So it’s all about Donald Trump’s responsibility: is he or is he not responsible for what this latest of esteemed Floridian Cesar Sayoc did, sending pipe bombs to all of Trump’s topmost targets of hate.
His supporters say no, of course not–the same supporters who spent the eight Obama years accusing that Muslim terrorist of being divisive just because, say, he did not applaud cops every time they gunned down an unarmed black man. Trump’s detractors will say yes, of course he’s responsible even though they seemed perfectly OK with the message Hillary Clinton sent women and girls–not to mention the blame-the-victim message she sent predators–when she vilified her husband’s rather justified accusers.
The temptation is to make all sorts of equivalencies and equivocations. But let’s not be cowards or sophists in Kellyanne Conway’s pay about it.
I’ve never much believed in most of what poses as cause and effect reasoning. Violent video games don’t turn people into mass murderers anymore than blood and gore movies do, otherwise the only seven people on earth who’d not be murderers are in an isolated biosphere somewhere–and it’s probably them you have to worry about most. Pornography doesn’t make serial rapists of every man or woman who watches it anymore than watching stand-up comedy makes everyone a stand-up comic.
And for all the unfortunate similarities between pornography and Fox News–conceding of course that pornography is more wholesome, honest and desirable–we can’t very well go around accusing Fox of much irresponsibility even as it depraves and perverts reality if we agree that a) we’re all defenders of free expression no matter who the purveyor, b) Fox News is in the comedy and porn business, as its fair-and-balanced disclaimer and lewd patriotism make clear up front.
So when it paints immigrants, black lives, muslims, liberals, transgender people, the “mainstream media” and the rest of Trump’s herd of hate as un-American tumors that must be excised to keep the republic from going the way of Scandinavia, it’s understood that the network is peddling pre-packaged gratification that’s been as apple pie as the Mayflower’s cargo since that bunch of miserable bigots reached these shores.
There’s always been an audience for such nationalistic yarns just as there’s always been fans of British royalty or believers in Martians, angels and hell. It’s also understood that if some people really believe that stuff–we’ve always had that segment of Coughlinists and Birchers and McCarthyists and Goldwaterites and other paranoiacs–most don’t.
The problem isn’t the yarn, or even when people like Cesar Sayoc take it seriously. The problem is when a president does. That’s been Trump’s doing. He’s turned xenophobia, bigotry and violence into gospel, weaponizing it all in the hands of otherwise harmless imbeciles who now feel empowered to go around mailing bombs, to chant “Jews will not replace us,” and, as I learned even as I was writing this–because that’s our America: it is a daily testament to the depravities of born-again fanatics–to gun down Jews at a synagogue in, of all places, Pittsburgh: so much for being “elected to represent the people of Pittsburgh, not Paris,” monsieur le président.
Liberalism isn’t doing this. Immigrant hordes aren’t doing this. God knows even al-Qaeda and ISIS aren’t doing this, to their eternal surprise and certain delight. Even Fox News isn’t doing this: it is neither that capable nor influential. But Trumpism is.
What Trump has never grasped–or what he refuses to concede, because it would neutralize the Cult of Trump–is that the presidency isn’t a news outlet, it’s not a Twitter feed or a narcissist’s stage. It’s not even the man who occupies it. It’s the sum total of who we are and what we aspire to be. No word out of any news outlet’s talking heads moves markets, starts wars or changes entire nation’s policies. A word from the American president does. Trump knows it. But in his hands it’s been reduced to a cult of one appealing to the basest motivations of the basest impulses, the worst of what we are, the vilest of what we always have the potential to be.
This president’s first instinct as the pipe bombs were circulating this week was to blame CNN. His first instinct during Charlottesville’s homage to Kristallnacht was to declare “some” of the neo-Nazis “fine people.” His go-to playbook at rallies is to get the crowd to verbally lynch CNN and reporters. His first instinct, which happens to be his great joy, is to debase.
We can delude ourselves into thinking that his most abject followers are just mentally ill outliers, the way we love to do after mass shootings, as if those killers had no connection to their surroundings, as if they reflected nothing of what we have become. But Trump can’t have it both ways. He can’t revel in his powers of denigration and incitement then take cover behind a bogus sense of outrage and his usual deflections when the incitement and denigration arm fuses and kill people.
This is his doing. Absolutely. Irrevocably. Many of us are no longer safe in our own country, from our own president. And he’s not the man to stop it. Only feed more of it.
Pierre Tristam is FlaglerLive’s editor. Reach him by email here or follow him @PierreTristam.
Rhonda says
Eloquently and beautifully stated.
