If “divide and conquer” is the strategy, PUTIN WINS!
Putin installs his long-groomed kompromat-powered puppet and shuts down the U.S. government until getting beaten — crushed and humiliated — by Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats.
• The government of the United States — Putin’s greatest adversary — SHUT DOWN for the third time in a year, each time longer than the one before and all of them started while Republicans controlled the House, Senate and presidency.
• Western alliances in disarray — including a puppet president who is trying to get the U.S. to withdraw from NATO.
• Trump literally spouting Soviet and Russian talking points regarding Syria and the justifications for the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
• Trump repeatedly claims to trust Putin more than the heads of his own intelligence agencies, all of who HE appointed.
• Trump GAVE TOP SECRET CLASSIFIED INFORMATION to top Russian diplomats IN THE OVAL OFFICE, which was covered by Russian media and photographers since U.S. media was shut out.
• Trump — who has no prior diplomatic experience or expertise — holds multiple secret ONE-ON-ONE meetings with Putin that he tries to conceal even from his own staff sometimes, with no official notes or memoranda, even confiscating and destroying interpreter notes, while Putin is free to preserve HIS interpreters’ notes and possibly even makes recordings good for future kompromat.
• Total chaos in the White House.
• Financial markets in turmoil.
• Tariffs that make U.S. exports less desirable and Russian exports more desirable (China no longer importing U.S. soybeans and Putin rushing to fill the Chinese demand for soybeans that used to be met by American farmers so that U.S. soybean sales to China will never come back.)
Shutdown? Trump doesn’t care about shutting down the government, because it is not the one he works for.
Yes, the State of the Union is messed up, for sure. But I’ve no doubt that Speaker Pelosi will see to it that we get some common sense back in government and the nation. The Speaker released this statement yesterday (for real!):
“The indictment of Roger Stone makes clear that there was a deliberate, coordinated attempt by top Trump campaign officials to influence the 2016 election and subvert the will of the American people. It is staggering that the President has chosen to surround himself with people who violated the integrity of our democracy and lied to the FBI and Congress about it.
“In the face of 37 indictments, the President’s continued actions to undermine the Special Counsel investigation raise the questions: what does Putin have on the President, politically, personally or financially? Why has the Trump Administration continued to discuss pulling the U.S. out of NATO, which would be a massive victory for Putin? https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/12519-4/
This isn’t just the Spanker spanking sad Little Donnie, this isn’t even her twisting the knife. This is actual war. This is Nancy Pelosi announcing that she’s going for Caveman and Tяaitor Tя☭mp’s jugular, and that she’s going to leave him bleeding out on the floor. Count on it!
But I guess the three week agreement lets Trump make his speech. I’m glad the government employees will finally get paid, but don’t really see a “win” for democracy yet. Hope Alexander is right.
POINT OF ORDER: The SOTU speech is NOT REQUIRED. According to the Constitution, the POTUS is required “from time to time” to report to Congress on the state of the union. At no point is a speech even mentioned. In fact, until Wilson, nearly all POTUSES just sent a letter. Article II, §3: “He shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”Washington gave the first speech before Congress in 1790. Jefferson ended it, calling the speech “too monarchical”.
The only reason the AH in Chief called off the shutdown is so he can hear himself speak at the State of the Union and get applause from Republicans who hate the Union.
“I’m from the government, and I’m here to help” can only be used by someone that wants a government of the people, by the people and for the people to perish and have our constitutional democratic republic offering liberty and equal opportunities to all replaced by an authoritarian “theocratic” dictatorship with a mangled DIY Christian ideology where blue-eyed blonds rule over all of the other castes who are forced into austerity and hopelessness.
The USA is an experiment in self-rule requiring cooperation deliberation compromise and tolerance … not a fragile easily overthrown monolithic dynasty but a resilient super-strong alloy cast in a melting pot and quenched with the blood of those who believe that none of us are as good as all of us … which is why it has survived for so long.
The US has been the beacon of hope for oppressed immigrants for centuries. Immigrants who have come here — many poor and uneducated — have worked hard even started businesses, learned the language and law, studied the Constitution and become citizens while there are those born here who been indoctrinated with fear of the unknown, discouraged from learning other languages, math, and science to make them more susceptible to propaganda disseminated by wealthy autocrats who maintain behind the scenes manipulation of Congress by keeping We the People from uniting in common causes and instead subtly coercing them into blaming and distrusting each other.
We have the tools to fix it if we choose to use them, but we must take an active role from now on so that we do not lose what so many before us have fought to maintain.
Trump (who must be connected to a container of never-ending crack) would say “The state of our union is the highest in history, believe me”, where “high” would actually mean all the lows that he has brought us. The longest government shutdown in US history? Shortest? Record numbers of people dying from opioids? Fewest? Etc…
trump has encouraged tribalism since he falsely attacked Obama over his birth certificate. Little wonder the state of your union is as divided as it is. American democracy… where smoke and mirrors.. tons of money.. sway enough folk to let a absolutely non qualified fool win.
