U.S. 2020 Election: Republicans, Looks Like Your Party is Over!
“Our great democracies still tend to think that a stupid man is more likely to be honest than a clever man, and our politicians take advantage of this prejudice by pretending to be even more stupid than nature made them.” Bertrand Russell
Great Ringmasters and Leaders of “Great Democracies” appear to have much in common. As they speak to their audience, Ringmasters accentuate their performances as the “greatest”, “huge”, “biggest”, “dangerous” “fabulous”, and yes “tremendous.”
Sir, Mr. President Trump, recall the books brought to your attention in 2000? No, they were not authored by you. They were meant to point out our awareness of what we saw as the guide your campaign would likely follow, in time.
Unlike the President’s reported “Deal of the Century,” the “Crime of Century” refers to the U.S. O.J. Simpson case and its 1995 verdict of “not guilty.” At the time, U.S. President Bill Clinton was finishing his first term in office and soon to be reelected.
The 2000 Bush-Gore Election count was debated all the way to the Supreme Court declaring the Republican Party the winner upsetting half of the nation. But the celebration was short- lived. In less than a year, the nation would mourn the over 3,000 deaths on President Bush’s watch.
Fast forward to November 2008, Obama wins the U.S. election. Waking up in Germany to the news that the first African American had been elected president, I heard Germans cheer and boo. The happy bunch proudly celebrated seeing history in the making but it bore the resentment of those who tolerated one term and whose angst grew after his 2012 reelection.
In the spirit of Mark Twain, I did not attend Election Night when the 2016 Democratic Party lost nor that of the 2020 Grand Old Losing Party, but I sent a nice note saying I approved of each 😉
“A laughing jury never convicts.”
During the “lame duck” session, we will likely see a long list of pardons ending with that of a President not seen since Nixon. But what of convictions? Lawyers have won verdicts on the notion that “A laughing jury never convicts.” I and my colleagues concur.
Yet, as the “balance of power” may be about to change, restoring law and order, the only people laughing are those who are said to have gotten away with election interference.
Attorney Jay Goldberg shared in an interview that “Donald Trump is my client…since 1990…” Goldberg then referred to a note from his client, “Dear Jay…never been a lawyer more important to me than you.” Yes, an Advocate has proven essential when making deals.
Counselor, if I may be so bold so as to alert you of reports indicating the President has retained yet another lawyer. But if it’s of any comfort, accept my compliments when I say that your reported favorite moment in the courtroom is simply a classic. Putting the reported picture on the chair to take the stand was brilliant!
The GOP will likely come back with a vengeance in 2024. All it needs is a Ringmaster, as “the show must go on.” I am reminded of the 1924 silent film, “He Who Gets Slapped.” Yes, “he who laughs last….”
Sir, as you noted, “A laughing jury never convicts.” It readily appears that the President learned this well as some may argue; his actions and communications of the “rule of law” went out the White House window. Yes, as the “courtroom is [your] theatre” so too the public arena for the entertainers, and their profiteers and supporters.
Profiteers and Supporters
Politicians stand with two arms extended out to religion and free enterprise, in a tripartite. Still, who pulls the strings holds the power. – Leticia Matlock
An array of profiteers and supporters stemmed from the usual suspects, public and private. Presence of special interests insults us as it reveals said motivations. Major T.V. networks who in giving an overwhelming amount of press coverage to a President they seemingly disapproved of gave him unprecedented free air time.
It’s a win-win for Network Executives even on election-day as they announce winner and loser they profit from ratings. It is only just, that in its proper place and time, you too reap your just rewards profiting from the public’s fear and anger. All in good time.
Foreign leaders have stood to gain from deals brokered by the President. Especially those who praise looking up to those in “higher power” awaiting their treat. Yes, that’s a good boy. But they may be wise to heed the “old tricks” of past presidents and men of “free enterprise.”
Free enterprise has also been mastered and manipulated by an array of Christian company men. Machiavelli would side with me in noting that their top enterprises have for years been revealed to competitors. It is the one concealed that we took interest in.
