to the imagination. For someone who wants maximum coverage and chaos, his behavior is totally understandable.
Mixed messages or just plain mixed up?
Trump fires Comey thinking it would be a popular move (Kushner/Trump production).
Trump exits Paris climate accord thinking it would be a popular move (Bannon/Pruit production).
Trump scraps Obama's DACA program thinking it would be a popular move (Miller production).
He has "no second thoughts" on the decision to end the ever popular DACA program.
He should be giving these decisions more "first thought".
He got roasted on the Comey move.... toasted on the Paris climate move.
Once again, by ending the DACA program, which was skillfully crafted by Obama, and is supported by over 60% of the country, Donald Trump has proven to be one mixed up man.
Trump fires Comey thinking it would be a popular move (Kushner/Trump production).
Trump exits Paris climate accord thinking it would be a popular move (Bannon/Pruit production).
Trump scraps Obama's DACA program thinking it would be a popular move (Miller production).
He has "no second thoughts" on the decision to end the ever popular DACA program.
He should be giving these decisions more "first thought".
He got roasted on the Comey move.... toasted on the Paris climate move.
Once again, by ending the DACA program, which was skillfully crafted by Obama, and is supported by over 60% of the country, Donald Trump has proven to be one mixed up man.
So Trump wants children to be punished because of their parents' actions. And when is Mueller issuing his report?
45 seems to be solely interested in undoing everything that Obama has done. This is the only rational explanation for his wanting to undo DACA, then saying if Congress fails to act he will "revisit" it. So, when he "revisits" it, it will become his, not Obama's, get it?
Such a small, small man, this 45.
Such a small, small man, this 45.
Trump is wrong. Why? Because:
He and AG Sessions are putting the "law" above the human being.
The laws are made to serve the humans, not the humans made to serve the law.
Particularly when: the humans in question are law abiding (except for their citizenship---through no fault of their own) and they are tax paying, contributing, members of their families, their communities and our country. Period.
If this country begins to put laws above the people, where does it stop? And what would be the purpose?? KR
He and AG Sessions are putting the "law" above the human being.
The laws are made to serve the humans, not the humans made to serve the law.
Particularly when: the humans in question are law abiding (except for their citizenship---through no fault of their own) and they are tax paying, contributing, members of their families, their communities and our country. Period.
If this country begins to put laws above the people, where does it stop? And what would be the purpose?? KR
2
Captain Chaos was elevated to the Presidency by spite and his so-called Presidency is fueled largely by spite.
It's impossible to say where such a chaotic modus operandi will end up.
But a seething Mitch McConnell caught in purse-lipped silence can only be very, very good for the United States of America.
It's impossible to say where such a chaotic modus operandi will end up.
But a seething Mitch McConnell caught in purse-lipped silence can only be very, very good for the United States of America.
243
It is interesting that courts – including SCOTUS –have on numerous occasions ruled that children can't be punished or used as leverage for the mistakes, or illegal actions of their parents. The cases I have found don't fully cover this situation, but it sure seems that there is a strong legal foundation to challenge this Trump order.
http://scholarship.law.nd.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2187&conte...
I am not sure what Trump or congress are trying to prove or do here.
http://scholarship.law.nd.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2187&conte...
I am not sure what Trump or congress are trying to prove or do here.
3
What to do with illegal immigrants? Barbara Jordan, U. S. House D-Tx, knew what was right. Bill Clinton Clinton appointed Jordan to chair the Commission on Immigration Reform.
"The Commission decries hostility and discrimination against immigrants as antithetical to the traditions and interests of the country,” she said. “At the same time, we disagree with those who would label efforts to control immigration as being inherently anti-immigrant. Rather, it is both a right and a responsibility of a democratic society to manage immigration so that it serves the national interest.”
"Jordan made a particularly pointed assertion of the need to stop illegal immigration in 1994 when she said, “Our patience is growing thin toward those attempting to overwhelm the will of the American people by acts that ignore, manipulate, or circumvent our immigration laws. Unless this country does a better job in curbing illegal immigration, we risk irreparably undermining our commitment to legal immigration.”
From the Commission's first report “U.S. Immigration Policy: Restoring Credibility”
"Deportation is crucial. Credibility in immigration policy can be summed up in one sentence: Those who should get in, get in; those who should be kept out, are kept out; and those who should not be here will be required to leave. The top priorities for detention and removal, of course, are criminal aliens. But for the system to be credible, people actually have to be deported at the end of the process."
"The Commission decries hostility and discrimination against immigrants as antithetical to the traditions and interests of the country,” she said. “At the same time, we disagree with those who would label efforts to control immigration as being inherently anti-immigrant. Rather, it is both a right and a responsibility of a democratic society to manage immigration so that it serves the national interest.”
"Jordan made a particularly pointed assertion of the need to stop illegal immigration in 1994 when she said, “Our patience is growing thin toward those attempting to overwhelm the will of the American people by acts that ignore, manipulate, or circumvent our immigration laws. Unless this country does a better job in curbing illegal immigration, we risk irreparably undermining our commitment to legal immigration.”
From the Commission's first report “U.S. Immigration Policy: Restoring Credibility”
"Deportation is crucial. Credibility in immigration policy can be summed up in one sentence: Those who should get in, get in; those who should be kept out, are kept out; and those who should not be here will be required to leave. The top priorities for detention and removal, of course, are criminal aliens. But for the system to be credible, people actually have to be deported at the end of the process."
1
impulsivity.
jeff sessions has already said he couldn't defend this in a lawsuit and come march if trump did try another 180 on this he'll immediately be sued by 9 states who oppose daca. he has nowhere to go.
jeff sessions has already said he couldn't defend this in a lawsuit and come march if trump did try another 180 on this he'll immediately be sued by 9 states who oppose daca. he has nowhere to go.
1
By now isn't it obvious? You can't trust anything he says, It's so weird. Republicans want to keep him in the White House to sign a big tax cut; but such tax "reform" will never make it to his desk. Just like President Obama moved the goalposts to where people not having insurance is no longer acceptable. It's the same with tax cuts. When it comes out the benefits will go mainly to the one percent (as it most assuredly will), people aren't going to go for it any more than "skinny" repeal." Most people agree with Bernie on taxes and won't be convinced (once again) that trickle-down will work. I don't know why Kansas is never discussed on that particular point. If I were Trump, I'd be way more worried about Mueller's noose tightening.
1
According to Sessions, the reason that the administration is getting rid of DACA is because it was an overreach of presidential power. Now our president is saying that if Congress doesn't come up with anything, he may have to act independently.
Wouldn't that put us right back where we started, with an apparent overreach of executive power?
Did I miss something?
Wouldn't that put us right back where we started, with an apparent overreach of executive power?
Did I miss something?
1
John, it would not be an overreach of power for a President to correct the overreach of power by a previous President.
DACA must remain. It's a wonderful path for 800,000 young people who registered as required.
They must not be betrayed. They met the registration requirements. If Trump gets this done then ok. There are other illegals that need to go. The ones that need to go first are the repeatedly deported, gang affiliated and other felons .
They must not be betrayed. They met the registration requirements. If Trump gets this done then ok. There are other illegals that need to go. The ones that need to go first are the repeatedly deported, gang affiliated and other felons .
On this one, it strikes me that Trump's words sound like that of an angry dad. 'Son, you get this in order yourself now because you don't want to find out what I'll do if I have to revisit it'. It sounds like he is threatening 'consequences'. The trouble is that the Republicans, Trump and the people voting for Republicans have created a 'seemingly' consequence free political system. But indeed, reality will set in. Nothing is ever consequence free down the road.
1
On addressing the issue of Trump's giving congress 6 months to solve the DACA issue, Sara Huckabee said, several times, "if Congress doesn't want to do the job that they were elected to do, then maybe they should get out of the way and let someone else do it.” Presumably this is what the president told her to say.
And this morning we have Trump saying, “Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do), If they can’t, I will revisit this issue!”
But here’s House Speaker Paul Ryan stating that the president does not have the authority to revisit it.
So where does that leave the issue? And who is this "someone else" who Huckabee refers to? The only "someone else" I can think of who is left out there in this puzzle is Jeff Sessions himself. Does that mean the only avenue remaining in the minds of these people is to go forth with deportation of the full 800,000 of these 'dreamers’?
And this morning we have Trump saying, “Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do), If they can’t, I will revisit this issue!”
But here’s House Speaker Paul Ryan stating that the president does not have the authority to revisit it.
So where does that leave the issue? And who is this "someone else" who Huckabee refers to? The only "someone else" I can think of who is left out there in this puzzle is Jeff Sessions himself. Does that mean the only avenue remaining in the minds of these people is to go forth with deportation of the full 800,000 of these 'dreamers’?
1
Best course -- Just put an end to DACA.
Amnesty in any form will just encourage more to try to come here illegally.
Just like the 1986 amnesty.
Mass Deportations?
No need for that.
Just don't make it easy for them to stay.
No government bennies.
No work permits.
Put pressure on the employers.
Meanwhile, staunch the bleeding.
Build the Wall and step up Border Patrol and ICE staffing.
Amnesty in any form will just encourage more to try to come here illegally.
Just like the 1986 amnesty.
Mass Deportations?
No need for that.
Just don't make it easy for them to stay.
No government bennies.
No work permits.
Put pressure on the employers.
Meanwhile, staunch the bleeding.
Build the Wall and step up Border Patrol and ICE staffing.
I know I will get panned for saying it, but I would gladly trade thousands of slackers who have had every opportunity afforded them by virtue of being an American citizen, but have not taken advantage of it, for many thousands of Dreamers who are doing some worthwhile, including joining our Armed Forces to protect and defend those who would cast them out.
3
Why doesn't Trump try to get something done instead of creating unnecessary drama. A presidential reality show is no way to run a government.
2
I agree -- President Trump must revisit this issue in 6 months to :
- remind the DACA family to not carry signs in Spanish
- remind the DACA "kids" to apply for a visa if they wish to stay
- remind Congress to pass the RAISE act
- remind everyone that we are again a nation of laws
- make a deal with Trudeau to keep NAFTA if he adopts the DACA "children"
- remind the DACA family to not carry signs in Spanish
- remind the DACA "kids" to apply for a visa if they wish to stay
- remind Congress to pass the RAISE act
- remind everyone that we are again a nation of laws
- make a deal with Trudeau to keep NAFTA if he adopts the DACA "children"
I find it frustrating that there is so little focus on why immigrants come here illegally: they need work, and they can get jobs! If they couldn't work, they wouldn't come (refugees are a different category and status.) Yet it seems our anger and punishment are focused on illegal immigants and their innocent children rather than on the employers who illegally hire them. Until relatively recently it was not even against the law for an employer to hire someone here illegally. Illegal immigrants are criticized for lowering the wages of American workers, and that may in some cases be true, but that takes the focus off right-to-work laws and other legislative attempts by Republicans (e.g. pre-emptive laws making it impossible for cities to raise their minimum wage) that also depress wages. In short, the issue is complicated and the anger and enforcement are selective. Republicans who care about the rights of American workers have had ample time to show that, and they have not. Punish employers for circumventing employment laws; make visitor-work permits possible in areas where verifiable domestic employee shorages exist -- this could all happen if we were honest about all the issues and accepted that immigrantion, legal and illegal, has a complex history in the U.S.
9
TRUMP: "Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). 'If they can’t, I will revisit this issue!'"
Obama "couldn't do it" because Republicans REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IMMIGRATION! Right-wing revisionist history is destroying the minds of half the country.
Obama "couldn't do it" because Republicans REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IMMIGRATION! Right-wing revisionist history is destroying the minds of half the country.
31
@Mike Keefe,
I agree with the first part of your comment, but as far as revisionist history, that's a liberal thing completely. Most right wingers may not be happy with or proud of the past history, but we're not trying to erase it either! History is set in stone with the period of the time and judging it with modern ideology is just a weak way of commanding the debate! Ask any relationship counselor about using the mistakes of past to dominate a argument or debate.
I agree with the first part of your comment, but as far as revisionist history, that's a liberal thing completely. Most right wingers may not be happy with or proud of the past history, but we're not trying to erase it either! History is set in stone with the period of the time and judging it with modern ideology is just a weak way of commanding the debate! Ask any relationship counselor about using the mistakes of past to dominate a argument or debate.
2
destroying the 'minds' [let's not get carried away] of 75% of the country, actually, and we know already that minds are terrible things to waste.
On the campaign trail Trump constantly promised to get rid of DACA. Now he realizes what a lousy thing it is to do. And stupid. So he punted. He'll let congress take care of it.
10
On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly acknowledged that the people affected by DACA were deserving of sympathy, and that perhaps they should be handled differently. He was also consistent (and many legal scholars agree) that Obama's end-around Executive Order arguably violated the constitutional limits on legislative power. Getting rid of DACA and encouraging legislative action, and saying that he may revisit the issue is not inconsistent with either of those positions. It just points out one difference. Trump respects the constitutional limits on his power - whereas Obama was more cavalier about the constitution.
He was worried about who was gonna fill those 25 million jobs he said he's going to create. He's on pace to create 8 million jobs if he lasts a full term. That 25 million figure was probably a mistake; he was thinking about the size of his inauguration crowd.
2
He hasn't cared what anyone thinks soI don't really understand why Trump cares what any attorney general says and in particular want sessions cares about (miniscule intended)?
2
Trump probably has no celar understanding what he had Sessions to do or he doesn't comprehend what comes out of his mouth.
13
In an ideal world, congress will extend to the immigrants in this country the rights and privileges they deserve, including freedom from incarceration wihout due process. Sessions will limit the powers of the executive branch, and our president will rejoin the Paris accords after Irma.
3
It's simple. Now Trump can blackmail Congress into funding his beautiful wall as part of DACA legislation, if they want his signature on it. No wall bucks, no Dreamers.
8
Is Trump going to also deport the 12-20 million others who are still living in the US? Or, is he hoping his base will forget about them?
9
Trump just creates turmoil. Needless, heartless turmoil. Will people who have lived here all their lives be allowed to stay? Or will we deport them? Or will we write new law that does protect them and will he sign it? Or one that does not protect them and will he sign it? Or will we just throw the dice again in a few months and start the upheaval all over?
It is like healthcare. Promise the best, the greatest, everyone will have it, renege, lose, and undermine, so that at any given point no one - not insurers, not insured - know what will happen in the next few months.
Deportation. Sickness and death. Minor issues really. No reason to have steady, concrete and responsible policy when you can have turmoil instead.
It is like healthcare. Promise the best, the greatest, everyone will have it, renege, lose, and undermine, so that at any given point no one - not insurers, not insured - know what will happen in the next few months.
Deportation. Sickness and death. Minor issues really. No reason to have steady, concrete and responsible policy when you can have turmoil instead.
14
All confusion can be obviated if Congress does what it is required to do and passes a law - one way or the other. It really is that easy.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
3
Doesn't sound that "easy" to me Rev, given the volatility of the issue and the Republican track record on immigration.
Trump's late night tweeted reversals of positions are always perplexing, often alarming, and sometimes downright dangerous. But this latest tweet adds to the cruelty he is showing toward Dreamers. These young men and women are here through no fault of their own. They are held to a higher standard than others of their age who were fortunate enough to be born here. Trump and Session's threat to deport all 800,000 of them in six months is nothing but a craven appeal to the worst nativist impulses of their base and themselves. The president should stop tweeting, stop threatening these young people and their families, and work with Congress to provide them with a clear path to citizenship. Does even Trump want to go down in history as the president who deported 800,000 promising young people who are more committed to the principles of our country than he is?
9
What is to be revisited? Should Congress choose not to act or be unable to pass legislation by March 2018, DACA expires, the DACAers will have no legal status and become people without a country. Trump can't issue another EO because the Justice Dept believes it won't stand court scrutiny if the state AGs re-sue and his base will be angry. I suppose David Duke will tweet a second time reminding Trump of who put him in office. Trump has boxed himself in, he can't even extend the existing DACA.
Maybe the DACAers can be sent to Australia in exchange for us taking the people currently exiled on Nauru. Australia has already agreed to take some refugees from Central America. This would resolve the "they only speak English" problem.
Maybe the DACAers can be sent to Australia in exchange for us taking the people currently exiled on Nauru. Australia has already agreed to take some refugees from Central America. This would resolve the "they only speak English" problem.
