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Stewart, the Electoral College gives the states proportional representation. It is not designed, as you say, out of fear of direct election results of the population. It was never about the direct election of a president. It's about the states. They created a way for the states to elect their president that took into consideration geography and population. It’s about the states selecting their president. The Electoral College gives all states, large and small, a voice in the election. Each state receives an allocation of electors. The states determine their delegates to the Electoral College. It is based on the population. The delegates are the representatives of the people in their state. They vote for the winning candidate. States like California and New York have more delegates than Vermont or Utah.

Our personal vote determines who the winner is in our state. The delegates cast their ballot when the Elector College meets. The total votes the delegates to the Electoral College determine who the president will be. It prevents the most densely populated areas from dominating the election. Here is an explanation of the Electoral College for the 2016 presidential election. The author is unknown.

“There are 3,141 counties in the United States.
Trump won 3,084 of them.                Clinton won 57.
There are 62 counties in New York State.
Trump won 46 of them.                      Clinton won 16 .
Clinton won the popular vote by approx 1.5 million votes.
In the 5 counties that encompass NYC, (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Richmond & Queens)
  Clinton received well over 2 million more votes than Trump. (Clinton only won 4 of these counties; Trump won Richmond)
Therefore these 5 counties alone, more than accounted for Clinton winning the popular vote of the entire country.
These 5 counties comprise 319 square miles.
The United States is comprised of 3,797,000 square miles.
When you have a country that encompasses almost 4 million square miles of territory, it would be ludicrous to even suggest that the vote of those who inhabit a mere 319 square miles should dictate the outcome of a national election.
Large, densely populated Democrat cities (NYC, Chicago, LA, etc.) DO NOT and SHOULD NOT speak for the rest of our country!
And...it's been verified and documented that those aforementioned 319 square miles are where the majority of our nation’s problems foment.”

The electoral method is about guiding our state to cast its vote for president at the meeting of the Electoral College. It is not a popular election of a president. The Elector College is not outdated. It serves our country well.

We are a representative republic, not a democracy for good reason. Nations that are a pure democracy where the rule of the majority denies a voice for the minority and different regions, they fail. Historically they do not survive, while a republic does.

On to the next statement you made, Stewart. NRA training taught me how to be a responsible citizen with my gun. I learned how to apply math and physics to improve marksmanship. I do not hunt. I shoot paper targets and clay pigeons. As for the Second Amendment, “the militia” you mention is all citizens. The Supreme Court held that “the right to keep and bear arms” is an individual, natural right. I own several firearms for three main reasons: target shooting, self-defense and I admire the craftsmanship of a firearm.

You can watch Ann Coulter ducking an object that was tossed at her on You Tube. You questioned my use of the word “assault” to describe what happened to political officials that were harassed while dining in a public restaurant. It is an assault when you create the fear of physical harm even without touching the person. Yes, it was assault to invade the private space of anyone, then yell and scream at them. “Battery” is when you physically touch, hit, shove, punch, etc.

You asked, what else is 230 old that I wouldn’t dismiss. How about the Torah? Magna Carta, Shakespeare, the works Adam Smith, Cicero, Plato and Aristotle for starters? Your arguments that the Constitution is old and outdated are simply wrong. It is a timeless document that includes the process to amend the Constitution. It is much simpler to declare it out-of-date and ignore it than it is to amend. The Founding Fathers wanted it to be a thoughtful process involving lots of people, not subject to a whim. The far left on the political spectrum does not like the constraints the Constitution places on centralized power. It wants the Constitution to be replaced. However, the Constitution has 27 amendments, so the process must work. There is an Article V, Convention of the States proposed and approved by 26 state legislatures already. 34 states are needed to convene. The purpose is for the state delegates to propose and vote on amendments that would then have to be on the general ballot. I think this is an answer to what you said about overhauling the old girl.

