DISPAIR AND THE DONALD

Domination of its citizens via the military is the way of the dictator.  In a move to make a political speech and a photo op at St John’s episcopal church near the White House he walked with his entourage and reporters, held up a prop in the bible, using the sight of the church as a backdrop.  He gave the church elders no warning. It must have been a spur of the moment stage show. He used the church and the bible to project one message and brandishing his military power at the same time.

In order for him to walk the cathedral, he forced peaceful civilian protesters from a Lafayette Park, adjacent to the White House, prior to any curfew.  Horses, tear gas, flash bang grenades and rubber bullets were used to move the peaceful demonstrators, is an image seen in third world countries.  Jimmy Carter walked away from supporting the Shaw of Iran for his same actions.  Who said Trump does not know history, the combination of religion and military domination is the way of the Ayatollah. What could go wrong?  A dictator with a phony religious message?

His message was not of reconciliation or understanding but of a projection of power and frustration the governors are not getting tough on demonstrators.  The insurrection act of 1807 was discussed.  He said “I am mobilizing all federal and local resources, civilian and military, to protect the rights of law abiding Americans,” Trump said in an address at the Rose Garden Monday (6/1/2020) afternoon. “If a city or state refuses to take the actions necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.”

Trump also said, “My administration is fully committed that for George and his family, justice will be served”. “He will not have died in vain. But we cannot allow the righteous cries of peaceful protesters to be drowned out by an angry mob.” He also stated “he would consider sending military into states, even when governors do not request assistance “until the violence has been quelled.” 

Trump said nothing about police reform or empathy for the family.  He had a call with Terence Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, which he spoke and did not let George’s brother state his grievances.  Terence Floyd also spoke with Obama, the difference was, Obama listened and offered he and his family condolences, as any normal human would.

The insurrection act of 1897 consists of sections, which give the criteria for deployment.  The first involves federal “aid” for state governments. It says “at the request of a governor (or a state legislature if the governor is unavailable), the president can send “land or naval forces of the U.S.” … “to suppress [an] insurrection” or” rebellion”.  This was requested by the California governor, during the Rodney King riots of 1992.

The next section states the president may deploy a militia comprised mainly of the national guard (but also other military soldiers) in the events of “unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States.”`  The National Guard is directed by the governor.

There is some belief that the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act dictates, the federal government cannot use active military as an active police force within U.S. borders.  This has not been tested, as governors have always used and activated the National Guard and not regular military using force against its citizens.  The military, when deployed to the southern border was only there to support ice and the police and could not arrest or do any police activity.

The light show continues with the scream “LOOK AT ME PLEASE!” of a desperate bully pounding his chest seeking attention. I am reminded of Shakespeare in the Merchant of Venice saying, “Even the devil can use the scriptures for his own purpose.”

Trump knew his limitations on using the military against his own people and what it could represent. That’s why the limitations are in place.  He had used his authority to activate the regular armed forces in Washington D.C. without any request, and did so with force on a crowd of peaceful protesters in Lafayette park across from the White House.

His use of the church and the Bible was obviously a show, he did not have any empathy for George or his family, he did not quote scripture, did not pray or ask for prayer and didn’t even address any underlying issue of systemic racial inequities in the justice system (Mr. Barr).  He did hold up the bible however, as a prop for his ire.

This obvious show was to promote military response, to show the governors how it’s done.  No sympathy for the George, no condolences for the family, not listening to the frustration of the black community and its obvious grievances.  This is all as a result of the continuous actions by the police going unpunished, as if there is two systems of justice in this country.  This is exacerbated by Trump using his powers to pardon obvious criminals that have performed for the Donald.  Justice for all? Or is it Justice for only those he feels slighted by?

 G7 FULL DISCLOSURE

The Group of 7 countries consist of the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.  The group was specifically set up as a forum for these nations to pursue mutual goals.  Last week Angela Merkel of Germany said she would not attend the June 11^th conference, being held at Camp David and hosted by Donald Trump.   She cited the roaring pandemic here in the U.S., which is still pervasive in Maryland where Camp David is located.

Her action embarrassed the dotard in chief and prompted him to replace her with other countries.  His team also queried as to other countries attendance, other leaders followed Merkle’s lead.  He, being the host, will make it all about himself.  These antics are another show for attention.

He knows the attention he can get with the three-ring circus this group can bring, oh-so close to the election.  He had to reschedule the meeting as a result of the cancellations. There is speculation he will put the show on near or after the U.N. Assembly in September.  I predict the G-7 meeting will be held after the General Assembly finishes meetings and closes the session near September 30^th.  The problem with this gambit is that the United Nations has discussed a virtual assembly meeting.

Trump also has invited other countries including Russia.  Russia was kicked out of the G-8 for violation of the sovereignty of another country. They invaded and annexed Crimea, which belongs to Ukraine.  You know Ukraine, Biden, Giuliani and impeachment?  Is Trump wiping his posterior with the Group, getting even with Ukraine for being neutral on his perfect phone call, and siding with Putin on his continued occupation?  Oh boy, three lumps of dung for the Donald!

The conference will happen. It gives the Donald an ideal platform to air his grievances, blame others for his lack of leadership and the virus outcome.  He will lament about how he is treated, deflect and throw blame at the WHO and China for his mistakes, resort to name calling, general lying, harp on the mail-in ballot lies, and make the conference just another propaganda ridden shit show completely scripted by the stable genius.  Watch out for all the distractions coming to you via the Commander in Chief. In the meantime, he will continue to sow division and incite his tribe, white supremacists, and other MAGA types to join the fray.

The GOP rising star Bobby Jindal, the former republican governor of Louisiana, was correct when he called the Republican party “The party of Stupid”  Trump’s ability to lie with impunity, liable, slander and accost individuals for perceived punishment or for lack of servitude.

 He berates professionals, only allows grifters and sycophants to be around to stroke his ego, and continually seeks the spotlight.  His philosophy is to deflect from his lack of leadership, competence, and empathy.  He communicates with a 4^th grade vocabulary lives as a continuous snake oil salesman.  He is always on his craft and makes obvious divisive decisions meant to upset anyone on a daily basis. 

No wonder Angela declined, I myself would have thought twice and may have used any excuse not to go to the G-7 meeting myself.  It will go on, Trump will have his day in the klieg lights and set off fireworks, just watch.  He will try any cost have face to face and not video meetings all for the show.  After all, he is in election mode and he will continue to have this type of “look at me” moments.