Donald Trump's reaction to his briefing by the intelligence committee yesterday was both remarkable and predictable. He was and is obsessed with the notion that it was entirely his brilliance that caused him to win the election and no other forces were involved. To that end, he cannot accept but he was told because it suggests that the Russians intentionally attempted to affect the election in his favor, whether they actually did so or not. This is unbearable to trump because it suggests that maybe the election was affected by the Russians and maybe they wanted him to win.
This is still the same Putin that invaded Georgia during the Bush administration, attacked and annexed the Crimea, invaded the Ukraine, bombed the anti-Asad forces in Syria and is now rattling his swords in the Balkans. He does not wish to the US well. Given that, why would he wish Trump to win the election? If we choose the most obvious answer, it is because he believes Trump to be susceptible to manipulation. In fact, egomaniacs tend to be the easiest to manipulate. Trump is revealing himself to be a breathtaking combination of ignorance, arrogance and incompetence.
We now await kellyanne or one of his other apologists to appear in the next day or so attempting to deflect from what we have just seeing. They will wish to discuss only some version of blaming whatever Russia did on the Obama administration and perhaps its predecessors. They will not wish to discuss what Russia actually did and why. Further, they will state that Mr. Trump has strategies to deal with Russia, Syria, North Korea, Etc. That will be revealed at a later date.
It becomes more and more clear that Mr. Trump is a potential disaster. If he is unwilling to listen to the intelligence Community, given his ignorance he will be totally adrift. One of the great dangerous about this man is he will seek to prove that he is smarter and more clever then anyone else in government. We can expect bold stupid moves. In the area of foreign-policy, the president has a great deal of authority and discretion. In the wrong hands, that is more than troublesome.
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Friday, January 6, 2017
Who lies?
The media is engaging in a sophomoric self-indulgent and tedious discussion of whether when Donald Trump lies they should so report it. Donald Trump is basically a creation of the electronic media. First it was the apprentice which gave him national prominence. Then it was all the" earned media" during the republican primaries that constantly had him before the public. Now the media seems unable to do its job. It obviously takes itself very seriously but not doing its job very seriously .
Today in the Wall Street Journal Donald Trump was quoted as saying that the media lies. Those lies appeared to be based upon the practice of accurately quoting his inconsistent statements. Hello pundits, when he lies say so. And while you are at it, how about relentlessly posing questions to tromp, by printing or stating them as he is not going to make himself available for questioning, such as what is your job creation plan? How are you going to bring back more coal mining jobs? How are you going to bring back good manufacturing jobs to the rust belt? Do you have any real plans other than tax cuts for corporations and the individually wealthy?
Donald Trump should be relentlessly questioned. It is becoming increasingly clear that, to paraphrase Flip Wilson what we saw is what we get. While the media is having its endless and tedious introspective dialogs, remember that Trump himself, and his republican colleagues, relentlessly called Hillary Clinton is a liar. Trump also used promiscuously the phrase lying Ted Cruz.
It is just possible that blunt language is highly effective with the voting public.
Media, do your job and quit giving us endless streams of Kellyanne Conway explaining why day is actually night.
Today in the Wall Street Journal Donald Trump was quoted as saying that the media lies. Those lies appeared to be based upon the practice of accurately quoting his inconsistent statements. Hello pundits, when he lies say so. And while you are at it, how about relentlessly posing questions to tromp, by printing or stating them as he is not going to make himself available for questioning, such as what is your job creation plan? How are you going to bring back more coal mining jobs? How are you going to bring back good manufacturing jobs to the rust belt? Do you have any real plans other than tax cuts for corporations and the individually wealthy?
Donald Trump should be relentlessly questioned. It is becoming increasingly clear that, to paraphrase Flip Wilson what we saw is what we get. While the media is having its endless and tedious introspective dialogs, remember that Trump himself, and his republican colleagues, relentlessly called Hillary Clinton is a liar. Trump also used promiscuously the phrase lying Ted Cruz.
It is just possible that blunt language is highly effective with the voting public.
Media, do your job and quit giving us endless streams of Kellyanne Conway explaining why day is actually night.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Our new fearless leaders flounder on
It should come as no surprise that any group or concept containing the word intelligence would be anathema to Donald Trump. He doesn't need any pointy headed professionals explaining things to him. He knows things that other people don't. It would be wonderful if someone could surreptitiously film and distribute his meeting tomorrow with the heads of the intelligence agencies. It could be some of the most entertaining political satire, even if inadvertent on the part of Donald Trump, since Groucho Marx was the prime minister of Fredonia.
