President Donald J. Trump

[K_Dubb]

Though for the most part, the Nixon and especially LBJ tapes were more domestic orientated. I actually wish we still had that system and, after some years, like paper archives, they would be released. The LBJ stuff is especially fascinating because he, quite literally, will be on the horn with MLK Jr or another civil rights guy and be "all on their sides" etc and then a minute later be on the phone with some firebrand racist Senator from the South and be "talking about that nigra" etc. And dealing with, especially in Senate, between the various regional interests, old money, land money, old south, new south, progressive upper mid-west, new conservative new west, etc. Pure politician, that, despite his nay-sayers, got things done and advanced his agenda, which was "progressive" in the old sense of looking out for poor and working people, and minorities even, but balancing that against his own financial and political and business interests and backers. Complex individual and I don't think purely from selfish interests. We're talking a guy from one of the most conservative, but business oriented, States, but advancing civil rights because although now he was "one of them" he really wasn't and was born damn poor.  But due to the war and political sense is under-estimated as a President. But not for his manners, or lack thereof (very sexist, would discuss items with staff while crapping while door open, etc also got civil rights through a mess both in the Senate and then as President.) I know I'll get crap for it and I don't agree with many of his policies but as a politician, and for a historian, a fascinating figure.

Hahaha worth remembering at times like these.  I shall steel myself for the inevitable footage of the president drop-kicking a bichon frise on White House lawn.

[Taaroa]

What's all the controversy about now? 

He's claiming that the phone call was done in confidence of privacy and what have you, but probably if the reports are true it doesn't look good to have the new president hang up on you (especially since they announced that the deal was still on a few days ago).

The whole refugee thing in Australia is a large political issue and has been for years, because the majority of people don't want them here. I might be wrong, but I think a number of the ones in the camps were found not to be legitimate refugees but have been refusing to be returned to their home countries (and/or their home govts are refusing to acceot them). So with that in mind, the US deal was a big win for the ruling party who are seen as tougher on illegal immigration than the opposition.

[Kidnostad3]

He's claiming that the phone call was done in confidence of privacy and what have you, but probably if the reports are true it doesn't look good to have the new president hang up on you (especially since they announced that the deal was still on a few days ago).

The whole refugee thing in Australia is a large issue and has been for years, because the majority of people don't political want them here. I might be wrong, but I think a number of the ones in the camps were found not to be legitimate refugees but have been refusing to be returned to their home countries (and/or their home govts are refusing to acceot them). So with that in mind, the US deal was a big win for the ruling party who are seen as tougher on illegal immigration than the opposition.

I was actually in Brisbane Australia when that deal went down.  I can recall my inlaws laughing and wondering how the PM pulled that one off.  Another Obama good deal. These are the ones that refused to go back to where they came from.

[albrecht]

Hahaha worth remembering at times like these.  I shall steel myself for the inevitable footage of the president drop-kicking a bichon frise on White House lawn.

Ha, those beagles weren't hurt. He was just having some fun. Look at these crazy ears! Anecdotally, he also would take "eastern reporters" etc on wild ride on the ranch while drinking whiskey from a cup. But, unlike some of his folks at that time, wasn't nearly as a drunk as others. Man stories of some of the folks here. But still did/do business and got deals done, legislation passed, etc. Hahaha. Trump doesn't drink, I considered that a major problem being a politician or on a national stage except, maybe as a local one in Utah or something.

ps: speaking of cute dogs. Recall when President Chirac was attacked "savaged" by his Maltese (the small, white dogs: bichon, poodles, malteses all looks the same to me after a time.) It was diagnosed with clinical depression. Seriously. Quickest link I could find:
https://www.datalounge.com/thread/7454427-former-french-president-chirac-hospitalised-after-mauling-by-his-clinically-depressed-poodle-sic-n
(which also is the most bizarre reporting on the incident due to the framing and language?) Could've been "fake news" but I recall seeing it in several outlets at the time. 

[21st Century Man]

You're not informed so I won't argue with you.

