What's the matter with Donald Trump.

[motordavid]

AVB-AMG:
^ + Another...well written opin.

In my 74 yrs on the planet, Trump was probably the worst example of an elected exec I have experienced.

I voted for the sob the first time, (though working in/around NYC/metro NY for 2 1/2 decades I was well aware of his 50 lbs of bs in a 5 lb sack), but thought, "here is a non-career politician that might rise to the occasion". About a day after his election I realized I had voted incorrectly...

I don't wish him 'harm', but I do wish him a costly nightmare of legal battles, inc most of his Let'emEatCake family.

For any of us several decades old, none of the previous elected Prez or any politico for that matter, have had a life changing effect on most of our lives, imo. Thus, we lived through Nixon, et al, we lived through Trump, and current ol'guy can't be any 'worse'.

Not philosophical, but life goes on, we endure as best we can, as does this country.
GL, mD

[AVB-AMG]

amancuso, upallnight, Maruzo and motordavid:

Thank you all for your kind compliments on my Goodbye Donald Trump lengthy post. After watching on television, the moving inauguration ceremony for Joe Biden's/Kamala Harris, I felt a profound sense of relief. I also felt compelled to summarize my thoughts and feelings regarding Donald Trump's legacy in writing. I realize that I am part of the slight majority of Americans who voted for Biden/Harris in 2020 and recognize that President Biden and his administration now have much work to do to put our country back on the right track, which will have their own challenges. Since this is a thread on Donald Trump, what follows is what I hope may be my last post on this person:

As much as we might wish otherwise, I do not think that we have seen or heard the last of Donald Trump. While Trump is no longer the POTUS, he is not going to disappear from the political or media scene. Much will depend on how the legal investigations evolve in New York State. The ongoing criminal or civil charges pertaining to tax fraud by Trump, his family members and/or the Trump Organization may possibly result in big fines and/or even jail time, if he/they are found guilty. Also, with the multiple financial loans that he had previously received that he personally guaranteed, now coming due in the upcoming year, he will be focusing on how to pay them off. He has become persona non-grata with all domestic financial institutions and most foreign ones as well, so forget about refinancing his debt. I think we may very well see a number of Trump properties go up for sale, possibly including one or more of his high-rise residential or office buildings or his Washington DC hotel and maybe even one or more of his Trump National Golf Clubs or golf course in Scotland. Remember, Donald Trump has already declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy six times in the past. I will not be surprised if he does so again for a seventh time...

Unfortunately, I believe that Donald Trump will be a continued thorn in the side of the Biden administration by continuing his angry and false statements. He wants the media attention to stroke his huge ego. His espousing his provocative and inflammatory commentary may not be on Twitter, but could possibly be on other fringe social media platforms, or by his calling into conservative radio shows or the political pundit hosts television shows on the Fox network.

I would not be surprised to see that in his continued angry, spiteful and delusional state of mind, that he may very well envision himself as some form of ruler in exile, encouraging and provoking his die-hard, naïve, gullible, fanatical followers to continue to support him. He wants them to remain loyal to him and him alone, as well as to support his proclaimed courses of action while he mulls over a possible run, (if allowed), in the 2024 presidential election. Donald Trump may even attempt to continue holding his mob-like political rallies with his remaining loyalists to boost his fragile ego, fuel his malignant narcissism, steal some media attention from President Biden and to prolong his fantasies of regaining power. It would be true to form if he would even impose an admission fee to these rallies in order to raise money for himself. Also, it has been speculated that Trump might want to start his own TV or radio network, but that would cost too much money, which he does not have. Cynically thinking, that option would require him to expend more effort and work than he has been use to when he was POTUS. He may have a fantasy of running for president again in 2024. While there is a certain segment of die-hard supporters who would blindly vote for him, I believe that another presidential campaign for Donald Trump will be highly unlikely since too many Americans will find his actions, especially his last two months in office, to be totally unacceptable and unforgivable, for any elected leader.

