A sad day for truth

Trying to figure out what motivates Donald Trump and his followers presents real challenges. One must dig deeply into their behavior from a Christian perspective to arrive at an understanding of their thought process.  Understanding their support despite him having so many short-comings/character flaws deserves, indeed requires deep-thinking to come to an understanding of this behavior. Attributes that right-thinking people feel should disqualify him from the office of President of The United States and their support appear to drive his behavior. What motivates Trump and continues to drive and support his behavior is certainly puzzling and deserves close scrutiny. Trying to figure out what motivates him by watching cable TV, and surfing the Internet is probably a waste of time, given the fact that much of his behavior is designed to get media coverage and deflect from issues that must be addressed.
Let us look at Trump’s behavior from the perspective of Blaise Pascal, (1623-1662) a man who spent many years looking at what motivate men from a christian perspective. In his writing Mind on fire Article 48, he penned the following. The characteristic of human nature is to love oneself and consider only one’s self. But what else can it do? It cannot help its own love being inconsistent and miserable. It wants to be great and see that it is only small. It wants to be happy and finds it is wretched. It wants to be perfect and see itself full of imperfections. It wants to be the object of other people love and esteem and sees that its faults deserve only their dislike and contempt. Finding itself in this predicament, it reacts in the most unjust and criminal passion imaginable. For it conceives a deadly hatred for the truth that would rebuke and convince it of its faults. It would like to eliminate this truth, and not being able to destroy it, it represses it as much as it can in the consciousness of itself and of others. So it takes every precaution to hide its own fault from itself and others, and cannot bear to have them pointed out or even noticed.
Pascal continues: Unquestionably it is an evil to be so full of faults, but it still greater evil to be full of them and yet unwilling to acknowledge them, since this results in the further evil of deliberate self-delusion. We do not want others to deceive us. But at the same time we do not think it is right for them to think well of themselves more than they deserve. It is therefore not right either that we should deceive them or want them to esteem us more than we deserve.
There must be an awakening in the mind of Trump supporters. An awakening to the fact that his carelessness with the truth has dire consequences-consequences, many yet untold and unrealized. The realization that lies have consequences applies to everyone, including so-called liberals.

Advertisements

When will we ever learn

The more one becomes familiar with Hitler’s behavior as he came to power in Germany, the more similarities are revealed in Trump’s behavior. Their unrelenting determination certainly parallels.
The current Government shut down is a classic example. Trump is bound and determined to have his way. He is willing to sacrifice the well-being of Government workers and others negatively impacted by his decision to shut down parts of the Government to force his will on a people. Trump like Hitler makes dealing with him very difficult and history suggest many who have had conflict him eventually give up and allow him to have his way. Another tactic he uses with success is the constant introduction of new issues, situations and problems into the fray.  Notice how difficult it is for opponents to get a clear understanding of what Trump is really up to. An understanding of where he is trying to take the Republican Party and this nation seems clear today, and just as unclear the next day.
Those opposing him and many in his camp, grow weary of battles with him and some are inclined to give up and let him have his way. This is right out of Hitler’s play book.  Hitler loved loud spirited enthusiastic crowds. So does Trump. Hitler loved parades. Trump wanted one, but was denied a parade.

Germany, apparently did not have in place in its government a system that could or would deny Hitler ascension to the leader of Germany.  Absent the ability and or willingness to control Hitler, Germany and the world were led into the worst war to ever plague mankind.  Is America void of the necessary tools to prevent Trump from taking many of the actions of Hitler? Will America’s checks and balances spelled out in the Constitution, be implemented to harness the run-away dictatorial   antics of Trump?

My final question is:” When will we ever learn?”

