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Critics of Trump Get Blunt and Blunter

I try to avoid name-calling and personal attacks on this site, even when it comes to my opinion of public figures. With Donald Trump, it's hard, because most words that come to mind when I think of him are not words that I would publicly write.

Some critics don't self-restrict. Here's Richard Cohen in the Washington Post -- the first paragraph says it all. The rest is on admittedly unlikely scenarios of how to remove him from office.

But at the end, even Cohen retains some hope that at least part of the Trump disaster will be avoided because a few of his cabinet picks are "good people." [Really? Who?] [More...]

I believe Trump will be every bit as much of a disaster as President as his critics fear. I don't want his cabinet to rein him in, I want them to let him fall flat on his face in front of the world, which I believe is inevitable at some point during the next four years. As Bob Dylan wrote and sang, "But even the president of the United States sometimes must have to stand naked."

Whether he is officially removed from office or not, I believe his election will go down in the annals of history as the biggest American blunder of the 21st century.

This thread is open to all things Trump-related, I don't care to write about him any more than necessary.

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    I think Cohen's (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 01:50:22 PM EST
    description of Priebus as a "moral eunuch" could best be used to describe the entire GOP. I agree his cabinet selections are as odious as he is. The GOP is going to do nothing about Trump and we are going to be stuck with him for four years even if he completely falls on his face. The GOP is too cowardly to do anything else.

    I am amazed at how (5.00 / 3) (#2)
    by MKS on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 01:55:50 PM EST
    high a price the GOP is willing to pay to support this guy.

    The GOP is willing to give Putin the Ukraine and the dismantling of the EU and NATO.  Astonishing turn of events from the days of "robust" foreign policy.

    Family values?  What a joke the GOP has become on this.

    No, puppet, no puppet, (5.00 / 2) (#6)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 02:16:38 PM EST
    you're the puppet.  

    Parent
    B Street Band withdraws from Inaugural Ball (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by vml68 on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 01:56:07 PM EST
    I think the... (5.00 / 5) (#4)
    by kdog on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 02:05:20 PM EST
    Pee Street Band might be available ;)

    Parent
    There's always the C Street band (none / 0) (#11)
    by jondee on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 02:54:38 PM EST
    there's also a local Styx tribute band around here that's expressed some interest in playing if the Repubs are open to it.

    Parent
    When a TRIBUTE BAND (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by Repack Rider on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 02:22:16 PM EST
    ...that no one has ever even heard of, pulls out of the biggest gig they are ever likely to get...

    We're down to Ted Nugent and Mike Huckabee backing up Kid Rock.

    Parent

    Don't forget Chachi. (none / 0) (#8)
    by vml68 on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 02:45:38 PM EST
    The Boys are out tonight.

    My deepest apologies for assaulting your ears.

    Parent
    Even tribute bands (none / 0) (#39)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 09:36:30 AM EST
    are being driven out of work. The "tolerant" left is just fun to watch.

    Parent
    And (5.00 / 2) (#48)
    by FlJoe on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 10:52:34 AM EST
    watching the anti-PC right getting there Fee-Fees hurt(bigly)is even funner.

    Parent
    This one always cracks me up (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by Yman on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 11:00:37 AM EST
    Accusing the Left of hypocrisy because they speak out against intolerance.

    Being in favor of tolerance does not mean you have to remain silent in the face of intolerance,  or "tolerate" everything.

    Parent

    We are quite (none / 0) (#45)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 10:33:29 AM EST
    aware of the lectures from conservatives about how we need to be tolerant towards the Neo Nazis.

    Parent
    That's right (none / 0) (#47)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 10:50:35 AM EST
    Not fascist tolerant

    Parent
    It's fun to watch you guys (none / 0) (#65)
    by jondee on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 04:20:41 PM EST
    not have the guts to stand on your principals.

    Not unless you're facing down some old hippies with a gun in each hand.

    Parent

    It was only the "Garden State Inaugural (none / 0) (#49)
    by Peter G on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 10:57:21 AM EST
    Gala" that they pulled out of, a New Jersey event it seems, not the official inaugural itself.

    Parent
    I like that they did not want to show (5.00 / 3) (#14)
    by ruffian on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 03:48:22 PM EST
    disrespect to Bruce Springsteen. They know who's really The Boss.

    Parent
    Seriously (none / 0) (#5)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 02:14:30 PM EST
    is he just going to have a couple of singers and that is it?

    Judging by Facebook this is all causing a meltdown among conservatives. They can't believe that no one would want to play at Donald's inauguration whereas I can't imagine anybody that would except a cover band. I understand Donald is paying Flo Rida a million dollars to play.

    Parent

    Blunt and Blunter. (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 02:49:22 PM EST
    Paul Krugman (NYTimes, Jan 16) "...Let's ask if Mr. Lewis was right to say what he did.  Is it OK, morally and politically, to declare the man about to move into the White House illegitimate?  Yes, it is. In fact it's an act of patriotism."