Ralph Reed, author of “For God and Country. The Christian Case for Trump” explains his views in the CSPAN In Depth interview of September 6, 2020. “Evangelicals were not for Trump at first, but when they found out” he supported their three priorities of pro-Life, pro-Religious Freedom, and pro-Israel support, they “Voted for Trump in spite of his character.”
Sir, speaking of character or lack thereof, you referenced the quote “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” Surely, your intent was not to compare Caesar to any of today’s politicians. Interestingly, the quote speaks of the debate of the legality of Jews paying taxes to Caesar not the other way around as some may infer is the current US-Israel State of affairs.
State of Israel reportedly takes offense of those they claim politicize Shoah. Let me be clear, there can be only one Fuhrer. What I see are nothing more than poor imitations. Yet, some Israeli political supporters of the US President claim to be driven by “right to life.” American women and men, US citizens, may take offense – Especially, as it is their tax dollars that support your State.
Dr. Mike Evans, Founder, Friends of Zion Museum, Jerusalem stated recently on iN24 News, “We delivered the Presidency by a landslide because our Evangelical vote and there were two primary things that drove us. One, pro-Israel…and second right to life.” Sir, it appears your prime drivers miscalculated the second time around.
A reported Trump supporter, will Dr. Evans and his followers now conveniently paint the Presidential delivery as bipartisan in favor of Biden? As to Rights, Sir, Dr. Evans, it is the Right of all American Women how she lives Her Right to Life and if She chooses to deliver.
Sir, Dr. Evans, in speaking of “right to life,” what was also revealing and concerning was your second remark, “I told the President not to get involved with Covid.” Unfortunately, he appears to have heeded your advice, resulting in the death of almost a quarter of a million Americans. Are your supporters aware of this? If so, how do they and you reconcile the consequences of your advice?
Sir, Mr. Reed, as to your first priority, “pro-Life,” how do you feel of reports on “Democracy Now!” of women locked down at the border who have been forcibly sterilized by a male doctor? Where’s the “Christian Case” for these women? Is this the new strategy against jus soli or birthright citizenship?
Latinas y Latinos, your sisters need your support. This mendacity needs to stop. Christians, do you realize that “if not but for the grace of God,” you too may have faced such barbarianism. Christians, ask yourselves, why some Evangelicals’ third priority is Israel and not Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central America, South America…?
Gentlemen, forget not that the USA, the country for which you enter your “Evangelical vote,” owes its creation to Founders who sought to separate Church and State. Honor their rights and their “one nation under God.” Honor their dead.
Politicians and supporters professing “religious liberty and freedoms” readily appear to serve Christian agendas, not God. In the face of it, God has done his deed, just as man has done misdeeds.
For those supporting “Make America Great Again,” we remind you all Greatness is best left to God. Honor God. Honor the dead.
“One’s commitments to God can be undone by a simple incantation. One’s commitment to man, and certainly to the dead, cannot. Your contracts with the dead, the dead take with them, too late to cancel or modify their terms. They leave you no way out. Formidable players, the dead; they hold you and you are helpless.” – Elie Wiesel, The Oath 1973
No, “The Postman [doesn’t] Always Rings Twice”
Election Interference? Microsoft, has your “ElectionGuard” guarded well the election? How’s it worked for the Republicans, a party that has enforced deregulation as opposed to the one who promised to regulate? I imagine anti-trust took a backseat.
NO, it appears the actual election interference were the actions of those supporting the incumbent against the people. The “dirty politics” bordered on dangerously criminal. Voter suppression came in the form of seemingly attempted derailment of vehicles boarded by the Democratic contender and campaign staff.
Not online but on the ground, citizens were threaten by those bearing weapons, pepper spraying and beatings by “law enforcement,” long lines, and of course the removal of mail boxes.
