Disintegration of a Nation…
by John Donnelly…….
Has the United States Government under the tutelage of Presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton and Reagan, along with the many thousands of congressmen and women who’ve served under their leadership, had enough time to formulate “comprehensive immigration reform”? Why is it that the leaders of our nation have been unable to develop a plan of action that contains clear, cogent, humane and enforceable immigration laws?
So much for “big government solutions”. Governance in accordance with the “will of the people” has never been a priority for career politicians.
Disgraceful as it is, their malfeasance has reached a tipping point. Oppressive actions similar to theirs precipitated our “Revolutionary War”. This 7 year fight for “Independence and Self-determination” whereby ordinary citizens took up arms and “pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor” to defeat the barbarity of “British Rule”; will forever remain a defining moment in world politics. Common ordinary folk in the form of American “citizen soldiers, were pitted against a well trained and disciplined war machine, possessing the strongest and greatest naval force on earth; the British Royal Navy.
The suffering and sacrifice endured by the forerunners to the United States of America were not in vain, as they secured their victory and birthed our Nation. They fought unto death for the liberating principles contained within our Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
But why accurately assess the sacrifices of these patriots and the mockery being made of their offerings on the altar of freedom, via the actions of the aforementioned presidential jesters and congressional bumpkins; when one can whip themselves up into an endorphin rich frenzy, riding high on emotionally charged waves fueled by their hatred of our newly elected President of the United States. As all human beings, our Commander-In-Chief is flawed and imperfect. However, he’s also secured some spectacular accomplishments.
Why can’t we glean some insight and perspective from the successes and miscalculations that have been made by the predecessors to President Trump? So as not to repeat past mistakes, while tweaking and improving upon the achievements they accomplished. We don’t need to start from scratch and reinvent the wheel, as we move forward.
Unfortunately, the vileness and hate coming from the losing side of our recent presidential election is beyond comprehension. It’s suicidal in nature. Even in the South Bronx when we bloodily battled away for victory in whatever event we had undertaken, upon being defeated, we stuck and stayed and played another game, determined to do better the next time. We concentrated on training and improving our performance, so we could get the better of our opponent, next time. We didn’t blame, curse, ridicule and find fault with the other guy, team or neighborhood because they beat us. Silently we hunkered down and set out to destroy them, within the parameters of the rules set before us. We knew the code of the street, and for the most part adhered to it. Talk is cheap in the Bronx. One’s bold, aggressive, courageous and victorious actions; were what got you attention.
Although very young and on the streets, we were significantly more mature and established than the highbrowed politicians and members of the media, who had rooted for the losing side and now can’t get over it. Such punks and losers, who chronically complain and hold others responsible for their loss, were not looked upon fondly within our community. You moved on, and you didn’t have to be told not to make a fool of yourself, by bad-mouthing someone else because you had been beaten by them.
No one ever stayed home or took their ball and went home because they had been publicly embarrassed or defeated. Everyone eventually tasted defeat no matter how good they were. We would work our way back into contention and take another shot at victory, no matter how long it might take. We practiced and tried harder for the next event. Whiners and cry babies were not allowed nor welcomed in our company.
I’m apolitical, however, I just don’t get it; the Democrats had a presidential candidate that was lousier than the Republicans, and she lost. There really isn’t anything more to it. End of story. Please get over it.
Impugning our Commander-In-Chief with a never ending barrage of malicious and hateful statements is not the way to go. Regardless of the harm resultant from such behavior, it has become an acceptable form of political expression. In some employment and social settings the political partisanship is so severe, one must acquiesce their rights and beliefs in order to survive.
How can we transition from a nation that coddles conformity, tribalism and identity politics, while condoning hate speech and violent acts on certain citizens; into a country adhering to the vision and hope penned by President Abraham Lincoln. So that: ” A government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth”.
Insolent and spiteful malcontents have infiltrated the halls of leadership within this nation. Ripping the heart and soul from our republic, they’ve chosen to pursue wealth, fame, power and personnel gain; rather than serve the “People” who put them there. But why should we be surprised, the ruling class has perfected their favorite pastime of censoring and subjugating those who challenge and question their authority. The standardization of this “New Norm” is the spark that will eventually ignite our Homeland into an inferno. The kindling has been gathered. A combustible mixture of anger, hate and rationalized violence has squeezed the slack from the trigger. Will an effort be made to disable the weaponry that has been assembled in the hearts and minds of those Americans, who can’t get over the result of our presidential election? Shall anyone stand up to their fiery discharge and extinguish the hateful blast that will terminate our existence?