On the economic front, during the the campaigns it was, One thought, Clear is that perhaps the only Area of agreement twixt the R's and the D's was the need for infrastructure development and the con -comitent creation of jobs. Now the Republican Congress is going to delay any consideration of infrastructure development for at least 100 days. They seem to have no concept that there is a lag time between authorization and the start of construction. It is becoming increasingly clear that the Republicans cling to their fantasy that unleashed market forces will cure all. They seem obsessed with their economic models, particularly those favored by Paul Ryan, even though nonpartisan economists have consistently called them implausible. It is of course difficult to predict the future but these guys can't even look backward with clarity. I had thought that Kenneth Arrow, who received a Nobel prize for the economic model he created, long ago concluded that the conditions for those models to work are never met.
We are going to see if a sexually obsessed big businessman will be a successful leader of the country. It certainly worked for Italy with Berlusconi.
On the economic front, during the the campaigns it was, One thought, Clear is that perhaps the only Area of agreement twixt the R's and the D's was the need for infrastructure development and the con -comitent creation of jobs. Now the Republican Congress is going to delay any consideration of infrastructure development for at least 100 days. They seem to have no concept that there is a lag time between authorization and the start of construction. It is becoming increasingly clear that the Republicans cling to their fantasy that unleashed market forces will cure all. They seem obsessed with their economic models, particularly those favored by Paul Ryan, even though nonpartisan economists have consistently called them implausible. It is of course difficult to predict the future but these guys can't even look backward with clarity. I had thought that Kenneth Arrow, who received a Nobel prize for the economic model he created, long ago concluded that the conditions for those models to work are never met.
We are going to see if a sexually obsessed big businessman will be a successful leader of the country. It certainly worked for Italy with Berlusconi.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
It is healthcare, not a health insurance that is needed
In common with many, I was disappointed with the affordable care act. The Democrats had a great opportunity but lacked resolve. They did not pass the public option aspect of paying for healthcare. Undoubtedly, many were scared off by the effective insurance industry charge of 1992 the 1993. So, the Democrats adopted what was essentially the Republican counterproposal in 1993 one of the great missed opportunities of all-time.
Now, republicans are up to bat. They tend to talk mostly about better health insurance as opposed to healthcare. They are perhaps the most mendacious group of politicians in our history from day one they call the affordable care act a job killer which it clearly was not. They seized upon Obama's statement that if you like your Health insurance you can keep it. Why none of his handlers inserted the simple statement" for the vast majority of Americans" in front of that phrase I'll never know.
The Republicans led by Paul Ryan and Mike Pence are claiming the affordable care act was an unmitigated disaster. The response of the Democrats should be simple. If it is a total disaster as you say, why not just repeal it? Return to the status quo ante of the Bush administration. Nobody should be unhappy. The Republican answer will be some sort of nonsense about driving down the cost of health insurance by market forces and competition. They apparently have never looked at the demand curve nor the fact that in many states market share is our highly concentrated. They also seem to ignore the fact that the cost of healthcare is at the provider level. At this juncture, all health insurance does is provide an administrative cost approximately 15% more than Medicare. The insurance payment scheme is a dinosaur. Health insurance is not really an insurance product anyway. One ensures against costs which may arise. Other than those who have a swift and sudden death, everyone will have health costs and they will largely occur later in life. Paying for healthcare needs to be similar to social security. Everyone should pay over a lifetime including while they are healthy.
In Mike Pense/s state of Indiana, With the blessing of the administration they were allowed to adopt a Medicaid expansion plan but call it Indiana care. It has worked well and incorporates many of the methodologies built into the affordable care act to lower provider costs and make healthcare providers responsible for results instead of the number of procedures. Oddly enough, Pence. doesn't mention this.
I repeat. The Democrats should simply say if it is as bad as you say repeal it, obviously nobody would care and would be happy to return to the wonderful days I'll healthcare under the Bush administration.
Now, republicans are up to bat. They tend to talk mostly about better health insurance as opposed to healthcare. They are perhaps the most mendacious group of politicians in our history from day one they call the affordable care act a job killer which it clearly was not. They seized upon Obama's statement that if you like your Health insurance you can keep it. Why none of his handlers inserted the simple statement" for the vast majority of Americans" in front of that phrase I'll never know.
