Category: Donald J. Trump, President

Don & Jared

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Don and Jared

D. S. Mitchell

Calamity@gmail.com

I am a proud, progressive liberal, and I attempt to deliver intelligent comment with a lot of information thrown in. I don’t know if I succeed in that effort, but I try like hell. So, if you are a political junkie, please join me for a dose of cold water reality, otherwise known as politics.  I took a couple of days off to clean up the Archives Section, here at Calamity Politics. I updated some posts, and deleted some others. If as a reader, you have a particular interest in something happening on the U.S. political scene, just drop me a note via the contact form or email me: calamity@gmail.com.  I will check it out, and see what information I can give you. I’m always trying to post something new and interesting. So, if you have something on your mind, share it with me.

Not Ready For Prime Time

The President of the United States has pushed his son-in-law, husband of his older daughter Ivanka, into one of the most visible positions on the world stage. From the looks of it, Jared Kushner, may not be ready for prime time. His foreign policy experience and diplomatic education is thin, to say the least. Jared Kushner, is the son of wealthy New Jersey real estate mogul and felon, Charles Kushner. The elder Kushner, served 2 years of a 5 year sentence, after pleading guilty to 18 felony counts, including tax fraud, election violations, and witness tampering. He, in fact, tried to blackmail his own brother-in-law in a scheme to prevent him from testifying against him in his criminal case.

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TRUMP TAX MARCH – Saturday, April 15

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Trump Tax March

D. S. Mitchell

Two Hot Topics

I woke up this morning and turned the TV channel to ‘New Day’. There were two hot news topics. Christine Romans and the guests were mostly focused on 1.) Trump’s attack on the Syrian air fields and 2.) how long Steve Bannon would be able to hang on at the White House. It seems Bannon has been banging heads with Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. To escape the two big stories, here at Calamity News and Politics I’m going to focus my political discussion for a few minutes on the Trump Tax March, scheduled for April 15, 2017.

Frank Started It

N.Y. comedian Frank Lesser, started it all. Lesser admits he has somehow become the center of the protest tax movement. He is definitely pushing the “Don the Chicken,” mascot theme. Just from a personal perspective, I want to see those dumb birds floating over huge protests from coast to coast.

Changing Story

Trump’s story has changed over time. Before Trump ran for president he said he would release his tax returns. When Trump entered the 2016 election campaign he said he would release his taxes when “the IRS finishes its audit.” After he won the election,  Kellyanne Conway stated flatly that Trump would “never release his taxes.” She did however, back off somewhat, later saying, “maybe,” he would release his tax records.

Tax Returns Tell A Story

As a self-appointed political analyst it is clear to me that the only way Trump is going to publish his tax returns is if the public forces that publication. It will probably come through the courts. There is currently noise in the Congress to subpoena Trump’s taxes. The reason to look at his tax returns is, “to unravel his entanglements with foreign governments to discern whether he used illegal tax shelters,” said Lessor. It is essential we know “who he owes money to”. And how does that debt affect his actions as president.

Ready And Willing

I am hoping for a sizable turnout across the country. I hope political fatigue is not setting in. It hasn’t happened to me. I am still fired up, and looking for a reason to irritate this president in any I can. So, I’m ready to march in Portland, Oregon on 4/15/17. I hope there is a big turnout. But, I won’t be disappointed if it is only me and six friends. Because I am speaking out against the worst scoundrel and liar to ever occupy the Oval Office.

Four Decades Of History

Every U.S. President for four decades has released his tax returns. Trump is being sued right and left over the issue. The suits center over payments from foreign governments that might violate the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution. The American people care what our president is doing financially, and his indebtedness. We care if the president is dishonest. We care where his money is coming from, and where it’s going. There is an unprecedented amount of self promoting going on.  I see Trump frequenting his golf courses, and hotels. Pushing the brand. Ivanka and Melania are seen modeling jewelry on Pinterest. Pushing the family brand never stops. I believe, along with several others, it’s time for Trump to release his taxes.

Robert Reich

I’m going to add some comments that Robert Reich, Former Secretary of Labor, made to Newsweek. Reich thinks Trump would already be facing impeachment proceedings if the Congress was not top-heavy with Republicans.

