“Un-American Propaganda”??? Seriously???

Posted on by under education, Election 2020, Law and justice, Political commentary, Racism & Bigotry, Social commentary

Just a few short years ago, this nation seemed like a sane place.  Sure, we had problems … plenty of them.  But we always thought there were systems and safeguards in place to keep any single person or any branch of government from overstepping their bounds.  Never did we dream, say back in 2010, ten years ago, that one person could make such a power grab that the norms would all be shattered within a single administration.

Today, we realize what fools we were … or at least the majority of us realize it.  A madman was elected with a minority of the vote, and nothing has been right ever since.  The Constitution that every president and member of Congress takes an oath to uphold has been shredded by a president who knows no boundaries, who has been enabled by his sycophants in Congress, in his administration, and yes, even in the Courts.  Where are those ‘checks and balances’?  They are only as good as the people who are tasked with enforcing them.

The latest thing to send me into a fit of temper is Trump’s order to Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to cease the government’s racial sensitivity training.  Trump calls such training “un-American propaganda”.  That’s right, folks … it is un-American to try to teach people not to discriminate, to try to remove the systemic racism that exists within our government and law enforcement community.  Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.  🤬

Does this man understand that Black people are citizens of this nation with the same rights accorded to white people???  Does he understand that we have a huge problem in this nation with racism running rampant throughout our police departments?  Does he realize that we are on the brink of a race war that he will have been responsible for starting?

Trump’s former attorney and ‘fixer’, the man who, for a price, made Trump’s problems such as sexual liaisons just disappear, testified under oath to Congress in February 2019 …

“I am ashamed that I chose to take part in concealing Mr. Trump’s illicit acts rather than listening to my own conscience. I am ashamed because I know what Mr. Trump is. He is a racist. He is a conman. He is a cheat.”

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He is a racist.  Was there ever any doubt?  Cohen went on to cite some examples …

“He once asked me if I could name a country run by a black person that wasn’t a ‘shithole.’ This was when Barack Obama was president of the United States. While we were once driving through a struggling neighborhood in Chicago, he commented that only black people could live that way. He told me that black people would never vote for him because they were too stupid.”

Four decades ago, Trump and his father were sued by the federal government, which accused the Trumps of discriminating against people of colour trying to rent the Trump company’s apartments. Donald Trump was also sued for his mistreatment of black workers in his casinos and, according to a former hotel executive, once said “laziness is a trait in blacks.”

Then there was the Central Park Five case.  A group of African American and Hispanic teens named Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana and Kharey Wise happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time back in 1989 when a white female jogger was attacked and raped.  The five teens were arrested, tried and convicted on false evidence and coerced confessions, and they served prison sentences until 2002 when the real assailant confessed to the crime.  Donald Trump spent $85,000 placing the ads in local papers calling for the five teens to be executed.  Even though the five young men were exonerated, Trump has since repeatedly reiterated the guilty verdict of the men and has refused to back down or admit his mistake.  What if the teens had been white and the victim Black?  I don’t think Trump would have had a word to say about it.

Yes, Donald Trump is a racist, but are we going to allow him to make this nation even more racist than it already is???  How many more George Floyds, Breonna Taylors, Botham Jeans, Atatiana Jeffersons, and Jacob Blakes do we want?  How many more will it take until the thus-far peaceful Black Lives Matter protests turn into an all-out race war?  We have a serious problem with all forms of bigotry in this nation, but particularly racism, and the very person who should be dealing with it, trying to find solutions for the problem and bring the people of this nation together,  is instead pouring fuel on the fire.  It should NOT be his decision to cancel the training that might … just might be a start toward a better understanding between the people of this nation.

Trump has assembled a long record of comment on issues involving African Americans as well as Mexicans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Muslims, Jews, immigrants, women, and people with disabilities.  He is not only a racist, but a misogynist, a homophobe, an Islamophobe, and more.  This is a diverse nation with people of every nationality, religion, and ethnicity.  That the nation is led by a person who cannot tolerate any who aren’t white, Christian and male is the ultimate hypocrisy.  Will the people of this nation give him another four years to further our global reputation as a racist nation?  Remember, my friends, we will all carry the stigma of that label, not just those who voted for Trump.  Is this really how we want to be viewed?  Is this really a nation we even want to live in?