   I'll grant that you probably know more about the "Troubles" than I do.  I do think there is a bit of heat between the Catholics and Protestants in Ireland but it seems to be less so in recent years maybe because the Anglican Church has become insipid and their theology has become a simpering cave-in to contemporary social values. I doubt that there are many Anglicans left in N. Ireland now. Still it is a mite more more conservative than the American Episcopalian church which has its ass reared high in the air in perpetual sodomy with the American left.  I was baptized and married in the Episcopal church but they have forgone Biblical values in order to be hip and attractive to liberals who are mostly not interested in going to church anyway. That is why that particular denomination is dying over here.  OMG, their services were deadly dull though I enjoyed drinking real wine in Communion rather than grape juice. In that one area, they are better than the fundamentalist sects who like to drink something they call "new wine" which is the aforementioned grape juice.  I don't recall Jesus saying that wine was new or grape juice in the New Testament.  Forgive my rant but it is frustrating finding a church that is truly Biblical these days.

Anyway, yes there are some religious motivations in the IRA but on the whole rather minor compared to the political motivations but I'm sure I do not know as much as you about the "Troubles".

[K_Dubb]

Ha, those beagles weren't hurt. He was just having some fun. Look at these crazy ears! Anecdotally, he also would take "eastern reporters" etc on wild ride on the ranch while drinking whiskey from a cup. But, unlike some of his folks at that time, wasn't nearly as a drunk as others. Man stories of some of the folks here. But still did/do business and got deals done, legislation passed, etc. Hahaha. Trump doesn't drink, I considered that a major problem being a politician or on a national stage except, maybe as a local one in Utah or something.

ps: speaking of cute dogs. Recall when President Chirac was attacked "savaged" by his Maltese (the small, white dogs: bichon, poodles, malteses all looks the same to me after a time.) It was diagnosed with clinical depression. Seriously. Quickest link I could find:
https://www.datalounge.com/thread/7454427-former-french-president-chirac-hospitalised-after-mauling-by-his-clinically-depressed-poodle-sic-n
(which also is the most bizarre reporting on the incident due to the framing and language?) Could've been "fake news" but I recall seeing it in several outlets at the time. 

Haha it should have been a poodle, just for the irony.  Though I believe the Maltese have a grudge with Napoleon so maybe.

[Taaroa]

Australian PM has stopped refusing to comment on the phone call now.

Speaking to Sydney radio station 2GB after the President's tweet, Mr Turnbull repeated what the Australian Government had been told through official channels. "This is not a deal that he would have done or that he would regard as a good deal," he said. "But the question is will he commit to honour the deal. He has given that commitment."

Mr Turnbull said US officials were already assessing refugees on Nauru and Australian officials were working on the deal in Washington, despite Mr Trump's comments.

He added he was disappointed the details of the call â€" which he described as "very frank and forthright" â€" had been leaked.

"The report that the President hung up is not correct," he said.

Australian media is also speculating that if the deal goes through that it'll be used for something like allowing a larger US troop presence than what there is currently.

[PB the Deplorable]

Reagan's own words. 

A few months ago I told the American people I did not trade arms for hostages. My heart and my best intentions still tell me that's true, but the facts and the evidence tell me it is not. As the Tower board reported, what began as a strategic opening to Iran deteriorated, in its implementation, into trading arms for hostages. This runs counter to my own beliefs, to administration policy, and to the original strategy we had in mind.

And I do try so hard to be clear.

The issue being discussed was the Iranian hostages in 1980, and whether Reagan had a deal with them regarding those hostages in order to hurt Carter's chances for election, and help his campaign.  In 1980.  In Tehran.  In 1980.

You then said something about it must be true because of ''the arms for hostages deal''.  The problem being, as I pointed out, was the ''arms for hostages deal'' was regarding 7 hostages held in 1985.  In Lebanon, by a group controlled by Iran.  In 1985. 


In other words the ''arms for hostages'' deal in 1985 was different than the embassy hostage situation in 1980.  So no, neither Reagan nor anyone else said or provided any evidence there was ever any deal with Iran in 1980 to help him win the election.

[albrecht]

   I'll grant that you probably know more about the "Troubles" than I do.  I do think there is a bit of heat between the Catholics and Protestants in Ireland but it seems to be less so in recent years maybe because the Anglican Church has become insipid and their theology has become a simpering cave-in to contemporary social values.  Still it is a mite more more conservative than the American Episcopalian church which has its ass reared high in the air in perpetual sodomy with the American left.  I was baptized and married in the Episcopal church but they have forgone Biblical values in order to be hip and attractive to liberals who are mostly not interested in going to church anyway. That is why that particular denomination is dying over here.  OMG, their services were deadly dull though I enjoyed drinking real wine in Communion rather than grape juice. In that one area, they are better than the fundamentalist sects who like to drink something they call "new wine" which is the aforementioned grape juice.  I don't recall Jesus saying that wine was new or grape juice in the New Testament.  Forgive my rant but it is frustrating finding a church that is truly Biblical these days.

