Now What? I'd Call It A Compromise

The Women's March was an exceptional protest and a huge catharsis for America! Now what?

The world sent Trump a powerful message through an amazing and well organized Women's March.  Not just in the Capital, but in many cities, big and small across the USA and even in some International locations. How could anyone not be impressed by the show of solidarity for the issues - Right to Choose, Women's Health, and Immigration.

The timing could not have been better for maximum impact! Surely the event drew attention away from Trump's inauguration.  Even large crowds seem to compound, and add further humiliation to the criticism that Trump's inaugural crowd, or hands, are not as big as Obama's.

It had it all - pink pussy hats, tons of great grass root posters, popular speakers.  Wonderful to see families marching together. It was beautiful most of all because it was highly peaceful.

I think some Anonymous protesters ambushed the occasion and showed despicable behavior!  But that should not reflect "on" the Women.  That was the ugly side of hate. And, a strong contrast to peaceful protest that we need to all take note of!

If Trump needed to get a message, a good part of America sent it! Where do you think he goes with it?  Where do you think Congress goes with it?  Where does America go now?

I will take a stab at what I foresee ....

1. Will his Supreme Court Justice nominations be less Conservative? Nope. And they will be confirmed.  Nonetheless, I do not believe, for Constitution reasons, that women will lose the right to choose to have an abortion. By the same token, taxpayers may be less involved in funding it or supporting the process in indirect ways.  Is that a win or a lose for the marchers?  I'd call it a compromise.

2. As for "Women's Health," it gets a bit more nuanced.  Firstly, when we are talking about Women's Health, the primarily political target is Planned Parenthood.  That gets more tricky because it takes in the thorny topic of abortion. My answer on that component is in answer #1 above.  As for access to all other reproductive care, I believe is unfathomable that women will lose access to screenings, and essential treatment.  But it is conceivable that the delivery mechanism, Planned Parenthood, could be altered in some way. Nonetheless, care will be accessible. I'd call it a compromise.

3. When it comes to immigration, there are two primary aspects.

A) To begin with, what happens to illegal immigrants that are here in America already?  My answer has a few parts.
i.  Those with illegal aliens with a violent/criminal record will get deported.  This includes any with suspected terror ties. And when Homeland Security, the FBI, CIA, and even State Police find suspicious behavior, America will have a more expedient means of deporting non-citizens, whether or not they are documented.
ii.  Children already born in America stay, but the laws will get changed on that going forward so that childbirth can not be exploited as an immigration strategy.
iii. The vast remaining portion of illegal immigrants will be offered a legitimate and reasonable process for becoming "documented" and legal tax paying residents with a legitimate path toward citizenship.

B) We will tighten up our borders to reduce illegal entry into America.  And, making it here illegally will not be a pathway to legal residency or citizenship in the future.  This will translate into a "wall," but NOT the one conjured up by Trump's ridiculous rhetoric!  By the same token, at certain sections of our borders with both Mexico and even Canada, where illegal migration patterns are prevalent, more secure barriers will be erected and new technologies and security methods will be deployed. Plus, travel visas, customs inspections, and screenings will be "hardened" to make it more difficult for a gang like the ones who perpetrated 9.11 to get away with it again.  Answer A.i. above factors into this as well.

All and all, when it comes to the the three primary objectives, Right to Choose, Women's Health, and Immigration, I'd call it a compromise. And when all is said done, that is what America needs to be better at. Listening and compromising!

Now America, please STOP IT.  Everyone who is mocking and trying to humiliate and bully anyone, please STOP!   Please show respect and even greater empathy and kindness for others, including our President, who must do the same!

P.S. I really appreciated seeing Libertarian points of views represented!  Video interviews on Reason site.

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Previous posts:

Speechless

Inauguration Day - Yin-Yang Day

The Sacred Oath

It Is Clear

Academia, the mainstream media, the celebrity presence which dominates American culture, and Liberals apparently believe America is now being led by a fascist who hates minorities, immigrants, gays and everything that Liberals stand for.  To their thinking, President Trump would be fine if Russia reassembled the Soviet Union and NATO collapsed.

Fortunately they all got the Presidential election wrong, Trump wrong, and America wrong too.

Since Obama became President, the Democrats have lost approximately 1000 elected seats, including congress, governorships, etc. Which is to say that what led to Trump's victory is greater than Trump alone.

The Republicans control of all branches of the USA government, including the Supreme Court with the eventual nomination and acceptance of 2-3 conservative Justices means that yesterday, after coming off 8 years of Obama, we have witnessed the most dramatic shift in American politics I think any of us can recall since Reagan.

