The Taste of Blood

[H2O Man]

“The term predatory aggression is used for dogs who stare at a target creature, move silently and quickly with a grab-bite to the jugular or abdomen – the vital organs. A hallmark of this is the sudden, impulsive action of the dog. For many dogs, this may be the only type of aggression they show. It is dangerous because it cannot be trained, medicated or counter conditioned out of them. You may have a dog who chased cats be commanded to stay or sit around the cat, but they will still chase the cat down at some point. I have seen this happen. This aggression is shocking to the owners because it comes out suddenly and it is directed to what we do not see as prey. But the dog’s instinct tells otherwise.”

https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/killer-dogs-predation-and-predatory-aggression-in-pets/



I love dogs. I've had dogs all of my life. But since Trump frequently calls his enemies “dogs,” I am opting to use canines to illustrate a point about him.

For most of my life, I've raised chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Started when I was seven years old. I'm not including chickens as a reference to Trump, though, as I think “coward” is more accurate. Anyhow, at one point, I got some Japanese Silkie chickens. My grandfather said it was a mistake, because one of my dogs was a Malamute.

He said that she would kill those birds, and once she had a taste for blood, would begin killing other animals. I said that she was an intelligent dog, and I'd teach her not to. He said, “Like hell you will.” And, of course, he was correct. She began killing other animals, and even attacked a number of porcupines. Even that initial experience didn't teach her to stop attacking porcupines.

I'm not trying to say that Trump is as intelligent as my dog was. He's definitely not as strong, nor could he run in snow like she did. Still, I told this story, to set up another one.

Since Trump has taken office, I've referred to him on this forum as a sociopath. I haven't intended that as an insult, but rather, as an accurate description of the essence of his being. And just as dogs, chickens, and porcupines behave according to their nature, so does a sociopath.

My job included working with a number of clients who were sociopaths. It also included having several co-workers who were a heck of a lot smarter than me, and who helped me apply my training in dealing with sociopaths. One in particular, who I am still close friends with, taught me something important. She couldn't predict when certain of those clients would act out violently, but she was 100% accurate in predicing which ones would.

As I've noted many times on this forum, as pressures increase on Trump, there is a growing likelihood of his lashing out. Despite his constant attempts to sound like a tough guy – pathetically claiming to be a “counter-puncher,” an art that requires a full detachment from emotions – he is a weakling, a coward. So I never thought he would actually shoot someone on Fifth Ave, much less start a fist-fight.

But I did fear that he would get a taste for blood. An that doubles in danger, in the context of his attempting to out do President Obama – specifically for Obama's role in the killing of Usama bin Laden. For jealousy and cowardice amplify one another in a bad way. We remember last October, when al-Baghdadi was killed, Trump's feeble attempt to claim it was more significant than the killing of bin Laden.

Regardless of if this was justified or not in military terms, it gave Trump a taste for blood. That taste was reinforced by the chemical reactions in his brain – the excitement was, in his mind, a good thing. He believed it made him a hero in his supporters' minds. For Donald Trump, thrill-seeking became connected to killing, just like a dog.

What happened yesterday in Iraq comes as no surprise. Numerous forum members here have expressed concern that Trump would try to distract from his impeachment by starting a war with Iran. Again, this is separate from if killing Soleimani was a justified military action or not. The fact is that Trump is wholly unqualified to serve as commander in chief under ANY circumstances, and poses a greater danger to domestic and international security than any other person on our planet. Add to this the fact that Soleimani has been traveling openly in Iraq and elsewhere for years – unlike, say, bin Laden – and would have been an open target to easily kill if that was deemed necessary from a military viewpoint.

That this taste of blood happens at the exact time when even more documentation of Trump's corrupt dealings with Ukraine are spilling out, and his impeachment trial approaches, does not appear to be a coincidence. Of course, I do not believe in “coincidence” to begin with

We are in a dangerous time. It may become far worse in an instant. As Democrats, citizens of the United States and indeed, of the world, this time calls upon each of us to join together to remove Trump from office as soon as possible. That requires our putting any minor differences behind us – it doesn't matter, for example, which candidate one supports in the primaries, but it does matter that we not engage in attacking another candidate or her/his supporters. No, we need to all support whoever is on our ticket in November. And to get there, we have to be united now, in this hour of darkness.

Peace,
H2O Man

[spanone]

1. K&R...⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[H2O Man]

2. Thank you!

[coeur_de_lion]

3. When you and I spoke several weeks ago

you predicted this and you were worried about it.

Now it is here. God help us.

[H2O Man]

4. Yep.

I wish that I had been wrong. But I saw no chance of that.

[kentuck]

5. Recommended

Well said, H20 Man!

" Add to this the fact that Soleimani has been traveling openly in Iraq and elsewhere for years – unlike, say, bin Laden – and would have been an open target to easily kill if that was deemed necessary from a military viewpoint."

=====

Do you believe this was a "hit"?

By whom?