Two Peas in a Pod

 

Research into Hitler’s early life, reveals a disturbing likeness to Donald Trump. Their behavior is strikingly similar in several ways. For instance, Hitler pushed wild alternatives to what was viewed as norms and wild exaggerations formed his pattern of thinking. As with Hitler, Trump pushes his obvious hateful feelings to the extremes and magnifies things of little importance. Hitler was obsessed with fear and hatred of the Jews and felt they were a threat to the German way of life. Trump feels the social fabric of America is under attack by those coming from south of the US border and is willing to take drastic measures to see that his fears are not realized.   A writer described Hitler as being born of hatred. Listening to the tirades and rants of Trump, one can easily come to the conclusion that his behavior is something that is inbred in him. He did not begin to feel and behave the way he does since becoming President. Hitler has been referred to as a master of the art of brilliant fraudulence and inspired swindling. This fits Trump to a T. Trump has been pulling the wool over the eyes of many people for many years.This includes, The Internal Revenue Service, New York, City, County and State Officials.

There is one striking difference between Hitler and Trump. Hitler convinced the masses that he was one of them and felt their pain. There is certainly some truth in this claim. Trump is totally different.  Somehow, some way, Trump convinced a significant number of American voters that he is one of them and share their pain and misery-their feeling of being left out- feelings that what rightfully belongs to them is slowly being taken away-feelings that they as a class of people are being denied their rights and political control.  Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.  Utilizing the power of propaganda, Trump with the aid of Conservative Talk Radio, Fox, and it mouth-pieces,  convinced millions of people that Trump was suffering as they were. Hitler understood the power of propaganda. Trump understands the power of Propaganda. It is alleged that Hitler said of propaganda” You must keep it up until it creates a faith and people no longer know what is imagination and what is reality.” How do you think Trump was able to convince many Christians to forgo their religious doctrine and get on the Trump Train? Simple, Trump knows as Hitler knew-people are drawn to religion by the message and the messenger. Many Christians decided they would rather take their chances with Trump rather than what they proclaim to believe.

Hitler wrested power from the German Government and gave himself total control of the power to make and enforce laws.  Look at what is taking place with the Government shut down. Trump is saying, with the blessing of the Senate, I will make and implement laws as I see fit. This is in total contrast to how the Constitution defines US law making. The power of the United States Congress has been usurped by Trump, with hardly a peep by Congressional members, especially Republicans. American is in the same situation Germany was in the early thirties.  Ignoring what is taking place, is extremely dangerous and the consequences of non-action to rein in Trump reeks of unimaginable damage to America’s soundness.

Comparing Trump to Hitler

Is it possible to compare Trump’s behavior to Hitler’s behavior without mentioning the Holocaust?  Indeed it is.  All one has to do is define the correct time period used in the comparison.  Forget about what took place in Germany in the late thirties and forties and concentrate on what Hitler was during in the early thirties. Look at how he came to power, and the tactics utilized. Delve into the propaganda machine he developed and utilized to its maximum capability. Take a good look at how he captured the imagination of millions of Germans utilizing fear tactics and imaginary situations. Take a look at how Hitler convinced people to supplant their core beliefs (right and wrong) and replace them with what he said was right and wrong. Look at the people Hitler removed from Germany’s governmental configuration, and who replaced them.

People, look at how much emphasis Trump puts on the economy. Hitler did the same thing-virtually full employment and low interest rates.  Look at how Hitler instilled fear in the hearts and minds of those he viewed as pure Aryans. Trump is doing the same thing. In a very sneaky way, he is saying America is for those who lay claim to the fact that their ancestors built America, therefore it belongs to them.

People, do not think for one minute that Trump is the sole cause of the problems facing this nation. Hitler was not the sole instigator of the problems that eventually brought the great Nation of Germany to total ruin. Hitler had his Goebbels, Himmler, Speer, Heydrich, and Goring. Hitler also had in his entourage a relatively unknown and obscure fellow named   Hermann Esser and another better known fellow, Julius Streicher. Both of the fellows were adept in the art of propaganda and did wonders to getting out the Hitler message.

