I’ve been spending more of my time here. Some of that is because Substack is one of those platforms that is getting a lot of traction, some is because I have control over the content, unlike my group blog, and some is because it’s a basic framework that doesn’t leave me dealing with display problems, inability to quickly post updates, or waste time trying to get the look just right.
OK, it’s plain vanilla, mostly. But, vanilla is my favorite flavor (you can fancy it up with syrups and extras, if you want). But, vanilla is good on its own.
12/18/2023
I started this on 12/4/2023, but left it in the Drafts, as I was too busy (and too sick with a respiratory infection) to do much more.
Today, I’m clearing out these caches, and preparing for our daughter’s arrival home this Friday from Milwaukee. I’m looking forward to a nice visit and time to enjoy family.
Now, some people like Trump - a LOT. Some of them would be willing to ‘follow him into the line of fire’. Not that I think Trump is a Napoleon - he MIGHT direct some action from the sidelines - MAYBE - but physically mount up?
Nah.
Trump is NOT made of the stuff of military heroes. He’s a behind the scenes guy, who leans on the expertise of his advisors.
It’s one of his weaknesses, to be honest. I’d rather that a Commander in Chief have SOME actual experience in the military - and, no, military school does NOT count.
But there are effective Chief Executives whose military expertise is zero - Reagan, for example. It didn’t stop him from directing negotiations with the Soviets quite effectively, nor persuading a slice of the ruling nations to follow along with his lead.
Most of his supporters see his limitations. It’s not that they slavishly agree with everything he says and does, it’s just that they are willing to put up with the parts they aren’t crazy about, for the sake of the core principles Trump will defend.
Things like: STOP (nor reduce) illegal immigration, lower the national debt, grow the economy by cutting down the limiting factor of excessive regulation.
It’s not that Trump guys think he is The Messiah. They know that, in some ways, Trump is a Schmuck. A crass guy whose first thought in a deal is: How is this going to help ME?
That’s OK. I don’t mind dealing with imperfect people. Jesus Christ himself did so, as that is the only kind of human there is.
Imperfect. Flawed. Not-God.
So, when his opponents point out Trump’s many flaws, they just cannot IMAGINE that, hearing about them, we will not have the scales fall from our eyes, see the Light for the first time, and renounce Trump - decisively.
Instead, they hear, yeah, so what?
Shit, the OTHER guys are even worse!
Who cares?
That is what is behind their operatic, over-the-top demonization of Trump lately.
“He is Hitler who will put all of us in concentration camps!”
“He will create a dictatorship that will last forever!”
“He will kill all Gays, Muslims, Blacks, etc.”
“He will take away EVERYONE’S rights!” (That last one just makes me chuckle - like THEY aren’t doing it already?).
So, since they have no Plan B, expect the Sturm und Drang to continue, at ever increasing volume.