tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post2762517303705379615..comments2024-03-28T02:32:09.047-05:00Comments on Give2Attain: Trump and White Old MenJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-90076090635111096992016-11-22T16:01:27.532-06:002016-11-22T16:01:27.532-06:00Well, we do have Krugman saying Trump will run &qu...Well, we do have Krugman saying Trump will run "the most corrupt administration in history." I think he is premature, since Obama still has two months left. And Trump hasn't started. Methinks he is projecting.jerrye92002https://www.blogger.com/profile/01858692298982859775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-40038854914942878942016-11-22T13:37:49.098-06:002016-11-22T13:37:49.098-06:00* Trump says he doesn't think Steve Bannon is ...* Trump says he doesn't think Steve Bannon is associated with American Nazism, despite the fact that Bannon himself said in July that Breitbart was a "platform for American Nazism"<br /><br />FIFY<br /><br />JoelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-37047423633338857872016-11-22T12:47:50.068-06:002016-11-22T12:47:50.068-06:00So, let's recap what has happened over the las...So, let's recap what has happened over the last few days in Trump-world:<br /><br />* The Trump Foundation admitted self-dealing in its latest IRS filings<br /><br />* Trump paid a $25M settlement in a fraud case<br /><br />* The Trump campaign was fined $1.3M for accepting illegal campaign contributions<br /><br />* Trump admitted he may have asked a British politician to try and kill a wind farm development that he felt would have impacted the value of one of his golf courses<br /><br />* Trump says he doesn't think Steve Bannon is associated with the alt-right, despite the fact that Bannon himself said in July that Breitbart was a "platform for the alt-right"Seanhttp://brickcityblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-89741640822012543742016-11-22T10:31:35.907-06:002016-11-22T10:31:35.907-06:00By your choice or someone else's? :-)
I thin...By your choice or someone else's? :-)<br /><br />I think those are all valid reasons and perhaps typical of the types of people who would seek and do well in these jobs. jerrye92002https://www.blogger.com/profile/01858692298982859775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-33506250656007105522016-11-22T10:13:04.522-06:002016-11-22T10:13:04.522-06:00I guess time will tell the intent of these "o...I guess time will tell the intent of these "old and outcast" folks. Why does a well off 65+ year old man want a very challenging public service job?<br /><br />Possibilities:<br />- Want to serve and/or save the people/country<br />- Obsessed if power, influence and/or money.<br />- Pride and arrogance (ie legacy building)<br />- Other?<br /><br />I can tell you that I will never by in contention for those positions at that age... :-)<br />Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-82406435824648685232016-11-22T09:00:06.987-06:002016-11-22T09:00:06.987-06:00"And with Trump closing off the lucrative rev..."And with Trump closing off the lucrative revolving door, we'll see more of these altruistic individuals stepping up (or being invited)."<br /><br />Trump's lobbying ban is fine, but it doesn't really do anything to close the revolving door. For instance, former Democratic Senator Chris Dodd is now the CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, which is the lobbying association for the big studios. But Dodd himself isn't actually registered as a lobbyist even though he spends lots of time hobnobbing with politicians.Seanhttp://brickcityblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-50832016440748127572016-11-22T08:49:06.008-06:002016-11-22T08:49:06.008-06:00Oh, and I think the "old and outcast" ma...Oh, and I think the "old and outcast" may be some of the best candidates for these jobs. They don't have a career to interrupt, have enough years to develop some wisdom and expertise, and may be at that stage in life where real "public service" seems like a higher calling, rather than raw political ambition. And with Trump closing off the lucrative revolving door, we'll see more of these altruistic individuals stepping up (or being invited). jerrye92002https://www.blogger.com/profile/01858692298982859775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-42788687262150448932016-11-22T08:45:22.315-06:002016-11-22T08:45:22.315-06:00I think it is incorrect to talk about "overre...I think it is incorrect to talk about "overreach by the ruling party" based on insufficient data. Democrats controlled Congress for 40 years before 1994, and had the Presidency for much of that time. Republicans have had total control of government for only 2 years since 1980. Now, we can certainly talk about Democrat overreach, and it is what got us into this mess. But I don't think we can talk about Republican overreach even now, because Trump is not a Republican and Republican overreach is almost an oxymoron. Republicans supposedly favor SMALLER government, so if they are successful they will be lowering the "reach" of government control. <br /><br />Quite possible they will "screw it up" by not being bold enough, or that Democrats will successfully obstruct the many good things Republicans could accomplish, or that, regardless of how much good Republicans manage, the leftist media will paint it as failure anyway. They've already begun writing about the terrible carnage that will follow an Obamacare repeal, while completely ignoring the devastation already created. "9.3 earthquake strikes, Trump fails to prevent." jerrye92002https://www.blogger.com/profile/01858692298982859775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-27741411014792935652016-11-21T21:24:12.589-06:002016-11-21T21:24:12.589-06:00Usually most times there is a huge line of people ...Usually most times there is a huge line of people wanting these jobs, however I am thinking most people think Trump will be lucky if he makes it 4 years. And that he is likely to screw it up in some way... Who except the old and out casts would want to apply?