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H2O Man

(73,308 posts)
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 01:50 PM Jul 2017

The Future of Plastics

“There's a future in plastics,” Mr. McGuire told The Graduate in the classic 1967 movie. “Think about it.” I thought about that as I watched Jared Kushner approach his discussion with Congressional aides on Monday. But when Kushner spoke to the cameras in front of the White House, I was reminded of a vampire, one of the leaders of a coven seeking to suck the life-force out of America.

Although the White House circus has been in high gear this week – especially from the middle to the end – it was Kushner's Tuesday interview that is most important. The Senate committee now has evidence suggesting that Don, Jr. and Manafort may have had follow-up communications (if not meetings) with at least two of the people at the “dirt on Hillary” meeting. (It is unclear if it was Kushner or Manafort who provided the “new” information.) Hence, the need to distract.

This does not mean the later events are not significant. Obviously, they are. Interestingly, the one that may have the most long term damage was the one that was an attempt at pure distraction : Trump believed that his cowardly attack upon the transgender community would be popular. Perhaps it is with a shrinking section of the population, but it has backfired. The majority of people found Trump's tweet disgusting. An associate with military background called me to say that many in the service are deeply unhappy with Trump's attempt to use them for political gain.

I also had an e-mail from another source, who said that the slow-motion version of the Saturday Night Massacre was set to begin. Hours later, Trump tweeted about replacing Reince Priebus with General John Kelly. Trump has been looking to replace Priebus since mid-May. He had originally considered tapping CIA director Mike Pompeo for the position, but had also spoke to Kelly about it.

As failure after failure came on health care, others in the White House lobbied Trump to separate from republican party influence. Hence, Sean Spicer and Priebus were removed., and pressure has been placed upon Jeff Sessions to leave the Department of Justice. Yet, the pressure on Sessions has reulted in some problems with republicans in Congress, which has worried others in the White House.

Thus, the plan – which is still being debated in the White House – to move Sessions to fill Kelly's position at Homeland Security, and then appoint a new Attorney General. This would save Trump from the anger of republicans, if he simply fired Sessions. It still would be a transparent attempt to derail the Mueller investigation.

It also raises a question as to why General Kelly took the new position. The media has hinted at this, by reporting that for about six weeks, Kelly has told Trump he was not interested in doing so. The on-going failures, plus the addition of the highly toxic Anthony Scaramucci, obviously makes the new position far less attractive.

Let's consider one possibility. To do so, we should consider the dog that hasn't been heard barking. To do so, let's start with global1's OP from July 19, discussing the potential naming of Jon Huntsman as ambassador to Russia:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=9344859


On this thread, forum member “Me” and I discussed my opinion that Huntsman might serve as the eyes and ears of the machine, which is highly suspicious of Trump & Co. Like with Nixon (especially in the second term), the machine has babysitters keeping track of an unstable president. It's worth noting that Nixon's chief of staff in 1973-74 was also a General, Al Haig.

As I explained to Me, a related role was assigned to General H. R. McMaster. Yet, in recent weeks, Trump has become increasingly paranoid about McMaster. Trump doesn't dare firer McMaster, but he has reduced his role in the White House. Thus, Kelly was encouraged to take his new position.

Now, back to the phone call from my friend. He noted that the military is concerned that Trump may try to spark the fuse to a confrontation with North Korea. It's not that they view North Korea as a stable, non-threatening state. Rather, they are fully aware of what a military confrontation would actually mean to humanity. And they are not looking to cause death and suffering to simply protect Trump from the legal consequences of the Trump-Russian scandal.

I do have concerns about Generals – active or “retired” – playing such influential roles in the federal government. For that matter, I have concerns with the expanded role the military and intelligence community plays in the media. Carl Bernstein warned us about that decades ago. And my concerns do not reflect any disrespect to them in their areas of expertise. Yet, in the current circumstance, I do appreciate their role, because our nation is absolutely confronted with an internal enemy of our constitutional democracy.

And, although I am very confident that we can come through this stronger – and I especially mean the Democratic Party and the Good that it must stand for – I expect the next two months to be highly unstable. And that is dangerous.

