I feel nauseous just typing the name. But I’ve stayed quiet long enough. I find I have no choice but to speak out. Why, you ask? I realize the chances of changing the mind of anyone who is determined to put him in office is slim to none. But there are people out there whose voices might be heard. My ultimate plea is to those who can make a difference. Also, I feel by not saying anything, my silence in a way condones the possibility that my children and grandchildren will live in a far less free world than I have enjoyed.
I am Canadian. Let’s get that out of the way right now. I have no say in who becomes President of the United States. That is up to the conscience of the society south of my home’s border. But the fact is, the fateful decision to elect this man President will not affect only those within the U.S.’s borders. It will affect the entire world. Today’s events in Brussels and his reaction to them have magnified that.
Today he said he would close the borders; one assumes he means if he was in charge. On the surface, keeping outsiders out is a simple solution to a complex issue. Yet his talk of walls creates fear and encourages bigotry far more than it serves to protect. I know there are legitimate fears. But how do we fight fear? By being brave and standing together. Not building walls and hiding within them, never letting anyone else in. Just hours ago, he tweeted, “Time & time again I have been right about terrorism. It’s time to get tough! ” When he claims he will torture and kill the families of terrorists, and when he talks about waterboarding, he sanctions the very same methods of terror that the terrorists are using: violence to get a point across. He is attempting to turn America into a personification of himself: a cowardly, narcissistic little man who acts with great bravado until he is told he’s wrong. Then he lashes out. A true narcissist has no compassion. Anyone who stands in his way, whether they are Muslim, Canadian, or American, will be crushed. A true narcissist thinks the only thing that is “great” is himself. Make America great again, indeed.
The history books are filled with the results of propaganda such as that he spews, but again and again we forget history. Or we ignore it. And again and again we repeat it. In the next few days I will be writing a book review of Ken Follett’s “Century” trilogy. I was never big into history myself – I’d never go out of my way to learn it. But what I have learned by reading this historical fiction chills me to the bone. The parallels between the social unrest and widespread poverty in Germany leading up to the ELECTION of Hitler are, well, enough to make me come out of the political closet and write this article.
Today, while the present leaders of the world are pulling together their populations, and saying that while they will fight such terror as was perpetuated in Brussels, and earlier in Turkey and France among so may other places, they are also telling us not to allow the terrorists to bring us over to the side of hate. They are saying we need to look beyond the colour of our skin and our religious beliefs, and stand together regardless of our nationalities. The alternative is to fear those who are different, and build walls to keep them out.
Hatred begets hatred: two negatives do not make a positive. We teach our children this. Can we learn it ourselves? I hope we can, before it’s too late.
September 3, 2016 at 11:37 pm
Hi. I enjoyed reading your post, and am glad you continue to get comments. I also like reading perspectives from people in different countries. If you are interested, I invite you to read my post. It goes into depth on the narcissism thing, as I believe it relates to Trump. I would be interested in your thoughts, as well as in generating more discussion, such as the comment group you have going. Thanks much! B- https://twoifbycharmwordpress.wordpress.com/
LikeLike
September 3, 2016 at 11:31 pm
Hi. I enjoyed reading your post, and am glad you are still getting comments on it. I also enjoy getting perspectives from people in different countries. If you want to read a little deeper into the narcissism issue with Trump, I invite you to take a look at my blog. as you have). Please feel free to comment and share my blog as I would like to generate more discussion. Thanks again. B- https://twoifbycharmwordpress.wordpress.com/
LikeLike
August 16, 2016 at 6:25 pm
I am European, moved here to the U.S. after I married Mr. America…30+ years ago. I am terrified by the similarities I see between Trump and Hitler, I am devastated by the hate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 16, 2016 at 6:30 pm
I think what people don’t realize is, if he’s as bad as you and I think he is, they’re not going to get rid of him in four years like they think they will. America will no longer be a democracy, and that’s the best case scenario.
At worst, we’re not going to have a planet to live on.
LikeLike
August 14, 2016 at 7:28 pm
Unfortunately our biggest “rasict” had become President Obama with his support for Black Lives Matters and the funding of ISIS. America has yet to see a President call out our local voted terrorist like Trump.
LikeLike
August 14, 2016 at 8:04 pm
But then there has never been the means of communication between the general public, nor the technology to spy on what presidents (and potential presidents) do, that there is today. Can you imagine how long Nixon would have lasted if the internet had been available back then? Five minutes.
The real question is, is it a good thing? There will never be such a thing as a perfect president, because you can never keep everyone happy. On top of that, he (or she) is only human and bound to make some mistakes. Sometimes ignorance is what keeps the world afloat and keeps us from panicking unnecessarily. Not because we shouldn’t know what’s going on, but because we’ve become so sensitive and demanding, as well as expectant of immediate change (as a population) over everything. I dare say because we know everything up to the minute.
It doesn’t escape me, by the way, how cynical I sound.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 2, 2016 at 10:27 pm
This is an incredibly powerful post Linda, and I think your assessment of him is spot on. I’m becoming ever more fearful that a Trump presidency is possible. As others have said, people in this country are tired of being lied to by the political establishment and so many of them are flocking to this sociopath who makes these absurd promises. Protests at his rallies are growing more and more violent on both sides, and I’m afraid that’s just a precursor of what’s to come. He’s exposed an ugliness that’s been fermenting for a long time, and he’s playing on people’s anger and fear. I’m absolutely terrified of what not only will happen in our country if he succeeds, but the impact he’ll have worldwide. God help us all.