Trump has his propaganda machine well-staffed with the likes of Hannity, Limbaugh, Levin, and Cunningham, Hewitt, Gallagher, Coulter, Ingram, and a whole host of lesser known blowhards.  This propaganda machine, with Hannity at the helm, has ready access to the White House and President Trump as well as Trump minions. Trump and his administration has ready access to Fox News and Fox Business Network 24 hrs. Per day.  Access to Conservative Radio is virtually unlimited. Trump has many Conservative politicians eating out of his hand. One must wonder why they are so afraid of him. What does he have on them?  The Senate, headed by McConnell, power has been totally usurped by Trump.

As with Hitler and his propaganda machine, Trump has the same access to his propaganda machine. A machine, utilize frequently, to broadcast lies, half-truth and instill fear in the minds of his followers. This tactic is very successful and methods to counteract it is very difficult.

Why is it so difficult? Simple, he is using the tried and true methodology utilized by Hitler. As with Hitler, Trump manages to mix Propaganda with policies. Look at his latest fiasco. His propaganda about building a wall and making Mexico pay for it, has now become a policy issue. Trouble is, those dedicated to him and his policies and methodology for getting things done (making deals) fails to separate the two.  Hitler had a way of riling people up. Trump does the same thing. Hitler says, continually emphasize certain issues with your base and do it persistently. Hitler, said, do not give you foe credit for doing anything good. Trump does the very same things.

Any right-thinking person, doing some research on Hitler’s behavior in his early years in power and compare them with Trump’s current behavior, must arrive at the conclusion that there is a lot of similarities in their behavior.

Who is piloting the ship, and who are the crew.

To understand man, however, we must look beyond the individual man and his actions or interest, and view him in combination with his fellows. Carlyle. It is said that we are known by the company we keep. Take a minute and look at Donald Trump’s company.
It is easy to see the failings and character flaws in President Donald Trump. What about those in his sphere of operation and influence? Are there similarities in their behavior? What about Cohen, Hannity, Manafort, Stone, Family members, including son-in-law Kushner?  Can we make a true assessment of how he truly is as a person, without understanding his reasoning for selecting those he trust and include in his circle of influence? There seem to be a seedy side in all of these people. Most seem  willing to put a lot at risk, including reputation and possible criminal liability for the sake of a dollar and political influence.
It is  difficult to determine the mental state of president Trump. The question is, how do those in his inner-circle judge his mental state? Do they accept his rantings about how smart he is as factual? Do they really see him as being totally in control of his mental faculty and behavior?
Sophocles had something to say about this conduct:
Who-ere imagine prudence all his own, or deems that he has powers to speak and judge, such as none other hath, when they are known, they are found shallow.
Notice how much time Trump spends trying to get back at people he feels said something negative about him. He loves to seek revenge, and his supporters fully support this behavior and feel without thought, that it is warranted. Revenge has a tinge of hatred in it, and eventually hate will turn on the hand that feed its. Someone opined; Revenge at first though sweet. Bitter ere long back on itself recoils.
Finally, it is painfully clear that Donald Trump and those  in his inner- circle do not have a clear understanding of what is expected of the Office of President of the United states.
Burke puts it in perspective;
All persons possessing any portion of power ought to be strongly and awfully impressed with an idea that they act in trust, and they are to account for their conduct in that trust to the one great Master, Author, and founder of society.
.

Does Truth matter to Trump Supporters

 

Donald Trump ascendancy to President of these United States continues to confound millions of Americans and people of other Nations. Many people, including me, continue to search for answers.  I think we should stop focusing on Trump and spend a little more time looking at the people who elected him.  In his writings in Eichmann in Jerusalem Hannah Arendt coined the following: The trouble with Adolph Eichmann was that so many were like him, and many were neither perverted nor sadistic, they were, and still are, terribly and terrifying normal….This new type of criminal …commits his crimes under circumstances that make it well-nigh impossible for him to know or feel that he is doing wrong.

