Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
Fri Mar 17, 2017, 10:55 PM Mar 2017

Power

When a person purposely engages in lies that are intended to incite emotions in the manner of Trump, the results follow a general path: first, a majority of the people find his behavior embarrassing; then a growing number find his behavior insulting; and then his behavior becomes dangerous to people – including, in this case, in the context of the peoples of other nations. The only question regarding how much suffering that person will cause to others is answered by how long it takes people to remove him from power.

In many cases around the globe, that removal from power requires some degree of violence. Yet in the United States, there is a non-violent method defined by the US Constitution. By no coincidence, Trump and his band of merry fools hold the Constitution in utter contempt. Indeed, the current part-time occupant of the White House clearly views himself as superior to any previous president, and instead humiliates himself in his sycophantic adoration of another “leader.”

One need not be a liberal of progressive, a member of the Democratic Party or the Democratic Left, to find this – in and of itself – troubling. Many hold the Russian people in high regard, with respect for Russian history, yet still find Putin to be a terrible human being. Indeed, the only people who share Trump's love for Putin are either seeking personal economic benefit, or are those dip-shits who “like” Putin's government because they see it as a white button on a multi-colored shirt. These are the off-spring of those who hated the Soviet Union because it was “red.”

During his campaign, Trump spoke of purposely damaging NATO. Who would benefit? Putin. During the republican national convention, Trump's people removed the plank about assisting the people of the Ukraine from their party's platform. Who benefits? Gosh, who did Jeff Sessions meet with at that time? After the November election, President Obama announced increased sanctions against Russia. The same day, Flynn had five (5) telephone conversations with the Russian ambassador. He did so with president-elect Trump's support.

When Trump accused President Obama of tapping his phone, he went well beyond being a fucking national embarrassment, and became purely insulting. It's not that he hadn't insulted people his entire life, including in the republican primary and general election campaign. To his discredit, he insulted large groups of people that he consciously was attempting to appeal to for their votes. Yet, most of the time, he purposely insulted people, because he holds them in the same contempt as the Russian prostitutes he paid to urinate on.

After both democrats and republicans in Congress stated that there is zero truth in his lies about President Obama – no more so than his crude “birther” horseshit – he and his administration sought to move the goalposts. “He pot it in quotes.” Only in two of the four tweets to his twits, not that it matters. “Microwaves.” No comment necessary. “Andres Napolitano said ...” Either poor Andrew is too fucking stupid to be trusted to pour a glass of water, or he purposefully lied. He didn't even put it in quotes.

In fact, intelligence officials from two European nations – both members of NATO – had informed US intelligence sources about a number of meetings between Russians of interest and some people engaged in the Trump campaign. One wishes that James Comey could speak openly and honestly to Congress and the American people on Monday. But, he has to follow the rules.

Likewise, one wishes that H. R. McMaster could speak openly about the dangers Trump poses. Yet, when he was forced to accept that position, as he was active military, that three retired military officers had declined, he was surely aware that his job was to play the same role Al Haig did in the Nixon White House. But he, too, has to follow the rules of his trade. I'm confident that being put in the position of apologizing to England wasn't a high-point in his career.

What various leaders, intelligence, and military officials think and do is important – be they foreign or domestic. Still, I find myself thinking about what the common, decent human beings of the world are thinking. Surely, they are wondering if the American people will stand up and force the machinery of the government to remove Trump from power. They know that, as Vine Deloria, Jr. said, there is no system on earth that will not gladly sacrifice one of its own for a moment's peace. And the US Constitution provides a lawful, peaceful method of doing so. When a president violates every sense of common decency, it indeed fits the definition of “high crimes and misdemeanors.”

The stakes are obviously high. At his least damaging, Trump will play Robin to Putin's Bat Man: favoring the military and energy corporations owned by the opulently wealthy, while cutting all services to human beings. Allowing this to happen will decrease the possibility of non-violent change in America. No, we can not sit by and allow this to happen.

People ask me what they as an individual can do? That's a fair question. A sincere question, too. My response is to ask what are they good at? What issues do they care the most about? Focus upon these talents and issues. Do not allow a shithead like Trump to make you feel like your issues aren't just as important as the next person's. Chances are, there are plenty of people around you who value that same issue. Our goal isn't to limit us to any one front, but to fight on all fronts, as Malcolm X taught. And while Trump believes he has true “power,” that's his delusion. You have true power. Exercise it.

