Donnie T: What You're Not Being Told

[ChrisJones 7,975]

Donald J Trump was inaugurated on 20th January, much to the applaud of this this forum and many others! His no nonsense approach to making America great again was essential to his victory.

Since he's been sworn in he's enacted several executive orders, much to the delight/dismay of whoever gives a shit, and has been able to legitimize the use of the phrase "alternative facts."

It's no secret that I don't have any particular fondness for King Donald of Orange but it's also no secret that I like to see balance and fairness in reporting, especially in 2017 where every picture combined with a caption is considered gospel truth....



That comment never happened but was widely attributed to him in the election. Another thing we concluded from the race was that the truth doesn't matter providing it supports the overall narrative, so none of what I'm going to post will change your opinion.

Firstly we have to figure out what an executive order is. You've probably heard that mentioned on the news. You've probably been given the impression that an executive order is the magical ability of a president to do whatever he wants, with the stroke of a pen. Unfortunately it's not that simple. An executive order is issued to government employees, of the executive branch, to help them manage operations. That's it. It cannot be used to create new laws. It cannot be used to overturn legal decisions. It has to be in compliance with the constitution. For example, Mr Obama's 4th executive order, back in 2009, was to close Guantanamo Bay. We know how successful that was...

The constitution was put in place so that no one person could have absolute power over the country. It was set up in the late 1700's after monarch tried to dictate the laws in the colonies, I'm sure the history buffs can go further into the merits of that system over the monarchy it replaced. Basically even as the commander in chief you cannot just make shit up because you promised it in an election. There are rules that precede you and are there to stop you from doing as you please. Mr T is finding that out much to his dismay.

So what's he done?

It didn't look like you got much of this one but he's issued orders to all federal departments gagging them from unvetted press conferences. Many were up in arms about this, over here at least, but every single Republican administration has done the same thing. The Democrats reverse it. Repeat... Rogue social media accounts have been set up and the word N*zi has been used on numerous occasions but this is just the administration catching up with the technology. We don't know what the Bush administration would have done because their departments didn't have twitter accounts back in the day, but I'd be willing to bet heavily that they'd have done the same. So would his dad. So would Ronnie. The next Democratic administration will reverse it, and so on...

He's signed an executive order to scale back parts of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare.) Everyone seems disgusted with this, in Europe, but it's quite well supported. The healthcare tax penalises those that do not wish to purchase coverage. Under the old system if you didn't want it you could opt out of all healthcare programs. Under the ACA you could only opt out under the burden of penalty. You're fined if you opt out. With skyrocketing costs the fine is cheaper than the premiums but the healthcare laws are well out of control. It's a start but it doesn't even scratch the surface. We're hoping he removes the penalty but it's not been ratified yet.

He has signed a memo to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP.) A move which, if done correctly, should bolster American manufacturing and penalise companies for outsourcing labour to Asia. I'm alright with that. So was Bernie Sanders...

He signed the executive order to "build the wall." In practice it's several walls at strategic locations to stop incursions from drug cartels. I heard an interview with a border patrol agent, on the news, the other morning and they're crying out for assistance in certain areas. If it helps I'm all for it but it is not going to be the great wall of Texas, that the BBC seem to be yapping about. It still has to be ratified by congress. Mexico have refused to pay for the wall, and Donnie has said that taxing their imports would pay for it instead. As Mexico is the US's largest trading partner (est $500bn PA) a trade war would cripple Mexico and seriously harm the US economy. Brilliant strategy...

He signed an executive order granting General James Mattis the secretary of state position. US law requires that former military personnel must wait 7 years before assuming office. Mattis had only been retired for 4. Trump wanted him and the waiver was granted by congress. The left seem upset but he's clearly the right man for the job IMHO. His experience is the gulf is unrivaled at that level.

He directed the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to remove the insurance premium subsidy for first time buyers. 16% of home owners will see a hike in their insurance premiums as a result. It is currently under review... Not so good unless you're already wealthy, and it penalises many of his core voters.

He's signed a memo to de-fund non-government organizations that council women on abortion. That seemed to get a cheer but federal law states that organizations like Planned Parenthood cannot use federal money for abortions. So they don't. They've essentially de-funded education, cancer screening, birth control, etc. If you know anyone with a vagina the chances are you've benefited from some of these services. The Dutch have agreed to fill the void, that the Americans are going to leave but I cannot verify whether that is true or whether it's a soundbite. Like the federal gagging rule it's something that appears to flip flop between administrations.

