Friday, June 30, 2017

Is Donald Trump Fit For the Office? Reality Check on Pennsylvania Avenue




Unless you have been unconscious since January or you have been brainwashed by the "Make America Great Again" propaganda, you know the truth. The truth is that Donald Trump's attacks upon others – both American leaders and allies – have to make you question whether he is fit to be president.

It is evident the man just can't keep his mind off of what others say about him. As evidenced by his vicious tweets and constant need to be the spotlight of political rallies, Trump is a textbook narcissist. His juvenile name calling and his elementary “big and great” vocabulary are regrettable trademarks of his presidency. In his power-hungry dealings, he never admits snafus, and he never listens to the advice of his own party leaders who beg him to just shut off his mouth and quit his twittering.

Trump has some very unhealthy obsessions. Who can deny that his penchant for so-called “hitting back” at others who question his leadership is really just insecurity? For instance, Trump continues his unrelenting assault on women with his latest remarks about Mika Brzezinski saying she is “crazy” while falsely reporting of a time she “was bleeding badly from a face-lift.” This is the latest in a pattern that is truly disturbing.

Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough shared this in the Washington Post:

“From his menstruation musings about Megyn Kelly, to his fat-shaming treatment of a former Miss Universe, to his braggadocio claims about grabbing women’s genitalia, the 45th president is setting the poorest of standards for our children. We were heartened to hear a number of Republican lawmakers call out Mr. Trump for his offensive words and can only hope that the women who are closest to him will follow their examples. It would be the height of hypocrisy to claim the mantle of women’s empowerment while allowing a family member to continue such abusive conduct.”

(Mike Brezinski and Joe Scarborough. “Donald Trump Is Not Well.” Washington Post. June 30, 2017.)

To make matters worse for President Trump, Melania Trump, America's first lady, pledged before the election that she would lead a campaign against cyber bullying. Given his aggressive and hurtful media attacks against anyone who is a threat to his gigantic ego, many consider Donald Trump the very definition of a “cyber bully.

Not only that, but after Trump's attack on Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, Melania continued to offer support for her husband via her spokesperson.


“When her husband gets attacked, he will punch back 10 times harder,” said spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham, per a tweet from CNN senior White House reporter Jeff Zeleny.

(Tierney McAffee. “Anti-Cyberbullying Advocate Melania Trump, Through Spokeswoman, Defends Her Husband’s Twitter Attack.” People. June 29, 2017.)

Is President Donald Trump a clear and present danger to America? I wonder if people answered honestly what percentage would say that he is. One respected poll suggests significant unrest. As of June 29, 2017, Gallup cites Trump's approval rating at 38% and his disapproval rating at 57%.

(http://www.gallup.com/poll/201617/gallup-daily-trump-job-approval.aspx.)

Trump's supporters and opposition can both agree that his presidency is not “normal” in any sense of the word. He rules the nation as if he is still acting on a reality show intended to be entertainment. He has made it clear that he does not view himself as a politician, but his actions in office do not support this claim. Also, Trump's praise of Putin is well-known: he admires the powerful and the rich.

The editorial board of the Connecticut Law Tribune writes:

“Mr. Trump's presidency is government by kleptocracy, run by and for the personal financial benefit of Mr. Trump and his extended family, including the Kushners. The Trump administration is rife with financial conflicts of interests. Mr. Trump arguably violates the emolument clauses of the U.S. Constitution daily.

“His admiration for some of the worst human rights offenders and 'strong men' in the world is astonishing. What U.S. president would call and congratulate the increasingly dictatorial Turkish President Recept Tayyp Erodogan on his re-election? What U.S. president would invite to the White House someone like Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who brags about personally shooting drug dealers to death on the streets of Manila?”

(Editorial Board. “Donald Trump — A Clear and Present Danger to America.” Connecticut Law Tribune. May 17, 2017.)

Who is effectively limiting the bad moves of President Trump? Anyone? Even if you support Trump, you must admit that he is inexperienced and prone to rash decisions. His repeated mistakes are not funny. Yet, he continues to make them despite criticism from his own staff. He is certainly not statesmanlike nor does he excel at world diplomacy.

Oh, I know that many trust that the government has effective control of the executive branch. I am not so sure, and this is what frightens me when a man with his personality, character, and personal flaws occupies the White House. How much would it take for Trump to crack under pressure? In my opinion, his loose cannon attitude could ignite conflicts that would put us all in peril. That, in my opinion, makes Donald Trump unfit for the presidency.

A clear and present danger? The "present" is unquestionable reality ... the "clear" is becoming more evident each passing day ... the "danger" is the lack of character Trump will never attain.



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