President Trump:
Chief Justice Roberts, president Carter, president Clinton, president Bush, president Obama, fellow Americans and people of the world, thank you. We the citizens of America are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of our people. Together we will determine the course of America and the world for many, many years to come. We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done.Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power. And we are grateful to president Obama and first lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent. Thank you. Today's ceremony, however, has very special meaning, because today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another. Or from one party to another.But we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people. For too long, a small group in our nation's capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. Washington flourished, but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered, but the jobs left and the factories closed.The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs, and while they celebrated in our nation's capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land. That all changes starting right here and right now. Because this moment is your moment. It belongs to you. It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America. This is your day. This is your celebration.The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. From this moment on, it’s going to be #AmericaFirst🇺🇸
And this, the United States of America, is your country. What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people. January 20th 2017 will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. Everyone is listening to you now. You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement, the likes of which the world has never seen before.At the centre of this movement is a crucial conviction. That a nation exists to serve its citizens. Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighbourhoods for their families and good jobs for themselves. These are just and reasonable demands of righteous people and a righteous public.But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists. Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities. Rusted out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation. An education system flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of all knowledge. And the crime and the gangs and the drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential. This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.We are one nation and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams. And their success will be our success. We share one heart, one home and one glorious destiny. The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans. For many decades, we've enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry, subsidized the armies of other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military. We've defended other nations' borders while refusing to defend our own. And spent trillions and trillions of dollars overseas while America's infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay. We've made other countries rich while the wealth, strength and confidence of our country has dissipated over the horizon.We will follow two simple rules: BUY AMERICAN & Hire American
One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores with not even a thought about the millions and millions of American workers that were left behind. The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed all across the world. But that is the past. And now we are looking only to the future. We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital and in every hall of power. From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land.From this day forward, it's going to be only America first, America first. Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families. We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength. I will fight for you with every breath in my body and I will never, ever let you down. America will start winning again, winning like never before.We will bring back our jobs, we will bring back our borders, we will bring back our wealth and we will bring back our dreams. We will build new roads and highways and bridges and airports and tunnels and railways all across our wonderful nation.We will get our people off of welfare and back to work, rebuilding our country with American hands and American labour. We will follow two simple rules — buy American and hire American. We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world, but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first.We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth - and we will bring back our dreams!—
We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example. We will shine for everyone to follow. We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones and unite the civilized world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth. At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other.When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us how good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity. We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity. When America is united, America is totally unstoppable. There should be no fear. We are protected and we will always be protected. We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement. And most importantly — we will be protected by God. Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger. In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving. We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action, constantly complaining but never doing anything about it. The time for empty talk is over. Now arrives the hour of action. Do not allow anyone to tell you that it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America. We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again."Through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other."
We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the Earth from the miseries of disease and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow.A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights and heal our divisions. It's time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots. We all enjoy the same glorious freedoms and we all salute the same great American flag.And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty creator. So to all Americans in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, from ocean to ocean, hear these words — you will never be ignored again. Your voice, your hopes and your dreams will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.Together, we will make America strong again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. And, yes, together we will make America great again.
Thank you, God bless you and God bless America. Thank you. God bless America.
There is an incongruity between his words/rhetoric and his track record and appointment of billionaires/corporate executives(fellow money worshipers) to his administrative team who have nothing in common with the common people. You don't bring in these people with these kind of values if you intend to unify the country and help the middle class. These are wolves/reptiles in sheeps clothing. Corporate greed is responsible for the exploitative impoverishment of the middle class. Yet the first item on Trump administration's agenda will be deregulation and a reduction in the corporate tax rate. Such actions are blatantly incompatible with benefiting the working class.
ReplyDeleteA very jingoistic speech: "America first" at the expense of the rest of the world.
Protectionist to the nth degree.
No broader vision of America's responsibility to the people of the world.
Lofty words...but his actions contradict and belie his stated intentions...and actions always speak louder than words.
ReplyDeleteDonald Trump will not follow through with his empty promises to make the economy benefit all Americans.
His past track record and his unsavoury character define the measure of the man. Words from a pathological liar and possible psychopath are suspect (must be taken with a grain of salt).
