In today's little ditty I shall sing a simple song about announced Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Well, actually, before I get around to The Donald, I start by relating a cab ride in Paris many years ago . . .
In the early 1990s, perhaps the late 1980s (the Diplowife is not here to ask), I found myself in a Parisian cab taking the long ride from the airport to our hotel. I have a habit of asking cabbies about the biggest problem they face, having found over the years that cabbies live much closer to the true social-political-economic situation than do journalists, politicians, entertainers, and other high-and-mighty savants. In addition, cabbies tend to relate what they see without the politically correct censorship that strangles so much discussion in the West. This cabbie proved very blunt: "Arabs," he answered. He described a hellish immigration situation in France and how he feared entering many parts of the capital. He supported Le Pen since the other politicians did not discuss real problems. Up to this point I had dismissed Jean-Marie Le Pen in much the same terms used by the MSM, "far right racist," "nut case," etc. As subsequent elections and other developments in France have shown, Jean-Marie and his daughter Marine have, indeed, tapped into a truth about life in France which the major parties would rather ignore. We have seen the same phenomenon at work in Spain where the political duopoly has come under threat from "rightist" and "leftist" populism dealing with issues ignored by the two comfortable big boys. I no longer dismiss Le Pen or other populist forces in Europe, "rightist" or "leftist."
OK, back to The Donald. A bit of clarification. I don't particularly like Donald Trump; I think him an ignoramus on many foreign policy matters, with an ignorance that matches that of Obama. I see him as a political opportunist and a self-centered glory hound of the first order. He, furthermore, has no track record as a conservative or even a Republican: he has admitted voting for Obama; given money to the Clintons and other Democrats; supported Obamacare; and made a supposed fortune with some deals that smell of crony capitalism and other non-Kosher practices--and, for all I know, his businesses might employ a lot of illegal aliens. He, at least, seems as much celebrity as serious businessman, and we could see him--allow some exaggeration--as Paris Hilton with weird hair.
All that said, however, he has drilled into a large subterranean pool of resentment, and unleashed a real political gusher over the 2016 presidential campaign. He has brought out the deep concern of many in America, myself included, over what clearly forms a deliberate progressive attempt to change the very nature of our society via massive immigration from poor countries. This humble blog has berated its six readers with this topic on several occasions (here and here, for example) well before Trump seized on the San Francisco murder as an example of what he had been saying about illegal immigration. This murder was apparently committed by a much-deported illegal Mexican enjoying "sanctuary" in that city in foggy-brained progressive California--a place more concerned about Rebel flags and Christian bakers than about illegal aliens committing murders, robberies, rapes, and sucking up public benefits and services.
The GOP establishment--of course--has been caught unawares by the strong positive reaction from the Republican base to Trump's brash, very politically incorrect comments about illegal aliens and the destruction they cause. He cleverly or by pure luck has turned the lachrymose progressive accounts of the suffering of Central American women migrants back on the progressives. We see progressive media accounts of how 80% of Central American women migrants get raped on their way to the USA. Well, as he rightly asks, "Who's doing the raping?" They are getting robbed, raped and otherwise assaulted in Mexico. That's an old story which the press has been reluctant to touch until they decided to make it an issue to encourage leniency towards illegal migrants from Central America. I can tell you from my own experience in Central America, migrants feared the long trek across Mexico above all else. Well now the progressives "own" the accusation against Mexico, and will have a tough time deriding Trump for having read their media. Trump also cleverly included black victims of illegal aliens in his recent appearances--a reminder to black voters that the illegal immigration policy of the Democrat party is no friend to their interests.
I don't know how long Trump's legs are--I suspect he has a tendency to "self-destruct"--and whether the other GOP and Democrat candidates will successfully pivot to take on this issue. But it is now an issue, perhaps a Willy Horton moment? I was sent the below picture by a friend. Could it become the defining theme in the election?
I listened to his speech today in Phoenix-I've never heard anything like it. He's brash and forward and is confronting head on, two of the biggest problems we face. I like the guy and would work my butt off for him should Ted fade out.
ReplyDeleteFrankly I don't care about previous contradictory statements he has made in the past-what I'm listening to is what he's saying now.