LikeLiked by 2 people
May 2, 2016 at 11:24 pm
Thank you. In the same way any sociopath is a genius, so is Trump. They know how to find weaknesses in people, and they use them to wiggle into people’s hearts. To make people feel like he’s their best friend. But he’s not. Once in he will do what he pleases and to hell with everyone, even his most loyal supporters. And how can that not have worldwide consequences? I wish there was a way to convince people that he’s not what he claims to be. He needs to slip up. And soon.
I appreciate your comment. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 3, 2016 at 9:26 am
That’s it exactly Linda! Despite his third grade way of speaking he is a genius at manipulating people. The problem is his followers support him no matter what. I don’t know if you saw this, but a few months ago Trump boasted he could shoot someone in public and his supporters would still be there for him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 6, 2016 at 2:58 pm
Yep, I saw that. His delusions of grandeur are mind-boggling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Criticizing a Caricature | Linda G. Hill
Pingback: Criticizing a Caricature – Heart of a Lunatic
April 30, 2016 at 12:17 am
“But how do we fight fear? By being brave and standing together. Not building walls and hiding within them, never letting anyone else in. ”
This, to me, is where the flaw in your reasoning starts to show.
First, we fight fear by taking stock as best we can and identifying it’s source. How we deal with a given instance or source of it depends on the source and should be judged on a case by case basis imo, but the point is, if they’re legitimate fears than “standing by and showing how brave we are”… well, that’s not really *doing* anything, is it. It doesn’t deal with the root of those fears, doesn’t do anything to resolve the problems we have with terrorist organizations or radicalization… does nothing at all. Escept, perhaps, make us feel good about ourselves.
Second, “building walls and hiding within them, never letting anyone in” is a gross over-statement and dramatization meant to cast the suggestions he’s made as more over the top than they really are. The measure, particularly those related to border closure and/or temporary moratorium on Muslim foreigners (seeing as how we can’t really vet anyone in a way that will reveal they’re radicals or extremists), which represents the “taking stock” portion I mentioned when I was talking about *how* one *deals* with a given problem. Next would be to revamp our vetting system, target and attack ISIS with a clear, definitive *timetable* (which we completely lack, at present).
That second part, in applying proper goal and objective setting in our efforts against ISIS, will have a huge impact on whether or not it’s safe enough to remove such a moratorium if it were put in place. Make a schedule, keep the schedule, and once you’re in the “mopping up” stages with them, the risk of widespread, heavily motivated radical Islamic terrorism probably drops drastically. One of the biggest reasons it’s gained so much traction is because ISIS holds *territory*. If we take that from them in a timely manner, set an *actual objective* and then attain it, there’ll be a lot less of a threat, in general.
Anyways, the point is you’re misrepresenting what he’s said and what he wants to do (misrepresenting to yourself especially, I would dare to say because… I don’t think you put it that way to dupe or deceive anyone on purpose, I get that you believe that, but it’s not true to what he’s said, at all). Controlling our borders is not hiding. Restricting travel to the States by a body of people containing such a high percentage of radicals is not hiding. And none of the measures or ideas put forward by Donald Trump have been defined as indefinite, nor have the criteria for ending them once in place been all that vague. There are pretty clear bench marks to meet, and once met, the measures would be removed.
To assume otherwise is to blindly speculate based on unfounded (illegitimate) fears, and to me I look at your perspective as the exact kind of running and hiding you’re speaking out against. When it comes to Donald Trump, especially given the lack of factual basis for your positions, where is your inclination to stand tall and be brave? Where’s your inclination to take the risk on him like you think we ought to do with our borders, when the fears of terrorism are realistic and justified and the fears of Trump (as you’ve described them) are speculative and irrational?
And another flaw to point out in your reasoning, if I may…
“They are saying we need to look beyond the colour of our skin and our religious beliefs, and stand together regardless of our nationalities. The alternative is to fear those who are different, and build walls to keep them out.”
Nobody, especially not Trump, is saying to judge based on skin color (or even religion). His policies and ideas have had the protection of American Muslims in mind just as much as any other American. They would keep Americans of the Muslim faith just as safe from radicalized foreigners as they would the rest of Americans. Think about that.
LikeLike
April 30, 2016 at 12:35 am
Also…
“When he claims he will torture and kill the families of terrorists, and when he talks about waterboarding, he sanctions the very same methods of terror that the terrorists are using: violence to get a point across.”
Has it occurred to you that he’s not trying to make America into a personification of what *you assert* him to be, but that he’s using the simple, effective age old tactic of intimidating an enemy? They’re the ones who use violence (and nothing but) to get they’re point across, and using scare tactics to make them think twice about taking a shot at us isn’t a half bad idea. And you’re notion of two negatives not making a positive might work wtih electricity, but I can tell you this much: if a guy wants to rip your eye out and he knows there’ll be virtually no consequences to doing so, do you think he’s going to rip your eye out? Probably. If, however, that same guy wants to do that same thing, but he knows you’ll rip*his* eye out in retaliation, will he still rip your eye out? Maybe, but it’s a *lot* less likely. It’s “an eye for an eye” logic, sure, but here’s the thing: it *works*. The same logic was at work in preventing the Cold War from becoming a nuclear holocaust. The Russians didn’t blow us into oblivion because we thought they would do the same, and vice versa. An eye for an eye keeps the peace, so long as it’s clear to whoever you’re dealing with that you can indeed take theirs if they take yours.