      .."no, we should not get into the habit of delegitimizing election results we don't like, but this time really is exceptional and needs to be treated as such." "... So let's be thankful that John Lewis had the courage to speak out. It was the patriotic, heroic thing to do.  And, America needs that kind of heroism, now more than ever."

    this is the thing (5.00 / 2) (#56)
    by nyjets on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 02:23:34 PM EST
    If you hate Trump, fine. He will probable be a bad president.
    However, you can in no way call him illegitimate or un-president.
    Based on the rules of the constitution, he won fair and square. He is the president. One way or another you are going to have to work with him, or impede him from carrying out policy you do not like or believe will harm the country. But stamping your foot and pretending he is not president is silly.

    Lastly boycotting the inaugration is a person right. However, I question how much good it will actually do

    Parent

    I gotta give it to you people (5.00 / 3) (#68)
    by vicndabx on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 05:00:47 PM EST
    for the last 8 years, conservatives have said all kinds of foul schitt about the 44th and were all like free speech, patriotism, etc.  The one thing you guys do well is team.  

    Time and time again, we saw this president smile through all kinds of disrespect never seen before.  We put up w/all your criticisms and blocking of progress and yet we still managed to move the ball forward.  Now that the shoe is on the other foot, you want us to not use harsh words, and respect the office.  Fk that, too bad bruh, that ship sailed a long time ago.

    Maybe conservatives will choose their words more wisely in the future.  Or don't.  Either way, grow up, be an adult and don't let the mean words get to you, eh?  Soldier on with the same tired policy rehashes you guys can't let go of.  Let us prove for the umpteenth time that they don't work.

    I can call the president-elect anything I want as long as I'm not advocating violence against him - which I don't.  IMO, he's an illegitimate pawn of a foreign power in hock to too many people beyond the citizens he's supposed to be responsible to.

    Personally, I want him to suck big time, do as little as possible and stay the full four years so we can boot him and his team's a$$ outta here in 2020.

    Parent

    I'm with you, Vic. (5.00 / 2) (#73)
    by caseyOR on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 07:03:52 PM EST
    As the saying goes, " Politics ain't bean bag."  

    Trump's entire campaign was built around insults, lies and thinly-veiled calls for violence. His political star began its ascent with his unrelenting birtherism yapping. His continued use of insults and lies, often via Twitter, continue unabated.

    Which brings us to another old saying, " if you can't take it, don't dish it out."

    One of the worst things we can do is to contribute in any way to the normalization of Trump as president.

    Parent

    That's right! (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 07:45:55 PM EST
    And if anyone in the House or Senate boycotts the inaugural and wants to declare the father of birtherism illegimate I don't GAF!!!!

    All you talking heads explaining over and over again that the father of birtherism is legitimate can save your breath. I don't GAF!

    Parent

    I think you misunderstand (none / 0) (#78)
    by nyjets on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 08:09:14 PM EST
    Calling him illegitimate in inaccurate.
    He won the electoral college fair and square (yes the electoral college stinks, I agree with that).
    Therefore he is the legitimate president.
    Of course, he will probable be an incompetent legitimate president.

    (and I am not advocating people should be arrested for calling him illegitimate.)

    Parent

    I think you misunderstand (5.00 / 3) (#92)
    by KeysDan on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 01:20:54 PM EST
    the consideration being given to Trump as not being legitimate. The usage regards a value whereby Trump's election is not fully recognized and accepted as right and proper--the normative and regular status of authority.

     This impression of "illegitimacy" is rooted in the popular vote, the Russian interference, Comey's intervention, and, last, but not least, the Trump campaign of divisiveness and rancor, racial resentment, misogyny, ignorance, bigotry and calls for jailing and assassination of a political opponent,

     This popular usage does not deny the technical and legal fact that Trump won the electoral college, the ultimate system that determines the outcome. The expression of illegitimate is not based on concerns that Trump also lost the electoral college and is assuming the presidency anyway. Think of the "Rolex" being hawked by the sidewalk vendor for $50.  It is a legally a watch, but it isn't legit.

    Parent

    Then Use A Different Word Than Legitimate (3.00 / 2) (#101)
    by RickyJim on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 06:49:18 PM EST
    le·git·i·mate
    adjective
    ləˈjidəmət/
    1.
    conforming to the law or to rules.
    "his claims to legitimate authority"
    synonyms:    legal, lawful, licit, legalized, authorized, permitted, permissible, allowable, allowed, admissible, sanctioned, approved, licensed, statutory, constitutional;


    Parent
    Or, just go right on using "legitimate" (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by Yman on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 08:28:40 PM EST
    6.  not spurious or unjustified; genuine:
    It was a legitimate complaint.

    7. of the normal or regular type or kind

    .

    ... and count it as a bonus that it pi$$es them off.

    Parent

    Given (none / 0) (#59)
    by FlJoe on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 03:27:15 PM EST
    that John Lewis skipped GWB's inauguration and a apparently forgot about it, skipping it is indeed a nothingburger. (May the record show that Lewis' action in 2001 did absolutely nothing to "impede" the Bush administration).

