Trump being Trump

Lawrence O'Donnell has an MSNBC show which is called 'The Last Word.' Here's my last word on Mr. Trump. It is not said with malice, hate or contempt but rather as calmly and succinctly as I can make it. I don't think he or ANYONE else should ever become President of the United States of America when they have spent most of the last eight years saying that our current President was not a citizen of the country. That equates to saying he wasn't/should not have held the office. Simply put...that's wrong.

Election Advice

I actually have, what I think is some sound election advice, for anyone. Please don't measure your vote for anyone in any party based on one event, one moment in time or one statement. Cast your vote not because of party allegiance or who you think will win. Instead, be sure your vote is based on ones entire campaign, their entire story, and their entire history of service. That's it and nothing more.

Best and the Brightest

I grew up in a time where employers, my parents, educators and others I looked up to said that each career position should be filled by 'the best and brightest.' I believed it then and I still hold to this belief to this very day. When I fly overseas in a 767 I want a very experienced pilot. When I have foot surgery (I'm done with them now since I've had 7!!) I want a well trained surgeon. And we expect that our children will have the best and the brightest when they head to school and then off to college. That's as it should be! America is huge, diverse and it has many strengths and needs. The 320,000,000 citizens need that same experience when it comes to running our national government. Hillary Clinton has that surgical experience and talent and that's why she must be our next President. Dick

Mr. Trump - Just Call Me Irresponsible

To suggest that Secretary Clinton's ideas and policies with regard to the Middle East would start a World War III is irresponsible at best but, more importantly, Mr. Trump's comments are misleading, harmful and not in the best interests of America's National Security. No one, between Secretary Clinton and Mr. Trump, has a better idea of the importance of crafting thoughtful policy with regard to our safety and security than the Secretary. Her intelligence and ability to work with our various and multiple government agencies assures everyone she has what it takes. Some may not like her but when it comes to dealing with the Defense Dept., the NSA, the CIA, FBI and others she has the background, knowledge and respect of those in those agencies to get the job done in a competent fashion.

Mr. Trump's Claims

There is an age old slogan that goes something like this...'Just because someone says the sky is falling, doesn't mean it's falling.' That adage goes for a good number of Mr. Trump's many statements such as; the Mexicans will pay for the wall, the election is rigged, Hillary will take away your Second Amendment, "I know more about ISIS than the Generals, and so very many more. My take on Mr. Trump's claims...the sky isn't falling!!!

Rigged Election - Not so Fast Buddy!

The complaint of Mr. Trump over these past days that the election is 'rigged' defies logic and truth. On the matter of truth, one leading survey this past week noted that there were 31 incidents of fraud in the past 1,000,000,000 (yes, that is 1 billion) votes cast. Fraud you say? No, that simply isn't the case. In some states people have a hard enough time voting once let alone multiple times. On the matter of logic. Think about this... There are 50 states that have Attorney Generals. Likewise, there are literally hundreds upon hundreds of counties in America that have their own county clerks or attorney generals who are responsible for voting. Then there are thousands upon thousands of competent people who work at thousands and thousands of polling locations. All of these groups have their hands full with their responsibilities. They simply don't have the time, wherewithal, sophistication - let alone desire - to 'rig' the election. In fact, given the complexity of what I've mentioned, it's probably down right impossible! In short, there is NO proof or existence of 'rigging.'

Adios

My intent is starting this blog was to put forth the positions held by Secretary Clinton and Mr. Trump. Sadly, actually tragically, this Presidential Election is not centered on issues confronting us with respect to National Defense, Education, Agriculture, National Security, Labor, Interior, Climate Change and more. It is all about negativity, hate or hate filled statements, pot shots, personality, charm/lack of charm, innuendo, blather and name calling. Debates...what a joke. The two presidential debates aren't that at all and anyone who thinks they are is sadly mistaken. If two school children debated in the manner we've seen so far, their teachers would have given them a grade of F.. I lay much of the blame on the electorate and those who scream epitaphs, spew hatred, invoke divisive comments and think it is cute to mimic or criticize others (and yes I am well of aware of my criticism I'm currently leveling!) Wake up public and grow up. I will not put forth any additional blogs since facts, positions, policies and the like aren't part of this election or part of what too many Americans are focused on, even if they have some focus and that doesn't appear to be the case. All I have to say is good luck and good bye. Dick

An Overlooked Statement

I've said this before, too many pundits want to declare a winner and loser in presidential debates. This narrative sadly misses the point in a big way. Take the Sept. 26th debate between Secretary Clinton and Mr. Trump. At the very end of the debate Lester Holt asked each candidate if they would recognize their opponent should they win. First to answer this question was Secretary Clinton. She immediately said yes she would recognize the will of the people to select Mr. Trump if that is the outcome. When Mr. Trump was asked the same question he immediately said he will 'Make America Great Again' and talked further about himself. Lester had to ask Mr. Trump a SECOND time if he would recognize the Secretary if she won. Finally, he said yes. This tells you much about both candidates in my view. I'll leave it to you to think about this. Dick

This Takes the Cake!