Trump has always had a sad, sick, pathethic need for cheers and applause, even though he’s never done anything in his life which deserves cheers and applause, and even though he simply isn’t capable of doing anything to deserve cheers and applause. Yet the sheep among the Republican in Congress (in other words, the Republicans in Congress) will, no doubt, cheer every lie, every imbecility, and every insanity in Trump’s speech, when and if he ever gives the damn thing. Conservative icon George Will, about the current head sheep Li’l Linsey Graham:
In 2015, he said Donald Trump was a “jackass.” In February 2016, he said: “I’m not going to try to get into the mind of Donald Trump, because I don’t think there’s a whole lot of space there. I think he’s a kook, I think he’s crazy, I think he’s unfit for office.” And: “I’m a Republican and he’s not. He’s not a conservative Republican. He’s an opportunist.” Today, Graham, paladin of conservatism and scourge of opportunism, says building the border wall is an existential matter for the GOP: “If we undercut the president, that’s the end of his presidency and the end of our party.” ………..Seven times, Graham has taken the oath of congressional office, “solemnly” swearing to “support and defend the Constitution” and to “bear true faith and allegiance” to it, “without any mental reservation.” Graham, who is just 1 percent of one-half of one of the three branches of one of the nation’s many governments, is, however, significant as a symptom. When the Trump presidency is just a fragrant memory, the political landscape will still be cluttered with some of this president’s simple and empty epigones, the make-believe legislators who did not loudly and articulately recoil from the mere suggestion of using a declared emergency to set aside the separation of powers.
Trump thought that since he opened the government on Friday, he can give his SOTU this week. Nancy said no again, because it takes a while to restaff and make arrangements AFTER people get back to work.
DD Wiz Premium Member about 5 years ago
If “divide and conquer” is the strategy, PUTIN WINS!
Putin installs his long-groomed kompromat-powered puppet and shuts down the U.S. government until getting beaten — crushed and humiliated — by Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats.
• The government of the United States — Putin’s greatest adversary — SHUT DOWN for the third time in a year, each time longer than the one before and all of them started while Republicans controlled the House, Senate and presidency.
• Western alliances in disarray — including a puppet president who is trying to get the U.S. to withdraw from NATO.
• Trump literally spouting Soviet and Russian talking points regarding Syria and the justifications for the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
• Trump repeatedly claims to trust Putin more than the heads of his own intelligence agencies, all of who HE appointed.
• Trump GAVE TOP SECRET CLASSIFIED INFORMATION to top Russian diplomats IN THE OVAL OFFICE, which was covered by Russian media and photographers since U.S. media was shut out.
• Trump — who has no prior diplomatic experience or expertise — holds multiple secret ONE-ON-ONE meetings with Putin that he tries to conceal even from his own staff sometimes, with no official notes or memoranda, even confiscating and destroying interpreter notes, while Putin is free to preserve HIS interpreters’ notes and possibly even makes recordings good for future kompromat.
• Total chaos in the White House.
• Financial markets in turmoil.
• Tariffs that make U.S. exports less desirable and Russian exports more desirable (China no longer importing U.S. soybeans and Putin rushing to fill the Chinese demand for soybeans that used to be met by American farmers so that U.S. soybean sales to China will never come back.)
Shutdown? Trump doesn’t care about shutting down the government, because it is not the one he works for.
Bottom line:
Barack Obama was the first BLACK male president.
Donald Trump is the first BLACKMAILED president.
Alexander the Good Enough about 5 years ago
Yes, the State of the Union is messed up, for sure. But I’ve no doubt that Speaker Pelosi will see to it that we get some common sense back in government and the nation. The Speaker released this statement yesterday (for real!):
“The indictment of Roger Stone makes clear that there was a deliberate, coordinated attempt by top Trump campaign officials to influence the 2016 election and subvert the will of the American people. It is staggering that the President has chosen to surround himself with people who violated the integrity of our democracy and lied to the FBI and Congress about it.
“In the face of 37 indictments, the President’s continued actions to undermine the Special Counsel investigation raise the questions: what does Putin have on the President, politically, personally or financially? Why has the Trump Administration continued to discuss pulling the U.S. out of NATO, which would be a massive victory for Putin? https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/12519-4/
This isn’t just the Spanker spanking sad Little Donnie, this isn’t even her twisting the knife. This is actual war. This is Nancy Pelosi announcing that she’s going for Caveman and Tяaitor Tя☭mp’s jugular, and that she’s going to leave him bleeding out on the floor. Count on it!
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] about 5 years ago
Trump besides being an agent of a foreign power, wants dictatorship here for him too.
Yontrop about 5 years ago
But I guess the three week agreement lets Trump make his speech. I’m glad the government employees will finally get paid, but don’t really see a “win” for democracy yet. Hope Alexander is right.