    The whole illegitimate thing should fall into the no harm no foul category, after all Trump spent years trying to delegitimize  Obama's presidency and paid absolutely zero penalty for it. If the refs are going to call it that way, you got to play it that way

    I have been of two minds about Lewis' statement, my first was oh no, the howling hypocrites will milk this one dry(as the are) then I looked at it as more of a needed marker laid down for the millions of Americans who feel the same way(for several different but valid reasons).

    Now I say let the howlers howl, lay down that marker for us, nobody is trying to "pretend" that Trump is not going to be the president, but I for one will be stamping my feet proclaiming he is not my president.

    Parent

    I prefer (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 03:43:44 PM EST
    to refer to Trump as the popular vote loser minority president. The truth of the matter is the country is under minority government control right now. And it's a minority that will not heed to what the majority of voters want. Nothing but a recipe for disaster for the country.

    Parent
    Heroism? (4.00 / 4) (#13)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 03:45:58 PM EST

    LOL.  It takes no heroics whatsoever to call any Republican illegitimate.  The only price Lewis is likely to suffer is perhaps a dislocated spine from all of the pats on the back from adoring fans.

    Parent
    "LOL"? (4.00 / 4) (#20)
    by Yman on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 05:00:40 PM EST
    Yeah - what could go wrong when you have rabid Trump supporters get angry?

    But claiming this is because he's a Republican is funny.

    Parent

    How about I don't GAF? (none / 0) (#76)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 07:47:47 PM EST
    Donald Trump earns no dog or principle in this fight.

    Parent
    ."no, we should not get into the habit..... (1.00 / 5) (#16)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 03:57:33 PM EST
    But that's exactly what you are doing.

    This time it's nasty words and elected representatives refusing to attend the inauguration and Gollywood Nothings who think they actually matter in the grand scheme of things and blogs filled with nasty comments.

    And no, the insults don't bother me. I have, and had, no problem,insulting Obama because I think he has been the worst President in our history.

    But when you try and impede the peaceful transfer of power you go way way way to far.

    You folks claim to worry about a Kristallnacht yet you are the ones leading the way to exactly that.

    Parent

    Oh dear GAWD ... "Kristallnacht"?!?? (5.00 / 5) (#18)
    by Yman on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 04:52:57 PM EST
    Get a grip on reality and stop with the silly Nazi analogies.

    Moreover, your candidate is the who specifically called for a "revolution!" in 2012 when the Republicans lost and spent 7 years delegitimizing Obama with a tinfoil birther conspiracy, among many other things.  But I'm sure your post comparing Trump to nazis is coming any day now ...

    Heh.

    Parent

    I predicted a Kristallnacht (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 06:46:26 PM EST
    And I stand by that. Trump is a nasty, vindictive little man who feeds on revenge. There is already evidence of a purge within federal agencies. Look at the DC National Guard commander.

    Parent
    et al (none / 0) (#36)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 08:18:20 AM EST
    ChuckO - You mean like Bill Clinton firing 93 US AG's in '93?

    BTW - Who wrote this?

    There are other ways to get rid of Trump other than impeachment. It has been my hope that there is a cabal of realists in the national security apparatus who know how dangerous a President Trump will be to national security and already has plans underway to deal with that threat.

    Donald - Yes it was a "Birther" deal but it wasn't promoted non stop in the main stream press and wasn't pushed by main stream Repubs. Huge difference.

    Yman - Yes he did and no he should not have. Do you always believe that two wrongs make a right?

    Yman - The issue isn't free speech. We have that right. But we also have responsibility. The issue is spewing hatred. Check out Rosie, one of the Left's pillars of outrageous, calling for McCain as an interim President and then a new election.  Then we have the video of Demo operatives setting up riots...  Do you actually believe that is helpful or good for the country?

    MKS - I have long been concerned. But not about what Trump would do. But what the Left  has done.  Let me explain. You ignore Senator Booker's vote that supported the Repub's opposition to Sanders's amendment allowing the importing of cheaper drugs from outside the country.

    I guess he will oppose Trump's:

     

    Donald Trump released a health care plan late Wednesday that includes common Republican ideas for replacing Obamacare but departs from conventional GOP policies in one major way: it would allow the reimportation of cheaper drugs from overseas.

    Snip

    "Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America," the plan says. "Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe, and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers."

    Link

    Parent

    Ugh ... the omnibus replies to "et. al." (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by Yman on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 10:20:14 AM EST
    The issue isn't 2 rights or 2 wrongs.  It's the blatant hypocrisy of Trump and his supporters who are suddenly offended and whining like pre-schoolers when anyone challenges his legitimacy.  Not to mention a Trumper lecturing about "responsible" speech and speaking what's "good for the country"????  Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaa...

    There's NOTHING that could be funnier than THAT!

    Parent

    There's no difference, Jim. (5.00 / 2) (#55)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 01:02:31 PM EST
    jimakaPPJ: "Donald - Yes it was a 'Birther' deal but it wasn't promoted non stop in the main stream press and wasn't pushed by main stream Repubs. Huge difference."

