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When are Donald Trump's supporters going to realize...that the guy they voted for...is nothing more than "a snake-oil salesman?"
In his first address to a joint session of Congress...Trump reiterated - on Tuesday night, February 28th, 2017 - his campaign promise to "drain the swamp." Yet he put "creatures from the Black Lagoon" in his cabinet.
In recent weeks, Trump declared war on the media...the free press. He has declared war on the Democrats and anyone who doesn't agree with him. Trump has declared war on the courts. He has even declared war on his own intelligence community. And in his nationally televised speech to Congress and the country... Trump declared war on immigrants.
In what caused a..."What did he just say?" moment...I cringed as Donald Trump informed Americans that he instructed the Department of Homeland Security to establish an office, which basically attacks immigrants as being violent, vicious and vulgar people. The acronym...V-O-I-C-E...stands for Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement...which horrendously depicts immigrants as criminals. But isn't that what Trump said in his June 16th, 2015 speech when he announced his candidacy for President? I will remind you of his exact reprehensible words. "When Mexico sends its people...they're not sending their best. They're not sending you. They're not sending YOU. They're sending people...that have lots of problems. And they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs...they're bringing crime... they're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."
But what irked me the most about Trump's address to Congress was his use - and I do say "use"....of Mrs. Carryn Owens...the wife of slain U.S. Navy SEAL, William "Ryan" Owens. Senior Chief Petty Officer Owens was killed on January 29th, 2017 during a raid in Yemen. The decorated sailor was involved in a military operation that reportedly was not approved by President Barack Obama when the Pentagon approached him prior to leaving office. Yet Donald Trump authorized the raid. And when it went bad - causing the death of Ryan Owens...Trump pointed the finger at "the generals."
As I have written in past columns, Donald Trump is a narcissist who can never take responsibility for anything he has done wrong. To blame "the generals"...(Secretary of Defense James Mattis, a retired Marine Corps General...and Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford, Jr. who serves as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff)...is not only shameful...but cowardly. After all...the buck stops with the President. The buck stops with the Commander-In-Chief. But Trump is too spineless...and too gutless...to admit fault at anything. How does he continue to not claim ownership of the Yemen raid when he was the one who gave it the green light?
But then...Trump paid tribute to Ryan Owens. However, by doing so, he showcased Mrs. Owens...in front of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives plus every American who watched on television. The spotlight was on a grieving widow...who is still in mourning over the death of her G.I. husband.
It was a sentimental and touching few minutes when Carryn Owens looked up towards heaven and talked to Ryan...as those in the U.S. Capitol Building applauded in sympathy and expressed their love for a fallen hero. But Trump turned a heartfelt moment in to a marketing tool...as if Mrs. Owens was a product he needed to rave about on The Celebrity Apprentice. I go back to what I have called Donald Trump in earlier commentaries...Captain Queeg from the book and motion picture, The Caine Mutiny. Let's remember...like Captain Queeg counting the strawberries...Trump counted the people in the crowds at his campaign rallies. He counted the votes of the Presidential election...and as someone paranoid - he claimed there were millions of ballots cast that were illegal. Trump counted the people who attended his Inauguration. And at his speech to Congress...he counted the amount of minutes that Mrs. Owens received applause. It's mind-boggling.
What is it going to take for Donald Trump voters to be fed up with him? When will each Republican in the United States...put his or her foot down...that Trump is a fraud and not at all sincere or good for our country? I can only hope it's before a major crisis erupts and we need a real President to lead us. Because now...we don't have one.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of
GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B.
Duglin.
Now, please express your personal
opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The
Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and
TheControversy.net. All Rights
Reserved.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
ANTI-MUSLIM BIGOTRY ATTACKS MUHAMMAD ALI'S SON
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Muhammad Ali is arguably the world's most famous name in sports. Others may simply say that the name Muhammad Ali is just one of the most recognized throughout the United States and/or around the globe. In any event, the late Muhammad Ali remains - without question - one of the greatest athletes...if not "The Greatest" athlete of all time. And through his charm and charisma - not to mention his enormous talent - Muhammad Ali would tell you...and convince you...that he was indeed the very best...with whatever he attempted...and with whatever he accomplished. And unless you've never watched television, listened to the radio, read a newspaper or magazine, or surfed the Internet...you have seen the name Muhammad Ali at some point in your lifetime.
Whether you are 90 years old or 9 years old, the name Muhammad Ali has more than likely been one that has come before your eyes...and has, perhaps, been uttered passed your lips. So it is logical to assume...that the tiniest amount of people in our country - and maybe even on our planet - would be unaware of the name Muhammad Ali or the person who made that name so prominent. Therefore... how on God's green Earth did Muhammad Ali's son - who carries the same name as his legendary father - get detained at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport...and repeatedly asked the questions..."Where did you get your name from? Are you Muslim?"
On February 7th, 2017...after he and his mother were returning from a speaking engagement to celebrate Black History Month in Montego Bay, Jamaica...Muhammad Ali, Jr. and Khalilah Camacho-Ali were stopped as they proceeded through Customs... allegedly because of their Arabic-sounding names.
Reportedly, immigration officials let Mrs. Ali go - after about half-an-hour - but only because she showed authorities a photo of herself with her ex-husband. She and the three-time world heavyweight boxing champion were divorced in 1977, following ten years of marriage. But their son didn't have a picture of himself with his renowned dad...so therefore...when he revealed that - like his father - he is Muslim...Muhammad Ali, Jr. was detained and interrogated for about two hours... before he was eventually released.
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution focuses, in part, on Freedom of Religion. Yet it has been reported that Customs officials asked Ali, Jr. - over and over again - about his sacred and holy beliefs...which is a clear-cut case of racial profiling...and THAT...is illegal. Religious rights prohibit law enforcement officers to question a person about his faith. Ali, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1972...holds a valid U.S. passport...and has no criminal record.
Throughout the time when Ali, Jr. and his mother were separated by immigration officials, Mrs. Ali was worried about her son. But when she asked local police...and even begged for help...Mrs. Ali was informed that since Ali, Jr. was being held by Customs officers, the police in Florida had no legal authority or jurisdiction to assist her.
The Ali family remained mum about the incident until Mrs. Ali mentioned it to their attorney - former federal prosecutor Chris Mancini - on Friday, February 24th. And now a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government is apparently pending by Ali, Jr.
A. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer claims Muhammad Ali, Jr wasn't held "because he's a Muslim...and it wasn't because of his Arabic-sounding name." Sure...I believe that. And Elvis Presley is coming to my house for dinner Saturday night.
Donald Trump pledged throughout his campaign for President that he wanted Muslims banned from the United States. And on January 27th, he signed an executive order...to ban people from seven countries...whose citizens are predominantly Muslim. But despite the fact that the order was blocked by a federal judge in Seattle, Washington on February 3rd...it seems obvious to me that Ali, Jr. was held on February 7th, as a result of Trump's original order.
