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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTwisting in the Wind
I think we ought to let him hang there. Let him twist slowly, slowly in the wind.
John Ehrlichman; 1972.
Since joining in 2003, DU has been my favorite internet site. I've enjoyed meeting many individuals who have become good friends
.some of whom are still part of the DU community, and others who are no longer here. I like the the discussions about important topics where one can learn new things, including other points of view, regardless of if I agree dully with them. There are some people who always make me think. One of these people is grantcart, and his response to my last OP reminded me of a story that Rubin once told me.
An isolated tribe of people came upon an airplane that had been left in the wilderness. The first man who climbed into it was amazed by the comfortable seats within the plane. In time, another man figured out how to start its engine, and began using it as a convenient car. But because they were satisfied with comfort and convenience, the tribe never understood that the plane could fly.
I thought of this, because frequently, grantcart's posts take discussions to a higher level. They soar above the more common communications found on OP/threads. In the current post, he noted in detail some of the history of another large nation, a century ago. Because, as historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. documented, history tends to go in cycles.
Back in the good old days of DU:GD during the Plame scandal, a significant number of community members posted high-quality essays and posts that drew upon their personal knowledge of history, political science, sociology, psychology, and other areas of interest. These helped the larger community connect the dots, and more fully understand the national and international events that were spinning out of control under George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, and assorted neoconservatives in their administration.
This got me thinking about some current events that I'd like to focus on now. The general topic is how the Mueller Team is approaching the on-going investigation, based in part on their understanding of the personality structures of three of the criminals Flynn, Manafort, and Trump. Let's take a brief view.
Michael Flynn is a strange case, but certainly not unique. People of my generation are reminded of General Edwin Walker. (Robert Mueller, for example, is fully aware of this.) Both were products of military schools, both had rigid, authoritarian personalities, and that combination allowed both to function within the structure of the military. Both would be promoted to high levels, which eventually led to their personality deficiencies being exposed. In their post-military careers, each became involved in right-wing politics.
Paul Manafort provides an example of serious anti-social personality disorder. He belongs to a group of corrupt people, who only have an allegiance to each other, primarily because they work together on various criminal enterprises. People with personality characteristics such as Manafort are often drawn to working with a psychopath.
Trump is a psychopath. More, he belies the mistaken belief that psychopaths are evil geniuses.
Now, the current manual for diagnosing mental illness in the United States makes psychopaths a part of ASPD. This is relatively new. It is because insurance coverage was far more available to pay for treatment of ASPD, which can be successful in certain circumstances, than psychopathy. Hence, the change. But, to be sure, investigators and prosecutors understand the distinction, and attempt to use it to their advantage.
Team Mueller is aware that both Flynn and Manafort attempt to live by a code that is distinct from that of the larger society. Flynn views Mr. Mueller as an enemy of the state, and thus hesitates to cooperate with him. Manafort views Mr. Mueller as the law, and likewise hesitates to cooperate. Neither wants to be a rat. But, in both cases, they have sons who are identified as being in legal jeopardy, and have thus the human impulse to protect their offspring. And that is exactly where Team Mueller will apply maximum pressure to turn them.
Trump's son, daughter, and son-in-law are also at risk of being indicted. One can easily identify a number of questions that Mr. Mueller will ask Donald, Jr., For example, what exactly did Junior mean a few years back, when he said that Russian money is flowing in to the family business? We know his father dictated the lie about his adoption meeting, which on the surface could be mistaken for a dad trying to protect his son. But that isn't the way Trump rolls.
When push comes to shove, Trump is the most cowardly of men. He lacks the trait that would allow him to even consider accepting responsibility for his actions, even if doing so would potentially protect his spawn. For he has no conscience, no meaningful concept of family, beyond as an extension of himself. And he will sacrifice any such extension be it family or friend to save himself.
When investigators and prosecutors approach a case with such dynamics, they identify such personality traits. They focus on those weak links in the chain, both within the group and within the individuals involved. This includes the weak spots within the individuals who are considered strong by the group.. Those weak spots are known as keys. And we are seeing Mr. Mueller playing those keys like a master plays a piano.
MLAA
(17,288 posts)I appreciate it.
Me.
(35,454 posts)Open many doors
This month, the Mueller Team will be placing pressure directly upon Trump.
Me.
(35,454 posts)I think that the felony conviction of Scooter Libby was outstanding. It ended the influence of Cheney in the Bush White House. Still, I'd have loved to have seen Rove and especially Cheney charged. Rove's lawyer brought "last minute" information to Mr. Fitzgerald that saved Rove. And I think Patrick was frustrated by the FBI investigators' interview with Cheney, when -- for over an hour -- Dick said, "I can't recall" more than once per minute. I suspect that they could have pressed the old fart harder.