He will enact laws and policies wch enrich himself and those like him...at the expense of the working class.
"We are not here to help ourselves;we will devote ourselves to serving the interests of the people.Public service is an honourable calling" --Donald Trump
DeleteWe're not here to help ourselves," Trump told his advisers.
Source:http://us.pressfrom.com/news/politics/-20507-trump-were-not-here-to-help-ourselves/
Did he really say that!?
DeleteWell let's wait and see what happens.
Divesting to family members is not divesting at all!
DeleteIf he lives up to these words, I'll be the first to change my mind
In just the first 3 days of taking office he has alienated the intelligence community, the press,and all the scientists and staff of the EPA. And he has picked a fight with Mexico over the "wall". Who's next?
His crassness and heavy handed leadership style is quite a contrast to the intelligence,dignity,and class with wch Obama completed his terms in the office of President.
#Government by decree(executive order)
Perhaps you mean "government by twit"!
Deletegovernment by impulsive tweets and unilateral executive orders without regard for the other institutions and agencies of government shows contempt for the democratic process
DeleteWhen you have a "government by billionaires" don't expect them to enact policies against their own interests. Whenever there is a conflict between their interests and the common good you can be sure that the "common good" will get shafted...er shorted.
DeleteJustin Trudeau gives Donald Trump a not-so-subtle reminder that, "We were both elected on the promise of helping the middle class" (not the 10%...let alone the 1%)!!
Deletepolitics as entertainment?
DeleteTrump has turned American politics into performance art/entertainment/social media forum that oscillates between comedy,tragedy,and something in between. Trump has turned the highest office in the land into a mockery (farcical comedy)
Its not appropriate to govern an advanced liberal democracy by impulsive "tweets",edicts,and executive orders.
Governing a country seems deserving of considerable more thoughtfulness and seriousness.
This is a very dangerous time in American democracy.
Kennedy's response to Trump's state of the union address.
Deletehttps://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/30/watch-joe-kennedy-iii-democratic-response-to-trump-state-of-the-union.html
http://time.com/5126157/joe-kennedy-state-of-the-union-response-transcript/
Populism--a regressive shift in human consciousness
ReplyDeleteThe populist movement is a movement of exclusivity. As human population continues to increase, demand for finite space and limited resources outstrips supply, putting individuals and countries into increasing competition and conflict.
Countries under threat (besieged/embattled)are reinforcing their defences as self-preservation (selfish motives)kicks in, and they feel a need to defend their identity and their privileged status. At such times of perceived danger, people retreat to a position of defending their self-interest.(self-protection). A large number of people see controlling immigration as a way of regaining control of their communities. The perception of Moslems and immigrants as a threat reflects a deepening sense of insecurity.
Countries withdraw from international cooperation, engagement,and commitment. This protectionist impulse is to pull back from globalization and international cooperation. In order to preserve national identity they feel they must resist globalization.Globalization requires subordinating national interests to achieve broader international benefits and goals. It is in our self-interest to cooperate with others and to affirm our common humanity.(No country is an island):
The internal prosperity of any country depends on trading relationships with other countries.
Globalization has to benefit all ;not just the plutocrats.
Starting trade wars with China and Mexico will harm America. Free trade enriches everyone. America is not impoverished by trade with other nations.
"One World Now: the ethics of globalization" --Peter Singer
For any cooperative relationship to be fulfilling both parties must feel equally benefited. If one partner feels exploited, the relationship breaks down.
Without social,political,and economic equity,democracy is nothing more than a dream. Build a fair economy that benefits everyone and people will stop focusing on the differences that divide them. When the economy is booming and there is plenty of money to go around people are happy and content; but when the economy is shrinking competition for jobs,money,resources becomes brutal.
A decades-long slide into economic doldrums has been experienced by many Americans who feel left behind (have not shared in the wealth generated by the economy).
In speech to Greeks, Obama warns against nationalist/jingoist impulses
ReplyDeleteGregory Korte USA TODAY ATHENS —
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/11/16/obama-athens-speech-crude-nationalism/93949612/
"The benefits of globalization and free trade outweigh the harm, but these benefits must be shared by more people"
The value of cooperation exceeds the path of "going it alone" (isolationism/triblism) We should focus on our shared goals and work together toward them.