For Customs officials to hold Muhammad Ali, Jr. and his mother because they are Muslim...is inexcusable. On June 3rd, 2016, then-President Barack Obama noted - on the death of Muhammad Ali - that Ali "shook up the world and the world is better for it." And Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - who is the all-time leading scorer in the National Basketball Association - wrote on Facebook after Ali died at age 74...that because of Muhammad Ali's "bravery, his outspokenness and his sacrifice for the sake of his community and country (he will) live on in the best part of each of us." Abdul-Jabbar is also Muslim. The next time he arrives back in the United States after traveling abroad...will immigration officers stop and detain him? They certainly better not.
So for Muhammad Ali, Jr. - the son of an American treasure...the son of a philanthropist...humanitarian...Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree...and global icon - to be handled like a common criminal as he enters our country...and then questioned as if he was a possible terrorist because of his Muslim name...are the definitions of bigotry and prejudice. For federal law enforcement officers to treat two of our own...two red, white and blue Americans...as potential threats - one of whom is the son of Muhammad Ali - and locking them in a room for even one little second...just because of their ethnic-sounding name...is absolutely disgraceful and downright shameful. Especially when that name is connected to a man who has been revered by hundreds of millions of people, worldwide, for more than half a century. This is an embarrassment to everything America has stood for, over its 240-year history. And whether it was Muhammad Ali, Jr. or anybody else with a Muslim name...this has got to stop. The hate, racism and discrimination against Muslims - or against anyone - just because who they pray to...or because of their skin color...or because of the way they are dressed...or because of the language they speak...or because of the spelling or the sound of their name...are actions that are deplorable and reprehensible.
The United States of America is the country of freedom. We are the country of "liberty and justice for all." And we are the country where President Thomas Jefferson - in 1802 - wrote..."Religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God." It is, therefore, contemptible...that legitimate U.S. citizens...could be stopped at our borders...or as he or she enters our country by air, sea or land...just because a badge-wearing bigot...doesn't like the sound of a person's name. And if Donald Trump thinks he is doing right by ordering such action...he is thoroughly wrong.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
Muhammad Ali is arguably the world's most famous name in sports. Others may simply say that the name Muhammad Ali is just one of the most recognized throughout the United States and/or around the globe. In any event, the late Muhammad Ali remains - without question - one of the greatest athletes...if not "The Greatest" athlete of all time. And through his charm and charisma - not to mention his enormous talent - Muhammad Ali would tell you...and convince you...that he was indeed the very best...with whatever he attempted...and with whatever he accomplished. And unless you've never watched television, listened to the radio, read a newspaper or magazine, or surfed the Internet...you have seen the name Muhammad Ali at some point in your lifetime.
Whether you are 90 years old or 9 years old, the name Muhammad Ali has more than likely been one that has come before your eyes...and has, perhaps, been uttered passed your lips. So it is logical to assume...that the tiniest amount of people in our country - and maybe even on our planet - would be unaware of the name Muhammad Ali or the person who made that name so prominent. Therefore... how on God's green Earth did Muhammad Ali's son - who carries the same name as his legendary father - get detained at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport...and repeatedly asked the questions..."Where did you get your name from? Are you Muslim?"
On February 7th, 2017...after he and his mother were returning from a speaking engagement to celebrate Black History Month in Montego Bay, Jamaica...Muhammad Ali, Jr. and Khalilah Camacho-Ali were stopped as they proceeded through Customs... allegedly because of their Arabic-sounding names.
Reportedly, immigration officials let Mrs. Ali go - after about half-an-hour - but only because she showed authorities a photo of herself with her ex-husband. She and the three-time world heavyweight boxing champion were divorced in 1977, following ten years of marriage. But their son didn't have a picture of himself with his renowned dad...so therefore...when he revealed that - like his father - he is Muslim...Muhammad Ali, Jr. was detained and interrogated for about two hours... before he was eventually released.
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution focuses, in part, on Freedom of Religion. Yet it has been reported that Customs officials asked Ali, Jr. - over and over again - about his sacred and holy beliefs...which is a clear-cut case of racial profiling...and THAT...is illegal. Religious rights prohibit law enforcement officers to question a person about his faith. Ali, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1972...holds a valid U.S. passport...and has no criminal record.
Throughout the time when Ali, Jr. and his mother were separated by immigration officials, Mrs. Ali was worried about her son. But when she asked local police...and even begged for help...Mrs. Ali was informed that since Ali, Jr. was being held by Customs officers, the police in Florida had no legal authority or jurisdiction to assist her.
The Ali family remained mum about the incident until Mrs. Ali mentioned it to their attorney - former federal prosecutor Chris Mancini - on Friday, February 24th. And now a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government is apparently pending by Ali, Jr.
A. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer claims Muhammad Ali, Jr wasn't held "because he's a Muslim...and it wasn't because of his Arabic-sounding name." Sure...I believe that. And Elvis Presley is coming to my house for dinner Saturday night.
Donald Trump pledged throughout his campaign for President that he wanted Muslims banned from the United States. And on January 27th, he signed an executive order...to ban people from seven countries...whose citizens are predominantly Muslim. But despite the fact that the order was blocked by a federal judge in Seattle, Washington on February 3rd...it seems obvious to me that Ali, Jr. was held on February 7th, as a result of Trump's original order.
For Customs officials to hold Muhammad Ali, Jr. and his mother because they are Muslim...is inexcusable. On June 3rd, 2016, then-President Barack Obama noted - on the death of Muhammad Ali - that Ali "shook up the world and the world is better for it." And Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - who is the all-time leading scorer in the National Basketball Association - wrote on Facebook after Ali died at age 74...that because of Muhammad Ali's "bravery, his outspokenness and his sacrifice for the sake of his community and country (he will) live on in the best part of each of us." Abdul-Jabbar is also Muslim. The next time he arrives back in the United States after traveling abroad...will immigration officers stop and detain him? They certainly better not.
So for Muhammad Ali, Jr. - the son of an American treasure...the son of a philanthropist...humanitarian...Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree...and global icon - to be handled like a common criminal as he enters our country...and then questioned as if he was a possible terrorist because of his Muslim name...are the definitions of bigotry and prejudice. For federal law enforcement officers to treat two of our own...two red, white and blue Americans...as potential threats - one of whom is the son of Muhammad Ali - and locking them in a room for even one little second...just because of their ethnic-sounding name...is absolutely disgraceful and downright shameful. Especially when that name is connected to a man who has been revered by hundreds of millions of people, worldwide, for more than half a century. This is an embarrassment to everything America has stood for, over its 240-year history. And whether it was Muhammad Ali, Jr. or anybody else with a Muslim name...this has got to stop. The hate, racism and discrimination against Muslims - or against anyone - just because who they pray to...or because of their skin color...or because of the way they are dressed...or because of the language they speak...or because of the spelling or the sound of their name...are actions that are deplorable and reprehensible.
The United States of America is the country of freedom. We are the country of "liberty and justice for all." And we are the country where President Thomas Jefferson - in 1802 - wrote..."Religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God." It is, therefore, contemptible...that legitimate U.S. citizens...could be stopped at our borders...or as he or she enters our country by air, sea or land...just because a badge-wearing bigot...doesn't like the sound of a person's name. And if Donald Trump thinks he is doing right by ordering such action...he is thoroughly wrong.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, February 24, 2017
MUSLIMS AND JEWS UNITE TO FIGHT ANTI-SEMITIC HATE CRIMES. TRUMP MUST DO THE SAME.