[H2O Man]

7. I think that

it was a US military strike. Killing him has been an option for a long time, so I'm curious why it happened now? Was he actually posing a much greater threat to the US? Or was this more about Trump's needs?

I have a niece and a nephew in the military. And I know a few "kids" that went to school with my children serving the country. One is a young lady who went to school with my youngest daughter. She was a top athlete, always very confident of her skills, and eager to step up to the plate.

She's been posting on facebook today. She's expressing the same excitement about going to war, as she did about big sporting events a few years ago. That scares me. I feel terrible that she really has no idea what that involves.

[kentuck]

13. Maybe it was a target of opportunity?

They knew he was going to be there and someone, perhaps a General, decided to take him out. That is what someone posted earlier about what the Russians believed? They thought it might be some rogue-type operation by the military?

They did not seem to believe that Trump was capable of making that decision himself, without first talking to Putin, perhaps?

[H2O Man]

98. Have you seen the

NY Times article today, regarding the Pentagon's threat assessment? Or lack of any increase? (There is an OP on this that I'll look for, to link here.)

That suggests that you are correct. But I believe that Trump & Fiends are the opportunists.

Mighty strange seeing Pompeo saying Americans are safer, at the same time the administration is telling Americans to get out of Iraq. Perhaps he has a different definition of "safe."

[kentuck]

112. I can't understand why we should feel "safer"?

It seems like a very fluid situation to me. It's really unpredictable.


Was it an act of war?

[H2O Man]

114. I don't

think it's safer. I could tell Pompeo knew he was lying throughout the interview.

It sure seems like an act of war. Hopefully, saner minds will step up.

[wnylib]

33. i met some young people like that

in the run up to the US invasion of Iraq. My thoughts were the same as you expressed about them not knowing what a war would involve.

I remember one young man in particular. I rode on a bus that was part of a caravan of protesters going from Buffalo to DC for a huge anti war rally in January of '03. Our bus stopped at a large suburban rest stop near Philly. A young man about 18 at the cash register told me, very politely, that he understood our right to protest but said he would be proud to serve in defense of the nation. He said he planned to enlist as soon as he graduated in the spring. He only hoped the war wasn't over before then. I said I hoped it never got started.

The kid said he knew how people of my age and his parents' age felt about Vietnam, but said, "I'm not like that. I'm not afraid to serve." He had a full, soft-looking face and seemed like someone who might have been targeted by bullies at school. I got the impression that he saw being trained and armed to fight as a chance to be tough and prove himself.

I said opposition to war is not a matter if cowardice, but of knowing when a fight is worthwhile or necessary. He just shook his head and gave me the look of a teen who pities the ignorance of adults.

I often wondered whether he did enlist and what happened to him. He had no clue what to expect. My brothers served during Vietnam. One was there for 2 years (career military).. He came back disillusioned about too many things to cover here, but remained in the service until retirement. The other one had permanent PTSD disability afterward and passed away at age 65.

[lunatica]

95. My brother didn't come back alive.

But I think he would have had a life of suffering from being there.

[wnylib]

117. Sorry that you lost your brother. So many

young people lost to us then.

[lunatica]

118. 58,000 US military casualties

And that war was no more legitimate than the present war.

That was 50 years ago and sometimes for me it was just yesterday. All I can say is fuck wars. My first thought in every war, for both sides, is about the deaths that will come. And all over crap like oil or religion or just some lard assed leader’s daddy issues.

[wnylib]

119. Too often, the average citizen goes to war

for the goals and ambitions of the leadership and upper classes of nations. The best illustration of this was Xmas in the first year of WWI. You may be familiar with the story.

Men in the trenches on both sides were there because they were sent to war by their leaders. There was so little purpose to the fighting that their hearts were not in it. They did not hate the enemy. In some places where the enemy positions were near each other but far from fighting down the lines, Germans, French, and Brits started trading items with each other to make themselves more comfortable. Friendships across enemy lines started developing.

When Xmas Eve arrived these people of similar European cultures and a shared religion began singing Xmas carols in their own languages to each other. They traded cigarettes, drinks, and eventually a Xmas truce developed. They crossed no man's land into each other's camps, shared family pictures, names, and foods. In some places they organized soccer games.

Lower ranking officers permitted the shared celebrations and participated. Higher level officers objected but had llittle control once it got started.

I can imagine those guys, if left up to them, resolving the conflicts with a few boxing or wrestling matches and accepting the outcome.

But there was too much st stake for the national and military leaders, and the weapons dealers and manufacturers to let it end in peace so soon.

Day after Xmas, they were ordered to resume places and fighting. They reluctantly did and Europe suffered more years of war, disease, destruction, maiming, and death
.
How great it would be if opposing armies just said, "What.the hell are we doing?" and refused to fight.

[lunatica]

120. Your last sentence is always on my mind.

But people would have to wake up to the herd mentality that has made them so utterly gullible to the lies of their leaders. It must be almost impossible if the horrors of wars they don’t even understand can’t wake them.