36 thoughts on ““Un-American Propaganda”??? Seriously???”

  1. There is nothing about or from the un-American trumpaganda that can bring a smile to one’s face and undoubtedly it will get far worse long before it ever gets better…I’m hoping it will get much better in January of 2021! Therefore, one must find something about the orange oaf in which one can find a wee bit of humor or mayhaps a small smile. If you are not aware of the Tiny Pricks Project which was created by Diana Weymar, a Canadian born and Princeton educated artist and activist, it will be my pleasure to introduce you! In January 2018 Diana began creating a material record of some of Donald Trump’s most outrageous tweets and quotes. Along with her own art, she has since become the curator of other contributor’s tiny pricks. I was introduced to the aptly named project ( double entendre?) on a blog post that I will share for your enlightenment and entertainment, if you so desire. Google : tiny pricks project #keeperoftheday – the kitchen sisters and be led to The Kitchen Sisters post with a short video from August 8, 2018. I have since then followed Diana on Instagram and came across this bit of stitchery therein today : Can we just admit that we may have taken this “anybody can grow up to be president” thing A BIT TO FAR? Thank-you! P.S. It may interest you to know that this comment won out over a list of 3 recent books…do I hear a small sigh of relief?

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    • You were right … I had not heard of the Tiny Pricks Project, but after your introduction, of course I had to go see for myself! I loved what I saw, and will dig a little deeper tomorrow, for it is nearly 4:00 a.m., and I am too tired tonight. I did, however, listen to the short video on The Kitchen Sisters and loved that concept. A record that cannot ever be denied … brilliant! Yes, we definitely need to walk back that “Anyone can be president” thing … let’s change it to anyone with a brain and a conscience??? No sigh of relief, for now I still want to know about the three books! Thank YOU ❤

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      • Since you asked and also because tomorrow is a day of celebration, I will gladly comply with your request! But First…a bit of trivia surrounding the coming holidate. In 2010, the author Philip Athans designated September 7th as “National Buy A Book Day” and then became the founder and executive director of The National Buy A Book Foundation which was active from July 2011 until October 2014. I cannot say with any true knowledge why the foundation ended, but mayhaps because Athans developed the business of Athans & Associates Creative Consulting. Athans is a New York Times bestselling author, though admittedly I am not a fan of his particular genre of books and have not read a single one! Nevertheless, the day has lost followers over the last 6 years though buying books should not be limited to just one day. But, I digress! The three books : 1) “Trumpocracy : The Corruption of the American Republic” by David Frum published in January of 2018. 2) “Trumpocalypse : Restoring American Democracy” also by David Frum published on May 26, 2020. 3) “Hoax : Donald Trump, Fox News, and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth” by Brian Stetler which was published on August 25, 2020. The first was purchased shortly after it was published and has been shared amongst family and friends. The latter two were more recent purchases by my partner in the Coffee & Politics Book Club and myself…I am currently reading “Hoax”. “That is a good book which is opened with expectation and closed with profit.” – Amos Bronson Alcott. Thank-you!

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        • OMG!!! Today is National Buy A Book Day??? Then … I must … simply MUST … buy a book!!! Now let’s see … I already have Brian Stetler’s book and have read some parts, though admittedly not all, of it. I have pre-ordered Michael Cohen’s that is coming out on Tuesday, titled “Disloyal: A Memoir”, and it should arrive on my Kindle in about 9 hours! Meanwhile, I think I shall continue reading “My Own Words” by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg … one I would recommend to any and all! This woman has what Trump is lacking … a heart and soul!

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  2. “That the nation is led by a person who cannot tolerate any who aren’t white, Christian and male is the ultimate hypocrisy.” I’d add one more characteristic required for Trump’s approval: Must adore Donald Trump.