Be awake! Be aware! And keep on fighting the Good Fight.
H2O Man

37 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The Future of Plastics (Original Post) H2O Man Jul 2017 OP
K & R tenderfoot Jul 2017 #1
Thank you! H2O Man Jul 2017 #2
The Trump family is not going to take over the world or even this country. wasupaloopa Jul 2017 #3
No one other H2O Man Jul 2017 #9
"slow-motion version of the Saturday Night Massacre was set to begin" Me. Jul 2017 #4
They do think H2O Man Jul 2017 #10
The Latter Part Of The Month I Think Me. Jul 2017 #14
Correction: "Seven Days in May" longship Jul 2017 #12
Yes, You're Right Me. Jul 2017 #13
Sorry if this sounds overly dramatic..... democrank Jul 2017 #5
Right. H2O Man Jul 2017 #17
I've been thoroughly enjoying myself coeur_de_lion Jul 2017 #6
McCain Has Had To SWallow Several Bitter Pills In THe Last Few Decades Me. Jul 2017 #16
I didn't think coeur_de_lion Jul 2017 #18
Your comment reminds me H2O Man Jul 2017 #19
I never knew about Humphrey and the Kennedys coeur_de_lion Jul 2017 #21
And yes, to the H2O Man Jul 2017 #20
I don't know about you coeur_de_lion Jul 2017 #22
Aah, But Will They Me. Jul 2017 #23
True coeur_de_lion Jul 2017 #26
Fingers Crossed Me. Jul 2017 #28
K&R for visibility. nt tblue37 Jul 2017 #7
Thank you. H2O Man Jul 2017 #30
So, who do we think BLOTUS would appoint as a replacement for Sessions as AG? blogslut Jul 2017 #8
I still think it would be Christie. Warren DeMontague Jul 2017 #15
I agree. H2O Man Jul 2017 #32
Does that mean coeur_de_lion Jul 2017 #36
This week should H2O Man Jul 2017 #37
I saw one analysis of the transgender ban as being an effort to placate the alt-right base who lutherj Jul 2017 #11
Right. H2O Man Jul 2017 #33
If Huntsman and Kelly are there to keep watch, who put them there? I doubt Trump would consider wiggs Jul 2017 #24
Really good questions. coeur_de_lion Jul 2017 #27
Huntsman's father H2O Man Jul 2017 #34
Be awake! Be aware! malaise Jul 2017 #25
George Carlin said something about that. longship Jul 2017 #29
K&R..👍🏼 spanone Jul 2017 #31
"Unstable" might be a good thing... CanSocDem Jul 2017 #35
 

wasupaloopa

(4,516 posts)
3. The Trump family is not going to take over the world or even this country.
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 02:04 PM
Jul 2017

What they have is a place at the table of a world mafia. They are there as long as they are useful. Right now they are money launderers. They get a kick back for themselves.

Trump is a fraud. He did not write "Art of the Deal." He is not a smart Business man. American banks won't have anything to do with him.

Everyone knows you can't trust him.


Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow
Creeps at this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death; Out, out, brief candle
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing!

H2O Man

(73,308 posts)
9. No one other
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 03:46 PM
Jul 2017

than Trump believes he could take over the world, etc. What is equally true is that, as president, he can do a fuck of a lot of harm to others.

Me.

(35,454 posts)
4. "slow-motion version of the Saturday Night Massacre was set to begin"
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 02:09 PM
Jul 2017

They do think they are so clever don't they, that we aren't smart enough to see or 'read' what they're/he's doing. An ignorant man who has no idea how dumb he is. I believe many factions are on alert. As to the generals, you're right about our current need for them but I especially marked that TCM was playing 5 Days in May this week.

H2O Man

(73,308 posts)
10. They do think
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 03:48 PM
Jul 2017

that they are far smarter than everyone else. And, in large part, they do not care what others think of them.

It should be an interesting August!

longship

(40,416 posts)
12. Correction: "Seven Days in May"
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 04:56 PM
Jul 2017

Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Ava Gardner, Frederic March, and an absolutely stunning supporting performance by Edmond O'Brien! It even has Whit Bissell, as any good (or mediocre) 50's or 60's film should. This one is a gem of a film.

And yes, Ava Gardner turns in quite a performance, sadly not rewarded.

