‘White supremacy’ is really about white degeneracy.’

Excerpted from The Guardian. 11.28.2018

Today’s far-right populists relish the idea that they can be morally contemptible, yet still prevail.

The concept of “white supremacy” is having a moment right now, and understandably so. White resentment, entitlement and bigotry never went away, but it is closer to the political mainstream now than it has been for decades.

The rhetoric of the likes of Donald Trump, Viktor Orbán, Steve Bannon and other figures in the ascendant populist right might not openly embrace “white power”, but there is no doubt that open white racists have been emboldened by them. Trump may have not wanted Richard Spencer (who coined the term “alt right”) to gleefully exclaim: “Hail Trump, hail our people, hail victory” just after the 2016 US election, but he was not particularly bothered by it either.

Trump’s railing against GM can’t change car-market realities.

Excerpted from Wall Street Journal Editorial.  November 27, 2018

President Trump believes he can command markets like King Canute thought he could the tides. But General Motors has again exposed the inability of any politician to arrest the changes in technology and consumer tastes roiling the auto industry.

The President reacted like a spurned suitor.

Mr. Trump thinks his trade machinations can overrule the realities of the marketplace. Fine with us if he wants to end subsidies for all car companies. But if he intervenes to make GM less competitive, Mr. Trump will merely hurt more workers.

SHOW COMMENTS

The Secret of Pelosi’s Success: Democratic opposition melts away as the left gets behind her.

“Look for the Pelosi Democrats to push a $15 national minimum wage, price controls on pharmaceuticals, taxpayer-paid family leave, tax increases on business and high earners to pay for more tax credits or social spending, a “public option” as part of Obama Care and Medicare for pre-retirees. ”  Sounds good to me. I hope the WSJ editorial is correct in its prediction.

Trump at bay: failure looms as Democrats load ‘subpoena cannon’

Sunday News from The Guardian (London)

Trump is approaching the midway point in his presidency and, some argue, a point of no return. The recent midterm elections left him wounded, House Democrats are said to be aiming a “subpoena cannon” at every aspect of his life and special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation appears to be nearing its endgame.

“There’s no doubt we’re entering new territory and Donald Trump is in big trouble,” said Larry Jacobs, the director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota. “The election results, no matter what he says, were devastating to him. The coalition he put together is clearly strained and he seems incapable of creating consensus.”

Rain and a Tiger

The Air Quality Index reads 19 which is fantastic.  All the smoke pollution from the Butte County Fire has been washed away and I look forward to running in the rain by the Pacific Ocean.  I found this marvelous photo of a Tiger in the online Deutsche Welle site. A beautiful animal which protects its territory come rain or shine.

Thanksgiving and What’s Next

The weather is perfect in San Francisco. Cool, blue skies, breeze and clean air.  Once the holiday is over I am looking forward to reading “Night of Camp David,” by Fletcher Knebel. It was originally published in 1965 and has just been reissued. The 1965 novel was very prescient and a cautionary tale about a potential future President.  Guess, what? It’s all come true with The Trumpster.  Finally, today is the 55th anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination.

 

My First Entry

This is my initial post.  I follow world events closely from my perch overlooking the Pacific Ocean in San Francisco. Amazingly, San Francisco has been designated the most polluted City on the Planet as a result of the nearly two weeks old fire 200 miles north of The City in Butte County. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has been dismal and we are looking forward to the soon to commence rain. Despite the admonitions to limit physical exertion I have continued to ride my bike and run in the Park overlooking the local shoreline.