I dunno, John, perhaps a good place to start would be for every American to admit and publish that the Vietnam war was an American war for corporate profit having nothing to do with protecting America. Then, the US Congress votes to pay Vietnam mega reparation$. I say that, because that war is where I saw America come unhinged and its being getting more unhinged ever since.
Sloan,
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on the article. Your insight and perspective serves as a vehicle for discussion.
So much has occurred since the conclusion of the Vietnam War in 1975. Forty-two years of “life” with all its experiences, lessons, transgressions and accomplishments. Continuing to fixate on whatever you believe that struggled entailed, is merely your point of view and understanding.
Your ideas, thoughts and impressions are uniquely specific to you and you alone. Because you hold a certain set of beliefs and impressions, as they relate to Vietnam, it doesn’t make them true or accurate.
Like many other civilians, I know the war scarred and traumatized you. My sincerest condolences for the pain you endured via the loss of your friends, classmates and associates. I will always share in your grief.
I’ve detailed at length in several articles the insanity and horror of war. I’ve spoken about the innocent civilian casualties that have occurred in all wars. I outlined the daily grind and brutality endured by United States Marines, as they’re killed and wounded in combat on a regular basis.
I addressed our “civilian leadership’s”, “unconstitutional and illegal” use of the military to occupying other nations and kill its people.
And let’s not forget drone strikes, kill lists and collateral damage.
Let’s focus on today and the “eternal now”. And the inability to learn from our mistakes. Let’s examine the ongoing “Vietnam type” wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; sponsored in part by a president you supported and gave $2,000 to. Stop perseverating upon Vietnam, it serves no useful purpose.
You’ve never addressed the cause (reasons) why this nation is stuck in its militaristic response, when addressing global issues. We’re breeding replicas of our violent failed foreign policies, via a failed educational system that refuses to adopt a curriculum that scientifically expands student consciousness and awareness. Thus allowing students to think, create and analytically reason in new and different ways. The birth of a Self-Realized and Self-Actualized society can catapult our nation and world into another dimension. Where authentic solutions and formulas for success become “standard operating procedure”.
As you know, I developed and introduced a course of study that advanced our students in the aforementioned areas identified. This curriculum can be immediately introduced at our 3 high schools. It would include $10,000 of scholarship money every year for our students. The program would cost the school district and taxpayer nothing. Where were your comments and support; when it would of really mattered for our students, communities and nation?
Vietnam, really? Why don’t you discuss something that actually has some meat on its bones. Instead of repeating the same tired old rhetoric.
Whatever the circumstances, you made the right decision for yourself at that time, related to Vietnam’s 16 year war. There is no guilt, shame or less than associated with the choices you made. Patriots are found on the home front, as well as on the battlefield.
Another point; you and your family had considerable sums of money, power and persuasion; so that your political clout could be felt. If you were that much against the Vietnam war, why didn’t you or your family exert their influence in opposition to the war?
I’m at a different station in my life now, compared to when I returned home from the war 47 years ago. There has been a lot of life lived during that time. Unimaginable, beyond belief, inconceivable, heart wrenching and tragic encounters; yet you continue to want to rehash an experience that you’ve only been told about or read about; without having actually participated in.
I’ve taken a stand for many years on the firing line of life, against all that I deem malfeasant. I’ve also been reluctantly drawn into some “big battles” by the God of my understanding. Because I approached such matters with a team of like minded professionals, all of our goals, objectives and outcomes were eventually accomplished.
You’ve been blessed with considerable opportunities and talents. You will be held accountable for their waste. Reconnoitering your life with an emphasis upon a Self-Realized and Self-Actualized existence, is an answer that must come under consideration.
With Love, Blessings & Respect…
John, Who would you consider to be the ideal immigrant to enter the USA?
Ben,
Always great to hear from you. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on the article. I value and appreciate your thoughts and understandings.
It’s a good question. Sounds a little tricky to me, for if there’s an ideal immigrant, than it has been determined that there’s a “class of immigrant” undesirable, problematic or flawed.
Emerging Nations have had evolving needs as they’ve grown and matured. Different types of people with particular skill sets were needed to advance the cause of every country, empire, nation.