He loves this country. He wants us to get the best of our adversaries. He will build a fence. He will bring manufacturing jobs back to this country. He will destroy ISIS. He will rebuild our military. He wants to repeal ObamaCare. What's not to like?
MM
I tend to agree. I've spent my Sunday morning watching his recent speeches on Youtube (and his CPAC speech.) He certainly is the anti-politician politician. Some of his biggest applause lines were from bashing the press, calling them "dishonest."
DeleteHe has three advantages - he can self-finance, he communicates bluntly and clearly, and he's saying many of the right things. Listen carefully and hear him he reaching out to a variety of groups too. He's building a broad coalition, not just die-hard conservatives.
If he sticks to what he's saying, and delivers on half of it, he'll go down as another Reagan.
He is tapping into the anti-Washington elite sentiment, which appears to be widespread in America, crossing various political boundaries, as well at public disgust of the current administrations deliberate bringing in of millions of illegals in attempt to alter permamently the US demographic.
DeleteI like him. The biggest problem we face right now is incompetent leadership; both in government and the private sector. Instead of learning a painful lesson in 08, the incompetents running our banks and S&P 500 learned uncle sugar has got your back. Consequently, you're back to the same crap, that didn't work last time, and won't work this time either. Didn't the Donald trademark "you're fired?"
ReplyDeleteIf I'm counted as one of your 'three foreign readers' Bob then there's no need to apologise. Reasonably politically astute Australians keep their eyes on what is happening in the USA because many issues have a filtering effect, which eventually fetches up here Down Under. To say we were appalled that Obama was re-elected in 2012 is putting it mildly.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with Donald is that he never sees anything through. He'll milk the issue for its shock and publicity value, and then he'll be off looking for some other issue to bring glory to himself.
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, though, perhaps he is an arch-type American politician!
Graham
You've said it better than I. I just don't know whether Trump is to be believed.
DeletePerhaps Trump is a much-needed talisman who will show other conservatives that there is much support for anyone who will break away from the milk-sop politically correct statements and positions so beloved by the progressives and the media, who have everyone convinced that it is better to remain silent while the country is over-run and forever changed than risk the ire of the luuvies in the media and the elites.
DeleteYeah, he's got value in putting things out there to see if they get traction. Other 'conservative' can then choose whether it's worth it to jump on the bandwagon. Trump risks nothing in this approach.
Delete- reader #1482
Maybe he does see things through just not in the conventional sense. He has taken some hits in his life, and some bankruptcies etc. But he's still standing and he's still swinging. Whether he has staying power, who knows. If he makes it to the debates I think he'll stay in. Pure conjecture on my part.
DeleteAnd absolutely no one is as bad as what we have in Obama or face in Hillary.
pmc
He could not be worse than our current President. Certainly more brash, and funny enough because he is outside the usual political establishment, he is not going to bring the same sack of cronies with. Not to say he would be great, but different, for sure.
ReplyDeleteHe said we have to repeal and replace SCOTUS CARE- "that's just the way it is, Conservatives." I thought that was a telling remark that he doesn't consider himself a Conservative. Not even a "Severe Conservative" like Romney. I pretty much don't care for the man. I thought the speech droned on, much like Obama. and if I have to hear "By the way" or "So" for the next year I'm going to 'Elvis' my devices.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, if Trump didn't bring up the issue the media would be reporting everyone agrees with upon it. That is a good thing. Lighting a fire under the Republicans is a good thing too.
Trump is a flash in the pan. He'll get the Herman Cain treatment soon enough. You just watch. By the way, whatever happened to Herman Cain's accuser? Did she have Gloria ALLRED drop the lawsuit? That's odd, after Mr. Cain dropped out of the race Sharon Bialek vanished. No lawsuit- poof.
~M.
I write as one of your non-American readers; so you must have at least 4. Trump is like Farage and they are both like that beer that refreshes the parts other beers don't reach. They say things that our politico-media classes would rather not be said.
ReplyDeleteNever been a big fan of Trump. To me, he as always seemed like a promoter (mostly for himself) - a big talker, and not much of a doer (sort of like the current occupant in that regard).