First Issue

When Trump swore to “faithfully execute laws of the Constitution,” he broke that oath when he went on a baseless twitter attack on Barack Obama, accusing him of wire tapping the Trump Tower.

Second Issue

Article 1 Section 9 of the Constitution which forbids government officials from taking things of value from foreign governments. Trump steers diplomatic delegations to his hotels. He had an application for the Trump brand trademark approved in China, after the election. This was an application that had previously been rejected.

Third Issue

According to Robert Reich, the First Amendment that “bans any law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise there of.” Reich believes the “travel ban,” is a ban on Muslims and as such is unconstitutional.

Fourth Issue

“Abridging the freedom of the press”.  Labeling the press “enemies of the people” and limiting access of the press to the administration. Trump thinks limiting access gives him and the administration more positive coverage. This is a very bad precedent.

Fifth Issue

The fifth cause, Article II Section 3 of the Constitution defines treason against the U.S. “adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort”. Many are saying, supported by growing evidence, that Trump and his campaign colluded with the Russians to win the 2016 Presidential election.

Reich Explains

A President of the U.S. can be impeached for “high crimes and misdemeanors”. Reich says, “The question is no longer whether there are grounds to impeach Trump, but whether there’s the political will.” As long as the Republicans are holding power in the House of Representatives it is unlikely much will happen. Any Bill of Impeachment originates in the House. This is why it is critical to flip the House to Blue in 2018.

April 15, 2017

So, with all of this going on, don’t forget to come to the April 15, 2017 Trump Tax March! Hope to see you there. Any discussion of U.S. politics today has to include the disparity of wealth. The Tax March should be part of that larger protest about the income inequality and Trump’s plans for huge tax cuts for the rich, including himself, his cabinet, his friends and his family.

Calamity News And Politics

Calamity Politics was founded to attempt to understand and explain U.S. government policy. CNP is a grass-roots liberal voice. This is a no profit site. There is no advertising. We present news, argue ideas, comment on events and analyze policy from a Progressive point of view.

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Sunday Morning

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Sunday Morning

D. S. Mitchell

Cookie Time

I’m making my family’s favorite Molasses Cookies. It takes awhile, mostly because the dough has to sit in the frig for 3 hours. I Don’t know why, that’s just what Mom’s recipe says I’m supposed to do. But, it does give me a chance to reflect on the political landscape, and make my first entries to today’s Calamity News and Politics, blog.

Random Thoughts:

I am upset about the chemical attack on Syrian citizens and the killing of babies, apparently by the Assad government. Barbaric. Inhuman. After saying that, I don’t like all the praise President Trump is getting from both sides of the Congressional aisle. If it was another president, I might be showing support for the action, but in the case of Donald Trump I reserve my praise.

Questions

Why? For one thing, Trump showed no heart when brown babies, in their mother’s arms, stood crying on our doorstep. Secondly, we all know that Donald Trump is a narcissistic sociopath. So, now what? Let’s go bomb, North Korea, because he thinks his poll numbers might go up. Thirdly, nice distraction. You’ve tried a bunch of stuff, but now you really turned their heads from the 2016 Russian election collaboration investigation. Fourthly, who is actually running the government? Is it Trump, Bannon, Kushner, Putin or a frog in the pond? I know Don is the figurehead, but who is actually setting policy? If there is a policy.

Strategy vs Muscle Flexing

President Trump is now moving ships of the U.S. Pacific Command toward the Korean Peninsula. This is real fire power. Seoul, South Korea, our ally, and home to 26 million people is in the crosshairs, caught between two madmen. I hope we have a true strategy, and are ready to accept all possible consequences, before we start lobbing missiles all over the place. What are our goals? Who are we aligned with? What is our strategy? How many war fronts are we ready to fight on? Our military attacked a Syrian air base with 59 Tomahawk missiles,  we have blown up half of Afghanistan with MOAB (Mother of all bombs) and we have a naval strike force headed to the Korean peninsula. Wow, in one week, we have taken several major steps toward world destabilization.

Is this part of Trump’s “secret plan” to destroy ISIS or us? I guess I’ll just hide under my desk and wait for the all clear whistle.