The latest is that he's signed the executive order banning people from 7 countries. It's actually a suspension for 120 days, while they look at extra vetting methods. As you've probably seen this has been overturned by a SC judge showing that Donnie T cannot wave a wand and do what he wants because of the constitution.

Donnie has walked into the job like he's the CEO of the company. He was, and he is. The problem he faces is the shift in the structure of the organisations. He's used to bulling his way around and getting what he wants. Using his money and stature to stack the deck in his favour. He's done the same since he's moved into the top job. He's certainly got the numbers on his side in the sense that the Republicans control the house, the senate, they have the presidency and it appears they'll have the supreme court also. For at least 2 years. The downside is that he can't do what the hell he wants. This isn't a reality TV show. He has around 320million shareholders who are scrutinizing everything he does and a good chunk of those can't stand him. His election win was proof that democracy is alive and well. His tenure will rely on him not running it like his businesses. One thing he has done is get millions of people of their arses and engaged in the process which is a victory in itself.

Let's hope he delivers on his promise of draining the swamp and making the place great again. We're all watching now.

Edited February 7, 2017 by ChrisJones

[ChrisJones 7,975]

Wats the short version mate??

 

You're f****d and it'll be terrific!

[WILF 51,165]

Most of that is no surprise to me mate, obviously those of us who don't live in the states don't know the day to day on the ground stuff like you do, but by and large that's all pretty much how I figured it.

I have heard the word "protectionism" thrown about a fair bit but I just think that you could call an inward looking country a country that is minding its own business.......and we could do with more of that imho

[ChrisJones 7,975]

Most of that is no surprise to me mate, obviously those of us who don't live in the states don't know the day to day on the ground stuff like you do, but by and large that's all pretty much how I figured it.

I have heard the word "protectionism" thrown about a fair bit but I just think that you could call an inward looking country a country that is minding its own business.......and we could do with more of that imho

 

I've been reading a lot in the European media, and it seems much more distorted than usual. I understand the concerns, we all have them, but the opposition blame fake news for his election and then continue to publish heavily loaded articles as a rebuttal. Again as much I as don't particularly care for him, he deserves to rise and fall on what he's done not what news agencies say he's done.

 

Pulling in private sector managers to analyze public sector waste is something you and I have prattled on about for ages. He's actually doing it! I never thought I'd live to see that.

[kanny 21,755]

Bang on about the Euro /uk msn outlets. ..I don't think I've seen 1 positive news report regarding trump ...it's hatchet job after hatchet job but I think anyone with half a brain is seeing it for what it is except the msn who don't seem to realize the damage they are doing to themselves they have really shown themselves for the cartel they are . . mistrust of media is definitely growing like never before over here ..we are entering a new age of politics i think ...things feel different we have hope lol .. i hope its for the better time will tell .

[ChrisJones 7,975]

Bang on about the Euro /uk msn outlets. ..I don't think I've seen 1 positive news report regarding trump ...it's hatchet job after hatchet job but I think anyone with half a brain is seeing it for what it is except the msn who don't seem to realize the damage they are doing to themselves they have really shown themselves for the cartel they are . . mistrust of media is definitely growing like never before over here ..we are entering a new age of politics i think ...things feel different we have hope lol .. i hope its for the better time will tell .

 

It's a 50/50 split here but it's like you're getting half of the story. Very obviously half of a story. There are some fantastic news outlets that are reporting well, even though it's very clear they're not happy with the subject matter but they're remaining objective throughout. We need more of that but they're getting fewer and further between.

[kanny 21,755]

 

 

Bang on about the Euro /uk msn outlets. ..I don't think I've seen 1 positive news report regarding trump ...it's hatchet job after hatchet job but I think anyone with half a brain is seeing it for what it is except the msn who don't seem to realize the damage they are doing to themselves they have really shown themselves for the cartel they are . . mistrust of media is definitely growing like never before over here ..we are entering a new age of politics i think ...things feel different we have hope lol .. i hope its for the better time will tell .

 

It's a 50/50 split here but it's like you're getting half of the story. Very obviously half of a story. There are some fantastic news outlets that are reporting well, even though it's very clear they're not happy with the subject matter but they're remaining objective throughout. We need more of that but they're getting fewer and further between.

Your lucky you have news outlets like Fox ...now I'm not saying Fox are any better there as slanted as the rest but there slanted in a different direction that brings a counter balance to your news .. the UK needs a fox like news for that very reason. Edited February 6, 2017 by kanny

[ChrisJones 7,975]

I have a really hard time with Fox. CNN too for that matter. Although I do like to check in with all the crackpots once in a while! For entertainment purposes.