LikeLike
March 25, 2016 at 12:22 pm
I’ve been putting off writing a post like yours for… well, way too long. I’m not an American, I don’t live in the US, but—yes, US policies and economy and attitudes reach very, very far. DT in the White House will be catastrophic for the world (it’s not like we haven’t seen it before)… The thing that gets me the most, though, is that—like every single despicable head of state the world has ever seen—he’s nothing but the product of his society. Getting rid of him is a short-term solution; the real challenge is to educate the millions that put him where he is (and where he might be in the very near future) so that these campaigns of hatred and bigotry stay, once and for all, in history books and nowhere else.
I’m so glad I found your blog. Congratulations on being part of John’s team, too! I’m with Damyanti, so this makes us sister minions 🙂 Will be looking forward to following your posts in April and beyond.
LikeLike
May 2, 2016 at 10:20 pm
Thanks for commenting, Guilie. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. April was busy, wasn’t it? 😀
The end of bigotry and hatred is, I believe, unfortunately a long way off. I’m afraid all we can really do is start small, with our own communities. If enough of us are able to lead with the right attitude, it will eventually spread. In the meantime, I sincerely hope Trump is kept out of power.
Thanks so much again! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 25, 2016 at 9:26 am
Well said Linda.
LikeLike
March 25, 2016 at 10:54 am
Thank you, Paul.
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 2:55 am
PS: On facebook, I get a steady stream of pro-Bernie, anti-T posts from several of my friends.
Facebook had a friend suggestion for me this evening apparently based upon my likes and shares.
You guessed it — DT! I assume he has bought facebook for his campaign?
Has this happened to anyone else?
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 2:00 am
OK: I’m a dual Canadian-American citizen, and I’ve been living in the US for over 10 years. I’ve been with an American for over 30 years.
I do apologize to those Americans who aren’t, but damn, I’ve said most are the stupidest people in the world and the fact that “T” is the front runner only confirms my suspicions.
First time I’ve written this publically, but hard to keep quiet when the world is falling apart, the country is falling apart, and the next head of the country could be a failed businessman (bankruptcy at least 6 times), who hates immigrants, but whose wives are, has a wall fetish, believes his own pr, and has the worse hair do ever!
I always vote — when I turned 18, I voted at the first election possible — for mayor and city council. And, since my mother had to drive me, I made her vote too.
I’ve done absentee ballots, I’ve always been there on polling day no matter how “small” the election. I figure I can’t complain about politics and politicians if I haven’t voted.
For a country that prides itself on democracy, voting rates are usually abysmal. Canada has gotten worse that way (we used to vote more) too.
I remember watching South Africans voting for the first time. The look on their faces was amazing. I remember people who lost their lives over voting rights, at the polls, campaigning. Countries where women still don’t have the vote. Where elections are farces. Where corruption covers democracy.
I wonder how many “T-folk” voted in the last election be it presidential, senate, house, state, local?
Sorry, this turned into a rant — my apologies Linda et al.
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 2:07 pm
I think more people voted in our last election than have in many years. And I have a feeling voter turnout is going to be very high for the next US election. Hope that Trump hasn’t figured out a way to fix the polls by then, like Hitler did.
As for your P.S., yeah. He was one of my “suggested” pages too.
LikeLike
March 23, 2016 at 1:36 pm
I’m a UK citizen who takes an interest in the US presidential election. The underlying theme which is unsettling for the political landscape is the Republican party possibly fracturing.
Looking at it from the perspective of (A) The republican establishment & (B) The regular middle of the road republican the two main contenders are unpalatable. Trump is seen by (A) as making a hostile take-over of their party for his own; Cruz seems to have made a career of being disliked on ‘Capitol Hill’. For (B) Trump is so disliked some are considering voting democrat, whereas Cruz is a Tea Party man and not all republicans are Tea Party. Thus if it does go to the wire, and there is a brokered convention will Ketsch get the nomination with the aid of the Establishment, and if so will either of the other two ‘throw their toys out of the pram’ and try to run as hird Candidate; which would suit the Democrats fine.
If either Trump or Cruz get the nomination that might be fine for their constituencies but how would the larger voting population view these two men of confrontational views? If either get the nomination again would that suit the Democrats fine.
If would seem on the basis of looking at the make-up of the entire voting population of the USA, and the visceral tensions within the Republican party a scenario could be mapped out where it does indeed fracture which again would suit….yeh..you got it.
However if Trump or Cruz should win, bear in mind the checks and the balances of the constitution of the USA, neither have made friends on Capitol Hill and as many a president has found out The Most Powerful Official In The World is something of an illusion.
(And whether they like it or not they have to deal with their allies around the world- who can be very stubborn- Easy getting elected guys, doing the job, not so much)
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 1:56 pm
Thing is, as Commander-In-Chief he has the final say. If he chooses to push the red button, Donald Trump is not going to defer to anyone. He’s that much of a narcissist. I have to believe that’s why so many of the world’s leaders are already in a tizzy over his potential to get elected.
