Charles Krauthammer on Donald Trump
Trump Is Not A Liberal or Conservative, He’s a “Pragmatist.” (Definition: A pragmatist is someone who is practical and focused on reaching a goal. A pragmatist usually has a straightforward, matter-of-fact approach and
doesn’t let emotion distract him or her.)
We recently enjoyed a belated holiday dinner with friends at the home of other friends. The dinner conversation varied from discussions about antique glass and china to theology and politics. At one point, reference was made to Donald Trump being a conservative, to which I responded that Trump is not a conservative. I said that I neither view nor do I believe Trump views himself as a conservative. I stated it was my opinion that Trump is a pragmatist. He sees a problem and understands it must be fixed. He doesn’t see the problem as liberal or conservative, he sees it only as a problem. That is a quality that should be admired and applauded, not condemned. But I get ahead of myself.
Viewing problems from a Liberal perspective has resulted in the creation of more problems, more entitlement programs, more victims, more government, more political correctness, and more attacks on the working class in all economic strata.
Viewing things according to the so-called Republican conservative perspective has brought continued spending and globalism to the detriment of American interests and well being, denial of what the real problems are, Weak, ineffective, milquetoast, leadership that amounts to Barney Fife Deputy Sheriff, appeasement oriented and afraid of its own shadow. In brief, it has brought liberal ideology with a pachyderm as a mascot juxtaposed to the ass of the Democrat Party.
Immigration isn’t a Republican problem, it isn’t a Liberal problem, it is a problem that threatens the very fabric and infrastructure of America. It demands a pragmatic approach not an approach that is intended to appease one group or another.
The impending collapse of the economy wasn’t a Liberal or Conservative problem, it is an American problem. That said, until it is viewed as a problem that demands a common sense approach to resolution, it will never be fixed because the Democrats and Republicans know only one way to fix things and the longevity of their impracticality has proven to have no lasting effect. Successful businessmen like Donald Trump find ways to make things work, they do not promise to accommodate.
Trump uniquely understands that China’s manipulation of currency is not a Republican problem or a Democrat problem. It is a problem that threatens our financial stability and he understands the proper balance needed to fix it. Here again, successful businessmen, like Trump, who have weathered the changing tides of economic reality understand what is necessary to make business work, and they, unlike both sides of the political aisle, know that if something doesn’t work, you don’t continue trying to make it work hoping that at some point it will.
As a pragmatist, Donald Trump hasn’t made wild pie-in-the-sky promises of a cell phone in every pocket, free college tuition, and a $15 hour minimum wage for working the drive-through at Carl’s Hamburgers.
I argue that America needs pragmatists because pragmatists see a problem and find ways to fix them. They do not see a problem and compound it by creating more problems.
You may not like Donald Trump, but I suspect that the reason some people do not like him is because:
(1) he is antithetical to the “good old boy” method of brokering backroom deals that fatten the coffers of politicians;
(2) they are unaccustomed to hearing a president speak who is unencumbered by the financial shackles of those who he owes vis-a-vis donations;
(3) he is someone who is free of idiomatic political ideology;
(4) he says what he is thinking, is unapologetic for his outspoken thoughts, speaks very straightforward using everyday language that can be understood by all (and is offensive to some who dislike him anyway) making him a great communicator, for the most part, does what he says he will do and;
(5) he is someone who understands that it takes more than hollow promises and political correctness to make America great again.
Listening to Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders talk about fixing America is like listening to two lunatics trying to “out crazy” one another. Jeb Bush, John Kasich and Marco Rubio are owned lock, stock, and barrel by the bankers, corporations, and big dollar donors funding their campaigns. Bush can deny it, but common sense tells anyone willing to face facts is that
people don’t give tens of millions without expecting something in return.
We have had Democrats and Republican ideologues and what has it brought us? Are we better off today or worse off? Has it happened overnight or has it been a steady decline brought on by both parties?
I submit that a pragmatist is just what America needs right now. People are quick to confuse and despise confidence as arrogance, but that is common among those who have never accomplished anything in their lives (or politicians who never really solved a problem, because it’s better to still have an “issue(s) to be solved,” so re-elect me to solve it, (which never
happens) and those who have always played it safe (again, all politicians) not willing to risk failure, to try and achieve success).
Donald Trump put his total financial empire at risk in running for president and certainly did not need or possibly even want the job; that says it all. He wants success for the U.S. and her citizens because he loves his country.”
What in the Fruit?
That’s just banana’s. For the love of breakfast fruit. Why? Oh! Why? This is how you get baby bananas.