Ultimately, I will conjecture that many of his supporters will probably want to identify a different, less toxic, sane and more electable individual as their candidate in 2024. The only person who comes to my mind right now is possibly someone like former SC Governor and US Representative to the UN: Nikki Haley. She, and any other realistic, potential candidates will be walking a fine line of showing how they may appeal to a broader spectrum of voters than Trump, while still courting, but not offending his supporters.

For the next 3+ years, in spite of the continuation of the Trumpism political movement, I think that a majority of the American public is completely exhausted with the tribal polarization and bitter political commentary of the past 4-5 years. They truly want to return to some semblance of normalcy, without having to be surprised/shocked/embarrassed by presidential edicts via Twitter. I am hopeful that President Biden and his administration will be joined by this next Congress in an attempt to heal the partisan wounds and help our citizens listen to their better angels, to find ways on uniting us with executive orders and proposed legislation that will result in the greater good for all Americans. That may be wishful thinking on my part….

Yes, motordavid, life goes on and may all of you be happy, healthy and successful in your endeavors...

AVB-AMG

[bcredliner]

In the past I have said Trump won't go away and he may start his own network. Based on the events of the last month and the fallout, I feel quite different. I don't think he will be able to find a platform that has adequate visibility to maintain control over the republican party or a good share of this followers.

In addition, I think Trump will be convicted and not be able to run again. There are a few republicans sitting in the wings eager to gain the support of the Trump followers but none that I think will be successful enough to win in 4 years. Nor one that is universally popular with the Trumpers.

Without a broad based method of daily communication his followers will not be constantly told what Trump wants them to think nor riled up toward violent behavior and he won't be able to run again even if he does. What he says won't matter much. What they will be hearing is how important it is to end the divisiveness and see actions showing that it can be done. I think they will be echoing it is time to end the divisiveness. I suspect they will become less politically active.

Assuming Biden is able to get the pandemic under control, expand the stimulus payout, reduce unemployment and increase the wealth of the middle class, all of which go hand in hand, they will have less to be angry about. In addition, the republican party will be spending a year or two trying to figure what it should be to regain credibility putting the democrats in a position to keep a democrat in the white house for the next term.

I have been listening to the daily press conferences where several of the members of the Biden administration have taken part. The are extremely well spoken, very qualified, listening, making statements about very logical steps they will be taking to fix problems. I find it uplifting and soothing and extremely refreshing. I come away confident they will be very effective in their position. .

[Happy]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

I have been listening to the daily press conferences where several of the members of the Biden administration have taken part. The are extremely well spoken, very qualified, listening, making statements about very logical steps they will be taking to fix problems. I find it uplifting and soothing and extremely refreshing. I come away confident they will be very effective in their position. .

I have been watching them as well. Much different for this administration, versus the full out assault on the previous administration.

I disagree with you though on the context. There were discussions about Air Force One’s color scheme, however nothing regarding the ousting of our brave men and women who proudly serve this country armed forces.

Surely our troops are more important than the color of an aircraft.

We’ll see if the issue is addressed next week?

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by Happy

I have been watching them as well. Much different for this administration, versus the full out assault on the previous administration.

I disagree with you though on the context. There were discussions about Air Force One’s color scheme, however nothing regarding the ousting of our brave men and women who proudly serve this country armed forces.

Surely our troops are more important than the color of an aircraft.

We’ll see if the issue is addressed next week?

https://www.military.com/daily-news/...-sec-says.html

Where was our military ousted from?

As long as the press secretary continues to answer the questions of the press and the Biden administration focuses on the right things I don't expect an adversarial relationship with the press. Biden does not view the press as his enemy. His intent is to have an open transparent daily dialogue.

[Happy]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

https://www.military.com/daily-news/...-sec-says.html

Where was our military ousted from?

As long as the press secretary continues to answer the questions of the press and the Biden administration focuses on the right things I don't expect an adversarial relationship with the press. Biden does not view the press as his enemy. His intent is to have an open transparent daily dialogue.

From, The People House, to a parking lot.