 

NPR is the closest I'll see to balance, and it's usually my go to. If anything I'll expand on it by cross-referencing the stories against multiple sources. I'm better than I was but could still be more thorough.

[WILF 51,165]

 

Most of that is no surprise to me mate, obviously those of us who don't live in the states don't know the day to day on the ground stuff like you do, but by and large that's all pretty much how I figured it.

I have heard the word "protectionism" thrown about a fair bit but I just think that you could call an inward looking country a country that is minding its own business.......and we could do with more of that imho

 

I've been reading a lot in the European media, and it seems much more distorted than usual. I understand the concerns, we all have them, but the opposition blame fake news for his election and then continue to publish heavily loaded articles as a rebuttal. Again as much I as don't particularly care for him, he deserves to rise and fall on what he's done not what news agencies say he's done.

 

Pulling in private sector managers to analyze public sector waste is something you and I have prattled on about for ages. He's actually doing it! I never thought I'd live to see that.

Mate they are shitting it over here and in Europe........someone has come along and is gonna show that the Emperor isn't wearing any clothes

They can't figure out why their scare stories are not working........they have not figured out we have nothing left to loose

[ChrisJones 7,975]

Mate they are shitting it over here and in Europe........someone has come along and is gonna show that the Emperor isn't wearing any clothes

They can't figure out why their scare stories are not working........they have not figured out we have nothing left to loose

 

Hopefully I'll live to see that day, I'm just hoping it doesn't get any worse.

 

As a European I'd be looking east, rather than west. The EU is cracking and about to fracture. The US wants to analyze whether it should be part of NATO. The Russians are testing the eastern European borders and while the new US administration is promising to restore peace they have major business ties with Russia.

 

My question is, to you lads, if the cooperative that's kept peace in Europe since the 40's dissolves what comes next?

[WILF 51,165]

Let's be honest, it's Britain and America that have kept peace.....military wise, every other f****r is a passenger.

The political EU itself is nothing like its inception, Russia isn't going to put up with a power and money hungry beast like the modern EU knocking on its door and making waves.

 

I think modern Russia wants to do business, and Britain and America are well able to accomadate them.

The rest of Europe (excluding Germany) ain't worth a f**k

[stealthy1 3,964]

At least we'll be with the in crowd.

[ChrisJones 7,975]

Let's be honest, it's Britain and America that have kept peace.....military wise, every other f****r is a passenger.

The political EU itself is nothing like its inception, Russia isn't going to put up with a power and money hungry beast like the modern EU knocking on its door and making waves.

 

I think modern Russia wants to do business, and Britain and America are well able to accomadate them.

The rest of Europe (excluding Germany) ain't worth a f**k

 

True but 12 months ago sanctions against the Russians and the failing oil prices were hurting them badly. Britain hadn't had the referendum and the US was anti Moscow. Today is a complete 180 on that.

 

DT wants everyone in NATO to pull it's weight. Fair comment. But if they back the east over the west it could get very murky in mainland Europe. I agree that they would probably rather trade but also didn't think they'd try and annex Crimea and the Ukraine until they did/started to.

Edited February 6, 2017 by ChrisJones

[WILF 51,165]

And mate, so far, if Obama, Blair and the rest of their clones like Cameron, Clegg,Junker and any other politician in the US and Europe thought running the world like they have was a good idea then it's obvious it was a very bad idea..........i don't really care what happens now, its holds no fear for me because as I said.......as a white, working Englishman, a Christian, a father to children, a man who just wants to support his family and help them find a good life.........I have nothing left to loose.

[Nik_B 3,791]

 

Most of that is no surprise to me mate, obviously those of us who don't live in the states don't know the day to day on the ground stuff like you do, but by and large that's all pretty much how I figured it.

I have heard the word "protectionism" thrown about a fair bit but I just think that you could call an inward looking country a country that is minding its own business.......and we could do with more of that imho

 

I've been reading a lot in the European media, and it seems much more distorted than usual. I understand the concerns, we all have them, but the opposition blame fake news for his election and then continue to publish heavily loaded articles as a rebuttal. Again as much I as don't particularly care for him, he deserves to rise and fall on what he's done not what news agencies say he's done.

 

Pulling in private sector managers to analyze public sector waste is something you and I have prattled on about for ages. He's actually doing it! I never thought I'd live to see that.

 

 

The real fake news is the MSM, they've been caught lying too many times to get away with it anymore.

 

There are much better sources to read