The Weather, The Climate, The Truth

We have a unique situation in the United States -- our political climate does not allow most Americans the opportunity to read, study and research "the truth" about climate (as in "weather")  change. Government reports are now routinely held "under wraps" if they disagree with the imagined truth of the Republican Conservative Party. Our President lists himself among these devotees of non-scientific posturing.

That means that Hurricane Harvey (according to current Texas law enacted recently) cannot be "linked to" any wording suggesting climate change caused by human activity. Not only does this law deny the scientific truth -- it flies in the face of universal observations and a world of verifiable research. Texas has had 3x500-year floods caused by extreme storms -- all in the past three years. The coastal plain from Port Charles to Corpus Christi has flooded each time, in spite of  frantic and desperate local efforts to forestall this process.

We are too arrogant or foolish to learn from countries like Holland and Italy -- as they created their own solutions to flooding in medieval Amsterdam and current-day Venice. Individual areas such as Miami, Florida and the Greater NYC area are studying what was done in Amsterdam and are just beginning to apply that thinking (and that technology0 -- to saving parts of the Florida coast.

America's biggest "holdbacks" are our leaders -- who debunk science rather than notice the waters rising around their ankles. Maybe we should have let Trump Tower NY take on water during Hurricane Sandy -- that might have brought the lessons of change "home" to our current leaders.

Trump Will Be Impeached

If the Republicans can ever get over their own "agenda selfishness" and assert their moral courage over issues within the Constitution of the United States -- they will impeach Donald J. Trump. Violation of the "emoluments clause" for starters; then the Russian collusion to "fix" the election; and then perhaps some new scandal that is only in the Mueller group's archives at the moment. Circumstantial evidence is never completely enough to charge a President -- but in this case the pattern of abuse is certainly there and fits in with Trump's pattern of disrespect for law and civility during the campaign.

Why did Trump choose to belittle and besmirch his Republican opponents during the 2016 campaign -- because he knew his own base found such bullying amusing and wonderfully disruptive. A certain element of the Trump base just wanted to "blow up" the status quo -- and see what happens. Another segment thought they had found a kindred racist, white supremacist colleague. Maybe, just maybe; both groups are right. Trump has certainly "blown up" the status quo!  He now regularly belittles and besmirches his own Republican legislative colleagues, and even his own appointed Cabinet members.
And American goes on, in spite of Trump.

If the Republicans don't finally impeach Trump -- then we will have three more years of this. If they do impeach him -- the situation may become even worse. Thanks to Trump -- the situation can only have a "bad outcome" for America.

Tests for Trump

Happening now: perhaps the most destructive (in dollars) storm in history hits Texas, and then Louisiana, and then hundreds of thousands of Americans are left to pick up the pieces, redo the houses, obtain new vehicles, and put their lives back together. Insurance companies help their customers but sadly inform them about coverage shortfalls. The government via FEMA (and Congress, and our tax dollars) step in to help -- but bureaucracy stifles quick recovery.

And just as with Hurricane Sandy -- thousands upon thousands of people mourn the lack of real application(s) in their own government programs. Yes, thousands will be helped. But many will be helped slowly, or perhaps not at all. And Trump will take credit -- but only for the successes; the failures will be left for others take responsibility for.

Meanwhile North Korea continues to cramp Trump's style -- and egg him on into doing something. And Trump's own cabinet members  distance themselves from his "even-handed" racially-suspect attitudes. How dare they resist the Trump moral structure!  How dare they claim that "transgender people ... are people too!"  How dare they!!

Americans "dare" because we can think for ourselves; because most of us have a moral compass ... a sense of right and wrong ... a sense of fairness and compassion.

It is up to you, gentle reader, to choose what YOU believe in; the path that you will follow.

As for me -- whether you care for my thoughts, or not -- I will continue to "resist!"