President Obama knew his "solution" was merely a postponement. The "dreamers" needed to renew every two years. They never knew what their future would be. The Republican congress would not
fix our immigration system. President Trump's action actually puts the responsibility to actually act on his party. Given his willingness to contradict himself he can easily reverse himself if Congress does not act. He kept his initial promise to the base but he never promised that it would be permanent
fix our immigration system. President Trump's action actually puts the responsibility to actually act on his party. Given his willingness to contradict himself he can easily reverse himself if Congress does not act. He kept his initial promise to the base but he never promised that it would be permanent
2
Here’s what I think the immigration hardliners are missing. When we allow immigrants to cross our borders, put down roots, raise their children, build lives over the course of years and contribute to our society, this constitutes a tacit acceptance of their presence—and brings with it a moral obligation to treat them more as citizens than criminals. The same goes all the more for their children, who didn't choose to come, and who know no other home.
7
You can always depend on republicans to pick the worst option for the nation.
We used to have what? 30-40 workers for every retiree? Now we've 1-2? So obviously the first thing we want to do is eject a lot of young people out of the country. Because irrational. As usual.
We used to have what? 30-40 workers for every retiree? Now we've 1-2? So obviously the first thing we want to do is eject a lot of young people out of the country. Because irrational. As usual.
4
This man has neither empathy nor cognition. He appears to have no idea that people are right now making life-altering decisions about their futures based on his arbitrary and capricious pronouncements. I keep hearing how this affects 800,000 Dreamers but to that number add their families, including their US born children and maybe spouses, property, employees, businesses. This is nothing but unadulterated meanness meant to appease his equally mean "base." A pox on him, his and everything he stands for.
5
We're drifting onto a shoal and there's no one with their hand on the tiller. People see what's happening, but nobody has the wherewithal to take control
3
Is anybody really surprised by this? -- the ratings for his DACA decision obviously weren't "high" enough.
17
My take on Trump's mixed messages: [1] He has no clue as to what he is doing; and [2] He wants to keep his "reality tv" show alive and his name in the news.
20
Substitute presidency for mixed messages and it's still accurate.
3
This episode perfectly encapsulates why Trump is not fit to be president. He doesn't understand his own actions and their consequences. His only guiding principles are the constantly shifting winds of his own (misguided at best) gut instincts. He can occasionally be manipulated by forces like Sessions and Miller, only to contradict both his own and their stated logic behind his own actions. Now, a matter of hours later, he doesn't even seem to see his action as his own.
12
There's a legitimate argument to be made that DACA is an unconstitutional overreach of presidential authority even if substantively it may be good policy. It's clear that Trump personally wants to help the Dreamers. However, to appease his base and to prevent the threatened suit by 10 attorneys general, he needed to "put Congress's feet to the fire” by giving them a six-month window to give the program legislative imprimatur. I think his late-night tweet about “revisiting” it if Congress fails to act is further evidence of his desire to do good by the Dreamers. What would this “revisiting” entail? My guess would be a change of position, i.e., the administration reversing itself to argue for DACA not being an unconstitutional overreach of presidential authority. Trump’s main messages here are: (1) "Congress – Do your job!" And (2) "Dreamers – Don’t worry I’ve got your back even if you’re stressed out right now."
4
If Trump says "I've got your back" I would worry that he intends to stab me there.
7
Trump first had to show the illegality of Obama's "DACA by President only" action thus putting full responsibility on Congress. When that was accomplished through Jeff Sessions speech yesterday and Obama was shown with mud he then had a clean slate and could rebuilt his Emperor in Rome unilateral powers. Insanity just reached a new low.
I wanted to respond to comments that focus on the unlawful entry of Dreamers and other undocumented immigrants into our country and the importance of consequences or repercussions from that single act.
My firm belief is that Dreamers and their family members are contributors to our society, have put down roots, and built their lives in this country. How can we possibly not see them as our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and fellow Americans?
The single act of coming illegally into this country should not override everything that has come after that act. For anyone that has committed a crime or done something wrong, there should be a route to right that wrong.
Of the many, many great things about our country is that so many people from all over the world want to come here and make their mark. And they give in many ways as well - I think of my friends who come from immigrant families and they all are hungry and driven to do well. Have I gone to another country without knowing the language, having any family or friends, found a job, enrolled in college or graduate school, and start a new life? No! If we continue down this road of throwing up every barrier, building walls, upending lives, and deporting every which way, we are not winning, but losing! Fewer and fewer people will want to come and live here, our population will decline, our economy will suffer, and our great country will no longer be exceptional.
My firm belief is that Dreamers and their family members are contributors to our society, have put down roots, and built their lives in this country. How can we possibly not see them as our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and fellow Americans?
The single act of coming illegally into this country should not override everything that has come after that act. For anyone that has committed a crime or done something wrong, there should be a route to right that wrong.
Of the many, many great things about our country is that so many people from all over the world want to come here and make their mark. And they give in many ways as well - I think of my friends who come from immigrant families and they all are hungry and driven to do well. Have I gone to another country without knowing the language, having any family or friends, found a job, enrolled in college or graduate school, and start a new life? No! If we continue down this road of throwing up every barrier, building walls, upending lives, and deporting every which way, we are not winning, but losing! Fewer and fewer people will want to come and live here, our population will decline, our economy will suffer, and our great country will no longer be exceptional.
39
A single illegal entry might have been a single offense.
But every day of presence here without authorization is a continuing offense.
But every day of presence here without authorization is a continuing offense.
1
Sorry, but no. We're not throwing up every barrier etc. Quite the opposite is true. And, I wouldn't worry too much about people losing their desire to come to this country. Not likely.
1
A person can commit murder and eventually get out of prison to rebuild their life. Lesser crimes are lesser sentences. Yet if you cross our borders and live here illegally, working and being a good citizen, paying taxes, cheering your kids activities, growing up to become another good citizen, you will never reach the statute of limitations, you are illegal for life. Where in the annals of constitution can that be considered a crime without end of punishment?
When the Muslim ban was signed, Trump and his associates insisted that the president had very broad power to regulate immigration. Now he dumps DACA because the president doesn't have the power to regulate immigration.
He's not fooling anyone. This is a clumsy, transparent attempt to appease his shrinking base and at the same time, not be left responsible for the results.
He's not fooling anyone. This is a clumsy, transparent attempt to appease his shrinking base and at the same time, not be left responsible for the results.
14
For the love of God and my blood pressure, someone stop this twittering fool. I'm almost afraid to wake up and read what he's sent overnight. It's like driving past a car wreck, you KNOW it will be horrible, but you MUST look. Deja vu, all over again.
16
I know I'm holding steady at Stage 2 hypertension, but I feel long term damage will be the result.
4
Best wishes. Watch the sodium.
1
Today yes tomorrow no. Last week black this week white. An hour ago a minute ago next day yesterday tonight last month. Another day, another lie. Every word out of this man's mouth is a lie, an absolute lie. The most savage, remorseless liar I've ever seen in my 63 years, utter lunacy.
Because he can't let on he doesn't comprehend what he is told or history or governing or empathy etal, he just says ridiculous things and makes decisions that are the opposite of everything reasonable and rational. And because he wants revenge on Barack Obama. He doesn't have to explain himself. So he doesn't. And forget an apology. He is President, although in his case that no longer means Leader of the Free World. The world wants nothing to do with him.
That anyone, witness to these last months, could possibly believe a word out of his mouth, is beyond me. Nonsense is the language he speaks.
And, when it comes to Ryan, Graham, McConnell, etal, just review the 2016 campaign and their actions in Congress, and you'll see it there as well. Not the full blown pathology of Trump but lying out of both sides of their mouth with every breath they take. One day yes, next day no. The only difference is their lies are calculated differently. Trumps are to cover a gaping yaw of a human with no soul, these fellas know exactly what they are doing. Craven opportunists.
These guys are breaking our spirit as Americans. Can we recover? Do we have the will to fight for it?
Because he can't let on he doesn't comprehend what he is told or history or governing or empathy etal, he just says ridiculous things and makes decisions that are the opposite of everything reasonable and rational. And because he wants revenge on Barack Obama. He doesn't have to explain himself. So he doesn't. And forget an apology. He is President, although in his case that no longer means Leader of the Free World. The world wants nothing to do with him.
That anyone, witness to these last months, could possibly believe a word out of his mouth, is beyond me. Nonsense is the language he speaks.
And, when it comes to Ryan, Graham, McConnell, etal, just review the 2016 campaign and their actions in Congress, and you'll see it there as well. Not the full blown pathology of Trump but lying out of both sides of their mouth with every breath they take. One day yes, next day no. The only difference is their lies are calculated differently. Trumps are to cover a gaping yaw of a human with no soul, these fellas know exactly what they are doing. Craven opportunists.
These guys are breaking our spirit as Americans. Can we recover? Do we have the will to fight for it?
13
Give me a break. So if I live twenty years illegally in Italy, speak the language, work and pay taxes, break no laws save being in the country illegally, Italy owes me citizenship or the right to live in the country as long as I want to. Pshaw.
6
You conveniently left out several salient points:
1) this hypothetical illegal immigrant to Italy being taken there as a young child, without any knowledge of or say in the matter.
2) this hypothetical illegal immigrant having grown up, during this hypothetical 20 years, knowing no other country, and speaking no other language
3) this hypothetical immigrant holding a job and paying taxes into the Italian economy and
4) the loss of tax revenue that would result by deporting this hypothetical immigrant, not to mention the high cost of deporting him/her and hundreds of thousands of others.
That's the non-hypothetical situation we're dealing with when it comes to American Dreamers. And in that situation, yes, you give the Dreamers a path to citizenship. And yes, in your hypothetical scenario, Italy should do the same thing.
1) this hypothetical illegal immigrant to Italy being taken there as a young child, without any knowledge of or say in the matter.
2) this hypothetical illegal immigrant having grown up, during this hypothetical 20 years, knowing no other country, and speaking no other language
3) this hypothetical immigrant holding a job and paying taxes into the Italian economy and
4) the loss of tax revenue that would result by deporting this hypothetical immigrant, not to mention the high cost of deporting him/her and hundreds of thousands of others.
That's the non-hypothetical situation we're dealing with when it comes to American Dreamers. And in that situation, yes, you give the Dreamers a path to citizenship. And yes, in your hypothetical scenario, Italy should do the same thing.
A thesis of expedience--nothing more. Criminal behavior, parent-inspired or otherwise, is still criminal.
Point of fact: If the Italian police discover you're illegal, out you go.
However, more important fact: If Ellis Island was good enough for the Italians of the turn of the last century, it's good enough for illegals today--get in line.
Point of fact: If the Italian police discover you're illegal, out you go.
However, more important fact: If Ellis Island was good enough for the Italians of the turn of the last century, it's good enough for illegals today--get in line.
What I'm really tired of is the expectation that "President" Trump has a plan on any topic. He has no strategy. He's proven it time after time yet too many people express hope that his next action will be sensible, thoughtful, diplomatic, presidential. He fails on all counts. And if I hear him utter "fake news" one more time I'll scream out loud.
6
"I have great love for them. Hopefully congress will be able to take care of them"
Yeah right.
Yeah right.
3
Trump pardons a racist and fascist Arizona sheriff convicted of violating the Constitution, and calls him a true patriot, but he defers to his racist Attorney General who declares DACA to be an unconstitutional exercise of power by the Executive Branch. Now Trump wants to revisit this??
The only thing Trump should do now is order a blanket pardon for all undocumented aliens --starting with the children.
The only thing Trump should do now is order a blanket pardon for all undocumented aliens --starting with the children.
3
This article also assumes that Trump will be president in six months.
26
I wonder if by the time I finish writing this comment, Trump will have changed his mind?
I think his words/actions violate the eight amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Any clever lawyers out there want to take that up?
I think his words/actions violate the eight amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Any clever lawyers out there want to take that up?
11
There may not be any clever lawyers -- but he has already changed his mind.
1
If this is how Trump really feels, then Pelosi and Schumer need to act quickly along with moderate Republicans who have a heart. Fix this and take away the wrecking ball that hovers over the lives of these wonderful people.
12
Opening The Times website each day over the last few months has become an ordeal, quite unlike anything I've ever done before in my 50+ years. I suppose it's basically to read how far or close we've come since the day before towards a total breakdown of our system of government and loss of the rights that, while never fully realized in this country, those of good will and sound mind nevertheless hope to preserve in some form. This article has the phrase "mixed message" in it and I shake my head and ask myself "has there ever been ANY OTHER type of message from this man?" Has he ever been done to do even ONE thing decent to help someone other than himself or his immediate clique? We're nearing the one year mark of his assent, through deceit and the stupid Americans who voted for him, to power and not one thing of note has been accomplished. The psyche of the this country will never be the same again regardless of how long he lasts in office or who comes afterward. The break between those that support and despise this man has shattered the pretext of a "united" America. When or how this voyage into the twilight zone ends is anyone's guess.
22
Nomination to Supreme Court
Ended uses of chemical weapons in Syria
Restored order on us border
Outstanding hurricane Harvey response team
Signed veterans health bills
Passed unanimous UN resolution against North Korea
Ended over 800 useless regulations
Got Germany to up its NATO spending
Put china and Iran on notice
Stock market surging
Ended uses of chemical weapons in Syria
Restored order on us border
Outstanding hurricane Harvey response team
Signed veterans health bills
Passed unanimous UN resolution against North Korea
Ended over 800 useless regulations
Got Germany to up its NATO spending
Put china and Iran on notice
Stock market surging
3
When I said "accomplished" I meant "for the good". Your list of negatives is, of course, accurate and tie in with the point I was trying to make. For me, to accomplish something means to "do something good" but when talking about a creature like this person, one must remember that nothing is clear or should be taken for granted.
1
Do you seriously believe William Rodham's list comprises negatives?
Looks like positives to me.
Looks like positives to me.
"The Art of the Deal" was written by Tony Schwartz - who cleaned up Trump's erratic, incoherent `deals' to make him look a lot better than he was. And now regrets it.
Trump's style is "First he charms, if that doesn’t work, he bullies, if that doesn’t work he walks away, if that doesn’t work, he sues you" (New Yorker) -
How do you do that in politics again?
Trump's style is "First he charms, if that doesn’t work, he bullies, if that doesn’t work he walks away, if that doesn’t work, he sues you" (New Yorker) -
How do you do that in politics again?
18
Every time he opens his mouth about this issue, he creates more panic, anxiety and confusion among the more than 800,000 young people directly involved.
Just stop talking publicly about the mess you've created. You continue to hurt those you profess to "love". With "lovers" like him...
Just stop talking publicly about the mess you've created. You continue to hurt those you profess to "love". With "lovers" like him...
5
Attention span of a proper tyke!
7
He clearly enjoys keeping his imaginary subjects on their toes, nervous and looking at his highness for generosity. Will he pardon them, like he did pardon the sherrif, or will they lose all of their life's work
He is late to the party for a few century.
He is late to the party for a few century.
3
DACA is unconstitutional; even Obama admitted that he lacked any authority to issue this executive order. Why is such a simple fact so hard for the Times and its readers to understand?
3
there is a moral obligation to defy unjust laws; history is full of such examples.
3
JA, I'm not sure who gets to decide what is just or unjust. If we ask the robbers they'd probably say bank vaults are unjust. The stock crooks rob ably think stock trading laws are unjust. You simply cannot pick and choose laws and expect a society to function.
2
What makes you believe this is an unjust law? Because you feel that way? If I went to Germany and lived there illegally for 20 years and raised my children there (not born in Germany but the US) would I be able to stay there? Would my children who have no memory of the US? I speak German fluently and have lived there in the past. Doesn't matter, I still don't get to be a citizen and more importantly, neither do my children. Who's to blame? Germany for actually following the laws or me for ignoring them?
1
If Congress refuses to give DACA enrollees legal status,Trump couldn't give them legal status because this would be overriding Congress's expressed intent. However, he would still have to determine what to do with DACA enrollees. For example, he could make deporting then a low priority. On the other hand, he could order them to appear for deportation hearings. It's time for Democrats and Republicans to compromise and pass a bill that gives DACA enrollees citizenship while cracking down on future illegal immigration.
3
Seems to be his MO. If his decisions prove unpopular, he'll walk them back or will say he'll "revisit" them.
7
Come on people! Donald just wants to be loved.
Pull back on DACA and his 35% base adores him.