[wnylib]

121. People get "crazed" by the drumbeats of war

pounded into their ears with pro war propaganda designed to appeal to their fears snd anger. Once that happens you can't reason with them. I saw it happen prior to our invasion of Iraq. Otherwise rational people wanted blood as vengeance for 9/11. It did no good to tell them that Iraq was not part of that. Their heads were filled with mushroom cloud fears and the belief that one Muslim nation was the same as another. Did not matter to them which one we attscked as long as we went after "them."

The media helped promote the war fever mentality. I remember Katie Curic on Today discussing preparstions made by Navy Seals. She gave an adoring grin at one in uniform and cooed, "I just LOVE those unifotms. Seals rock." As if that's got anything to do with the reasons for going to war.

I sdmired many things that Johnson did, but despised his actions in Vietnsm.

I am not a total pacifist. There are times when fighting is necessary, but there have been far too msny unnecessary battles and wars. War is a failure of creativity and intelligence in resolving differences. There are military people in my family who have seen combat and agree with me.

I was totally nauseated by the shallow arguments prior to invading Iraq regarding UN resolutions and violations, trying to justify war as if they were talking about a video gsme and not real human lives.

[malthaussen]

56. Who does, these days?

In the US, that is. And I've always worried that military training, which necessarily involves making soldiers confident of their abilities and equipment, may tend to make a military solution seem simple, to those we intend to sacrifice in it. It would be counter-productive to teach young soldiers that war sucks, after all. I still remember the interview with the kid in the first Gulf War who said "This is nothing like a video game." Then again, what are drones if not exactly like a video game? Yet even some drone pilots are starting to lose morale when they see the carnage they can cause by twitching a finger.

Alas, we both know that a number of poor, ignorant young fools are salivating at the opportunity to "get out there and kick somebody's ass." And many old, ignorant fools are champing at the bit to send them "there."

-- Mal

[H2O Man]

58. Last night, my

younger son stopped in. We were discussing this. His response was, for all practical purposes, exactly what you've said here.

A few of the "old, ignorant fools" I know from boxing -- all former military men -- are eager to send US troops to Iran. I just shake my head when I read their nonsense on facebook. They are not capable of rational thought, much less discussion, at this time. I'll give it a few days before engaging them in conversation.

[malaise]

6. You have the art of clarifying while keeping things simple

[H2O Man]

8. Thank you!

I had been reading some of Malcolm's speeches, where he used both dogs and chickens to communicate important points. Did I mention that I don't believe in coincidence?

[malaise]

16. Many times my friend

[NBachers]

9. This could escalate to nuclear bombs in twelve days.

[H2O Man]

34. That is certainly

one potential. And if unconscious people continue to mistakenly think that they control violence, it becomes more likely. For humans do not control violence, it controls them, rendering them out-of-control. There's the old saying about it being easier to start a war than to stop one, and the US experience in Iraq is proof of that.

It will take the conscious effort of good people to prevent this from going further out of control. We know Trump lacks that capacity. He is unaware of that, of course, and probably wouldn't care if he was self-aware.

[yonder]

70. "...it (violence) controls them..."

without question.

[lunatica]

100. I reiterate that we need a Department of Peace added to our government

One that works 24/7 to assure peace in the world.

Sigh. Wouldn’t it be great if producing peace were as prestigious and lucrative as producing war?

[Liberalhammer]

10. A dog and pony show

Set up by Putin, which can go terribly out of control and start WW3

[H2O Man]

35. It would be

interesting to know what Putin and Trump said in their recent communications. I would not be in the least surprised if Putin was okay with the recent US strikes, including yesterday's .....for it only isolates the US further than Trump has thus far. It would shock me, however, if Putin warned Trump against this, and Donald disobeyed his master.

[malthaussen]

50. Mr Putin could "ally" with us...

... everyone seems certain that the Russians will be opposed to any action by us against Iran. But supposing Mr Putin allied with us and invaded Iran from the north? It's not like the US has any plans to occupy the oil-producing regions of Iran. (I doubt the "US," embodied in Donald Trump, has any plans at all) The Russians might profit from such an eventuality, or at least conceive that they might profit.

And to expect Russian opposition is to believe that Mr Trump acted independently of his master. Now, if Mr Trump is equatable to that dog who will go off the rails at any unexpected moment, and Mr Putin only thinks he is the Master, then that could be the case. But if Donald Trump is an obedient little apparatchik, then he would not act without at least tacit approval from his handler.

The Chinese, however, can not be happy about this.

__ Mal

[H2O Man]

52. Possibly.

But if Putin's plan has been to weaken and isolate the US, I'd think that Putin would prefer and count on Trump to be too stupid to know how to handle the situation with Iran. Even with Trump's withdrawal from the nuclear deal that the Obama administration made -- with numerous other nations involved -- began to separate those other nations from the US and its sanctions. Having conflict with Iran will surely result in oil (and thus gas) prices rising. Since Iran is assisting Russia in Syria, I do not think it is likely Putin will do anything significant to save the US from Trump.