Trump as a Watchdog against the Wolves of Government/the Press/ Fake News/ Liberals

Donald J. Trump is a "performer" -- through his business career and through his relatively brief tv career:  he has shown a flair for the dramatic ("you're fired!"), a relentless reliance on being the outlier in any argument, a strong sense of victimology ("hit back harder than you have been hit"), and a total disregard for historical fact, tradition, and fair play. It is what he is: a mostly uneducated Wharton School of Business graduate with an exaggerated sense of his own knowledge and understanding.

Some will say the above is a useless "rant" and all that stands between us and our own victimization is Trump as a "truth teller." I don't believe that -- my "personal experience" (first person, up close, in the same courtroom) tells me that Trump is a "fake." He is a used car salesman "gone big" just like his Dad and Ray Cohn were.  Making equivocal statements to shore up his "base" of mostly base voters is not telling the truth -- it is "spinning" events to make himself look good (real fake news).

His techniques as an actor/politician are not as benign as Reagan's were. Trump is neither a statesman nor a visionary as Reagan was. Trump's agenda is an America without governance -- whose businesses (citizens) are then unrestricted to do as they please. He is a laissez faire capitalist -- and he doesn't know or care much about other important disciplines: the role of government, the role of people, the role of truth.

Ronald Reagan was almost our greatest President -- except for the Neo-Con predilection of his followers for war and power.  I met Ronald Reagan in 1985 when I received an arts award in the Rose Garden of the White House. At that point I saw Reagan's great confusion doing simple things (he was "handled all through the ceremony") and knew something was wrong with his health. I still remember turning to the man next to me among the award recipients and saying "I bet we won't be seeing him hosting the ceremonial dinner for us at Georgetown tonight." It turned out I was correct --- William Bennett took his place. But at least Ronald Reagan knew how to govern without malfeasance nor malevolence.

This Rose Garden  event took place two years before I met Mr. Trump personally and then two years later watched my business partner file lawsuits against him for  "corrupt business practices."

Trump is not a "watchdog" -- he is a wolf, a lone wolf -- who eventually will witness his own end by the many wolf packs out there, or by chewing his own tail off when he finally trapped by his own fabrications. His Presidency is a lost cause.


I urges "continued resistance."

Who Is Reading This Blog

Several people now have asked me why I write my blog(s) -- yep, this is only one of them. For me the reason is clear. This blog gives me an opportunity to "clear my mind" -- elucidate and clarify my own thinking -- and come to conclusions based on my own experiences. Now, my experience is not your experience -- and you may disagree with me. That's fine.

"Oh well, what the hell" -- as my Dad used to say in our family bar. I am not trying to proselytize my readers, or even persuade anyone. I am just speaking my mind based on what I know to be factual, from my own "direct" experience.

In the past year I have had a lot to say about our new President -- those thoughts are not made up, they are based on real experiences with the man: in New Jersey (his Taj Mahal efforts in the 1980's and 90's which continue to this day), in a courtroom (where my "business partner" sued Trump, his business partner -- as did so many many others, for breach of contract, etc.); and at campaign rallies during the election of 2016. Trump is a businessman -- and in own opinion, not a very good one.

Except for his golf courses, and his new push to earn money off our government and foreign policy; a significant number of his projects have resulted in failure. And lawsuits, lots of lawsuits. According to the files of "lexis nexis" some 3500 lawsuits are filed for and against Trump the individual, Trump Enterprises, Trump Entertainment Enterprises, and other Trump companies. About a third of those law suits date back only through his election as President.

The rest of the lawsuits both for and against Trump (suit, counter-suit) are about his business "deals."
And many of them detail the hardships he and his companies have dealt to others: workers, vendors, county/city governments, and others. Do the research yourself  -- I was there to see some of it.

And that's why I continue to "resist."

From Winning to Losing

President Trump may be the first American President to turn his campaign "win" into a presidential "loss." His speech in Phoenix last night was an unfortunate campaign rally speech set in a climate that should be trying to make progress governing the country.