. . . and, last but not least, Stewart, I should not be the history teacher to students if my bias gets in the way of teaching facts. Whoever the teacher may be, I just want to know that they teach US History, government and civic responsibility without either left or right bias. Currently, most schools are like my local schools and do not teach it. There are several reasons for that. As Ronald Reagan said, we are just one generation away from losing our freedom. Keep writing Stewart. I appreciate your posts. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all.

11/18/18 03:46 PM

#648

David St. Pierre Bantz

The cover of today's (18 November 2018) New York Times Magazine: against a background image of burning Nazi swastika and rows of Nazi salutes from a white supremacist rally in Georgia earlier this year are listed 70 white supremacist demonstrations, shootings, bombings, and planned attacks since the mass murder at Emanuel AME Church in Charelston just 17 months ago.

Members of our class grew up in the immediate aftermath of WWII. The house I grew up in had many books describing the horrific transforamtion of Germnay from the epitome of diverse European cultures into a fanatical engine of hatred, destruction and genocide. Have you ever wondered, as I have, how you would have responded if you were there? Well now we know. It's what we're doing right now.

11/18/18 06:40 PM

#649

Trudi Ann Davis (Davis)

I haven't responded in awhile so I thought I would share a few thought.

No one would ever call Ann Coulter a proponent of measured speech. I do not approve of people chanting at others while at dinner. I would prefer that people just turned their back. Her behavior is hardly civil however. Shunning sounds like the best method of address.

I am excited that with this election there are so many women and of such diversity. It is a thrilling change in the political scene. My feeling is the more women in political life the better for our country (minus Ann Coulter).

I am also happy to see that doctors and other medical people are becoming more outspoken about the horrific damage they have to try and patch up due to automatic rifles and the such. I am not against hunting but I am against massive human slaughter which is happening every week in our country. We need to have some check on what guns people are able to buy.

There is no psychological test that can 100% indicate that someone is mentally ill. Due to our extreme history of honoring the individual freedom over that of the community mental health professionals are loathe to make these decisions for fear of being sued plus human behavior is extremely complex.

Carol, you will disagree with me I am sure but the upsurge in hate crimes since the election of Donald Trump can not be dismissed. He has opened the door to the basest instincts in our country and even if he was elected it doesn't mean that his behavior toward immigrants, women, handicapped people, sports figures, our former president, all the major news sources is acceptable. Remember the story of the Emperor's New Clothes. He is our president, but he is not presidential. His dereliction of duty in France on Memorial Day, his inability to attend an important meeting in Asia are just the latest events that show his lack of understanding of his role. It just makes me sad to think we will have to endure another two years.

It is hard to get away from all the difficult events of the day. Just looking at the terrible fires in California, the hurricanes and floods that have displaced so many people. I just hope that all of us who read this blog can donate money, food, and assistance to those in need.

I do have good news. My oldest daughter who just received her Ph.d in African History was hired as an adjunct to teach two classes at Emerson college in Boston. When the class is over she and her husband will pack up and move to Lledia, Spain. Her husband has a job teaching music there and is happy being home again after 10 years of living in the US. She will work on turning part of her dissertation into a book, maybe teach English, learn Spanish and maybe even start a family. They hope by September to have positions that will provide them both with income. Academic life these days is not easy.

My youngest daughter, now the mother of three is struggling to do it all. Working from the house with people coming in for childcare, it is a lot to ask. I envy the lives of young mothers in Western Europe (except Germany isn't too enlightened) where they don't have the same financial struggle, day care is less costly, families are supported unlike here where you are on your own.

I had a lovely return trip to Venice where I visited first in the early 70's. I still love it, something about streets of water, no cars, beautiful buildings everywhere. The only downside was the coming of the huge ships that would let loose thousands of people into a very small city. I don't think there was room to move in San Marco square at certain times of the day.. Anyway it was great, then onto Milan for just two days and then to Luxembourg to visit my niece who is there with her family.