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In a world where hate among political factions, religious groups, different races and ethnic heritages...seem to sadly be so prevalent...it is heartwarming that love is still the magic word...when people from one faith...lend a hand to help their fellow Americans...despite contrasting beliefs in Holy Scriptures.
It took just over 24 hours for an on-line fundraiser - spearheaded by a pair of Muslim activists - to raise in excess of 100-thousand dollars, so that a vandalized, 124-year old Jewish cemetery can be repaired. LaunchGood.com encouraged Muslims...to help rebuild the historic Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City, Missouri. Within three hours - on Tuesday, February 21st, 2017 - a refreshing demonstration of solidarity...resulted in 20-thousand dollars in donations...which was the initial goal of the project organizers. However, more than 110-thousand dollars has now been contributed to the fund.
Sometime over the weekend of February 18th and 19th...154 headstones were toppled - with some fractured or damaged more severely - when anti-Semitism ran rampant throughout the suburban St. Louis graveyard. But...with no suspects being identified...authorities refuse to tag the vandalism a hate crime...because, so far, there is no such evidence. And although police have not ruled out the possibility... legally, officials must determine without doubt...that Jews were targeted before an incident of this type can be classified a hate crime. It is, however, disturbing...that law enforcement officials could consider the brutality at Chesed Shel Emeth to be anything but a hate crime. After all...it does seem obvious...since the Missouri cemetery was invaded by vandals at a time when many Jewish community centers nationwide received bomb threats.
Two magnanimous Muslims - who have undoubtedly experienced...or at least witnessed...prejudice and discrimination...because of who they themselves pray to - performed an unselfish act of affection and philanthropy. Linda Sarsour - who describes herself on Twitter as a Palestinian-American Muslim - joined with Muslim American Tarek El-Messida...to create a Website for the fund.
Reportedly, El-Messida says about two-thirds of the money donated...appear to be from individuals who are Muslim...while the remaining contributions are mostly from Jews. And the Anti-Defamation League says there has been additional support from Christians too. Meanwhile...a statement by LaunchGood.com says the fundraiser will accept donations until March 21st...and any money not needed after the reconstruction efforts have been completed at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery...will be used to aid numerous Jewish community centers and synagogues across the United States...that have been victims of bomb threats and/or vandalism.
There is nothing better than when people unite in a meaningful cause to help others. Author J. K. Rowling - who wrote the "Harry Potter" series of books - tweeted on Tuesday, February 21st..."This is such a beautiful thing." Indeed it is. And others on social media have echoed similar expressions of care and concern.
The attack on the Missouri cemetery is part of a wave of anti-Semitic hate crimes that has reportedly increased since Donald Trump moved in to The White House. The New York Times says 53 Jewish community centers have received bomb threats since January. And as long as Trump keeps certain senior advisers and Cabinet members in his Administration...who are reportedly known as either "white nationalists"...supporters of the Ku Klux Klan...and anti-Semites...as well as some who have a reported history of racism towards African-Americans and Latinos, plus bigotry against gays and other minorities...it is impossible to trust Trump as genuinely sincere when he labels anti-Semitism..."horrible"...and "painful." His remarks were long overdue...in response to a significant amount of anti-Semitic vandalism...and threats against Jewish community centers...throughout the nation over the last month.
Meanwhile...Missouri Republican Governor Eric Greitens - a multi-decorated, retired Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, who received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart - among other honorable medals - and who is also Jewish...wrote on his Facebook page..."We can choose to cower...or we can choose productive action and shared service. We can turn a vile act in to a moment for resolve and a demonstration of our state's faith." Governor Greitens went on to write..."There is a concept in Jewish teaching and thought, known as tikkun olam. It translates literally in to 'repairing the world.' But what it means more broadly, is that we all have an obligation to one another...and to be of service. It is in moments like this...that the world is in most need of repair...and we must do our part."
Steven Goldstein - executive director of The Anne Frank Center For Mutual Respect - says..."(Donald Trump's) sudden acknowledgement is a Band-Aid on the cancer of anti-Semitism that has infected his own Administration." Goldstein also says..."(Trump's) statement is a pathetic asterisk of condescension after weeks in which he and his staff have committed grotesque acts and omissions reflecting anti-Semitism...yet day after day have refused to apologize and correct the record."
Trump issued his response to the assault on the Missouri cemetery...but only after Hillary Clinton urged her opponent from last November's election...to address the mayhem at Chesed Shel Emeth. The former Secretary of State tweeted..."JCC (Jewish community center) threats, cemetery desecration and on-line attacks are so troubling and they need to be stopped. Everyone must speak out...starting with (Donald Trump)."
It's interesting that hours later...Trump spoke some of the identical words that Mrs. Clinton used...when he stated..."anti-Semitism...has to stop."
I remind you - that in January - Trump never mentioned the Jewish people in The White House's Holocaust Remembrance Day statements. Nor did Trump denounce and outright condemn anti-Semitic hate crimes...when he was asked by two reporters at his Thursday, February 16th press conference. Instead, he rudely told one reporter - who is an Orthodox Jew - to "sit down" after Trump disrespectfully criticized him for asking an "insulting" question.
Donald Trump must fight anti-Semitism. He cannot use his Jewish son-in-law, Jared Kushner...his daughter, Ivanka Trump - who converted to Judaism - and Trump's three Jewish grandchildren...as reasons he is "the least anti-Semitic person." Unless Trump's actions speak louder than his words...Jews in America...Jews in Israel...and Jews all around the globe...will never believe him.
The year 2017 in the U.S.A. is in no way 1940s Nazi Germany. And I pray that...never again...the world sees such an atrocity as The Holocaust.
Hatred towards Jews...hatred towards Muslims...hatred towards anyone...is never acceptable. I abhor hate. And until all Americans share my sentiments...our nation will remain divided. And yes...in case you were asking...I too am Jewish.
A cemetery is supposed to be a place for peace and tranquility. It is supposed to be a solemn resting area for a family's loved ones. It is not to be desecrated by the horrors of hatred and violence.
The LaunchGood.com fundraising project is an exercise in pure human decency and compassion. And it proves...that when in need...a generous and thoughtful heart...outweighs...a vicious and ignorant mind.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
In a world where hate among political factions, religious groups, different races and ethnic heritages...seem to sadly be so prevalent...it is heartwarming that love is still the magic word...when people from one faith...lend a hand to help their fellow Americans...despite contrasting beliefs in Holy Scriptures.
It took just over 24 hours for an on-line fundraiser - spearheaded by a pair of Muslim activists - to raise in excess of 100-thousand dollars, so that a vandalized, 124-year old Jewish cemetery can be repaired. LaunchGood.com encouraged Muslims...to help rebuild the historic Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City, Missouri. Within three hours - on Tuesday, February 21st, 2017 - a refreshing demonstration of solidarity...resulted in 20-thousand dollars in donations...which was the initial goal of the project organizers. However, more than 110-thousand dollars has now been contributed to the fund.