[Liberalhammer]

109. Oil prices went up

Its already helping Putin.

[H2O Man]

110. Yep.

[bucolic_frolic]

11. As bad as you say and worse: read some Trumpian projection into this

https://6abc.com/trump-declares-iranian-generals-reign-of-terror-over/5809381/

BAGHDAD -- President Donald Trump declared Friday that a "reign of terror is over" as he marked the death of an Iranian general killed in a U.S. strike and as the Pentagon scrambled to reinforce the American military presence in the Middle East in preparation for reprisals.

______________________________

When Trump uses that term, pay attention. If he says it's over, it's beginning? If he says the other guys did it, he's ready to do it himself?

[H2O Man]

36. Thanks for that.

I think the odds are that things go from worse to horribly worse by the end of the month. I hope not, but I recognize that we have a president without any ability to resolve conflicts. He can only start them.

[LudwigPastorius]

12. I believe Sting wrote a song about it.

Now if you have a taste for this experience
If you're flushed with your very first success
Then you must try a twosome or a threesome
You'll find your conscience bothers you much less

Because murder is like anything you take to
It's a habit-forming need for more and more
You can bump off every member of your family
And anybody else you find a bore

Because it's murder by numbers, one, two, three
It's as easy to learn as your ABC's
Murder by numbers, one, two, three
It's as easy to learn as your ABC's

Now you can join the ranks of the illustrious
In history's great dark hall of fame
All our greatest killers were industrious
At least the ones that we all know by name

But you can reach the top of your profession
If you become the leader of the land
For murder is the sport of the elected
And you don't need to lift a finger of your hand

Because it's murder by numbers, one, two, three
It's as easy to learn as your ABC's

[H2O Man]

37. Very good!

Thank you for that. I wasn't familiar with it before, and appreciate that you posted it here!

[peggysue2]

14. Thank you for that!

It's a stark but vivid example/reminder of where we are at this moment. I agree that Trump is an enormous security risk to the country and the world, a man who acts on raw impulse. I have no doubt he'll do anything to save his own skin from impending impeachment proceedings, even at the cost of American lives. The horrifying thing is to listen to the war hawks beating the familiar drum and (as you mentioned down thread), seducing the young with thoughts of war glory.

War with Iran? A bloodbath in the making.

We never seem to learn.

[H2O Man]

38. Good points!

My friend Rubin used to tell me that wise people learn from other people's mistakes, most of us have to learn from our own, but fools never learn.

I do not think Trump has ever been held accountable in any meaningful way for anything he has done in life. Our country and the world are paying for his sins, though.

[BeckyDem]

15. Trump must be removed from office.

K&R

[H2O Man]

39. Definitely.

Every hour he is president poses a threat.

[EveHammond13]

17. "From Hell's heart, I stab at thee"

[H2O Man]

40. I love it!

Thank you.

"There is a wisdom that is woe:but there is a woe that is madness."

[cp]

18. Thank you for your life wisdom

We are indeed in perilous times. Glad of your insight, thank you.

[H2O Man]

42. Thanks cp!

I lived through the 13 days of the Cuban Missile Crises. It's interesting to note that if any of the two presidents before or after JFK had been in office, how unlikely it is that the outcome would have been anything to close to what it was. And Truman, Ike, LBJ, and even Nixon were intelligent, capable human beings.

Donald Trump is neither intelligent nor capable when it comes to foreign relations (or anything else).

[burrowowl]

46. Yes i remember

JFK was outstanding. I remember the relief.

[dalton99a]

19. An important post.

[H2O Man]

43. Thank you!

[BarbD]

20. You are correct on all points.

We must stand together. It is the only way our country will survive this madness.

[H2O Man]

45. Thanks, BarbD !

[MartyTheGreek]

21. As you know, in boxing, a taste of blood raises adrenaline...

and good boxers know how to use it to their advantage. Lets hope the Con keeps it at bay or the Generals restrain him from any further unnecessary aggression.

I read where Bolton raised his "job well done flag" on the drone killing of the Iranian General. Seems that Bolton is determined to stay relevant either for his book, or legacy. Or, both? This villain, could be made a hero much like Ollie North but in this case he has to politically stab the emperor to foster in the end of this American nightmare.

Recommended.

[H2O Man]

47. That it does!

The only time I tasted my own blood in 329 fights was a bloody lip. I was wearing a new mouthpiece, a rather cheap one that you put in hot water, molded, then cut off the strap. Where the strap had been cut was rough, and cut my lip. Of course, it was a clean punch that caused the cut, something that led me to punish the opponent.

I much preferred seeing the opponent's blood. It's crazy when I think about that as I write this. I knew exactly how to make a small cut into a large cut. None of the guys I cut made it to the decision.

Of course, back in those years -- so long ago -- I had no concept of the related changes in chemistry that take place. I was young, stupid, and liked hitting opponents.

[Hekate]

22. KnR, as always

[H2O Man]

48. Thank you!

(As always!)