So that's it. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

11/18/18 06:57 PM

#650

Nancy Doyle (Sudlow)

So good to read your posts, Trudi.

11/18/18 09:03 PM

#651

Greetings Richard "Zaitz" Zaitlen,

I am thinking of you and sending best wishes to you and yours this Thanksgiving day and weekend. I hope you are all safe and able to hold one another and good memories close. Take time to celebrate and enjoy your Thanksgiving feast with the gratitude you have shared with us all on the Forum.

Thank you for inspiring me.

With all good wishes, Janis

11/18/18 09:36 PM

#652

Jacqueline Brandt (Duclos)

Someone needs to speak up in Carol’s defense. She is entitled to her opinions like we all are. She presents an alternative to the usual, and we need that on the Forum. Even if what is said is not of your liking, we need to give respect. Messages that are private should remain private unless the sender agrees to make them public. Embarrassment and humiliation are not satisfactory tactics, especially among classmates.

Carol stands for her principles, defends the underdog and should not be derided because of it. Whether you like or don’t like Trump ought not be the criteria for treating each other with or without common decency. Respect. We all need it and want it. I know I have to keep that in mind as much as anybody else.

Has this forum degenerated to the same kind of ostracization that is typical of high school teenage behavior? It's time we outlive that. All should feel welcome to post their comments here. Please, let’s refrain from being deliberately hurtful and exclusionary. Maybe then we will hear from more fresh voices.

11/19/18 04:12 AM

#653

I was recently in NY, the first time in years. What a shock I had coming into JFK !

It was like going into a third world country ! The infrastructure is a mess ! I have been

In airports all over the world and the only one I saw that was in such a level of delapidation

Was Kabul !

Steve, changing subjects, I don’t have your private mail address, my son and his family

Are planning a trip to Thailand just after Xmas. I think you live in chasing rai n’est pas ?

Any suggestions for their voyage ? Hotels , places whatever ?

11/19/18 05:58 PM

#654

Active Shooter Attack at Chicago’s Mercy Hospital.

When is enough enough?

and time to do everything we can

to prevent gun violence and death by gunfire?

What will our legacy be?

Open debate and a search for the common good

- COMPROMISE -

is what civilized people do AND makes our government work.

11/19/18 08:39 PM

#655

Frances Garfield (Brown)

Yep, another shooting in Chicago. 4 people killed, and one is the shooter who also was killed. I think we have heard this way too long. Get rid of the guns, soon!! What else can we do???