Sometime over the weekend of February 18th and 19th...154 headstones were toppled - with some fractured or damaged more severely - when anti-Semitism ran rampant throughout the suburban St. Louis graveyard. But...with no suspects being identified...authorities refuse to tag the vandalism a hate crime...because, so far, there is no such evidence. And although police have not ruled out the possibility... legally, officials must determine without doubt...that Jews were targeted before an incident of this type can be classified a hate crime. It is, however, disturbing...that law enforcement officials could consider the brutality at Chesed Shel Emeth to be anything but a hate crime. After all...it does seem obvious...since the Missouri cemetery was invaded by vandals at a time when many Jewish community centers nationwide received bomb threats.
Two magnanimous Muslims - who have undoubtedly experienced...or at least witnessed...prejudice and discrimination...because of who they themselves pray to - performed an unselfish act of affection and philanthropy. Linda Sarsour - who describes herself on Twitter as a Palestinian-American Muslim - joined with Muslim American Tarek El-Messida...to create a Website for the fund.
Reportedly, El-Messida says about two-thirds of the money donated...appear to be from individuals who are Muslim...while the remaining contributions are mostly from Jews. And the Anti-Defamation League says there has been additional support from Christians too. Meanwhile...a statement by LaunchGood.com says the fundraiser will accept donations until March 21st...and any money not needed after the reconstruction efforts have been completed at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery...will be used to aid numerous Jewish community centers and synagogues across the United States...that have been victims of bomb threats and/or vandalism.
There is nothing better than when people unite in a meaningful cause to help others. Author J. K. Rowling - who wrote the "Harry Potter" series of books - tweeted on Tuesday, February 21st..."This is such a beautiful thing." Indeed it is. And others on social media have echoed similar expressions of care and concern.
The attack on the Missouri cemetery is part of a wave of anti-Semitic hate crimes that has reportedly increased since Donald Trump moved in to The White House. The New York Times says 53 Jewish community centers have received bomb threats since January. And as long as Trump keeps certain senior advisers and Cabinet members in his Administration...who are reportedly known as either "white nationalists"...supporters of the Ku Klux Klan...and anti-Semites...as well as some who have a reported history of racism towards African-Americans and Latinos, plus bigotry against gays and other minorities...it is impossible to trust Trump as genuinely sincere when he labels anti-Semitism..."horrible"...and "painful." His remarks were long overdue...in response to a significant amount of anti-Semitic vandalism...and threats against Jewish community centers...throughout the nation over the last month.
Meanwhile...Missouri Republican Governor Eric Greitens - a multi-decorated, retired Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, who received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart - among other honorable medals - and who is also Jewish...wrote on his Facebook page..."We can choose to cower...or we can choose productive action and shared service. We can turn a vile act in to a moment for resolve and a demonstration of our state's faith." Governor Greitens went on to write..."There is a concept in Jewish teaching and thought, known as tikkun olam. It translates literally in to 'repairing the world.' But what it means more broadly, is that we all have an obligation to one another...and to be of service. It is in moments like this...that the world is in most need of repair...and we must do our part."
Steven Goldstein - executive director of The Anne Frank Center For Mutual Respect - says..."(Donald Trump's) sudden acknowledgement is a Band-Aid on the cancer of anti-Semitism that has infected his own Administration." Goldstein also says..."(Trump's) statement is a pathetic asterisk of condescension after weeks in which he and his staff have committed grotesque acts and omissions reflecting anti-Semitism...yet day after day have refused to apologize and correct the record."
Trump issued his response to the assault on the Missouri cemetery...but only after Hillary Clinton urged her opponent from last November's election...to address the mayhem at Chesed Shel Emeth. The former Secretary of State tweeted..."JCC (Jewish community center) threats, cemetery desecration and on-line attacks are so troubling and they need to be stopped. Everyone must speak out...starting with (Donald Trump)."
It's interesting that hours later...Trump spoke some of the identical words that Mrs. Clinton used...when he stated..."anti-Semitism...has to stop."
I remind you - that in January - Trump never mentioned the Jewish people in The White House's Holocaust Remembrance Day statements. Nor did Trump denounce and outright condemn anti-Semitic hate crimes...when he was asked by two reporters at his Thursday, February 16th press conference. Instead, he rudely told one reporter - who is an Orthodox Jew - to "sit down" after Trump disrespectfully criticized him for asking an "insulting" question.
Donald Trump must fight anti-Semitism. He cannot use his Jewish son-in-law, Jared Kushner...his daughter, Ivanka Trump - who converted to Judaism - and Trump's three Jewish grandchildren...as reasons he is "the least anti-Semitic person." Unless Trump's actions speak louder than his words...Jews in America...Jews in Israel...and Jews all around the globe...will never believe him.
The year 2017 in the U.S.A. is in no way 1940s Nazi Germany. And I pray that...never again...the world sees such an atrocity as The Holocaust.
Hatred towards Jews...hatred towards Muslims...hatred towards anyone...is never acceptable. I abhor hate. And until all Americans share my sentiments...our nation will remain divided. And yes...in case you were asking...I too am Jewish.
A cemetery is supposed to be a place for peace and tranquility. It is supposed to be a solemn resting area for a family's loved ones. It is not to be desecrated by the horrors of hatred and violence.
The LaunchGood.com fundraising project is an exercise in pure human decency and compassion. And it proves...that when in need...a generous and thoughtful heart...outweighs...a vicious and ignorant mind.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, February 17, 2017
THE WACKY WORLD OF DONALD TRUMP
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According to a new poll by the Pew Research Center...Donald Trump's approval rating is at 39 percent. Let's compare that pitifully low figure to former President Barack Obama's approval rating after he had begun his first term. In mid-February 2009, President Obama enjoyed an impressive 64 percent approval rating.
Meanwhile, a recent survey by Public Policy Polling says 46 percent of registered voters want Trump impeached. And it's only 28 days since he took the oath of office. The PPP report also shows that 52 percent of Americans would prefer President Obama living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue than Donald Trump.
Historically, when a new President moves in to The White House...he is at the top of his popularity because of winning the election just ten weeks earlier. But on Inauguration Day 2017, a Gallup Poll indicated that Trump entered "the west wing" with only 37 percent of the country approving of him. That was the lowest approval rating in U.S. history for any President on day one. And let me remind you that 54 percent of Americans didn't vote for Donald Trump.
The Pew Poll was conducted between February 7th and 12th...before Trump fired retired Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as National Security Adviser...and four days before the most bizarre Presidential news conference in modern history. I will bet that upcoming poll numbers will dip dramatically. As for that press conference... unless you've been camping in an underground bunker with no access to television, radio or the Internet...you either saw or heard Trump's off-the-wall spectacle...or you have seen or listened to highlights of it. Therefore, I will keep my remarks about the Thursday afternoon, February 16th gathering...focused on my observations... rather than rehashing every detail expressed by Trump.