[Hekate]

113. I want you to know, GMTA over this morning's Los Angeles Times...

... Reading about how the mad king was given a list of bullet points by "his generals," one of which was "kill Suleiman," and Trump zeroed in on that option like a bee to honey -- Hubby just said: "A taste for blood. Now he's got the taste." At which point I told him about your essay.

My reaction was a bit different (though I agree) and had to do with who gave him the briefing the way they did. Thinking of who briefed him and that they know what he is by now I said: "No one is going to save us. No one is going to save us."

Sorry if this is a little disjointed. I'm not sleeping well.

[H2O Man]

115. I've been reading

the book A Warning by anonymous. It was given to me, or I wouldn't be reading it. But it does have some interesting information in it, including about the difficulties of trying to brief Trump on intelligence matters.

If it were me, I'd have removed that page, and if anyone noticed, I'd say my dog ate it.

[Hekate]

116. That's what I mean. They KNOW what he is by now, & have known all along. WHY would anyone...

...in their right mind even present him with the choice? WHY?

It's a rhetorical question of course -- but it's why I said: "No one is going to save us."

[wendyb-NC]

23. Thank you, this rings so true

I agree he must go! The current situation in the mid-east is so terrifying. It's part of his chaos churning, and vengeful nature. He's a menace, the only way to overcome him is solidarity.

[H2O Man]

49. Thanks, wendyb-NC !

We need to win the White House and the Senate in November.

[calimary]

24. 'fraid so. Your analysis sounds spot-on, my friend.

[H2O Man]

51. Thank you!

And here I had thought we'd have this country straightened out, and that I would be able to relax and enjoy my old age. But democracy means constant struggle.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

25. And remember....

We on this board that need Democrats in office, because rethugs will just hurt us more than we already are. So please vote Dem, Dem, Dem!

[H2O Man]

53. Exactly!

From local to state to national offices, we need a Democratic Party tidal wave.

[thegoose]

26. He's a psychopath

The idea that he can order people to be killed without any repercussions probably makes his mushroom stand up. God, I hate him.

[live love laugh]

31. 💯

[H2O Man]

54. "Heredity loads

the gun; environment is the finger on the trigger."

(I prefer that mental image to that of a quivering mushroom!)

[Zoonart]

27. Thank you H2o Man!

Thoughtfully well said.

[H2O Man]

55. Thank you!

Much appreciated, Zoonart!

[mountain grammy]

28. It's very scary right now

and I agree with what you said so very well. I hoped the military would put the brakes on him, but guess not. The war machine needs a war and and evil is president. This is our hour of darkness.

[H2O Man]

57. It is a very tense

time right now. I think that a significant number of the military leaders are not in a hurry to get into a war with Iran -- which by definition means a regional outbreak of violence. The US was asking a lot, actually too much, for the McCain surge in Iraq, though it brought a temporary relief. Iran is much, much larger, with far more military capability, and it is insane to think that the US (even if NATO assisted) could occupy that country.

All of this means it is our hour of total darkness. Trump is sucking the light out of America.

[mountain grammy]

84. That's an excellent description.

Sucking the light out of America.

[kyburbonkid]

29. I hate to say it, but a "Wag The Dog" moment most certainly happened...

it's not like the guy wasn't bad, or that the Iraq embassy wasn't attacked, but that backburner conflict has been going on for a while. Why all of the sudden order a drone strike hit on the guy Jan 2nd, without informing anyone in the Gang of 8? It appears to me to be a very self-serving action to distract and bolster his own image (in his own eyes, and to our detriment).

[H2O Man]

60. I agree completely.

Someone as capable as him in violence and warfare is always "bad" if they are on the other team, and a hero if he's on our team. Thus, after 9/11, he was a wee-bit better than "okay" -- because while he helped overthrow the Taliban in Afghanistan, he wasn't fully on our team. Instead, he was working to benefit Iran, just as he has done in Iraq and Syria.

[live love laugh]

30. Tragically the sociopath gene is shared--among Republicans

The recent story of his sons killing a rare sheep and their numerous hunting pics (easily Googled) are evidence of their blood thirst.

Thom Hartmann recalled today how Bush mocked the death row electrocution of Karla Fay Tucker with taunts of “please don’t kill me...” as she pleaded for her life.

And who can forget the sadistic killing of Saddam Hussein with disgusting bloody pictures plastered on the front page of newspapers.

[H2O Man]

62. Very good!

I remember talking to Rubin after he traveled from his home in Canada, to meet with then Governor Bush to discuss a death penalty case. Now, Rubin had been wrongly incarcerated for 20 years previous to his work in Canada. He had been incarcerated with some very sick, violent individuals. But Bush was as cold as anyone he had ever met.

He told me Bush was "giddy" about sending men and women to their death. I remeber him saying that the "W" in his name stood for "Death."