Certainly those individuals that meet those needs and strengthened the fabric of a particular country, have had value to the accepting nation.
Now, who determines the core principles and laws governing the affairs and management of a nation? The power brokers, ruling elites and government officials placed into positions of authority, to represent the wishes of those whose who put them there. It gets a little murky here, money is the mother’s milk of politicians.
In the USA we have a Declaration of Independence and Constitution that identifies our country’s position on many things. Our laws set the immigration policies to be followed at any given time. When they need to be adjusted or tweaked, we have an orderly mechanism to do that.
This process and the individuals governing it have a lot to do with determining who are the “ideal immigrants” of the day.
I’m on the run. Off to Miami and our Theater for a production meeting. I wanted to provide you with some type of answer before I left.
Blessings & Respect… Thank You…
I understand that some would not want to touch this, but an ideal candidate for a migrant wanting to come to the USA:
A man about 28 years old with a skill such as welding or another industrial trade. Would have a basic education and being able to speak English would be a plus. Could be married with a couple of kids who have already started their formal education or if too young have had some home schooling.
This does not exclude people or groups, but rather it rewards those looking for a new life in the USA, and at the same time will help the USA flourish.
Ben,
As usually, via the depth and brilliance of your understanding, you’ve nailed three salient points.
The power of “operant conditioning and positive reinforcement”. And the benefit such science provides the host country in developing an orderly immigration policy.
Setting a standard that rewards successive approximations towards achieving the goal of legal immigration into the USA, is necessary if we want to establish a firm foundation that is ethical, fair and clear to all.
It will provide everyone seeking entry into the US with a distinct structure and view of how to proceed; while laying out for our immigration authorities a “set list” of requirements to be met by those wanting to legally cross the border.
The needs of the USA will be met, while immigrant populations will know what to do and how to do it, so they can migrate and transition into our society.
I would include an emergency provision addressing humanitarian exceptions, asylum and human beings seeking escape from government genocide and persecution.
The UN and a World of Nations with some Self-Realized and Self-Actualized citizens living within its borders; can create, develop and manage a system that can competently address these emergent situations.
It’s not that hard. As you know, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Thanks Ben…Blessings & Respect…
“I’m apolitical,” you say? I read, enjoy and admire your writing. You always sound Republican to me.
” however, I just don’t get it; the Democrats had a presidential candidate that was lousier than the Republicans, and she lost. There really isn’t anything more to it. End of story. Please get over it.”
WRONG. MORE TO IT EVERY DAY.
“Impugning our Commander-In-Chief with a never ending barrage of malicious and hateful statements is not the way to go.” HOW ‘BOUT JUST FACTS AND TRUTHS?
Per Joy Reid “Since becoming president, Trump has flouted the emoluments clause and openly profited from his office, taking payments from all comers, from the State Department to foreign governments at his golf courses, hotels and his private Florida club. He has encouraged his children to treat the White House as a marketing tool for the Trump businesses, and allowed them to commingle their business activities and ongoing involvement in his government. He has turned American foreign policy into a Santa’s workshop for Saudi and Russian interests and goals, from the needless fight with Qatar to pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate accords to attempting to return the Kremlin’s spy facilities, which the Obama administration seized in retaliation for Russian interference in our election, to giving Russian oligarchs direct financial interest in the Keystone pipeline boondoggle to having his administration lean on House members to soften a Russia sanctions package. (He even briefly floated the outrageous and absurd notion of cybersecurity cooperation with the Kremlin.) He has invited the Russian foreign ministry into the Oval Office out of the eye and earshot of the American media, who now are reduced to audio-only press briefings where they take a back seat to Trump sycophant right-wing blogs, and he has now canoodled with Putin himself, taking the murderous Russian autocrat’s word for it that no election meddling occurred.
Trump has made political thuggery the new American political standard; throwing allies overboard and cuddling up to dictators and autocrats around the world. He has diminished American influence and credibility every day he has been in office.
Meanwhile, he has stripped the presidency of its basic dignity, tweeting his every thought at all hours of the day. He presents America in his world travels as a troglodyte nation, led by an ill-mannered, ill-tempered, praise-needy buffoon—a real life Joffrey Baratheon—who still thinks he’s a television performer, and whose attention to duty lasts only as long as his favorite Fox shows aren’t on.