Security in all its forms has permeated all modes of communication, transportation, etc. Technology has been a powerful tool especially in communication. Yes, but let’s not underestimate the long trusted United States Postal Service (USPS). Before the Internet, the USPS controlled the mail.
Speaking of the USPS and election interference brings to mind a Bloomberg Businessweek 2011 informative article “The End of Mail” by Devin Leonard. Mail was critical to both political parties:
“Democrats receive the vast majority of the contributions made by postal workers’ unions, according to campaign finance records, so they tend to be sympathetic. President Barack Obama inserted a proposal in his 2012 budget to absolve the USPS of $4 billion of its retiree healthcare liabilities in 2011. This would enable it to slog through another year without extraordinary changes.”
“House Republicans are less charitable. They oppose anything that could be construed as a bailout. In a March hearing . . . U.S. Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) said two post offices could be closed in every congressional district.”
“In the late ‘90s, there was talk within the USPS about reforms, including privatizing the organization. Robert Reisner, a former USPS vice-president of strategic planning, recalls raising some of these issues during a visit to the White House with a Clinton Administration official: “She said, ‘Well, we would have to ask our union friends. You know they are critical to the coming campaign.’”
The outcome of the 2020 election raises two questions: Will mail in ballots be the future for elections? If so, will the Republican Party impede it? In any case, the “end of mail” does not appear to be in sight. And what of the RNC and its supporters?
Recall that you “can’t always get what you want.” But “It’s a Free Country.” So pull your party off the political stage and “take the show on the road.” Was the election “rigged” as the President stated? If so Mr. President, it appears the Democrats beat you at your own game.
FBI and Russia, Running Interference?
“Ellul holds the Americans to be the most conformist people in the world, but in fairness it must be objected that, in his own analysis, the Soviets seem better to deserve this dubious honor since they have made even politics into a technique.” – John Wilkinson, Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, Santa Barbara, California, January 1964. From 1964 book, “The Technological Society” by Jacques Ellul.
“At some point, if it hasn’t already occurred, there will be a need to conduct an aggressive investigation that is also politically sensitive. The true test for Mueller will be his courage to do so and whether he has the independence…to aggressively and thoroughly conduct an investigation that may have adverse political impact. I am not especially optimistic that will occur.” – I.C. Smith, Former Special Agent at the FBI*
Gentlemen, no doubt the “Cross-Fire Hurricane Investigation” backfired, twice. But wasn’t this to be expected? Mr. President, agreed, “a lot of opportunities in the bad times.” But these apply to both friend and foe. Everything and Everyone was on the table, FBI and Russia.
In the recent “Review of Russia Investigation” Senator John Cornyn asked the Former Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe a key question, “How is it that the FBI interfered with two candidates for President of the U.S.?” McCabe had no strong defense.
Sen. John Kennedy, Sir, as always, I appreciate your spirited remarks. Noting that Igor Danchenko was the “primary source that the Steel dossier was based on,” you questioned McCabe as to why he didn’t contemplate the idea, “I want to talk to this cowboy.”
However, Sir, was it “Incompetence Tsunami” or simply “Bureaucratic Bungling” as Smith argues in his 2004 book Inside, A Top G-Man Exposes Spies, Lies, and Bureaucratic Bungling Inside the FBI. Southern Gentlemen, perhaps it’s simply “malarkey” as your soon to be President is known to say. Or, as my Granddaddy says, “They’re making knots in your tails.”
Ladies and Gentlemen, your aim was misdirected. Recall, two years ago the Senate Judiciary Committee held a critical hearing where discussion was on “non-traditional espionage efforts against the United States…concerns over China’s 2025 industrial and technology strategy…” As to China’s Military, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) made an unforgettable statement, “The implications for the U.S. would be profound, both security wise and economically. . .”
Still, Cornyn did not appear to take the subject matter seriously as he jokingly references a 70s American game show host. He points to a large chart reflecting information provided by John Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. Demers’ ‘Wheel of Doom’ “reflects all the multi-faceted ways that China is attempting to impose its will not only in the U.S. but the world.”