President Obama called for a "course correction" for the global economy Wednesday in an effort to stave off the nationalist impulses being felt in the United States and Europe. In an address to the Greek people, Obama said growing distrust of elites and institutions demands that democratic governments work to become more responsive to the people they serve. "If people feel that they’re losing control of their future, they will push back. We have seen it here in Greece. We’ve seen it across Europe. We’ve seen it in the United States. We saw it in the vote in Britain to leave the EU," Obama said, referring to the European Union. "Governing institutions, whether in Athens, Brussels, London, Washington, have to be responsive to the concerns of citizens."Obama has given similar warnings before, cautioning world leaders about a "crude sort of nationalism" that can manifest itself in populist movements from the left and the right. But his argument seemed to take on new urgency after his own party's defeat at the hands of Republican Donald Trump, whose upset victory was fueled in part by anxieties about immigration, globalization and trade. "In a multi-ethnic, multiracial, multicultural society, like the United States, democracy can be especially complicated," he said. "Believe me, I know."Obama seemed to take a philosophical view of the election result, and promised the "smoothest transition possible.""As you may have noticed, the next American president and I could not be more different," he told the audience at an Athens theater, to laughter and applause. "We have very different points of view, but American democracy is bigger than any one person." But Obama also emphasized that Trump's brand of populism is not a uniquely American phenomenon. And he said technology like social media was helping to create "a volatile politics" by exposing differences within and between countries."In our globalized world, with the migration of people and the rapid movement of ideas and cultures and traditions, we see increasingly this blend of forces mixing together in ways that often enrich our societies but also cause tensions," he said. "Faced with this new reality where cultures clash, it's inevitable that some will seek a comfort in nationalism or tribe or ethnicity or sect." And that, in turn, has created distrust between people and their governments, Obama said. "There's a growing suspicion — or even disdain — for elites and institutions that seem remote from the daily lives of ordinary people. What an irony it is, at a time when we can reach out to people in the most remote corners of the planet, so many citizens feel disconnected from their own governments," he said.
It's no coincidence that Obama gave the speech in Greece, which has borne the brunt of many of the economic and social forces roiling Europe. But it also has the longest tradition of self-governance. "It was here, 25 centuries ago, in the rocky hills of this city, that a new idea emerged: Demokratia," he said. "The notion that we are citizens — not servants, but stewards of our society."
There's only one country that matters on this planet: my country
ReplyDeletePope Francis warns against the rise of populism: could put autocrats in power
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38708485
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/22/pope-francis-warns-against-rise-populism-europe/
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat happens when a man achieves power over others before attaining power over himself.
ReplyDeleteThe corollary of thinking oneself to be a "self-made man" is that he does not feel any obligation to listen to, nor answer to, nor take advice from anyone but himself.
He is not willing to acknowledge the validity and legitemacy of any opinion or perspective other than his own.("Truth is what I say it is!" and "if you don't do as you're told". .."you're fired!").
His autocratic leadership style does not tolerate criticism, dissent or opposition.(intolerance of the "other").
Those who try to restrain him are fired;
he surrounds himself with enablers("yes men")
Such arrogant narrow mindedness is neither wise nor prudent....and always foreshadows the inexorable downfall that follows pride.
A man's speech must be in agreement with his actions. Trump's words have repeatedly exposed his true ignoble character and his motives.The truth cannot be concealed, and one day one's actions always betray one's words.
He has set himself up to use the office of the presidency to enrich himself.
He will spearhead the vilest scramble for loot thst has ever disfigured the human conscience.
He will oppress and exploit the working class while declaring that he is acting in their interest and upholding the highest standard of ethics and honesty.
Alternate facts are not facts.
The opposite of truth is falsehood.
A false person is a hypocrite.He is always scheming and always afraid that his deceit and falsehood will be exposed.
In order to conceal one lie he creates a hundred more...until he is unable to distinguish truth from untruth.
And when truth departs, nothing remains.
A man who repeatedly demonstrates a willingness to be dishonest undermines his capacity to be believed and trusted.