There is much to detest in this election cycle particularly from Mr. Trump. He has disparaged the Khan Family, a U.S. judge, women, Mexicans, Syrian immigrants and his own Republican Party rivals. That's not a complete list of his distasteful comments...there are others. But just two days ago I believe Mr. Trump hit a new low when he said "Here's a woman she's supposed to fight all of these different things and she can't make it 15 feet to her car." As he made this hurtful comment he stumble a few steps at the public rally mocking Secretary Clinton. Has he NO decency!! When is the last time a major party politician, running for President, made such despicable public comments about his opponent. I have been alive since President Truman was our nation's President and I have never seen such crude behavior in my life. I don't care if a person is an independent, a Republican, a Democrat or a Communist. NO ONE in the United States of America should ever stoop so low!!

Debate Rigged?

Donald Trump now claims that the Monday Presidential Debate was 'rigged.' As a person who viewed the event I saw no evidence of such a 'rigging.' Just how it was specifically rigged, in the mind of Mr. Trump, is anyone's guess. Just because someone says something doesn't necessarily make it so. I know that Mr. Trump making these allegations fires up his supporters. But running for the Office of President of the United States is a much higher calling than making an allegation or an unfounded comment. I make it a point to watch many of Mr. Trump's rallies and I have noticed all sorts of comments that inflame, some of them that can be ignored but many that border on being harmful. Unless, and until, there is third party proof, of a 'rigging' Mr. Trump has to lay off. This isn't funny or appropriate anymore. Dick

Anger in the Election

Okay, so a good portion of Donald Trump's supporters are angry. Here's my question...What specifically are you angry about? I hear people say that they are upset 'with the direction of the country.' Okay, then tell me exactly what is wrong with the direction? Be honest here...please. Are you mad that Barack Obama is the President? Are you mad that you lost your job? Are you mad that gays and lesbians are out there and that they have rights? Are you mad that your rights have been infringed upon in some way(s) such as you suppose your Second Amendment rights have been stripped? Nothing for all of us, 100% of American's population, is ever the way we want it. And I have news for you; President Obama, President Lincoln, President Reagan, President Washington or any other person - alone - will ever solve all of our problems or take us back in time to what is termed 'the good ol days.' Dick

Too Long

No, the debate wasn't too long. For a country built on the future and optimism there has been far too much about negativity and it's been that way - in my view - at least for the past 15 years...ever since 9/11. Since then we've looked at too many people within our own society, and other countries, not as being different (for obvious reasons we all are) but wrong or simply the enemy. Since that fateful day too many have come to see the worst in our fellow man, those of certain occupations, certain faiths or different genders. One of the many keys to our ability to make progress and to look into the future with optimism was because we were tolerant. Tolerance use to be something we were all taught. We could tolerate many things, people and events because we knew in the end we would come out of it for the better. That quality of tolerance is lacking and it has been lacking for far too long. Dick

What Do You Want?

If you want bluster and bravado you have one candidate who did this. If you want a candidate who is prepared and knowledgeable then you got that. The answer to the question of 'What Do You Want?' is an important one but it necessitates that we add one critical element. The question is incomplete and should better focus on the following ideas. What Do we want from our President? What do we want our President to act like and represent us? What do we want our President to work on? These questions get more to the point of addressing how we move forward and will better inform the electorate. Based on last night, Secretary Clinton more fully answers these questions in a more thoughtful and fulfilling manner. Dick

The Presidency Bar

Some of the experts say that the bar for tonight's debate is different for Mr. Trump than Secretary Clinton. That my friends, is utter rubbish. The bar must necessarily be high for ANYONE who seeks to become President of the United States. YES, they must have common sense, an appreciation and understanding of our history, our common heritage and what binds us together. They must also know how government functions, how to best make it operate and they must find the right people to plug into these areas of our federal system. A person who will be our next president must have sound judgment, experience, and an appreciation for the many voices that must be part of the decisions that will impact us. A candidate to be President of the United States MUST be smart. Our President must not be divisive, pit groups against one another, or seek to divide base on ill advised words or actions. These are but a few of the attributes one needs to be the President of the United States and they ought to be part of the same bar, a high one, either of tonight's debaters seeks to climb.