Traveling Rep says
Hey Pierre, Spartacus just called – He’d like his costume back…
Thirteen little paragraphs that fully display the platform of the democratic party, it’s all they have to clutch to…They HATE Trump! Nothing more, nothing less. Well aside from killing babies, they like that too.
Your President (and mine), Donald J Trump, is no more responsible for some nut job sending bombs to people than that communist you love so much (Bernie), being responsible for the whacko that shot up Steve Scalise during softball practice. The hypocrisy is overwhelming here. Get over yourself.
mausborn says
Trump brings out the best in everyone. Trump’s America. He alone is responsible for creating a divided nation. Like pre war Germany. Where did trump think the energy from all that hatred he spews was gonna go?? America is suffering right now and we can do something about it. Please vote! And hug your family and friends today. We have a president who declared that he was a “nationalist” to rally his hateful followers. So what can we expect..Trump is doing a great job dividing this this country. Another two years of this, he’s pathetic.
BMW says
Yawn!
mausborn says
The sooner we all recognize that the president of the United States is helping to radicalize a new generation of angry far-right men, the better. Trump’s famously loyal base has been radicalized, and while only the tiniest fraction will resort to political violence, neither the President nor the hollow shell of the GOP will do anything to stop it! Should the authorities be looking for other radicalized MAGA-ites?
Dc says
Of course Pierre… it’s the crazy trump people…and those born again nuts ??… .. & crazy trump… and of course, non of those sweet dems have said anything close to it… can u say Maxine? Booker? Really ??? And notice how none of the other dems tell them to knock it off… I’m guessing they enjoy it? Pleaseeeeee. Can we blame crazy on CRAZY … you can’t have it both ways…your so one sided it’s sickening.
The Truth says
When a president talks evil, hate and violence, others act on that. This is not what any of us expect from the president, but this is what we have right now. He blames the news, he blames everyone but himself. Every rally he hold’s is saying negative things about others. It is never about how he is helping our country. Is this what our country wants and is about? I hope not. Please go out an vote, only you can change it.
The Republican party has closed their eyes to what their party has become, and they should all be ashamed of themselves.
gmath55 says
So, does that mean all the mass shootings during Barrack Obama administration is Barrack Obama doing. Absolutely, Irrevocably.
Pierre Tristam says
Gmath, since you’re on this site 21 hours a day policing other people’s grammar maybe you can do me a little favor and show me just one clip, just one, of the Muslim terrorist Kenyan hate monger Barack Hussein inciting or endorsing or praising violence at any of his rallies and public appearances going back to his Indonesian indoctrination days. Just one gmath. Just one.
marlee says
Media…the only “check and balance” we have left.
thank you…..
thomas says
Hogwash. The progressives are the cause of the problem.
Pierre Tristam says
I guess there’s a direct connection between progressives’ ballbusting obsession with political correctness and diversity and their habit of mailing bombs and mowing down Jews.
Veteran says
It’s been two years since Hillary lost. Get over it. You’re all acting like a 4 year old that didn’t get what he wanted.
Fredrick says
Complete BS Pierre unless you want to say that Bernie was responsible for the shooting of Republican congressman or YOU and your anti Israel and anti Trump editorials is responsible for the shooting and MURDER today at a synagogue by a Trump hater. You and the liberal left double standard is what pisses people off and what continues to be the demise of the once great Democrat party. Until your party stops with the BS and starts to listening to the people of this country you will continue to bring out the silent majority who are going to turn your bluse wave into a rain drop. From the #metoo moment (believe all woman unless they are accusing a liberal), to this kind of crap you are writing is your downfall.. Where are the liberals taking responsibility for anything? That’s a trick question Pierre. Liberals never take responsibility for anything including themselves.
Lou says
Pierre, before the usual actors open up against you, let me just say, You should be writing for a national media.
Keep it up, regardless what …ump supporters will accuse of doing and calling you names.
gmath55 says
Yep, I saw President Trump get the envelopes, stamps, and bomb material for Cesar Sayoc the bomb suspect and hand the packages over to him so he could send them.
But, President Trump’s approval rating keeps going up.
I Love The Poorly Educated says
As with any article that lays out facts against Trumpo fans reply back with ad hominem replies/attacks. You know why? In whatever conscience they have left they realize Trumpo is morally inept. They wouldn’t want someone like him as a family member, brother, husband, etc. What he has is the (R) next to his name and they will look past EVERYTHING for it. Meanwhile Trumpo has set the Republican party back for quite sometime all for 4 years of “glory”!
Also, please link or quote any time Bernie Sanders claimed someone was the enemy of the people?
Sherry says
Excellent article Pierre!