<br /><br />Hopefully they are wrong for the sake of all of us...<br /><br />The reality though is that Hillary lost because their voters did not show up. Maybe they thought Hillary was a sure thing so they stayed home. Or perhaps they really disliked Hillary that much.<br /><br />My point is that based on the history of over reach by the ruling party, it is likely the the GOP will screw this up. Unfortunate but true.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-2168498690517409062016-11-21T21:08:44.511-06:002016-11-21T21:08:44.511-06:00Not sure which theory of Hiram's you are refer...Not sure which theory of Hiram's you are referencing, but if it's the "bottom of the barrel" theory I'm not buying it. Most of my conservative sources are praising his appointments as being really good, if not brilliant. Therefore, your theory that there are "equally capable" people with "diversity" attached is automatically suspect. If Trump is appointing based on merit and qualifications from people known to him (and outside of his businesses, which are quite "diverse") it's bound to be somewhat weighted towards people from his circle. <br /><br />One thing you should know is that many of the positions have been put out for open application online, and "equally qualified" minorities I can guarantee will get their chance. I think your theory about giving up 4 or more years of a lucrative career just to take on an ugly, thankless job in government may be the biggest obstacle to recruiting the best and brightest. jerrye92002https://www.blogger.com/profile/01858692298982859775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-90547760784970879112016-11-21T17:29:56.526-06:002016-11-21T17:29:56.526-06:00Now Jerry, don't be naïve. I am certain there ...Now Jerry, don't be naïve. I am certain there are equally capable personnel who are women and/or have a different skin color.<br /><br />I think Hiram's theory is more credible than yours. It is possible that most women, minorities and possibly normal folk want to steer a wide path around the Trump carnival... Having a cabinet post for 4 years at the expense of ruining a career may not be worth it for many.<br /><br />I know I would never ever sign up to work for Trump...Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-64603004114597353072016-11-21T17:24:16.628-06:002016-11-21T17:24:16.628-06:00Sean,
I wish I could have but there were so many m...Sean,<br />I wish I could have but there were so many moaning and gnashing their teeth that I kept getting awakened.<br /><br />I was actually more interested in Jerry's response than your... "I told you so" By the way, you will likely get to say that a lot over the next 4 years... Though it is somewhat pointless unless it helps you feel better. Then please go ahead, I am here for you.<br /><br />The only problem with Hillary not getting elected is that we will never know how bad things would have gotten!!! Folks like yourself will keep a nostalgic view of how perfect it would have been under her kind generous and wise rule...<br /><br />Of course folks like Jerry and myself will just thank heavens that the USA dodged that bullet.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-51235781438275170122016-11-21T15:59:37.473-06:002016-11-21T15:59:37.473-06:00I think a lot depends on which you value-- compete...I think a lot depends on which you value-- competence or diversity. I think we have had enough of promoting people to office based on superficial things like "the first black President" rather than substance, like having been director of an agency or Congressional committee involved with the Department you will oversee. I could care less about "diversity" if they are all competent in their jobs. Remember Affirmative Action? The idea that, given two people of EQUAL qualifications, you gave the job to the minority? Find me that minority person with equal qualifications, and then we can argue about Trump's choices.jerrye92002https://www.blogger.com/profile/01858692298982859775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-8425147518348581052016-11-21T15:22:31.379-06:002016-11-21T15:22:31.379-06:00"I am more interested in getting back to why ..."I am more interested in getting back to why Trump's folder seems to be mostly full of old ornery white men..."<br /><br />Did you sleep through the campaign?Seanhttp://brickcityblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-65835889650303534772016-11-21T13:55:25.930-06:002016-11-21T13:55:25.930-06:00Personally, I am more interested in getting back t...Personally, I am more interested in getting back to why Trump's folder seems to be mostly full of old ornery white men...Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-40415442619933279182016-11-21T13:53:05.073-06:002016-11-21T13:53:05.073-06:00Upon further review, it appears the sourcing behin...Upon further review, it appears the sourcing behind the Argentinian report is suspect.Seanhttp://brickcityblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-33550972003028765152016-11-21T12:34:24.927-06:002016-11-21T12:34:24.927-06:00Another day, another "Trump using the Preside...Another day, another "Trump using the Presidency to enrich himself" story.