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L.A. Times Hits Trump Hard

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L.A. Times Hit Trump Hard

D. S. Mitchell

Day Trip

Although I made several short posts today, I didn’t really have time today to research the headlines and put together an article. I took a very rainy drive from the beach to Portland, OR. about, two hours one way. I’m back home now, and just a bit burned out. Sometimes I’m not in the mood to properly deal with a headline topic. However, I’d like to share with any readers who might stumble on to this news and political commentary site, a series of articles by the L.A. Times Editorial Board. Each of the articles focus on President Donald J. Trump. So far, the L.A. Times has printed six articles about president Trump. The writing is great and the information is well sources. Each of the articles are  well worth reading.

Recommended article titles: 1.) Our Dishonest President, 2.) Why Trump Lies, 3.) Trump’s Authoritarian Vision, 4.) Trump’s War on Journalism, 5.) Conspiracy Theorist in Charge, 6.) California Fights Back.

The posts are not on the Calamity News and Politics website, but  you can of course, go to the L.A. Times website and search their archives. It is definitely worth looking for these articles. Really good journalism.

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14.5 BILLION LEAVES U.S. IN ONE WEEK

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14.5 Billion Leaves U. S. In One Week

D. S. Mitchell

Hair Pulling

I’ve taken a couple of days off from adding to The Calamity Politics blog because there has been an avalanche of news, coming literally hourly, and there is only me, and Jane, sometimes. I haven’t been sure which of the events I should be pulling my hair out over. As if, I had any hair left, to pull out. Hundreds of deaths, American air strikes, White House intrigue, and North Korean saber-rattling has been mind bending. For those of us interested in what’s happening with our financial portfolios it has been an unsettling week.

Hammered

U.S. stock funds were hammered by the largest weekly withdrawal and transfer of wealth since 2015. In the 2015 case, money ran briefly to Europe over fears of a downturn in economic growth in both the U.S. and China. During the week of April 5th, 2017, investors sucked 14.5 Billion dollars from U.S. stock portfolios, as investors rotated into European equities. Experts explain that investor’s realization that Trump’s promises will take a bit of time to materialize, if at all, sent many investors to look for alternatives to U.S. equities.

Doubts Over Trump Foreign Policy

The growing shift toward Europe accelerated amid doubts over Trump’s policy agenda. The increased pressure accelerated after some big failures from the White House, including, ongoing Russian investigations, the failed Health Care Reform, and a perception of an administration in chaos and scandal.

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Flynn Facts

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Flynn Facts

D. S. Mitchell

Flynn Facts

Lt. General Michael Flynn (Retired) was born in 1958, in Middletown, R.I. and served in the U.S. Army for 33 years before being forced out of his intelligence position at the joint operations command.  He had clashes with superiors over his chaotic management style and his vision for the agency. Insiders state, “Flynn got fired because he was abusive to staff, refused to listen, worked against policy and was a poor manager,” per the Huffington Post. Furthermore, Flynn had a reputation for playing fast and loose with the facts. Subordinates referred to his dubious assertions as, “Flynn facts.”

Religious Bigotry

Flynn believes the Muslim religion is the cause of “Islamist terrorism.” He has famously proclaimed Islam “is a political ideology and a cancer.” He tweeted, “Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL”. With that tweet he included a link to a video that claimed Islam intends to enslave or exterminate 80% of the world population. He supports return of Betula Gulen to Turkey to face charges of instigating a failed coup against Turkish President Erdogan. Erdogan’s government has moved closer to Russia over the last several years and Flynn has stated he wants to see the United States, “begin to work constructively with Russia.”

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JARED KUSHNER EGO

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Jared Kushner Ego

D. S. Mitchell

A Changed Perception

In 2002, Elizabeth Spiers became the founding editor of Gawker.  Next Spiers became Editor in Chief of the N.Y. Observer, working for Jared Kushner, for 18 months, until 2012 when she resigned.  She is now a contributor to the Washington Post.  She tells us in a front page story for the Post that when she went to work for Kushner she believed he was interested in developing the newspaper and expanding it.  However, after less than two years Spiers, changed her view of Kushner’s mission and quit.

Past Experience

Kushner and associates tout his extensive business knowledge and experience.  He worked for his families real estate business.  No matter how big it was, it was not the size of the Pentagon, or the State Department. Spiers and I, both doubt that any skills Kushner learned in private business are transferable to public service. Jared Kushner ran a firm he inherited. That in itself is not necessarily an uncommon situation. However, the New York City commercial real estate realm is both “dynastic and insular” and in no way appears to build skills that are easily carried to government service.