Tweet at 3 am that he will save the program if Congress does not act in time and the Dreamers will love him.
He just wants us to be nice to him. How unreasonable of the country to expect him to actually govern.
Pull back on DACA and his 35% base adores him.
Tweet at 3 am that he will save the program if Congress does not act in time and the Dreamers will love him.
He just wants us to be nice to him. How unreasonable of the country to expect him to actually govern.
7
As a legal immigrant (not a citizen, still in-line), I am strongly against illegal immigrants (including DACA recipients) from getting ahead of the line towards citizenship. I just don't see a valid argument for illegals to be given priority or privilege (unrestrained work permits, where they can work for any employee/start business) when there is a significant backlog for legal immigrants.
Ban the parents for life from entering USA but provide the kids the opportunity to enter the country legally. However, the kids should not be able to obtain citizenship before anyone else who is legally waiting in line is my argument. Why should one economic migrant (DACA) be provided better opportunity to become a citizen while another (legal immigrant) is pushed to the back of the line?
Getting a citizenship because your parents broke the law is not right because your right to citizenship is dependent on someone breaking the law. I am not talking about a permanent ban on DACA recipients but prioritizing opportunity for the truly deserving (refugees, people fleeing violence and legal immigrants). Rest of the DACA recipients can apply for legal entry just like millions of others who are waiting in line. Don’t reward an illegal act, even if it was committed by parents. Illegal immigrants were legalized in the 80s/90s. How many times and how many illegals should be provided this opportunity? Doesn't this set a bad precedent? Moral Hazard.
Ban the parents for life from entering USA but provide the kids the opportunity to enter the country legally. However, the kids should not be able to obtain citizenship before anyone else who is legally waiting in line is my argument. Why should one economic migrant (DACA) be provided better opportunity to become a citizen while another (legal immigrant) is pushed to the back of the line?
Getting a citizenship because your parents broke the law is not right because your right to citizenship is dependent on someone breaking the law. I am not talking about a permanent ban on DACA recipients but prioritizing opportunity for the truly deserving (refugees, people fleeing violence and legal immigrants). Rest of the DACA recipients can apply for legal entry just like millions of others who are waiting in line. Don’t reward an illegal act, even if it was committed by parents. Illegal immigrants were legalized in the 80s/90s. How many times and how many illegals should be provided this opportunity? Doesn't this set a bad precedent? Moral Hazard.
8
I agree. I have friends that immigrated and they had to wait, why should these law breakers get a pass? It's tough, but it's not our fault, it's their parents fault for coming here illegally in the first place.
1
I completely agree except that deporting the dreamers is a logistical nightmare and it will cost a fortune. It may be the thing to do "on principle" but I think Congress will end up granting amnesty because it just isn't practical.
I truly believe that a Tic-Tac-Toe chicken gives more thought to the letters he pecks out than Trump does in his Tweets. Why are we still trying to analyze these as if there is any "there" there? However I do agree that the cruelty these thoughtless tweets incur is profoundly disturbing.
11
Read between the lines - his end goal is to actually help the DACA folks by getting them legalized. The "revisit" is just a fallback in case of a gridlock. Win Win for DACA.
3
He changes his mind based on last person he talked to. It's hour by hour, day by day. That's been going on since the election primaries.
5
Many years ago Mr. Trump realized that those as rich and vainglorious as himself bare none of the downside to brinksmanship as a behavioral trait.
He gains from free publicity continuously by kicking every wasp nest imaginable. Chaos and mayhem are his byproduct with the potential to create suffering on a massive scale out of thin air. As has become customary the risks and penalties of his antics are to be shouldered by the public, not himself.
With each envelope that gets stretched to the brink he becomes more untouchable. Friction sells. Tension sells. He provides both in abundance.
He gains from free publicity continuously by kicking every wasp nest imaginable. Chaos and mayhem are his byproduct with the potential to create suffering on a massive scale out of thin air. As has become customary the risks and penalties of his antics are to be shouldered by the public, not himself.
With each envelope that gets stretched to the brink he becomes more untouchable. Friction sells. Tension sells. He provides both in abundance.
2
Trump's apparent inconsistency is easily explained by the narcissism that drives everything he does. His ego needs the full-throated unquestioning adoration of his base in the same way the rest of us need oxygen.
Trump concluded that ending DACA would bring him a dose of adoration from the anti-immigrant and white-supremacist parts of his base. It may be that Jeff Sessions convinced him that ending DACA would give him what his ego craved. So Trump rewarded Sessions by letting him make the announcement-- something Sessions has wanted to do for some time, and in which his white supremacist heart clearly took great pleasure.
Maybe Miller another trusted member of his circle came up with the idea to give Congress six months to address the problem. That way, when the fallout from videos of ICE agents rounding up "Dreamers" starts attacking Trump's ego in March, Trump could blame Congress while praising his own "heart."
But it seems the announcement provoked more attacks than adoration, and Trump's ego was left gasping and panting from the bad air. So he spewed forth a tweet affirming both his "heart" and his authority to take over if Congress fails. As always, the intent was not to admit the decision might have been wrong, or to either bridge a divided country or provide justice to "Dreamers." It was all about an aggrieved Trump trying to soothe his bruised ego and show that he has ultimate control.
Nothing really new.
Trump concluded that ending DACA would bring him a dose of adoration from the anti-immigrant and white-supremacist parts of his base. It may be that Jeff Sessions convinced him that ending DACA would give him what his ego craved. So Trump rewarded Sessions by letting him make the announcement-- something Sessions has wanted to do for some time, and in which his white supremacist heart clearly took great pleasure.
Maybe Miller another trusted member of his circle came up with the idea to give Congress six months to address the problem. That way, when the fallout from videos of ICE agents rounding up "Dreamers" starts attacking Trump's ego in March, Trump could blame Congress while praising his own "heart."
But it seems the announcement provoked more attacks than adoration, and Trump's ego was left gasping and panting from the bad air. So he spewed forth a tweet affirming both his "heart" and his authority to take over if Congress fails. As always, the intent was not to admit the decision might have been wrong, or to either bridge a divided country or provide justice to "Dreamers." It was all about an aggrieved Trump trying to soothe his bruised ego and show that he has ultimate control.
Nothing really new.
2
How can anyone possibly support this man? How could anyone work for him? We are at the mercy of the Republican party whether or not he stays in office.
3
While the dreamers are not at fault for their difficult situation, that doesn't mean that they are immune from consequences. If I had a good private school education and nice car because my dad stole a lot of money - and lost all of it when he was caught and prosecuted - it wouldn't be my fault that my dad was a thief - but nor does everyone else now owe me an easier life because that's what I'm used to.
Thing is - some of these people are coming from horrible countries where rule of law barely applies, from situations that none of us would ever want to go to. So I do see the compassion for them. But I don't see the assumption that we're wrong if we say they should not be here. They shouldn't. Their parents did something wrong, they have gained by it, with education here, if they go back, what they lost - a life in their original home where they would know the country and customs as a native will penalize them, but what they gained here will help them.
It's not the dreamers fault - but nor is it our fault, and sometimes children do end up paying for the crimes of their parents - if only in losing what the parents illegally took for them.
Trump - interesting to see him trying to straddle between his true believers, and the massive number of people and compelling stories of the dreamers - such a fool as always. These issues are not simple, and he and his followers both showed their lack of comprehension when they thought they were.
Thing is - some of these people are coming from horrible countries where rule of law barely applies, from situations that none of us would ever want to go to. So I do see the compassion for them. But I don't see the assumption that we're wrong if we say they should not be here. They shouldn't. Their parents did something wrong, they have gained by it, with education here, if they go back, what they lost - a life in their original home where they would know the country and customs as a native will penalize them, but what they gained here will help them.
It's not the dreamers fault - but nor is it our fault, and sometimes children do end up paying for the crimes of their parents - if only in losing what the parents illegally took for them.
Trump - interesting to see him trying to straddle between his true believers, and the massive number of people and compelling stories of the dreamers - such a fool as always. These issues are not simple, and he and his followers both showed their lack of comprehension when they thought they were.
6
The whole point of a fair and just society is for children not to be punished for what their parents did or do. You would do well in North Korea where they are.
But in your "Dad's a thief" example, you listed an indirect consequence upon the innocent child - that he/she'd no longer be able to attend an expensive school or continue to drive a fancy car once the gov't forces the father to return stolen money, or imprisons him so he can't make further payments. Ending DACA and potentially subjecting DREAMers to deportation forces them to pay a direct consequence for the illegal entry over which they had no control. It is one of the fundamental pillars of our justice system that people should be punished for wrongs that they, themselves, have committed, and not for those committed by others. It's why, for example, the Supreme Court has ruled it unconstitutional to penalize children born-out-of-wedlock.
Most Americans, across political ideologies (except for extreme right-wingers, likely the unyielding 35% Trump base) oppose ending DACA because we recognize that people brought here as children are not responsible for the illegal actions of their parents, and deportation is a very harsh punishment. You're right that Trump and his most rabid followers displayed their utter ignorance if they thought that this, or any of the many other issues they've underestimated was simple and easy to address (like NATO, healthcare, North Korea, the Middle East, etc.).
Most Americans, across political ideologies (except for extreme right-wingers, likely the unyielding 35% Trump base) oppose ending DACA because we recognize that people brought here as children are not responsible for the illegal actions of their parents, and deportation is a very harsh punishment. You're right that Trump and his most rabid followers displayed their utter ignorance if they thought that this, or any of the many other issues they've underestimated was simple and easy to address (like NATO, healthcare, North Korea, the Middle East, etc.).
When I went to elementary school, I was taught that what made the U.S. so great was it's welcoming embrace of people who were being oppressed in their home countries. I live in Southern California. Anyone who said the Vietnamese boat people would be a burden should be embarrassed about how wrong they were.
I'm the last person Trump would consult for advice; but here it it, take it or leave it: Shuck Sessions. He's useless. In fact, he's worse than useless. He's hurricane-force negative.
13
Mixed message from a scrambled brain. Or, just trying to have it BOTH ways. Which is it???
14
I would put my money on #1...
3
Jeff Sessions and Stephen Miller are bigoted blowhards. Trump is a coward. The perfect storm.
28
Dear Mr. Krikorian,
Let me ease your confusion a little bit: "The Art of the Deal" was written entirely by a ghostwriter.
Let me ease your confusion a little bit: "The Art of the Deal" was written entirely by a ghostwriter.
13
in the bartending community most books are written by ghost writers. in fact very few writers actually write their own books.
It's entirely possible Trump has never even read the book!
5
Par. Confusion from the confused.
5
How tiring! How demoralizing! We have a President who rules by TWEET!!! Lincoln, Jefferson, Kennedy, Nixon, et. al., must be spinning in their graves..........
15
He really is a master negociator.
3
Is this guy the world's worst boyfriend? He tells you he loves you. After he's got what he wants, he tells you're not worth it, he's leaving. He grabs his stuff and slams the door on the way out.
Then he keeps calling you from the phone booth down the street.
Your girlfriends told you he was a jerk, but you didn't want to believe it. Turns out they were right.
Then he keeps calling you from the phone booth down the street.
Your girlfriends told you he was a jerk, but you didn't want to believe it. Turns out they were right.
31
best post of the day, mild eyes.
kindest regards,
kindest regards,
Donald Trump is a complete buffoon, an imbecile. It's sad our country and our democracy is treated like a Yo-Yo on a string. It's absolutely hateful to have to have foolish, childish, ignorant, Donald Trump have so much command over our attention. Are there any courageous, responsible, decent people left in the Republican party? Are they all craven cowards, bigots and idiots like the three stooges, Jeff Sessions, Paul Ryan, and McConnell? I know there's John McCain, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Cory Gardner, who have some courage, that's four out of how many? History will not absolve the rest of the complicit cowards.
23
Where are the editors?!
"Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice, a pro-immigration group, said he interpreted the Twitter post to mean that Mr. Trump was taken back by the criticism of his decision to scrap the program."
Taken *aback*!
In any event, the Befuddler-in-Chief continues wreaking havoc!
"Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice, a pro-immigration group, said he interpreted the Twitter post to mean that Mr. Trump was taken back by the criticism of his decision to scrap the program."
Taken *aback*!
In any event, the Befuddler-in-Chief continues wreaking havoc!
8
Big heart, big brain. Scares ME.
2
Laughable, the US became totally laughable. And stay this way as long as the Klan rules the house.
11
You write of a "conflicted Trump". There is no "conflicted Trump". As far as recorded history can tell, he consistently been dishonest, poisonous and vicious. You ought to look more carefully at his past before giving him the benefit of th doubt. Or are you just involved in misplaced decorum? Explaining him only legitimizes him.
17
Could someone at the Times please do a story on the "Americans displaced by illegal immigration.?" According to this Administration it is a massive problem.
I would like to have compassion for these displaced people, but who are they and where are they?
I would like to have compassion for these displaced people, but who are they and where are they?
9
Feel free to visit any construction sight, restaurant, landscaping business, or any number of worksites that used to be populated by legal residents. Who do you think did these jobs before the wave of immigration of the last few decades?
2
C'mon.
Are you seriously telling me that reputable American companies owned by reputable Americans are hiring illegals at substandard wages?
At construction SITES, restaurants and landscaping businesses?
Obviously it must be the illegals fault!
Thanks for putting me on to this.
Are you seriously telling me that reputable American companies owned by reputable Americans are hiring illegals at substandard wages?
At construction SITES, restaurants and landscaping businesses?
Obviously it must be the illegals fault!
Thanks for putting me on to this.
When all you are concerned about is publicity, you can take all sides on an issue.
7
“Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do),” he wrote, using the initials for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. “If they can’t, I will revisit this issue!”
Wrong, Mr. President. It was Jeff Sessions who you sent out to meet the press to explain your actions. You cannot "revisit this issue" because you had no hand in explaining why you chose to end the DACA program. Maybe it will be AG Sessions who "revisits this issue" in six months, that is if you haven't harassed him into resigning his Cabinet post.
Wrong, Mr. President. It was Jeff Sessions who you sent out to meet the press to explain your actions. You cannot "revisit this issue" because you had no hand in explaining why you chose to end the DACA program. Maybe it will be AG Sessions who "revisits this issue" in six months, that is if you haven't harassed him into resigning his Cabinet post.
4
Who would have thought that immigration would shed light on Americas mental illness crisis?
10
Oh to be at the mercy of whims of THIS man..
8
How painful it must be inside the DACA pinata. We can only hope that the blindfolded administration continues to whiff more than smash.
4
Everyone should have figured out this idiot by now. He's the Master of Confusion. When you expect him to Zig, he Zags. When you think he's making sense, he changes course 180 degrees. Trump has been doing this since the 1970's, so don't expect him to change.
11
Honestly, any 71 year old man that still bleaches his hair and eyebrows and uses
the absolute dumbest "comb over" look is offering midnight suggestions!
Who would have thought this feral being would be a good leader of the free world.
the absolute dumbest "comb over" look is offering midnight suggestions!
Who would have thought this feral being would be a good leader of the free world.
12
He may be, temporarily, the president of this country, but that does NOT, as it once did, mean he's the "leader of the free world". That mantle has been passed to Merkel. I don't think she wants to give it up, unlike the previous owner.
4
Ignore his tweets, for goddsake.
Listen to generals. Look at legislation. Talk to Congress.
Ignore his BLOODY tweets!
Listen to generals. Look at legislation. Talk to Congress.
Ignore his BLOODY tweets!
7
Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III want to assure that his failed state, Alabama, becomes the model for the rest of our wonderful country.
The Civil War, or "The War of Northern Aggression," never ended in the minds of these narrow-minded, bigoted people.
The Civil War, or "The War of Northern Aggression," never ended in the minds of these narrow-minded, bigoted people.
12
Is it just me, or does every single solitary photo of Trump fall clearly into one of two categories:
1) Tinpot dictator, sweaty, uncontrolled, over-the-top bluster, or
2) Dimwitted, vacuous, confused/perplexed, empty stare into space (e.g., the photo accompanying this article)
1) Tinpot dictator, sweaty, uncontrolled, over-the-top bluster, or
2) Dimwitted, vacuous, confused/perplexed, empty stare into space (e.g., the photo accompanying this article)
17
It's not just you...