Mr. Mueller's team is, in my opinion, superior to what Mr. Fitzgerald had.
Me.
(35,454 posts)But Cheney promised Scooter he'd get 43 to pardon him. He tried and to his credit, 43 didn't budge. Though, IMHO, commuting the sentence was bad enough.
Alice11111
(5,730 posts)Took the fall for everyone, but especially Cheney.
DT could pardon him.
Scarsdale
(9,426 posts)who is so loyal to tRump, that they would risk prison time for him. Loyalty is not a driving force in the gop, MONEY is.
Alice11111
(5,730 posts)he shows very little. Money 💸💰.
It is the no 1 for Repubs.
kgnu_fan
(3,021 posts)Yes, good old days of DU:GD has been gone for awhile so I rarely come here but I am always delighted to find your post whenever I stop by. You are always wise and patient, ready to find an opening for "helping the larger community connect the dots, and more fully understand the national and international events that were spinning out of control".
It is easy to spot "psychopathic behaviors" in others whom we consider our enemy, but we often forget to reflect and look ourselves in mirror to see the same self betraying behaviors. How can we stop rotting from within? Responses so far by "Democrats" to Donna Brazille's revelation has been quite disappointing.
How can we renew our commitment to truly democratic conversation during such crucial time in our history?
Again, I am most grateful for your being here. Thank you for your beautiful spirit.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)I haven't been posting as often as I used to, partly because I have been busy, and partly for the same reasons that you aren't here as much. But the next 12 months are crucial, in order for our constitutional democracy to begin to heal. And there is no chance of that happening, unless citizens are willing to reverse the tide of divisions that are making the nation vulnerable to a group of criminals, headed by a psychopath.
KitSileya
(4,035 posts)but either a betrayer or a sell-out, that is a given, considering how her "revelation" has been torn to shreds with facts. She put fake information and mendacious attacks on Hillary and the Democratic party out in the press just before crucial elections, stabbing us in the back as we are fighting for our very lives.
ehrnst
(32,640 posts)Response to KitSileya (Reply #47)
Post removed
KitSileya
(4,035 posts)You use that as a basis for your smears? Rightwing sources are not allowed here on DU. Shame on you for falling for it.
LiberalLovinLug
(14,173 posts)Interesting to get to the nuances behind the strategy.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)I'm glad that you enjoyed this.
bluestarone
(16,926 posts)TY
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)cachukis
(2,238 posts)H2O Man
(73,537 posts)Mr. Evil
(2,841 posts)He's the type of shitbag that if a family member should suddenly, unexpectedly die, he wouldn't see it as a tragedy. He'd see it as a financial windfall. No longer having to worry about them or pay for them or be bothered with giving them consideration for anything anymore. He is nothing but a cold, empty black void.
csziggy
(34,136 posts)Classy.
Natalie SchreyerAug. 25, 2016 10:00 AM
<SNIP>
The story begins after the death of Trumps father, Fred Sr., in 1999. As David Cay Johnston explains in his book The Making of Donald Trump, Fred Sr. had written a will after the death of his oldest son, Fred Jr., known as Freddy, in 1981. The will left the majority of Fred Sr.s wealth to Donald and his surviving siblings. Freddys family was largely cut out.
When Fred Sr. died, Freddys children sued, claiming that the will had been procured by fraud and undue influence by Donald and the other surviving siblings, according to Johnston.
Johnston writes that medical insurance had consistently been provided to the family through Fred Sr.s company. This coverage was crucial for Freddys grandson (Donalds grandnephew), who suffered from seizures and later developed cerebral palsy. So crucial, in fact, that a letter sent from a Trump lawyer to the insurer after the patriarchs death in 1999 said that all costs for the sick childs care should be covered, regardless of caps on the plan or medical necessity, according to Johnston. That didnt last long.
A week after the lawsuit was filed in court, Freddys son (Donalds nephew) received a letter informing him that the health insurance would be discontinued, meaning his ill son would be left without coverage. Donald openly admitted to the New York Daily News that he and his siblings took this action out of revenge.
More: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/08/trump-files-donald-sick-infant-medical-care/
Donald not only persuaded his father to write his sister in law and nephew out of his will, he also cut off the badly needed health insurance for a sick infant. What an evil fuck.
Mr. Evil
(2,841 posts)For what it's worth, it's reassuring to know I was right about this orange colostomy bag. Disgusting beyond the pale.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)Thank you for this!
When Iron Mike Tyson was out of control (think of Mike on huge amounts of cocaine), Trump attempted to buy his contract. At this time, Mike posed a risk to those who annoyed him. I so wish that Trump had gotten Mike's contract then.