Suspicion and secrecy become his second nature. He trusts no one.His relationship with others is based on selfishness. Deceit,fraud,hypocracy,and cunning are the staples of his life. His life becomes a burden to the world. A man of poor character is not honored anywhere in the world.
An untruthful man does not remember what he has uttered; hence his falsehood is discovered/betrayed by his own inconsistent statements and behaviour.
If a liar meets a liar they like each other, but if a liar meets a truthful person their relationship is not a friendly one.
the use of power for self-agrandisement
ReplyDeleteGovernment by billionaires
Slavery was not abolished;
It was reinvented and legitimized in the guise of "capitalism"
When crooks rob banks they go to prison. When they rob the taxpayer they get -elected (Trump has avoided paying taxes for many years... and bragged about how "smart" he was for having done so!)
Capitalism is an economic system whereby the rich get richer while the poor get poorer.
The rich are filling their bellies by looting the working class. The widening income disparity has created discontent among the working people and is tearing apart the social fabric.
Deregulation and lowering the corporate tax rate enriches the rich...at the expense of the working class.
Deregulation is in effect the decriminalization of corruption (kleptocracy)
Deregulation allows corporations to pursue profit without restraint--without any consideration for the environmental consequences of their actions and without any consideration for the common good.
Trump also intends to decrease the corporate tax rate thereby allowing corporations to keep more of their profits.
As though allowing them to conceal their profits in offshore taxhavens wasn't enough to avoid paying their fair share.
This is legalization of theft...because those tax dollars wch corporations are now allowed to keep for themselves are no longer available for the provision of social services and the funding of educational programs and health care.
President acting beyond his authority.
When people in authority consider themselves above the law (bereft of conscience) and have a spirit of entitlement...the public feels embittered and betrayed..
Administrative corruption(the use of power to serve oneself) erodes trust in those entrusted with public power and undermines the legitimacy of their authority.
The role of govt. should be to uphold the law/constitution and ensure justice for all.
Those entrusted with public power must be held accountable to ensure that power is used for the betterment, improvement and benefit of all.
"Women (and the working poor) are the niggars(slaves) of the world"
--John Lennon
ReplyDeleteConservative commentator David Frum shares his grim vision of America under Trump
How to build an autocracy/the Atlantic/David Frum
http://www.cbc.ca/1.3962070
http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/868481091644/
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/how-to-build-an-autocracy/513872/
Journalism under threat as never before
ReplyDeletepoliticization of information
Trump has declared political dissent will not be tolerated:
"The media are the enemy of the people".
Trump denies access to media deemed "unfriendly".
Media outlets not willing to parrot Trump's message are called "fake news" ,and are denied ability to ask questions and even to attend press conferences/briefings (CNN,BBC, NY Times--blackballed).
Only rightwing media (Trump-recruited media) who serve as Trump PR agents are given access to power.
This de facto "censorship" and denial of press freedom is characteristic of autocratic regimes like China and Russia, but not of liberal democracies.
This is very worrisome for American democracy.
A strong free press has an essential public service function in a democracy in order to keep government accountable and transparent.
The media has a responsibility to provide accurate information to the public.
a society that does not value honesty and truth will be poisoned with distrust.
ReplyDeleteRepublicans quash Obama regulations:
ReplyDeletehttps://finance.yahoo.com/news/gop-wins-reversing-obama-era-120137105.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/psychiatrists-tell-congress-donald-trump-074136725.html
ReplyDeletePsychiatrists tell Congress Donald Trump is 'a clear and present danger' to the world
Jon Sharman The Independent August 25, 2017
A group of psychiatrists has written to Congress to warn Donald Trump poses a "clear and present danger" to the world.Among them is Dr Bandy Lee, of Yale University, who is also reportedly consulting with Democratic members of Congress on setting up an expert panel to give advice on the President's mental health.She is concerned by Mr Trump's "dangerousness", Dr Lee told USA Today.The group's letter, sent to members of both parties, said: "It no longer takes a psychiatrist to recognise the alarming patterns of impulsive, reckless, and narcissistic behaviour — regardless of diagnosis —that, in the person of President Trump, put the world at risk."We now find ourselves in a clear and present danger, especially concerning North Korea and the President’s command of the US nuclear arsenal."