11/19/18 10:17 PM

#656

Paul, there were several items in your recent post, that I have to take issue with. You said that the Electoral College "is not designed, as you say, out of fear of direct election results of the population. It was never about the direct election of a president. It's all about the states selecting their president." But, Paul, as an educator, you would have to know, that the reason I gave was the actual reason. So, I don't understand why you won't just admit that. It's not even something that any historian would deny. The Electoral College was designed (absolutely) to create a buffer between the population and selection of a president. Later, you stated that "Clinton won the popular vote by approx. 1.5 million votes." when her actual margin of victory was almost twice that amount, way closer to 3 million votes. But, if you're a fan of Trump's ability to judge a crowd size, I get it. Even more objectionable, is your argument that 5 counties in NY state, totalling 319 sq. mi. out of a total of almost 4 million sq. mi. "more than accounted for Clinton winning the popular vote of the entire country." Then added, that "large, densely populated Democrat cities (NY, Chicago, LA, etc.) DO NOT and SHOULD NOT, speak for the rest of the country." Why not? Is it because all those minority voters tend to live in large, urban areas? If the Electoral College works so well, (1) why are we the only country in the world that has that institution, and (2) why in 2 of the last 5 elections, has the winner NOT been the popular vote winner? Do you feel that reflects "the will of the people"? I get why you want to keep the Electoral College, but at least admit that it gives Republicans an unfair advantage. Or do you think that the person who gets less popular vote, should be elected President? When I asked what else is 230 years old, that you wouldn't consider archaic & outdated, you replied "How about the Torah? Magna Carta, Shakespeare, Adam Smith, Cicero, Plato and Aristotle for starters." You left out Socrates? Didn't like his ideas? He was the precursor to Plato & Aristotle. I believe that your example of the Torah was a craven attempt to appeal to my Jewish heritage, which, guess what, didn't work, as I give no more credence to the Torah, than any other religious text. You then stated, "Your arguments that the Constitution is old and outdated are simply wrong." Don't think it's your place to decide that it's wrong, since for the past 50+ years, a majority of Americans, favor direct election of the President & V.P., instead of by the Electoral College. So, I guess I'm in the majority, and you're NOT. One last thing. I had asked you what your NRA camps had taught you about life & why you liked firearms so much - if you were a hunter. You said, "I own several firearms for three main reasons: target shooting, self-defense and I admire the craftsmanship of a firearm." And then, "the Supreme Court held that 'the right to keep and bear arms' is an individual, natural right'." If that is so, from where is this 'natural right' derived from? Just asking? Also, for you to state that you "admire the craftmanship of a firearm", is akin to me saying that "I admire the craftmanship of the electric chair", because they are both designed to do one thing, kill other human beings. By the way, I don't recall you ever stating, for the record, where you stand on the availability of semi-automatic weapons, to people in this country. For it, or against it, will be enough. The electric chair & semi-automatic weapons are both the result of advanced technology & nothing else. No divine or natural right.. With that, I have to say that I am starting to understand that I will never change your mind & conversely, you will never change mine. I am coming to understand that our differences are, I suspect, of how we were both raised. I also suspect, that to continue with this discussion is, at best, an exercise in futility, and, at worst, a fool's errand. Believe me, I am not trying to change anyone's mind, but if I changed even one person's mind, I would feel better about all of this discourse.

11/20/18 08:10 AM

#657

Stewart and Steve, I answer your questions and it causes you aggravation. That is not my intention. This kind of exchange is what drives people away from the Forum. I have told you that I support the guidelines that Larry and Ron have stated. What I say obviously bothers you, so let's stop. OK? No winner, no loser. No reply necessary. We are classmates, not opponents.

11/20/18 10:16 AM

#658

Paul, we are classmates-- one of the goals of our educational experience was that we learn to think and discuss, GROW, broaden our horizons, disagree with respect. Carol says we're in our 70s like we're stuck in concrete and will vote blindly as long as we have breath. That is not the legacy I want to leave. Steve shared that he had been an NRA member and carried a weapon... I have serious concerns about how we continue with the Electoral College, but I also understand why and appreciate the wisdom of a representative republic. On the other hand, you don't entertain open discussion. There don't have to be winners and losers. Whatever aggravation there might be is because you seem to be stuck - your mind closed to new information: it seems there is order in your life and you do not want to risk messing that up, dissuaded by facts and the reality of what is real and relevant in the now... for instance the NRA of your youth is not the NRA of today.

Stewart, you are absolutely correct: the electoral college was meant to create a buffer between the population and the selection of a President. The Founding Fathers wanted to protect the country from direct election to the Presidency. The Electoral College was meant to give extra power to the states in the selection of the president taking geography and population into consideration. By preventing the most densely populated states from dominating the election, the electoral college gives significantly more value to a vote in Wyoming than a vote in California or New York.

11/20/18 11:15 AM

#659

Happy Birthday, DK.

Hope you're getting good rest and practice and play

before heading to Florida (another year older

for the Golfweek Tournament of Champions...

Remember "it's not farther it's fewer"...

I'll be traveling to Montreal over Christmas--

I realize it won't be golf season--

any sights you might suggest reminiscent of "The Greatest Game Ever Played"?

All best wishes for a happy day and year...

Enjoy Black Diamond Ranch / FORE !