It was a marathon news conference that lasted one-hour and seventeen minutes. And it showed an out-of-control and combative Donald Trump...who categorically fits the bill...of being a danger to every single American...as long as he sits behind The Oval Office desk.
On his MSNBC program, The 11th Hour...Brian Williams - on Thursday night - started his broadcast by saying..."Earlier today, our country went through one of those...'Are you watching this' moments." I note Brian's words because they are so appropriate. My own mother called me on my cell phone...about 15 minutes or so in to Trump's rambling. And my mom's exact words were..."Are you watching this?"
As regular readers of The Controversy are well aware...I have been writing for roughly a year-and-a-half that Donald Trump is someone who cannot be trusted with the nuclear codes. He has undoubtedly gone off the deep end, as he continues to lie and convey false statements. And when he's caught doing so...Trump tries to get out of a jam by claiming..."I was given that information."
If you're the President of the United States...you'd better be sure of what comes off your tongue. And you'd better be able to back up your remarks with facts. Because if you don't tell the truth...in this age of technology...reporters - and the average person with a smart phone - are going to prove you wrong in less than a New York minute.
Plus...Trump refused to acknowledge any validity about Vladimir Putin and the Russians...affecting the outcome of our 2016 election...by hacking in to the Democratic National Committee's computers...and their illegal meddling in an effort to cause former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to lose. Trump doesn't just call that..."fake news" - as he has in the past - but "very fake news." And he insists that "the whole Russian thing...that's a ruse."
Furthermore...Trump felt it was necessary to once again ramble on about his electoral vote win against Secretary Clinton. As I wrote in my commentary of Tuesday, January 24th, titled "CAPTAIN QUEEG" IS LIVING IN THE WHITE HOUSE... "Trump's compulsive fascination with voter and crowd numbers is like Captain Queeg in The Caine Mutiny counting strawberries. And - if you saw the movie...or read the book - we all know what happened to Captain Queeg."
Trump happened to state - about halfway in to his bombastic diatribe - that he was "not ranting and raving." That just may be the understatement of the decade... since "ranting and raving" is precisely what Trump did. As usual, he attacked the media...Democrats...and Hillary Clinton, among others...plus he blamed President Obama for leaving him with "a mess." That, of course, is absolutely untrue.
In my Thursday, February 16th commentary - published several hours before Trump's erratic behavior from The East Room of The White House - I noted that "Donald Trump will never take responsibility for his mistakes - no matter what they are - but instead...he accuses others for his own missteps and blunders. Trump is not capable of admitting that he was wrong. In his mind...he never is."
Donald Trump's press conference was disturbing. It was a blatant example of narcissism and much denial of the truth. His Administration is not - as he believes it to be - "a fine-tuned machine." And Trump himself may be having "a good time"...but most people in the United States are not. Although I have witnessed his irrational demeanor over the last 20 months...this time Trump exhibited a demonstration where he was unequivocally unhinged. And if we Americans don't watch out...his delusions are going to destroy our country.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of
GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B.
Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
WHY IS IT NEVER DONALD TRUMP'S FAULT?
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As he has done for more than twenty months...Donald Trump has once again proven - that which I have written during the same period of time - that he is absolutely unfit to be President of the United States.
In the closing remarks of my Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 column...I wrote..."For the sake of our country though...for the sake of the nation that I love...I hope that..."Mr. Trump"...cleans house...dismisses certain inexperienced people in his inner circle...that he realizes he needs help from professional politicians who know what they're doing...and that he sits down with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi...in a valiant effort to be a bi-partisan President...for all Americans. America cannot handle another "long national nightmare." We in the United States must all come together if we are ever going to withstand the turbulence and turmoil of the last two years. But it will take a caring and compassion President to do that. And I don't know if Donald Trump has it in him to be that President. Prove me wrong, Donald."
Only one day later...it is evident that Trump will not even come close to what I have suggested. Trump promised during his campaign - and in these early weeks of his Presidency - to "drain the swamp." Well Donald...draining the swamp is not working.
It appears impossible for Donald Trump to be someone who can take criticism - constructive or any other...nor is he willing to open up the doors of The White House and let political insiders - who know what the hell they are doing - lend him a helping hand.
On Monday night, February 13th...Trump fired retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as National Security Adviser. And why? White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer - on Tuesday, February 14th - told the world it was because Trump didn't "trust" Flynn. But on Wednesday, February 15th, Trump strongly defended Flynn and, instead, pointed the finger of blame at the media...at the intelligence community...and at Democrats who Trump wrongly inferred are sore losers because Hillary Clinton isn't President.
At a news conference with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu... Trump - on Wednesday - put Flynn on a pedestal...instead of reiterating what his Press Secretary announced the day before...that due to an "eroding level of trust"...his National Security Adviser had to go. And remember...Sean Spicer speaks on behalf of Donald Trump.
Trump was emphatic when he responded to a reporter. "Michael Flynn, General Flynn is a wonderful man. I think he's been treated very very unfairly by the media - as I call it..."the fake media"...in many cases. And, I think it's really a sad thing that he was treated so badly. I think, in addition to that...from intelligence...papers are being leaked, things are being leaked. It's criminal action, criminal act. And it's been goin' on for a long time. Before me. But now it's really going on. And people are trying to cover-up for a terrible loss that the Democrats had under Hillary Clinton. I think it's very very unfair what's happened to General Flynn, the way he was treated and the documents and papers that were illegally - I stress that - illegally leaked. Very very unfair."
Throughout Campaign 2016, I labeled Donald Trump...egotistical...narcissistic... mentally unbalanced...and someone who did not have the temperament to sit behind The Oval Office desk. And not to pat myself on the back - as I am not the arrogant, conceited windbag that Trump is - but my observations about Trump were recognized and revealed in writing...long before most other journalists - and other Americans - were doing so. That being said...I was chastised early on...by many of my readers... and others I know personally...despite the fact that I was right on the money...and that I hit the nail on the head.
Donald Trump will never take responsibility for his mistakes - no matter what they are - but instead...he accuses others for his own missteps and blunders. Trump is not capable of admitting that he was wrong. In his mind...he never is. After all...in the past there was nobody who would ever risk their job in The Trump Organization... to tell "The Donald" that he was out of line...out of order...or that he just plain goofed. Trump was the boss...and if a person wanted to remain an employee at Trump Tower - or any other Trump property - one had to bow down, so to speak, to the mighty Donald Trump.
Trump is not used to answering to anyone. And I really don't think he...thought it through...when deciding to run for President. He's never had to have anyone, but himself...to sign-off on someone being hired. Others may have been delegated to perform such tasks, but I'm sure Trump had the final word...if he didn't want a person on board his corporate ship. Having a group of people who he hardly knows - the U.S. Senate - in a capacity to determine and ultimately conclude...who will be Trump's top associates - his Cabinet - is foreign to him. There are no confirmation hearings at Trump Tower. And I think Trump figured - that like his billionaire business career as a real estate mogul - whatever he said...would go. That the word of Donald Trump...was gospel.