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STALLED INVESTIGATION

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Stalled Investigation

D. S. Mitchell

My Hackles Are Up

We have our hackles up here at Calamity News and Politics. The sanctity of our institutions are at risk. Our U.S. political system is sliding into the sewer. It is looking really bad around the White House, like a great sink hole is opening up at the end of Pennsylvania Avenue. The lies, the deflection, the distractions are centering themselves, now around Representative Devin Nunes (R-CA). Devin Nunes is the Chairman of the House Intel Committee. Nunes has created a firestorm over the last week.

Recusal Time

Mr. Nunes was part of the Trump transition team. That fact alone should require him to recuse himself from investigating possible collusion between the Russian government and the Donald J. Trump Presidential Campaign.  Nunes says that his personal connection with Trump and his staff will have no effect on his committee’s investigation. Because he says he was involved “after the campaign”.

Investigation

My thought on his explanation is, bull shit.  Nunes has a relationship with Trump and his associates, most of whom were involved in both the campaign and the transition team. Having a close relationship with those being investigated spells bad news.  It wouldn’t surprise me if Nunes doesn’t find himself thrown off that  big Trump bus, anytime he’s no longer useful.

Morphing Accusations

Approximately three weeks ago, Donald Trump, President of the U.S, accused his predecessor, Barack Obama, of “wiretapping Trump Tower” (a felony) in a 6:00 a.m. tweet rant.  All the intelligence agencies called the accusations false.  Trump keeps blurring the lines of what he meant by “wiretapping”.  Each day it has morphed slightly. The accusations now include spying microwaves and television sets, surveillance photos, telephone conversations between foreign entities where names of American citizens were illegally unmasked.

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Love Your Mother

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Love Your Mother

D. S. Mitchell

For Future Generations

Calamity News and Politics is pro clean energy. The a clean protected environment is essential. I’m hoping all my readers are pro-environment. Earth is the only planet I’m ever going to set foot on. Her environment provides a nurturing home for animals, plants and humans. We need to protect that environment. For today and for future generations. Climate change and environmental protection must become a national priority.

A Wall Of Resistance

The EPA was designed to protect our environment. Trump’s goal is to destroy the agency. Charitable organizations offer some support. The Sierra Club’s donations are up. The World Wildlife Fund donations are also reportedly, up. I think we will need every environmental organization on the planet to present a wall of resistance to the fossil fuel barons. Trump’s agenda is all about profit.  Environmental policy cannot be based on money. Capitalism may be our environments greatest enemy.

Into A Technological Era

Clean energy is better for the economy and it is better for Mother Earth. Time to let go of the remnants of the dirty Industrial Revolution and embrace the future.  We are moving into the Technological Era.  Parts of the transition will be painful, acceptance is the first step.  If your job is threatened by clean energy policy; change yourself, change your skills. Join the clean energy army. The clean energy army is fighting a heroic fight.

Dance Party

The corruption of President Trump is center stage.  Whoring with fossil fuel barons, signing away climate change regulations is bad policy. Killing Mother Earth is not a thing to celebrate. Having a dance party with greedy fossil fuel addicts can only last so long, before it destroys the planet. Current policy must be changed. Look to a clean energy future. Now is the time.

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NRA Assault

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NRA Assault 

D. S. Mitchell

NRA Strategy

In an article for The Hill, Tim Devaney highlighted a change of strategy by the NRA. For the last 8 years the NRA has been kept on the defensive by the Obama Administration. With the installation of the Trump Administration it is full-bore ahead, shaping policy and writing bills favoring the NRA and its activist activities.

I Like The Second Amendment

I believe the 2nd Amendment is sacred.  It’s the best defense the citizenry has against a President that wants to overstay his welcome. We have seen it in the banana republics, where the generalissimo hangs on after an election. About 36,000 people died from gun violence last year. I do not feel it makes sense for the Congress to roll back regulations on guns. The NRA has engaged in heavy lobbying efforts (that means money, vacations, gifts etc). The mentally disabled should not have access to guns. The Republican House  reversed a Obama Administration regulation inside Social Security to restrict gun ownership.  There are similar regulations in VA rules, and it is expected that the House will also rescind those.

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