Thank you for your thought-provoking comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 25, 2016 at 4:42 am
Thanks.
As for the Red Button circumstance, it’s one that has always interested me. The thing about the Red Button is that he doesn’t keep it in his pocket like a mobile phone.Would the folk around him, physically let him, would they simply say ‘Sir’ and possibly restrain him, then we are into the realms of ‘the coup’, and the VP taking over. Makes for all sorts of possibilities.
I often think of the film Fail Safe when in this realm.
LikeLike
March 25, 2016 at 8:20 am
My son brought that up last night. They’d just overthrow the government, he said. But then again, you have his supporters rioting in the streets. There’s no good scenario in which the hairpiece gets elected.
But hey, we agree on that, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 25, 2016 at 8:28 am
Oh indeed we do!
Having a failed state that big to the south of you is no joke.
LikeLike
March 25, 2016 at 9:02 am
Not to mention how horrible it would be for my friends south of the border. I have a fair-sized house, but I can’t take them all in.
LikeLike
March 25, 2016 at 8:48 pm
I’ve already put my Canadian cousins on alert and gotten first claim on her spare room.
LikeLike
March 25, 2016 at 9:46 pm
Always good to have a backup plan.
LikeLike
March 23, 2016 at 11:10 am
Very well put. I’m in the UK, not America, but I can see the potential danger of the man getting in, not just for there but for wherever the USA has influence.
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 1:28 pm
Which is, of course, everywhere.
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 6:02 pm
Yep.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2016 at 10:40 am
Great post. I may call myself Canadian if he wins the election here. That is if your PM doesn’t build a wall to keep us out. Part of me says, give the racist rednecks who support Trump what they want to cleanse the palate and teach them a lesson for four years. My fear is that he could do irreparable damage to the US in four years. Right now he’s targeting Muslims. What’s next? Catholics? Italians? I don’t trust him. I think, as he states in The Art of the Deal, he is good at telling people what they want to hear to close a deal.
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 11:44 am
He’s already stirring up far too much unrest in the way of racism. I fear we wouldn’t be able to recognize the world we live in, given four years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2016 at 4:18 am
An excellent, positive message, in light of some truly dark times. Trump’s rhetoric is surprisingly empty – he actually says very little (lots of repetition, though) but appeals to a scared public’s base instincts, using the depressingly common tools of mass hysteria. Keep spreading the positive. It’s all we’ve got.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 24, 2016 at 11:33 am
Indeed it is our only hope. Thanks for your visit and your kind words, Adam.
LikeLike
March 23, 2016 at 4:07 am
Reblogged this on firefly465.
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 11:22 am
Thanks for the reblog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2016 at 4:06 am
I have been frightened by the parallels in our societies with the run up to Hitler being elected in Germany. Dear God please don`t let the Americans vote in Trump, he could be the next Hitler.
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 11:13 am
He certainly, very easily, could.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2016 at 3:28 am
I agree Linda. I am a citizen of this world, even if I can’t vote for the opposite of Trump. I wrote mine last week. I study a lot about pre-World War II history. Way too many similarities.
😦
We Canadians are directly effected by what the U.S. does. Glad you spoke up and out with this.
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 10:41 am
Thank you for commenting, Kerry. I’ll come over to read your post as soon as I can.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2016 at 3:06 am
Totally agree with you, Linda. Like yourself though, as an Australian, all I can do is sit and watch, and hope our American friends choose wisely. Looking forward to your review on Follett’s trilogy – it’s one of my favourites!
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 10:36 am
We’ll surely keep our fingers crossed.
I’m almost finished reading the third book. Great storytelling. 🙂 Thanks for commenting, Kim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2016 at 2:49 am
Hey Linda, I’m going to do another post concerning Trump in the future, but I just wanted to pop in and say that statistically, it is highly unlikely (read: theoretically possible, but only if our electorate behaves in a very inconsistent manner than it has over the last 150 years) Trump will win. The electoral college is used in our country to serve as a hindrance to demagogues.
Trump has tapped into a specific part of the Republican base. This is what’s getting him votes. Even by Republican standards, he isn’t getting more than half their votes. In short, while he’s in the lead for the nomination, he’s not loved by Republicans.
Yes, the news is scary, but things are not as bad as they seem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 24, 2016 at 10:26 am
Thank you for your insight. I hope you’re right, and that tiny statistical possibility is never realized.
LikeLike
March 23, 2016 at 1:19 am
That man is just promotion racism and trying to make a country of whites, well Mr trump you should really consider taking your ass to another place if you have that much a problem with people who do not have the same ethnicity as you.
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 10:03 am
There isn’t a place on earth he would fit in… or at least that he and his rhetoric should fit in.
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 4:24 pm
Well said
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2016 at 1:13 am
Touched a sore spot, didn’t ya!? There is one on here I really, really wanted to reply to, but I feared my response would just start a fight and it wasn’t worth it.
I did reblog on Knotholes and Textures with the comment:
“I am no Trump fan, either and Linda makes some valid points, even if she is Canadian, eh?