Mr. Evil
(2,841 posts)peggysue2
(10,828 posts)The Michael Flynn connection is particularly fascinating. His full turn to the dark side appears to pivot on his dismissal by President Obama, a president he didn't respect. I recall listening to Colin Powell's former aide Lawrence Wilkerson who knows Flynn well. He said he was shocked by the level of Flynn's rage, how he was hell-bent to 'get back at his perceived enemies' and had taken up a conspiracy-driven mindset. Wilkerson said he suggested Flynn get his anger in check or it would lead him into real trouble. Obviously Flynn didn't take the suggestion, instead going full-tilt into 'Lock Her Up' mode, hinky foreign alliances/deals and complete allegiance to Trump's authoritarian spiel. From the speculation I've read, his weak spot may be his son, his desire to protect Flynn, Jr.
As for Manafort and Trump? I agree that both men would sell their mothers to scramble out of a hole. Manafort is a thoroughly corrupt actor, rubbing shoulders with international mafia types for money and prestige. His family connections seem tenuous at best; even his daughter has bad-mouthed him on FB. Trump is similar in nature, his long reported collegiality with underworld types. But I agree--Trump is thoroughly unhinged., as in seriously deranged. We see it everyday. One can only imagine how his psychopathic nature will react to a true and unyielding legal threat, a threat where he's publicly exposed and humiliated. Maybe that's his major weakness: the need to always be right and perceived as a winner in all things. He appears wiling to do anything to maintain that illusion.
The drama continues. Thanks for the thought provoking post.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)What I am finding unsettling is that military officers who knew General Kelly quite well have started saying that, in the past few weeks, they are seeing an angry side of him they hadn't ever seen before. I had hoped he had the core strength to put Trump in check, or resign in protest if he had no control of the president. But he appears to be undergoing a change not that different from Flynn's. And that can be dangerous. That type of rigid personality, with the tendency to obey authority without question, is a real downside to too many generals. (A good friend who is retired military often tells me that he has never trusted a single general.)
calimary
(81,238 posts)Its always wise to examine character, background, and motivation when it comes to assessing (and hopefully out-thinking and out-maneuvering) individuals like these.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)Because I am old and of feeble mind -- and never very smart to begin with -- please excuse me for talking about boxing now .....but, I remember a friend being surprised when Floyd Mayweather, Jr., said that as he prepares for a fight, he always studies his opponent's family structure. He evaluated his foe's relationship with their family members, in order to understand the guy's character. My friend didn't understand why that was important. I suppose that, in this case, Mr. Mueller's understanding of Flynn and Manafort's character (and Trump's total lack of character) would help my buddy appreciate what Floyd was saying!
calimary
(81,238 posts)not allowing myself to be distracted by "shiny objects" or, in the case of one unfamiliar sparring partner, fluttering fingers way off to the side furiously trying to get me to look over there, so he could come around with a hook or uppercut from the other direction and thereby nail me.
I've told that story before. Working toward my black belt about 20 years ago, I had to take a different adult class one evening because I had an appointment that morning that prevented me from attending my usual morning class. In that evening class, I was paired up with a different opponent I'd never met before, a 20-something guy who was strong, nimble, and an obviously careful and meticulous student. We started in on our sparring match, and I tried valiantly to hold him off and deflect and bob 'n' weave and all that. I tried to keep my eyes focused on the middle of his chest. At one point, out of the corner of my eye, I became aware that he'd stretched his arm WAY out to his side and was wildly flapping and waving his hand and wiggling his fingers. I instantly suspected he was trying to get me to glance over there and "watch the birdie" because then, WHAM, his other fist could come around from the opposite side, while I was looking away, and nail me. I decided not to take the bait. Kept focusing right there on the money spot (center of his chest) and just kept jabbing. That's really all I could think of, to do. One of our sensei's guidelines, that he repeated often, was "keep 'em busy! Keep jabbing! Jab Jab Jab! Keep 'em busy! Keep 'em busy!" So that's what I did.
And I outlasted him. Furthermore, he only tried that trick once. Didn't attempt it again because he quickly surmised that it wasn't gonna work on me. He was at least half my age, strong and fit as could be, and - sorry to sound sexist here but - I found something consistent in all the karate classes: the boys and the men liked the sparring parts more, while the girls and the women, myself included, preferred the forms parts. And since the boys and the men liked the sparring parts more, they tended to be better at it and more enthusiastic about it. I HATED sparring. And I felt like it wasn't one of my strengths, since I LOVED-LOVED-LOVED the forms. But to climb up the belt ladder toward black belt, sparring was required as part of the curriculum. At least we were well-padded.
