What has Trump done now?

[red750]

1 hour ago, rgmwa said:

subject off-centre

Any photography course will tell you, never centre the subject. Use the rule.of thirds. Divide the screen into 3 and centre the subject over either of the divisions.

 

 

Horizon 1/3 up, tree 1/3 in. Can mean the difference in winning a photo competition.

[Grumpy Old Nasho]

Are you all anti-Trumpers in here? I like some of his policies, closing the southern border for one.

He's not as bad as Nixon or Johnson, those two warmongering murderous Presidents. That's how I judge American presidents, by how many people they'd like to see killed.

[red750]

He only has one policy - rip off the average American to line the pockets of his billionaire mates.

 

 

 

 

[nomadpete]

Anti Trump?

Well I am. When he speaks, he seems incapable of anything better than rambling like an old man.

 

I'm not saying that Democrats or anyting else in the USA government smells sweet. It doesn't.

 

Sure some of his multitude of senseless biased ramblings contain a few gems of value. But taken together, his present position in global politics sends a shiver down my spine.

[Marty_d]

Put it this way, if I did meet someone who was pro Trump, I'd be very suspicious about their judgement.

Probably the kind of person who would vote for Clive Palmer here.

[rgmwa]

1 hour ago, red750 said:

Any photography course will tell you, never centre the subject. Use the rule.of thirds. Divide the screen into 3 and centre the subject over either of the divisions.

 

 

Horizon 1/3 up, tree 1/3 in. Can mean the difference in winning a photo competition.

 I agree. The tree looks great! Much better than those other two clowns. 

[rgmwa]

Trump's policies are totally flexible and reversible and determined by whatever he thinks will make him popular, rich or famous on any given day, and preferably all three . 

[onetrack]

I think one of the greatest determinants of the quality of a U.S. President (and primary "leader of the free world") is how often they make excellent speeches, encouraging the nation, and outlining their vision for America in the future.

 

Trump has never given a Presidential speech that contains any value, insight, lofty projections, or encouragement. Compare Trumps speeches with past Presidents such as Truman, Eisenhower, Roosevelt - or even Kennedy ("Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country") and you'll find very little of take-home value in Trumps utterings. But you'll find plenty of self-aggrandisement in his speeches.

 

But Trump is a master of invective, verbal abuse, arrogant statements (always about himself) - and vicious threats of retribution, to anyone who opposes him. He refuses to admit to any wrongdoing at any time in his career - yet he was judged as being complicit in the Jan 6 insurrection - and even a number of Republicans voted to impeach him.

 

He surrounds himself with lackeys chosen for their loyalty to him, and nothing else. His first Presidency was described as "chaotic" by insiders close to him. He is easily manipulated by pandering to his massive ego.

He curries the votes of Fundamentalist Christians, and then says, "MY beautiful Christians"!? Christians do not worship other human beings, they worship Jesus Christ - yet Trump wants the U.S. Christians to worship HIM, instead of Jesus Christ.

 

His constant lying and manipulation of facts to make himself appear superior are legend. He makes promises, and breaks them as fast as he makes them. He's a convicted felon, remember he was found guilty of paying off a prostitute he utilised, for her to keep quiet, as any information she would have revealed about Trump prior to his 2016 election would have seriously dented his election chances. That's simple election interference..

 

He's dissed every single opponent with derogatory descriptions, disgusting nicknames, racially-abusive names, and simple outright vicious personal abuse.

He refused to accept the 2020 election results and effectively orchestrated a band of lying followers to produce falsified or non-existence evidence of election fraud, claiming the entire election was fraudulent. Not a single shred of "election fraud" claims ever stood up in any court case that Trump launched - and he launched over 60 cases, claiming election fraud.

 

His best mate, lawyer Rudy Giuliani, was found guilty of producing false claims of election fraud against two women who counted votes, and they were awarded US$148M in damages - because EVERYTHING that came out of Giuliani's mouth is a LIE. And Trump surrounds himself with these people!