For the love of yourselves and your family and your country AND your community and neighbors VOTE!
VOTE OUT HATE!
VOTE OUT FEAR!
VOTE OUT BIGOTRY!
VOTE OUT SEXISM AND MISOGYNY!
VOTE OUT DISHONESTY AND CORRUPTION!
VOTE OUT GREED!
VOTE IN LOVE!
VOTE IN HONESTY!
VOTE IN EQUALITY!
VOTE IN TRUST!
VOTE IN COMPASSION!
VOTE IN ETHICS!
VOTE IN INTEGRITY!
VOTE IN HONOR!
VOTE IN PATRIOTISM!
VOTE IN A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT!
These are the darkest times I have known in our country. Hug your loved ones and pray that sanity returns. . . beginning with our elected officials!
VOTE FOR SANITY!
gmath55 says
@ The Truth – the Democrats should be ashamed of themselves! Did you forget Kathy Griffin Shows Severed Trump Head, Rep. Maxine Waters on Trump administration: ‘Tell them they’re not welcome’, Eric Holder Calls For Physical VIOLENCE “When They Go Low, We Kick Them!”, Hillary Clinton says Democrats can’t be civil right now, Cory Booker Agrees With Maxine On Harassing Trump Staffers: “Nothing Wrong With Confronting” Them, Rosie O’Donnell calls for military to get Trump, Madonna: Thought About Blowing up White House, and on and and they go! I didn’t see or read a Republican blaming anybody.
I mean really you are going to go there?
Geezer says
Cesar Sayoc released a collection of his favorite songs on CD recently.
The CD is titled “Cobfefe.”
Track listing:
1..Fake News
2..Grab Them By The Pussy (A Cat Song)
3..Sticky Little Fingers
4..How Orange Is My Valley
5..Stormy (Daniels) Weather
6..You’re Hired, You’re Fired
7..Bye Bye Mooch
8..I Can’t Help Tweeting You
9..Another Diet Coke On The Wall
10.Help Me Fox
11.The Bomb Thing
12.Toilet Paper On My Shoe
13.Bleeding From “Wherever”
Outsider says
Actually, it seems Bowers was an anti-Semite who did not support Trump.
Very Worried says
Thank you Pierre for your voice of reason, again. Trump has blood on his hands…but he is not the only one. When those elected officials stand by and do NOTHING to disallow assault rifles or any kind of gun control what so ever, the blood is on their hands too. I wonder how they sleep at night. This pseudo president is like the match that has lighted the wick of crazy in this country.
lou says
Very Worried,
You are so right.
It is not only Trump who got blood on his hand but every President who started a war.
How about the voters who voted for the Presidents?
Just something to think about.
Beverly Beach Retiree says
Agree with your viewpoint 100%, and as one of the few Jewish folks living in Flagler Beach, I now know what my Great Grandparents must have felt, as they watched the Progroms in Russia….the massacre today was a direct result, IMHO of a madman who was empowered by a Zealot (IDIOT) who is unfortunately the President of our Country…G-D help us all.
Veteran says
Sherry, so in others words vote republican!
gmath55 says
@ Pierre Tristam – I wasn’t even going to look into it but……….. I became curious.
Top 5 Most Violent Obama Quotes Ever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYM6UjwwP90
Mr. Obama said in reference to the general election rumble with the Republicans: “If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun.”
Pierre Tristam says
Gmath, thanks for playing.
https://youtu.be/cGZkCPo7tC0
TPG - Voice of Truth says
Trump is a plague upon the civilized world. His is the voice of hate, fear and exclusion. He has awakened all that is evil in America. We must not let him and his followers destroy what it has taken generations and countless lives to build. We still had flaws but we were making progress towards a just society. We had the evil of racism, misogyny, xenophobia and anti-semitism cornered and were beating it back. Trump dug down to the depths of ugly Americanism and decades of progress is lost. He must be stopped. He must be so utterly humiliated and defeated that none of his ilk would dare debase and defile the presidency again.
Mark says
Is he responsible for your driving habits, washing your dishes, your liberalism? Get a grip an take responsible for your own actions!
jake says
@mausborn, “Trump brings out the best in everyone. Trump’s America. He alone is responsible for creating a divided nation.”
Clearly you slept through the Obama years.
@marlee, “Media…the only “check and balance” we have left.”
Nonsense, MSM is tainted by self-absorbed people, many without morals, and most without ethics.
@sherry, cry me a river.