It's time for Trump to end the chaos in The White House. It's time for Trump to respect people who are qualified to serve and to counsel him across the board. But Trump must be willing to take advice. He cannot run our country the way he ran his campaign. If he continues to do so, it will be the death of his Presidency...and a funeral of a nation.
Trump seems to be oblivious to the fact that the U.S. government is operated by three co-equal parts...and that the two chambers of Congress...plus the Supreme Court...can - at times - overrule him...or actually tell Trump...what to do.
So can Donald Trump handle that? I'm not so sure he can. As I wrote in my Monday, January 2nd commentary...I believe being President of the United States was merely an ambitious desire that Trump felt he needed to checkmark off his "bucket list." Accordingly...I think Trump is irrational enough...that he could wake up one morning and say to himself..."I don't need this crap." And it'll be back to New York City or Palm Beach, Florida in a proverbial heartbeat. And that day is coming. I can't tell you when...nor will I venture a guess, as it would be impossible to predict a timetable. But Trump's demeanor is such...that he must always be able to do...exactly what he wants to do...and when he wants to do it.
Sorry, Donald...but the United States of America is a democracy...not a dictatorship.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
As he has done for more than twenty months...Donald Trump has once again proven - that which I have written during the same period of time - that he is absolutely unfit to be President of the United States.
In the closing remarks of my Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 column...I wrote..."For the sake of our country though...for the sake of the nation that I love...I hope that..."Mr. Trump"...cleans house...dismisses certain inexperienced people in his inner circle...that he realizes he needs help from professional politicians who know what they're doing...and that he sits down with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi...in a valiant effort to be a bi-partisan President...for all Americans. America cannot handle another "long national nightmare." We in the United States must all come together if we are ever going to withstand the turbulence and turmoil of the last two years. But it will take a caring and compassion President to do that. And I don't know if Donald Trump has it in him to be that President. Prove me wrong, Donald."
Only one day later...it is evident that Trump will not even come close to what I have suggested. Trump promised during his campaign - and in these early weeks of his Presidency - to "drain the swamp." Well Donald...draining the swamp is not working.
It appears impossible for Donald Trump to be someone who can take criticism - constructive or any other...nor is he willing to open up the doors of The White House and let political insiders - who know what the hell they are doing - lend him a helping hand.
On Monday night, February 13th...Trump fired retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as National Security Adviser. And why? White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer - on Tuesday, February 14th - told the world it was because Trump didn't "trust" Flynn. But on Wednesday, February 15th, Trump strongly defended Flynn and, instead, pointed the finger of blame at the media...at the intelligence community...and at Democrats who Trump wrongly inferred are sore losers because Hillary Clinton isn't President.
At a news conference with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu... Trump - on Wednesday - put Flynn on a pedestal...instead of reiterating what his Press Secretary announced the day before...that due to an "eroding level of trust"...his National Security Adviser had to go. And remember...Sean Spicer speaks on behalf of Donald Trump.
Trump was emphatic when he responded to a reporter. "Michael Flynn, General Flynn is a wonderful man. I think he's been treated very very unfairly by the media - as I call it..."the fake media"...in many cases. And, I think it's really a sad thing that he was treated so badly. I think, in addition to that...from intelligence...papers are being leaked, things are being leaked. It's criminal action, criminal act. And it's been goin' on for a long time. Before me. But now it's really going on. And people are trying to cover-up for a terrible loss that the Democrats had under Hillary Clinton. I think it's very very unfair what's happened to General Flynn, the way he was treated and the documents and papers that were illegally - I stress that - illegally leaked. Very very unfair."
Throughout Campaign 2016, I labeled Donald Trump...egotistical...narcissistic... mentally unbalanced...and someone who did not have the temperament to sit behind The Oval Office desk. And not to pat myself on the back - as I am not the arrogant, conceited windbag that Trump is - but my observations about Trump were recognized and revealed in writing...long before most other journalists - and other Americans - were doing so. That being said...I was chastised early on...by many of my readers... and others I know personally...despite the fact that I was right on the money...and that I hit the nail on the head.
Donald Trump will never take responsibility for his mistakes - no matter what they are - but instead...he accuses others for his own missteps and blunders. Trump is not capable of admitting that he was wrong. In his mind...he never is. After all...in the past there was nobody who would ever risk their job in The Trump Organization... to tell "The Donald" that he was out of line...out of order...or that he just plain goofed. Trump was the boss...and if a person wanted to remain an employee at Trump Tower - or any other Trump property - one had to bow down, so to speak, to the mighty Donald Trump.
Trump is not used to answering to anyone. And I really don't think he...thought it through...when deciding to run for President. He's never had to have anyone, but himself...to sign-off on someone being hired. Others may have been delegated to perform such tasks, but I'm sure Trump had the final word...if he didn't want a person on board his corporate ship. Having a group of people who he hardly knows - the U.S. Senate - in a capacity to determine and ultimately conclude...who will be Trump's top associates - his Cabinet - is foreign to him. There are no confirmation hearings at Trump Tower. And I think Trump figured - that like his billionaire business career as a real estate mogul - whatever he said...would go. That the word of Donald Trump...was gospel.
It's time for Trump to end the chaos in The White House. It's time for Trump to respect people who are qualified to serve and to counsel him across the board. But Trump must be willing to take advice. He cannot run our country the way he ran his campaign. If he continues to do so, it will be the death of his Presidency...and a funeral of a nation.
Trump seems to be oblivious to the fact that the U.S. government is operated by three co-equal parts...and that the two chambers of Congress...plus the Supreme Court...can - at times - overrule him...or actually tell Trump...what to do.
So can Donald Trump handle that? I'm not so sure he can. As I wrote in my Monday, January 2nd commentary...I believe being President of the United States was merely an ambitious desire that Trump felt he needed to checkmark off his "bucket list." Accordingly...I think Trump is irrational enough...that he could wake up one morning and say to himself..."I don't need this crap." And it'll be back to New York City or Palm Beach, Florida in a proverbial heartbeat. And that day is coming. I can't tell you when...nor will I venture a guess, as it would be impossible to predict a timetable. But Trump's demeanor is such...that he must always be able to do...exactly what he wants to do...and when he wants to do it.
Sorry, Donald...but the United States of America is a democracy...not a dictatorship.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
IS TRUMP TODAY'S NIXON? LET'S HOPE NOT.
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On August 9th, 1974...following the resignation of President Richard Nixon... President Gerald Ford issued the following statement. "My fellow Americans...our long national nightmare is over." Will Americans have to suffer through another "long national nightmare" with Donald Trump?
I posted the aforementioned comment on Facebook on Tuesday morning, February 14th, 2017...and, at about the same time, I tweeted an abbreviated version of those remarks.
I am not going to take this column down the path of repetitiveness. From broadcast and cable news networks...to newspapers...to social media...our country has been deluged over the last day or so...about the resignation of retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as our National Security Adviser. I will, touch on certain elements, however. But first...I want to focus on Americans who - for whatever the reasons - believed that Hillary Clinton was worse for our country than Donald Trump.
