From Bankruptcy to the Presidency Donald Trump claims to have brilliant business acumen, but anyone who’s watched his career knows this isn’t borne out by the facts. His father started him out with a nest egg of $400 million—passed on to him in questionable tax-free transactions—and since then, Donald has driven a long string of… 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
No Wizard, No Brain, No Heart and No Courage
The Wizard of Oz Many people have compared Donald Trump to the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz. Both are self-promoting, grandiose charlatans, who present themselves as saviors when, in fact, they are just chubby weak men hiding behind a facade. If I were in the film business, I think a retelling starring Donald Trump… 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
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
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
Trump—More than an Embarrassment
Actions lead to major security risk Donald Trump isn’t capable of self-reflection and feeling shame, so he isn’t embarrassed by his behavior. But when he was elected President, he became more than an embarrassment to the United States. He has upended global alliances, shown disdain for the environment and actively destroyed gains we’ve made. His… More
Inspiration for Hatred, Racism and Antisemitism
Trump—An Inspiration for Hatred Long before Donald Trump occupied the Oval Office, he was an inspiration for hatred and racism. Initially, his targets were people of color; then Mexicans, then Muslims. Being an equal opportunity racist, the President has added antisemitism to his arsenal. Now everyone among his base of white supremacist and Neo Nazi… More
Gun Safety Now!
Moscow Mitch and Gun Safety An overwhelming majority of Americans favor adopting certain gun safety laws now. Congressional Republicans sit on their hands, while Senate Majority Leader “Moscow Mitch” McConnell ignores legislation passed by the House. So we must ask why? What is it about gun safety or gun control that makes “Moscow Mitch” and… More