Dermers is smiling and audience laughing. Cornyn asked Demers THE Key question, “Why would China tell us this is their game play?” Demers responds, “I think what they are telling us overtly is this is their game plan in terms of where they want to lead the world in technology and specifically where they want to have domestic capabilities…” You think? Going back to the 90s they’ve been two decades ahead!
Cowboys, gentlemen, if you’re out on the open plains with no place or time to run for cover, how would you steer clear from my “warning shots” in the face of an enormous stampede? Gentlemen, the student became the Master. Not laughing anymore are you. US threatening China is like a Bee stinging a rose. It gains nothing and in the process takes itself down.
*I.C. Smith, Former Special Agent at the FBI, statements in this paper are from his 2004 book Inside, A Top G-Man Exposes Spies, Lies, and Bureaucratic Bungling Inside the FBI. Smith’s statements here are not meant to reflect the 2017-Present Special Counsel Robert Mueller Investigation.
Grubaya Syla and Drool
“It’s an old trick I learned from LBJ. Heap so Goddamn much praise on an enemy that no one will believe it.” – Joseph A. Califano, Jr.
Mr. President it appears you did not heed my March 2019 paper, “The Mueller Report – “Declassified”: Aye, “the Ides of March are Come” and Gone.” Exactly a year later, the country was under lockdown. Total Election countdown is coming to an end. What of your supporters? Ahh, let them drool as the Ringmaster engages in grubaya syla.
Sir, recall the other books of the gifted writer I noted whose stories seem to speak of his role as a Member of Parliament? Hint: Books are written by a Brit, but were best understood and executed by a Russian.
Let us remind you Mr. President, the pandemic and the economic crises that ensue are no more an act of nature as your being elected or not. Verstéhen? Or, should we say понять?
The Soviet Union successful Campaign of 1812 spanned two centuries into the present. Russia advanced from the frontlines finding its way in between soft and coarse spaces. What Cold War? U.S.-Russia relations have always been WARm 😉 After the President’s 2016 election, who were the first leaders he visited?
As to election interference, politicians vehemently point to Russia. Да. Sounds like the “pot calling the kettle black.” The U.S. has reportedly interfered with foreign elections and regime change. By all accounts, it readily appears that said countries beat the U.S. at its own Democratic games.
Andrew Wilson, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations whose topics include Russia’s close neighbor, Ukraine, argues that “Russian political technologists are quite good at what they do. They are much cleverer than Soviet propagandists, in part because they do not want to change the West or proselytise it, but work with the grain of its faults and foibles.” U.S. Campaigns and the people have carelessly left themselves wide open.
How has this come to be in the most powerful country in the world? John Wilkinson explains, “The Americans, apart from technicizing the electoral process, have left at least the sphere of politics to the operations of amateurish bunglers and have thereby preserved a modicum of humanity.” Few may disagree.
According to Hedrick Smith in “The New Russians,” Russians would choose stability over chaos, order over freedom.” But, I would argue that the new order in the geopolitical spectrum powered by technology has given rise to sleeping giants. “Russia has managed to change the rules of the game.”
Russia, where do you derive your power? Wilson points to “…grubaya syla or ‘coarse power’. Russia’s modus operandi is always “coarse.” Execution of such power appears to have served Russia well.
Vladimir Putin stated, “I know what my interests in my country are.” It appears so Mr. Putin as some point to your “Modud Operandi.” Wilson reveals what he sees as “The Modud Operandi of Putin’s Russia.”
Drawing from his 2005 book, “Virtual Politics: Faking Democracy in the Former Soviet World” Wilson argues that “Russia has set up a parallel system of election monitoring. Huge amounts have been spent on what is normally termed “propaganda”, but is best defined by the Russians’ own preferred term of “information war.” Apparently, U.S. Democrats did not read Wilson’s book, or not in time.