Domestically, he has thrown the country into chaos, from his Muslim travel bans to his utter incoherence on health care, which he and his party are threatening to strip from up to 23 million people so they can fork over a trillion dollars to America’s own oligarchs. Putin must be positively gleeful at the damage his little ruse—tricking the arrogant ignoramuses of the Trump campaign into believing Russian hackers had the goods on Hillary, and then reeling them in—has wrought.”
With all this in mind, not to mention a probably stolen election, it’s easy to understand the vitriol, which does not make it o.k.
Please list his positive accomplishments so I can focus on them and try to see past the mysogyny, racism, narcissism, lies, and nepotism.
Faithful Reader,
Thank you for reading and commenting on the article. Your detailed perceptions are well thought out and intelligently written. I appreciate the time you took to attentively publish your concerns.
Your passionate and intense dislike of President Trump are palpable. Persuading you to step back and graciously accept the results of our presidential election is not my job nor is it my desire.
Because you think a certain way, it doesn’t make your ideas, beliefs and understandings valid or accurate. Just because we say or write something, it doesn’t make it true.
As I’m writing my reply to you, Liberal Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz just informed his audience that President Donald Trump hasn’t committed any crimes (not one crime–collusion, treason, accepting unauthorized monies, taking bribes, providing bribes, obstruction of justice and/or selling influence). This comes from an esteemed liberal democratic professor who supported and voted for Hillary Clinton.
It has been further identified that President Obama knew of the Russian attempts to interfere with the presidential election and kept them a secret, for he and many others believed Clinton was going to win and he didn’t want to taint her victory. As per several Russian leaders, Russia wanted Hilary to win as she was predictable and they were having their way with her. She approved and Obama consented to a Uranium deal that gave Russia 20% of our Uranium, while depositing 140 million dollars into the Clinton Foundation, while providing Bill Clinton with a $500,000 speaking fee.
President Trump arrived home yesterday from France, where and his wife were treated like royalty by the French President, as the French people and armed forces passed in review before him and his wife during their Bastille Day Celebration.
Many, many millions of American and citizens from around the world believe that President Trump will put an end to the world chaos, as our world markets expand providing some economic growth and salary increases for our American citizens. Our citizens, along with every country in the European Union want to initiate the means to accurately assess people entering their countries. You know it’s not a Muslim travel ban. And unfortunate as it might be, the president has executive branch authority to protect America, while banning travel from nations that are on a terror watch list, or deemed “threats to the security of the United States”.
There are many stylistic nuances, behaviors and management characteristics that I dislike about President Trump. I’ve critiqued him and scratched my head as to why a certain tweet or response to a particular question was made.
Although Megan Kelly’s question may have been inappropriate (I think 1st debate), I did not approve of his handling of that question nor the response that he gave.
Candidate Trump is now President Trump. And I still believe he has missed opportunities to lead. Chicago needed him to come and take a stand against violence and for peace. The ruptured dam in California that threatened several cities and thousands of citizens needed his presence, as could have organized the Corps of Army Engineers for an immediate intervention. President Trump was silent and remains inactive regarding these issues.
Faithful Reader, you are my Brother or Sister. I’m not going to denounce and turn against you because of any politician… Ever… They’re not worth it.
For the sake of the nation and the citizens within, we must stop physically attacking one another because we didn’t like the outcome of a political election.
Why not temporarily suspend one’s hate of our president and the citizens who supported him, and judge this man on the merits of his actions. I believe some opposing this president are afraid that he will succeed, therefore, they must attack him in the hope of never giving him a chance to meet with success.
As yourself, I’ve been around the block and have a good sense of what someone is about. I willing to give President Trump a chance. It’s only fair and it’s the right thing to do. You and I both know that.
Blessings & Respect To You, Always…
John,
Very accurate and concise relative to the overall picture. Something I have not seen mentioned either directly or often enough, though, is the acknowledgment that many of the greatest men in history have had/have quirks and human idiosyncrasies, that do not detract from their innate ability to instantly size up a problem and immediately go to work to solve it – as President Trump does. Not an easy thing to do when hindered by layers of bureaucracy and those lacking a matching strong will to tackle the toughest problems head-on.
Ben,
Always appreciate and value your analysis. Thanks for taking the time to make an additional comment.
Blessings & Respect Always…