But the point was: STAY FOCUSED. DON'T let yourself become distracted. DON'T pay any attention to the side crap or the shiny object or the fluttering fingers way over there or the distraction that breaks your concentration or tempts you to run off on some wild goose chase. EYES ON THE PRIZE. MAN is that ever true! And for me, anyway, it was an excellent metaphor that I discovered was perfectly applicable to many other things and realms than just sparring class. STAY FOCUSED. DON'T GET DISTRACTED. EYES ON THE PRIZE.
Robert Mueller would probably be an ACE sparring partner. Maybe even LETHAL.
SCantiGOP
(13,869 posts)A nice break from the Bernie isnt a Democrat and Hillary cost us the election standard fare.
H2O Man
(73,537 posts)That standard fare you correctly note may be comfortable or convenient for some here, but it doesn't offer the potential for meaningful change. It's one thing to learn from the past. It's quite another to be stuck in it.
Hekate
(90,674 posts)H2O Man
(73,537 posts)Much appreciated.
panader0
(25,816 posts)GoneOffShore
(17,339 posts)H2O Man
(73,537 posts)pandr32
(11,581 posts)H2O Man
(73,537 posts)shraby
(21,946 posts)number.
Today it's a whole new ballgame with the Russian agitators working out in many forums like this and spreading discord and false statements.
It's harder to "see" the fly in the ointment.
Thanks for an excellent post (as always).
erronis
(15,241 posts)I always imagine some random lower male vertebrate swimming by and loosing a gob of gametes over a potential set of oocytes. That is the picture of people like Trump and Weinstein and many others that I see.
The "spawn" are afterthoughts and unintended consequences. The wives, lovers, etc. are nothing more than convenient targets.
Congrats, Ivanka, DonJr, and many others. Your "fathers" are only biological - not real. And they'd sacrifice you on their own personal alters of greed if needed.
MuseRider
(34,108 posts)I am glad I kept this up on my screen as I went to rehearsal. I knew it would be worth coming home and reading.
I agree that Trump will sell out Donald Jr. and Kushner but I don't know if he will sell out Ivanka. Women have a specific place with The Donald, it is not a good one by anyone's means but his. I think he expects to get what he wants with them no matter what but will likely stop before letting her be blamed. She won't be his whatever it is that she is to him (I don't really want to know that) if he sells her out and I think she is probably his biggest supporter. Maybe that will change if he sells out her husband, that will be interesting to watch. I don't really know, just a feeling.
denbot
(9,899 posts)Well done.
Solly Mack
(90,764 posts)PatrickforO
(14,573 posts)I've seen the article going around that says Americans are more stressed about our government than anything else.
But this particular constitutional crisis is the true test of our republic. Will it hold? Will the checks and balances built into the Constitution by the founders succeed in rooting out Trump and his band of treasonous criminals? Will it be the death knell of the GOP (certainly, most Republican leadership is now tainted by the Russia scandal)?
I have gone back and forth, but now am tending to optimism as the wheels of justice continue to grind.
jpak
(41,757 posts)and thanks for this
malaise
(268,980 posts)plays a piano.
Perfect.
democrank
(11,094 posts)Back in the day, DU consistently offered discussions of a caliber that elicited thought-provoking replies. I can't put into words how much I learned from so many of the posters back then. Thank you for your contributions.....then and now.
After reading your Twisting in the Wind, I wondered what role Trump's disturbing psychological detachment might play in Mueller's investigation. What will happen when Mueller's (potential) questions to Trump create a request for answers with no escape route? What will happen when Mueller forces Trump out of his Fox-News, Speak-To-His-Base-Only world? There will be no paper towel rolls to throw, no disabled reporter to mock, no soldiers as props, no "My Generals" to bail him out. Just a man of integrity sizing up a soulless bully.
Sensitive soul
(71 posts)NBachers
(17,108 posts)NBachers
(17,108 posts)until eventually he topples.
I don't know who's there to keep his finger off the nukes and the Tomahawks. We have several extinction-level events plugged into Trump's short circuits. I hope he, and his traitor henchmen, can be defused in time.
pwb
(11,261 posts)I enjoyed reading your post very much. Wish i could express myself like that. Peace.
orangecrush
(19,547 posts)Well written!
SHRED
(28,136 posts)Madam45for2923
(7,178 posts)Want to share this timeline with you: http://billmoyers.com/story/trump-russia-timeline/
Shows that Manafort, Stone & Trump go way back to the 1980's
Also both sons made comments about Russian monies coming in to them.
Nitram
(22,794 posts)You have some very thought-provoking insights.
Enoki33
(1,587 posts)how people like dotard always surrounds himself with others of like mind and seems intent on bringing out the worst in them. Maybe their currency based morality feeds off each other.