Obama enjoys great popularity, even though opinions about Washington and congress have been awful. Trump, on the other hand, is terribly disliked by academia, mainstream media, Hollywood, and Liberals.  Which may be a factor in why he starts as President with very low popularity.  And yet recently, consumer and business confidence which has been lacking for the level needed for investment and growth, turned much higher in an apparent reaction to Trump's election.

The work begins! But, like the protesters crashing through streets and destroying property, there will be many who aim to destroy Trump's efforts to make America Greater.  It is sad to see so many Americans praying for the President to fail -- Better that America falter and fall than Trump succeed.  Even in some cases, hoping for his death.  That it not American unity or the kind of American spirit which will ever make America better.  It is just shameful partisanship.

But this election, and the thousands of other races around the country in tens of thousands of counties, have made it clear enough.  Like it or not, the pendulum is going to swing and America is going to change. This country is going to be given back to the people!

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Previous posts:

Speechless

Inauguration Day - Yin-Yang Day

The Sacred Oath

Speechless

I beg you to try something!  I beseech you to privately experiment. I promise you that no harm will come to you or sacrifice is asked of you from this favor I ask. Others have paid the ultimate price, surely you can spare 5 minutes of your time in the comfort of your home, for our Nation.  Please, do this next thing.

Take off your boxing gloves. Remove the spectacles through which you see only hate for the Man and his Party. Let down your guard and open your heart.  For just once, imagine that this man Donald John Trump, the oldest person ever elected President at 70 years old, this lifelong entrepreneur who worked his whole life to create, has rededicated his passion to America and to all Americans, no matter what race, or color or creed, and yes, who have the actual legal right to be here. Allow yourself to believe that putting America first does not mean bringing down the world because ultimately when our Nation prospers, and is great, it leads to great things for the world. Imagine the power of the Presidency is directed inward on the person who holds the Office, not just outward to the Nation and the World, and that G-d operates in the heart and soul of this President in a way we may not fully comprehend.

Finally, Suspend disbelief and all that you think you know which prevents you from seeing the possibilities that this new President of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it Stands, sees. 

With your mind in the state of which I speak, now, read the full text of our 45th President's Inaugural address. Written and Delivered by Donald J Trump on January 20, 2017:

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Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, fellow Americans and people of the world – thank you.

We the citizens of America have now joined a great national effort to rebuild our county and restore its promise for all our people. 

Together we will determine the course of America for many, many years to come.

Together we will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done.

Every four years we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power.

And we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent, thank you.

Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning because today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another – but transferring it from Washington DC and giving it back to you the people.

For too long a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost.

Washington flourished but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered but the jobs left and the factories closed.

The establishment protected itself but not the citizens of our country.

Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs. While they have celebrated there has been little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land.

That all changes starting right here and right now because this moment is your moment. It belongs to you. It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America today.

This is your day.

This is your celebration.

And this – the United States of America – is your country.

What truly matters is not what party controls our government but that this government is controlled by the people.

Today, January 20 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. 

The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. Everyone is listening to you now.

You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement –  the likes of which the world has never seen before.

At the centre of this movement is a crucial conviction – that a nation exists to serve its citizens.

Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighbourhoods for their families and good jobs for themselves.

These are just and reasonable demands

Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities, rusted out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation.

An education system flushed with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of all knowledge. And the crime and the gangs and the drugs which deprive people of so much unrealised potential.

We are one nation, and their pain is our pain, their dreams are our dreams, we share one nation, one home and one glorious destiny.

Today I take an oath of allegiance to all Americans. For many decades, we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry, subsidised the armies of other countries, while allowing the sad depletion of our own military.

We've defended other nations’ borders while refusing to defend our own.

And spent trillions and trillions of dollars overseas while America’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay.

 We have made other countries rich while the wealth, strength and confidence of our country has dissipated over the horizon. 

One by one, shutters have closed on our factories without even a thought about the millions and millions of those who have been left behind.

But that is the past and now we are looking only to the future.

We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, in every hall of power – from this day on a new vision will govern our land  from this day onwards it is only going to be America first –America first!

Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families.

Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength. I will fight for you with every bone in my body and I will never ever let you down.

America will start winning again. America will start winning like never before.

We will bring back our jobs, we will bring back our borders, we will bring back our wealth, we will bring back our dreams.

We will bring new roads and high roads and bridges and tunnels and railways all across our wonderful nation.

We will get our people off welfare and back to work –rebuilding our country with American hands and American labour.