4
"I stand by nothing"- DJT
There's truly not a person in there, just a walking mental illness with a name and social security number
There's truly not a person in there, just a walking mental illness with a name and social security number
18
No opinion, no conviction, no ideas, no interest, no substance and NO BACKBONE. Never any accountability. Blame and attack is his game. When things go well, take the credit.
A total waste and millions of people have to pay the price for this lunatic's EGO.
A total waste and millions of people have to pay the price for this lunatic's EGO.
10
It must be hard to be Trump. On the one hand, he hates all brown people and believes them to be inferior to his own dyed-hair and artificially tanned appearance. That is, he judges all things by their appearance, not by their merits. On the other hand, he loves America, and some of those brown people are Americans.
This makes it hard for him to decide simple questions like whether it's good for the country to throw out almost a million law-abiding young people who have lived here all their lives.
Maybe in the mean time he should focus on expelling all people in wheelchairs, since he doesn't think they should be reporters.
This makes it hard for him to decide simple questions like whether it's good for the country to throw out almost a million law-abiding young people who have lived here all their lives.
Maybe in the mean time he should focus on expelling all people in wheelchairs, since he doesn't think they should be reporters.
7
Can this imitation Federal administrator ever, just ever, come up with a straight statement, without contradictory embellishments, name calling, blathering rhetoric, or non defamation? Just once? It just might prove he still has at least one foot out of the clouds!
1
This is cruel political posturing at its worst.
8
Honestly, with his inability to do his job due to complete unsuitability, his incessant attacks on the Fourth Estate, and his attempts to undermine our Judiciary and weaken Congress, it certainly seems like Russia, indeed, won our Presidential 2016 election.
9
In 7 months, I have so much whiplash that my neck's completely stiff!
Coincidentally,while addressing the Press, WH Press Sec on the DACA decision, WH Press Sec, stated that Trump wanted to make it clear that he prefers to govern without emotions--That was a joke,right?!That very statement from a man, who has a tantrum at every turn and a tit-for-tat mentality when dealing with anyone who may challenge/disagree or plainly not like him.
Trump's fickleness continues.No longer a surprise, BUT what baffles me is how all that has transpired's been met with either turned blind eyes & endless excuses. Even holding the highest office does not make you immune to law & order not only that but give you the right to toy with people's future.But this is what this man does best...THIS!
Coincidentally,while addressing the Press, WH Press Sec on the DACA decision, WH Press Sec, stated that Trump wanted to make it clear that he prefers to govern without emotions--That was a joke,right?!That very statement from a man, who has a tantrum at every turn and a tit-for-tat mentality when dealing with anyone who may challenge/disagree or plainly not like him.
Trump's fickleness continues.No longer a surprise, BUT what baffles me is how all that has transpired's been met with either turned blind eyes & endless excuses. Even holding the highest office does not make you immune to law & order not only that but give you the right to toy with people's future.But this is what this man does best...THIS!
3
Trump is creating theater, trying to make it look like he's doing something. A lot of this is posturing. The way he pre-announced this "decision" was typical of other "decisions" he's announced. Nothing is definitive yet, but he got to fan out his peacock tail. Junior is testifying before Congress on his meeting(s) with Russia. It's just like Sr. to make 900,000 people frantic to divert attention from his son's testimony. He's sent us all on an errand in another part of the building.
4
Why are most things uncomplicated except to the reporter whose job it seems to be to complicate things? I can only imagine what one would do with the complex matter of school transport . . . If the school bus doesn't come, I will have to drive my child to school. For most that would be a no-brainer. A crack reporter no doubt could dissect that quandary down to why a school bus is yellow, for all the good it would do in getting the child to school on time.
1
This is Trump's understanding of what it means to negotiate. You make false promises to get a "deal," (in this case elected) then you pull the rug from under anyone affected by those promises to see how much pushback you get. When it is established that public sentiment will not support the most radical position, you begin to make new false promises to get someone else to take responsibility for whatever happens.
This man is morally bankrupt and corrupt. He dines with lobbyists and CEOs who have government contracts, pays money from the federal treasury into his own pocket and travels on public tax money like he is a king. People who voter for this imposter as president should be groveling and begging the rest of us for mercy.
This man is morally bankrupt and corrupt. He dines with lobbyists and CEOs who have government contracts, pays money from the federal treasury into his own pocket and travels on public tax money like he is a king. People who voter for this imposter as president should be groveling and begging the rest of us for mercy.
8
"American Dreamers"
If I'm plucked from the womb
Made my way, found my room
Paying taxes, working hard all my life
Every childhood poem
Assumes a place to call home
Can our country not aid those in strife
How can one lonely man
Tied to ego, flames fan
Reject a heart, align himself with the schemers
United against abject hate
May we grant them their fate
Protect now, the American Dreamers
If I'm plucked from the womb
Made my way, found my room
Paying taxes, working hard all my life
Every childhood poem
Assumes a place to call home
Can our country not aid those in strife
How can one lonely man
Tied to ego, flames fan
Reject a heart, align himself with the schemers
United against abject hate
May we grant them their fate
Protect now, the American Dreamers
4
Anyone who is confused by this is an IDIOT -- Trump's "promise" to revisit is as meaningful as his previous insistence he would "have a heart" with the DACA participants -- i.e. totally meaningless.
What prompted this tweet is what prompts all of his behavior: fears about how he is being perceived and judged, not any plan to do anything.
Trump simply sees howls of derision about his heartlessness, lies, and (economic) stupidity, and tosses in a throw away tweet to make people think he will, maybe, eventually, come to the rescue -- those few remaining people who are still willing to be suckered by this coward in an clown-ish president suit.
What prompted this tweet is what prompts all of his behavior: fears about how he is being perceived and judged, not any plan to do anything.
Trump simply sees howls of derision about his heartlessness, lies, and (economic) stupidity, and tosses in a throw away tweet to make people think he will, maybe, eventually, come to the rescue -- those few remaining people who are still willing to be suckered by this coward in an clown-ish president suit.
6
Trump is the master of deception, confusion and dishonesty. This is done on purpose to fuel his base with actions that they approve of and disclaim such actions for the rest of the population.
He is an authoritarian and seeks to rule through conflict and deceit. The goal is to confuse us and make us feel hopeless.
Don't fall for it. He is the most crooked creep ever to be in office.
He is an authoritarian and seeks to rule through conflict and deceit. The goal is to confuse us and make us feel hopeless.
Don't fall for it. He is the most crooked creep ever to be in office.
7
Trump doesn't care either way. Destroy the dreamers or save them, Trump just wants a 'win.' He'll do what's best for the ratings of Donald Trump with his poisonous base.
Anyone who saw Trump's depraved big beer powwow for GOP House members after they voted to repeal Obamacare and ruin the lives of the 20+ million of us on Obamacare knows exactly how much Trump cares about the lives of fellow Americans. We've seen Trump enacting his version of 'decency.' And it reeks of garbage.
My very best wishes to those 800,000 young Americans.
Anyone who saw Trump's depraved big beer powwow for GOP House members after they voted to repeal Obamacare and ruin the lives of the 20+ million of us on Obamacare knows exactly how much Trump cares about the lives of fellow Americans. We've seen Trump enacting his version of 'decency.' And it reeks of garbage.
My very best wishes to those 800,000 young Americans.
7
It is true that he had "no second thoughts", or first ones for that matter. He does not think. He reads and Tweets. Sad!
6
Trump seeks "Putinesque" stature and power. He's informing us that should Congress fail to produce legislation that he can sign, he will be the backup nd make the "needed" decisions. Unlike Congress he was chosen by "all the People".
Should the Legislature tie itself in knots, he'll bear the burden of the decision-maker..
Should the Legislature tie itself in knots, he'll bear the burden of the decision-maker..
John C. Calhoun writes, "should Congress fail to produce legislation that he can sign, he will be the backup and make the "needed" decisions."
Are you writing about Trump or Obama?
Are you writing about Trump or Obama?
Here's why: Trump will never forgive Sessions for recusing himself, and he was just too ecstatic on the news last night. I can see Trump fuming. It's all personal with him.
2
"Having it both ways" seems to be the traitor's expectation of life. That and never having to take responsibility for his actions, nor any accountability for those actions.
Instead of Truman's, "the buck stops here", it's "I'll take that."
Instead of Truman's, "the buck stops here", it's "I'll take that."
3
Being president is a pretty tough job. Too bad that our country selected someone who is wholly unprepared and unsuited for the position.
3
Too bad nobody considered that seven months ago -- After all, the signs were already there.
1
Poor little buddy. :( Everything is moving so fast! Who knew any of this would be so hard? Poor little guy just wishes everyone could slow down a little and tell him how big the crowds are.
4
Heart breaks over the anxiety Dreamers must be feeling. Heart's broken parts sink realizing Trump may be in office six months from now.
3
Although I supported President Obama's compassionate approach to dreamers, as a lawyer I believe his DACA order was in defiance of, rather than compliance with, the law. He had the legal right to exercise prosecutorial discretion and not seek to deport dreamers. He did not have the legal right to give them de facto green cards. President Trump is neither compassionate nor interested in compliance with law. He's been quick to promise massive federal dollars to Republican strongholds in Texas and Florida. Let's see how much aid he recommends for Democratic Puerto Rico.
2
As with most everything he faces, Trump doesn't have any sort of reasonable "plan" for handling DACA.
He merely kicked the can down the road for 6 months. If Congress can fix it before then, he's off the hook. If not, well, he'll worry about it then. Maybe by then we'll have something that distracts attention from it; like a nuclear war, or something like that.
Trump kicks the can down the road again, I wish we could kick HIS can out of the White House....
He merely kicked the can down the road for 6 months. If Congress can fix it before then, he's off the hook. If not, well, he'll worry about it then. Maybe by then we'll have something that distracts attention from it; like a nuclear war, or something like that.
Trump kicks the can down the road again, I wish we could kick HIS can out of the White House....
3
Does anyone really think that Trump cares one but about these kids? He's using them as political football and hates that he didn't get the "love" he expected for doing this. Please, Mr. Mueller, hurry up! This guy and his misadministration need to go now.
1
Everything Donald Trump does is fraught with confusion, and that confusion is a glimpse into the mindset of the Narcissist and Megalomaniac POTUS our nation (sadly) has residing in the Oval Office as the Chief Executive officer.
Look over the past 8 months: total confusion, knee-jerk policy initiatives often prodded by Trump's temper tantrums, chaos as to exactly what is THE policy and red-line position, pathetic management performance, an absent organizational (sycophants and ideologues don't count as organization), nepotism (Jared and Ivanka's self-dealing), dogged and persistent set o facts about Donald Trump's campaign communications with Russia & Putin's involvement to derail our electoral process.
Now it's DACA and Sherriff Joe Arpaio's pardon. Huh? With all of the pressing national priorities (remember infrastructure?) and international problems, Trump decides to bully (and AG Sessions abets in the offense) a group of Americans who have legally complied with the request of the government by coming out of the shadows to become bona fide American citizens.
The abject disgust and total anger I feel towards everything Trump has done to trash the good standing of the United States can't be properly expressed here. Trump is a fraud and the most corrupt POTUS ever, but is his bullying of Dreamers within one week of pardoning Arpaio speaks to the most sinister core of his personality. For these reasons alone, Trump must go. NOW!
Look over the past 8 months: total confusion, knee-jerk policy initiatives often prodded by Trump's temper tantrums, chaos as to exactly what is THE policy and red-line position, pathetic management performance, an absent organizational (sycophants and ideologues don't count as organization), nepotism (Jared and Ivanka's self-dealing), dogged and persistent set o facts about Donald Trump's campaign communications with Russia & Putin's involvement to derail our electoral process.
Now it's DACA and Sherriff Joe Arpaio's pardon. Huh? With all of the pressing national priorities (remember infrastructure?) and international problems, Trump decides to bully (and AG Sessions abets in the offense) a group of Americans who have legally complied with the request of the government by coming out of the shadows to become bona fide American citizens.
The abject disgust and total anger I feel towards everything Trump has done to trash the good standing of the United States can't be properly expressed here. Trump is a fraud and the most corrupt POTUS ever, but is his bullying of Dreamers within one week of pardoning Arpaio speaks to the most sinister core of his personality. For these reasons alone, Trump must go. NOW!
3
Was this mixed message supposed to be comforting? If I were one of the hundreds of thousands whose lives have been upended by Trump's caprice and Sessions' cruelty, I don't think an extra helping of uncertainty would be comforting.
2
If Trump were a football player, he would be a punter.
What is striking is that the White House has no proposal for Congress to consider. While the executive branch may not make laws, it can certainly lay out the details of proposals or work with Congress to draft mutually agreeable legislation. The Trump Administration doesn't seem to ever have specific legislative goals beyond a general direction and some supporting platitudes. It makes taking the Administration seriously rather difficult. My sense is that even an "above the fray" President like Reagan still had his staff draft specific goals and recommendations.
What is striking is that the White House has no proposal for Congress to consider. While the executive branch may not make laws, it can certainly lay out the details of proposals or work with Congress to draft mutually agreeable legislation. The Trump Administration doesn't seem to ever have specific legislative goals beyond a general direction and some supporting platitudes. It makes taking the Administration seriously rather difficult. My sense is that even an "above the fray" President like Reagan still had his staff draft specific goals and recommendations.
1
Nah, he'd be the guy who gets the ball and runs the wrong way, then passes it to the opposing team - and his cheering section would cheer his unique strategy and fresh approach to the game.
1
Just remember Trump's tweets about ACA. He promised that he would make sure every one will excellent health insurance. So he may be doing the same with DACA. At the end there will be no law and Trump will break his promise.
2
Trump’s constant barrage of inconsistent and capricious little “tweets” is seriously impacting the lives of millions of people. Every time this man has any half-baked thought, he has to let the world know about in a few pithy little words. To begin with, this is an irrational and disrespectful behavior/habit/tic and because of his office as US President, it is dangerous and occasionally terrifying. Is there any way he can be stopped? Shouldn’t there be a law against random presidential tweeting? How is this not a violation of Twitter rules?
3
The bar is set low for this president in terms of his feelings of concern for anyone other than himself. Yet, I think, but can't believe, that I might be perceiving a glimmer of light; a smidgen of compassion squeezing through the cracks of what otherwise has been lack of compassion and pathological self-centerdness.
If what I'm perceiving is in any way accurate, perhaps Sessions was chosen to announce his decision because Trump feels bad about it. Or maybe he thought he was passing the buck as usual and didn't realize the gravity of what he was signing. Namely, that he was starting the ball rolling regarding deportation of innocents. But, as usual, he was insufficiently brave to go against the tide of his anti immigrant base and many in the GOP and do what he might feel in his heart is right regarding DACA. And that's refusing to punish, or cause to suffer, these hundreds of thousands of young people for something about which they simply aren't responsible. In America we punish guilt not innocence.
Then again, I'm probably just dreaming.
If what I'm perceiving is in any way accurate, perhaps Sessions was chosen to announce his decision because Trump feels bad about it. Or maybe he thought he was passing the buck as usual and didn't realize the gravity of what he was signing. Namely, that he was starting the ball rolling regarding deportation of innocents. But, as usual, he was insufficiently brave to go against the tide of his anti immigrant base and many in the GOP and do what he might feel in his heart is right regarding DACA. And that's refusing to punish, or cause to suffer, these hundreds of thousands of young people for something about which they simply aren't responsible. In America we punish guilt not innocence.
Then again, I'm probably just dreaming.
1
I think what you are seeing in Trump is not the beginnings of compassion - but the start of comprehension that without public approval, he has no power to push Congress - so he'd better try to find ways to appease people and take both sides.
In his nomination acceptance speech, he declared, "I alone can fix it." He may have been referring to poverty and crime, but he has followed that dictum in every way he has behaved and practiced as president. In other words, he has no coherent policy about anything. And, when things don't work out as he seems to think he commands them to do, he'll blame Obama and Congress or both.
1
This is the first hint I've seen from POTUS that he actually does possess some compassion. I'd like to see more, but it's a start.
Sessions seemed almost ecstatic during his press briefing yesterday, which made me sick. So I don't mind this from Trump, mixed message or not.
Sessions seemed almost ecstatic during his press briefing yesterday, which made me sick. So I don't mind this from Trump, mixed message or not.
Unlike yourself, I mind every mixed message from Trump and think it's time to stop.
Another thing.
Don't fool yourself. "Compassion" has nothing to do with it -- because it's ALL about ratings.
Another thing.