Donald Trump has his own ideas about this truth thing. He makes up his own truths and facts. Those around him sell his versions of truths through his propaganda machine to his rabid and uninformed followers and supporters. Donald and his cast of characters know how to bamboozle these folks and uses it to the max.  His supporters have lost their crap detectors and will believe anything they hear coming from his camp, especially through Hannity and Fox and Lou Dobbs. How can so many people accept as gospel anything they hear on Fox?  Why have they decided that Fox is the only place they can get the truth?  As a matter of fact, they have replaced what their religion teaches and stands for, with what Trump, Hannity, Fox and other Right Wing Blow Hard teaches and stands for.

Here is where ignorance comes into play. Notice! No matter how clear and undeniable the facts are, if Trump and his cronies says there are alternative facts- Trumpsters will believe their version of the facts. There is this constant battle with Trumpsters to get them to see, understand and accept truth.

Some folks, including me, feel it is a waste of time and energy to try and enlighten these folks. Hendrik Loon put it this way: Any frontal attack on ignorance is bound to fail because the masses are always ready to defend their most precious possession-their ignorance. Frank Norris had this to say about truth. The people have a right to the Truth as they have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is not right that they be exploited and deceived with false views of life, false characters, false sentiment, false morality, false history, false philosophy, false heroism, false views of religion, of duty, of conduct and manners.

What is even more startling is the open and unapologetic hypocrisy displayed by Trump followers.  They no longer make any effort to hide their hypocrisy.  Charles C. Colton illuminates the subject.” If the devil ever laughs, it must be at hypocrites; they are the greatest dupes he has; they serve him better than any others, but receives no wages; nay, what is still more extraordinary, they submit to greater mortification to go to hell; than the sincerest Christian to go to heaven.”

Article replaced with new version.

We had better pay attention

Take the time to read what Hitler wrote in Mein Kampf.  The actions Trump and his cronies’ take are reflected in what Hitler wrote. Read the following very carefully, and absorb and reflect on what he wrote. Does his assessment of people reflect the thinking capacity of millions of Americans? Are we that easily taken advantage of? One casual look at how so-called Christians have latched on to Trump, suggest Hitler may be right in his assessment of people, especially today’s Americans.

“Propaganda must always address itself to the broad masses of the people. (…) All propaganda must be presented in a popular form and must fix its intellectual level so as not to be above the heads of the least intellectual of those to whom it is directed. (…) The art of propaganda consists precisely in being able to awaken the imagination of the public through an appeal to their feelings, in finding the appropriate psychological form that will arrest the attention and appeal to the hearts of the national masses. The broad masses of the people are not made up of diplomats or professors of public jurisprudence nor simply of persons who are able to form reasoned judgment in given cases, but a vacillating crowd of human children who are constantly wavering between one idea and another. (…) The great majority of a nation is so feminine in its character and outlook that its thought and conduct are ruled by sentiment rather than by sober reasoning. This sentiment, however, is not complex, but simple and consistent. It is not highly differentiated, but has only the negative and positive notions of love and hatred, right and wrong, truth and falsehood

“Propaganda must not investigate the truth objectively and, in so far as it is favourable to the other side, present it according to the theoretical rules of justice; yet it must present only that aspect of the truth which is favourable to its own side. (…) The receptive powers of the masses are very restricted, and their understanding is feeble. On the other hand, they quickly forget. Such being the case, all effective propaganda must be confined to a few bare essentials and those must be expressed as far as possible in stereotyped formulas. These slogans should be persistently repeated until the very last individual has come to grasp the idea that has been put forward. (…) Every change that is made in the subject of a propagandist message must always emphasize the same conclusion. The leading slogan must of course be illustrated in many ways and from several angles, but in the end one must always return to the assertion of the same formula.”