Anyway, yes there are some religious motivations in the IRA but on the whole rather minor compared to the political motivations but I'm sure I do not know as much as you about the "Troubles".

I guess it is a matter of taste, ignoring for argument about doctrine- or lack thereof, many of the mainstream denominations have gone away from traditional liturgy and service and hymns. That is what I don't like. Anglican/Episcopal and Lutheran have the best hymns, choirs, and organ works. But, now, they have become more 'inclusive' and adopting weird stuff and less organ and choir stuff. They even change out more serious stuff like marriages and funeral liturgies so the familiarity, or comfort, is less. Sad. Try to "adopt" new ideas when, the old stuff, was much,much better. I have only been to Catholic services a few times, for various friends or colleagues weddings or funerals, so can't comment, except, apparently, the Latin Mass is now "allowed" again and those weddings are longer.

[21st Century Man]

And I do try so hard to be clear.

The issue being discussed was the Iranian hostages in 1980, and whether Reagan had a deal with them regarding those hostages in order to hurt Carter's chances for election, and help his campaign.  In 1980.  In Tehran.  In 1980.

You then said something about it must be true because of ''the arms for hostages deal''.  The problem being, as I pointed out, was the ''arms for hostages deal'' was regarding 7 hostages held in 1985.  In Lebanon.  In 1985. 


In other words the ''arms for hostages'' deal in 1985 was different than the embassy hostage situation in 1980.  So no, neither Reagan nor anyone else said or provided any evidence there was ever any deal in 1980.

Right and I might add that Hezbollah who held the hostages in '85 were an arm of Iran as you said in an earlier post.  Thus the hostages in '85 were the ones being negotiated in the Iran-Contra affair regarding guns for hostages not the 1980 hostages.  I think we have made the point clear to MD.  Thank you for kick-starting my memory about that whole debacle.

[K_Dubb]

Just because it's a classic


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR_myjOr0OU

[Taaroa]

I was actually in Brisbane Australia when that deal went down.  I can recall my inlaws laughing and wondering how the PM pulled that one off.  Another Obama good deal. These are the ones that refused to go back to where they came from.

I feel like Obama knew that this was going to become a political issue for Trump down the line, while winning himself diplomatic kudos and praise from the open borders groups.

[21st Century Man]

I guess it is a matter of taste, ignoring for argument about doctrine- or lack thereof, many of the mainstream denominations have gone away from traditional liturgy and service and hymns. That is what I don't like. Anglican/Episcopal and Lutheran have the best hymns, choirs, and organ works. But, now, they have become more 'inclusive' and adopting weird stuff and less organ and choir stuff. They even change out more serious stuff like marriages and funeral liturgies so the familiarity, or comfort, is less. Sad. Try to "adopt" new ideas when, the old stuff, was much,much better. I have only been to Catholic services a few times, for various friends or colleagues weddings or funerals, so can't comment, except, apparently, the Latin Mass is now "allowed" again and those weddings are longer.

Yeah, you're right. I did enjoy the hymns too.  I've never gone to a Catholic mass though I love some aspects of the Catholic church.  I just can't handle the praying to Saints, Mary and giving confession to a priest.  If it were not for that, I'd probably be a Catholic.  As things stand, the Orthodox Church seems far more more attractive to me.

[albrecht]

Haha it should have been a poodle, just for the irony.  Though I believe the Maltese have a grudge with Napoleon so maybe.

I will, despite public scorn, speak up for poodles. A friend of mine had a full size one brought over from South Africa that was a smart dog and quite aggressive even. And would obey his master, my friend's dad not him, instinctively. (Sneaking out at night we would be cowed.) Ha. And an aunt had a miniature poodle that I often looked after who was a great dog and very smart. It also had an odd hunting instinct, when I had it I would let it loose and it would tree coons and savage possums (easily caught, of course.) It also would bay at the moon and bay (saying this it was not the bay of a coon dog or hound but more of a howl) anytime a cop or emergency vehicle was within ear-shot, for him, a minute or so later, I would hear it. I had a thought, at the time, breed this dog and sell it to drug dealers....early alert system and total deniability- what this little cute dog!  A nice dog but would bite me sometimes (mainly because I would mess with it and encourage aggressiveness and play take-away rope toy and then "ouch.") HA. Poddles are actually smart dogs. I've heard folks are beginning to use them again as game dogs even.