Don't fool yourself. "Compassion" has nothing to do with it -- because it's ALL about ratings.
2
We're witnessing two things right now: first, Trump doesn't have tangible policies to support his campaign slogans; and two, the Republicn Congress doesn't have tangible legislation to fill the gap. Together, they are good at dismantling Obama initiatives but incapable of replacing them with anything of substance and certainly anything palatable to broad swaths of the American public outside the Trump base. And so we lurch from one divisive action to the next that disrupts large pockets of the American demographic for no demonstrable benefit. This country hungers for leadership that appreciates that governing on complex issues requires more than simple minded tweets.
1
Trump is a confused man who has little impulse control and almost no judgment. Hence, he has created many confusions. Lately, he finally realizes that every word he uses will have consequences (it took time for him to realize because he is not that smart). Now, maybe we can have some peace and quiet.
1
On the one hand I agree with those who cite rule of law. We must be a nation of law and order otherwise see middle east, 3rd world, etc. I am for legal immigration of people who agree with western values of FREEDOM and democracy. Pragmatically, no country can be expected to dissolve its borders and accept all who want to come in. Half the world would be at our doorstep and no country can afford that, not if we want to maintain western quality of life standards. On the other hand, some exception must be carved out for these people. Why? Because we didn’t solve this problem sooner. We let them stay here all their lives and so now we cannot just deport them to places they don’t even know. Carve out a reasonable exception, create a path to citizenship for those who have no criminal record. Going forward, stringently enforce lawful immigration.
6
According to most experts, more Mexicans in the U.S. are returning home than new Mexicans coming in. According to other experts, our economy would suffer greatly if we lost the workers, students, employers, etc. that immigrants, with and without papers, provide. Especially given our low unemployment rate.
Therefore, I support Trump's building of the wall, with one minor adjustment: we change the direction of the door opens. We have to keep those people here, to help make America great (again?). We can't afford to lose these people.
Secure our borders! Don't let these people out! It makes a lot more sense than deportation.
Therefore, I support Trump's building of the wall, with one minor adjustment: we change the direction of the door opens. We have to keep those people here, to help make America great (again?). We can't afford to lose these people.
Secure our borders! Don't let these people out! It makes a lot more sense than deportation.
3
That was his plan all along, he just didn't come out and own it. As on so many issues, his negotiation tactic of choice is "strong-arming." And in this case, he was trying to strong-arm Congress to come up with the legislation, to take the onus off himself, and come off as the hero by getting Congress to do what Obama and others have not been able to get them to do. So he essentially issued an ultimatum on DACA, landed it in Congress' lap, and made it sound like Obama was acting unlawfully with his Executive Order. But given Congress' 16-year track record on this, and the mess that trump has created, I guess he felt it was time to come clean.
Where will the groundskeepers and household staff come from in Florida? I've visited Florida recently and found hardly anyone who was from Florida working in these types of employment. In New Jersey, just go to any train station in the morning. They aren't looking for accounting workers or attorneys at the Far Hills Train station in the morning.
2
When fair market wages are paid, people work in those jobs. When illegals are present, the employers set the pay low enough that only illegals take the jobs, require unpaid overtime because illegals can't complain to the authorities without being deported - then point to their illegal workforce and say "but American's won't do these jobs!!!"
2
If President Trump revisits and extends DACA, A.G Sessions will have no choice but to resign.
If Sessions resigns, Trump can appoint a new A.G who will not have to recuse himself from the Russia probe.
Do not underestimate Mr. Trump.
If Sessions resigns, Trump can appoint a new A.G who will not have to recuse himself from the Russia probe.
Do not underestimate Mr. Trump.
3
It's pretty clear he didn't understand the issue fully. What it seems like is he saw the negative reaction unspiraling and had to come back with a response. As usual he just sowed more confusion.
1
Clearly Trump does not fully understand what he did yesterday. Didn't Gen. Kelly make him read the statement released to the press (if nothing else)? Was it too long for Trump?
So it must be that Trump was watching TV for the rest of the day in between photo ops and decided he needed to make himself look more compassionate?
Other than ratings, what else would the tweet accomplish?
Maybe Gen Kelly should give Trump something to do? Kelly has already streamlined the amount of information going into the Oval Office so why doesn't Trump have the time to study the issues?
Or is Gen. Kelly just another enabler for Just got to be Me Trump, a lazy ego driven man who has little regard for the consequences of any of his actions or words?
So it must be that Trump was watching TV for the rest of the day in between photo ops and decided he needed to make himself look more compassionate?
Other than ratings, what else would the tweet accomplish?
Maybe Gen Kelly should give Trump something to do? Kelly has already streamlined the amount of information going into the Oval Office so why doesn't Trump have the time to study the issues?
Or is Gen. Kelly just another enabler for Just got to be Me Trump, a lazy ego driven man who has little regard for the consequences of any of his actions or words?
1
Kelly is no different than Sessions, Ryan or anybody else who enables this beast.
I voted for Hillary, and think much of Trump's behavior is inexcusable, but people/children/"dreamers," who are caught up in this, have only their parents to blame. They dragged their kids, and themselves, illegally into a foreign country for mostly economic gain.
If my parents did the same thing to me in say, Switzerland, and Switzerland wanted to deny me citizenship, who would argue with that? I'm all for heaping the criticism on Trump for all of his nefarious activities but this is where the buck stops. They were illegal twenty years ago, and they are illegal now. They have every right to apply like everyone else.
My guess is the courts would support Trump as well. They don't have a legal leg to stand on.
It's high time that everyone, including many Americans, value citizenship in this country. Yes, it's huge inconvenience to pick up and return to their country of origin, but ultimately it's their parents that are to blame for their dilemma.
If my parents did the same thing to me in say, Switzerland, and Switzerland wanted to deny me citizenship, who would argue with that? I'm all for heaping the criticism on Trump for all of his nefarious activities but this is where the buck stops. They were illegal twenty years ago, and they are illegal now. They have every right to apply like everyone else.
My guess is the courts would support Trump as well. They don't have a legal leg to stand on.
It's high time that everyone, including many Americans, value citizenship in this country. Yes, it's huge inconvenience to pick up and return to their country of origin, but ultimately it's their parents that are to blame for their dilemma.
15
I think it's frankly easy to blame the parents, not knowing what conditions they left behind. What some readers don't seem to fully comprehend, if their home country was such a great place to live and prosper, why would they come here to begin with? Americans have this convoluted notion that everyone should and can come here and stay legally. That it takes no times to immigrate here. Meanwhile, there are people in 3rd world country who have applied and died, while waiting for their papers.
2
Your analysis centers on two issues: 1) the straightforward legality, or absence thereof, of the dreamers' presence in US, and 2) the fact that it is their parents who are to blame (almost as if it is the dreamers themselves to blame, judging by your tone).
Yet these are not the only questions that a society should ask. There is the question of humane, and civilized approach to these people's lives. This is where societies show their true colors.
"To pick up and return to their country of origin" is very far from a mere inconvenience. I am a (legal) immigrant. I was not a child when I immigrated, and yet my whole life, work, family, property is here. If, for some unfathomable reason, I suddenly had to get out of the country (and then apply and wait "in line" for unknown number of years and with uncertain outcome) that would be the end of my life as I know it now. I would have to start from scratch. To call that an inconvenience is a complete failure of comprehension. Unlike many of the dreamers, I at least have a clear memories of how things were in my country, but I also know that things have changed and the country/ my city/ the society from which I came are no longer the ones that I knew. Many of the dreamers have no insight at all about the societies they came from.
The Rohingya muslims that are persecuted in Myanmar have been denied citizenship for decades on the same principles as those in your analysis. Is that really how you want your society to be?
Yet these are not the only questions that a society should ask. There is the question of humane, and civilized approach to these people's lives. This is where societies show their true colors.
"To pick up and return to their country of origin" is very far from a mere inconvenience. I am a (legal) immigrant. I was not a child when I immigrated, and yet my whole life, work, family, property is here. If, for some unfathomable reason, I suddenly had to get out of the country (and then apply and wait "in line" for unknown number of years and with uncertain outcome) that would be the end of my life as I know it now. I would have to start from scratch. To call that an inconvenience is a complete failure of comprehension. Unlike many of the dreamers, I at least have a clear memories of how things were in my country, but I also know that things have changed and the country/ my city/ the society from which I came are no longer the ones that I knew. Many of the dreamers have no insight at all about the societies they came from.
The Rohingya muslims that are persecuted in Myanmar have been denied citizenship for decades on the same principles as those in your analysis. Is that really how you want your society to be?
1
You say you voted for Hillary, and then you disparage their parents who years ago "dragged their kids" into the U.S.; and then you blithely dismiss as an "inconvenience" what it would mean for these young people and adults--who have contributed to the quality of life of us all in the US and who in fact are "American" to "return" to countries most of them have never seen. Well, I for one don't believe you voted for Hillary. I tend to believe that people who voted for Hillary are motivated by compassion not callousness.
1
What's the surprise? Trump was immediately condemned across the board bipartisanship, and now he is back peddling to avoid having both Houses of Congress give him a shellacking by rejecting his plan on a veto proof bi-partisan basis. Same as his call to eliminate sanctions on Russia.
6
Either he's kicking the can down the road to try to appease both sides, and he will try to slip something by everyone in 6 months, or he just didn't understand the issue. You be the judge of what he meant.
8
No comprehension of anything except what he wants. This man is pure ID, no superego or conscience at all. He is totally without compassion, empathy, kindness, humanity and honesty. Woe to America. We elected the biggest dud of all.
1
Can I have some from Column A and some from Column B?
2
Not to worry. Trump says he has a big heart. Be worried. He also says he has a big brain.
22
Big hands, too.
2
both!
2
Obama’s DACA executive order was as much about ending the crushing of lives via racial prejudice as was Abe Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation executive order that freed people “legally” held as slaves in the states that had rebelled with stated intent to keep holding these humans down in bondage. Like Lincoln, Obama faced a Congress that was not the governance of the land being in harmony with the purpose to which the Founders set the nation on July 4, 1776 and like Lincoln Obama took action. Trump pretends what he is doing was forced on him by the neglect of others (actually Republicans in Congress that blocked via veto action on the matter) is someone else’s fault and that he and those that intentionally blocked action are now all full of love, compassion and intent to right this wrong. Trump just does not have the power to free these by his own action but found a way to free a thug from his being held responsible under the law for his criminal maltreatment of these same people.
9
Could this so-called president repeal another executive order by an earlier president, The Emancipation Proclamation?
8
Love from Donald Trump is most likely something that the Dreamers do not want. Just ask Ivana, Marla and quite possibly Melania. His "Love Stories" don't have a good ending.
13
Ivana got rich.
Marla got abused.
Ivanka got off.
And Melania is looking for an opportunity to slink into Putin's arms.
Marla got abused.
Ivanka got off.
And Melania is looking for an opportunity to slink into Putin's arms.
2
After Session's asserted numerous falsehoods about DACA, it's hard to see Trump revisiting this in six months in any rational fashion, he's merely trying to save face while throwing a bone to his hateful white supremacist base. This is obviously a bargaining chip to fund the great wall of hate (now referred to in the GOP as 'strengthening borders'.
6
Just when you think Trump can't get any worse, he opens his mouth again.
17
Trump is less dangerous when he talking than when he is signing executive orders making millions miserable.
If only we could keep Trump talking incessantly for the remainder of his term.
If only we could keep Trump talking incessantly for the remainder of his term.
1
DACA apathy...
Healthcare repeal/replace...
North Korea confusion...
Trump: Make America WAIT Again
If he and GOP could only have empathy that these things affect actual human beings...
Healthcare repeal/replace...
North Korea confusion...
Trump: Make America WAIT Again
If he and GOP could only have empathy that these things affect actual human beings...
7
If Republicans had empathy, there would not be a GOP or a Trump in the White House.
If American "Christian" Republicans had empathy, Joel Osteen would not have reclined in a $10 million mansion while barring flood victims from his stadium church.
Wishing that Republicans would do something decent is like expecting the kiss of a cane toad to cure Necrotizing Fasciitis.
Once a modern Republican, never again a decent person.
If American "Christian" Republicans had empathy, Joel Osteen would not have reclined in a $10 million mansion while barring flood victims from his stadium church.
Wishing that Republicans would do something decent is like expecting the kiss of a cane toad to cure Necrotizing Fasciitis.
Once a modern Republican, never again a decent person.
1
He is mentally ill, ignorant, uneducated, poorly spoken AND intentionally misleading. I feel very secure with his dealing in possible nuclear war, deficit reduction, and healthcare improvement.
12
I feel very insecure living in a United States ruled by Trump Republicans.
Am starting to pack while looking for a country that will take American refugees.
Am starting to pack while looking for a country that will take American refugees.
1
No wonder he loves Putin so much: 45 is using the same slight of hand distractions while destroying thousands of innocent lives. America is definitely, meaner, uglier, and smaller since this administration came to power. Well at least Putin is happy with his apprentice.
19
Trump isn't sending mixed messages for any higher strategic purpose. He either simply does not know what he means when he speaks or he has forgotten what he meant when he said it the day before. Trumps approach could have every element people ascribe to it - mean, cruel, calculating, weak, racist - or it could simply indicate he is a rather stupid old man whose intellectual prowess doesn't allow him to think deeply on any subject, and because of this his opinion veers all over depending on who is speaking to or watching on TV.
17
This is apparently all too accurate. That the man has not been subject to any thorough medical examination, is turning into what may be a fatal liability for this country.
2
".... revisit DACA if Congress doesn't do something" .... thereby following exactly the same path as Obama for the same reason with the same result - alienation of the right wing lunatics that harken for the time of white, Anglo-Saxon purity of the ruling class with minorities and people of color acting as their field-slaves.
2
With one glaring exception: Obama actually DID something. There's NOTHING to indicate this "person" has any real intention of doing anything. His CHRONIC history of lies points clearly to NO ACTION from him.
2
Trump has no plans, no strategy, no common sense, no competence, etc. So he tweets one thing one day and the next day, he tweets something else. Like the flipflops on the Charlottesville situation -- first there were people wrong on "all sides," then the neo-Nazis, KKK, and white supremacists and hate were wrong, and then he reversed again -- and suddenly there were "good people and fine people" among the neo-Nazis, KKK, and white supremacists.
Trump has no morals, no moral compass, nothing -- he's like a balloon in the wind -- drifting wherever the hot air takes him.
We need to be rid of him asap before he does something that can't be fixed or altered with a "next day" tweet such as ordering a nuclear strike on another country.
Trump has no morals, no moral compass, nothing -- he's like a balloon in the wind -- drifting wherever the hot air takes him.
We need to be rid of him asap before he does something that can't be fixed or altered with a "next day" tweet such as ordering a nuclear strike on another country.
11
How do you propose to get rid of Trump?
The U.S.A. is under the absolute control of Trump Republicans, all of whom are selfish and greedy, almost all of whom are authoritarians, most of whom are white-supremacists, many of whom are Nazis, and almost none of whom are patriots or decent human beings.
Good people no longer have any political power in America.
The U.S.A. is under the absolute control of Trump Republicans, all of whom are selfish and greedy, almost all of whom are authoritarians, most of whom are white-supremacists, many of whom are Nazis, and almost none of whom are patriots or decent human beings.
Good people no longer have any political power in America.
1
Look at his picture. There is a big "GET ME OUT OF HERE" sign across his forehead. I think he hates the job, doesn't know what he is doing, and continually spews whatever comes out of his mouth, whether he believes it or not, or said the opposite thing 5 minutes ago.
Every time he starts to talk and tries to justify what he's doing, I think about Barney Fife trying to justify why he shouldn't go "get those dogs" and talks about giraffes instead. YouTube it. Sounds like Trump, perfectly.
Every time he starts to talk and tries to justify what he's doing, I think about Barney Fife trying to justify why he shouldn't go "get those dogs" and talks about giraffes instead. YouTube it. Sounds like Trump, perfectly.
6
This is a typical strategy used by an incompetent and dangerous President the past seven months - divide and conquer.. It appears his main goal is to take America back to the pre-Civil Rights period, A time probably that many of his followers and Jeff Sessions would like, Where the "rule of law" in the South prevented people of color from housing, schools, restaurants and drinking from public water fountains,
4
Few characters in children's books have a heart as cold as Trump.
10
Sessions was practically giddy when announcing the end of this program. So maybe that is even a colder heart.