We will follow two simple rules – buy American and hire American.

We see good will with the nations of the world but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their nations first.

We will shine for everyone to follow.

We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones, and untie the world against radical Islamic terrorism which we will eradicate from the face of the earth.

At the bed rock of our politics will be an allegiance to the United States.

And we will discover new allegiance to each other. There is no room for prejudice.

The bible tells us how good and pleasant it is when god’s people live together in unity.

When America is united, America is totally unstoppable.

There is no fear, we are protected and will always be protected by the great men and women of our military and most importantly we will be protected by god.

Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger. As Americans, we know we live as a nation only when it is striving.

We will no longer accept politicians who are always complaining but never doing anything about it.

The time for empty talk is over, now arrives the hour of action.

Do not allow anyone to tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America. We will not fail, our country will thrive and prosper again. 

We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the earth from the miseries of disease, to harvest the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow.

A new national pride will stir ourselves, lift our sights and heal our divisions. It’s time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget, that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots.

We all enjoy the same glorious freedoms and we all salute the same great American flag and whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look at the same night sky, and dream the same dreams, and they are infused with the breath by the same almighty creator.

So to all Americans in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, from ocean to ocean – hear these words – you will never be ignored again.

Your voice, your hopes and dreams will define your American destiny.

Your courage, goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.

Together we will make America strong again, we will make America wealthy again, we will make America safe again and yes – together we will make America great again.

Thank you.

God bless you.

And god bless America


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Previous posts:

Inauguration Day - Yin-Yang Day

The Sacred Oath

Inauguration Day - Yin-Yang Day

Opposite Day - January 20th - Inauguration Day. Today is an amazing day.  I can't remember a day like today. Sure, we have had other inauguration days, but not like this that I recall.  The emotions around the Reagan and Obama inaugurations were very high too, but they were not as divided, as opposite. I can't imagine that as many people felt as strongly positive or as strongly negative about the same event.

Where some see great hope, others have great fear and disbelief. For every significant feeling some feel about today there is another group that is experiencing the antonym emotion.

It occurred to me there is something special about how opposite yet balanced, the emotions surrounding today are. Not for any individual person, but overall. That's when I recognized a connection to the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang.

I understand why this analogy is a stretch, but if you open your mind to the relationship I am proposing, you might just feel a bit better about today, regardless of whether you are positive or negative about what is happening!  NOT because I am justifying Trump, but rather because there is something suitably valuable in the dissonance we all can recognize about this moment.  If you can separate from your personal attitude, pro or con, and rise above that, you may sense what one ancient philosopher expressed about the power and importance of Yin and Yang: “If you can understand Yin and Yang you can hold the universe in your hands.”

If you don't wish to play along, this is the point I should lose you, so have a nice day. For the others, thank you for hanging on.

I will share some principles of Yin-Yang below, but I am not going to offer my explanation of the correlations I see with today's inauguration. You will have to work for that in your mind.  Some reading this will mock this comparison.  Fine with me, that is your loss in my opinion.  But others, regardless of affiliation to party, ethnic or religious or any other cultural group, who recognize what I found, may get a similar sense of comfort in making the connection. For a moment perhaps. But that moment, that sense, can be applied. Hard to explain ... and I won't.

(What you see below is copied and pasted from online explanations of the Yin-Yang model.)

Everything contains Yin and Yang. They are two opposite yet complementary energies. What does this really mean? Although they are totally different—opposite—in their individual qualities and nature, they are interdependent. Yin and Yang cannot exist without the other; they are never separate.

The original concept of yin and yang came from the observation of nature and the environment. "Yin" originally referred to the shady side of a slope while "yang" referred to the sunny side. Later, this thinking was used in understanding other things, which occurred in pairs and had complementary and opposing characteristics in nature. Some examples include: sky and earth, day and night, water and fire, active and passive, male and female and so on. Working with these ideas, ancient people recognized nearly all things could have yin and yang properties.

• First, the theory of Yin-Yang tells us that at the macro level—the largest scale imaginable—all things are always balancing and rebalancing into a state of perfect harmony. Yes, there is ceaseless change, yet this movement and flux, at its deepest level, is creating harmony, is perfect harmony. Yin and Yang are the two energies that embody Universal law, which ensures that all things remain in harmony.
• In the Chinese Yin-Yang model, Yin (the black) contains a seed of Yang (in the form of a white dot). There is Yin, but interestingly, Yin is also Yang because it contains some Yang. The truth is Yin can transform into Yang under certain conditions. It can do this because Yang is present in Yin.  
• It’s often difficult to actually see this harmony on a smaller scale, in the world around us, for instance. It isn’t always apparent in the world humans have created and especially in our busy, frequently complicated modern lives. But think about it: if you really understand and believe in Yin and Yang, harmony is the Universal architectural framework that underlies and impacts this reality. So in essence, harmony is the only ground we walk on and is the very air we breathe.
• The entire Universal pattern is one of establishing balance and harmony. This perspective can help you more peacefully view the world and your role in it.

So whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, a male or a female, black or white, we all have a bit of each other inside of us. Which means we all have the ability to find empathy.  And that is enough of a reason to be hopeful!

The Oath - the Sacred Oath of Office

Trump's moment is America's moment and here is why ...

Per Article II, Section 1, the first order of business for those elected to national office, is to swear an oath to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution under which they were duly elected.

When we swear in our President, what is most important and central to the whole event, is the oath the elected individual must take to uphold OUR Constitution. THAT is what makes Trump our President. JUST as it made Obama our President.  

When people say that Trump is NOT your President you are not just disrespecting Trump, you are disrespecting the Constitution! In effect, endangering America. 

On 30 April 1789, America’s first Commander in Chief, President George Washington, took his presidential oath of office with his hand on a Bible opened to the book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 28. He ended his oath with “So help me God.” Shame on anyone, who has any faith in G-d and the Divine nature of our Founding Fathers accomplishments, if they do not say a prayer for Donald Trump when he takes the Oath to become our 45th President!  

Consider these words from President Washington's first Inaugural Speech to both Houses of Congress. “It would be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect.”  Now open your mind to my next point.

To those who abhor Trump's ego, I truly believe that when Trump has quiet moments in the White House, after he has taken his sacred Oath, and when he stands before portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in the Oval office, his ego will be humbled. Pardon my next analogy, Trump's heart will grow, like the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Which is why I ask those who hate Trump to pray for Trump and to give this man who clearly deeply loves America a chance, a period of time, 6 months or a year even, to try to make America greater.

On January 20th, the man I did NOT vote for will be MY President. And the man who I DID vote for will NOT BE my President any longer.  I am very happy about this change! And I have greater hope now than I was promised by the man leaving office.

The good thing about Obama and Trump is that between the two of them, many more people are engaged in our political process. Millions of American's have found that our leadership is listening! They may hear different things, and offer different solutions, but at least there is a dialogue!

God Bless America! And God Bless Donald Trump!

Other Points About The Oath of Office:

Link to a Conservative viewpoint on the Oath of the President

Military Oaths

The Pledge Versus the Oath

Trumping China

With all the explosive rhetoric flying around about trade wars, as a result of remarks by the President-elect, one might wonder if Donald Trump wants to damage China.  Is Trump's objective to reduce imports from China?  Does Trump want a trade war?  The answer to these questions is NO!  Here's the bottom line ... Trump demands greater parity - greater fairness!  And, he is using his life long experience as a negotiator to achieve an end that is desirable for both the USA AND China!

Here's some facts to make the point ...

China is second to the USA as the largest economy in the world!  China's GDP is nearly 8x larger than Canada and 10x larger than Mexico.  And yet, China imports less than 1/2 what these two trading partners import from the USA.  The story is similar with other nations.  Many of our other trading partners have a much more balanced trade relationship than China.  Not that we don't have a right to want better deals with any of them!

Trump doesn't want to import less from China, he wants China to import more from the USA. Trump also expects China to be more fair about how it treats USA companies trying to do business in China. In addition, Trump wants better protection of USA intellectual property (patents, trademarks, etc.) which are being stolen and used to compete against their rightful owners in world markets. Fair and ethical practises includes reducing the extent to which China exploits workers and the environment in order to gain a competitive advantage over America and other Western countries.

Is Trump risking a trade war? YES. But all negotiations involve risk. One must be willing to risk in order to win.  Trump is setting up negotiations. and he knows how important it is to be fearless in negotiations.  The average American does not have a clue.

It's not an accident that Trump is saying things intended to scare Chinese leaders.  But we shouldn't let Trump's tactics scare us.  Understand that the media loves fear because it gets ratings! So the media loves to fan the flames of fear.  And, Trump loves it when they do, because it plays right into his negotiating style!

Trump is able to negotiate a better deal for the USA because Trump knows he is negotiating from strength. The USA is China's number one market for exports - we make up nearly 16% of all their exports.  And, whereas the health and stability of the Chinese economy and Communist political party is very dependent on exports to the USA, Chinese exports account for less than 1% of the USA GDP. In other words, while neither the USA or China want a trade war, the Chinese have more to lose!