Wilson also notes that “2005 was also the year when the Kremlin wrongly diagnosed Ukraine’s first “orange” revolution as an NGO-fronted, Western-backed “special operation.” However, I point out that in today’s cyberspaces and “houses of mirrors” it’s not that simple. The revolving doors of fact and fiction turn at rapid speeds.
Or, is it all pure fantasy? Recall the House of Britain’s HARDtalk interview with Ukraine’s President Volodymyl Zelensky who concluded that “The war between Ukraine and Russia was a fantasy.” Call it what you will Zelensky, but games as “Fantasy Football” result in real winners and losers.
Wilson, having shared Putin’s M.O. what then is the problem in combating these information wars? “Our problem in the West is not just classic appeasement. Nor is it that we have internalised so much of Russia’s agenda. It is that we do not understand the nature of that agenda, and the modus operandi that generates it.” Apparently you are not alone, as the U.S. has acknowledged.
I find there is little need for foreign interference. U.S. makes a mess of things all on its own. Recall a former FBI Director’s untimely investigation of a 2016 Presidential Candidate. Moreover, data collection, surveillance and election interference online, appear to be of little concern for people. Emotion has trumped logic and truth.
Opportunists, like enemies, capitalize on civil unrest, fear and distractions. It’s no surprise they paid attention and connected, posted, shared, liked, and tweeted with the twits. Some online users are clearly “proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free.” Yes, and it is through this pride that you’ve been played.
My 2018 report gives an excellent account, “Has the Idea that the U.S. Bears the “Seeds of its Own Decay” Come To Fruition? Assessing Kennan’s Observation, “Russian Leaders are Keen Judges of Human Psychology” and Giving Credence to The Russian Federation Being “Quick to Exploit” the Enemy’s Lack of Self-Control.”
Vladimir Putin, at the end-of-year news conference on December 19, 2019 stated “If you think its interference….I don’t think it has anything to do with interference.” Putin, Sir, I think it’s Drool. No one understood this better than a Russian, Ivan Pavlov.
In Michael Specter’s 2014 paper “Drool” we read of “Ivan Pavlov’s real quest.”
“Pavlov is perhaps best known for introducing the idea of the conditioned reflex… He considered human psychology to be “one of the last secrets of life,” and hoped that rigorous scientific inquiry could illuminate ‘the mechanism and vital meaning of that which most occupied Man—our consciousness and its torments.’ Of course, the inquiry had to start somewhere. Pavlov believed that it started with data, and he found that data in the saliva of dogs.”
Data and Drool. Yes, I see the connection. Per Pavlov, “It would be stupid to reject the subjective world…“Our actions, all forms of social and personal life are formed on this basis. . . . The question is how to analyze this subjective world.”
Wilson may agree as he notes that “It involves not just the competition of ideas and information, but also the “latent information management of the opponent’s internal, economic and cultural processes” and “information-psychological aggression based on economic, political and diplomatic pressure.”
Noting Pavlov, Specter points out that “Classical conditioning remains a critical tool.” Absolutely. Just ask tech, social media, and government agencies which invest in them. For many, happiness is just a click away, and by the amount of drooling, less patiently.
“Neck to Neck”: America’s High Price for Freedom and Democracy
Four years ago, I responded to a November 2016 article, “Darrell West: Four Scenarios for a Trump Presidency.” West proposed four state of affairs, “succeeding as a traditional Republican, becoming a popular rogue, failing as president, or becoming an authoritarian leader.” My response:
Dr. West, few dared to even consider the election of Trump. My compliments.
To gauge a Trump Presidency, one needs to understand the man and his role and actions as a son, brother, father, businessman, TV personality and now politician. More importantly, it would appear that the two generations that preceded him: “The Founder” and “The Builder” have paved the way for “The Star,” the three noted chapters in author Gwenda Blair book, “The Trumps, Three Generations That Built An Empire.”
Dr. West, the four scenarios you have presented personify typical American past presidents. More apt possibilities include “Political Mastermind” or a Megachanger, a name inspired by your book, “Megachange: Economic Disruption, Political Upheaval, and Social Strife in the 21st Century.” I find the title fits the dynamics of the Trump Presidency – dramatic and disruptive!