Keep your eyes on the prize!
H2O Man

44 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Power (Original Post) H2O Man Mar 2017 OP
Let Me Be The 3rd To Recce This Me. Mar 2017 #1
Thanks. H2O Man Mar 2017 #2
Punk! Me. Mar 2017 #5
I have other words, H2O Man Mar 2017 #7
I always look forward to your post H2O Man. Lochloosa Mar 2017 #3
Thank you. H2O Man Mar 2017 #8
Kick. dalton99a Mar 2017 #4
Thank you. H2O Man Mar 2017 #9
I try. Then I get people babylonsister Mar 2017 #6
Thank you. H2O Man Mar 2017 #10
K&R... spanone Mar 2017 #11
Thank you H2O Man Mar 2017 #18
Good Essay! burrowowl Mar 2017 #12
Thanks! H2O Man Mar 2017 #19
Thank you for this. littlemissmartypants Mar 2017 #13
Oh, thank you! H2O Man Mar 2017 #23
You share more than just words with us, H2O Man- and I appreciate this. Nice to hear from you. NBachers Mar 2017 #14
Thanks! H2O Man Mar 2017 #24
Thank you! Thekaspervote Mar 2017 #15
Thank you. H2O Man Mar 2017 #25
K&R Solly Mack Mar 2017 #16
Thanks! H2O Man Mar 2017 #26
Knr voteearlyvoteoften Mar 2017 #17
Thank you! H2O Man Mar 2017 #29
K & R ......and thanks... Wounded Bear Mar 2017 #20
Very important point. H2O Man Mar 2017 #30
Thanks for this. panader0 Mar 2017 #21
Thanks! H2O Man Mar 2017 #31
I live in San Francisco I see these ancient Chinese with their bags struggling up the steep hills NBachers Mar 2017 #39
K Me. Mar 2017 #22
He spooked the herd. grantcart Mar 2017 #27
Exactly. H2O Man Mar 2017 #33
kicked for reading tomorrow. Thank you! OldEurope Mar 2017 #28
Thank you! H2O Man Mar 2017 #34
Awesome! mtnsnake Mar 2017 #32
Yes! H2O Man Mar 2017 #35
Great essay and great comment here coeur_de_lion Mar 2017 #40
Great post malaise Mar 2017 #36
Thanks, Buddy! H2O Man Mar 2017 #37
The thought is there malaise Mar 2017 #38
Kick Hekate Mar 2017 #41
Thanks! H2O Man Mar 2017 #43
Proud to be 50th Rec and Kicked MagickMuffin Mar 2017 #42
President Obama was correct. H2O Man Mar 2017 #44

Me.

(35,454 posts)
1. Let Me Be The 3rd To Recce This
Fri Mar 17, 2017, 11:07 PM
Mar 2017

Very Excellent. I don't see how this guy can hold on beyond June this year. You?

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
2. Thanks.
Fri Mar 17, 2017, 11:12 PM
Mar 2017

I had figured June before he was sworn in. If enough people take an active stand, it may be earlier. He is a cowardly punk. It may take longer if people sit back. But nothing will surprise me.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
7. I have other words,
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 12:00 AM
Mar 2017

but I try really hard not to curse, or use offensive language. My father often used LBJ's "he ain't a pimple on a good man's ass." I think Trump is an abscess on a bad man's ass.

When I visited my brother today, he referred to Putin as "Bladder-smear Poop-skin."

Lochloosa

(16,019 posts)
3. I always look forward to your post H2O Man.
Fri Mar 17, 2017, 11:27 PM
Mar 2017

We are living in dangerous times.

Also, I hope your family is doing well I think of your loss.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
8. Thank you.
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 12:03 AM
Mar 2017

These are very dangerous times, indeed. Yet, that same circumstance provides us with unique opportunity.

I'm going to visit my cousin tomorrow. While we cannot change that tragic incident, we have some plans we are busily working on to try to insure it does not happen to others in the future. I'll be posting more about this soon.

Again, thank you. It means a lot to me.

babylonsister

(170,963 posts)
6. I try. Then I get people
Fri Mar 17, 2017, 11:51 PM
Mar 2017

who claim we're not respecting dt, he's only been there two months. I told this woman when he tells the truth and earns my respect, I'll think about it.

This woman is diehard; kept spewing Brent Bozell's website, not accepting anything else.

I backed away gracefully, as I do.


H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
10. Thank you.
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 12:07 AM
Mar 2017

Part of my duties at the mental health clinic involved responding to "community crises." I never invested energy in arguing with a psychotic person's beliefs. People who love Trump fit that description.