By rehashing tired rhetoric about fake news, the NYT, the Washington Post, CNN, John McCain, the Republican Senate (and its leaders) -- Trump has, once again, undercut his own potential effectiveness as President (and World Leader). Many in the government are realistically worried about Trump's mental health and human stability. Is the Presidency a "game" for Trump? Something to "win" but then "not play anymore?

Who is the "loser" if Trump fails as President? We all are. He is, unfortunately, our current sitting President. Whether he is actually up to the job of being a President -- I am unsure. Would Hillary have been a better President? Who care? Life has passed her by on that count.

Recently I was challenged by someone I hope will be a "close friend" --- about Trump -- and my views in this blog. My views are what they are -- because I have participated in his campaign, and didn't like what I experienced. I have also "known" and "known about" Trump from his dealings building gaming casinos in New Jersey. I have seen Trump in action making speeches about all he was going to do to "bring jobs" to the Jersey shore. Ask those hundreds of individuals, vendors, small businessmen, jobbers, and employees what they think of Trump and Trump Enterprises now. I could tell you "true stories." But this is not the time, nor the place.

Continue to Resist!!!

For My Friend Hilary McIndoo

Don't be afraid -- I am an honorable man. Don't be afraid -- I am a gentle-man. Understand that I am a moral person who lives to include another person's morality within my one. Understand that I am a tactile, compassionate, and loving person -- in spite of my mind. Understand that I don't wish to control you (that would be impossible anyway) but only to "be with you."

I think I understand you about some things -- but not everything. I live by the rules of : tolerance, respect, doing as much good as I can, love, and sharing when I can.

"First, do no harm" is another "rule of life" that I live by. I have always been thus, even when you were a gentle sixteen and I was in my 20's.  I used to be a well-versed over-educated Catholic "boy" -- but now I am a Ko-Shinto Buddhist "man." What does that mean? All of the above without any ritual(s) or bureaucracy.

I follow "the way" of life  -- life as a journey towards ... whatever comes next. I believe in God; though I don't know what he/she is, what he/she looks like, how he/she is involved day-to-day with the universe.

In practical terms my "proposition" to you is just to relax -- and get to know me. If you have time, come and visit me (don't let money or lack thereof stand in your way). Be open and I will be too.

To pre-answer your possible questions: there is no "romantic interest" in my life right now. There has only been one since She's death in 2006, and that was a fluke (that saved my life), and led to all the other good things that have happened since. She is now (for some time)  married to a long-time boyfriend (yes, there is a story there -- and a good one -- and you need to hear it someday.)

As to you -- you are a beautiful person, a beautiful woman, a strong friend. I don't want to change you or push you into a groove of "wifey lifestyle thinking."

Remember I know your brain in many ways -- through your extraordinary scripts, through your contact with Ella, and through your work. I have seen you -- I have even seen you as the respectful and careful host. We have swapped some personal family tidbits. But each of us has more to share; of that I am sure.

As to the world at large and Trump in general: continue to resist until the nightmare of "him" is over!

Time to Go

Donald J. Trump should resign! He has been the most awkward, ignorant, and arrogant sitting President in the history of that office.

He has disgraced himself, American values, and our country as a whole time and time again in just six short months in office. He has brought forth his many opinions in a variety of executive orders, only to be rebuffed by his own party and the Congress as a whole. His "republican agenda" reeks of self-interest, capitalist amorality, and outright nepotistic "values" which he attempts to portray as common sense.

His family should urge him to leave office and go back to his money-grubbing business "empire." I believe if he does not resign, eventually he will be impeached -- but only if the stubborn republican establishment can find enough moral courage to do so. They too are complicit in his downward spiral.

Resist; resist; continue to resist!!!

Trump Should Not Be President

Threatening North Korea, off the cuff, is just one more reason why Trump should not be President.
He is NOT the grownup in the room; in any room. He is a fool with no filter.

He is an ignorant man, with only the most limited kind of knowledge about things. He responds on  impulse, without understanding either consequences or connections. He has no soul (of course) but odds are good that his brain is not working correctly as well. He needs to abdicate -- now.

Resist; resist; resist!