1
If the Harry Potter series count as "children's books,"
Lord Voldemort is almost as heartless as Trump.
Maybe not. Voldemort at least tried to keep his promises.
Lord Voldemort is almost as heartless as Trump.
Maybe not. Voldemort at least tried to keep his promises.
1
This so-called president displays brute incompetence and cruelty with his decision to rescind DACA. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions's announcement of the decision was riddled with lies and misrepresentation of the facts. The stance they are taking on the Dreamers is blatantly racist and prejudiced. It is a very sad time for our country.
8
He's punting, pouting and throwing a mild tantrum. He has no idea what to do, and he's handed the problem back to the same "swamp" he ran to drain. Smart money is on them compromising - a pre-election sunset on the debt ceiling, a stay on DACA deportations and more monet for non-wall border enforcement. You know, the non-knee-jerk stuff decided by people whose constituents have to live with the results.
4
And looky looky - he ended up with a good old compromise.
Many native-born citizens of the United States cannot meet the DACA requirements:
https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/DreamAct2017-summary-and....
The Dreamers are the kind of people we *want* to be Americans. So, what's the problem, Bluster-Baby?
Never mind. Rhetorical question.
https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/DreamAct2017-summary-and....
The Dreamers are the kind of people we *want* to be Americans. So, what's the problem, Bluster-Baby?
Never mind. Rhetorical question.
7
We must remember trump cannot call back even one nuclear tipped rocket after he has pushed the button. Trump needs to be impeached NOW.
5
The Trump Republicans who control Congress are neither patriotic, nor decent, nor competent enough to impeach Trump.
Nor do they Republicans want to impeach Trump. They enthusiastically share Trump's racism, authoritarianism, greedy materialism, insatiable lusts, and general depravity.
Nor do they Republicans want to impeach Trump. They enthusiastically share Trump's racism, authoritarianism, greedy materialism, insatiable lusts, and general depravity.
2
Trump, in a cowardly move, threw this to Congress without providing a shred of leadership or any ideas (beyond Stephen Miller's hateful xenophobic cloud hanging over everything). This is a repeat of his miserable leadership non-performance on health care. Now it has dawned on the White House that six months is too short a time to rectify 16 years of inactivity on this, and the DACA residents will be dumped at the end of March. The mobs with pitchforks and torches are at the gates already. Imagine what things will be like in March!
So, now Trump's reaction is to issue some veiled threat to Congress to "do something!" It is sickening.
But his zombie supporters don't care, because they would just love to see us spend billions kicking 800,000 innocent productive DACA residents out of the country out of some kind of racist spite against "brown people."
What a mess. What a failure. We are reeling between fear for our nation and disgust at this administration, which is both feckless and cruel all at the same time.
So, now Trump's reaction is to issue some veiled threat to Congress to "do something!" It is sickening.
But his zombie supporters don't care, because they would just love to see us spend billions kicking 800,000 innocent productive DACA residents out of the country out of some kind of racist spite against "brown people."
What a mess. What a failure. We are reeling between fear for our nation and disgust at this administration, which is both feckless and cruel all at the same time.
4
Our heads are spinning. I can only imagine those of his followers.
Fortunately, the GOP is headless (and heartless), so they are doing OK.
Fortunately, the GOP is headless (and heartless), so they are doing OK.
2
Trump's followers' heads are spinning for the same reason as the head of the girl possessed by a demon in The Exorcist.
2
If you are searching for the meaning of "revisit" in this context, flip a coin. Then, continue with what you were doing before reading this article. It is not worth dwelling on.
5
If I were a Dreamer, I would be assuming that I need to leave the U.S.A.
It is horrible that these kids are being threatened with deportation, but for some of them there may be a sliver lining -
- if you are a decent human being who wants live in a free democracy, you probably want to emigrate alongside the Dreamers.
Americans who remain here all too soon will be living in a nightmarish amalgam of kleptocracy, theocracy, and fascist dictatorship. And when the borders close - as they always do - there will be no escape.
It is horrible that these kids are being threatened with deportation, but for some of them there may be a sliver lining -
- if you are a decent human being who wants live in a free democracy, you probably want to emigrate alongside the Dreamers.
Americans who remain here all too soon will be living in a nightmarish amalgam of kleptocracy, theocracy, and fascist dictatorship. And when the borders close - as they always do - there will be no escape.
1
You sit down with a used car salesman. You ask, does the car have any major defects. He says "The car is awesome, it will run just great" You ask, "but what if it turns out to be a lemon that breaks down all the time?" He says, "That wont happen but if it did bring it back and we will work something out" You smile and sign on the dotted line. Trump knows that congress wont pass any law protecting these people. He just wants to be able to blame them when they don't. And if, per impossible, they did pass such a law...then he would veto it. Isn't it about time to be clear about who this man really is or do we have to sit around and think "oh maybe Ivanka will get him to stick with the Paris accords and maybe he will save the dreamers"....enough.... we dont need our intelligence insulted every day.
4
He has no real interest in governing. That much is obvious.
3
He has no real capacity to govern -- that's even more obvious.
So why has it taken so long for everyone else to catch on???
So why has it taken so long for everyone else to catch on???
Indecisive, irresolute, and insincere.
2
Mixed message?
This is a president who is willing to question and, if appropriate, change his own mind. When did Professor-in-Chief Obama ever do that?
Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
This is a president who is willing to question and, if appropriate, change his own mind. When did Professor-in-Chief Obama ever do that?
Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
3
You misquoted Emerson. The full sentence reads:
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."
If we have learned anything from the past few years, it is that Trump Republicans never get anything right.
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."
If we have learned anything from the past few years, it is that Trump Republicans never get anything right.
1
I think you need to first demonstrate that you have a mind before you can change it.
2
These childish games by an adult with significant responsibilities continue to show an embarrassing level of incompetence. There's no understanding of leadership or how your government even functions. This is a horrible reflection on a democratic nation and the world is cringing.
2
I am not sure why, but there are no references to the visa granted to Melania not- yet Trump, presumably for her vital talents, which were seen in photographs around the world. . Whether the press is bending over backwards to keep discourse out of the gutter or not, Trump' s level of hypocrisy is epic and should be a subject referred to whenever and wherever his policies revoke visas for those who have actually served in the military or even paid taxes.
5
I am most amused by his demand that the "best" immigrants must speak proper English, an ability I have yet to hear from our Third Lady.
Please, enough with the “he’s conflicted.” That gives Donald Trump way too much credit for actually thinking about the issue. It’s not that he’s conflicted, it’s that he wants to have it both ways. He is incapable of comprehending the issue on the ground, where real people live. What he sees instead is the loss of approval—or ratings, in his terminology—no matter what he does, so he goes back and forth trying to make opposites fuse while letting other people make the hard choice of a decision based on principles that they believe in. At no point does Donald Trump see the actual Dreamers and the consequences of his policy; all he can see is that he cannot find the right pose in the mirror.
What will happen to all those Trump supporters when they finally get their brains back and see clearly what they voted for? Tails between legs from sea to shining sea.
What will happen to all those Trump supporters when they finally get their brains back and see clearly what they voted for? Tails between legs from sea to shining sea.
5
Is mixed message a euphemism for "I have no experience, no interest and no facts to decide what I'm doing"? The real message is that we've elected a cult leader who panders to a clueless base.
8
This is largely about being the center of attention, is my guess. He hasn't any real political leanings one way or the other. He's there for the spotlight. The rest of the Republicans have hitched their wagon to a showboat.
4
Yes. Exactly. And unfortunately, the rest of us are along for the ride...
Why do people (and especially the responsible press) continue to act surprised when Trump is inconsistent---even when his inconsistencies are minutes apart. This has always been a character trait of his, and he's not going to change. Get used to the fact that he's mentally ill.
6
Jay is SO correct.
He's tweeting just to hear the sound of his own voice...nothing more. Even though he's kicked the can to Congress, he still wants it to be about him.
4
Let's see if we can follow Potus logic here. The current program is "illegal" because it was created with an executive order from President Obama. To make it legal the congress needs to pass legislation, which has a high probability of not meeting the 6 month deadline. At that time our fearless leader will take the issue up himself and fix it. Wouldn't that entail another executive order? Are we to assume that this president has a clearer understanding of the law than 44? Didn't he teach constitutional law?
6
And even continuing the program for six months would be illegal following that logic. But Sessions was all over the racist politics of it as well as the process.
1
This shows how "well-thought-out" a decision this is.
4
Let's not make too much of a few "what if" words at the end of a tweet.
2
White House officials offered no immediate explanation because there is none that is logical. If DACA is outside executive authority, no president can "revisit this issue." Just the latest example of a president in over his head, someone who acts impulsively without the intelligence or patience to fully understand an issue. We have a reckless oaf for a leader.
7
Remember the days: “I hear the voices and I read the front page and I hear the speculation,” Mr. Bush said then. “But I’m the decider, and I decide what’s best. ..."
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/weekinreview/24stolberg.html?mcubz=1
Maybe Mr. Trump gets some credit, because he might revisit the issue. Will he be any wiser if he does so? Doubt it. Regardless, the damage is done.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/weekinreview/24stolberg.html?mcubz=1
Maybe Mr. Trump gets some credit, because he might revisit the issue. Will he be any wiser if he does so? Doubt it. Regardless, the damage is done.
The irony is rich. A dysfunctional GOP congress will never agree on an immigration fix. So in 6 months Trump will save the day with an executive order, which he and the GOP congress previously declared was an illegal presidential overreach. And the GOP will then declare victory and that such an executive order is perfectly legal. Who are they kidding?
7
When will we finally learn that due to some unknown psychological flaw Mr. Trump enjoys causing confusion or questioning which places him in the position of eventually clearing the confusion or question he has brought about. As he has stated in the past regarding others, "Sick!"
2
Another specimen of the usual presidential wobbling in response to whatever breeze is blowing most strongly at any given moment. Doing the right thing, the moral thing, even the generous thing, is never even momentarily considered. And now the equally unpredictable Ryan has reversed himself, barely twenty-four hours after initially disapproving Trump's first decision to terminate DACA.
3
For once, I think I understand. DACA is simple on paper--throw the bums out--but it has a human face that only the base is willing to ignore. If the Republicans lose in a game of chicken (no wall, no dreamers for example) the president can step in and say he had no choice but to do the right thing. He can revisit DACA and it will be "compassionate conservatism."
I don't understand, one argument is these young people are taking jobs away from Americans; these individuals make up less than one percent of the population of the US.. is he saying that he can't provide replacement jobs or grow the economy enough to make up for the jobs taken by these young people? Or what about what these young people contribute to the economy?
6
Trump's tweet shows the political naivety of his inexperience. This Congress lacks the ability or even a sense of moral duty (and this applies to both republican and democrat members) to accomplish anything without holding its feet to the fire. By offering a potential way to avoid action and deferring it back on someone else in this case the President. It virtually guarantees that Congress will do nothing but talk.
The problem is that the executive order by Obama and any subsequent executive orders by this president may be very reasonably determined by the federal courts to be unconstitutional. To say the ends justify the means is not how this country is supposed to work. Process is important in this government which is sustained in part by the balance of powers prescribed in the constitution.
It is not fair to the people affected by the DACA to have the spectre of the Courts overturning their status because due process in passing the Act was not followed. Congress must do its job and Trump will need to do all that he can to hold Congress's feet to the fire.
The problem is that the executive order by Obama and any subsequent executive orders by this president may be very reasonably determined by the federal courts to be unconstitutional. To say the ends justify the means is not how this country is supposed to work. Process is important in this government which is sustained in part by the balance of powers prescribed in the constitution.
It is not fair to the people affected by the DACA to have the spectre of the Courts overturning their status because due process in passing the Act was not followed. Congress must do its job and Trump will need to do all that he can to hold Congress's feet to the fire.
2
The "commander in chief of mixed messages" misses the mark. Trump is the commander in chief of mutual exclusivity. He promoted (with his fingers crossed) the House Ocare repeal and replace bill, but later branded it too harsh. He castigates and reveres Dreamers, China, NATO, S Korea, Australia's leader, and so on. The ultimate contradiction in the man is he wanted to be president, and may still want to be president, but he does not want to be president.
2
Someone must have reminded Trump that he's going to need all kinds of people to work in his various businesses. Throwing out the young and healthy doesn't make sense in that context.
3
Past Presidents and Congressional Leaders have used "trial balloons" to see how the public would react to a given idea. They would use unofficial leaks or mention it along with a list of other possibilities and wait for a reaction. This POTUS actually says he Will do something or, as in this case, actually do it first. Then, if he senses a large blow back, he just changes his mind or says he was misunderstood. Not only is this a lousy way to run the government, it's not even a good way to run a business. I still believe that without his huge inheritance of capital and connections, he would be pumping gas while telling his customers what a winner he is.
4
Three's no "mixed message."
Transgender soldiers get it.
Those dependent on Obamacare get it.
The folks in Houston get it.
He'll do the most damage he can to the greatest number of minorities he can as long as he's in office.
#Nullify this illegitimate election
#ReVOTE.
Transgender soldiers get it.
Those dependent on Obamacare get it.
The folks in Houston get it.
He'll do the most damage he can to the greatest number of minorities he can as long as he's in office.
#Nullify this illegitimate election
#ReVOTE.
23
Just because people dislike Trump does not mean the election outcome was illegitimate. For the sake of argument though, what would be different if we were to vote again? The groups you mentioned all (or mostly) voted for Hillary. Trump supporters are still happy with their choice - a small number claim regrets but not in numbers sufficient to change the Electoral College results.
Trump is the example of why business experience does not translate into ability to serve effectively in government. Government is not for those who fail to understand that serving the general public is not answering to a corporate board focused on a bottom line or negotiating a lucrative deal for your personal profit and that people concerned with their lives -- dreamers and their supporters -- are not shareholders worried about their dividends or family and friends angling for tax breaks. Trump displays again and again total ineptitude at grasping the hopes and needs of the general public and how to express a coherent thought (much less policy) in anything other than a text scripted by others.
32
And let's be reminded that he sucked as a businessman, too. 6 bankruptcies and bail-outs by banks to protect their images proved that. Too bad the banks didn't just let him fail so the whole world could have seen it a long time ago. If Mark Burnett hadn't have made Trump a "star" on a sham "reality" show, this idiot's "star" would have faded a long time ago like it should have. Now, our country and the world is stuck with a man baby who has no idea what to do about pretty much everything except take credit for things he didn't do and to bully people.
If what he means by this statement is "Congress, legislate a solution or Obama's executive order remains in place," that's a fairly reasonable position. The problem is that to the extent Trump finds himself in "reasonable" territory it's purely accidental and can change at any moment depending on what he saw on cable news before going to bed.
12
President Trump, a man of absolutely no character, trying to have it both ways, appealing to his base by repealing DACA, while trying to blame congress if they cannot find a way around it. Not to worry though, Trump "has love for" the dreamers.
13
The smart approach to DACA would be to ignore Mr. Trump's statement about 'revisiting" it after six months. No one knows A) if he really will revisit it, or B) what the heck he may or may not do if he does "revisit". If Congress can't see that this is an issue that must be resolved and act on it with or without a hard and fast deadline from Trump, then their lack of action will, once again, reinforce what is wrong with the way Congress goes (or doesn't go) about its business.
4
Trump is not a man who could sit down patiently and listen to all the pros and cons before he makes a decision that is good for SOMEBODY. This nighttime tweet is a strong indication that he did not comprehend the situations that his decision had placed these 800,000 dreamers in. Trump is a man who is not serious or smart enough for the office of presidency. But he does make a great reality star. The tragedy for the voters is that many of them could not see through this transparent man.
18
So now when Trump fires Sessions, he can blame it on how Sessions went after DACA against Trump's sincere respect for those people.
17
Exactly! Well put.
1
Does Donald Trump have any idea of what it might be like for someone studying day and night in college, serving nobly in the military, working to exhaustion in a low-paying job, to have this threat hanging over their heads for the next six months? Of course he doesn't. I am convinced that as some people will never be able to sing in rhythm and others will never understand calculus, Trump cannot feel empathy.
His needs are simple. He wants to be flattered, kowtowed to, shored up in his delusion that he is brilliant and the best person to run this country. His base will give him that. In return, he'll try and give them what they think will help them so that he can keep getting what he craves.