<br /><br /><i>"For a number of years, Trump and his Argentine partners have been trying to build a major office building in Buenos Aires. The project has been held up by a series of complications tied to financing, importation of building materials and various permitting requirements.<br /><br />According to a report out of Argentina, when Argentine President Mauricio Macri called President-Elect Trump to congratulate him on his election, Trump asked Macri to deal with the permitting issues that are currently holding up the project."</i><br /><br /><a href="http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/cashing-in-bigly-in-argentina" rel="nofollow">TPM: Cashing In BIgly in Argentina</a>Seanhttp://brickcityblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-2170777876988819132016-11-21T10:58:02.855-06:002016-11-21T10:58:02.855-06:00I think I am being consistent. It looks like Jenn...I think I am being consistent. It looks like Jenna Bush has less than half the net worth of Chelsea even though she was born into a wealthy family. Chelsea's family was apparently pretty well broke when Bill left office, and somehow they have done an excellent job of parlaying their fame and governmental contacts into a <a href="http://moneynation.com/hillary-clinton-net-worth/" rel="nofollow">huge amount of wealth</a>.<br /><br />I think that Trump is living up to the Clinton's standards. And I think that standard is too low. Hopefully he will do better as President. though I don't hold out too much hope.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-32093192793066500172016-11-21T10:30:08.392-06:002016-11-21T10:30:08.392-06:00Why is so difficult to just hold Trump to the same...Why is so difficult to just hold Trump to the same standard you expected of the Clintons? Stop trying to change the subject. Live up to your own values. Seanhttp://brickcityblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-33437207715558972002016-11-21T10:28:02.528-06:002016-11-21T10:28:02.528-06:00"Most of what I heard about were concerns reg..."Most of what I heard about were concerns regarding what the Clinton's had done during the previous ~8 years... (ie pay to play)"<br /><br />And no evidence of pay to play was ever found.<br /><br />"And of course there is Chelsea's Blessed Life. Influence peddling anyone?"<br /><br />The daughter of a former President marrying a Wall Street guy and getting a job with NBC? <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenna_Bush_Hager" rel="nofollow">Why, I never!</a>Seanhttp://brickcityblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-19137617688257644032016-11-21T10:05:24.243-06:002016-11-21T10:05:24.243-06:00I must have missed the forward looking concerns re...I must have missed the forward looking concerns regarding the Clinton Foundation. Most of what I heard about were concerns regarding what the Clinton's had done during the previous ~8 years... (ie pay to play)<br /><br />And of course there is <a href="http://nation.foxnews.com/2014/06/23/chelsea-clinton-10m-apartment-3m-wedding-600k-job-i-just-dont-care-about-money" rel="nofollow">Chelsea's Blessed Life</a>. Influence peddling anyone?Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-27205371663473207072016-11-21T09:32:16.329-06:002016-11-21T09:32:16.329-06:00"I do not doubt that there is a fair chance t..."I do not doubt that there is a fair chance that at sometime Trump may be impeached for improper behavior."<br /><br />I don't foresee this happening.<br /><br />"However as you said about Clinton... She is not guilty until some official body says so. No matter how much smoke surrounded her..."<br /><br />Republicans complained about the mere appearance of conflict with the Clinton Foundation -- so much so that the idea of Chelsea running it if Hillary had won the election was deemed to be unacceptable. You need to hold Trump to the same standard you expected of the Clintons -- or admit that the whole kerfuffle over the Foundation was political gamesmanship.Seanhttp://brickcityblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-75306763924830689552016-11-21T08:21:09.072-06:002016-11-21T08:21:09.072-06:00That does seem like a good example except for 2 th...That does seem like a good example except for 2 things:<br /><br />1. They settled with a "no wrong doing" statement. (ie just putting it behind them)<br /><br />2. The true Trump supporters seem to truly believe he did nothing wrong.<br /><br />Now I personally agree with you that he is "corrupt" by this definition.<br /><br />"Corrupt: having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain:"<br /><br />Though I have to wonder how many of our public officials are NOT corrupt then? We know that Hillary also met that criteria. It is a sad state of affairs.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-12223863814981495212016-11-21T06:48:28.960-06:002016-11-21T06:48:28.960-06:00Given the definition above, what do you base this ...Given the definition above, what do you base this opinion on?<br /><br />Just offhand, I would point to the 25 million dollar fraud case Donald just settled. s <br /><br />--HiramAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-83639066148655248212016-11-20T21:55:28.250-06:002016-11-20T21:55:28.250-06:00Personally I am hoping that Trump finds a few more...Personally I am hoping that Trump finds a few more minorities and/or women to hire.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.com