@pierre, “Did you forget Kathy Griffin Shows Severed Trump Head, Rep. Maxine Waters on Trump administration: ‘Tell them they’re not welcome’, Eric Holder Calls For Physical VIOLENCE “When They Go Low, We Kick Them!”, Hillary Clinton says Democrats can’t be civil right now, Cory Booker Agrees With Maxine On Harassing Trump Staffers: “Nothing Wrong With Confronting” Them, Rosie O’Donnell calls for military to get Trump, Madonna: Thought About Blowing up White House, and on and they go!”
Didn’t see your article claiming their behavior was unacceptable.
And now you’re comparing Fox news to the porn business. Even for you that’s a new low.
Steadfastandloyal says
gmath good points, no rebuttal on the left’s promoting violence giving a pass to antifa as well..pierre spews this nonsense and the snowflakes melt all over him. He should write for the Times or Propublica whose propaganda he spews on this site frequently
Disgusted says
The division of our country was laid to rest for the most part except for those who are just plain ignorant. Unfortunately, last Presidency made it his agenda to create the great divide once again. No politician is perfect but we as American’s with the right to vote in our leaders need to have learned from the past mistakes that who we need to lead our country needs to be one who believe that America is great and is respectable to lead our country and not make us the laughing stock of the World. I pray that in upcoming elections we will have a choice of a candidate who we can vote for that we actually have faith in leading our great country and not be put in the position of voting for one evil over another. In the meantime regardless who I voted for I will respect our President as he is our President as it is the right thing to do.
Rob Jr says
“Make no mistake, these terrorists were encouraged and emboldened by the hate speech of Donald Trump. If you can’t see the clear menace of this man’s influence by now then you are a part of it.”
J.C.
Mary says
This country divided long before this administration! The last president and his wife, especially, promoted discrimination.All the riots, all the shootings, all the anger, is coming from the Dems. The hatred is so big, they can’t see any truth!
atilla says
Media and checks and balance. The media and their distorted liberal publications are a big reason for our seperation. If they would let the people choose instead of being threatened by the media with the sky is falling crap maybe we can get along.
Richard says
Way to go Pierre and your supporters. You’re on a roll! SMH
MarkingTheDays says
Without the media, no one would ever know what the government was up to until it was too late.
Thank you, Flagler Live, for continued excellent work as the fourth branch of government.
Bc. says
Get use to it TRUMP will be around till 2024MAGA🇺🇸
Makeitso1701 says
The Kool aid that the trumpsters have been drinking must be very potent. How else can one explain the willingness to dismiss everything that is in front of them and still support this monster.
I think it was John Adams that said “Facts are a stubborn thing”. Trumpsters are entitled to their opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts. Wake up people, stop watching Fake Fox news channel and stop listening Rush Lickpaw. Drop your racist, hate and trump cult flags.
The truth shall set you free.
Shark says
Netts was just a landon lackey !!!!
gmath55 says
Robert Bowers Politics: He Wrote He Didn’t Vote For Trump
In the case of Robert Bowers (suspect synagogue shooter), though, his writings on social media indicate he wrote that he did not vote for Trump and held some animosity toward the president because he saw him as a “globalist” who was not doing enough against Jewish people.
Mr. Bowers also extended his anger to the president, whom he accused of not going far enough to achieve the political goals Mr. Bowers wanted.
Frank Zedar says
Pierre – I’m sure you see it as intellectually appealing to your target audience.
Yet it is you, with accusatory smugness like this, that is spewing the hate
and fanning the flames of discontent.
Sherry says
LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL!
I love it when people make complete asses of themselves! Thanks sooooooo much Veteran, Jake, Richard and GMath55. . . my laugh of the day! LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL!
All the more reason for educated people of conscious to make sure to get out and VOTE!
DERRICK REDDDER says
But yet POTUS 44 did such a wonderful job, or have you forgotten his role in following the Alinsky Socialist Playbook, read chapter and verse to him by Rev. Wright. I could say you have forgotten what it means to be a patriot. But it seems you never knew as your allegiance is not by birth but by a piece of paper. Perhaps you should speak to a few folks that have escaped the Iron Fists of Communism or the economic suffering of Socialism and see how they feel about living in the Greatest country in the world. A country in which democracy has shined bright longer than any nation on the planet.
S Peters says
Thank you Pierre…I agree. Some folks here just can’t get it I see. I’m not surprised.
capt says
This country was divided during the IRAQ war and has NOT stopped its division since. FYI;, Trump will be out at the next Presidential election,. He is a one shot and not even a wonder.
Bill says
Trump’s Responsibility NOPE its not.
Should he pick his words better yup but he is not a life long politician. IMO the true villains in these incidents are the ones who DID it. We on both side like to poke at the other and say SEE WHAT YOUR SIDE HAS SAID. That is what should stop put blame where it truly belongs at the feet of those who do this. Yes have fierce and open debates on topics like this but lets stop trying to vilify the other guy to make your case.