Clinton - Trump Debate

I don't care who shows up in the audience for the debate and I don't care about the pre-debate punditry or the post-dabate analysis. All of this is window dressing for the most part. What I care about is hearing from each person with regard to; sound plans on the economy, wisdom regarding how to deal with national security and the safety of the homeland, policies with regard to the future of education in America, goals for moving our country ahead so that all Americans share in the bounty of our land, ideas on strengthening our ties to our allies and more. I'm not interested in who can slam who or who gets in the best line. I want someone who proves she/he can lead. Dick

Trumps 'Stop and Frisk'

I won't try to get in Mr. Trump's mind about his reasons for wanting to institute 'Stop and Frisk' in our inner cities. I will weigh in on some thoughts and concerns I have regarding his idea. For starters, using the above technique calls for police and law enforcement to engage in the practice if someone looks suspicious. Now what constitutes looking suspicious I ask you? To one officer a person may look 'suspicious,' to another that person may NOT look 'suspicious.' Will this be based on behavior, skin color, or some other form of profiling? In other words, it's a crap shoot. Good look with this one!! Also, if you are going to do engage in 'Stop and Frisk' why not simply go after everyone? That way you can avoid discriminating against a certain group. Again, a ridiculous idea. Finally, Mr. Trump might want to check with court rulings to see if the practice is banned. Oh, by the way Secretary Clinton is not a proponent of 'Stop and Frisk.'

Two Different Directions

The contrast in style, policies and themes couldn't be more different. It's been this way right from the beginning of this Presidential campaign. Secretary Clinton has talked about 'Making America Whole.' Mr. Trump's campaign says, 'Make America Great Again." It is clear that Secretary Clinton is posing the idea that the American Dream ought to include everyone, that the playing field should be made level and improved upon. Her call is for all Americans to be one, to act as one in order for each of us to have equal access to the abundance of America. For his part Mr. Trump wants to America to be great AGAIN. That asks the question, 'what time period is he referring to...50 years ago, 100 years ago, or at the time of the writing of the Constitution?' Because if you go back to some of those periods of time, there were many excluded from the American Dream and from the prospects of a better life. Excuse me, long ago once not necessarily 'the good ol days.' In my view, Secretary Clinton is wanting to improve and move forward while Mr. Trump is willing to go back in time. The choice couldn't be more stark and more defining. Dick

Clinton v. Trump

Why does it have to be this way!! This nonsense of politics - excuse me - trumping governing!! Frankly, we Americans have allowed this to happen. Politics has taken over governing. It has reduced what ought to be a real discussion over plans and policies to a scorched earth free for all. In my mind it is madness on steroids. It is clear that Secretary Clinton has articulated clear ideas and plans dealing with the economy, education, social issues, combating ISIS and other terrorist groups, providing significant child care ideas and much more. Her opponent simply wants to savage either her plans or condemn various groups. One final thought since patriotism also seems to be on the agenda. Patriotism is not merely flag waving, it involves sensible ideas for maintaining the quality of life of our citizens and protecting everything from our homeland to the individual rights enjoyed by one and all. Secretary Clinton will work hard to do just that.

YOUR and MY part in this Campaign

Yes, most of us who follow this particular election cycle are finding polls tightening. Well, we can fret about it or fret about it and DO something about it. I have a few ideas to share with you and, by the way, don't hesitate to contact me. FIRST, keep up with legitimate and credible sources of information. SECOND, donate to the Clinton campaign. THIRD, Contact the President, the Vice President, the Clinton Campaign and others to encourage them in any way that you can. For example, I have asked the Clinton Campaign to do visible night time rallies and to hit universities. FOURTH, Fight back with information and facts via social media or editorials in papers FIFTH, Go to WI., IA or MI to canvass or make phone calls SIXTH, share the information with others. For example, Newsweek has a great piece on Trump businesses. Thanks, Dick