So maybe even worse. Per your link, they spent time talking about an issue, that is not an issue? But spent no time at all discussing the ousting of our troops.

Incredible!

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by Happy

From, The People House, to a parking lot.

So maybe even worse. Per your link, they spent time talking about an issue, that is not an issue? But spent no time at all discussing the ousting of our troops.

Incredible!

There is nothing in the link I posted that even suggests Biden has been involved in anything concerning the colors of Air Force one.

I see, you're talking about the troops sleeping in the parking garage. That was a military decision that the military is addressing. It's not necessary for Biden team to be involved, it's being handled.

FYI-The Air Force is preparing a new Air Force 1. As it stands it will be painted red, white and blue per Trump decision. I expect the Air Force at some point to request the colors return to the light blue bottom. That color was chosen in the past because it is harder to see from the ground as it 'matches' the color of the sky. It was chosen for safety.

[bcredliner]

There is nothing in the order defining whether transgender males that identify themselves as females can compete in women's sports. The federal agency plans due within 100 days are not specifically requested to address that issue. Many states, institutions including the olympic committee already have rules prohibiting men identifying themselves as a women from competing in women's sports. As I understand the order it only applies to federal agencies or those receiving federal funds.

As for better things to talk about or for Biden to address: There is no reason to limit forum discussion to the most critical problems the nation must address. Nor is Biden addressing transgender discrimination a poor choice of what he should be doing. An administration can do more than one thing at a time.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-...l-orientation/

[Happy]

Originally Posted by Happy

I am also perplexed by the order to allow, individuals that have XY chromosomes, to be allowed to compete against, individuals that have XX chromosomes.

Does this mean that, I can now be allowed to physically spar, in a sanctioned MMA event, an individual that has XX chromosomes? And if so, if I knock her ass out, it’s ok? If I simply convey that I associate myself as transgender? This will now be acceptable?

Men and boys can now compete against, Women and girls? Did I misunderstand something?

https://www.wsj.com/articles/joe-bid...ts-11611341066

Somebody please help me under stand.

Originally Posted by amancuso

It’s equal treatment on the field. If knocking out is how it goes then knock out. They know what they signed up for. There’s a difference between rough sports and abuse.

Originally Posted by Happy

Abuse is never acceptable.

So if I understand you correctly, the XX Carrier(s) will need to be made aware, that she is competing against, XY carrier(s).

So if XY carriers are sorted throughout many events, how will the XX carrier not be prejudiced against? Or what if the XX carrier, as you say, does not want to “sign up” for events that include XY carriers and has her opportunities to engage in events cut by 62%.

Is this not discrimination against women/girls?

Originally Posted by AVB-AMG

Happy:



Well how about that... you and I can agree on somethings...

For the benefit of those who may not be paying attention, on Jan. 20th, President Biden signed an executive order which states: “Children should be able to learn without worrying about whether they will be denied access to the restroom, the locker room, or school sports.”



FYI, it sets no specific guidelines governing the participation of transgender athletes since it only calls for agencies to review their policies and then come up with a plan in just over 3 months from now, to ensure transgender youth do not face discrimination in any aspect of their educational experience. This executive order on non-discrimination in education will help build healthier and more lasting bonds between American institutions and its trans citizens, and all of us will benefit. So far, I have no problem with that….



When the question becomes should transgender women be allowed to compete in sporting events with cisgender women, I consider arguments by liberals to allow it to be utterly ridiculous! This absurdity on the political left is no different in my mind to the absurdity of Q-anon believers on the political right.



Why must public expressions of transgender rights always stomp all over the biological reality of cis-gender women? Why can’t we support transgender women without pretending they are the same?



As someone who supports LGBTQ rights, as far as I am concerned and with all due respect to trans rights, people who were born male should NOT be allowed to compete against people who were born female. This is transparently, blatantly obvious, and a sign of deep confusion on the parts of those arguing in favor of such a paradigm. A number of recent polls show overwhelming opinion in favor of grouping sports by biological sex, not "gender identity"



No one is being denied the right to compete. But they are being denied the ability to dominate a less-competitive field because they would be essentially working the system to their advantage. This is not a liberal or conservative issue. It's an issue of fairness.