“Seriously, folks, Trump is a narcissistic idiot who is stirring up the pot of fears that is boiling in our country and the world. And he has absolutely no idea about foreign policy or anything—not that he has ever proven, anyway.
“If Trump wins the Republican nomination and Hillary the Democratic nomination, you can guarantee Hillary will be our next president. As much as I disagree and dislike Hillary, I FEAR for our country if Trump becomes president.”
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 10:01 am
Thanks very much for your reblog, Barb. It really is a topic that tends to get people hot under the collar, which is exactly what Trump wants. We have to rise above it. Otherwise we’re no better than the people who hold his word and all it entails as gospel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2016 at 1:09 am
Reblogged this on Knotholes and Textures and commented:
I am no Trump fan, either and Linda makes some valid points, even if she is Canadian, eh?
Seriously, folks, Trump is a narcissistic idiot who is stirring up the pot of fears that is boiling in our country and the world. And he has absolutely no idea about foreign policy or anything—not that he has ever proven, anyway.
If Trump wins the Republican nomination and Hillary the Democratic nomination, you can guarantee Hillary will be our next president. As much as I disagree and dislike Hillary, I FEAR for our country if Trump becomes president.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 11:03 pm
He puts on a good show, but don’t worry — America isn’t far gone enough to elect a literal hot-air balloon like Trump.
(Yet.)
-Regards, your neighbors to the south
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 9:51 am
I’m hoping for the best. Thanks, Pav.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 9:01 pm
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
So very well written!! This says so much …. This “little man” makes me ashamed of being on the US! Always wonder how it looks to the world looking in … Here’s one perspective!!
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 9:10 am
Thanks very much for your reblog and your kind words, Dr. Rex.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 24, 2016 at 9:53 am
You are most welcome. That was one great post …. looking for your site to follow you.
Have a great day!
LikeLike
March 24, 2016 at 9:55 am
You too! Thanks for the follow. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 8:55 pm
I liked the post. Unfortunately, like you I’m a Canadian and have no say. Men like Trump scare me. They make politics look like a farce and supporters of Trump not seem very intelligent (sorry but it’s true). He seems to be supported because he says outlandish things without much talk on actual policies and things he wants to do to better the US and the world. I have read a lot on him, some articles supporting him and some not. I have seen a lot on Trump on tv and I think if you watch John Oliver on the Daily Show, he gives a pretty fair idea of what Trump is really about. Mostly, I think Mr Trump should read a poem called ” The Mending Wall,” by Robert Blake. The message would probably escape him but if you haven’t read the poem here it is: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/173530
I hope the message doesn’t escape you.
LikeLike
March 23, 2016 at 5:24 pm
Good fences only make good neighbours if the two refuse to try to understand each other. Far too subtle for one who listens only to his own ego. Thanks for sharing that, Mandi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 7:50 pm
Well, I’m not one to normally argue politics, but I have to say something after reading this post and the comments that followed.
First, I AM an American citizen, so whoever eventually gets the post of President, I have to deal with in one way or another. Whatever their agenda turns out to be is one I will have to live with, unless of course I become a rebel, which we all know just ain’t gonna happen.
As for Donald Trump and his bid for the White House, well, to be perfectly honest with you, I can’t decide which candidate will come closest to honoring our Constitution and staying true to their word. It’s between Cruz and Trump.
In several of the comments, I saw the word narcissist used. What I didn’t see was the most obvious name associated with it. Hillary Clinton is the personification of the word narcissist.
Anyone that has the sheer gall to be in the public eye, much less run for president, having done the things that she has done, and boldly face the world and deny it, personifies narcissism.
As far as closing our borders? Trump or Cruz either one wants to CLOSE the borders, although, in light of all the terrorist threats and the sophistication in which ISIS has proven they possess, that might not be such a bad idea.
Your opinion of Donald Trump, and those of every commenter so far is loudly broadcast. But you and everyone else has completely missed the point.
The next President has already been selected. The governmental establishment of The United States of America is not going to relinquish their power. Why do you think the rules of convention and elections are the way they are?
The popular vote does not elect the president and the delegates or the electoral college is not bound by any rules that say they have to put the most popular candidate in office. It’s a total farce, but vote anyway I will. If only to get one of those little stickers that say’s “I Voted”.
I’m not going to agree with you on this one Linda. Am I going to vote for Trump? I don’t know, but you can bet your last dollar that I won’t vote for Hillary Clinton.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 11:14 pm
The next president has already been selected? There’s a scary thought. If votes mean nothing then you are already living in a communist state. If the elections are moot, then anything can happen. Including the possibility that the president will change your Constitution to suit his or her needs. Speaking of which, did Trump not promise to silence the media when it speaks out against him? There goes your first amendment right there. Once that is gone, he can have anyone arrested for saying the wrong thing… and so out with your civil liberties.