A Few Simple Questions Sir

Dear Mr. Trump, I have a few questions for you, if I may. First, President Obama was once a Senator from the State of IL so what made you think that he wasn't a U.S. citizen at that time? Second, why did you perpetuate the 'birther' idea even after President Obama was elected and then provided a birth certificate? Third, after all of this time, why was it that you for the first time last Friday declared that Secretary Clinton starter the 'birther' idea? Fourth, perhaps most important of all, after all of these years of this 'birther' nonsense what made you change your mind? Dick

Now Hear This

We all hear what we want to hear. But is it the truth or is it something said that has little, perhaps, even no merit? Well such is the case with Mr. Trump saying that Secretary Clinton wants to 'take away your Second Amendment right.' Hear this...NO President has the Constitutional power to change ANY amendment!! An amendment can only be created or taken away by Congress and the states. PERIOD!! To take away the second amendment, or any other one, the following MUST take place. An amendment must be created to do so. So hear this... First, each chamber of the U.S. Govt (House and Senate) by a 2/3's vote in each, propose an amendment. Second, 2/3's of the states must vote for Congress to hold a Constitutional Convention Third, 3/4's of the states must approve of the amendment OR 3/4's of the states approve via ratifying conventions. Hear this, the President has NO hand in any of this!!

Trump Business Ventures

I have been trying to provide you with the records of Secretary Clinton and Mr. Trump. Secretary Clinton's resume and has been out for all to see from her time serving as the First Lady in Arkansas and the United States to her days in the U.S. Senate and in her as Secretary of State. Of course, Mr. Trump's experience in not in the governing sector; rather, it's in area of business. Rather than my trying to distill his background I thought I would provide you with a link in Newsweek magazine that far surpasses what I could provide. I hope it is of some benefit. This is from the current issue of Newsweek magazine. If the following link doesn't work then simply google 'Newsweek Trump' and illuminating story will appear. http://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/23/donald-trump-foreign-business-deals-national-security-498081.html-250k Dick

What Qualifies the Candidates

My good friend Harrison Bull and I were playing golf a couple days ago and the topic of the election came up, specifically what qualifies each to be President of the United States. In the past couple of days I have started to lay out some of the many specific achievements that qualify Secretary Clinton to serve in our nation's highest office. When it came to Mr. Trump, Harry had some thoughts on what qualifies Mr. Trump to serve. As Harry said, "Mr. Trump likes to talk about being an outsider." Added Harry, "he is always touting the fact that he isn't part of 'corrupt Washington.' In short, Harry's point is this..."Mr. Trump is qualified because he isn't qualified [in the normal sense]." This is a short blog to be certain but I don't think this simple point ought to be ignored. Secretary Clinton is qualified because she has served, her record is known, and she feels that experience matters. To listen to Mr. Trump one cannot help but think he feels he is qualified because, as he acknowledges either explicitly or implicitly, he isn't. Dick

Deplorables - Secretary Clinton and Mr. Trump

I will be clear at the outset...I do not agree that Secretary Clinton should have said that some of the supporters of Trump are 'deplorables.' Having said this I don't want to skirt the issue of 'deplorable.' What I find most disturbing is the fact that Mr. Trump continues to engage in using language and ideas that are deplorable. Mr. Trump proudly proclaims 'beat the crap out of him.' Secretary Clinton has never invoked such language. Mr. Trump has called Mexicans 'rapists and criminals.' You haven't heard that from Secretary Clinton. And about our military Mr. Trump boasts that our 'generals have been reduced to rubble.' No such vile language about our generals has come from the lips of Secretary Clinton. Mr. Trump in commenting on NATO said, 'We don't really NATO in its current form.' Secretary Clinton would never make such damaging claims. And on deal with terrorists Mr. Trump said 'waterboarding is fine.' To Secretary Clinton waterboarding is not fine nor would she ever allow it. This gives you a better sense of who has acted and spoken in a deplorable manner. Dick

Senator Clinton's days as NY Senator

Too often we fail to take into account what people have accomplished in their lives. In the case of Secretary Clinton she was not only a First Lady to President Clinton in Arkansas and the United States but she also served nearly two terms as a Senator from New York (Jan. 2001 to Jan. 21, 2009). Her accomplishments are many and she tirelessly in a number of arenas. She was instrumental not only in procuring funding to deal with respiratory ailments as a result of 9/11 but her's was a critical voice in securing $21.4 billion for the World Trade Center sit redevelopment. She cast an 'aye' for the $14 billion emergency bailout of the automobile industry. It is clear this has significantly helped the U.S. auto industry to rebound from the recession of 2007-08. Many think that Ms. Clinton is eager to sign off on trade deals that may harm industry in America. In fact, Secretary Clinton vote against CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement) and is also opposed to the TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership). Dick