 

The U.S. President is expected to ensure that he does not make personal profits from being President. Trump has ignored this law and has CONTINUALLY enriched himself, by using his Presidential position. Foreign dignitaries are always accommodated at Trump Hotels and other properties such as Mar-a-lago. Trump bills the foreign nations huge amounts for these stays.

 

At last count, it was reported that Trump had enriched himself to the tune of US$160M by using his Presidential position. His story of valuable achievements while he has been President, you could write on a single pocket notebook page.

 

Trump constantly brays about "Make America Great Again", but that saying is a hollow election ploy - he never made America "Great" last time he was President, and I can assure you, he won't make it "Great" again this time around, either. 

 

But one thing I can tell you that WILL happen, and that's the robber barons of America will become much more wealthy again under this Presidency, as he funnels Presidential favours and Govt money to them, in huge amounts.

 

Edited Friday at 01:21 PM by onetrack

[Grumpy Old Nasho]

I see Penny Wong is attending Trump's inauguration. I think she'll hide in the dunny while it's going on.

 

Why do our politicians always coddle up to the US?, even with Trump as President.

 

Trump can't be all that bad if Wong is showing up there. I wonder what nasty things she'll say behind his back to that hypocritical Rudd the Dudd? He changed his tune pretty quick didn't he? No conviction of his principles.

[rgmwa]

She is there simply because a new US president is being sworn in. The fact that it’s Trump is unfortunate but that’s who it is. 

[Jerry_Atrick]

2 hours ago, onetrack said:

I think one of the greatest determinants of the quality of a U.S. President (and primary "leader of the free world") is how often they make excellent speeches, encouraging the nation, and outlining their vision for America in the future.

 

Trump has never given a Presidential speech that contains any value, insight, lofty projections, or encouragement. Compare Trumps speeches with past Presidents such as Truman, Eisenhower, Roosevelt - or even Kennedy ("Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country") and you'll find very little of take-home value in Trumps utterings. But you'll find plenty of self-aggrandisement in his speeches.

 

But Trump is a master of invective, verbal abuse, arrogant statements (always about himself) - and vicious threats of retribution, to anyone who opposes him. He refuses to admit to any wrongdoing at any time in his career - yet he was judged as being complicit in the Jan 6 insurrection - and even a number of Republicans voted to impeach him.

 

He surrounds himself with lackeys chosen for their loyalty to him, and nothing else. His first Presidency was described as "chaotic" by insiders close to him. He is easily manipulated by pandering to his massive ego.

He curries the votes of Fundamentalist Christians, and then says, "MY beautiful Christians"!? Christians do not worship other human beings, they worship Jesus Christ - yet Trump wants the U.S. Christians to worship HIM, instead of Jesus Christ.

 

His constant lying and manipulation of facts to make himself appear superior are legend. He makes promises, and breaks them as fast as he makes them. He's a convicted felon, remember he was found guilty of paying off a prostitute he utilised, for her to keep quiet, as any information she would have revealed about Trump prior to his 2016 election would have seriously dented his election chances. That's simple election interference..

 

He's dissed every single opponent with derogatory descriptions, disgusting nicknames, racially-abusive names, and simple outright vicious personal abuse.

He refused to accept the 2020 election results and effectively orchestrated a band of lying followers to produce falsified or non-existence evidence of election fraud, claiming the entire election was fraudulent. Not a single shred of "election fraud" claims ever stood up in any court case that Trump launched - and he launched over 60 cases, claiming election fraud.

 

His best mate, lawyer Rudy Giuliani, was found guilty of producing false claims of election fraud against two women who counted votes, and they were awarded US$148M in damages - because EVERYTHING that came out of Giuliani's mouth is a LIE. And Trump surrounds himself with these people!

 

The U.S. President is expected to ensure that he does not make personal profits from being President. Trump has ignored this law and has CONTINUALLY enriched himself, by using his Presidential position. Foreign dignitaries are always accommodated at Trump Hotels and other properties such as Mar-a-lago. Trump bills the foreign nations huge amounts for these stays.

 

At last count, it was reported that Trump had enriched himself to the tune of US$160M by using his Presidential position. His story of valuable achievements while he has been President, you could write on a single pocket notebook page.