A sociopathic narcissist is characterized by his/her unwillingness to never admit he/she is wrong. Rather than admit they were wrong, both Hitler and Stalin commited suicide. It’s that much a part of their makeup. So for either Trump or, if Clinton is as bad, then her too, have ALREADY been selected as president, you will not recognize your country in four years. You’d better hope one of the other candidates have been chosen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2016 at 6:15 am
Exactly! Our current anointed one has been trying for the last 7.5 years to not only change the constitution, he’s been trying to get rid of it completely. Oh the conversation we could have over coffee lol
LikeLike
March 23, 2016 at 5:13 pm
Hehe. I’m sure it would be interesting. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 7:48 pm
Linda, I love your blog but in this instance I have to take a different (not necessarily opposite) view. Trump is not the problem, he is a symptom of a greater problem that has been building and morphing since the days of Woodrow Wilson. Our government is totally corrupt, top to bottom, both parties. Trump will never get the nomination unless somehow the establishment elites decide that it is their best interest. If he did get nominated without insider support and won a general election I personally would not place odds on him making it to the inauguration. Politics as played in the USA is a scary game and is becoming increasingly worthy of the most vicious third world nation. We elect empty slogans and rhetoric and nothing changes for the better. We fight a war on poverty, spend trillions of dollars over a fifty year period and the net result is more poor people and more wealth concentrated in those who “fought” the war. a similar story is true of the war on drugs. We scrap the bracero program, which was working, and suddenly we have “guest” workers sneaking in their families because they can no longer legally enter the country. The great Ronnie Reagan agrees to
amnesty but leaves the border unsecured. Voila, more undocumented immigrants than when he started. Unemployment? Increase benefits to the unemployed and the under employed until they stop bitching about their job status. I could go on ad nauseum but the point is that this is not a simple case of stop “The haircut” and all will be hunky-dory. The entire system is cancerous and the only folks who actually can change it would have to surrender their pathways to power and wealth in order to do so. Would someone please hand Nero another match?
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 10:56 pm
I’ve heard as much complaining over the other candidates and the present and past governments as I have paid attention to “The haircut,” as you so eloquently label him. And I realize that governments are what they are and though it’s called “democracy,” there’s little we can do concerning how they are run. But what I see with my own eyes is how far the U.S. has come in regards to segregation, women’s rights, and civil liberties in general. And I can see the backslide beginning even before the man with the little hands is in the running.
I’m encouraged to read that you believe it can’t happen… because you know he’s a party of one. His fellow party members are doing everything they can to denounce him. If he does, somehow, slip through, I believe you’ll be kissing whatever democracy you have good-bye. But perhaps equality via communism is what you want?
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2016 at 2:33 am
Many years ago, when i still lived in a large mid western city and actively followed the prizefighting game, I was preparing to place a bet at one of the local free lance betting establishments (bookie). A friend, better positioned to know the inside facts, was with me. I said that I was betting on the favorite because he had speed, reach and weight going for him. My friend said, “no, go with the little guy. The odds are right for an upset and besides, the fix is in.” That pretty much describes the political scene as it exists today. This article is 6 years old but it illustrates a lot of the truth behind what we face as an electorate. http://originaldialogue.blogspot.com/2010/10/it-doesnt-matter-who-votes-it-matters.html
LikeLike
March 23, 2016 at 5:06 pm
Again, encouraging. I just hope not too much damage will have been done to your fine country by the time he leaves the race.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 6:26 pm
I agree that Trump is not the right person for the job.
That being said, neither are any of the other candidates. Since I have been able to vote, I have never seen a pool of so many unqualified candidates (each for a variety of reasons).
Tough times ahead. Tough times ahead…
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 6:30 pm
Think of it this way: If Trump does end up to be the next Hitler, you may never have another chance to vote.
LikeLiked by 3 people
March 22, 2016 at 5:56 pm
Well said Linda!
LikeLiked by 2 people
March 22, 2016 at 7:18 pm
Thank you, Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 5:50 pm
Reblogged this on The Richness of a Simple Life and commented:
I’m not one to post on politics. I am not as informed as I should be for reasons I’ll keep to myself. I do agree with Linda, that people need to speak up. I just had a conversation with a childhood friend yesterday about this topic. We weren’t sure what the answer was- to say nothing and hope that by ignoring him we wouldn’t give his word any merit, or bombard our inner circles with his blatant hatred, ignorance, and intolerance in hopes that people would see him for what he is. I get the appeal to a certain point, a man that says what he thinks how he thinks it. That’s the extent of my understanding of those that support him. What differentiates him from those before him who have oppressed, segregated and targeted groups of people? His words and actions are despicable, and he is a sorry excuse for a candidate. I’m sure you know exactly who I’m talking about and I will not give him the satisfaction of typing his name. If I had a hand in making a post go viral, this would be the one I’d pick, especially if it resulted in his name never being uttered again…
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 6:40 pm
As Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York fame stated, it’s no longer a question of politics. It’s a moral question. If he does make it all the way to the top, the U.S. will be nothing but oppression and those who oppose it. The result? Violence. One only needs to go back to Martin Luther King’s day to see it. It’s important to be proactive. By the time he’s voted in, it will be too late.