Breast Height Check
Getting older stinks and so do these measurements.
A Moment in Time With a Beluga Whale
While at Sea World San Diego, I had a moment in time where I was truly amazed. It was early in the morning and nobody else was around. While watching the beluga whales one stopped and appeared to look at me and opened it’s mouth, almost like a smile, and then it ducked under and went about it’s way. Then the whale swam back around the tank as if it were to check up on me. That was very cool and I don’t know if I will ever have another magical moment like that in my lifetime.
Being here in California there are a lot of different opinionated people and groups such as PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) around who like to bash Sea World for what they do. I am not one to pass judgement, but I can say that Sea World does seem to care about the creatures in the ocean. I have personally seen their vehicles race out to a beach to pickup and save an injured sea lion or harbor seal and then to only release it back into the wild. It’s like a hospital for ocean life and they help to inform, bring awareness to others, and inspire future generations to help protect the precious sea life that exists. That’s ok in my book.
Meet the Eagle Ray
This is an interesting character as a member of the stingray family. Unlike stingrays that lay on the bottom of the ocean the eagle rays tend to live in open ocean.
Moray Eel
Went to Sea World recently and saw some of these moray eels. I’m glad I get to see them in sea world because this is about as close as I want to be to one. I don’t think I would want to see one of these in their natural habitat.
Sympathetic Husband
This guy is sitting at home alone when he hears a knock on the front door. There are two sheriff’s deputies there; he asks if there is a problem. One of the deputies asks if he is married, and if so, can he see a picture of his wife. The guy says “sure” and shows him a picture of his wife. The sheriff says, “I’m very sorry sir, but it looks like your wife’s been hit by a truck.”
The guy says, “I know, but she has a great personality and she’s an excellent cook. “
Episodes Of Stupidity
Unfortunately, there is no cure for stupid.
Sexual Harassment?
Every day, a male employee walks up very close to a female co-worker at the coffee machine. He stops, inhales quite deeply and says that her hair smells nice. After a week of this, the woman can’t stand it anymore. She takes her issue to a supervisor in Human Resources and asks to file a sexual harassment grievance against the guy. The supervisor is puzzled and asks, “What’s threatening about a co-worker telling you your hair smells nice?” “It’s Frank,: the midget.”
Hotel Charges
An older lady decided to give herself a big treat for her 70th birthday by staying overnight in a really nice hotel. When she checked out the next morning, the desk clerk handed her a bill for $250.00. She demanded to know why the charge was so high.
“I agree it’s a nice hotel, but the rooms aren’t worth $250.00 for just an overnight stay! I didn’t even have breakfast.”
The clerk told her that $250.00 is the ‘standard rate’, and breakfast had been included had she wanted it. She insisted on speaking to the Manager.
The Manager appeared and, forewarned by the desk clerk, announced: “This hotel has an Olympic-sized pool and a huge conference center which are available for use.”
“But I didn’t use them,” she said ”Well, they are here, and you could have,” explained the Manager. He went on to explain that she could also have seen one of the in-hotel shows for which they were so famous. “We have the best entertainers from the world over performing here,” the Manager said.
“But I didn’t go to any of those shows,” she said.
“Well, we have them, and you could have,” the Manager replied.
No matter what amenity the Manager mentioned, she replied, “But I didn’t use it!” and the Manager countered with his standard response. After several minutes’ discussion, and with the Manager still unmoved, she decided to pay, wrote a check and gave it to him. The Manager was surprised when he looked at the check. “But madam, this check is for $50.00.”
“That’s correct I charged you $200.00 for sleeping with me,” she replied.
“But I didn’t!” exclaimed the very surprised Manager.
“Well, too bad, I was here, and you could have.”
Useful Inventions
1. Wash your hands and then use the water for your next flush.
2. Traffic lights in Ukraine.
3. This water fountain allows the water to flow down so dogs can drink too.
4. A mountain finder device in Switzerland.
5. An accessibility mat on the beach for strollers and wheelchairs.
6. This pill bottle lid tells you when it was last opened.
7. Seniors and handicapped people can extend cross time for this 8 lane highway.
8. This restaurant has a toe opener for those who want to avoid germs on the doorknob.
9. This shopping cart has a calculator so you know how much you’re spending.
10. This bar has a frost strip so you can keep your drink cold.
11. This tire tells you when it’s time to change it.
12. This mirror has a heated part so it doesn’t steam up after a shower.
13. These tiny model tents give you a look at what you’re buying.
14. This elevator shows how close to capacity it is based on the weight of the riders.
15. This inflatable mattress turns the back of your car into a bed.
16. Trash cans in Copenhagen are angled so that cyclists can throw their trash while cycling.
Statue of Major General Andrew Jackson
In New Orlean’s Louisiana was a statue of Major General Andrew Jackson. With the liberal movement to have historic statues removed this statue may not still be there. He is what the statue looked like. If you are interested in learning more about who Andrew Jackson was, what he stood for, what he accomplished, and what role he played in American history you can find more information by clicking here.