Janis

11/20/18 05:10 PM

#660

It was very nice, seeing Trudi's post from a couple of days ago. I totally agree with her sentiments. And David's also; don't remember hearing from him before. And Frances, very nice hearing from you, also & also, couldn't agree more. But, Paul, I didn't want to believe what Steve was saying, about you never answering questions. However, I took a look at my last post, and saw that I asked you seven questions, six were direct questions (those are the ones with the question marks) and one final, perhaps implied question. (1) You said, "large, densely populated Democrat cities (NY, Chicago, LA, etc.) SHOULD NOT, speak for the rest of the country." I asked, "Why not?", (2) "Why are we the only country in the world that has that institution (Electoral College)?", (3) "why in 2 of the past 5 elections, has the winner NOT been the popular vote winner?", (4) "Do you feel that reflects 'the will of the people'?", (5) "...or do you think that the person who gets less popular vote, should be elected President?", (6) "...from where is this 'natural right" (2nd Amendment) derived from?", and (7) "I don't recall you ever stating, for the record, where you stand on the availability of semi-automatic weapons to people in this country." So, Paul, I have to say that these personal statistics, are kind of backing up Steve's claim, because by my count, I asked 7 questions of you & received a grand total of 0 answers. I am not asking these questions to aggravate you; I really am curious about your answers, as I believe it can help me to understand your positions. One more thing, Paul, you sent a post to Steve and me, saying, "Stewart and Steve, I answer your questions and it causes you aggravation.", and later, "What I say obviously bothers you..." I will not assume to speak for Steve, but I will say that, first, Steve is correct, you do not answer questions & therefore, your (non)answers do NOT cause me any aggravation. I believe the aggravation, if any, stems from your refusal to answer questions; and "What I say obviously bothers you." Is this because I said in a post this past week, that 'You, like Trump, are wearing me out?" Just asking.

11/20/18 05:39 PM

#661

Donald Henry Kuehn

Janis, Thanks for the B-Day wishes. Today is also the 100th anniversary of my father’s birth! I just penned an email (can one “pen” an email?) to my siblings recognizing that fact and suggesting they do as I did and write a letter to him/them to reminisce or complain or remember what it was like “growing up Kuehn”. My mother would have been 100 on December 23 and their 76th anniversary would have been tomorrow.

It just got one stroke easier to shoot my age!

When we were in Montreal it was near perfect weather and we took a walking tour of the old city with one of the commercial outfits. I found it really interesting, but if you’ve been there before you probably have seen most of Old Montreal. The restaurants are among the best in the world and St. Catherine Street is always a good stroll.

As for the movie, Kanawaki Golf Club was a proxy for the real location of the match: The Country Club in Brookline, Mass. So, no, there’s not much GGEP-related to direct you to.

Have a great time in one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Happy Thanksgiving to all the posters and lurkers from the Class of ‘64.

11/20/18 08:09 PM

#662

Stewart,
1) ”You said, “”large, densely populated Democrat cities (NY, Chicago, LA, etc) SHOULD NOT, speak for the rest of the country.” Why not?” Answer: Incorrect. I did not say that. It was in a quote from an anonymous author. Never-the-less, my answer to why is because without a way to represent every state in our country, the original states would never have ratified the Constitution. They would not accept the possibility of domination by more populous states.

2) “Why are we the only country in the world that has that institution (Electoral College)? Answer: Because we are the only nation of 50 separate states that chose a republican (small r) form of government with a unique way so each state has a say in who is their president. He/she is primarily the president of the states.

3) “Why in 2 of the past 5 elections, has the winner NOT been the popular vote winner?” Answer: Because it takes a majority of the Electoral College (270) in order to become president. It prevents densely populated regions from deciding for all the states.

4) “Do you feel that reflects the will of the people?” Answer: When we vote, the will of the people determine who is the winner in our state. The state casts its electoral votes for that winner, as does each state. The votes from all the states determine the winner. That is how we express the will of the people and I think it is fair.