It seems to me that as the weeks and months go by, every photograph you show of Trump reveals this more sharply—the craving for attention at all costs, as well his lack of intellectual capacity and naked malevolence.
His needs are simple. He wants to be flattered, kowtowed to, shored up in his delusion that he is brilliant and the best person to run this country. His base will give him that. In return, he'll try and give them what they think will help them so that he can keep getting what he craves.
It seems to me that as the weeks and months go by, every photograph you show of Trump reveals this more sharply—the craving for attention at all costs, as well his lack of intellectual capacity and naked malevolence.
23
Trump could care less about DACA, but his base is certain these people are stealing American jobs, which is one of the Donald's many lies. He simply wants somebody else to take care of the problem, because he neither cares about Dreamers, nor has any grasp of the problems they face. He will re-visit this only if his base discovers that nobody else is managing the problem (which of course we can expect), and his re-visit of this (and any other persistent problem) will simply be designed to point fingers at everybody else, rather than make any honest attempt to deal with the real problems and complexities of immigration in America. Short version: the Donald cannot do complex---Too difficult.
16
Anyone has a half-decent mind would not believe a word from this syncopate's mouth. It's surprising that not everyone has acquired this useful mindset.
21
Not even a year in and it is exhausting. The only folks who aren't exhausted are the ones don't actually keep themselves informed about our government. By definition I guess that would be his supporters.
73
Donald Trump is playing games with people's lives. I am terribly sorry for the uncertainty and anxiety that DACA recipients are enduring . A wholly incompetent President don't have a clue of what he is doing or saying and a divided Congress will lokely not deliver a favorable decision in six months.
19
While Trump is revisiting this issue, America should be revisiting the November election.
106
No issue, large or small, that this guy and his cronies can't turn into a debacle!
Regards,
JV
Regards,
JV
37
The 25th Amendment needs to be enacted
NOW!
NOW!
55
Good idea. By the way, for all of us, we need to take a quick look at the 25 Amendment's procedures. It can't be initiated except by the sitting Vice President along with a majority of the Cabinet. So, we would need Pence first of all, and then a majority of the likes of Rick Perry, Ben Carson, Betsy DeVos, Dr. Price, you-get-the-picture....to get the process moving. Very highly unlikely, unless of course the President truly reveals himself as mentally ill yet refuses to voluntarily resign, when perhaps Drs. Carson and Price could lead the cabinet toward the right decision.
Mixed messages and creating confusion .
Propaganda , Creating Distraction and Deflection 101
Propaganda , Creating Distraction and Deflection 101
44
what me worry?
Once again the POTUS shows the lack of logical thinking or action. When will the craziness end? How many people will have to suffer (or die) before the GOP step in?
49
Clearly he's realizing you can't win when 65% of the country is against you and the enthusiasm of your base is crumbling. Cruelty, stupidity, and incompetence continue to rule the day. Pandering to a minority of people who are - however legitimately - anxious and terrified of change is not a winning leadership strategy when the economic future of the country lies in progressive urban areas. Telling these people otherwise has always been and continues to be one big lie. As per usual, he's in over his head.
86
If Obama's executive order was unconstitutional, as espoused by Trump and Sessions, would it not also be true that any executive order by Trump to "save" the Dreamers would also be unconstitutional?
25
This latest tweet is calculated,trust me.
11
It seems Obama and others crafted temporary imperfect policies to extremely difficult problems because Congress was unable to address these very difficult problems over many years. Now Trump revokes these temporary solutions without replacement plans and tells Congress to "solve the problem". When will Trump's supporters realize that this is NOT progress? When one revokes an imperfect plan addressing a very difficult problem, WITHOUT a proposed replacement plan, that chaos results, and that this disrupts America. This is true regardless of which side of the aisle you are on. We need new solutions from Trump.
25
Trump has no solutions. Lip service only, as proven time and again.
2
A lot of people voted for Trump because of the way he wants to make America great again - by putting black, brown, LGBT, and progressive people in their place. That will always be more than adequate for the needs of his base. The other voters bought into his bogus reputation as a "winner" - someone who would bring a reasoned and common sense approach to governing. What must they be thinking now?
122
That they love him! They just want the media to give him a chance to succeed.
Is there a way to explain this?
No. Except that the base is so desperate for someone to help them and he periodically claims he's trying.
That's more than the Dems at the moment.
Advantage Trump.
Is there a way to explain this?
No. Except that the base is so desperate for someone to help them and he periodically claims he's trying.
That's more than the Dems at the moment.
Advantage Trump.
Yes, and so people don't have to look in the mirror and see how they have to work harder to compete just like everyone else.
They are thinking the same thing as when they voted for him.
People caught in this ridiculous situation, are going to build up pressure, and boil over, run amuck and out of control, do some damage, and I will cheer.
5
Trump's announcement that will undoubtedly chaos and misery to nearly a million young folks comes just as Florida braces for potentially the most catastrophic hurricane in a generation that follows on a record breaking catastrophic Hurricane that devastated Houston only a week earlier is another demonstration by the despicable Mr. Trump of just how despicable he is
19
He's saving up another big announcement to deploy at some future moment to distract from whatever scandal du jour will be plaguing his administration.
20
This article misses the big picture:
Nothing Trump posts on Twitter matters. He constantly says one thing (or ten things) and does another. There is no logic. There is no reason. There is no coherence.
It is noise. Stop writing about it.
Dedicate more space to policy impacts and investigatory journalism.
Nothing Trump posts on Twitter matters. He constantly says one thing (or ten things) and does another. There is no logic. There is no reason. There is no coherence.
It is noise. Stop writing about it.
Dedicate more space to policy impacts and investigatory journalism.
27
Plenty of room for both as his insanity relates to policy is relevant.
1
Another Trump "side-step" to avoid confrontation. Presidential decisions cannot be made by "tweets". At least, they have not been so-made in the past..........America deserves better leadership.
8
It may be dawning on Trump that directing his medicine show of hatred against innocent children is not sitting well with the American public. But the real test of what he will do will come in a little less than 6 months, when the program is ending and the "ratings" show whether he is getting the blame.
11
It's getting to where I can't tell if the latest quote is from Donald Trump or Donald Duck.
Even when he isn't obstructing justice or working to destroy our democracy, this President manages to do even ordinary things in an unsettling, disturbing, exasperating way.
There to support Hurricane Harvey victims? "What a crowd!"
North Korea? "Fire and fury like the world has never seen!"
Dreamers? "Incredible kids" who are also "viscous gang members", and who "have nothing to worry about" but are also being deported, but don't worry, he will also "revisit the issue."
If this were a TV show, it would be badly written.
As real life, it's unspeakably offensive.
Even when he isn't obstructing justice or working to destroy our democracy, this President manages to do even ordinary things in an unsettling, disturbing, exasperating way.
There to support Hurricane Harvey victims? "What a crowd!"
North Korea? "Fire and fury like the world has never seen!"
Dreamers? "Incredible kids" who are also "viscous gang members", and who "have nothing to worry about" but are also being deported, but don't worry, he will also "revisit the issue."
If this were a TV show, it would be badly written.
As real life, it's unspeakably offensive.
58
He lives his life like a "reality" show. Everything to him is about "show" and no substance. I wish I could say that this action on his part surprises me, but it doesn't. It's all par for the course (pun intended) for this wannabe "star."
While he changes his mind on pretty much everything hopefully this is his last word on the topic and that he actually means what he's saying.
By lending his support perhaps he'll actually help the Dreamers to achieve their dreams of citizenship and permanant residency.
By lending his support perhaps he'll actually help the Dreamers to achieve their dreams of citizenship and permanant residency.
2
Or, what he means is that with the power he has, which has been enhanced by the DACA grantee's own admission and registration, he will round them up one by one and forcibly throw them out, then continually blame Congress. Instead of daily announcements of service members killed in Vietnam, Afghanistan or Iraq, we'll be treated to a daily spectacle of the names and faces of these deportees.
7
Trump not knowing what he's doing, being aware of the consequences of his actions or even what "Dreamers" or DACA actually is is hardly news.
The man - and his Administration - is a slow-moving disaster of sadly historic proportions.
The man - and his Administration - is a slow-moving disaster of sadly historic proportions.
10
He will never acknowledge the fact that he is way over his head.
Ignorant and incompetent in every thing he does or say.
Ignorant and incompetent in every thing he does or say.
51
It's time to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. Donald Trump is unhinged and his erratic behavior makes him unfit to serve as president. Join Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva: It’s time to use the 25th Amendment to begin the process of removing him from office.
15
That means we would be stuck with Pence and then the suffering will really begin in earnest.
Confusion, they other name is Donald.
or is it Donald, thy other name is confusion?
or is it Donald, thy other name is confusion?
6
The Attorney General, in his statement to the pubic yesterday, said that DACA was "unconstitutional".
Mr. Trump says he will "revisit" DACA in six months if Congress does not pass a law that adheres to the constitution.
The "revisit" then is already null and void right now. Right?
Mr. Trump says he will "revisit" DACA in six months if Congress does not pass a law that adheres to the constitution.
The "revisit" then is already null and void right now. Right?
6
Trump's advisors and spokespeople can't control what he says. Kelly got him to this "compromise"; Sessions presented it in uncompromising immigrant-bashing terms. Then Trump tweeted, well, I kinda like these kids, I'll take care of them if Congress doesn't, maybe.
This has happened before. When Trump's spokespeople said that he condemned the neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, his subsequent tweet set us all straight.
What will happen to the near-million young people brought to the U. S. when they were too young to know, let alone say, anything about it? It's anybody's guess. If people's lives weren't at stake, it would be laughable.
This has happened before. When Trump's spokespeople said that he condemned the neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, his subsequent tweet set us all straight.
What will happen to the near-million young people brought to the U. S. when they were too young to know, let alone say, anything about it? It's anybody's guess. If people's lives weren't at stake, it would be laughable.
15
This is not funny. It is not a strategy. The man cannot govern. The most powerful nation on earth is being run by The Queen of Hearts, while critical matters pile up that affect every person on the globe.
80
"Off with their heads!" = "Get 'em outta here!"
Yeah, I can see that...
Yeah, I can see that...
Trump contradicts himself in a late night/early morning tweet and this is news why? This is dog bites man.
10
Because he is one-third of our constitutional government.
1
What's new? Trump often goes back and forth. One has to wonder about his mental status.
11
The GOP needs to pay for hoisting this monstrosity upon us. The GOP didn't deserve a seat at the table after the mess W left, yet here we are suffering under these incompetent fools again. Get it together and wake up, America. The GOP is toxic to the USA.
25
And yet one more example of a mean-spirited, little man intent on helping himself at the expense of any person, place, or thing that gets in his way.
12
Trump cares about Trump and nobody else. If he can't make a personal profit off of law abiding citizens, then he will try to destroy them.
12
The most radom presidency in the history of the United States.
5
Trump is neither conflicted nor concerned. He is the "bad hombre."
8
I guess confusion is really the only thing this president can create.
8
Let's be fair, he's also capable of creating chaos and destruction.
6
Hopefully Trump will be out of the WH before 6 months passes.
8
Maybe by his second term, Donald will at least have an inkling about the job. But I doubt it. Stupidity just oozes out of him.
2
SECOND term?! Lord have mercy...
I'm having a hard time imagining how President Strangelove doesn't get us all nuked before his FIRST term is up.
I'm having a hard time imagining how President Strangelove doesn't get us all nuked before his FIRST term is up.
More left wing media propaganda ...there is nothing mixed about saying he will revisit something if congress doesn't act.
Within the context of the statement read by the Attorney General yesterday unilateral action by the President is unconstitutional and leaves no path for the executive branch to "revisit" the issue and presumably make any policy decisions on immigration.
5
It is mixed if he says the president can't do anything about it and then says he will do something about it if congress doesn't act.
1
Do you label everything you don't understand as "left wing media propaganda." The point of the article is that Trump is saying that Congress must deal with DACA bec. it's unconstitutional for a president to do so. But then hours after he said that he tweeted that he would look at it again in six months. But how could he do that if he's already said that it would be unconstitutional for a president to do anything about it.
1
The only thing that doesn't contain chaos and mis-direction with this so-called administration is the march towards obliterating all things Obama. Pathetic and dangerous
7
This is Congress's big chance to look like heroes. Trump is muddled. Sessions is determined to stop immigration due to strong personal biases against immigration. They stood up to Trump over the ACA. They can legalize DACA and look even better! Go Congress! Don't throw away such a big chance to succeed!
9
The Trump "Administration:" Where blinding incompetence dwells.
7
to paraphrase dorothy parker: poor donald trump! he's afraid that one day he'll wake up to discover that he's not donald trump.
5
He's decisively indecisive.
14
Uh-oh...looks like it's time for another rally to boost the mood of the Confounder-in-Chief who just took stupid and cruel advice again. Time to go out and see the coal-miners and blame the press for taping your actual words and having the audacity to share them with people.
44
The President's list of items to be "revisited" is growing: healthcare, immigration, DACA, border wall, trade agreements, etc. etc.
If he runs out of space on his "Revisit" page, he could always rename "Accomplished" - plenty of room on that one.
If he runs out of space on his "Revisit" page, he could always rename "Accomplished" - plenty of room on that one.
16
What *I* am afraid of is another "Mission Accomplished," like the previous republican president.
"Accomplished" is filling up fast with trips to the golf course though.
Our Beast in the white house has an intellectual concern for the DACA young, but indicates by his actions there is really no feeling , nor understanding, there. We are like a ship in a dangerous harbor with a pilot just come aboard who has never been in the harbor.
7
Don't think that the "mixed messages" are a sign of confusion or ineptitude. Trump is just working both sides of the street. This is his typical MO...play to his base but maintain a veneer of moral leadership., as in Nazis are bad but there were some fine people marching with them. When you believe in nothing but yourself, this comes naturally.
52
And in other news,water is wet. Par for the course for #45
9
"Tis a tweet written by an idiot, full of nonsense and fury, signifying a jerk."
Well, it isn't Shakespeare, but it is my take on Trump.
How about, alternatively, "My kingdom for my tweets," or "Get thee to a tweeting nunnery." It's all the same.
Well, it isn't Shakespeare, but it is my take on Trump.
How about, alternatively, "My kingdom for my tweets," or "Get thee to a tweeting nunnery." It's all the same.
15
"...That he is mad, 'tis true: 'tis true 'tis pity;
And pity 'tis 'tis true: a foolish figure..."
A foolish figure who speaks nothing but flimflammery.
And pity 'tis 'tis true: a foolish figure..."
A foolish figure who speaks nothing but flimflammery.
"To Tweet, or not to Tweet - that is a stupid question."
Trump does not care in the least about these children of immigrant families. He seeks the thrill of being cheered on by his adoring racist fans. That is what rules his life - the need to be saluted by white supremacists, neo-Nazis and the KKK. These are indeed his people and he wants to, no, he is compelled to please them even at the expense of hundreds of thousands of innocent children. Decency and common sense just do not enter into it in any way for Trump.
We must put an end to the daily horror show called Donald Trump. We must throw him and his Republican enablers out of office starting on 2018!
We must put an end to the daily horror show called Donald Trump. We must throw him and his Republican enablers out of office starting on 2018!
21
It's amusing when the NYT attempts to explain the daily inexplicable and irrational utterances of our president. You're doing a job that must be done, but I don't envy it at all. Even the best journalists cannot really make coherent what is fundamentally incoherent.
28
I have an idea. Dreamers, why would you want to stay here? Go back home. Take the experience and move back to your native lands and improve your countries. All at once, just return home. When you get there, tell everyone who you are and what this was like, encourage them to stay home and not go to the USA. Ask them not to come here to work or go to school. Punish the USA with no net immigration what so ever. Create a mass exodus and vow to never return. Then watch as USA struggles with everything from home health care to fixing up disaster areas. This is exactly what these old fuddy duddy republican goons deserve. Lets see them carry bundles of shingles up ladders. Lets see them pick their fields on their own. And if they ask for help deny them. And if they try to hire you, only take the job if it pays 500% greater.
8
Yes. People will change their minds when a head of lettuce costs $5, or their McChicken sandwich is suddenly too expensive.
Story should note that "Center for Immigration Studies" has been designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Shame on the Times for normalizing these racists.
Shame on the Times for normalizing these racists.
14
Au contraire, what better way to describe this muddled situation without taking flak from right-wingers defending Trump, than to quote a right-wing group saying that Trump's message is muddled?
