The Death of One Man Despite the bungled response to the Covid-19 pandemic that contributed to an unjustifiable death toll, Donald Trump and his sycophants took a victory lap, declaring it was a job well done. To them, the horrific loss of life that could have been mitigated isn’t as vitally important as the stock… More
The Cult of Trumpism
Emotional or Rational Decision Making Salesmen, admen and con men all understand that their pitch has to appeal to the irrational, emotional part of the buyer. Some twelve years ago, a friend, Russell H. Granger, published The 7 Triggers to Yes, a how-to book for those who must persuade others to achieve success in their work. Backing… More
The Incompetent Narcissist
Narcissism After three plus years of listening to and watching Donald Trump, I know I’m not alone in concluding he’s an incompetent narcissist. It wasn’t so long ago that the word “narcissist” was used primarily by professionals like psychiatrists and psychoanalysts. But in the time of Trump, it’s a word that gets bandied about, and… More
Bernie, It’s Time to Withdraw
A majority of Democrats, independents and appalled Republicans agree Joe biden is best suited to defeat Donald Trump; Bernis Sanders
A Clear and Present Danger
Origin of the Phrase You might think the phrase, “A Clear and Present Danger” is only a movie title. But it’s not. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendel Holmes, Jr. coined the phrase in a famous opinion on freedom of speech. It defines an exception to First Amendment rights. He concluded that no one has a… More
The Dangerous Rise of Autocracy
The Worst Autocrats of the 20th Century An autocracy is a system of government controlled by one person with absolute power. Our founding fathers designed a unique form of democratic government with built-in safeguards that significantly distinguishes it from an autocracy. For example, countries with democratic governments are less likely to preemptively make war, but… More
Trump—Divides Americans, Unifies Enemies
A Dickensian Tale To paraphrase Charles Dickens: It was the most unifying of times, it was the most divisive of times; it was the epoch of unquestioning belief, it was the epoch of perpetual incredulity; it was the spring of blind faith, it was the winter of discerning despair. Donald John Trump, bankrupt real estate… More
WHITE SUPREMACISTS
Racism White supremacists are people who cling to the unfounded, self-admiring belief that being white makes them superior to every other human being. And that logic leads them to conclude they should have power over everyone else, their inferiors. All white supremacists are, by definition, racists. Being white-skinned has become membership in the white… More
Russia is Not Our Friend
Russia the Enemy—Not Friend A friend is an ally, someone who is on your side. But it goes deeper than that. A true friend is one who seeks to promote your happiness and prosperity. An enemy is someone hostile to you; one who works to harm you and your best interests. By any set of… More
Russia’s Useful Idiots
Origin of the Term Useful Idiots Vladimir Lenin, founder of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was a master of propaganda and manipulation. To spread communism worldwide, Lenin recognized the need to transparently support socialist movements in foreign countries, but clandestinely subvert their governments. He found he could exploit individuals who, wittingly or unwittingly… More