5) “. . . or do you think that the person who gets less popular votes, should be elected President?” Answer: I believe the Electoral College process is more fair than direct popular vote for the aforementioned reasons. Yes, the winner with 270 or more electoral votes but not necessarily the winner of the popular vote should be elected president.

6) “. . . from where is this “natural right” (2nd Amendment) derived from?” Answer: From the Declaration of Independence and The Bill of Rights (Amendments I – X). The Declaration refers to “Laws of Nature” and “Nature’s God.” “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, . . . endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Natural rights of men come from our creator. Natural rights are not granted by government, kings or other men. We are born with a natural right to defend ourselves, family and property, country. The Founder’s codified that into the Second Amendment.

7) “I don’t recall you ever stating, for the record, where you stand on the availability of semi-automatic weapons to people in this country?” Answer: Semi-automatic weapons are used for hunting and target shooting. In the hands of law-abiding citizens that take responsibility for keeping them locked up, out of the hands of children and inaccessible without the owner’s permission, they are safe and should be allowed. What concerns me is the criminal and mentally impaired who get firearms, even in places like Chicago, that has the strictest gun laws in the nation. Disarming the honest citizen will not stop the criminal or mentally ill from getting a gun and committing a crime. We need to keep looking for that answer.

11/20/18 10:22 PM

#663

Paul, thank you for your swift response to all my questions. I can't say that I agree with all (or any) of your responses, but I will never again say that you don't respond to any questions. Thank you so much.

11/21/18 08:54 AM

#664

Steve,

Your question is, “Please tell us how you feel about trump now making America an accomplice to murder by accepting Saudi murder and dismemberment of US resident, Washington Post journalist?” Answer: Your question is loaded. Trump's actions have not made America an accomplice. Kashoggi’s murder was a terrible thing. There is no doubt in my mind that the Saudi Royal family, including the Crowned Prince was behind his murder. Murders, stoning’s, honor killings, hangings and beheadings are everyday occurrences in Saudi Arabia. We may abhore what their society countenances, but are limited in what Trump can do. We should not over-react to Kashoggi because he lived in the United States (was not a citizen) and was a journalist for the Washington Post. The strategic balance of power is more important. I think we should make a finding of guilt (already done). Denounce the murder and the perps (already done). Impose economic and travel sanctions on the perpetrators. Urge the royal family to replace the Crowned Prince with another (The present Prince is a potential Caligula that we will regret in the future if he becomes King). Trump is right that he should not cancel a weapons deal that would risk that the Saudis would turn to China or Russia for their weapons purchases. That relationship must be preserved to maintain the strategic balance and to defend our ally, Israel.
Your question: “What do you think of Matt Whitaker as the U.S. Attorney General? Answer: It doesn’t amount to much. The appointment was made under the “Appointments Act.” It is a temporary, 90-day appointment. The president has the right to appoint anyone he choses. He chose to bypass Rosenstein. Let the court challenges go forward. The permanent Attorney General is a principal government position and requires the “Advise and Consent” of the Senate. Trump has whatever remains of the 90 days to make a nomination for Attorney General.

11/21/18 09:51 AM

#665

Paul,

You and Trump are two peas in a pod - strictly transactional. SAD!!! If it's to "our" economic advantage, killing is no problem-- consistent with your opinion about the second amendment and gun manufacturers. Human life is not the highest priority to you.

“When we lose our moral voice, we lose our strongest asset.” -- SC Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in response to Trump challenging the CIA’s conclusion that the Saudi Crown Prince is responsible for the heinous murder of Washington Post journalist Khashoggi.

You are correct, the small states and slave states would not have ratified the Constitution had there been the possibility of domination by more populous states. There are small states in the original 13 that have dense populations; slave states counted African slaves as 3/5 in their population count. Industry (farming) and geography were important considerations in establishing the power balance in colonial America.