[Evolve Dammit]

32. Watching him address his "base" today it is clear they respond to the "bloodlust" similar to the

canines you describe. I have seen it in both animals and humans, mostly the latter.
The Iraq "war" comes to mind when the yellow magnets, "USA" chants and Bush/Cheney supporting corporate MSM banishing the likes of Donahue, Rather and others who disagreed, took place. I think we have devolved to the point that, reduced to it's core, akin to the film "Planet of the Apes"; lock-step, pro-war gorillas and thoughtful, more cautious and empathetic chimpanzees. I hope that nukes don't enter into the equation, but Drumpf has always asked "why we don't use them?" At that point, we will all be like Charlton Heston and the destroyed Statue of Liberty at the end of the film. May I not live to see such an ending.
Thanks for the post H2O Man.

[H2O Man]

63. I keep thinking

back to that question -- "Why don't we use them?" It has been haunting me this week. We know what he is capable of, and what his supporters would approve of.

When Trump hung out with Don King -- back when he promoted fights at the NJ casino -- Trump got off on the violence in the ring. He especially liked watching Mike Tyson in Iron Mike's prime. Trump actually wanted to buy Tyson's contract.

No one in the boxing community ever thought of Trump as a tough guy. Hence, his involvement in professional wrestling, including the infamous scene of Trump's tackling a victim outside the ring. I think it is fair to say Trump is the professional wrestler of world leaders.

[shanti]

41. You nailed it, Waterman!

Happy New Year to you and yours!

[H2O Man]

64. Thank you, shanti !

Happy New Year to you & yours!

[blogslut]

44. The Lunar New Year is coming up.

2020: Year of the Rat. Naturally, I spent too much time reading about the signs of the Chinese Zodiac.

Guess who was born in the Year of the Dog? Come on, guess!

[H2O Man]

65. Yes, it is!

Time for the Mid-Winter ceremonies at Onondaga.

Trump reminds me of a teenager who has just consumer a bottle of "Mad Dog 20/20."

[muriel_volestrangler]

59. I wonder if his pardoning of, and then hanging out with, Gallagher the killer is another symptom

He wants to have an image of being ready to kill, so he's associating with known killers. While the other SEALs see Gallagher as a sick and dangerous man, Trump wants to emulate him, by proxy.

[H2O Man]

61. You nailed it!

You are so right! Thank you so much for this. Huge!

[Marengo]

66. For all his drone strikes, was Obama compared to a dog?

[H2O Man]

73. Curious question there.

Perhaps youcan provide you opinion?

[PETRUS]

75. He can't.

At least not using the Marengo account. He's been "flagged for review."

[H2O Man]

77. I'm not surprised.

I taught all four of my children that, when I was speaking to them about their behavior, the "but what about so-and-so?" was not acceptable. Indeed, there would be a consequence for that alone, but it would not under any circumstance deflect from our focus on their behavior. Children should learn this simple lesson by the age five, as it will be important for the rest of their lives.

I was thinking that there was a good chance that this fellow had the wrong forum to advocate his position. This was based in large part by my understanding that Trump, rather than Obama, is the current president. I am right on that, I'm sure.

Under President Obama's nuclear agreement with Iran and other nations, there were no missile attacks or IEDs targeting US troops in Iraq. Trump changed that. He owns the violence, and the violence owns him.

[tenderfoot]

122. Couldn't have happened to a nicer bootlicker

eom

[bucolic_frolic]

67. Twitter Thread: Where there's smoke, there's fire.

Link to tweet

[H2O Man]

74. Thank you!

[PETRUS]

68. Could there be such a thing as an institutional taste for blood?

Presidents and legislators come and go, but the government never seems to lose its appetite for violent "solutions."

[H2O Man]

76. Good question.

Considering the fact that the US has the most powerful military in the world -- indeed, in history -- and continues to invest massive amounts of money on weapons systems, a person might comclude that the institution has that taste for blood.

[PETRUS]

78. If we allow that it's a metaphor, I think the US developed a taste for blood long ago.

One of the best books I read last year was "How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States," by Daniel Immerwahr. No doubt you're familiar with much of the history it covers (but probably not all! I'm reasonably well-read and learned some entirely new things). The book reminded me how often our government has used violence to get its way. Not that the US is singularly guilty, but we've been the biggest bully on the block for several decades now.

[H2O Man]

81. Thanks for

recommending that book! I have a new pile of books I got from my children for the holiday, but after I finish with them, that will be the next book I buy. I always appreciate when forum members suggest good books. And that sounds just like what I like to read!

I live in a rural setting. Not many neighbors, and none too close. One guy does stock up and guns and bullets, another target-shoots frequently. Fortunately, neither one seeks to trade me bullets for the produce from my garden .....or threatens to take it at gun point. The US could learn from them.

[PETRUS]

91. Sure! I'm delighted that you're interested.

Reading is one my main pastimes. Every now and then, I encounter a book that I push at as many people as I can. "How to Hide an Empire" is one of those. If I may suggest another that provoked an "everyone needs to read this" reaction, I'd like to recommend "The Divide: Global Inequality from Conquest to Free Markets," by Jason Hickel.

If you're willing (and remember), I'd love to hear from you when/if you finish "How to Hide an Empire."