We are perhaps headed for either the first impeachment, conviction and removal from office...or...the second resignation...of a President of the United States. Let's recollect back to 1972. If Richard Nixon had come forward after the Watergate break-in...and did not get involved in a cover-up...the looming threat of impeachment...would not have been hanging over Nixon's head...and he would not have been forced to resign.
Now...think about the shameful and dishonorable acts that have already ravaged Donald Trump and his Administration since taking office less than four weeks ago.
If Hillary Clinton was President...our nation would not have been infected with a "travel ban"...a "Muslim ban" executive order...that clearly violated the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It was an order that the courts have ruled against, as it discriminated people because of their religious beliefs and ethnicity.
If Hillary Clinton was President...she would not have selected Cabinet members... many of whom have been embroiled in controversy for years.
If Hillary Clinton was President...her National Security Adviser would not have been in bed - metaphorically speaking - with Russian President Vladimir Putin. And Americans - Democrats and Republicans alike - would not be asking the question that has been beaten to death over the last 24 hours...and, quite frankly, since before Election Day on November 8th, 2016. What did Donald Trump know...and when did he know it?
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer says Michael Flynn was asked by Trump to resign because of an "eroding level of trust." Let's face it. Flynn was not asked to resign. He was fired. And despite the fact that most Democrats - and others who did not vote for Trump - feel that he doesn't have an honest bone in his body...how can any intelligent individual...trust Trump? That also includes Republicans and others who supported his run for President.
After all...it has reportedly been confirmed that the Justice Department warned Donald Trump in late January that Flynn could be "vulnerable" to blackmail by the Russians. And that Trump has known for weeks that Flynn had not been upfront and on the level about his conversations with Russian officials. Therefore...Trump should never have kept Flynn in a position where he had access to top secret national security information...sitting in on meetings after Trump was fully aware that Flynn had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about discussions Flynn had with the Russian Ambassador...prior to January 20th...about Russian sanctions.
At the July 2016 Republican National Convention, General Flynn addressed the GOP delegates...and he - among others - wrongfully lambasted Hillary Clinton. Intertwined with hateful chants of "lock her up" by those on the convention floor...Flynn viciously attacked Mrs. Clinton. "We do not need a reckless President who believes SHE is above the law. Lock her up. That's right. Yes, that's right. Lock her up. I have called on Hillary Clinton to drop out of the race because SHE... SHE...put our nation's security at extremely high risk with her careless use of a private e-mail server. Lock her up. Lock her up. You guys are good. You're damn right. You're exactly right. There's nothing wrong with that. And you know why we're saying that? We're saying that because if I - a guy who knows this business - if I did a tenth...a tenth of what she did...I would be in jail today."
Flynn's hypothetical words about himself...may end up being his invitation to a prison cell.
All of the above raises eyebrows and demands truthful responses to the following questions.
Who else had contact with the Russians before the Presidential election and before Inauguration Day? Was Trump - or anyone in his campaign - in cahoots with Vladimir Putin and his Russian comrades...namely by illegally meddling in our election and the hacking of computers at the Democratic National Committee? Was there collusion with Russia to affect the outcome of our election...in an effort to sway enough American voters in to not voting for Hillary Clinton and, therefore, to prevent a victory for the former Secretary of State? And why did Trump not tell his own Vice President...of the Justice Department's alert...that Flynn could be the subject of Russian blackmail...until eleven days after Trump knew? Was Trump trying to conceal the damaging information because he believed Pence would have immediately wanted Flynn dismissed...due to the General lying to the Vice President's face...while Pence defended Flynn on national television?
America needs answers. It is essential that an independent investigation be conducted so that our nation can move forward.
There is a dark cloud hovering over Donald Trump...that is causing The White House to be blackened in controversy and scandal. With Democrats in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives calling for a probe in to ties between General Flynn and Russia...and possible ties between Trump and Putin...are Trump and some Republicans on Capitol Hill worried that if Flynn is subpoenaed to testify under oath before Congress...what beans will be spilled? Has Flynn's friendship with Trump been disintegrated...and, if so...will Flynn throw Trump under the bus? And should he do so...will we learn through irrefutable evidence...through positive proof...that Trump is an illegitimate President who must be evicted from The White House?
Regular readers of The Controversy may remember - in my Monday, February 6th, 2017 column, titled WOODWARD AND BERNSTEIN, WHERE ARE YOU?...I wrote..."What deep, dark secret about Donald Trump...is in the mind...or on the tip of the tongue... of Vladimir Putin? What is it that Putin knows...that Trump fears? Did Trump - at some point in the past - give some of his U.S. dollars...to benefit Putin's poisonous political ventures? Is this why Trump has never released his income tax returns to the American people?"
Prior to that, however...in my Friday, December 9th, 2016 commentary, titled TRUMP WON'T LAST 4 YEARS IN THE WHITE HOUSE...I stated..."It's quite possible that Donald Trump will be impeached or he will be forced to resign before the scheduled conclusion of his term of office. If 'The Donald's dirt' rises to the top - as I expect it might - the same Republicans who wrongfully shouted...'lock her up'... about Hillary Clinton...would undoubtedly then express similar sentiments...about Trump...as they yell even louder...'LOCK HIM UP.'" And as I later stated in the aforementioned February 6th editorial..."If Donald Trump continues to receive such strong negative reactions...such powerful opposition...from Republicans nationwide... he won't need to be afraid of Democrats calling for his impeachment and removal from office...it'll be his own Party who will eventually boot him out of The White House."
So how then does Donald Trump survive? He cannot be Richard Nixon. He cannot cover-up anything dealing with Vladimir Putin and the Russians. He must be totally transparent with absolutely everything concerning the election...concerning General Flynn...and concerning every non-classified bit of information that the American people deserve to know. If he continues to think he's the boss...as if he was still President of The Trump Organization...then his Presidency will sink so deep...that it...and he...will not recover. At that point...I don't think Donald Trump will be able to physically, mentally and emotionally handle such a tragic defeat. It would be a devastating loss to him if he had to undergo the pain of an impeachment process. So before any of that were to happen...a more likely scenario for Donald Trump would be...to throw in the towel...pick up his marbles...and go home to Trump Tower. And then...Americans on both sides of the aisle would need to pray...that Mike Pence would be better.
For the sake of our country though...for the sake of the nation that I love...I hope that..."Mr. Trump"...cleans house...dismisses certain inexperienced people in his inner circle...that he realizes he needs help from professional politicians who know what they're doing...and that he sits down with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi...in a valiant effort to be a bi-partisan President...for all Americans. America cannot handle another "long national nightmare." We in the United States must all come together if we are ever going to withstand the turbulence and turmoil of the last two years. But it will take a caring and compassion President to do that. And I don't know if Donald Trump has it in him to be that President. Prove me wrong, Donald.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
On August 9th, 1974...following the resignation of President Richard Nixon... President Gerald Ford issued the following statement. "My fellow Americans...our long national nightmare is over." Will Americans have to suffer through another "long national nightmare" with Donald Trump?
I posted the aforementioned comment on Facebook on Tuesday morning, February 14th, 2017...and, at about the same time, I tweeted an abbreviated version of those remarks.