 

Trump constantly brays about "Make America Great Again", but that saying is a hollow election ploy - he never made America "Great" last time he was President, and I can assure you, he won't make it "Great" again this time around, either. 

 

But one thing I can tell you that WILL happen, and that's the robber barons of America will become much more wealthy again under this Presidency, as he funnels Presidential favours and Govt money to them, in huge amounts.

 

 

Yet, people still vote  for him

 

Would I vote for Trump? Probably not. Reason, a lot of what he stands for that I oppose means more to me than the stuff I consider good policy.  Also, he is a felon with impending charges, has manged to corrupt the system the first time around, and of course, has the backing a the more powerful MSM corporations. And of course, he has been found, albeit on a civil basis; balance of probailities rather than beyoind reasonable doubt; as a rapist. The rather long investigations would have resulted in grafting and corruption charges in relation trying to really steal the election, and of course, his business accumen leaves a lot to be desired, and his "Art of the Deal" shoud be Art of the Shady Deal.. Remember he has been broke a few times, and relies on not paying people to keep his wealth, or as OT has pointed out, corruption while int eh presidency to increase his weath. I am not sure they  are the qualities I would look for in a leader that has to govern for everyone. I could be wrong, though.

 

I do think, though, he is somewhat maligned as well. Despie his many foibles, his bellicose and bullying have got results in certain circumstances. And it's not that other presidents haven't had some of these shortcomings (OK, rape not, but sexual exploitation, definitely). At least with Trump, what you see is what you get.. .The others do what they can to hide their lesser acceptable traits. Yes, he is nuts and dangerous, but not smart enough to do that much damage without a lot of support. That is the problem this time around; the people he has got in for the jobs are a lot more pernicious than the previious lot. But, while he is irrational and random, he is not unpredictable. Follow the money or the glory or the girls, and he is very predictable. OK, blustering on about ttaking Greenland by force was a little unpredictable.

 

The other thing about Trump is, if he does something and it does not achieve his agenda, he has no problem changing course. There is no pretence in that respect. It's not working; he "backflips." While the press and many people see that as a weakness or failure, I see it is being real and a positive.

 

Would I vote for hi? No. Do I see him as bigger threat as a lot of democrat leaning people do (of which I would consider myself one on most policy)? No. Do I consider people who voted for him idiots or would I deny anyone who voted for him something because they voted for him? No.

 

 

Edited Friday at 03:52 PM by Jerry_Atrick

[Jerry_Atrick]

He has moved the swearing in ceremony indoors because the forecast is cold.

[nomadpete]

On balance, the Democrats collectively seemed to only offer 'business as ususl' to the people.

 

From where I sit, 'business as usual' was steadily taking their country down.

 

So I  do understand the dilemma posed in their election. Neither option held much promise, so the wild card was their least worst choice.

 

Wait and see. At least Musk said something relevant...."Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!"

 

Which I apply to the next 4 year's news.

[nomadpete]

2 hours ago, Jerry_Atrick said:

He has moved the swearing in ceremony indoors because the forecast is cold.

That's just to keep The Village People dry when they perform.  They are getting on in years!

 

 

 

Edited Friday at 07:27 PM by nomadpete

[Jerry_Atrick]

A gay band doing a gig on a super right wing president's swearing in.. That does make me chuckle.

[facthunter]

Th ambient temp is Minus ten. I agree with this decision. I say again. With Trump It's ALL about him. The flatterers around him have their own agenda's none of which advance DEMOCRACY or care a fig for the ordinary people.  Nev

[old man emu]

9 hours ago, nomadpete said:

incapable of anything better than rambling like an old man.

I resemble that remark!

[facthunter]

Yes . They are being hard on Old Men. TRUMP is setting a bad example..  As he always has.  Nev

[red750]

[old man emu]

5 hours ago, Jerry_Atrick said:

He has moved the swearing in ceremony indoors because the forecast is cold.

Washington is now surrounded by wire fences that cannot be climbed, the total length of the fences is in the tens on miles. Also about 25,000 military personnel are being brought in to bolster local and Federal security operatives. All this was done in anticipation that the ceremony would be in the open air. I wonder of the head of security is breathing a sigh of relief now that Mother Nature has decreed that the ceremony will be held behind closed doors.