A little late, but Happy New Year! And thanks for the exchange here.

[H2O Man]

96. I definitely will.

Through the years that they were growing up, my children knew I tried to read every night. I went to a few area library book sales, to stock up for the cold months. I'd add up how many pages I'd stocked up on, as I generally read 200-300 pages daily. But my eyes aren't as good these days .....everything falls apart with age, I suppose. The 2018 head injury resulted in that process unfolding at a quicker pace. It's always something! (grin)

These are books that I'll recommend to my older daughter. She is working in a law office now, but is looking to get back intofeeding poor people around the globe. She spent time in India with a lady who leads that effort in that country. I think it's essential to understand the nature of the problem -- for we could feed every person, if that was the goal, but opt not to. Her passion is helping them with the skills and materials they need to feed themselves.

[Bluepinky]

69. Thank you for this post!

Your comparison of Trump’s behavior to that of a dog is appropriate (and this is not to disparage dogs, I love them). Trump thinks with his brain stem, he does whatever makes him feel good without caring about the effects on others. He’s a coward who has avoided serving in the armed forces himself, but he likes the idea of war and killing. He gets a thrill out of ordering someone be killed and then seeing it done. I think deep down, he knows he’s a fraud and a failure, and all his actions are attempts to show himself and others he’s not a failure.

[H2O Man]

79. Thank you!

Your post reminds me of a couple of Trump's obscene comments, including his claim he knows more about ISIS than the generals, and his claim that he would have made a great general. He wants to be viewed as a war hero.

That's about as reality-based as if I said I know more about basketball than anyone in the NBA, and would have been an all-time great basketball star. The only difference is I'd merely be viewed as a damned fool, but not a threat to any human being.

[Stuart G]

71. K and R...Outstanding Post..Thank You for posting.

[H2O Man]

82. Thanks, Stuart G !

I'm glad you liked it!

[G_j]

72. Amen!

[H2O Man]

83. Thank you!

[MuseRider]

80. Thank you for this.

So insightful.

It also lets me off the hook right now for not being able to think. I was in the ER with my husband when this broke and I was so angry (he was really OK but he worries too much about himself) that I had to walk away for a while.

I am still blood red angry. Picturing myself I would see blood escaping around by brain and over my eyes. This is just enough of the crap, ENOUGH!

I believe we are close enough in age to relate all of this over and over. Even if a war was started by intelligent and somewhat thoughtful people (were they really?) far far too much of these conflicts are basically just uncontrolled egos and anger. Those egos followed by the anger can be of whole or a majority a country. It is contagious and that scares the hell out of me.

Anyway, trying to let the blood go from my eyes so I can think. It is hard to do that in this state. I have a rehearsal tomorrow, perhaps a little Mozart playing will help it begin to ebb.

So glad you are here to think and put information and ideas out. When I can think I always agree but when I can't think I lean on you and others to help make things better until I recover. Have a good day.

[H2O Man]

85. Oh, thank you!

Thank you for that! You just made my day! I really appreciate you kind words!

I've been trying to distract myself from thinking about this, by walking my dogs through the fields and woods, and by going through my collection of John Lennon's music. I'm making a couple of CDs for my brother, of versions of John's music he hasn't heard. I've got a fair amount of "rare" stuff to look through, and it helps settle my mind.

Again, thank you, MuseRider! Your message means a lot to me!

[MuseRider]

92. Lennon and Mozart

We could save the world, or at least cool a few billion hot heads!

I normally do not have a part in Mozart and really the parts were written for an ancestor of my instrument but when I get a chance it feels like being rewarded. 2 pieces! I really can never part Tom Hulce and his Mozart. I loved thinking Mozart was fun.

John Lennon had so much to say, had we all only listened.

[H2O Man]

94. Right.

To borrow a line from Ringo, I liked John's poems better than Mozart's! (grin)

I just got back in from a walk in the woods with one of my dogs. He led me to a spot that I've been looking for, for years now. And it got me outlining my next essay for DU:GD.

[MuseRider]

107. Oh Ringo!

What a perfect comment!

I am glad you found that spot with your dogs. How intriguing!

[nolabear]

86. As a (retired) mental health pro I couldn't agree more.

I didn’t see 45’s speech after the killing yesterday. I heard it on car radio. And his level of excitement was horrifying. It reminded me of The Iceman, and if people haven’t seen that documentary I’d recommend it.

We could have a long conversation about how this level of pleasure in inflicting pain develops but I’m absolutely secure in saying this man should never, ever, EVER be able to acquire the capacity to harm or kill.

[LuckyCharms]

89. Watched The Iceman awhile ago...

Horrifying guy.

[H2O Man]

90. What I find

interesting is that almost everyone who views one of the documentaries on the Iceman recognizes that he was a cold and dangerous man, lacking in the qualities we consider human. But add an ability to ramble on and on with empty lines, and so many people think, "he's a true leader!" I suppose Trump is a leader, but he's leading his flock to a dead end.