Concerned Citizen says
Several things to point out here.
1.) Mr. Trump is one of the worst Presidents in our history to hold our office. I may be required to respect the office but I certainly don’t respect the man. I’m waiting day by day until he ends his terms. Or gets impeached and ends up in a Federal Corrections Facility wit the rest of his crew.
2.) Hillary was no better off. They just couldn’t get enough evidence to stick. You can claim innocence all you want but when the FBI interviews you for hours on your personal jet it’s not for coffee and cake.
3.) We now live in a society where no one is personally held accountable for their actions. Murdered people? It was politics that made me do it. And don’t forget the mental health card. DUI and hurt people? It was the alcohols fault not mine. Robbed someone? They had stuff and I wanted it and was to lazy to work. There’s always an excuse when it most likely boils down to the person being a hateful asshole who just wanted to hurt people.
onthefly says
I am leaving to go to worship/ church. Just put my pistol in the back of my pants.
What has this country come to? Don’t feel safe to go to church.
For real !
Sunshine says
All you liberals do is complain about the Republicans rhetoric but all I see and here is is the democratis lying making up stories and the liberal news hiding stories etc. the democratis are so mad they lost the elections they figure they would try and do whatever the can to take back power. But the country is doing so well they will fail big time. Just read this Pathetic article it is exactly what I am talking about don’t you liberals realize that you lost and the country is tired of your lies(if you can keep your doctor) etc. I can go on and on with the lies. So get over it and join the rest of the country and support our president,you might as well he will be elected again in 2020 big time.
Edith Campins says
Thank you Pierre, again. No matter what the facts are the trump cult supporters don’t care. They will argue, but Obama, but Hilary, they will continue to excuse trump’s vulgarity, they will continue to make excuses, for his erratic behavior. To this day no one has been able to point out a single story in the media that wasn’t factually correct. His followers don’t care, they refuse to see that the media is simply, accurately reporting his
actions.
marlee says
To gmath55….
Watching Trump TV too much?…. Rump’s approval rating now stands at 39 percent, down 3 percentage points from last month.
William Moya says
“We can delude ourselves into thinking that his most abject followers are just mentally ill outliers”, or that once
Trump is gone and/or Democrats take control everything will be hunky-dory. The 40-45% of his supporters
aren’t going any place, the corrupt political system we inherited that’s rigid making it impossible to have any
sort of a makeover (Trump calls it rigged), couple this with Capitalism, et voila, repression and oppression
ingredients necessary to maintain the status quo, or are they? Maybe the empire is starting to crumble.
Rich says
Great story Pierre! I voted for trump and regret it. He is unprofessional , embarrassing and trash with cash. I like some things he is doing but essentially he really has divided the country even more than Obama. (It started with him) I’m a registered republican and I will be voting democrat and NP for our county. We have a little trump wanna be hanging out at the PC library ,begging for votes,that will divide this county how trump has dived our nation. Please wake up people and start voting for the person and not the party. Do your research so we don’t have ,already rich candidates , wanting to get richer off us middle class.
Sherry says
Pierre. . . the Strawman “thang”. . . PRICELESS!
Rich. . . thank you for your comment and wisdom. I love the “trash with cash” description of trump.
Our friends in Europe really think many of our citizens have completely lost their minds for voting for such an immoral person. trump is a “laughing stock” all over Western Europe. I often say, “if only he were not so very dangerous in a thousand different ways”.
While I agree the Democrats seem rudderless. . . because they focus too much on consensus building and not enough on leading. . . the Democrats most certainly are “BY FAR” the lesser of two evils.
I personally, would love to see us somehow accomplish radical political reform and get the MONET OUT AND CORRUPTION OUT of the entire process of elections and governing. No more large campaign contributions, and no more lobbying, beyond making a presentation or expressing an opinion. Unfortunately, I don’t see how that will ever happen because Congress will NEVER vote against anything that stops the lining of their own pockets.
VOTE BLUE! The very soul of our civilization and country is at stake!
gmath55 says
@ Sherry – So, when people have a different opinion then you we are Asses? Didn’t your parents teach you not to be a potty mouth? Now, that really shows your education level. LOL, LOL
All of my comments I researched and found to be true except the one about Barrack Obama administration mass shooting doing and Trump helping Cesar Sayoc the bomb suspect. Those were sarcasm but without anything between your ears you wouldn’t get it! I even told Pierre Tristam it was sarcasm.