I am not going to take this column down the path of repetitiveness. From broadcast and cable news networks...to newspapers...to social media...our country has been deluged over the last day or so...about the resignation of retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as our National Security Adviser. I will, touch on certain elements, however. But first...I want to focus on Americans who - for whatever the reasons - believed that Hillary Clinton was worse for our country than Donald Trump.
We are perhaps headed for either the first impeachment, conviction and removal from office...or...the second resignation...of a President of the United States. Let's recollect back to 1972. If Richard Nixon had come forward after the Watergate break-in...and did not get involved in a cover-up...the looming threat of impeachment...would not have been hanging over Nixon's head...and he would not have been forced to resign.
Now...think about the shameful and dishonorable acts that have already ravaged Donald Trump and his Administration since taking office less than four weeks ago.
If Hillary Clinton was President...our nation would not have been infected with a "travel ban"...a "Muslim ban" executive order...that clearly violated the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It was an order that the courts have ruled against, as it discriminated people because of their religious beliefs and ethnicity.
If Hillary Clinton was President...she would not have selected Cabinet members... many of whom have been embroiled in controversy for years.
If Hillary Clinton was President...her National Security Adviser would not have been in bed - metaphorically speaking - with Russian President Vladimir Putin. And Americans - Democrats and Republicans alike - would not be asking the question that has been beaten to death over the last 24 hours...and, quite frankly, since before Election Day on November 8th, 2016. What did Donald Trump know...and when did he know it?
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer says Michael Flynn was asked by Trump to resign because of an "eroding level of trust." Let's face it. Flynn was not asked to resign. He was fired. And despite the fact that most Democrats - and others who did not vote for Trump - feel that he doesn't have an honest bone in his body...how can any intelligent individual...trust Trump? That also includes Republicans and others who supported his run for President.
After all...it has reportedly been confirmed that the Justice Department warned Donald Trump in late January that Flynn could be "vulnerable" to blackmail by the Russians. And that Trump has known for weeks that Flynn had not been upfront and on the level about his conversations with Russian officials. Therefore...Trump should never have kept Flynn in a position where he had access to top secret national security information...sitting in on meetings after Trump was fully aware that Flynn had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about discussions Flynn had with the Russian Ambassador...prior to January 20th...about Russian sanctions.
At the July 2016 Republican National Convention, General Flynn addressed the GOP delegates...and he - among others - wrongfully lambasted Hillary Clinton. Intertwined with hateful chants of "lock her up" by those on the convention floor...Flynn viciously attacked Mrs. Clinton. "We do not need a reckless President who believes SHE is above the law. Lock her up. That's right. Yes, that's right. Lock her up. I have called on Hillary Clinton to drop out of the race because SHE... SHE...put our nation's security at extremely high risk with her careless use of a private e-mail server. Lock her up. Lock her up. You guys are good. You're damn right. You're exactly right. There's nothing wrong with that. And you know why we're saying that? We're saying that because if I - a guy who knows this business - if I did a tenth...a tenth of what she did...I would be in jail today."
Flynn's hypothetical words about himself...may end up being his invitation to a prison cell.
All of the above raises eyebrows and demands truthful responses to the following questions.
Who else had contact with the Russians before the Presidential election and before Inauguration Day? Was Trump - or anyone in his campaign - in cahoots with Vladimir Putin and his Russian comrades...namely by illegally meddling in our election and the hacking of computers at the Democratic National Committee? Was there collusion with Russia to affect the outcome of our election...in an effort to sway enough American voters in to not voting for Hillary Clinton and, therefore, to prevent a victory for the former Secretary of State? And why did Trump not tell his own Vice President...of the Justice Department's alert...that Flynn could be the subject of Russian blackmail...until eleven days after Trump knew? Was Trump trying to conceal the damaging information because he believed Pence would have immediately wanted Flynn dismissed...due to the General lying to the Vice President's face...while Pence defended Flynn on national television?
America needs answers. It is essential that an independent investigation be conducted so that our nation can move forward.
There is a dark cloud hovering over Donald Trump...that is causing The White House to be blackened in controversy and scandal. With Democrats in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives calling for a probe in to ties between General Flynn and Russia...and possible ties between Trump and Putin...are Trump and some Republicans on Capitol Hill worried that if Flynn is subpoenaed to testify under oath before Congress...what beans will be spilled? Has Flynn's friendship with Trump been disintegrated...and, if so...will Flynn throw Trump under the bus? And should he do so...will we learn through irrefutable evidence...through positive proof...that Trump is an illegitimate President who must be evicted from The White House?
Regular readers of The Controversy may remember - in my Monday, February 6th, 2017 column, titled WOODWARD AND BERNSTEIN, WHERE ARE YOU?...I wrote..."What deep, dark secret about Donald Trump...is in the mind...or on the tip of the tongue... of Vladimir Putin? What is it that Putin knows...that Trump fears? Did Trump - at some point in the past - give some of his U.S. dollars...to benefit Putin's poisonous political ventures? Is this why Trump has never released his income tax returns to the American people?"
Prior to that, however...in my Friday, December 9th, 2016 commentary, titled TRUMP WON'T LAST 4 YEARS IN THE WHITE HOUSE...I stated..."It's quite possible that Donald Trump will be impeached or he will be forced to resign before the scheduled conclusion of his term of office. If 'The Donald's dirt' rises to the top - as I expect it might - the same Republicans who wrongfully shouted...'lock her up'... about Hillary Clinton...would undoubtedly then express similar sentiments...about Trump...as they yell even louder...'LOCK HIM UP.'" And as I later stated in the aforementioned February 6th editorial..."If Donald Trump continues to receive such strong negative reactions...such powerful opposition...from Republicans nationwide... he won't need to be afraid of Democrats calling for his impeachment and removal from office...it'll be his own Party who will eventually boot him out of The White House."
So how then does Donald Trump survive? He cannot be Richard Nixon. He cannot cover-up anything dealing with Vladimir Putin and the Russians. He must be totally transparent with absolutely everything concerning the election...concerning General Flynn...and concerning every non-classified bit of information that the American people deserve to know. If he continues to think he's the boss...as if he was still President of The Trump Organization...then his Presidency will sink so deep...that it...and he...will not recover. At that point...I don't think Donald Trump will be able to physically, mentally and emotionally handle such a tragic defeat. It would be a devastating loss to him if he had to undergo the pain of an impeachment process. So before any of that were to happen...a more likely scenario for Donald Trump would be...to throw in the towel...pick up his marbles...and go home to Trump Tower. And then...Americans on both sides of the aisle would need to pray...that Mike Pence would be better.
For the sake of our country though...for the sake of the nation that I love...I hope that..."Mr. Trump"...cleans house...dismisses certain inexperienced people in his inner circle...that he realizes he needs help from professional politicians who know what they're doing...and that he sits down with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi...in a valiant effort to be a bi-partisan President...for all Americans. America cannot handle another "long national nightmare." We in the United States must all come together if we are ever going to withstand the turbulence and turmoil of the last two years. But it will take a caring and compassion President to do that. And I don't know if Donald Trump has it in him to be that President. Prove me wrong, Donald.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
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