Hawaii Lava Boat Tour
Every time the lava hits the ocean more shoreline is created for the Big Island of Hawaii.
Nissan Cube
I don’t care what anyone says, the Nissan Cube is a fun car to drive. It is a small boxy car with style. It has the rear wrap around window and rounded windows on the sides. It is fun because it is a small car that sits like a truck. There is plenty of headroom and it very comfortably seats 4 passengers. The rear seats even recline. One of the best things about it is that it gets 27 miles to the gallon in the city and over 30 on the highway. Everything about this little car is just fun, fun, fun.
Novo Brazil Brewing Company
Stopped by the Novo Brazil Brewing company to check out what they’ve got. It was a pretty interesting setup inside of a warehouse.
The Dark Side is Watching
Do you ever feel like someone from the dark side is watching you? This happened to me today when I was stopped at a traffic light. I looked over and Darth Vader was staring back at me.
Memorial Day
In observance of Memorial Day 2018, I digitally modified a photo that I had taken at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. The United States flag, “Old Glory,” is in color and the graves below are monochrome. I’ve given it much thought to the meaning that I was trying to obtain by this and it could symbolize the price that many have paid to uphold the ideals that we, as American’s, believe in. It could also mean that Old Glory is waving proudly over those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Whatever meaning you find in this image, I hope it sparks a moment where you take the time to remember a friend, a soldier, a loved one, or even a complete stranger who is no longer here because they had what it took to put their life on the line and believed in making the United States of American one of the greatest countries on earth. Freedom comes with one of the heftiest price tags and we take this day to honor those who have paid dearly for the freedoms we enjoy each and every day.
Observations
- There are two sides to every divorce: Yours and dipshit’s.
- The closest I ever got to a 4.0 in college was my blood alcohol content.
- I live in my own little world, but it’s OK. Everyone knows me there.
- I don’t do drugs. I find I get the same effect just by standing up really fast.
- I don’t like political jokes. I’ve seen too many get elected.
- The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
- If life deals you lemons, make lemonade. If life deals you tomatoes, make Bloody Mary’s……………..
- Shopping tip: You can get shoes for a buck at bowling alleys.
- Every day I beat my previous record of consecutive days I’ve stayed alive.
- No one ever says, “It’s only a game!” when their team’s winning.
- Marriage changes passion . . . suddenly you’re in bed with a relative.
- Why is it that most nudists are people you don’t want to see naked?
- Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled.
- Now that food has replaced sex in my life, I can’t even get into my own pants.
- I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose fitting clothing.
- If I HAD any loose fitting clothing, I wouldn’t need the freakin’ class!
- Don’t argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.
- Wouldn’t you know it! Brain cells come and brain cells go, but FAT cells live forever.
Lighting Decor
While sitting in the Original Noodle House in Ocean Beach, California I happened to notice the lighting which added an interesting decor to the restaurant.
High Street
For all the pot heads, occasional smokers, or midnight tokers out there here is a street in La Mesa, California just for you.
Why Some Men have Dogs and Not Wives
1. The later you are, the more excited your dogs are to see you.
2. Dogs don’t notice if you call them by another dog’s name.
3. Dogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.
4. A dog’s parents never visit.
5. Dogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.
6. You never have to wait for a dog; they’re ready to go 24 hours a day.
7. Dogs find you amusing when you’re drunk.
8. Dogs like to go hunting and fishing.
9. A dog will not wake you up at night to ask, “If I died, would you get another dog?”
10. If a dog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper and give them away.
11. A dog will let you put a studded collar on it without calling you a pervert.
12. If a dog smells another dog on you, they don’t get mad. They just think it’s interesting.
13. Dogs like to ride in the back of a pickup truck.
14. If a dog leaves, it won’t take half of your stuff.
It Can Wait Television Advertisement by the Western Cape Government
Every single day I see people texting and driving. I really wish more people will see this advertisement that was put out by the Western Cape Government because it has a very strong message about texting and driving. It can wait.