 

 

 

[nomadpete]

2 hours ago, old man emu said:

I resemble that remark!

I most humbly apologise OME.

 

I do not wish to denigrate any old persons by comparing them to the great orange rambler.

 

 

Edited Friday at 11:59 PM by nomadpete
unspellin

[facthunter]

The Police don't  have to say "freeze" at the moment.  Nev

[onetrack]

Make no mistake about it, MAGA is a CULT, and Donald Trump is the Jim Jones of the 21st century. Trumps desire and entire lifes aim, is to be WORSHIPPED as a GOD - not just a "God-like figure", but as a real God, who brooks no interference with his plans or aims, to rule with dictator strength, and to ignore laws designed around fairness, and to punish illegal acts.

 

Trump is the most DIVISIVE leader the Western world has seen in the last 100 years. He wants Americans divided into two distinct camps - US (MAGA supporters) and THEM (Democrats, Lefties, Woke people, illegal immigrants, Blacks, anyone with different sexual or gender desires. Trumps record as a landlord is ill-treatment of black tenants, constantly rejecting them in favour of white tenants).

Jim Jones did exactly the same thing, he told his followers to reject out of hand, those who didn't join his cult. Jones would set all the rules, belief structures and laws - just as Donald Trump wants to do.

 

Trump wants all MAGA supporters to be promoted over and above any other group or party, and for them to be above the law. He wants to twist the current Justice system to suit his own plans and desires - which involves ignoring any criminal acts done by Donald Trump or MAGA followers, and criminalising any act that tries to apply the law to Trump and his supporters, when they have done wrong.

 

All Trumps appointees to major and crucial positions are based on two criteria, and nothing else. 1. Loyalty to Donald Trump - and 2. The appointees ability to defend Trump and even die for him, regardless of any truth or facts presented to the contrary.

2025 will go down as the year where truth, facts, the rule of law and democracy faltered, and was repressed at every turn. Trump wants to turn his vision of America into his own Jonestown, where all under him are acolytes who dare not question his utterings.

 

Donald Trump makes unbelievable promises, and breaks them with breathtaking speed. He promised to be faithful to three wives and those promises meant nothing to him. He's found you can get people to do what you want, whenever you make great promises. The ability to carry through on those promises means nothing to him, once he's achieved his aim of getting support from those he promised great things.

 

I would not be in the least surprised to see Trump descend into paranoia, and even more erratic and dangerous behaviour, as he ages, exactly as Jim Jones did. The veneer of civilisation and democracy has never been so thin in America, as it is now.

 

https://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=34297

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/28/us/politics/donald-trump-housing-race.html

[old man emu]

I get the feeling that the constructs that led to Trump's election are beginning to disintegrate. 

 

He recently had a telephone meeting with China's leader and Trump indicated that the meeting was positive. To me that hints at backpedaling from his previous comments about how he will deal with China.

 

His co-head of the Dept of Government Efficiency, Vivek Ramaswamy was not selected to take the Senate seat for Ohio that JD Vance vacated upon his election  as Vice President, despite Trump's urging of the Ohio Governor to give Vivek the job.

 

Trump has backpedalled on his claim to have consumer prices fall, saying that controlling the prices was not within his power. Wow he spoke the truth about that.

 

I feel sure of one thing that he will do. He'll brag about the TV ratings the inauguration ceremony will get. A bigger viewing audience than the Super Bowl?????

 

If you could get your security clearance through by Sunday, Washington DC time, you could possibly score a seat at the post-inauguration dinner. Most of the living former Presidents and wives aren't going. 

[Grumpy Old Nasho]

If you think Trumpism is a cult, then what is Leftwing Progressivism?, It's a much larger cult, and a cult it is.

 

Trumpism is a sign of the times, it was bound to happen. If you'd like to say Trump is a degenerate US president, then western societies have gone that way too - degenerate - with all the crime, and on one saying much about it, or even doing much, it's being normalized. No thanks.