    Birtherism was covered constantly in the mainstream media and AM squawk radio because it was blatantly racist and made for grand political theatre. How else would have one-third of rank-and-file GOP ever come to believe it?

    Further, the chinchilla-haired tanning booth addict who pushed the Birther bullschitt for the better part of eight years became your party's nominee, and is now the president-elect. It doesn't get more mainstream Republican than that.

    You guys own it.

    Parent

    i wrote it. (none / 0) (#41)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 09:55:31 AM EST
    I stand by it. I'll type r - e - a - l s - l - o - w so that even you can understand. Trump is a threat to national security. A threat to the security and safety of the USA. A threat to my security. That needs to be dealt with.

    Parent
    We need respsonbility, right? (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 12:11:32 PM EST
    At a rally in Miami, Trump, after falsely stating that Hillary Clinton wants to destroy the second amendment, said: Clinton's bodyguards should drop their guns, they should disarm, "to see what happens."

     And, at an NRA meeting, Trump said, there is "nothing you can do" to prevent Clinton from appointing Supreme Court justices if elected. "Although, the second amendment people, maybe they can, I don't know."  Prompting a visit from the Secret Service.

    Parent

    ... with an actual purpose and as a primary source of ignorance pollution, it worked. Nearly one year out from the 2016 elections, one-third of Republicans still insisted that President Obama was born outside the United states, and nearly one-quarter of them didn't know that his birthplace of Hawaii is an integral part of the country.

    Parent
    How is the peaceful transfer of power (5.00 / 3) (#53)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 12:02:14 PM EST
    being impeded by people refusing to attend the inauguration, and speaking out against the PEOTUS? No one is advocating violence.

    I will continue to support seeking any and all legal avenue to prevent a national disaster and make this a very short administration.

    Parent

    They're afraid (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 03:30:51 PM EST
    someone is going to say the emperor has no clothes. And it is going to dawn on more and more people that yes, Trump really doesn't know what he is doing. Like that idiot that wrote the Op ed saying that she didn't vote for Trump to cut Planned Parenthood. She voted for him based on the economy even though he had no economic plans and his history consists of nothing but fleecing the rubes and bankruptcy.

    Parent
    et al again (none / 0) (#83)
    by jimakaPPJ on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 08:45:26 AM EST
    ChuckO -  "And my point was that all the hyper rhetoric leads to violence because some see them as approval for violence."

    Donald - 52 times on 1 anti Demo network in 42 days isn't very much. How about MSNBC, NBC, CNN, CBS, ABC, AP??

    GA - No plan? Infrastructure.....  Keeping jobs in America....  Energy independence.... Looks like a plan to me. BTW - Have you ever heard of Ford? GM?


    Parent

    This... (5.00 / 5) (#91)
    by Repack Rider on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 12:34:42 PM EST
    No plan? Infrastructure.....  Keeping jobs in America....  Energy independence.... Looks like a plan to me.

    ...looks like my "plan" for Christmas.

    Ferrari
    New mountain bike
    Vacation in Switzerland
    Pound of great buds
    Case of '65 Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon

    I do not think that word means what you think it means.

    Has anyone ever explained to you the difference between a "wish list" and a "plan?"  Because they are different things, a plan is actually a METHOD of accomplishing a wish list.

    Parent

    jimakaPPJ: "Donald - 52 times on 1 anti Demo network in 42 days isn't very much. How about MSNBC, NBC, CNN, CBS, ABC, AP??"

    A simple Google search proves that. If you're going to deny that reality, then please explain how by 2010, nearly 60% of Americans polled were questioning the fact - not opinion, mind you, but actual FACT -- that Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

    It's been my experience in public life that in general, people tend to not arrive at outlandish conclusions in a vacuum. And as was the case here, there was a considerable effort made to instill that nonsensical notion -- among many others -- in their heads, with the obvious goal being the de-legitimization of the president in public opinion. And on that count, you yourself need only look in the mirror.

    jimakaPPJ: "GA - No plan? Infrastructure.....  Keeping jobs in America....  Energy independence.... Looks like a plan to me. BTW - Have you ever heard of Ford? GM?"

    That's not a plan. Rather, that's a general statement of objectives, which is fine as far as that goes. But actual plans involve details regarding how to accomplish those objectives, none of which have been forthcoming.

    Now to be fair, given that the president-elect has yet to fully assemble his policy team, I'm not expecting such details from his administration for several months. But at some point, the rubber has to hit the road. Once legislation has been submitted in Congress, the public can judge for themselves whether the actions actually match Trump's rhetoric.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    That's probably the same 60% (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by jondee on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 04:17:10 PM EST
    who said Iraq attacked us on 9/11.

    But then, Trump Did say he loves the poorly-educated, didn't he?

    And so we have now arrived at a place where the Right has almost openly and fully embraced the Orwellian "Ignorance Is Strength" scenario..