Women born women can never fairly compete with trans people. You cannot change your DNA. Post-pubertal male bodies have permanent advantages from greater bone length to density, heart and lung size, muscle mass and other physical and physiological advantages. Even with the transgender woman’s testosterone levels being reduced, it is still higher than a natural woman. It has taken a lifetime to get women athletes the support and recognition they need. Title IX was created for that purpose. The entire history of women's sport since the 1900 Olympics has been built on the principle of segregation by sex, which is the only one which makes sense. We have different sports organizations for a reason (men, women, special, para), so maybe one consideration would be to create another one so that everyone can compete openly and fairly?



I think that we should give the sports organizations and other academic/athletic institutions time to sort this issue out, and not get all up in arms about it. Keep in mind that only 0.02% of the U.S. population is transgender. I think there are far more important issues that we all should be worrying about right now, including fighting the COVID-19 virus pandemic, getting our country’s economy back on track and dealing with potential white supremacists led domestic terrorism.



AVB-AMG

Originally Posted by Maruzo

If I'm understanding you correctly, sports should be grouped by biological sex, instead of each individual's preferred sexual orientation?



I think that makes absolute sense.



A biological male who is inclined to act like a female should not compete in a women's sport like tennis or soccer. His physicality gives him unfair advantage over the field of female players.



But what if he enjoys ballet instead of soccer?



I can't imagine a 5'7" male dancer trying to lift up a 6'3" transgender female dancer.



That is both awkward and potentially dangerous for the actors involved.

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Couldn't have said it better in regards to competition. Not sure I agree with the EO and quote by Biden though. Children are too young to know the gravity (and lack the capacity) of choosing something so important as identifying other than their birth gender. This is one area where the media, and social media platforms, are to blame as it is en vogue for kids to identify as LGBTQ, and for parents to not show any reservations regarding their kids doing so. Supporting your child is important obviously, but a serious discussion with them to keep their mind open and to enjoy childhood should be in order. Not necessarily discouraging them, but also not encouraging them to take on such a decision so early.



But there is no easy solution when it comes to children for most serious issues. Joe Rogan was lambasted for having a podcast discussing gender reassignment in minors. Even the discussion of possible problems regarding children and parents being cautious was enough to get the LGBTQ (and left in general) community worked up. I believe some employees at Spotify were demanding editorial oversight over that and having right wing guests on the show.



As with you AVB, I support LGBTQ rights and believe that community should enjoy all the protections and benefits afforded to straight individuals/couples. As I am prone to saying, we are Americans, and their chosen lifestyle is their business. The pursuit of happiness applies to all of us.

Originally Posted by bcredliner

There is nothing in the order defining whether transgender males that identify themselves as females can compete in women's sports. The federal agency plans due within 100 days are not specifically requested to address that issue. Many states, institutions including the olympic committee already have rules prohibiting men identifying themselves as a women from competing in women's sports. As I understand the order it only applies to federal agencies or those receiving federal funds.

As for better things to talk about or for Biden to address: There is no reason to limit forum discussion to the most critical problems the nation must address. Nor is Biden addressing transgender discrimination a poor choice of what he should be doing. An administration can do more than one thing at a time.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-...l-orientation/

I called this one, on day one!

https://www.yahoo.com/news/transgend...225500173.html

[crystalworks]

After reading through the order, it is certainly written in a very general manner.

Children should be able to learn without worrying about whether they will be denied access to the restroom, the locker room, or school sports.

That line is still troublesome with government getting involved in anything to do with gender identity in children and schools.

Curious how service-members (both men and women) will take to having peers of the opposite sex in their dorms and/or restrooms. Maybe we're headed towards the Starship Troopers scene where everything is communal to all genders.

Interesting start to the new administration. At least he's fulfilling his campaign promise to tackle those issues. Still hoping for the best. Should this be in the Biden thread? But I guess it overlaps as it is ending a Trump policy.