ReplyDeleteThat said, there are worse candidates in the Republican field (Christie, Huckabee), and if it came down to Trump versus Clinton, I would certainly roll the dice on him.
"... there are worse candidates in the Republican field (Christie, Huckabee) ..."
DeleteTrump may well have an inordinate influence where the latter is concerned albeit/however inadvertently as the present focus from Trump has to do with crime.
Maurice Clemmons, Wayne Dumond (and a double-whammy there as the guy had the bad luck to be associated with Forrest City Arkansas) and most recently Wayde Earl Stewart.
[I note Diplomad notes Willie Horton]
But the way FOX has outlined how the candidates are to be included - from the top 10% in the polls - Mr. Huckabee would appear to be excluded by default. (Though I can see the Establishment Republicans petitioning FOX to make an exception for Mike to replace The Donald).
Dip,
ReplyDeleteNot to be rude, but you are incorrect in saying "Trump seized on the matter in the wake of the San Francisco murder". Trump announced on June 16 I believe. By the time of this murder the attacks on his statements about illegals were well under way and being misreprented as an attack on ALL Mexican immigrants.
I am not a Trumpeteer, but your statement is misleading and makes him seem even MORE oportunistic (if that is possible)!
You're right. I stated it poorly. I have rewritten the sentence.
DeleteThe good side, finally someone is talking about the issues unabashedly and waking up the political process. The bad side, I hope he's not another Perot.
ReplyDeleteJames the Lesser
Full disclosure up front: I don't like Trump and I don't think anything (other than his ego) is improved by his entry into the presidential race. But it is good for other Republican candidates to see that illegal immigration is a flashpoint. Knowing that, perhaps Ted Cruz, Scott Walker, Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina and other "real" candidates will not ignore that reality out of fear that it is not a real irritant to some (many?) voters. OTOH, I hope he does not siphon off independents who might support the ultimate Republican nominee but decide to back him as a better alternative.
ReplyDeleteTrump is saying a lot of good things that need to be said. I really hope it breaks the taboo that many seem to feel about discussing them, as this is badly needed to lance the poison in our political and societal system. Trump is both a business man and a performer. Judging by this and some of his TV shows' popularity, he does have a finger on the pulse of the average man on the streets, something few politicians can accurately say.
ReplyDeleteIf the election were today and between him and Hilary, I'd hold my nose and vote for him, which is something I can't, in good conscience, do for either Jeb or Rubio. However I expect the odds of my being put in that situation come the real election are inversely proportional to Trump's fortune.
I worry that he is another Perot who elected the last Clinton. What he is saying is good. Amusingly enough, Mother Jones is writing that "sanctuary cities" are safer.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/07/sanctuary-cities-public-safety-kate-steinle-san-francisco
I agree with the Donald that illegal immigration is an issue. I guess my experience as a consular officer shows.
ReplyDeleteHowever, what I'd really like to see is some politician who, when the Left-wing advocacy groups use "immigrant" and "illegal alien" as synonyms, says, "As the grandson and relative of legal immigrants, I feel greatly insulted by your insinuation that every foreign-born person in the USA, whether living or dead, is or was a law-breaker." We need to change the terms of the debate for the sake of keeping an issue limited and for the sake of telling a good chunk of the population [legal/lawful immigrants] that we don't see them as a problem.
I met a lot of fellow consular officers whose experiences made them members of FAIR or advocates of an immigration moratorium. Perhaps it's because the exigencies of immigrant visa processing force people to notice the frauds, criminals, totalitarians, and well-heeled mistresses of high-ranking Chinese Communist cadre [the run-of-the-mill legal case gets pushed through as quickly as possible]. However, having lived under someone else's immigration rules as a teacher in Taiwan and now living in a heavily immigrant community, I do not have qualms about the legal immigration of the fundamentally law-abiding--even if I believe it is imperative that we put a few resources into the enforcement of extant immigration laws.