Now doesn’t this sound exactly like Trump and his mouth pieces? They keep going back to Hillary Clinton and Benghazi, emails and Uranium deals. This is right out of Mein Kampf. One must not forget that Conservative Talk Radio (CTR) and the Fox News Network (FNN) paved the way and greased the skids for Donald Trump. These outlets had already dumbed down their listeners well before Trump came on the scene.

A pathetic ignorant crook in the White House

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay were right. They wrote in Article 75 of the Federalist Papers the following:
…….might sometimes be under temptations to sacrifice his duty to his interest, which it would require superlative virtue to withstand. An avaricious man might be tempted to betray the interests of the state to the acquisition of wealth. An ambitious man might make his own aggrandizement, by the aid of a foreign power, the price of his treachery to his constituents. The history of human conduct does not warrant that exalted opinion of human virtue which would make it wise in a nation to commit interests of so delicate and momentous a kind, as those which concern its intercourse with the rest of the world, to the sole disposal of a magistrate created and circumstanced as would be a President of the United States.
The Federalist Papers warned us about putting people of Trump’s character in the office of President of the United States of America. What is so significant about the writings? Thinkers (Political Scientists) of this era, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay Penned the Federalist Papers in 1787. They made it perfectly clear that the character of the individual entrusted with the power of President is of utmost importance. Current allegations facing President Trump is exactly about what they wrote. They write about the possibility of treason. Arron Hill opined about treason: ” The man who pauses on the path of treason, halts on quicksand, the first step engulfs him.”
There is a Latin Proverb. Nosicuter Ex Sociis, English Translation “ He is known by his companions.” Pay attention to the people surrounding Trump. Look at Trump cronies dating back well before he ran for the office of President of the United States. He has been running with people of questionable character for decades.
Another Latin proverb says “ Qualis Vir,talis Oratio. English translation” As the man, so his speech.” It is hard to imagine how a person with such poor command of the English language and serious character flaws could be elected President of the United States. Many people voting for Trump admitted that his behavior was less than expected of the President of the United States. Most people voting for him, felt given time, his behavior would change for the better,. They forgot one thing according to De La Bruyere “ In a wicked man, there is not wherewithal to make a good man.”

Sean Hannity, reincarnation of Joseph Goebbels

If one follows closely, the actions of Sean Hannity and compares them with the actions of Joseph Goebbels, it is easy to see how their actions parallel. Although Hannity has not been officially given the title of Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda for the Trump Administration, his actions and behavior on the Fox Network (owned by Cox Media) he deserves the title. Hitler utilized the media the same way Trump does. Trump As Hitler realized there was a segment of society that were eagerly waiting to hear and believe what both men had to say. As mentioned in Goebbels dairies, Hitler had an appreciation of the importance of feeding the media with what they want-so does Trump. Hannity picks up where Trump leaves off. Hannity, using Fox, manages what he wants Fox listeners to see and hear. His messages are screened and directed at an audience he knows will accept anything he say as factual without question. He knows if he verifies what Trump says as factual, his audience will accept it as factual. As with Goebbels, Hannity has created a mindset and convinced his listeners that they should not waste their time searching for the truth and stick to making decisions based on emotions. Notice how Hannity uses the spoken word to deliver his message. Goebbels used the same tactics.   Trump is slowly but surely isolating a segment of the media from the day-to-day operation of the White House. Fox and Hannity has unlimited access to the White House, while other Media Outlets are either barred from interviews or their reporters questions are not answered. Limiting select Media outlets to the White House, limits what news the public has access to. Remember, not everyone listens and looks at news coming over the Fox Network. Goebbels wrested total control of the media in Germany. This is what Trump and his supporters are hoping for. With unbridled and unfettered help from Fox, One America News and a host of lesser known so called media outlets, Trump now has at his fingertip an unofficial Propaganda Machine. This machine is well oiled and well funded. At the head of this propaganda is Sean Hannity. Americans must wake up and see Trump and his folk for what they really are.