Thank you for the reblog, Niki. I think many of us would like to see his name wiped off the face of all media. Unfortunately we have to keep saying it if we want to put an end to his campaign.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 6:59 pm
That’s absolutely right. It is a moral question. How can I tell my kids to do the right thing if I can’t stand up and do just that? I often think, I’m just one what difference will that make? Alone, not much, but if those that opposed him spoke up all together we’d drown his hateful words.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 7:17 pm
That, in a nutshell, is what we hope to do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 7:21 pm
Off to share this on other platforms! 😉
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 7:41 pm
Thank you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 5:39 pm
None of the candidates are suitable to run the country. Both parties should be horsewhipped for allowing bullies, thieves, and liars to be front runners.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 6:31 pm
Be that as it may, there must be an alternative to Trump. He’s not even politically-minded.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 6:59 pm
That is the problem. It comes down to a lessor of the evils but evil nonetheless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 5:11 pm
Reblogged this on Diary of an Internet Nobody. and commented:
Anyone who has been following me for a while probably has a pretty fair idea about my opinion of Donald “Fuckface von Clownstick” Trump and although I have no real wish to grant him the oxygen of publicity in any but the most scathing and derisive way, some other bloggers take a more mature approach. (Which we’ll get to in a minute)
As a British citizen, I am fortunate enough to be sufficiently removed from the unhinged wig womble, that his imminent elevation to the most powerful powerful man on Earth (think about that for a moment; The most powerful man ON EARTH) will not immediately or directly impact on my life. But as we all know (after all, you’re probably reading this thousands of miles away from where I sit typing) the modern world is an increasingly small place and, no matter where we live, global events are now just that; Global.
We should all worry that a man who is so obviously driven by self-interest and an amoral thirst for personal power is so close to being the representative of one of the most influential nations on the planet and that makes it all of our responsibilities to call upon those who have the ability to prevent that from happening, to do so for the good of us all.
One heartfelt and straightforward reiteration of this, my not very humble opinion, was just posted by one of the most popular, generous and genuine people that I’ve met since I started blogging on WordPress and I’m pleased to reblog her post here.
Ladies and gentlemen, Linda G Hill…
LikeLiked by 4 people
March 22, 2016 at 6:22 pm
I do believe it is our responsibility worldwide, to do what we can to stop him. I’m positive it’s just a game to him. And what he’s close to, frighteningly enough, is becoming the man who takes over the world.
Thank you for your kind words, and your reblog. The farther the word goes, whether it’s mine or someone else’s, the better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 6:24 pm
Get ready for a huge “immigration problem” if he wins, from escaping Americans.
A wall might be a good idea…
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 7:15 pm
The American refugees will mix in well with the 25,000 Syrian refugees we’re letting in. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 4:48 pm
I’m pretty sure you know I love this post already.
I’d give you my opinion, but…well, despite being cursed with incurable subtlety and restraint, I think I may have let it slip once or twice.
LikeLiked by 2 people
March 22, 2016 at 7:12 pm
Maybe just once or twice. Yet it was so subtle, perhaps I don’t understand… you don’t care for him much, do you?
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 7:19 pm
I’m not his biggest fan, no.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 7:40 pm
Got it.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 4:26 pm
Well you know I agree, but for the love of puppies, didja hafta go and type its name?!? With all your studies and experience, you’d think you’d know better. Lordamercy, you might summon it.
LikeLiked by 3 people
March 22, 2016 at 6:15 pm
Hahahaha! Thanks, Joey. I needed that. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 4:20 pm
Linda! I love you for this! I’m more scared than I can say that Trump will be elected. The sad reality is that I hate politics and do my damndest to stay out of it, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to sit on the sidelines. I agree with you 100%. Hatred begets hatred and I believe the world needs to stand together to fight terrorism, not fight each other or close borders. I can’t say I have all the knowledge I probably need in order to speak out, but I know in my heart Trump is a terrible choice for President (although there aren’t any great choices in the Republican pool as far as I’m concerned…)
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 6:10 pm
It’s always the same, isn’t it? You end up voting for the best of the worst. It’s like that here too. But at the very least, it’s important to keep the worst of the worst out of office.
I hate politics too. I don’t get involved in Canada’s other than to pay attention and vote. But this has gone beyond mere democracy. We’re facing the destruction of society.
LikeLiked by 2 people
March 22, 2016 at 6:46 pm
I agree. I’m planning to vote in the caucuses for the first time in my life. 🙂
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 6:48 pm
Good for you. 🙂 And thank you, Helen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 6:52 pm
I should have said I’m definitely not voting Trump… Or Republican for that matter. But that was probably already pretty clear. Haha
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 7:10 pm
Yep, got that. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 4:10 pm
Bravo Linda. Bravo. Mr. Trump reminds me of an extremely rich version of my ex-husband – both are very narcissistic. One of the commonalities is that narcissists believe they can say or do anything they want. Then, when things blow up because of their words or actions, they take absolutely no responsibility. I am very afraid, as this would be a horrible attribute for our next President. Those who want to put Mr. Trump in office do not understand what it’s like to live with a narcissist, let alone be ruled by one. It would not be pretty.
So, my thoughts are this: That the Republican party will not give Mr. Trump the delegates he needs at the national convention, choosing instead to give the delegates to Kasich or Rubio. OR the majority of the American people really don’t like Trump and will come out in droves on election day for Hillary. OR Trump will get elected but be a lame duck as his Republican cohorts and the Democrats will not pass any law that promotes bigotry or craziness or narcissistic behavior.
LikeLiked by 2 people
March 22, 2016 at 4:32 pm
When you are familiar with a narcissist, you can see it so clearly. When you’re familiar with narcissistic behavior, you can spot it a mile away, which is helpful to one’s own self-preservation. Blow up indeed. Ticking time bombs. I enjoyed your comments.