[Meister_000]

Under the bus >>> Military officials say Trump ordered Yemen mission without enough intel, ground support or prep -- Pentagon Points Finger of Blame at Trump

". . .the special ops raid in Yemen did not go according to plan and it went badly. This Times account relates a "a chain of mishaps and misjudgments that plunged the elite commandos into a ferocious 50-minute firefight that also left three others wounded and a $75 million aircraft deliberately destroyed." Chief Petty Officer William Owens was killed in the operation. There also appear to have been a large number of civilian casualties."

"What Reuters identifies as "U.S. military officials" says that "[President] Trump approved his first covert counterterrorism operation without sufficient intelligence, ground support or adequate backup preparations."

elsewhere: "He's done. You can't fight a war against State, The Pentagon and Langley and survive. It is just a matter of time and not much."

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/pentagon-points-finger-of-blame-at-trum

[Taaroa]

Poodle defence

Generally the bigger ones are dumber than the smaller ones. My sister had a medium-sized poodle while I was growing up that was very aggressive and not afraid to bite (family members sometimes talk about how 'good' a dog he was, but I always have to remind them that he bit me a few times amongst others). Dog lived to be 19.

[SciFiAuthor]

Just because it's a classic


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR_myjOr0OU

The best part is when he belches.

[albrecht]

Under the bus >>> Military officials say Trump ordered Yemen mission without enough intel, ground support or prep -- Pentagon Points Finger of Blame at Trump/b]


. . .the special ops raid in Yemen did not go according to plan and it went badly. This Times account relates a "a chain of mishaps and misjudgments that plunged the elite commandos into a ferocious 50-minute firefight that also left three others wounded and a $75 million aircraft deliberately destroyed." Chief Petty Officer William Owens was killed in the operation. There also appear to have been a large number of civilian casualties.


"What Reuters identifies as "U.S. military officials" says that "[President] Trump approved his first covert counterterrorism operation without sufficient intelligence, ground support or adequate backup preparations."


elsewhere: "He's done. You can't fight a war against State, The Pentagon and Langley and survive. It is just a matter of time and not much."


http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/pentagon-points-finger-of-blame-at-trump

The Deep State Strikes Back, as predicted. It is going to be a long haul and interesting times! Enemies within, enemies without. No way is the Deep State and ingrained, moneyed interests going to let him happen, for long. Though I could be wrong. He wasn't even supposed to be electable or elected? I wonder what his life-insurance policy is? What IS interesting though is how the so-called "progressives" and Hollywood and media leftists are so quick to, now, like war, big corporations getting government contracts, establishment bureaucrats, Intelligence Agencies, etc.

[SciFiAuthor]

Yeah, you're right. I did enjoy the hymns too.  I've never gone to a Catholic mass though I love some aspects of the Catholic church.  I just can't handle the praying to Saints, Mary and giving confession to a priest.  If it were not for that, I'd probably be a Catholic.  As things stand, the Orthodox Church seems far more more attractive to me.

You know my views on religion lol, but don't bother with the Catholics. I come from that background and they're busy protestantizing under liberal Francis. God knows what that guy will say next. Now the Orthodox are a different story, they've kept it real as far as tradition goes.

[PB the Deplorable]

It's real 

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/827002559122567168

Australia had a refugee problem, with people coming by boat from Indonesia (some from Indonesia, some in transit from elsewhere).  To eliminate the incentive, they refuse to take in any refugees coming b boat from Indonesia, and send them back to their home countries.  While they are waiting to be processed, they don't get to stay in Australia, but are sent to some nearby south sea islands.  Some are granted refugee status, as they could face danger if returned home.  But they still can't go to Australia. 

Obama agreed to take them, in exchange for Australia resettling some people from Central America.  They are mostly from Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. 

Very glad he's gone, and wasn't replaced by Hilary.

[albrecht]

Yeah, you're right. I did enjoy the hymns too.  I've never gone to a Catholic mass though I love some aspects of the Catholic church.  I just can't handle the praying to Saints, Mary and giving confession to a priest.  If it were not for that, I'd probably be a Catholic.  As things stand, the Orthodox Church seems far more more attractive to me.

