USA Inauguration

[Davita]

As I write I'm simultaneously watching the inauguration of President Trump, the 45th President of the United States of America, on TV.
I'd also like to congratulate all our American members of the forum on this momentous day.

It made me think and, as I'm not an American, but have been influenced by USA domination of the world since a child ex WW2, who were those, that went before, in this prestigious and powerful job....and what did they achieve in a global context.
Here is a list.....my personal comments in red

* 1945-1952: Harry Truman (Democrat)...... dropped the bombs on Japan. Won the Pacific war. Created the Marshall plan...thank you Sir.
As vice president, he took office after Roosevelt's death and was re-elected in 1948.
* 1952-1960: Dwight Eisenhower (Republican)....maintained peace during the cold war and an accord in Korea which is current...thank you Sir.
* 1960-1963: John Kennedy (Democrat)..."Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country." Nearly caused WW3.
Assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963.
* 1963-1968: Lyndon Johnson (Democrat)....signed civil rights act.
As vice president, he took office in 1963 after Kennedy's death and was re-elected in 1964.
* 1968-1974: Richard Nixon (Republican).... signed deals with China and withdrew from Vietnam.
Re-elected in 1972 but he resigned in 1974 over the Watergate scandal.
* 1974-1976: Gerald Ford (Republican)...Not a lot but a good quarter -back.
As vice president, he replaced Nixon following his resignation. To this day, he is the only president who was never elected after losing his 1976 bid to Jimmy Carter.
* 1976-1980: Jimmy Carter (Democrat)....better out of office than in.
* 1980-1988: Ronald Reagan (Republican)...the great communicator cut taxes...and negotiated with Russia on reduction of arms
* 1988-1992: George Bush (Republican).......started a Chinese dialogue earlier...helped Walmart become rich..married Barbara and sired his son
* 1992-2000: Bill Clinton (Democrat)....too many to name..search.
Clinton is the only Democrat to serve two terms in the White House since the end of World War II. Obama is vying to become the second...Succeeded
* 2000-2008: George W. Bush (Republican)....invaded Afghanistan and Iraq...was boss during the the attack called 9/11. created homeland security.
* 2008 - : Barack Obama (Democrat)....needs to be written

Americans keep believing they created democracy forgetting, or denying, it was actually Greek philosophy but...like Winston Churchill, whose mother was American, once said....
Americans always get it right....eventually.

Hopefully..the 45th President comprehends....good luck USA....and a great show....I'm in tears.

Any additions or comments are welcome

Edit: I'm sorry...I've just listened to the speech of the new President of USA and cannot believe what I heard...this is a speech from a psychopath or snake oil salesman.

Then administered thereafter by religious Jews, Christians and other bible thumpers to get the President thru' ....good luck....you're going to need it.

 

[Nimbus]

I survived Suharto, I'll survive this too. Hell, since I work for big pharma now, I'll probably thrive economically. I got great health insurance from work, so I'm not dependent on Obamacare. The majority of Trump voters can't say the same.

 

[Davita]

I survived Suharto, I'll survive this too. Hell, since I work for big pharma now, I'll probably thrive economically. I got great health insurance from work, so I'm not dependent on Obamacare. The majority of Trump voters can't say the same.

Way to go Nimbus...you are clearly an American with great ideas on how to make America 'inept' again...contrary to the new President. Good luck in your personal endeavor.....but how does that help your fellow citizens?

 

[waarmstrong]

The only thing that is not in dispute is that the Trump administration will be a big show, a spectacular extravaganza. The tone, direction and effectiveness of the new gang probably will not come into focus for -- I am guessing, here -- three to six months. Stay tuned.

 

[Nimbus]

Way to go Nimbus...you are clearly an American with great ideas on how to make America 'inept' again...contrary to the new President. Good luck in your personal endeavor.....but how does that help your fellow citizens?

If it's up to me Trump wouldn't be president. I am willing to pay a little extra tax if it means more opportunity to the less fortunate, but the new administration is not taking it. Those voting for him can ask him for help.

 

[Supir Angkot]

So Is he really draining the swamp or he’s just joking?

 

[Asun]

I survived Suharto, I'll survive this too. Hell, since I work for big pharma now, I'll probably thrive economically. I got great health insurance from work, so I'm not dependent on Obamacare. The majority of Trump voters can't say the same.