    A "base" of malleable, benighted proles: what they envision as the future backbone of the Republican Party and of America.

    Parent

    Jim (none / 0) (#86)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 10:07:57 AM EST
    he had no plans. Nothing other than catch phrases. It's the same thing with the GOP and healthcare. They're going to give you some kind of awesome healthcare plan but they just can't give you the details for some reason.

    Parent
    et al 2 (none / 0) (#57)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 02:35:53 PM EST
    ChuckO -  Doubling down, eh? Thanks for proving my point.

    Yman - So now it is three wrongs make one right. Probably not a record but a good average,''

    Donald - I don't know what universe you live in but over here in Hale land it didn't get much mainstream play. But it may have been of greater interest in HI. I understand looking for his birth certificate was/is a cottage industry.  ;-)

    But really. Hillary's people are the ones that brought the subject up.

    KeysDan - And Obama said we could keep our doctors and our insurance bills would go down. Politicians lie and overstate. It's what they do. Hillary even denied saying Benghazi was caused by an Internet video when it's there for everyone to see.

    ruffian -  I agree. Support all legal avenues if that's your "thing." The problem is, as I posted, some are planning demonstrations that can easily turn violent. And my point was that all the hyper rhetoric  leads to violence because some see them as approval for violence.

    As for "who?"  Well, you might look at what ChuckO  wrote. See Comment #36.


    Parent

    Three wrongs don't make a right (none / 0) (#58)
    by Yman on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 03:24:45 PM EST
    What they do is perfectly prove the hypocrisy of Trump and his supporters, as I clearly stated.

    But then again, .... you already knew that.

    Parent

    'can easily turn violent' (none / 0) (#70)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 05:27:42 PM EST
    Sounds like the same old predicata-hoping some people do at every turn.

    Parent
    What the effing (none / 0) (#81)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 11:29:05 PM EST
    hell, is your point? I'm not seeing one.

    Parent
    jimakaPPJ: "Donald - I don't know what universe you live in but over here in Hale land it didn't get much mainstream play. But it may have been of greater interest in HI. I understand looking for his birth certificate was/is a cottage industry."

    ... were twisted into a bunch. We knew exactly where Obama's birth certificate was the entire time. Most of us were frankly offended by the phony claims being trafficked by GOP-friendly sources.

    As far as your claim that birtherism didn't get much coverage, Fox News alone aired 52 different segments highlighting false claims on the ginned-up issue, during the six weeks prior to the Hawaii Dept. of Health's release of the president's long-form birth certificate in late April 2011:

    "Many of the segments discussing Obama's birth certificate included several falsehoods, such as claims that Obama has never produced a birth certificate; that Obama's grandmother claimed he was born in Kenya; and that Obama spent $2 million in legal funds blocking the release of his birth certificate. In those segments, Media Matters found that the vast majority of the time -- 44 out of 52 total segments in which a false claim was made about Obama's birth certificate -- Fox News hosts did not push back and correct these falsehoods."

    Aloha.

    Parent

    We (4.33 / 6) (#17)
    by FlJoe on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 04:35:42 PM EST
    are into quack like a duck territory, virtually every bad thing said about Trump before the election has verified. Including him being Putin's Puppet.

    He's fkng conducting policy on fkng twitter, mostly by attacking everyone in the world except fkng Putin. If you are cool with that there is no hope for you.

    You say you have no problem with insults, yet you cry foul when anything bad about your dear leader. Sounds like you can dish it out but can't take it.

    BTW: you can't stay away from your silly strawmen, nobody and I mean nobody is trying to "impede" the peaceful transfer.

    Parent

    What universe are you in? (none / 0) (#19)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 04:58:54 PM EST
    nobody and I mean nobody is trying to "impede" the peaceful transfer.

    Just declaring that Trump was not legitimately elected is trying. By attacking entertainers, college bands and others who participate in  the celebration is trying. By endorsing unproven claims is trying.... I could go on, but you get the idea.

    Criticizing his ability? Fine. Curse his political manners? Go for it. Point out his use of nasty words and actions? By all means. Disagree with his policies? Do it.

    But beware where the path leads, and where it is now.

    Large groups of left-wing protesters will try to sabotage Donald Trump's inauguration by creating blockades and destroying public property, according to recent reports.

    snip

    The principal organiser of the protests is a group known as #DisruptJ20, who are already advertising for people to join them in a "bold mobilization against the inauguration of Donald Trump."

    "We call on all people of good conscience to join in disrupting the ceremonies. If Trump is to be inaugurated at all, let it happen behind closed doors, showing the true face of the security state Trump will preside over. It must be made clear to the whole world that the vast majority of people in the United States do not support his presidency or consent to his rule," the group states on the website.

    Link

    Parent

    Glad you seem concerned (5.00 / 3) (#23)
    by MKS on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 05:17:17 PM EST
    The opposition is having some effect then.