The Republicans led by Paul Ryan and Mike Pence are claiming the affordable care act was an unmitigated disaster. The response of the Democrats should be simple. If it is a total disaster as you say, why not just repeal it? Return to the status quo ante of the Bush administration. Nobody should be unhappy. The Republican answer will be some sort of nonsense about driving down the cost of health insurance by market forces and competition. They apparently have never looked at the demand curve nor the fact that in many states market share is our highly concentrated. They also seem to ignore the fact that the cost of healthcare is at the provider level. At this juncture, all health insurance does is provide an administrative cost approximately 15% more than Medicare. The insurance payment scheme is a dinosaur. Health insurance is not really an insurance product anyway. One ensures against costs which may arise. Other than those who have a swift and sudden death, everyone will have health costs and they will largely occur later in life. Paying for healthcare needs to be similar to social security. Everyone should pay over a lifetime including while they are healthy.
In Mike Pense/s state of Indiana, With the blessing of the administration they were allowed to adopt a Medicaid expansion plan but call it Indiana care. It has worked well and incorporates many of the methodologies built into the affordable care act to lower provider costs and make healthcare providers responsible for results instead of the number of procedures. Oddly enough, Pence. doesn't mention this.
I repeat. The Democrats should simply say if it is as bad as you say repeal it, obviously nobody would care and would be happy to return to the wonderful days I'll healthcare under the Bush administration.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Fake news bulletins
The following are unverified rumors from anonymous sources concerning statements made by Donald Trump, the man who put twit in Twitter .
Trump is apparently planning to name Kim Kardashian as an under secretary of treasury. He stated that he admires her because although she has created nothing of value and has no discernible talent she has made millions. In other words, she is his kind of person. He also remarked that she is a natural for treasury because she has a couple of real treasure chests.
Trump is also planning to name BB Netanyahu as the United States ambassador to the United Nations. Trump ex planed that having Netanyahu in that position will eliminate the need to examine vexatious problems concerning differences in the strategies and aims of the United States and Israel.
Trump also discussed his middle east strategy. He said that part of the world requires Swift and decisive and bold action like the cavalry charge led by Lord cardigan at the Battle of Balaklava.
Trump declined to answer any questions.
Trump is apparently planning to name Kim Kardashian as an under secretary of treasury. He stated that he admires her because although she has created nothing of value and has no discernible talent she has made millions. In other words, she is his kind of person. He also remarked that she is a natural for treasury because she has a couple of real treasure chests.
Trump is also planning to name BB Netanyahu as the United States ambassador to the United Nations. Trump ex planed that having Netanyahu in that position will eliminate the need to examine vexatious problems concerning differences in the strategies and aims of the United States and Israel.
Trump also discussed his middle east strategy. He said that part of the world requires Swift and decisive and bold action like the cavalry charge led by Lord cardigan at the Battle of Balaklava.
Trump declined to answer any questions.
Friday, December 23, 2016
The anti-trump particle
A fundamental theory of quantum physics is that of supersymmetry. The theory is that for every subatomic particle there is an anti-particle. We need an anti-trump particle, sort of a shadow cabinet that will quickly and consistently confront every stupid thing that Trump advocates. It can't be left to Saturday Night Live but needs to be done by the leaders of the Democrat party. The notion is not to obstruct the Trump administration and the Republican Congress but to confront them when they are wrong. To the extent the Republicans propose something sensible and useful, like a proper infrastructure building program, the Democrats should support it, not seek to obstruct it as the Republicans did during the Obama administration. It would be great if Trump had to appear before Congress and respond to questions as it is done in the British Parliament. That's not going to happen. Truck will not be holding press conferences and answering questions because he can't. He has now nominated Sean Spicer as his Press Secretary. Spicer does not answer her questions either, but fires off preset speeches like some programmed android on steroids.
Trump shows no sign of improvement. His response to the tragedy in Berlin was not one of sympathy and condolences but to claim it proved him right. In other words, everything is about him. He is the most egocentric politician I have ever seen, and there have been plenty of contenders.
Kellyanne Conway is now 2B counselor to the president. Her role will probably be like a Consigliary in the Godfather movies. She is only second to Mike Pence in her perfection of the insincere smile. She is, however, obviously much smarter than either Trump or Pence so we are likely to see more of her than is typical of a counselor to the president.
Trump shows no sign of improvement. His response to the tragedy in Berlin was not one of sympathy and condolences but to claim it proved him right. In other words, everything is about him. He is the most egocentric politician I have ever seen, and there have been plenty of contenders.