I get it. You think because of Trump’s rhetoric it caused Cesar Sayoc the bomb suspect to send those packages. That just isn’t true! Trump didn’t tell him to do it or physically hand those packages to him. Barrack Obama used rhetoric too and I proved it in the comments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYM6UjwwP90. What you fail to see and others like you is the hysterical rhetoric is on BOTH sides, the Democrats saying it is all one-sided isn’t true. Time for both sides to step back and look to build some bridges. The media should also take a look at how partisan they’re being.
gmath55 says
@ marlee – Ever use goggle and the Internet?
Trump’s approval rating is going up – but voters still want Democrats to take Congress (Oct. 22, 2018)
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/10/22/18008648/midterms-poll-trump-approval-rating-democrats-congress
Trump’s job approval rating drops 3 points in NPR poll (Oct. 26, 2018)
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/413275-trumps-job-approval-rating-dips
Donald Trump’s Weekly Job Approval Trend
https://news.gallup.com/poll/203198/presidential-approval-ratings-donald-trump.aspx
So, marlee the approval rating fluctuates. And, as we all learned from the last election that polls mean nothing!
PS – I am an Independent so I have no game in the matter.
KJ says
To use Trump’s own reasoning, if Jihadists are “Islamic Terrorists” then the “MAGA Bomber” is a Trumpublican Terrorist
palmcoaster says
I have no regrets simply because I didn’t vote for this mad man as I saw the writing in the wall…
just sayin says
Obama really did “transform this country”. The divide was started with him and has only progressed thru the years. I see nothing good in the future. As we progress into a Socialist country, the divide will only grow.
Sherry, Does Andrew “FBI” Gillum check all your boxes you write about? Honesty? Maybe the “educated” don’t let facts get in the way.
Just Sayin
tulip says
Ask yourselves: Is what this country has become the way you would like it to be for your children and grandchildren in the future? How you vote will be your answer. Think about it in a totally bi partisan and realistic manner and then decide if you would like the person that presently holds the office of President to be a role model for the younger generation coming up, and the current generation he is now influencing in one manner or another.
Flaglerborn says
Pierre,
I’m dissapointed in you keeping the hate alive by these articles. Once I was opened minded until the continued bias I see. It’s funny and sad at the same time!
Sherry says
OH OH! Your bigotry is showing. . . Twice elected (by popular vote as well) President Obama did NOT divide our country. . . the “white” REACTION to a person of color in the Presidency did. What if Gillum were “white”. . . honestly, would he get soooooooo much resistance?
While Gillum certainly is not my ideal. . . Gillum is FAR BETTER than “do nothing”, trump “mini me” De Santis!
I’m no longer a child. Being an educated, self made, successful “empowered” woman. . . who has no problem with calling them as I see them. . . has absolutely nothing to do with the education I learned at my mother’s knee. More like just keen observation of “straw men” on my part. . . LOL! LOL! LOL!
Like beloved President Obama, I, too, believe “I” am certainly EQUAL to any “white” man!
Excellent point Tulip!
Michael Cocchiola says
Ummm…NO! What a role model, A lying, cheating racist buffoon in the White House or anybody else on the planet with the possible exceptions of Putin and Un. That would be just more of the same.
Michael Cocchiola says
But he does bear some responsibility, Travelling Rep. His hateful and often incendiary rhetoric at his rallies and in his tweets are clear proof that he is whipping up his base for the November election. The MAGA Bomber is the personification of his base. The Synagogue shooter surely read and heard his contempt for Jews. His base is armed and fully capable of killing when they get the go sign, Sooner or later Trump will turn them loose in force.
mausborn says
If Andrew Gillum is a thief because a colleague is being investigated, what does that make the occupant of the White House, considering the indictments of so many of Trump’s colleagues? WOW! I think you mean a choice between a privileged White Supremacist molding himself in your image, or Andrew Gillum, a true American who believes in a country that works for everyone despite their race, sexuality, religion or gender.
Veteran says
Wife and I just voted – straight Republican! Scott, DeSantis, etc. MAGA.
MarkingTheDays says
It’s the duty of journalists to be watchdogs of government, not lapdogs.
Agkistrodon says
Regardless of what happens in this election, there is one fact, after the election Donald J Trump will STILL be President. And if the Dems take the house, guess what, like Barry, he has a Pen and a Phone, and all you whiners seemed to like it when Barry did it. Let see if your tune is sung differently now. Enjoy that.
The Truth says
Thank you Pierre for your article. Donald Trump started his hate rally’s right after he was elected, and they haven’t stopped since. He doesn’t have time to be a real President of America he would prefer jumping on Air Force One and go do a pep rally. He gets off on people raising his signs and agreeing with his insults and hate.