Plant That Looks Like Coral
Here is a plant that is a succulent, but it almost looks like coral is growing on land. It is real interesting the way the light shines through it and makes it look different colors.
Sometimes it Pays to Tell the Truth
Jack decided to go ski-ing with his buddy, Bob. So they loaded up Jack’s minivan and headed north. After driving for a few hours, they got caught in a terrible blizzard. So they pulled into a nearby farm and asked the attractive lady who answered the door if they could stay the night.
“I realize it’s terrible weather out there and I have this huge house all to myself, but I’m recently widowed,” she explained. “I’m afraid the neighbours will talk if I let you stay in my house.”
“Don’t worry,” Jack said. “We’ll be happy to sleep in the barn. And if the weather breaks, we’ll be gone at first light.”
The lady agreed, and the two men found their way to the barn and settled in for the night. Come morning, the weather had cleared, and they got on their way. They enjoyed a great weekend of ski-ing. But about nine months later, Jack got an unexpected letter from an attorney. It took him a few minutes to figure it out, but he finally determined that it was from the attorney of that attractive widow he had met on the ski weekend. He dropped in on his friend Bob and asked, “Bob, do you remember that good-looking widow from the farm we stayed at on our ski holiday up north about 9 months ago?”
“Yes, I do.” said Bob
“Did you, er, happen to get up in the middle of the night, go up to the house and pay her a visit?”
“Well, um, yes,” Bob said, a little embarrassed about being found out, “I have to admit that I did.”
“And did you happen to give her my name instead of telling her your name?”
Bob’s face turned beet red and he said, “Yeah, look, I’m sorry, buddy. I’m afraid I did. Why do you ask?”
“She just died and left me everything.”
Hickam Air Force Base
On Hickam Air Force base back by the channel to Pearl Harbor and near the Officer’s club there is the Missing Man Memorial that honors those who have lost their lives in battle.
Lobbing Grenades
In case you haven’t ever seen anybody ever throwing a grenade here is someone on a range doing just that.
Japanese Dessert Store
What kind of building is this? Is it a temple? Perhaps an orphanage? Guess again. It’s actually a Japanese dessert shop located in Kamakura.
Blonde Men
A blonde man is in the bathroom and his wife shouts: “Did you find the shampoo?”
He answers, “Yes, but I’m not sure what to do…it’s for dry hair, and I’ve just wet mine.”
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A blonde man spies a letter lying on his doormat.
It says on the envelope “DO NOT BEND.”
He spends the next 2 hours trying to figure out how to pick it up.
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A blonde man shouts frantically into the phone, “My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!”
“Is this her first child?” asks the Doctor.
“No!” he shouts, “this is her husband!”
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A blonde man is in jail, the guard looks in his cell and sees him hanging by his feet.
“Just WHAT are you doing?” he asks.
“Hanging myself,” the blonde replies.
“The rope should be around your neck” says the guard.
“I tried that,” he replies, “but then I couldn’t breathe.”
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An Italian tourist asks a blonde man: “Why do scuba divers always fall backwards off their boats?”
To which the blonde man replies: “If they fell forward, they’d still be in the boat.”
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A friend told the blonde man: “Christmas is on a Friday this year.”
The blonde man then said, “Let’s hope it’s not the 13th.”
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Two blonde men find three grenades, and they decide to take them to a police station.
One asked: “What if one explodes before we get there?”
The other says: “We’ll lie and say we only found two.”
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A woman phoned her blonde neighbor man and said: “Close your curtains the next time you and your wife are having sex. The whole street was watching and laughing at you yesterday.”
To which the blonde man replied: “Well the joke’s on all of you because I wasn’t even at home yesterday!
Rice Fields in Japan
If you haven’t ever seen any rice fields or how rice is grown it is pretty interesting because Japan does not have a lot of farm land so they grow rice wherever they can. Here are a couple fields I happened to snap a couple photos of as I was driving by.
Going Solar
More and more businesses, organizations, schools, and people are installing solar panels and why not? Not only do the solar panels produce power by converting light into electricity, but they also provide shade and lower your bills and if there are enough of them, they can even produce a profit. With people looking for alternative energy sources, not only for their vehicles, but also for their homes solar is a great way to go. The sun provides us with enough energy to suit most of our needs.
Fortune Cookie Fortune
I had a fortune cookie that had this fortune in it that stated, “You have a keen sense of humor and bring out the best in others.” I’m not so certain that is an actual fortune as much as it is just a statement. I think I got cheated.