3
The NYT continues to attach too much significance to Trump's endless, vague, inconsistent tweets and other "statements." Given his persistent lying, his malleable and vague statements, and his failure to follow through on things he alleges he will do, please stop assuming he really, truly means anything he says.
This article assumes the latest tweet about DACA means something significant about Trump's "position" on Dreamers or how he might or might not protect them, if Congress does or does not act, in 6 months or maybe some other time period. It assumes the latest tweet represents a different policy than a tweet he offered a few hours earlier which vaguely suggested something else.
When will you realize Trump's tweets are like Rorschach's ink blots? You can read anything you want into them. But when you treat them as serious, meaningful communication, you give credibility and legitimacy to a guy who is only good at breaking ink bottles over what formerly were clean sheets of paper.
This article assumes the latest tweet about DACA means something significant about Trump's "position" on Dreamers or how he might or might not protect them, if Congress does or does not act, in 6 months or maybe some other time period. It assumes the latest tweet represents a different policy than a tweet he offered a few hours earlier which vaguely suggested something else.
When will you realize Trump's tweets are like Rorschach's ink blots? You can read anything you want into them. But when you treat them as serious, meaningful communication, you give credibility and legitimacy to a guy who is only good at breaking ink bottles over what formerly were clean sheets of paper.
26
Although I agree that his comments are sometimes very predictable Trump still has all the power of his office and can end the world at anytime he chooses, not that he would, I think.
All his behavior must be documented even if the NYT needs to hold its nose in doing so.
Don't let fatigue get you down Trump is counting on it.
All his behavior must be documented even if the NYT needs to hold its nose in doing so.
Don't let fatigue get you down Trump is counting on it.
5
Arguing that we should ignore the president's written statements [albeit in a forum for tweens] because they have no meaning is probably the most dangerous advice possible. Apathy is the enemy. I'll gladly suffer PTSD from riding the Trump rollercoaster with my eyes open than to stick my head in the sand and act like any of this is ok to ignore.
1
Mr. Trump with a muddled stance? No chance of that. Only clairvoyants can get the gist of his statements.
4
The confusion is in his brain. Democrats should play the same kind of hardball that Republicans would in the same situation. They should dig in their heels and say they won't vote for anything -- yes, Texas and Florida Republicans that means bailing you out, too -- until a bill to protect DACA is passed and on Trump's desk.
13
Withholding desperately needed funds to Texas and Florida while they're drowning is just as cruel as trump's various stupid and/or callous ideas. DACA needs to be protected, and there are signs that enough GOP folks support it that it'll pass. Tit for tat rarely succeeds in doing anything except causing more animosity.
I feel bad for all Americans for the evident confusion, anger, hostility, misery and hopelessness that seems increasingly to be seizing the land. I think the path forward for all is for more compassion and humility. There is much to learn from others.
10
Thank you for your empathetic support, Canadian friend. I agree with you completely. This adminstration is exhausting and horrible. Only a strong infusion of compassion and humility are going to get us out of this mess. I love my country, but this government is breaking my heart...when it's not busy pressing on my last nerve.
1
Oh, there are many compassionate and humble Americans. They don't tend to be the ones tweeting at 3AM nonsensically.
1
Donald Trump undermines US credibility because he demonstrates on a regular basis that the US is an unreliable and untrustworthy ally. He says one thing today and he completely reverses himself the next day. This would be fine if the chaos was isolated to the confines of the US border. Unfortunately Trump is undermining global security with his erratic behaviour. Juvenile tweets is no way to conduct your foreign or domestic policy. Grow up Trump.
175
"This would be fine if the chaos was isolated to the confines of the US border."
No, this is not fine, even within our borders. Perhaps, it would be fine when confined to the penthouse in Trump Tower.
No, this is not fine, even within our borders. Perhaps, it would be fine when confined to the penthouse in Trump Tower.
He'll never grow up - and he'll never stop tweeting one stupid comment after another. I wish that Twitter would close his account -- or that GOP would demonstrate a modicum of integrity and impeach the jerk. They're bunch of rats frantically scrabbling in the dark to get their various dirty little deeds done before somebody shines a spotlight on them.
1
This IS the grownup Trump!!!
This is the predictable resultant of his divergent tendencies towards megalomania and blame-shifting.
10
trump promised to cancel DACA on DAY 1; now, exhibiting a complete lack of resolve, he hides behind Sessions. This is trump again trying to have it both ways. Confronted with the consequences of dumping DACA, he panders to his base by dropping the program, while counting on Congress to save it. And, if that doesn't happen, he'll revisit it, whatever that means. In this senseless behavior, he fails his base and offends everyone else, and inflicts trauma on those affected.
Time for new hats: "trump, making America less great every day."
Time for new hats: "trump, making America less great every day."
13
So much for John Kelly's mission (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/24/us/politics/trump-white-house-kelly-m.... I hope Kelly fails so that Trump fails, but I'm paranoid about the catastrophic consequences of a failing President taking all of us down with him.
10
I suppose this means that the President believes a program he and his administration concluded to be illegal could be revived as his own illegal program anytime he feels like it. Perhaps he has stumbled onto a way to get the Attorney General to resign?
7
Trump wants to have it both ways - pleasing his reactionary base and also pretending that he has "a big heart."
Of course, if Trump really 'loves the dreamers,' as he claimed, he would not use them so cheaply.
Of course, if Trump really 'loves the dreamers,' as he claimed, he would not use them so cheaply.
18
With no proof at all, conservatives claim Obama acted unconstitutionally in creating what we call "DACA."
Oh, they create fake news by citing "legal scholars" and "constitutional experts" who say so, but conservatives cannot cite one court that has agreed with their claim. That's because the issue has never been adjudicated.
Now, Trump says if Congress cannot reach an agreement in 6 months, he will act to "revisit" the issue. Does that mean Trump will, likewise, be acting in the same unconstitutional manner as conservatives claim Obama did in 2012?
Even more stunning is that the attorney general of Texas, who is under felony indictment for securities fraud, was prepared to bring suit in court to have the DACA issue adjudicated.
What irony! If a DACA beneficiary were charged with the same crimes as the Texas AG trying to deport them, the DACA beneficiary would be subject to immediate deportation.
DACA beneficiaries are held to a higher citizenship standard than the state AG suing to deport them.
Conservative logic on full display.
Oh, they create fake news by citing "legal scholars" and "constitutional experts" who say so, but conservatives cannot cite one court that has agreed with their claim. That's because the issue has never been adjudicated.
Now, Trump says if Congress cannot reach an agreement in 6 months, he will act to "revisit" the issue. Does that mean Trump will, likewise, be acting in the same unconstitutional manner as conservatives claim Obama did in 2012?
Even more stunning is that the attorney general of Texas, who is under felony indictment for securities fraud, was prepared to bring suit in court to have the DACA issue adjudicated.
What irony! If a DACA beneficiary were charged with the same crimes as the Texas AG trying to deport them, the DACA beneficiary would be subject to immediate deportation.
DACA beneficiaries are held to a higher citizenship standard than the state AG suing to deport them.
Conservative logic on full display.
31
Think it's possible he's using DACA kids as a bargaining chip? Republican Congress puts together a bill that bundles security for DACA kids with funding for the wall and Dems are put between a rock and a hard place. It's the kind of ruthless strategy a win-at-all-costs deal marker might consider.
1
The idea that Trump might "revisit" the DACA might be what finally motivates Congress to address the issue once and for all.
3
Trump has no great plan, he is a man of the moment. Whether it is the aide that he last discussed the issue with or the latest TV show or news article, he responds. No deep thought, analysis or planning at all. It is a reaction to the moment and we all need to stop thinking it is something more.
11
he's not a man. he's a rather nasty, spoiled child masquerading in a man's body - physically incapable of deep thought or analysis. God help us!
1
His revisit will involve saying he loves the Dreamers even more than he did before. Then he will blame Congress for inaction, call for McConnell's resignation, hold a "campaign style" rally in an economically distressed red state where his comments cause a major, seemingly unrelated distraction, and do nothing more about the issue.
322
Reasonable Guy, exactly right. And is there also any chance he would then "rescue" the Dreamers by issuing a watered-down, Obama-like executive order? Probably not--that could do the one thing he never risks doing, which is offending his grouchy old white guy base in any way. But even so, he's on a path where he can do what he loves to do, which is to pronounce himself the hero and demean everyone else. This is not the kind of way you attain long term success in like, and it usually doesn't work for him either, but maybe here it could to some extent.
The Presidents need to be the center of attention all the time is a dangerous flaw he cannot stop. To many people who are seriously affected by his toying with their futures is amoral.
The international takeaway from his behavior will also have dire consequences for trust by world leaders.
The vacuum he has caused in our government is dangerous, when will the Republicans step in and step up to the fact he is not in control of his behavior and end his Presidency.
The international takeaway from his behavior will also have dire consequences for trust by world leaders.
The vacuum he has caused in our government is dangerous, when will the Republicans step in and step up to the fact he is not in control of his behavior and end his Presidency.
11
Confusion, chaos, mixed messages, contradictions, and the consistency thereof...are done on purpose if you're just not well versed in doing otherwise.
7
He's not a leader. DACA today, who knows what next week.
He's not a business success. His is inherited wealth.
He's not a patriot. He celebrates his dodging of the draft.
He's not religious. Perhaps there will be Trump Church?
His own self interest is his only interest.
He, at best, struggles constantly with the truth.
He believes all serve him, he is supposed to serve us.
He cares only about his base, his shrinking 30% base.
All of which - and sadly so much more - makes him the biggest internal threat we have ever faced...
Take America Away From Him
He's not a business success. His is inherited wealth.
He's not a patriot. He celebrates his dodging of the draft.
He's not religious. Perhaps there will be Trump Church?
His own self interest is his only interest.
He, at best, struggles constantly with the truth.
He believes all serve him, he is supposed to serve us.
He cares only about his base, his shrinking 30% base.
All of which - and sadly so much more - makes him the biggest internal threat we have ever faced...
Take America Away From Him
96
It's official.
Trump has no grasp or understanding of any issue.
Trump has no grasp or understanding of any issue.
144
Who knew being president could be so complicated?
1
Hence, no press conferences or public announcements. He has no courage of his convictions since he has none - courage or convictions.
Trump is trying to mitigate the damage to himself short-term, by which I mean for the next few days. That's how far ahead he thinks. Even he knows that what he said yesterday before destroying the Dreamers' lives--"I have a heart for these people" and "I love them"--won't cut the mustard.
13
Why are we not past wondering about the logic, coherence, or rationale of Trump's musings he chooses to share publicly? What passes for thinking for this untethered megalomaniac is delusional nonsense; as pathology, it's treatable and were the patient an ordinary citizen, unremarkable. Unfortunately for the world, he is deceptive and dangerous, possessed of unthinkable power to unleash unimaginable harm. To acknowledge that capable and intelligent Republican leaders know the seriousness of the peril and choose to remain silent is the much greater mystery.
298
JS you are correct. However I bet he does not have any of the real nuclear codes, the top brass at the mmilitary, and national security agencies cannot give this guy that kind of power, he is more dangerous to the US than the north koreans.
1
The GOP leadership is keeping quiet because they have a once-in-a-generation chance to decimate the social safety net that has existed since the New Deal.
1
Compassionate Trump, the softhearted?
Or one whose two brain lobes are parted,
No fleeter a tweeter
Or grimmer a greeter
At making sense often retarded.
Or one whose two brain lobes are parted,
No fleeter a tweeter
Or grimmer a greeter
At making sense often retarded.
54
Our poet laureate, you are not yet. But for impromptu, it's hard to beat you.
1
"Revisit" is intentionally nebulous. No one knows what that means but it certainly keeps his rabid base intact and gives Trump plenty of room to wiggle when he is justly accused of ignorance of the cruel repercussions of the rescinsion of DACA.
This is cowardice and dishonesty on display from our President, a man who only cares about himself, playing with the lives of 780k people.
This is cowardice and dishonesty on display from our President, a man who only cares about himself, playing with the lives of 780k people.
128
It looks like the president is learning not to depend on the dysfunctional Congress made mainly by the groups inside GOP who stunt any legislation good or bad.
I hope he does the right thing here with the DACA kids.
Yes the congress should act but its not happening for foreseeable time as the only bill passed without hitch for the last two terms of Obama presidency was dismantle ACA which was not true to itself as they failed when they really had a chance to do it correctly this year.
I hope he does the right thing here with the DACA kids.
Yes the congress should act but its not happening for foreseeable time as the only bill passed without hitch for the last two terms of Obama presidency was dismantle ACA which was not true to itself as they failed when they really had a chance to do it correctly this year.
2
Dismantle without rebuild is disaster. Weary traveller, Congress did not have a chance to do anything because they did not have a better replacement plan that was supported by most Americans. And yes, it has to be supported by most Americans to work.
4
This man is clearly unqualified to be president, or the leader of any large organization. This craziness has to end. Make America Sane Again.
174
Get that on a hat. It needs to be the slogan of every Democrat running in 2018 and 2020.
2
He could have been Mayor of Toronto.
1
Next up: he blames Sessions for going rogue and making the announcement to end DACA without presidential authorization.
47
@UkiefromKC: Knowing the tag-team trio of Bannon, Sessions and Miller, you might be closer to the truth than you think.
6
Seems to me a big goal of this administration has been to sow confusion and chaos. We need to remain mindful of that.
272
I think that's largely true. I also think that in this instance, as in so many like it, Trump either simply forgets what he had previously said or tweeted or his mind is so confused that he doesn't comprehend the contradictions in his statements.
8
If Trump is still in touch with Bannon, he is doing exactly what Bannon wants: the destruction of the Administrative State. Trump would not understand that, as he doesn't understand legislation, or governance. He has no real sense of what a President is elected to do, unless he understands that his loans from Russian oligarchs makes him obliged to Putin. That makes him obliged to foreign creditors who can call those loans and bring him to another bankruptcy. A failed businessman, and a failed President. The GOP has a lot to gain if this tool signs the legislation their big donors want enacted. Follow the money; follow those in Congress who owe much to donors, and very little to fellow Americans. Trump is obviously approaching full on senility, the perfect tool, subject to flattery and manipulation. The damage can be extensive and long lasting. We have voting power; get out the vote midterms, all Democrats and Progressives need to get out and VOTE!
5
Just more evidence Trump is incapable of two things: 1) comprehending the gravity and complexity of his job; 2) empathy. I can't imagine the anxiety these mixed, cruel and thoughtless act create for Dreamers. It must be nearly equivalent to that experienced by Mr. Trump when he watches anything other than "Fox and Friends."
167
@Desmo88: The concept of empathy is so alien to Trump that he can't even fake it. His disgraceful public performances after the hurricane in Texas prove it.
10
John R., may I respectfully suggest that you learn some Spanish and engage with the Spanish-speaking world? It's a great culture (Mexican, other varieties) and you may find you really like such people, regardless of their legal status.
4
"I can't imagine the anxiety these mixed, cruel and thoughtless act create for Dreamers. It must be nearly equivalent to that experienced by Mr. Trump when he watches anything other than "Fox and Friends."
Or nearly equivalent to the Jews in Germany throughout the 1930's and 40's.
Or nearly equivalent to the Jews in Germany throughout the 1930's and 40's.
2
How could anyone not have seen the pattern of decades for Trump associates - the closer you get to him, the more damage he will do to you. Since Trump primarily preys on the rich and stupid, he's on familiar ground with the GOP.
But for the rest of us, all there is to expect is that chaos that comes from having an incompetent headcase in the White House.
Perhaps the world will get lucky and natural disasters like Harvey and Irma and the fires and tornadoes (and there couldn't be a more fitting time for the San Andreas to rupture or Yellowstone to blow up - if only to show the Evangelicals what God thinks of America for putting Trump in power) that Trump enjoys so much will keep him distracted from tossing around the nuclear football while he watches himself on Fox.
Every day Trump is in power demonstrates that there is not one single American with the simple decency to do whatever is necessary to end this abortion of a presidency. While that happens, every American deserves whatever catastrophe Trump visits upon them. So suck it up.
Whenever you feel unhappy or insane or suicidal thinking about Trump, just remind yourself that you deserve it, because you personally are letting this happen. You could stop it, but you just don't have what it takes. You are a disgrace to the America of Jefferson.