Further, I really believe that the GOP needs to take off the kid gloves. Research, spell out, and PUBLICIZE the issues with Democratic policies, their cognitive dissonances, out-and-out bloopers, and any hint of sleaze in a Democrat's background. The fact that Shrillary Shroooooooo is still a credible candidate justifies the characterization of the GOP as the Party of Stupid. Unhappily, for the Party of Smart, Victor Hugo failed to tell us that while nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come, it goes for very, very bad ideas as well as good ones.
Cruz and Perry are Texans, and in my experience Texans have a grasp of the Mexico situation that is not matched by inhabitants of many other states.
ReplyDeleteTexans know that Mexicans can be fierce nationalists and valorous fighters. (Of the Alamo, Rourke's Drift, Thermopylae and Cameron, they were part of two.) Texans know about the crime problems stemming from the incompetence or malice of the Federal government, and the instability of Mexico. Texans know that government sponsorship of the Spanish language and Mexico's 'face' does not produce anything but factional hostility. Texans may not say this, but they know, and middle aged Texans who pay attention, like Cruz and Perry, know more than most.
In this sort of foreign policy matter, we should consider asking ourselves What Would The Romans Do? The Romans said 'friends come through the gate, enemies come over the wall'. Hopping a military wall was a capital offense in their military law. Romulus famously executed his only blood and milk brother for such an offense. Mass crucifixion or enslavement seem plausible, and I cannot condone the the latter.
If we gave the Texans a free hand, they would not start by capitally punishing illegals, except for common law capital felons.
There is no principled reason, given the multitude of rapes and murders committed by illegal crossers of the border with Mexico, not to suppress symbols of Mexico if the ban on the Confederate battle flag has any validity. I think Cruz and Perry value freedom of speech, rule of law, and not being Obama. So I do not expect their proposals to be an aggressive parody of his bullshit.
Anti-Democrat
Very concise article and replies. My feelings are mixed, but I'll say this: The cowards who refused to vote for Romney because he wasn't "a real Conservative" in the 2012 election handed the election to someone who was so much worse than Mitt Romney!! I voted for Romney, rather willingly, because, of course, the alternative was so unattractive. If it comes down to Trump, yes, I'll put my X by his name.
ReplyDeleteThe democrats put up an empty suit for election twice; he won. Everything about him has been willingly hidden by the MSM, things that would never stop if he had an R behind his name. The hypocrisy is sickening.
Remember the outrage and reports when GWB fired eight district attorneys, kept by him after Clinton's time in office, who served at the pleasure of the President and let go after 2004 election? It went on, on and on, and it was nothing -- these DA's were appointed by President Clinton, served at the pleasure of President Bush and were relieved at the pleasure of President Bush, yet we never heard the end of it for months.
It is sad indeed, that we can't just have truthfulness in our media. Sanctuary cities should lose access to federal monies, and we need to secure our borders! We spent five years in the lovely, unique country of the Netherlands, were 25 minutes of driving gets you to another country. The smallest of countrys over there control their borders, and we do not. So Crazy, crazy.
Sandra C
Trump is saying things that must be said.
ReplyDeleteI'm rebel enough myself to support him; though Cruz is my preferred candidate.
I have noticed that of the large field of GOP candidates, only Cruz and Fiorina have backed up The Donald in any way. Another interesting tidbit:
Sarah Palin is supporting Trump.
That counts a lot in my book!
http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/carly-fiorina-donald-trump-candidate-republicans/2015/06/17/id/651013/
Fiorina is the only candidate other than Jeb that guarantees a Clinton vote from me. I was at HP when she steered it onto the rocks in extreme incompetence. She has 'failed upwards' throughout here entire career. Yeah, I blame Lew Platt (preceding HP CEO) for the downfall, but only because he selected an incompetent to succeed him.
DeleteI feel like I have a relatively rare position on this, as I see a lot of people taking Fiorina's claims at face value, which is just balderdash. Beware!
- reader #1482
What do you think of Meg Whitman's actions recently at HP? She should have been governor of California except for a well planned hit job by the Democrats.
DeleteMark Steyn on Bernie Sanders...http://www.steynonline.com/7044/last-stand-of-the-old-white-males..I'd like to see The Donald debate Bernie.
ReplyDelete