It is BG so threads can derails and come back again, maybe. But, ignoring doctrine, etc, the thing for me was that Church was a source of tradition, especially amongst the various Protestant denominations, and to a greater extent to Roman or various Orthodox to a point. Share some common values or in many cases hymns, liturgy, etc. Even if it became rout, as elaborate as a full church service Communion or as simple as like a table-prayer or Christmas songs. Something that most held in common or, even when you quit church or whatever you still remember or when visiting someone or old family etc instantly pickup and recall. And the Anglican/Episcopal and Lutheran (partial to Lutheran for the music side and Ang/CoE for the lyrical side) hymns are the best, the organ work, the choirs, the messages. Even Hollywood will use Abide with Me, A Mighty Fortress, Eternal Father Strong To Save, and Catholic ones like Ave Maria and so many other Bach, Handel, etc because, even if often Jewish or secular, they know how powerful the songs are for the audiences and scene. But, in weird times, these churches have decided "we are losing members, we must be cool and inclusive." "We must change our songs to be more modern" "We must change our doctrine and ideas to meet the times." etc. Stupid. I think why the "evangelicals" gained ground, here, and in traditionally Catholic countries, because "no, we are going to stand our ground on social issues and doctrine but also be more 'rock star' modern music, less orderly management, etc.)

[Meister_000]

The Deep State Strikes Back, as predicted. It is going to be a long haul and interesting times! Enemies within, enemies without. No way is the Deep State and ingrained, moneyed interests going to let him happen, for long. Though I could be wrong. He wasn't even supposed to be electable or elected? I wonder what his life-insurance policy is? What IS interesting though is how the so-called "progressives" and Hollywood and media leftists are so quick to, now, like war, big corporations getting government contracts, establishment bureaucrats, Intelligence Agencies, etc.

Thank you for being reasonable. And yes, these are in no way "business as usual" times!

[akwilly]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/man-who-said-mother-died-in-iraq-after-trump-travel-ban-made-it-all-up-imam-says/ar-AAmvWoN?li=BBnbfcL

[Dr. MD MD]

And I do try so hard to be clear.

The issue being discussed was the Iranian hostages in 1980, and whether Reagan had a deal with them regarding those hostages in order to hurt Carter's chances for election, and help his campaign.  In 1980.  In Tehran.  In 1980.

You then said something about it must be true because of ''the arms for hostages deal''.  The problem being, as I pointed out, was the ''arms for hostages deal'' was regarding 7 hostages held in 1985.  In Lebanon, by a group controlled by Iran.  In 1985. 


In other words the ''arms for hostages'' deal in 1985 was different than the embassy hostage situation in 1980.  So no, neither Reagan nor anyone else said or provided any evidence there was ever any deal with Iran in 1980 to help him win the election.

Alright, my bad. To be fair I was only a sophomore in high school when this all broke. I'd always thought that what was revealed then had been going on since the first hostage crisis. I was wrong...I think. I'm still not sure why the first hostages would've been timed to be released on Reagan's inauguration though. 

[JesusJuice]

 

[Dr. MD MD]

Write a story about what's going on in the boy's life. 

[Dr. MD MD]

". . .the author here (below) is a conservative (and THEN some) with extensive national security and intelligence chops:"

John Schindler (tweet)
"Trump is insane. We have proof now. He needs to be removed from office. Peacefully, one hopes. @GOP, you know what you have to do -- do it."

The FBI will be over to have a chat with him later...then with you. 

[JesusJuice]

". . .the author here (below) is a conservative (and THEN some) with extensive national security and intelligence chops:"

John Schindler (tweet)
"Trump is insane. We have proof now. He needs to be removed from office. Peacefully, one hopes. @GOP, you know what you have to do -- do it."

Is that the same John Schindler that used to send out pictures of his dick? Why yes it is!


http://gawker.com/nsa-spook-turned-twitter-pundit-goes-dark-after-dick-pi-1594848048

[Dr. MD MD]

Is that the same John Schindler that used to send out pictures of his dick? Why yes it is!


http://gawker.com/nsa-spook-turned-twitter-pundit-goes-dark-after-dick-pi-1594848048

pizzagate alumni 

[Meister_000]

{10 yr old Barron through departing Limo glass}

Poor kid. He's been dragged though hell, and will never live this down.You can tell he's sensitive, well mannered, quiet, smart.