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  3. Thank you for sharing!.. there is a element of today’s society that does not want change, for the most part they are Donald Trump’s minions/foundation…they are only interested in two things, their wealth and their image.. that being said, they create and use the laws and/or the decree of the Bible to create their image and cover their actions…
    They finally have a president in place who’s mindset disregards anyone and anything, gives little thought about the consequences, in order to give them want they want…
    They are like ” a drowning man grabbing at straws” because change is coming even though it may not seem like it now…. 🙂

    “What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or in the holy name of liberty or democracy?” ( Mahatma Gandhi)

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    • Good to see you, Dutch! Yes, they have their own selfish reasons for supporting Trump, and he understands and plays to their desires and fears. They don’t see that they are being used, or played like a fiddle, but someday they will understand, I think. By then, it will be too late for them to make amends. I hope you are right that change is coming … I think you are, but I fear those of us who would like to bring about that change may be stifled. I suppose it depends on what happens November 3rd. Great Gandhi quote … so true.

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      • You will only be stifled if you let yourself be stifled… “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain”. (Author Unknown)… 🙂

        Hope all is well in your part of the universe and life is all that you wish for it to be….:)

        Until we meet again..
        May flowers always line your path
        and sunshine light your way,
        May songbirds serenade your
        every step along the way,
        May a rainbow run beside you
        in a sky that’s always blue,
        And may happiness fill your heart
        each day your whole life through.
        May the sun shine all day long
        Everything go right, nothing go wrong
        May those you love bring love back to you
        And may all the wishes you wish come true
        (Irish Saying)

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      • When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
        When the road your trudging seems all uphill,
        When the funds are low and the debts are high,
        And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
        When care is pressing you down a bit
        Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

        Life is queer with its twists and its turns,
        As everyone of us sometimes learns,
        And many a failure turns about
        When they might have won, had they stuck it out.
        Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,
        You may succeed with another blow.

        Often the struggler has given up
        When he might have captured the victors cup;
        And he learned too late when the night came down,
        How close he was to the golden crown.

        Success is failure turned inside out
        The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
        And you never can tell how close you are,
        It may be near when it seems so far;
        So stick to the fight when your hardest hit,
        It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit!
        (Wade Watts)

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          • Never give up on your dream, dear Jill… “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird, that cannot fly.” (Langston Hughes )

            Time flies, and memories fade.
            People change and new friendships are made.
            Only the true remain forever at our side.
            Eventually the disappointment and pain will subside.

            It is all about the journey and what has yet to come.
            Life is what you make of it; you are what you’ve become.
            Life is too short to hold onto regrets.
            Forgiveness is key even though you may never forget.

            Cherish the good and remove the bad.
            Some people don’t realize till it’s gone what they’ve had.
            Moving on is a way of life.
            There will always be obstacles, pain, and strife.

            You must believe that you are strong enough to fight.
            You have to believe in yourself to do what is right.
            Always do for YOU no matter what you do,
            Because in the end the only one who has your back is you.

            Never be afraid to take a stand,
            And always be willing to lend a helping hand.
            A little bit goes a long way.
            All it takes is a smile to brighten someone’s day.

            Your chance to live is now, so what are you waiting for?
            The world is yours for the taking and so much more.
            Endless possibilities are forever at your disposal.
            The chance to live another day is life’s golden proposal.

            Never let anyone tear you down,
            And never let anyone steal your shine and make you frown.
            So will you sit in the shadows and let darkness win again?
            Or will you rise up and make the light your friend?
            (Hollianne Boucher)

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  4. I will be counting this as a learning experience.

    I now have a better understanding of the French Revolution and the Russian Bolshevik Revolution, where the ruling class became so out of touch that the people had no choice but to rise up against them. That’s roughly where I see us today, although I hope we can do this with the November 3 election and avoid a bloody revolution.

    The Republicans have long presented themselves as the party of law and order and as the party of patriotism. I never actually believed those claims. But I now understand that they are the party of criminals and conmen, the party of traitors.

    I now have a better understanding of how Hitler’s regime happened in Germany — because it has happened here.

    Seeing the way that conservative Christianity has acted in all of this, I now have a better understand of what Marx meant when he described religion as the opiate of the masses.