(Click on image to expand)

It is also important to understand that where one starts in negotiations is not typically where one ends up.  Trump is starting out with reasonable demands and the USA stands to benefit substantially from any progress Trump makes in negotiations.

In the final analysis, the problem is not that the USA imports nearly $400 billion in goods from China.  The problem is that China imports only about $100 billion from the USA.  The Chinese don't have to lose - they just have to expand their economy and increase USA imports. If played right, Trump can succeed at the ultimate goal in negotiations for two parties that want to have a long term relationship - a WIN WIN!

The Middle East Dodged A Bullet

I am happy to see that the first big "IF" which I have blogged about has been avoided!  Alarm Bells have stopped ringing over what could have happened at the Paris conference yesterday.  Thanks to pressure from Israel, it's supporters, and the momentum of President-Elect Trump, Israel dodged a bullet.  

If not for such pressure, anti-Israel and anti-Peace forces, including most Arab nations, would have gotten their way.  And then the final communique out of the conference surely would have read very differently.  Furthermore, chances of that communique working it's way into a rushed United States resolution are now all but nill.

Apparently in deference to the Trump team, the UK delegation did not include any senior-level officials.  Britain sent Michael Howells, head of the Mideast desk in the foreign office, and two diplomats in its embassy in Paris.  Russia, as well, was “only” represented by its ambassador to France, and not by its foreign minister. Even new UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres didn’t attend the conference.

Diplomatic officials in Jerusalem said intensive efforts by Israel over the last few days were successful in softening the language of the statement, which – for instance – did not include the language of Resolution 2334 in referring to east Jerusalem as “occupied territory.” They also noted that there would be no follow-up in the Security Council, and attributed this largely to Israel’s furious reaction to the US failure to veto that resolution. 

The final communique also shied away from explicitly criticizing plans by Trump to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, although diplomats said the wording was meant to send a “subliminal” message.

In a nod to Israel, the final declaration of Sunday’s conference included criticism of incitement and “terror,” a reference to Palestinian attacks. And some of the pro-Palestinian language in an earlier draft was removed after diplomats huddled in Paris.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon dismissed Sunday’s conference, tweeting that it was “flat as a failed soufflé.” And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the conference marked the “last flutters of yesterday’s world.”  “Tomorrow will look different and tomorrow is very close,” he said.

Thankfully, it will also be a world in which French President François Hollande, who organized the conference, will not be leading!  His days are numbered.

So does it mean the peace process must fail if the peace conference didn't achieve the result which Palestinian leadership sought?  Of course not! Ultimately, the Paris Conference proclaimed what Netanyahu and others who want peace have been saying all along. Peace requires direct negotiations -- Not a United Nations mandate! 

Hopefully, Abbas has come to the end of the long road he has taken since breaking off direct negotiations in 2014 and trying to force Israel to accept terms he wanted by bringing International pressure on Israel.

There can be no peace unless the parties want peace.  Something that is so obvious and yet missing when it comes to the true intentions of Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and others who are on the ground and/or dictating Palestinians actions. Abbas, or his successor, must come to the table in good faith!

“The Palestinians and a number of Arab states have not expressed a will for peace,” said Serge Klarsfeld, a well-known French Nazi hunter. “If it existed and if the Arab world recognized the existence of Israel, we would find the means to solve all the problems very quickly.”

The next stress test for the Middle East will come after Trump is in office.  Will he move the US Embassy to Jerusalem?   We shall see if he keeps his campaign promise.  IF so, the alarm bells, and possibly air raid sirens, will sound again.  But there is a righteous ring to such an announcement.  Our sovereign nation, the USA, has EVERY right to locate our embassy in Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Israel, another sovereign nation.  And any country that opposes that never truly wanted peace in the first place and probably never will. 

Until then, the sad and tragic news of more innocent civilians being killed by terrorist and jihadist will continue on a weekly and near daily basis. How long can Israeli, and Jews in Europe who face terrible hate, continue to live this way?  For as long as they need to!

[Facts, some wording, and qoutes in this post have come from the Jerusalem Post and World News.]
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Here is egg on the faces of Hollande, Obama/Kerry, and especially Abbas! 

Check out what British Prime Minister Therasa May has to say about the Obama Administration's handling of the Peace Process and UN Resolution 2335's and treatment of Israel.  
Article in the Guardian
Washington Post 
The Syndey Morning Herald
Theresa May on Israel "a thriving democracy, a beacon of tolerance, an engine of enterprise"