His followers are now starting to act on what he has been promoting for 2 yrs now. insulting people that disagree with him, and telling people it is all fake news when if fact the news is reporting factual truth about him. But he tells his pep committee followers that he is the victim. No the real victims are the American people that are watching our country go down the tubes.
The Truth says
For those that are voting Republican, which is your privilege as for those that vote Democrat. When, your social security is cut by the Republicans, your medicare, and whatever privilege they feel they want to take from you, let us know who you may decide to vote for in the next election. The Republicans in Washington are not for the people, they are feeding their own pockets for the wealthy.
just sayin says
So anti cop Obama has NO responsibility with the five cops shot in Dallas or the two murdered in their patrol car in NYC.. You can’t have it both ways. Hell, he was accusing cops of being racist his first few months in office. Where was your outrage then Pierre.
The “VICTIM” mentality because he is was black is getting old. I would have no problem voting for Tim Scott of South Carolina or John James of Michigan. It’s because of their conservative beliefs, not their skin color. I understand most Democrats look at them as Uncle Tom’s. Who the bigot NOW. Be careful before you judge someone because of their party affiliation.
Sherry Epley says
Please do more than follow the FOX “cult” into brainwashed idiocy.
For example. . . Here’s a report on President Obama’s letter to police and meetings with police leaders in 2016:
President Obama published an open letter to law enforcement Tuesday, saying that in the wake of two deadly shootings that claimed eight officers’ lives, “We proclaim loudly our appreciation for the acts of service you perform as part of your daily routine.”
“Every day, you confront danger so it does not find our families, carry burdens so they do not fall to us, and courageously meet test after test to keep us safe,” he wrote. “Thank you for your courageous service. We have your backs.”
While the president has made a point in recent days of saying there is no justification for attacking police officers, he has faced strong criticism for not doing enough to defend law enforcement over the past few years as police misconduct has come under intense scrutiny after deadly clashes with civilians — primarily African-American men — in communities of color.
On Tuesday afternoon the president met with Attorney General Loretta Lynch, FBI director James B. Comey, director of the FBI, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and three other top advisers to discuss policing reform.
“I strongly believe that there is no contradiction between us protecting our officers and honoring our officers,” Obama said after the meeting, “and making sure that they have all the tools they need to do their job and building trust between police officers and departments and the communities that they serve.”
“We have a lot of work to do,” the president added. “This is not going to be something we can do just from this office, or from the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security. This is something that is going to have to be bottom-up.”
Obama met privately last week with several law enforcement officers for two hours, and later that same week invited multiple police officials to join him in a four-hour meeting with a range of individuals involved in pushing for policing reform. He also traveled to Dallas to speak at a memorial for the five officers killed by a lone gunman during a peaceful protest march earlier this month.
[Inside Obama’s radical experiment in national reconciliation]
In the letter, the president wrote that the nation collectively mourns the deaths of three Baton Rouge officers on Sunday — Montrell Jackson, Matthew Gerald and Brad Garafola — and must not allow those kinds of violent act to turn Americans against one another.
“Officer Jackson knew this too, when just days ago he asked us to keep hatred from our hearts. Instead, he offered—to protestors and fellow police officers alike—a hug to anyone who saw him on the street,” he wrote. “He offered himself as a fellow worshipper to anyone who sought to pray. Today, we offer our comfort and our prayers to his family, to the Geralds and the Garafolas, and to the tight-knit Baton Rouge law enforcement community.”
The president reiterated the point that he made during his speech last week in Dallas, that Americans cannot expect police officers to serve as social workers or address all the needs of impoverished communities. The Fraternal Order of Police, which posted the president’s open letter on its Facebook page, added a comment asking for Americans to engage in a national dialogue on the issue.
“We can and do provide the best quality law enforcement that we can but we cannot be held responsible for the social issues such as poverty, lack of mental health services, unemployment, and abject poverty,” the group said. “The work now is to assist our communities by continuing to recognize that we are but one spoke in the wheel and we will do our part.”
Some groups have been pressing for Obama to light the White House in blue as an homage to the fallen officers, just as he lit it in rainbow colors to celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriage and in pink to promote breast-cancer awareness.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest has repeatedly indicated that’s not something the president plans to do.
“But the president dedicated a lot of time to this, both in substance and in symbolism,” Earnest told Fox News’s Kevin Corke during Monday’s White House briefing. “The president’s strong support for American law enforcement officers is crystal-clear.”