KenseidenXL about 5 years ago
POINT OF ORDER: The SOTU speech is NOT REQUIRED. According to the Constitution, the POTUS is required “from time to time” to report to Congress on the state of the union. At no point is a speech even mentioned. In fact, until Wilson, nearly all POTUSES just sent a letter. Article II, §3: “He shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”Washington gave the first speech before Congress in 1790. Jefferson ended it, calling the speech “too monarchical”.
Ontman about 5 years ago
No, we DON’T need a speech but we’re gonna get one. Could be a reason he ‘caved’.
NeedaChuckle Premium Member about 5 years ago
The only reason the AH in Chief called off the shutdown is so he can hear himself speak at the State of the Union and get applause from Republicans who hate the Union.
superposition about 5 years ago
“I’m from the government, and I’m here to help” can only be used by someone that wants a government of the people, by the people and for the people to perish and have our constitutional democratic republic offering liberty and equal opportunities to all replaced by an authoritarian “theocratic” dictatorship with a mangled DIY Christian ideology where blue-eyed blonds rule over all of the other castes who are forced into austerity and hopelessness.
The USA is an experiment in self-rule requiring cooperation deliberation compromise and tolerance … not a fragile easily overthrown monolithic dynasty but a resilient super-strong alloy cast in a melting pot and quenched with the blood of those who believe that none of us are as good as all of us … which is why it has survived for so long.The US has been the beacon of hope for oppressed immigrants for centuries. Immigrants who have come here — many poor and uneducated — have worked hard even started businesses, learned the language and law, studied the Constitution and become citizens while there are those born here who been indoctrinated with fear of the unknown, discouraged from learning other languages, math, and science to make them more susceptible to propaganda disseminated by wealthy autocrats who maintain behind the scenes manipulation of Congress by keeping We the People from uniting in common causes and instead subtly coercing them into blaming and distrusting each other.
We have the tools to fix it if we choose to use them, but we must take an active role from now on so that we do not lose what so many before us have fought to maintain.
6.6TA about 5 years ago
Mr. Toles: Thanks for this piece. More, please.
Dani Rice about 5 years ago
A much wiser president than the Current Occupant once said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand”.
The TM about 5 years ago
Trump (who must be connected to a container of never-ending crack) would say “The state of our union is the highest in history, believe me”, where “high” would actually mean all the lows that he has brought us. The longest government shutdown in US history? Shortest? Record numbers of people dying from opioids? Fewest? Etc…
WestNYC Premium Member about 5 years ago
Only the media loves this divisiveness because it gives them something to do (sensationalize). It feeds their notion of self-importance.
Alberta Oil Premium Member about 5 years ago
trump has encouraged tribalism since he falsely attacked Obama over his birth certificate. Little wonder the state of your union is as divided as it is. American democracy… where smoke and mirrors.. tons of money.. sway enough folk to let a absolutely non qualified fool win.
Masterskrain Premium Member about 5 years ago
trump = LOSER!!
That’s going to he his legacy for ALL TIME!!!
Kip W about 5 years ago
Trump will appoint a head geologist to name it “The Democrats’ Fault.”
Richard S Russell Premium Member about 5 years ago
Those of interested in authentic fake news would like to know about the state of The Onion.
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] about 5 years ago
I like the Onion. Best fake news around.
Radish the wordsmith about 5 years ago
Clowns to the left of me,
Jokers to the right,
here I am,
Stuck in the middle with you.
Godfreydaniel about 5 years ago
Trump has always had a sad, sick, pathethic need for cheers and applause, even though he’s never done anything in his life which deserves cheers and applause, and even though he simply isn’t capable of doing anything to deserve cheers and applause. Yet the sheep among the Republican in Congress (in other words, the Republicans in Congress) will, no doubt, cheer every lie, every imbecility, and every insanity in Trump’s speech, when and if he ever gives the damn thing. Conservative icon George Will, about the current head sheep Li’l Linsey Graham:
In 2015, he said Donald Trump was a “jackass.” In February 2016, he said: “I’m not going to try to get into the mind of Donald Trump, because I don’t think there’s a whole lot of space there. I think he’s a kook, I think he’s crazy, I think he’s unfit for office.” And: “I’m a Republican and he’s not. He’s not a conservative Republican. He’s an opportunist.” Today, Graham, paladin of conservatism and scourge of opportunism, says building the border wall is an existential matter for the GOP: “If we undercut the president, that’s the end of his presidency and the end of our party.” ………..Seven times, Graham has taken the oath of congressional office, “solemnly” swearing to “support and defend the Constitution” and to “bear true faith and allegiance” to it, “without any mental reservation.” Graham, who is just 1 percent of one-half of one of the three branches of one of the nation’s many governments, is, however, significant as a symptom. When the Trump presidency is just a fragrant memory, the political landscape will still be cluttered with some of this president’s simple and empty epigones, the make-believe legislators who did not loudly and articulately recoil from the mere suggestion of using a declared emergency to set aside the separation of powers.genome_project Premium Member about 5 years ago
Trump thought that since he opened the government on Friday, he can give his SOTU this week. Nancy said no again, because it takes a while to restaff and make arrangements AFTER people get back to work.