Sir, Mr. President Trump, it appears your attempts to “Make America Great Again” came at a high price. Sir, close to a quarter of a million people died under YOUR watch.
In my February 2020 paper, “U.S. “Toy Soldiers”: My Brothers and Sisters, Who Are Your Keepers?” I note that the perspective of some “Whites” may be summed up as: “Blacks, know your place!”; “Latinos and Muslims, get out of my space!”; and “Jews, You’ve taken my place!”
Harboring this mindset shines light on the importance of class, country and sphere of influence. Long-standing offensive sense of supreme power is facilitated by the 2nd Amendment as opposed to those on the defensive protesting exercising the 1st Amendment – Neck to Neck. Both within their Rights.
“I’m used to it” are the words voiced by those who conform to a system, condition or a person. As the world witnessed, the majority of Americans voiced their opposition. Americans did not get used to their President and his actions.
“Vote like your life depends on it” was my message in May noting George Floyd “Rest in Peace.” It’s no surprise that the decision of a key State rested on Pennsylvania, the State with the largest city Philadelphia, or Philly, known as “The City of Brotherly Love.”
Brothers and Sisters across the nation continue to hear the cries of George Floyd and the many Black Men and Women killed as well as the cries of the Latinas y Latinos massacred in El Paso, Texas. Is it any wonder that unlike the 2008 Election, where people cheered their new President, in the 2020 election people cheer the ousting of an old President.
In my July 2016 paper, “The Power of Nationalism: Underestimated and Manipulated,” I noted how Britain’s majority vote to part ways with the E.U. gives a new meaning to John Donne’s “No man is an island.”
Britain’s decision to go it alone alerted me to the words of Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament to the London School of Economics, “We are living in turbulent times.” Schulz’s February 2016 speech not only brings attention to Britain’s impending separation but U.S. division:
“That we wish to remain British or Germans, for example, is obvious when we consider how much importance we attach to our respective languages and cultures…It is my firm conviction that staying in the EU is better for the UK because staying in the EU is better for any European country…I know it’s a bitter pill to swallow… Britain does half of its trade with the EU! Leaving the EU would be bad for pay and jobs…
Some things are as simple as that.”
No, Mr. Schulz, some things are not “as simple as that” as Brexit showed and now the U.S. Nationalism has shown itself to be a dangerous and powerful weapon.
Speaking of islands and living in turbulent times, the island of Puerto Rico has faced devastation multiple times. No peoples understand governments failing the people and being left behind than Puerto Ricans. U.S. FEMA’s drastic late response left them without shelter and facing hunger only to be “helped” by reportedly shady vendors profiting from their crisis.
Ultimately, many were forced to flee to the states. If any peoples’ world has repeatedly been turned upside down and left to fend for themselves, it is Puerto Ricans. Being resilient they did not harbor resentment against others nor engage in criminal acts of depraved indifference like that by a White radical terrorist mass shooter in El Paso, Texas.
Lest we all forget, legacy of White Supremacy in the U.S. sprung over 500 years ago from European ancestral acts of dominance of the perceived weak and inferior and their land. Reckon, their presence precedes the oft semblance to the Nazi Party of a century ago.
Nationalism taking the form of Patriotism has also shielded those whose governments have failed or in the case of the U.S. were left behind. For them, Elites’ self-interests have taken favor with outsiders at their expense like guilty parents nurturing the bastard child forcing his first born to share his home and privileges.
USA, a place where their “Representatives” enjoy living in upscale buildings with doormen, gated communities or private fenced estates on the hills as they’re forced to live in packed and at times dangerous neighborhoods. Their “Great America” quickly transformed into foreign sectors representing a mixture of Central and South America, Africa, Middle East, Asia or as those branded “Third World” countries.