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    • Yes, living through it is a bit different than reading about it in history books. The Republicans’ vision of ‘law and order’ is, I think, different than what we would envision. I think theirs may actually include jackboots and brown shirts.

      I’m fully in agreement on your statement about Marx. I came to understand his meaning and to agree with it about 50 years ago, and nothing I’ve seen since has changed my mind.

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  5. Okay, I don’t believe in all the decisions, judgments, etc. of Biden and Harris but they’re head and shoulders above Trump. These days there is no perfect party I can agree with but I have to make a choice. Most people don’t think exactly as we do but we shouldn’t shut ourselves in a room and live alone. You have to make sensible decisions. I don’t believe exactly what my children do but I still love them. keep in contact with them, and encourage them when I think it’s needed. My dad and I were the only Catholics in our small family. My mother and brother were not. We had to make alterations in our lifestyle to get along. You have to try and understand the other’s viewpoint. You can’t force your thinking on others. You also have to learn to forgive and move on. More countries should learn to function that way. There would be more peace. Have a great and peaceful weekend. 🙂 — Suzanne

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    • No politician is going to be perfect, and in fact the people would not even all agree on what would constitute ‘perfect’. They are human, they make mistakes, they are forced to make decisions without having perfect knowledge. But, as you say, Biden and Harris are far above the incumbent, and both Biden and Harris have a sense of decency, intelligence, and compassion for people.

      I understand completely what you are saying about your dad and you being Catholic, while your mother and brother were not, so adjustments had to be made. I was raised by a Jewish father and Catholic mother. For most of my life I did not fit in with either group, though I leaned more toward Judaism. In the long run, though, neither could answer my questions and neither made sense, so today I adhere to no religion and am basically an atheist. Too much about religion … ALL religion … makes no sense at all.

      You have a great weekend too, my friend!!!

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  8. Jill, and the list is long of people who will corroborate this them in the testimony. What frustrated me about Cohen’s testimony is how easily it was discarded by favorable press and sycophants of the president. Keith

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  9. I fear he wants a war. It’s the same here. Building and creating those demons who they can blame for the failings. Then they can embark on a distracting war to embolden the support base. Here the demons are Europe, Immigrants, Teachers, Parents refusing to send kids back to school, the courts, laws and regulations.

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    • If things keep on at this rate, he may actually end up with a race war on his hands that he is totally unprepared for. He would then send the military to act against We the People and all hell would break loose, with bodies lying in the streets. As to the demons in your country … ours are much the same, too … those just all fall slightly below systemic racism and a racist president. Sigh.

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  10. “Do you, and/or mabe some of your reade
    rs a few second. s away from TrumpelstiltOrangeskin. The following is a kind of hobby of mine to find words that are internally consistent or inconsistent.
    This one is positive, most are not so much:

    You need a limb to to climb a limb.

    There should be no laughter in slaughter.

    The error in terrror is the care in scare.

    Does anyone have any to add to these?

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    • All good ones, rg! I wish I could think of one … another time, I might be able to, but right now my mind is too full of other things and try though I might, I cannot think of a single one!

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  11. “How many more will it take until the thus-far peaceful Black Lives Matter protests turn into an all-out race war?” People of colour in America will never start a race war in your country, or those living in mine. They are too disadvantaged, too underfunded, too considerate of others. to throw away their lives in an u winnable war–but neither should you expect them to be led like lambs or sheep to the slaughter.*
    People of colour know they are not funded well enough, nor do they enough military-grade weapons. Racial war would be virtual suicde.

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  12. “Does he realize that we are on the brink of a race war that he will have been responsible for starting?” No, Jill, please do not give him credit is none is due. Columbus is the man most responsible for race wars by sugesting to his buddies they bring Africans to the New World to act as slaves for the white men, for the original human inhabitants of the New World could never be used as workers, and the white landowners would need plenty of slave labour to exploit the riches found there.* By so doing, he laid the groundwork for racism in America.
    Trump did not start racism, but he sure as hell is exascerbating it, as well as exploiting it even futher than anyone before him.

    * I cannot remember where I heard this so I cannot cite it, but the memory of it lingŕs in my mind.

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