I agree 100% about the pleasure in inflicting pain part. He thinks that is part of being a tough guy.

[nolabear]

101. Con artists are quite a breed.

There is a cunning involved. 45 has talent in his ability to read a crowd and skate along on the emotional surface very quickly, hitting that limbic system again and again with no thought for whether anything is true or has any depth. That’s not what his followers want. Imo they either seek the high that comes from being in the cult (and that is truly like the addict’s high and protects them from having to deal with life) or they are in on the grift in some form, as with the evangelicals, the media personalities, the GOP, all who are playing with fire and don’t think they’ll get burned.

[H2O Man]

103. Exactly right!

Trump reminds me of Dick in the book "In Cold Blood." There's a part in the book where Dick is scamming store-owners, pretending that he is preparing to be Perry's best man. He is easily able to pull the wool over people's eyes. More, he is able to program Perry to act out violently throughout the book.

[Warpy]

87. I see him as more of a malgnant narcissist than a sociopath

but there is so much overlap, it's often difficult to tell them apart unless you're stuck with trying to treat them.

The tell is that he just couldn't wait to boast about ordering "something big in Iraq" to the overpaid riffraff he was lording it over at Mar a Lago. If he's not getting enough attention to convince himself that he exists, he will act out. In this case, he violated every facet of OPSEC while neglecting to inform his own government. He has sorted us into "people" and "enemies" and that is what will not change.

A sociopath will always act out negatively and usually try not to get caught, proving themselves smarter than everybody else. A narcissist, even a malignant one, will always prefer to have people think he's some sort of godlike eminence because he has no sense of self that isn't supplied by other people. Fail to do this, you become an enemy and he will try to destroy his enemies because they're trying to destroy the only positive sense of self he has. He will do it right out in the open because it is justified (to him) and no one could possibly fault him for it. That's really what his "shoot somebody on 5th Avenue" line was about.

Malignant narcissists will say whatever they think will get them positive attention, contradicting themselves within seconds. If you think he thinks he's still on a reality TV show, well, that's probably the peak experience for any malignant narcissist and of course he wants to make his presidency conform to that.

The sad part is that I think we'd be safer with a sociopath than with this guy.

[H2O Man]

93. "Malignant narcissist" is,

of course, the term coined by Erich Fromm to describe sociopaths. Hence, I'm comfortable with the use of either to describe those people, and aware that each individual will have some unique characteristics. Those tend to be rooted in how the individual learned to channel their pathology in the environment in which they inhabit.

I retired in 2003, and of course there have been some changes in the terms people use. Some of that was unfortunately caused by insurance companies, who did not want to pay for longterm treatment for sociopaths. Thus, it became part of anti-social personality disorder, which is a shame, because ASPD people can be worked with successfully, if one focuses on the "criminal code of conduct." Sociopaths do not invest in that code.

I was fortunate to be trained by J. Reid Meloy, who was Robert Hare's top student. Hence I go by the definitions that Reid taught. But Fromm is no doubt a much bigger influence on how I view the rest of society.

[Warpy]

105. Some of the terminology change was driven by insurance

but both groups require long treatment. The difference is that it can be a little more effective with sociopaths, who do have a core personality, than with narcissists who don't.

Still, there is enough overlap that without actually sitting down and listening for an hour or two, it's a case of potayto/potahto for most people in the field.

I've always heeded the great advice I once got from one of the MD/PhD residents, "once you spot one of those guys, run like hell!" I just wish the rest of the country had gotten the same advice.

[LuckyCharms]

88. K AND R. Excellent. n/t

[H2O Man]

97. Thank you!

[bullwinkle428]

99. Another fantastic post, sir. A great example of what brings me back to DU

every single day! I honestly think he got an indirect taste of blood over the Kashoggi killing, when his BFF MBS had that done (by proxy). He had to get some cheap thrills over that when thinking about his own fantasies about handling journalists that pissed him off.

K&R.

[H2O Man]

102. Excellent point!

I definitely agree! That reminds me of how a few times he has "joked" about other leaders such as Putin not having to deal with pesky journalists.

And this is why I find DU the very best internet site -- people add and build upon our understanding of events like this. I really appreciate that, bullwinkle428 !

[lunatica]

104. People who kick their dogs always make the

cowering dog reference about their own victories over others.

The statements themselves are proof of sadism.

[H2O Man]

106. I evaluate people

based in very large part on their relationships with dogs. And also on my dogs' evaluation of people.

[lunatica]

108. Me too, but not just dogs

Hunting for sport, like the Trump sons do shows the attempted bravado of real cowardice. Maybe some day we’ll learn some of the truth about how they go about killing big game. In the photos they never look scruffy or even dirty and dusty. Their clothes look as fresh as when they come out of the package. Though I’m sure they pull the triggers.

[H2O Man]

111. I'm reminded of

LBJ's "hunting" on his ranch. Deer were trucked in, and he tried to get RFK to shoot some shortly after they were released. When RFK found this distasteful, LBJ tried telling him that Humphrey had shot two.