Adding insult to injury, men once revered for “Building America” have been supplanted by company men enjoying profits from the cheap labor of these so called bastards. Pandemic has left many to close their business, or jobless and evicted from their homes adding to those already struggling and left behind.
Slumlords have utilized the lockdown to restrict basic maintenance repairs and ignore necessary but costly plumbing fixtures as corrosive pipes and slab leaks resorting simply to “put lipstick on the pig.” Not surprisingly, for many tenants, the owner is nothing more than a slummy Jew, Arab, Persian, Indian, Asian…
Media reports of minorities contracting Covid-19 in larger numbers only exacerbated aversion and distrust of them. Is it any wonder those seen as racists react with hate and contempt all the while clinching and huddled under their protective flag to mask their own fears, uncertainties and phobias. Neither Democrat nor Republican in office can or will change this. It is for the new generations to confront the “sins of the father” and forgive him.
However, not all immigrants categorize themselves as minorities and/or vote Democrat. Some Latinos and Latinas see themselves as White Conservatives not wanting to be associated with “illegal” immigrants they see as poor, uneducated or worse Socialists. GOP is happy to count your vote. Turning their back on you, they’ll have you take a back seat. No matter how “White” your claim is, your accent and skin color reveals and betrays you.
Where is this “free country where at least I know I’m free?” It depends. How often do you say, I AM free to… vs asking yourself, AM I free to …? Kant reminds us, “It’s not that the will be free, but that man be free.”
Oval Office, Yonder sits the “lame duck” President
Mr. President Trump, you are free to leave office.
Sir, given the recent two campaigns, it appears we were correct. It seems you immediately heeded the message of the first book. And in time managed to whirl past obstacles and “red herrings.” However, unlike lawsuits the most challenging obstacle is the one not seen coming. Looking through a two-way mirror, what do you think we see? Useful Asset, Useful Idiot or Simply Idiot?
Mr. President, the book “The Art of War” advises warriors of strategies and tactics liken to “Never let them see you coming” and to “hide in plain sight.” Anticipating the President’s response or lack thereof was easy. Not only did the 2016 Republican candidate and the 2020 President let you see him coming but was always in your face.
Sir, it appears your adversary too saw you coming. Recall, the Democrat Former National Security Advisor’s statement, “We knew that a pandemic was all but inevitable.” Of course you did. And it appears the Obama administration was lucky for eight years. Madame, some say, “I rather be lucky thank right.” It appears you were both. Still, others would say no one is that damn lucky!
The public referred to O.J. Simpson as the football player turned actor charged with murder. Not the accused African-American found innocent. It’s not surprising a reality show businessman turned politician was voted into office only to lose reelection, remaining a “lame duck” President. But will he be seen as an accused White male found innocent?
Clearly the message of the second book was overlooked. Mr. President, as expected your exit may be as straightaway “as the crow flies.” After some time, the world may still remember the one-term President as they do Nixon. All thanks to media. Or, the “Fourth Estate” as I pointed out in that first book brought to your attention in 2000 referencing the Author’s Note:
“In May 1789, Louis XVI summoned to Versailles a full meeting of the ‘Estates General’.
The First Estate consisted of three hundred nobles.
The Second Estate, three hundred clergy.
The Third Estate, six hundred commoners.
Some years later, after the French Revolution, Edmund Burke, looking up at the Press Gallery of the House of Commons, said, ‘Yonder sits the Fourth Estate, and they are more important than them all.’”
Yes, indeed, the media has made itself important while profiting. In time, media socials too capitalized on this playing both sides. But they as their predecessors, print media, will be all but obsolete failing to see those more powerful than them all.