Secretary Clinton's work with Children

Plenty of politicians and non-government types are always talking about 'leaving the world a better place for their children and grandchildren.' And that's just fine. There is little question about the fact that Secretary Clinton has spent a good portion of her life working on this issue and leaving behind a stellar legacy of supporting America's young. While at Yale Secretary Clinton undertook postgraduate study on children and medicine at the Yale Child Study Center. Secretary Clinton then, as a staff attorney, worked for the Children's Defense Fund in Cambridge, MA. The Secretary then became a consultant to the Carnegie Council on Children. While First Lady to Governor Bill Clinton of Arkansas, in 1977, Secretary Clinton co-founded the agency called Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. During the years in the White House, in both 1997 and 1999, Secretary Clinton help to create the State Children's Insurance Program. This critical state and federal program provides critical health insurance to uninsured children. The above are but a sampling of the many ways Secretary Clinton has made a difference in the lives of the children of the United States. Dick

The Clinton Foundation

Much is made of the Clinton Foundation; what they do, how they are ranked in terms of their effectiveness and the like. So, I got into a couple of watchdog websites that specialize in ranking groups like the Clinton Foundation, the March of Dimes and the Red Cross. The Charity Navigator ranks the above groups on a 4 four star basis (four being the highest) The March of Dimes earns 2 stars out of 4, the Clinton Foundation earns 4 stars out of 4, and the Red Cross earns 3 out of 4. Charity Watch grades these three foundations on a letter basis (A being the highest). The March of Dimes earns an A-, the Clinton Foundation earns an A and the Red Cross earns an A-. I think it is well worth paying attention to how the Clinton Foundation is performing. Dick

Some Perspective

In this era of frenzy it seems that some polite and accurate discourse can often be lacking. At the same time it appears that sincere empathy for others is hard to come by. The bout of pneumonia that Secretary Clinton has right now is all part of the hyperbolic. Look, anyone, anyone, can contract a cold, the flu or a bout of pneumonia. Mr. Trump, Secretary Clinton, you or your friends or family members may come down with any of these illnesses. Rather than proclaim the sky is falling or that an individual is somehow unfit, it might be worth simply saying that we hope one feels better and that they get the proper care. It doesn't matter who gets ill, we'd all be better off by wishing them the very best and forget the criticisms or other allegations. Dick

Did you Know?

There is certainly a difference of opinion with regard to education between Mr. Trump and Secretary Clinton. Mr. Trump has said he favors abolishing the Dept. of Education. Secretary Clinton does not want to do any such thing. One may have certain feelings about the Dept. of Education but there are many great reasons to maintain the Dept. of Ed. For one, there is already a growing crisis in terms of attracting and maintaining high quality teachers in the profession. The Dept. of Education has a significant role to play in this regard. Without the Dept. of Education just think what would happen to Title 1, Title 9 and other crucial support of vital programs in our schools. In short important programs may die unless money continues to flow from this agency. Finally, public education is under assault in some corners over funding, budgets, 'choice' and more. The Dept. of Education is one of the last bastions of support to maintain the idea of 'public education for all.' All of the above are reasons to support Secretary Clinton and her desire to maintain the Dept. of Education. Dick

Clinton's Tireless Efforts on 9/11

No one, absolutely no one can fault Secretary Clinton, at that time Senator Clinton, for her work in dealing with the horrific aftermath of 9/11. Don't take my word for it...this is what others had to say!! Ben Chevat, Executive Director of 9/11 Health Watch, said "It took Clinton to put a spotlight on the issue [respiratory diseases and cancers] and change the frame." Within weeks she had helped secure $12 million for a pilot project at Mount Sinai hospital, creening some 9,000 workers. On 9/11 Peter Gorman was president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Assn. of NYC and he had this to say, "She [Senator Clinton] would call me on my cellphone to ask how I was doing, how my members were doing." He went on, "One time I was pumping gas at a Texaco station, it was Christmas Eve, and she wanted to know how things were going. When a senator calls someone on my level, that's impressive." This summer Rudy Giuliani, Mayor of NYC at the time of 9/11, said she was "enormously supportive and helpful." He added, Clinton "has a right to tell people that she worked hard on behalf of the 9/11 families." There you have it!! Dick