Let's hope Trump administration replace Obama health insurance act with a real single payer scheme like all other developed countries do. Not only does that provide universal healthcare for all, but also saves money. Kick those health insurance companies to the curb!

 

[Nimbus]

So Is he really draining the swamp or he’s just joking?

Trump lies most of the time, so I honestly don't know. If his cabinet picks are any indication, he's draining the swamp out of water and animals while replacing them with toxic sludge and monsters.

 

[waarmstrong]

Let's hope Trump administration replace Obama health insurance act with a real single payer scheme like all other developed countries do. Not only does that provide universal healthcare for all, but also saves money. Kick those health insurance companies to the curb!

Not going to happen. Obama tried to pass his health care package to include the semblance of a single payer system (a government provider who would compete with private insurance companies). The bill would not have passed with that in it; it was removed late in the process. No one, who is not institutionalized, believes the Republicans will do anything but further the interests of the health industry as they tinker with the Affordable Care Act.

 

[PhilippeD]

The senate already start to dismantle the ACA (Obamacare) couple of day ago.
Now Trump sign a first executive order asking to "ease the burden of ACA" (without any surprise).

What is "funny" is how much they are in hurry to scrap the ACA without knowing with what they will replace it... at least, if they know, they keep it for themselves.

Trump and his big mouth shout "we will give health insurance to everyone!"... for being corrected by his minister to a blur "accessible to everyone".




Like Warmy said: it will be a great show!

 

[PhilippeD]

I just read a title somewhere: trump promise to return to a pre-great depression economic policies.

It will start that by erasing all of what Obama accomplish in the last 8 years...

Does he realize the unemployment have been reduce a lot under Obama?
Does he realize it is does "pre-great depression economic policies" that bring the depression?

 

[Davita]

The only thing that is not in dispute is that the Trump administration will be a big show, a spectacular extravaganza. The tone, direction and effectiveness of the new gang probably will not come into focus for -- I am guessing, here -- three to six months. Stay tuned.

I'm currently watching the Presidential 'variety show' and if your definition of his administrations 'big show, a spectacular extravaganza' has any parallel.... I'd wholeheartedly agree....'coz it sux.

All I've seen are highland bagpipers and, as described by the MC, the 'greatest dancers in the world'....Irish jig dancers. The Chinese must be laughing into their rice bowls today.
I'm waiting for the karaoke before I'll enjoy the need to vomit.

Now watching the First Lady, and her fake smile, as she dances to a song written by a Canadian.

 

[fastpitch17]

Drain the swamp. Replace it with an acidic cess pool. Trumps own inaguration speech mentioned the Washington establishment being built by those who profited off the backs of the poor and middle class but seemed to fail miserably at admitting that his new cabinate will be made of some of the most guilty of doing just that.

His speech did nothing to bring people together and plays more like an attempt to drive them apart even more then before. Those ditches filling up with opposing voices will be overflowing in no time. Adding to that opposition is the voices of those that because of their opposotion of Hillary, voted Trump but now are showing and voicing their opposition towards him. There also seem to be a growing number of earlier supporters and voters for Trump that have deserted the bandwagon as they finally figured out his plans really leave them behind.

The opposition is growing and as some are now calling it, a resistance. Not a resistance like some would think being led by Democrats with bad feelings but more a grass roots led resistance. This is not good for the US and will certainly not make America Great again as one would want you to believe.

The US isn't in as bad of shape as this guy wants you to believe. There has been progress a long with some things not so progressive. To just come in and wipe it all out is not being for the US. It is a child winning his temper tantrum.

The US people have never been this devided I think since the Civil War. Where will this take them with a leader that is not interested in bringing the sides together and thinks by saying so they should follow. The mind of a dictator trying to run a large democracy will never succeed. If he continues on this path I sincerely hope he is removed either through legislature or force. Whatever it takes. As an American, I can not see any greatness in this man. Only destruction of a nation within itself and on the Worlds stage.

 

[fastpitch17]

I just read a title somewhere: trump promise to return to a pre-great depression economic policies.

It will start that by erasing all of what Obama accomplish in the last 8 years...

Does he realize the unemployment have been reduce a lot under Obama?
Does he realize it is does "pre-great depression economic policies" that bring the depression?

