My website is “BasicCauses” and this blog is concerned with a deeper understanding of our current government dilemmas. Below I have covered the most serious situations in the Donald Trump administration.
First, how did he come to power. I believe that he emerged primarily because of immigration problems. Concern about large groups of Syrian refugees had worldwide implications. In Britain, it contributed to the BREXIT vote. Here in the USA, friends of Trump worked with him to exploit fears, and with the help of Russia, he captured the presidency. So, five “causes” helped him: (1) fears of Syrian refugees, (2) racist attitudes towards Mexicans, Muslims, and Pres. Obama, (3) election help from Russia by corrupting the media, (4) a long history of Hillary Clinton character assassination that influenced less educated citizens, and (5) various other factors like voter suppression. Note that Hillary actually won the vote, but Trump was elected because of the electoral college (an outdated system). Please see my blogs 75, 76, 77, and 80 for more information
Second, staff appointments based only on loyalty created an incompetent executive branch. Concern for loyalty produced an extremely high turn-over rate for cabinet positions and other staff. Many of the more competent staff were fired for lack of loyalty. Those truly loyal often caused bad decisions. Trump needs loyalty because he feared discovery of his illegal and unethical activities and loyalty would help fight impeachment. So we could say that a basic cause of some major problems is a history of borderline criminal activities. Most of his appointments were his rich buddies, who achieved their success either through inheritance or questionable practices. Several were fired for actual crimes or serious unethical practices. His lawyer Michael Cohen was very loyal to him, but Trump did not reciprocate and now Cohen is testifying against him.
Third, alienation of allies and NATO members. The basic causes for this nationalism were the influence of political friends, and a false confidence based on the wealth of his father. He learned to brag about his successes and “deny, deny, deny” any accusations. When he ran his businesses, he had a small staff and tended to make his own decisions. Many decisions were poor and led to bankruptcy, but his ability to try all sorts of legal, ruthless, and illegal methods led to his success. Many of Trump’s plans would have been greatly improved had he worked with allies instead of against them. Leading strong coalitions would have been very effective with world trade policies, dealing with China, staying with the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Iran Nuclear Deal. Trump does not deal well with equals and this will be costly for him and the USA. Working with allies would be much more effective in controlling N. Korea.
Fourth, distrust of USA traditional gov institutions. Some of these causes were covered above, but this specific problem needs emphasis. Trump did not develop important agencies like the State Department, and most of the other cabinet agencies. Maybe worse, is his attack on and distrust of his intelligence groups, like the FBI and CIA.
Fifth, lies and uncontrolled exaggerations. After two years in office, his rate of lying and exaggerating has gradually increased. The basic cause for this is probably increasing fear of investigations and frustration in not always getting his way. He gets away with telling various untruths to his “base,” but others are reacting more and more negatively. I am particularly concerned about our allies who are becoming more distrustful about our help and world leadership. Trump also promotes confusion by often disagreeing with his staff, such as the Secretary of State and Embassador to the UN.
Sixth, the press. Why does Trump have so much trouble with the press? It’s almost a silly question. The reputable press (like the NY-Times and Wash-Post) is highly critical of him because he lies so much and re-writes history. Trump hates them because they point out his lies. Trump cannot succeed without lying because his gov record is actually poor and un-American. Trump is dangerous because he advocates violence against the press and others who oppose him. The next step for him would be actual assaults on reporters like engaged in by Putin, Kim Jung Un, Prince MBS (Saudi), Stalin, Hitler, and other tyrants. The USA press is like a fourth branch of gov. A strong, free press is necessary for the success of a democracy.
Finally, I want to say a bit more about some basic causations. The Syrian war was ultimately caused by rising technology that allowed for better world-wide communication. The “Arab Spring” revolutions (late 2010) occurred in several countries. People in poor countries could see how others are better off, and can get more support and organization through modern info systems. Increased inter-nation travel was also a factor. In Syria the “Arab-spring” started a rebellion, but things became much more complicated as various nations (mainly USA, Russia, and Kurds) tried to influence the outcome.
What is the cause of leadership greed and tyranny? Actually, it is a natural human trait to strive for a better life and more wealth. The people that rise to power often do so by using clever and ruthless methods. Nicer people, who are honest and open sometimes cannot compete well. In many societies, for various reasons, there is little opposition to this striving. Here in the USA, we are fortunate to have a long tradition of democracy and freedom. This tradition has created powerful forces that can reject authoritarians. What happens in some cases where the leadership is fair and good, there is a gradual disinterest in politics, since everything is going well. This lack of interest can allow a clever ruthless person to get elected. Another way to look at this issue is that certain people become very skillful at getting votes, but this skill may not mean success in governing.
148. MSNBC: The “Shining Network on Air”
22 FebWe have all heard about the “shining city on a hill,” which represents a noble goal. I see MSNBC as that kind of beacon of hope — sensibility in the bizarre and dangerous world of Trump.
I watch MSNBC almost every day, usually for several hours. I also read the internet NY Times, WashPost, other newspapers, tweets, TED, Daily Kos, and many other types of info, for enjoyment, curiosity, and to prepare my blogs and tweets. I sometimes watch good programs on CNN and see Fox at times to view the negatives. But, the MSNBC commentators often are really enjoyable to listen to and many feel like genuine friends. In the spirit of rewarding people that do great work, I want to present my evaluations. I have listed the highly functioning MSNBC people and after much thought decided not to list and criticize those that disappoint me.
Outstanding and enjoyable are L. O’Donnell, Brian Williams, Kasie Hunt, and Katy Tur. Williams often avoids expressing controversial opinions, but his little side remarks and humor are fun. O’Donnell and Tur do their job very intelligently. Kasie Hunt does her job well, is a joy to watch, and brings real humanity to the programs she runs.
Quite competent are: Andrea Mitchell, Joy Reid, Mika Brzezinski, and Chris Hayes. Steve Kornacki presents statistics well and does a good job in other roles.
Michael Steele is notable in this list for being a Republican. He speaks well and makes good Repub arguments. Often he agrees with the Democrat positions. If all Repubs were like Steele, we would be living in a much better world.
Rachel Maddow often provides very valuable and exclusive info. I would listen to her more if her presentations were less dramatic and less “wordy.” Most of her hours could be condensed down to 15-min and would be more interesting for me.
Joe Scarborough is notable for his blatant honesty, which I really like. But sometimes, he does drift off topic a little. I often watch “Morning Joe” in the early hours.
Chris Mathews often has valuable info from real experiences. But he would do better by forgetting the “hardball” crap and listen more. Probably because he is older, he tends to drift off topic a little.
Chuck Todd does the current “Meet the Press.” He has a tough job and sometimes misses opportunities for better questioning. He often appears uncertain and drops his voice level. He does a good job, but could improve. “Meet the Press” always seems a bit bland, as if someone ordered them to be neutral.
I want to emphasize one more point. Looking at all the experts, commentators, and anchors that have appeared on MSNBC, a small number stand out for their unrestrained honesty and bravery. These are: Lawrence O’Donnell, Joe Scarborough, Steve Schmidt, Robert Reich, and Bill Maher (and probably a few others that did not come to mind).
The above I consider the best and most interesting commentators. A few not mentioned are competent, and a few other regulars are either less interesting, less effective, or awkward at times. Not mentioned are the many experts in different areas that make great contributions when called upon. This blog is about MSNBC, but in all fairness, CNN should be mentioned for its contributions, and I do like Fareed Zakaria.
Tags: Commentators, Morning Joe, MSNBC, politics, The Press