Kellyanne Conway is now 2B counselor to the president. Her role will probably be like a Consigliary in the Godfather movies. She is only second to Mike Pence in her perfection of the insincere smile. She is, however, obviously much smarter than either Trump or Pence so we are likely to see more of her than is typical of a counselor to the president.
Monday, December 12, 2016
The bully in the pulpit
Recalling the misplaced hysteria that accompanied the election of Barack Obama in 2008, I have tried to react to the election of Donald the Trump with some measure of equanimity. As it was completely apparent during the campaign that nearly every thing he said was either bullshit or lying, one could adopt a posture of wait and see. I suppose I am still in that mode. But, it does continually appear that what we saw is what we get. As became apparent, his approach to business has been to whenever possible strong-arm those with whom he deals. He readily took advantage of his superior position to beat down subs and suppliers. It looks like that will be his approach to trade policy and perhaps foreign-policy in general. The best example is his treatment of Boeing, whose executives have the temerity to criticize him. It is also quite clear that that will be his approach to Mexico. Because the United States is the richest and most powerful nation on earth and has by far the most military capabilities, he can probably get away with it in the short run with respect to certain companies and countries. He will of course claim total victory, much like George W. Bush on the deck of that aircraft carrier before everything went to hell.
How will that work with China? Drop is still talking about China's currency valuations when that is a problem in the past. He undoubtedly does not know that there was a dual system of currency valuations for quite some time where the more developed countries flooded their currencies and the emerging nations pegged theirs. And he obviously has no knowledge of the Washington consensus circa 1999 and how that affected international trade. He does not know what happen to the Asian Tigers and how they started hoarding dollars and protecting their currencies. To the extent Trump is successful in beating down companies and countries, it will serve to increase the price of goods in this country wether made here or imported. It is not going to bring back those jobs lost in the Rust Belt to any great extent. Trump seems oblivious to the effect of technological innovations on manufacturing, service and other employment. The cruel irony is that those Midwestern voters who elected trunk Will not to any extent to get their jobs back and will be paying far more for goods, particularly the type of goods they buy at Walmart which are manufactured in the Far East.
It remains to be seen what Trump and Paul Ryan can agree upon, other than tax cuts at the top. Even his proposed infrastructure program which could increase employment and add to aggregate demand, seems to be cluttered up with some crazy tax scheme that also involves privatization of public facilities.
There seems to be no indication of how Trump would deal with the EEC. He hasn't discussed, For instance, retaliating against Ireland for their role in ace erosion of this country, as witnessed by their dealings with Apple.
Perhaps the most frightening thing about Trump his Is obvious galloping megalomania. To paraphrase something said about George W. Bush, the combination of arrogance ignorance and incompetence is breathtaking. One can only hope that some of the predictions of loss of jobs an worldwide economic distress his trade policies make create do not occur, Either because he changes his mind or perhaps the Lord will smile upon us in this hour hour of need.
How will that work with China? Drop is still talking about China's currency valuations when that is a problem in the past. He undoubtedly does not know that there was a dual system of currency valuations for quite some time where the more developed countries flooded their currencies and the emerging nations pegged theirs. And he obviously has no knowledge of the Washington consensus circa 1999 and how that affected international trade. He does not know what happen to the Asian Tigers and how they started hoarding dollars and protecting their currencies. To the extent Trump is successful in beating down companies and countries, it will serve to increase the price of goods in this country wether made here or imported. It is not going to bring back those jobs lost in the Rust Belt to any great extent. Trump seems oblivious to the effect of technological innovations on manufacturing, service and other employment. The cruel irony is that those Midwestern voters who elected trunk Will not to any extent to get their jobs back and will be paying far more for goods, particularly the type of goods they buy at Walmart which are manufactured in the Far East.
It remains to be seen what Trump and Paul Ryan can agree upon, other than tax cuts at the top. Even his proposed infrastructure program which could increase employment and add to aggregate demand, seems to be cluttered up with some crazy tax scheme that also involves privatization of public facilities.
There seems to be no indication of how Trump would deal with the EEC. He hasn't discussed, For instance, retaliating against Ireland for their role in ace erosion of this country, as witnessed by their dealings with Apple.
Perhaps the most frightening thing about Trump his Is obvious galloping megalomania. To paraphrase something said about George W. Bush, the combination of arrogance ignorance and incompetence is breathtaking. One can only hope that some of the predictions of loss of jobs an worldwide economic distress his trade policies make create do not occur, Either because he changes his mind or perhaps the Lord will smile upon us in this hour hour of need.
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