I wouldn't give too much credit to Obama for the reduction of the unemplyment rate. It wasn't going to go up any more and he was involved in it's rise in the first place. Looking at the unemplyment rate you need to add those that have dropped off the list because of running out of benifits. Those that have had to accept lower level jobs to keep food in front of their families. Those that had to take part time positions because there are no full time positions available. Those that have had to give up benefits to just return to work of some kind. Those over 50 because of the amount of competitors for the same positions.

No, Obama put a lot of people out of work too.

 

[fastpitch17]

“For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have bore the cost,” Trump said. “Washington flourished, but the people did not share in its wealth.” “The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs,”

Is this not exactly what was profited from by many of his choices for Cabinet level appointments? Is it not now in the hands of those that used the establishment previously to mold policy to enrich their plans and finances along with the Trump family. This is not a better America, only an America where the rich get richer because now they have ore control. A sorry state of affairs.

 

[Daniel50]

I was doing a little reading, and those more in the know then me can enlighten me if they believe this is wrong. Major shift in American foreign policy , reversing seven decades of america as carrying the primary responsibility for global security. Taking a tougher stance on China's rise. Trade deals dead or looked at again. A portion of America has believed they were not benefited by these and he is listening, or leading the general sentiments and framing it around this. Also, tougher on Islamic Radicalism.

This is an outsider former Canadian Prime Minister recently speaking at an annual conference, in India, on geopolitics. Speaking a bit about Donald Trump, obviously it is a big deal for Americans but America also influences/effects the world in a many ways. And if he also danced to a song written by a Canadian this should also impress Davita.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trump-foreign-policy-stephen-harper-1.3942991

 

[PhilippeD]

Trump have a too much big mouth for you can take whatever he said as the "truth".
He have show an unprecedented capacity to lie about all and nothing.

One thing sure he is catalyzing all the bad of America that was hiding in the shadow (ex: KKK celebrating is arrival, etc).

 

[PhilippeD]

I wouldn't give too much credit to Obama for the reduction of the unemplyment rate. It wasn't going to go up any more and he was involved in it's rise in the first place. Looking at the unemplyment rate you need to add those that have dropped off the list because of running out of benifits. Those that have had to accept lower level jobs to keep food in front of their families. Those that had to take part time positions because there are no full time positions available. Those that have had to give up benefits to just return to work of some kind. Those over 50 because of the amount of competitors for the same positions.

No, Obama put a lot of people out of work too.

Maybe, but the number in general under his presidency are favorable.

 

[fastpitch17]

Maybe, but the number in general under his presidency are favorable.

When the number was as high as it was for unemployed, even the smallest reduction was seen given to him as an accomplishment. I remember him jumping up and down in December when the numbers improved but failed to even admit they were seasonal hires that would pull numbers back up at the end of the holiday season. Which they did. You can not credit people for jobs when they lost a lot just to take a job. Sure, back to work but at what from their previous employment?

 

[PhilippeD]

Is it not that the American "dream"? Everyone fighting for this own. The stronger survive and get more rich and the other can died nobody care.

How many time I heard the "At least us we celebrate victory" as an answer to any form of critize of the American way.

If it have winner it mean it have loser. You can't escape this.

Anyway, what job Trump want bring back?
Restarting oil drilling? Ok, that can bring good high paid job, but not that much. Never for have any impact on a national level.

Restarting coal mining? At first it will benefit only a few area (very good for them), but still not that much on a national level. And in second, does US realize that China who don't care at all about ecology is closing (and/or projecting the closure for the most recent plant) all their coal power plant as it is way too much polluting *this have affect a lot the coal business in kalimantan*.
Definitively, restarting coal power plant is the way to make America great... I mean, dusty again.

The only thing that will bring major amount of job could be bringing back manufacturing job.
You know, all the job the US lose in the globalization, all the underpaid mexican and chinese job.
Putting a big mass of American at the level of underpaid chinese worker? Is it what will make America great again?

Don't you know some republican are dreaming of removing the minimum wage. Like that they will be able to transform the biggest mass of American in slave-like underpaid poor little american, you know, those one that are not the winner.

The gap in between poor and rich is getting bigger every year all around the world with the US being the best at it.
Forget that, whatever president you will put as president the poor guy that lose is high paid job will NEVER EVER gain it again.
Anyway he is the loser, so American are too much busy at celebrating the winner for caring about him.