Thekaspervote

(32,606 posts)
15. Thank you!
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 01:26 AM
Mar 2017

What strikes me about this criminal is like sooo many of them, they truly truly believe they are the smartest person in the room. THIS is always their undoing. It will b his as well.

Yes, keep your eyes on the prize... hold on.... hold on

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
25. Thank you.
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 02:57 PM
Mar 2017

I agree 100% about this fellow's belief that he has the ultimate in superior intelligence. He surpasses even Nixon in this form of self-deception. Nixon had both a superiority- and inferiority complex, which -- as strange as it sounds now for me to say this -- provided something of a stabilizing force in his self-destruction. Trump will fall harder and faster.

Wounded Bear

(58,440 posts)
20. K & R ......and thanks...
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 10:49 AM
Mar 2017

I sincerely hope we can resolve this peacefully. Though, in all fairness, a President Pence will be no walk in the park.

Literally choosing the lesser of two evils.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
30. Very important point.
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 03:06 PM
Mar 2017

Thank you for pointing that out. Pence is also dangerous: he is in favor of foreign policy by way of energy corporations and military force, and an extreme threat to even the basic foundation of social justice.

Yet, with the grass roots' based organization required to get rid of Trump, we can also put Pence in check. Constitutional democracy requires an on-going effort. We can build to the point of not accepting any of these evil shitheads.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
31. Thanks!
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 03:10 PM
Mar 2017

My last computer shit the bed a while back, and I hadn't backed up a few of the files that I should have. Re-writing these is taking me more time than I thought it would. But a book is in the works .....for as Rubin used to remind me, with patience, even the smallest creature can climb the highest mountain.

NBachers

(17,007 posts)
39. I live in San Francisco I see these ancient Chinese with their bags struggling up the steep hills
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 03:46 PM
Mar 2017

step by step, one foot slowly in front of the other. It would be easy to see these people as feeble and unable. But what they've been through in their lives, their determination, what they have done to get here, and what they continue to do, is astounding.

We will do the same.

grantcart

(53,061 posts)
27. He spooked the herd.
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 02:58 PM
Mar 2017

You can spook 35% of the herd all the time, or you can spook all of the herd some of the time, just can't spook a majority of the herd most of the time.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
33. Exactly.
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 03:24 PM
Mar 2017

I remember back in 1978, Rubin telling me that there's few things more dangerous than a large group of tax-payers, who realize that they have been had. Even that 35% of the herd pose the dangers associated with a stampede of mindless beasts. It's essential that conscious people step up and take back control of this nation.

mtnsnake

(22,236 posts)
32. Awesome!
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 03:17 PM
Mar 2017

Yes, we as individuals can do something to get out of this mess. We have a voice. Everyone should be phoning their congressmen no matter if those congressmen are democrats or repukes and let them know we're not going to put up with it.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
35. Yes!
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 03:31 PM
Mar 2017

Yesterday, after posting this essay, I spent some time looking through some old letters from my mentor, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. Although he spent 20 years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit, he survived by recognizing that he was a free man. Now, if he could do that, we can certainly do this.

coeur_de_lion

(3,666 posts)
40. Great essay and great comment here
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 04:20 PM
Mar 2017
Although he spent 20 years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit, he survived by recognizing that he was a free man. Now, if he could do that, we can certainly do this.


That remains true forever -- no one can really steal our freedom because it comes from inside.

I also liked this

People ask me what they as an individual can do? That's a fair question. A sincere question, too. My response is to ask what are they good at? What issues do they care the most about? Focus upon these talents and issues.


I'm trying to figure that out for myself and have no answers yet but I want to do something.

MagickMuffin

(15,893 posts)
42. Proud to be 50th Rec and Kicked
Sat Mar 18, 2017, 05:16 PM
Mar 2017

I always enjoy your point of view.

As President Obama stated over and over and over

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

"Change in America doesn't start from the top down. It starts from the bottom up."

“Change” versus “More of the Same”




H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
44. President Obama was correct.
Sun Mar 19, 2017, 12:02 PM
Mar 2017

One of my old co-workers, who remains a good friend, has found Trump's "presidency" depressing. She asked me why I remained upbeat? I reminded her that, when she does family therapy, it sometimes requires a crisis before the family members will become invested in making healthy changes. This nation is part of the human family. We are experiencing a severe crisis. And a large number of us are ready to invest ourselves in creating healthy change.

Strike while the iron is hot.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Power