    Parent
    Breitbart - heh (4.60 / 10) (#21)
    by Yman on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 05:05:53 PM EST
    Questioning Trump's legitimacy is 100% free speech.  Criticizing entertainers who are going to perform is 100% free speech.  Endorsing unproven claims (unless libelous) is 100% free speech - and it's the SOP of Trump supporters and Trump himself.

    Calling for a revolution is what your candidate did in 2012 ... and you said not a word about it.

    Parent

    Be fair, folks (4.20 / 5) (#25)
    by jondee on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 05:20:39 PM EST
    all of you remember Jim expressing concern when Roger Stone talked about "blood in the streets", and when Governor Matt Bevin warned of ACTUAL violence (not just nasty words), if Clinton was elected..

    The poor, misunderstood man is simply concerned with preserving our democratic institutions for all of us..

    And if the project requires him calling for Putin to send over mounted Cossacks for crowd control, and for militia groups armed with AR15's to disperse troublemakers, so be it..

    Parent

    Beware where the path leads.. (3.00 / 2) (#26)
    by jondee on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 05:56:12 PM EST
    it's a dangerous slippery slope, like petting on the first date, and asking too many questions in Bible Study.

    I'm talking about trouble, my friends. Right here in River City.

    I remember when he was just concerned about any civil obedience during wartime, now it's any civil disobedience after a GOP election victory.

    Parent

    The odious Monica Crowley... (5.00 / 4) (#10)
    by desertswine on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 02:53:43 PM EST
    steps back due to plagiarism charges. She was slated for a National Security Council post. But now, no.

    When did plagiarism become a problem (5.00 / 5) (#15)
    by Peter G on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 03:50:05 PM EST
    for those people?

    Parent
    Was wondering that myself (5.00 / 4) (#22)
    by Yman on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 05:07:18 PM EST
    Must have been sometime after Melania's speech.

    Parent
    There are more Fox-blondes (none / 0) (#12)
    by jondee on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 03:17:46 PM EST
    where she came from..

    The Right gets them from special breeding ranches funded by Koch brothers money.

    Parent

    I have to admit (none / 0) (#24)
    by MKS on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 05:19:26 PM EST
    I felt a little bit guilty when your post made me laugh, or guffaw is more like it.  But it was worth it.

    Parent
    Drain (5.00 / 2) (#27)
    by FlJoe on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 06:13:51 PM EST
    Meanwhile (5.00 / 2) (#87)
    by FlJoe on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 10:27:03 AM EST
    Trump's appointees appear to be getting Dumb and Dumber

    Hassan: There is a foundation named for your parents, correct?

    DeVos: My mother's foundation.

    Hassan: And you sit on the board?

    DeVos: I do not.

    Hassan: So when it made the $5 million donation to Focus on the Family, you did not know anything about it?

    DeVos: My mother makes the donations.

    Later, Patty Murray, the ranking Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, came back to that issue.

    Murray: I want to clarify the issue on whether or not you are on the board of your mother's foundation. I have [IRS Form] 1990 through 2013 where you are listed as vice president and a board member. was that a mistake on your part?

    DeVos: That was a clerical error. I have never made decisions on my mother's behalf.

     Although some may call that a lie(or extremely dumb clerking), this just qualifies as dumb,
    DeVos: I will refer back to Senator [Mike} Enzi and the school he was talking about in Wyoming. I think probably there, I would imagine that there is probably a gun in the schools to protect from potential grizzlies.
    [my bold]

    Edumication, yay!

    That grizzly (none / 0) (#88)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 10:53:14 AM EST
    comment blew up twitter with people laughing at DeVos.

    Parent
    Liars (none / 0) (#90)
    by FlJoe on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 11:36:38 AM EST
    and tigers and bears...oh my!

    Parent
    Good Lordt (none / 0) (#93)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 02:41:46 PM EST
    The only Grizzly bears in Wyoming are those allowed to live in Yellowstone.

    As in every other state in the US, grizzly bears have been eradicated in Wyoming. Only black bear remain.

    A person might need exposure to some education to know that though.

    Parent

    The school she was referring to (none / 0) (#96)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 04:09:19 PM EST
    has had issues with grizzly bears in the past:
    "We're finding bears in places where they haven't been seen in 60 years," Bruscino says.

    Two years ago, Bruscino says, he live-trapped two grizzly cubs that were hanging around Wapiti Elementary School, 20 miles west of Cody. Then the trap was reset for the mother - successfully.

    Wapiti Elementary School has had a bear fence since 2002. As a reminder of what lurks beyond, a huge grizzly hide, complete with head, is nailed to the wall just outside the principal's office.

    "That one," says Wapiti teacher Angie Terri, "was a problem bear. It was hanging around the school, and then it started hanging around the post office just down the street."



    Parent
    I lived in Sheridan for 20 yrs (none / 0) (#98)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 04:44:34 PM EST
    It's on the other side of the Big Horn Mtns. Cody is considered its sister town. Spent many rodeos in Cody. Sadly, rodeos are the Christmas of Wyoming. Gotta a link for this "story". Cody is outside of one of Yellowstone's gates.