Below is the full text of Obama’s letter:
To the brave members of our Nation’s law enforcement community:
Every day, you confront danger so it does not find our families, carry burdens so they do not fall to us, and courageously meet test after test to keep us safe. Like Dallas officer Lorne Ahrens, who bought dinner for a homeless man the night before he died, you perform good deeds beyond the call of duty and out of the spotlight. Time and again, you make the split-second decisions that could mean life or death for you and many others in harm’s way. You endure the tense minutes and long hours over lifetimes of service.
Every day, you accept this responsibility and you see your colleagues do their difficult, dangerous jobs with equal valor. I want you to know that the American people see it, too. We recognize it, we respect it, we appreciate it, and we depend on you. And just as your tight-knit law enforcement family feels the recent losses to your core, our Nation grieves alongside you. Any attack on police is an unjustified attack on all of us.
I’ve spent a lot of time with law enforcement over the past couple of weeks. I know that you take each of these tragedies personally, and that each is as devastating as a loss in the family. Sunday’s shooting in Baton Rouge was no different. Together, we mourn Montrell Jackson, Matthew Gerald, and Brad Garafola. Each was a husband. Each was a father. Each was a proud member of his community. And each fallen officer is one too many. Last week, I met with the families of the Dallas officers who were killed, and I called the families of those who were killed in the line of duty yesterday in Baton Rouge. I let them know how deeply we ache for the loss of their loved ones.
Some are trying to use this moment to divide police and the communities you serve. I reject those efforts, for they do not reflect the reality of our Nation. Officer Jackson knew this too, when just days ago he asked us to keep hatred from our hearts. Instead, he offered—to protestors and fellow police officers alike—a hug to anyone who saw him on the street. He offered himself as a fellow worshipper to anyone who sought to pray. Today, we offer our comfort and our prayers to his family, to the Geralds and the Garafolas, and to the tight-knit Baton Rouge law enforcement community.
As you continue to serve us in this tumultuous hour, we again recognize that we can no longer ask you to solve issues we refuse to address as a society. We should give you the resources you need to do your job, including our full-throated support. We must give you the tools you need to build and strengthen the bonds of trust with those you serve, and our best efforts to address the underlying challenges that contribute to crime and unrest.
As you continue to defend us with quiet dignity, we proclaim loudly our appreciation for the acts of service you perform as part of your daily routine. When you see civilians at risk, you don’t see them as strangers. You see them as your own family, and you lay your life on the line for them. You put others’ safety before your own, and you remind us that loving our country means loving one another. Even when some protest you, you protect them. What is more professional than that? What is more patriotic? What is a prouder example of our most basic freedoms—to speech, to assembly, to life, and to liberty? And at the end of the day, you have a right to go home to your family, just like anybody else.
Robert Kennedy, once our Nation’s highest-ranking law enforcement official, lamented in the wake of unjust violence a country in which we look at our neighbors as people “with whom we share a city, but not a community.” This is a time for us to reaffirm that what makes us special is that we are not only a country, but also a community. That is true whether you are black or white, whether you are rich or poor, whether you are a police officer or someone they protect and serve.
With that understanding—an understanding of the goodness and decency I have seen of our Nation not only in the past few weeks, but throughout my life—we will get through this difficult time together.
We will do it with the love and empathy of public servants like those we have lost in recent days. We will do it with the resilience of cities like Dallas that quickly came together to restore order and deepen unity and understanding. We will do it with the grace of loved ones who even in their grief have spoken out against vengeance toward police. We will do it with the good will of activists like those I have sat with in recent days, who have pledged to work together to reduce violence even as they voice their disappointments and fears.
As we bind up our wounds, we must come together to ensure that those who try to divide us do not succeed. We are at our best when we recognize our common humanity, set an example for our children of trust and responsibility, and honor the sacrifices of our bravest by coming together to be better.
Thank you for your courageous service. We have your backs.
Sue says
I also look at this verbal responsibility issue two ways. Yes Trump needs to cleanup his act and watch what he says, and then about his comments and their outcome if that is possible, but on the other hand, the media should do the same, the media these days appears to do more instigating than actual reporting. . Trumpo makes some stupid comment without thinking and the media goes all nuts, and then Trump responds and its a lose lose position.
Sherry says
Sue. . . I agreed with you completely.
If the mainstream media would just STOP reporting on every “horrific, lying” trump tweet they would completely take the wind out of his fear and hate filled bull horn. trump is an insecure narcissistic megalomaniac. He turns absolutely everything into something about him. He is completely obsessed with having his name in the headlines, no matter what those headlines say.
trump plays the mainstream media like a fiddle. They actually put him in office because millions of Americans are non-thinking enough that they will vote for the name they see the most in the news. . . no matter who it is. trump knows that “ALL Publicity is Good Publicity”. . . and the main stream media gives him plenty every single day.