The smallest state Rhode Island is actually more populous than a number of much larger states, including Montana, Alaska, and Wyoming. Wyoming is the smallest population state in the U.S. and has the highest negative population growth rate.

It is hunting season in Wisconsin - no one wants to eat a deer they shot with an assault weapon.

11/21/18 11:20 AM

#666

Marvin Irving Blusteln

I find it interesting and oftem perplexing, that conservatives often chose to ignore facts, deny a person's history, or say we shouldn't discuss this or that.

Paul as former school administrator, I wonder if you would have kept many of these factless and fact denier conservatives on your staff if they were teachers. i can see 45 as a fantastic history teacher.

11/21/18 11:21 AM

#667

Marvin Irving Blusteln

And Happy Thanksgiving to all!

11/21/18 02:03 PM

#668

In his first response to Trump (a rare direct response from a Supreme Court Chief Justice who usually refrains from commenting or responding to the remarks of politicians) Chief Justice John Roberts rebuked Trump and defended the judiciary in the face of Trump’s continuing criticism of federal judges.

"We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges ... "

Then the Chief Justice sent a Thanksgiving message: “That independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for.”

Trump does not believe in American institutions.

He is literally trying to indict his political opponents.

Chief Justice Roberts is known for working to protect the reputation of the judiciary as an independent branch of government.

Trump fired back at Roberts on Twitter... are we surprised?

Trump will fight with anyone except his favorites - despots.

11/21/18 02:29 PM

#669

Paul, I don't think that Steve's question was loaded (at all). You stated, "Trump's actions have not made America an accomplice." If you think that not assigning culpability in Kashoggi's death, to the rulers of Saudi Arabia, which Trump has consistently avoided, is not being an accomplice, what would it take for you to admit that? Further, you said, "I think we should make a finding of guilt (already done)." What bizarre, alternative-universe are you living in? "already done"? I don't know which news sites you watch for your news, but I have heard NOTHING, indicating that the White House has made any admission that the president has found anything regarding the guilt of the Saudis, or, particularly, the crown prince. All I've heard is, "We'll just have to wait & see, until all of the facts are in." Nothing is already done. Further, you stated, "Trump is right that he should not cancel a weapons deal that would risk the Saudis would turn to China or Russia for their weapons purchases." Are you aware that Germany has already done just that? But, since Trump is involved, I'm guessing that it's all about the money, not right or wrong. One other thing, if the U.S. has the most powerful military, with the most advanced weaponry, who gives a shit if they get their armaments from either China or Russia? I don't really want to explain the Whitaker appointment, because you are correct. It is a temporary (for now) 90-day appointment. You said, "He chose to bypass Rosenstein." Why is that, Paul? Rosenstein has been a career employee of the Justice Dept.; Whitaker has been at Justice for 1 year, or less. Can you think of ANY reason that Trump would bypass a veteran, career employee, for a "newbie"? Just asking. By the way, Marv, thanks for the input. I have to jump in the shower, to get ready for work.

11/21/18 02:43 PM

#670

Janis, please read what I said again. I did not condone Kashoggi's killing. Neither did Trump. Our country's strategic interests should not be sacrificed for Kashoggi’s murder. What do you think would be the right thing for Trump to do? There has been more moral outrage (including your own and Steve’s) over Kshoggi's murder than was ever given when a United States Ambassador, Chris Smith and four other Americans were killed in Benghazi. Why is that? Is it because all the outrage over Trump is politically motivated? Uh, Huh. Our government did nothing to correct the heinous Benghazi crimes. Do you defend that?

And, what did our government do when Assad crossed the “line in the sand” and gassed his own people: we moved the line further back and did nothing. Do you defend that? So, let’s stop bashing Trump for taking an unpopular stand in defense of our strategic interests and Israel.

Marvin, please explain your statement about my decisions with my faculty. I never let politics enter my professional relationships with teachers. I hope you said that in jest.

11/21/18 03:18 PM

#671