White House Enterprise is Once Again Ripe for Execution
Republican or Democrat makes no difference for those who have learned to pilfer, exploit, and manipulate America’s weaknesses. Chosen leaders are only as capable, loyal, and trusted as those who vote them in. Seat of the chair of the Oval Office is swiveled by lobbyists, special interests, and of course, those that “Heap so Goddamn much praise…”
Peter Navarro, Director of the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy (OTMP) explains “… politicians allow this shell game to be run because they want to keep consumers and voters fat, dumb, and happy-and themselves in power.” Well put Navarro. We find this “shell game” is not only made up of banks, Trans-National Corporations (TNCs), and special interests but foreign investors. (Disclosure: In my role as Faculty Assistant at the Paul Merage School of Business, I assisted Prof. Navarro.)
America, as you’re locked down at home stop to think. After five decades, how did China reportedly become the only conduit of viruses? World leaders blame China the way CEOs blame their overseas mistresses for STDs conveniently forgetting about their wenches at home.
Greedy American Corporations profited catering to your excesses. Your robust farmlands became wastelands of pesticides and sick livestock. Ever wonder how viruses spread so fast? You became your worst enemy. Regaining control requires strategic and tactical boycotts.
President Jimmy Carter’s warning of living beyond one’s means was ignored and soon forgotten when an Actor told you what you wanted to hear. Powerless States are manifested by the corruption of political leaders and the impotence of representatives. In the 1996 book “The Retreat of the State. The Diffusion of Power in the World Economy,” Susan Strange points out:
“No political campaign manager would advise a candidate to fight an election solely on issues of security and order, excluding all the other issues of possible interest to the voters – of trade policy and monetary policies as they may affect economic growth and employment, or of social policies as they may affect people’s housing, health, education and welfare chances.”
Candidates for Office have ignored this advice since the Reagan Campaign. Readily the games that work against the people continue. How? Strange, British scholar with a keen eye aptly captures how the States’ economy functions in the backdrop of the markets soaring in her books Casino Capitalism (1986), States and Markets (1988), and Mad Money (1998).
As in business, leader’s actions have consequences with some proving to be catastrophic. My mentors, Heroes and Honored Veterans, offer a striking example. Avoidable sea catastrophes have led to the deaths of sea mates and naval officers due to dry cargo valves being weather proofed instead of water proofed, taking in water resulting in the vessel sinking. Similarly, I find that as America started to “sink” all were distracted on deck watching the organ grinder monkey.
Barry Richard, Former Attorney for George W. Bush Campaign recently stated that like in 2000, “people will get back to work.” Sir, get back to what? For many there is no job, no business and no home to get back to. Economic wheel has turned once again rendering jobs obsolete. Pandemic accelerated the wheel ahead by a decade. The future is here, it’s literally knocking on your door.
Lion at the Realm’s Gate
“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” -Alexander the Great
Bush administration set in motion the moves carried out by the Obama team. So too, the profiteering pompous State of play has been set for the new administration. Yes, gentlemen, as the “duck quacks,” the State has taken flight to seal the deals leaving behind no loose ends.
President–Elect Biden, for a new leadership to be a game changer will depend on how your team manages the upshots of the pacts put forth with dealmakers across the globe. BUT, there will be no reversal of fortunes.
On alliances and national security, start where the preceding power and his “announcer” finished. Then, work your way back following the “bread crumbs.”
President–Elect Biden, Sir:
Accept that China has mastered the game and commands its “Circle of Power.”
It will serve your nation well to cease from confusing Russia with the Soviet Union.
Witnessing a “superpower” economy crumbling the past year, World leaders, unafraid, have finally caught a glimpse of the sheepherder. With the imminent “changing of the guard,” a new President needs to carefully choose who defends and lead his armies.
Sir, if I may be so bold as to propose James N. Mattis, Commanding General and the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper.
Mark Esper, Sir, I’d like to think you heeded the advice in my paper “WAR, Crystal Clear.” Power is alwayes Generallissimo” and steered clear from the political fog.
Dr. Esper, with your military, professional, and educational experience your options are wide open. America needs strong armies led by a lion. I’d like to see you join the new team launching your “kickoff.”
Mark, your courageous actions speak of a man, a leader, a true Lionheart. I dare say I have enjoyed seeing you in uniform and in action. 🙂