President Trump
. . . is now officially the President of the United States.
Welcome to the Deconstruction Era.
After the Civil War, we had a Reconstruction Era.
Now, we're going in the opposite direction (see here), one in which "we've just sold the federal government to the highest bidders (be the bids monetary and/or of the flattery-will-get-you-everywhere-with-Trump variety)."
The goal of Trump and/or his government--it's not clear that those are always the same--is to dismantle or disable the federal government as much as possible, and to force state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and/or individuals to assume the responsibilities formerly "covered" by the feds, and/or to sell the right to provide formerly-government-supported services, such as air-traffic controllers and public infrastructure, to private businesses. People, pay for your own pensions, health care, and education. Monitor your own occupational safety. Consumers, protect yourselves, 'cause we're here to protect business and industry, not you. While you're at it, pay Joe, Inc., for air-traffic controllers and Jane, Inc., for that new bridge. As for national parks, forests, monuments, etc., they're just there to be exploited: Drill, baby, drill--frack 'em!
Trump didn't "drain the swamp," as he'd promised during his campaign--he just replaced one swamp (professional politicians and government employees) with another one (big-business deal-makers). Say goodbye to a competent government and hello to a Goldman Sachs take-over.
Let's hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Welcome to the Deconstruction Era.
After the Civil War, we had a Reconstruction Era.
Now, we're going in the opposite direction (see here), one in which "we've just sold the federal government to the highest bidders (be the bids monetary and/or of the flattery-will-get-you-
The goal of Trump and/or his government--it's not clear that those are always the same--is to dismantle or disable the federal government as much as possible, and to force state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and/or individuals to assume the responsibilities formerly "covered" by the feds, and/or to sell the right to provide formerly-government-supported services, such as air-traffic controllers and public infrastructure, to private businesses. People, pay for your own pensions, health care, and education. Monitor your own occupational safety. Consumers, protect yourselves, 'cause we're here to protect business and industry, not you. While you're at it, pay Joe, Inc., for air-traffic controllers and Jane, Inc., for that new bridge. As for national parks, forests, monuments, etc., they're just there to be exploited: Drill, baby, drill--frack 'em!
Trump didn't "drain the swamp," as he'd promised during his campaign--he just replaced one swamp (professional politicians and government employees) with another one (big-business deal-makers). Say goodbye to a competent government and hello to a Goldman Sachs take-over.
Let's hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
posted by Shira Salamone at 5:06 PM
3 Comments:
Every day I wake up waiting to hear what new Trumpian situation will be announced. I laughed (hysterically)when I heard KellyAnne Conway say the phrase "alternative facts". "1984" came to mind immediately and obviously others thought of this book, too. "We will build the wall" but 'we', the American taxpayer will pay for it, not Mexico. And a "wall" alone can't protect our borders. We need people to patrol it- who'll pay for them, assuming they're even hired? The man injects himself into every situation - he thanks ICE and border patrols and of course, must say "they voted for me". He stands in front of the wall acknowledging the CIA folks who gave their lives to protect us and lies about the media saying, "they made up the 'feud' between us". "Donald Trump is behind you 1000%!" Denies the obvious lower numbers of attendees at the inauguration - the media altered the pictures - Why does it always go back to him? Can he never do anything that doesn't center around himself?
There are so many acts, utterances, accusations, false statements, that are just plain wrong, that I find myself gasping like a fish in outrage.
My head hurts.
My heart hurts.
BTW, wanted to leave you with a hilarious video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELD2AwFN9Nc
I found it in an article from "The Forward" which offers this description:
"What is the best way to instruct Donald Trump on the virtues of a tolerant and multicultural society with a strong tradition of resolving conflicts through compromise?
That was the question that guided the writers of the Dutch television talk show “Sunday with Lubach” to produce a fake promotional video about their country that became a social media sensation after it aired over the weekend. The clip got 26 million views on Facebook and another two million on YouTube.
Using language and intonation the writers said they expected the new American president would understand, the video combined beautiful stock footage from Holland with a hilarious English-language voice-over by Trump imitator Greg Shapiro — a Jewish American comedian who lives and performs in Amsterdam."
It was a well needed humorous bright spot.
Enjoy!
"Can he never do anything that doesn't center around himself?"
No.
G-d help us. Literally. We're going to need all the help we can get. And a lot of (peaceful!!!) political action, both in the streets and behind the scenes.
Thanks for the video, Jeanne. I think many of us could use a good laugh at the moment.
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