    I have to call absurd because the park rangers are hypervigalent about the Grizzlies, and anyone breaking out of the park is euthanized. They aren't messing around.

    Parent

    Sure. (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 05:07:07 PM EST
    Here's the link to this "story."

    Additionally, here's another grizzly (shot) outside the park last April.

    And one that mauled three people outside the park several years ago, killing one.

    Here are a couple of travelers who saw several outside of the park last year.

    Here's a video of a grizzly killing a cow outside the park in August.

    Parent

    Deer in rut have attacked and killed (none / 0) (#102)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 07:02:48 PM EST
    People, dogs have attacked and killed people. Having to fence a school is normal. None of these things equals guns in school though.

    Truly though, don't worry about me. I'm out of this red state and I'll never live in another one again. Particularly not with my disabled son. There really is going to be an us and them. It's on for real.

    Parent

    that should not be made at the national level, 'cuz one shoe does not fit all. As a perfect example, the state of WY does not allow guns in their K-12 schools.

    Parent
    Not yet (none / 0) (#105)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jan 19, 2017 at 10:42:06 AM EST
    Never mind (none / 0) (#99)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 04:56:09 PM EST
    I found the story. You realize this story is 12 yrs old?

    And my school had an 8ft fence around it too. That isn't extraordinary.

    Parent

    so bad (none / 0) (#30)
    by womanwarrior on Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 10:04:55 PM EST
    that I am asking myself if Mattis and the other generals will stop him from unleashing nukes?


    There's no bottom to this barrel. (none / 0) (#31)
    by desertswine on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 01:20:31 AM EST
    It's not going to be fun (none / 0) (#32)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 02:48:23 AM EST
    We have confirmation via the grapevine that rumors about Mattis taking this position preparing to be destroyed if need be in order to save what can be saved is not just a rumor.

    Was concerned to hear General Kelley had been on Russian RT payroll.if I didn't know better, I'd think they had been deliberately acquiring retired US military assets.

    Parent

    The conservative (none / 0) (#33)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 07:27:10 AM EST
    alliance with Putin seems to reach into all areas. Franklin Graham went to Russia and praised Putin. I guess the tentacles of white nationalism have reach into many organizations.

    Parent
    Is that what is fueling (none / 0) (#34)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 07:35:07 AM EST
    Worship of a dictator? White nationalism?

    Parent
    Just my humble (5.00 / 3) (#35)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 07:45:35 AM EST
    opinion but yes, it is. Some people don't even realize that but that is what they are doing.

    This article is one I found instructive. I also found it sad that these foolish people actually believe that Trump is going to deliver this for them.

    Parent

    The Critics (none / 0) (#37)
    by FlJoe on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 08:40:40 AM EST
    get blunter and grow in numbers,

    New CNN Poll

    Donald Trump        Favorable Unfavorable
    January 12-15, 2017   44%          53%
    November 17-20, 2016  47%          50%
    with his transistion getting bad marks.
    Q1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his presidential transition?
                        Approve Disapprove No Opinion
    January  12-15, 2017 40%       52%       8%
    November 17-20, 2016 46%       45%       8%

    and Trump himself fueling the decline rather than the Pols and Pundits.
    Q3. Have Donald Trump's statements and actions since Election Day made you more confident or
    less confident in his ability to serve as president?
                    Jan. 12-15  Nov. 17-20
    More confident   37%         48%
    Less confident   53%         43%


    And that poll (none / 0) (#38)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 09:29:57 AM EST
    seems to be the most favorable to Trump with others reporting numbers a good bit lower.

    Parent
    Why trust polls (none / 0) (#40)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 09:38:24 AM EST
    from the same outfits that got the election wrong?

    Parent
    Actually (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by FlJoe on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 10:12:45 AM EST
    most of the National polls were within the margin of error. Final RCP avg = Clinton +3.3 actual result Clinton +2.1. Give Trump the benefit of the entire 3.5% on this latest poll and his numbers still look dismal(and trending worse).

    Of course I don't take polls as gospel but they are still the best gauge we have of peoples opinion and when you add this one to other evidence (such as growing protests, troubling Intel reports and Trumps erratic, sometimes bizarre behavior), I am buying it.

    Parent

    The national polls got it right (none / 0) (#44)
    by Yman on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 10:23:45 AM EST
    But I understand why someone who doesn't like the fact that Trump's approval rating is in the toilet would falsely claim otherwise.

    Parent
    Do you have (none / 0) (#46)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 10:37:56 AM EST
    a better gauge of public opinion other than Bubba and 'em just love them some Trump and "everybody I know" likes Trump?

    Parent
    Because people are looking (none / 0) (#61)
    by McBain on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 03:38:18 PM EST
    for anything they can find to diminish Trump.  They don't understand they are playing into his hands.

    Parent
    Trump (5.00 / 3) (#63)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 03:46:31 PM EST
    diminishes himself. Pointing it out changes nothing. He's the one continually having toddler tantrum meltdowns on twitter not us and mentioning that he's having a toddler tantrum doesn't change one thing.