LikeLiked by 2 people
March 22, 2016 at 5:47 pm
I was basically going to say the same thing as Joey did. I’ve known a narcissist too, and I know how dangerous they can be to just one person. My life was ruined by one. The thought that a narcissist could affect billions of people… it could easily be the end of the world as we know it.
Whatever it takes, he must be stopped.
LikeLiked by 3 people
March 22, 2016 at 5:50 pm
I still can’t believe Mr. Trump made it this far. It started out as a joke…
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 5:54 pm
Indeed.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 3:36 pm
As a Canadian you’ve definitely an interest in this situation. If Trumph is elected all the sane US citizens will be fleeing this country and seeking residence in Canada. Oh pleeeease don’t go building a wall, we have to run somewhere.
LikeLiked by 3 people
March 22, 2016 at 7:08 pm
I’ve had a few people ask me to take them in already – so has everyone I know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 3:26 pm
I’m with you. Even though I do appreciate his “let’s stand up and defend this nation and stop letting people walk on us” stance, I am highly against the constant bullying he is portraying. He’s behaving like a spoiled know-it-all. Anyone who behaves like a child has no business being president.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 3:48 pm
Indeed. Thank you, Mewho.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 3:12 pm
He’s Certifiable. Bernie is a nice man, but I’ve seen what happens when socialism turns into communism. I’m ready for a woman who has the experience in politics and knows how the world works.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 3:23 pm
Anyone but Trump. Thank you, Patricia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 3:07 pm
Trump as president is a scary thought indeed. I hop e our American Neighbours will weigh the ramifications of such a choice wisely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 7:06 pm
Me too.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 2:55 pm
I call him Toupee. He is a total arse.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 6:49 pm
Right.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 2:55 pm
I’m with you, Linda. Hoping and praying that Trump will not be our next president. My vote is with Sanders.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 3:08 pm
Thank you, Erica.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 2:50 pm
Imagine how those of us terrified in the states feel! If Trump gets elected, I’m coming to Canada lol Follett’s century trilogy was a-MAH-zing. It’s true. I fear for a people who put him in office
LikeLiked by 3 people
March 22, 2016 at 6:47 pm
Let’s hope it never happens. Thank you for commenting, Anna.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 2:50 pm
Courage and bravery would not exist in the absence of fear. True bravery, true courage is in facing our fears and walking through them; not in insulating ourselves from any and every threat. I am American. I can vote. He will not get mine. #nevertrump
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 3:07 pm
Thank you, Ruth.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 2:48 pm
I hear you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 6:44 pm
Thank you, IB.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 2:47 pm
HEAR! HEAR!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2016 at 6:43 pm
Thank you, Pamela.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 2:47 pm
Linda, whisk I do not care for Trump either, something does need to be done down here to quell the terrorist attacks the US has dealt with since 9/11. It’s easy to condemn a person from inside a country that has not experienced the kinds of terrorism we’ve had to deal with down here. It has only gotten worse with the policies of the current president, and his anointed successor hasn’t presented any plans beyond being happy with what she has done to-date. Is it any wonder that people are flocking to someone, anyone, who promises some action? What he has promised is little different than what the EU is calling for since the onslaught of terroristic attacks since the uncontrolled flood of refugees. What would Canada be calling for if terrorists were coming across the border between you and us? I would imagine not much different. Tighter border monitoring, better background checks, reduced immigration from suspected countries, including the US.
LikeLike
March 22, 2016 at 3:06 pm
Perhaps we have not experienced anything like 9-11, but we’re not blind, nor deaf, nor dumb. It’s by methodically tracking down those who are responsible for terror attacks that we will eliminate the threat. Not throwing blankets over whole nations of people who are more terrorized by their own governments than we can imagine to be by small pockets of murderous villains.
Perhaps something does need to be done down there. But Donald Trump is not the man to do it. His “promises” change daily, if not hourly. He’s not “in it” for the people. He’s in it for himself.
Today, Canada like the rest of the world IS putting in place extra security in vulnerable areas such as airports. This is what is reasonable. Those who are afraid to go out of their homes, won’t. The rest of us must have the liberty to walk freely, to reach out to our fellow human beings, and to love one another without the restraint of our governments, who are doing their utmost to balance that freedom and keep us safe as well.
LikeLiked by 5 people
March 23, 2016 at 6:10 am
As I said, I am no Trump supporter, I was simply trying to answer your question of why people are flocking to him. He’s telling them what they want to hear, that he has a plan, no one else is saying that.
LikeLike
March 23, 2016 at 5:01 pm
Except his “plans” are absurd, both in their content and their changeability. I suppose people are hearing what they want to hear… I dunno. I don’t want to argue over something we agree on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2016 at 4:23 am
9/11 was an absolute atrocity, that sent shockwaves around the world. Any acts of terrorism is cowardly and incredibly destabilising. But you might want to take a look at the stats, to see who the USA’s greatest threats actually are:
http://securitydata.newamerica.net/extremists/deadly-attacks.html
LikeLiked by 2 people
March 23, 2016 at 11:34 am
And even that pales into insignificance against the figures for non-specific violent gun deaths by “ordinary citizens”…
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2015/oct/05/viral-image/fact-checking-comparison-gun-deaths-and-terrorism-/
LikeLiked by 1 person