    Parent
    If the goal is to get big changes in 2 years (none / 0) (#77)
    by McBain on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 08:01:18 PM EST
    and Trump out after 4 years, the democrats are off to a horrible start, especially if there are silly protests at the inauguration.

    The polls are BS.  You should know that by now.  A better strategy would be to wait and see what happens with health care.  If that goes bad, focused criticism and protests could be effective.  But if people are griping about every little thing before then, it won't have the same impact. You should pick your fights.  

    Parent

    Let's compare (none / 0) (#79)
    by Repack Rider on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 09:01:18 PM EST
    the democrats are off to a horrible start, especially if there are silly protests at the inauguration.

    Would it be a "worse start" than announcing on day one that you plan to drive him out of office?

    Like Mitch McConnell did in 2008?  Did you consider this a responsible action on the part of the GOP?

    Say, how did that work for them?

    What is the difference between a "legitimate protest" (c.f. the "Brooks Brothers riot," in which paid GOP staffers pretended to be outraged citizens protesting the recount) and a "silly protest?"

    Parent

    McConnell didn't make that statement (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by BTAL on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 08:47:17 AM EST
    until Oct. 23, 2010.   Not in 2008.  Which was after the non-partisan passing of Dodd-Frank, Stimulus and Obamacare.

    Just to keep the timeline correct.

    Parent

    Then there is (none / 0) (#85)
    by FlJoe on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 09:08:16 AM EST
    always this
    Democrats have rounded on revelations about a private dinner of House Republicans on inauguration day in 2009 in which they plotted a campaign of obstruction against newly installed president Barack Obama.

    During a lengthy discussion, the senior GOP members worked out a plan to repeatedly block Obama over the coming four years to try to ensure he would not be re-elected.




    Parent
    Everything you (none / 0) (#80)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 09:04:43 PM EST
    are saying works for a POPULAR president. And no, the polls are the best indicator of where the country is with regards to Trump whether you like it or not. Trump is not a sympathetic figure.

    Oh, there's plenty of protests planned already and are happening regarding issues. The best thing though is to listen to the Trump voters who can't believe Trump is going to take their healthcare away and he's going to shut down Planned Parenthood. I mean did they think he was just joking about all that?

    Parent

    Interesting thought (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by Repack Rider on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 04:48:15 PM EST
    They don't understand they are playing into his hands.

    I am interested in how you will personally "diminish Trump" without "playing into his hands."

    You DO agree, don't you, that this guy does not have a clue about how givernment works, does not read books, and that he is the least qualified individual ever to reach that office?

    Parent

    They're operating (none / 0) (#69)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 05:12:29 PM EST
    on the theory that Trump is actually popular and well liked. In that case what he's saying has a grain of truth to it. However piling on someone like Trump who is a minority president and disapproved of by about 60% of the country is pretty much a gimme. The most amazing thing to me is that Republicans are not doing it. You would think they would have at least some sense of survival.

    Parent
    "Playing into his hands" - pfffftttt ... (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by Yman on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 06:35:43 PM EST
    Your "concern" is touching ...

    ... and transparent.

    Parent

    " Murdoch turning Fox into Trump TV" (none / 0) (#51)
    by Ladyjustice on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 11:30:04 AM EST
    Article and headline from NYMagazine.

    And what's the difference between that and state run TV/news?  With Trump moving press/media out of West Wing, it will be like Russian TV, with only Trump propaganda/lies.  Will Trump be using Putin playbook throughout.  After booting press, will arrests follow?  Meryl Streep:  "we must support Committee to Protect Journalists."  Now more than ever.  

    You know though (none / 0) (#52)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 11:36:42 AM EST
    that might have a good result. First of all considering how unpopular Trump is it might end up being the destruction of Fox News. Secondly it might require the rest of the media to actually do their jobs and investigate.

    Parent
    thank dog for the scroll wheel (none / 0) (#64)
    by Mr Natural on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 03:57:26 PM EST
    now, if I could just get it to work on the next four years...

    Not a bad strategy- (none / 0) (#74)
    by JeriKoll on Tue Jan 17, 2017 at 07:36:24 PM EST
    Jeralyn ("I try to avoid name-calling and personal attacks on this site, even when it comes to my opinion of public figures. With Donald Trump, it's hard, because most words that come to mind when I think of him are not words that I would publicly write."

    You might read David Brooks in the nytimes today for a good strategy that might help ease your angst.

    Could have (none / 0) (#89)
    by FlJoe on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 11:21:03 AM EST
    fooled me.
    President-elect Donald Trump declared in an interview released late Tuesday that he dislikes tweeting and uses Twitter as a defense against media.

    "Look, I don't like tweeting," Trump insisted during a Fox News interview scheduled to air Wednesday. "I have other things I could be doing."

    Other things? Like governing the country or water sports?

    A defense against media...hahaha (none / 0) (#94)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Jan 18, 2017 at 02:44:53 PM EST
    Well Donald, it's not very effective. I wonder how the rest of your "defense strategies" play out?

    Parent