Here's the Wiki link: Seven Days in May

Here's the trailer:


Yup! Directed by John Frankenheimer, who also gave us The Manchurian Candidate, another film from decades ago that has resonance these days. BTW, Rod Serling wrote the script.

My best to you.

democrank

(11,052 posts)
5. Sorry if this sounds overly dramatic.....
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 02:39 PM
Jul 2017

My reaction to Trump and his administration is nearly the same as the feelings I had growing up in a dangerous, volatile house. There was potential danger everywhere, there were no standards, anything of value was degraded, there was nobody to trust, rules changed at the drop of a hat, you couldn't count on anything, there were adult enablers everywhere, the people at the top lied constantly and couldn't care less if their actions put you in danger.

I'm sickened to think about the similarities, but all-too-similar it is.

I keep waiting for a chorus of leadership voices to daily....hourly, if needed....speak out and come to this country's rescue before it's too late. I don't want any more lip service, no more winks and nods. Someone has to stop this man before there is nothing left to save.

H2O Man

(73,308 posts)
17. Right.
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 05:55 PM
Jul 2017

I think that a lot of us compare the administration to life experiences with other systems. And many are able to pick up on the dysfunctional family dynamics. Trump always wants to take his frustrations out on those he feels safe in attacking -- like any common coward. He encourages hatreds and violence. And that is his essence, which defines what type of character he wants in those serving him.

What is made public in DC is really just the tip of an iceberg. For very different reasons, more republicans are distancing themselves from Trump, and recognizing he needs to be removed from office. They are afraid to say it publicly, in most cases. But Trump knows what type of trouble he's facing. Thus, for a period, he will become more dangerous. No question about it.

coeur_de_lion

(3,662 posts)
6. I've been thoroughly enjoying myself
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 02:59 PM
Jul 2017

since Friday, gloating over McCain's thumbs down, as well as Graham's warning to Trump about Sessions and Mueller. I know you've read it but here is an article re Graham's warning:

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/2017/07/congress_moves_to_make_mueller_fire_proof

So does Graham's warning tie in with your theory about "the machine" putting measures in place that would stop or at least slow Trump down?

Also -- off topic, do you think McCain "waited in the tall grass" until the perfect moment to pounce on Trump?

Me.

(35,454 posts)
16. McCain Has Had To SWallow Several Bitter Pills In THe Last Few Decades
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 05:52 PM
Jul 2017

and has been, I believe, waiting for his chance to get back a bit of his own. I also wonder what he really thinks of McConnell who stood in front of McCain when he voted in a rather aggressive stance and McCains body language said "I dare you'


coeur_de_lion

(3,662 posts)
18. I didn't think
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 07:16 PM
Jul 2017

McConnell was aggressive I thought he looked genuinely surprised.

McCain definitely sending a message though.

H2O Man

(73,308 posts)
19. Your comment reminds me
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 07:55 PM
Jul 2017

of something .....one of the nicest politicians in recent history was Hubert Humphrey. He was a naturally nice person. But at the end of his career, there were two people he still held deeply personal grudges against: John and Robert Kennedy. So, even though many politicians don't take most insults personally -- at least not for long -- all of them do keep some grudges.

Think how Trump treated the others in the republican primary. Or the general election. Or any and every day since then. So guys like McCain and Graham hold grudges against Trump. Add to that that they view him as unstable, and un-American. Which he is.

I thought McCain handled himself pretty well over the past few days!

coeur_de_lion

(3,662 posts)
21. I never knew about Humphrey and the Kennedys
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 08:04 PM
Jul 2017

That is rather shocking to me.

And yes McCain handled himself extremely well.

H2O Man

(73,308 posts)
20. And yes, to the
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 07:57 PM
Jul 2017

two other points. McCain has been waiting to fuck with Trump. And Graham is signaling that the machine is getting in higher gear.

coeur_de_lion

(3,662 posts)
22. I don't know about you
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 08:06 PM
Jul 2017

but Graham's comments truly relieved my mind.

I thought they would never stand up to that lunatic.

coeur_de_lion

(3,662 posts)
26. True
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 08:20 PM
Jul 2017

I don't know enough about Graham but I sure do hope he means what he said and will stand by it.

blogslut

(37,955 posts)
8. So, who do we think BLOTUS would appoint as a replacement for Sessions as AG?
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 03:07 PM
Jul 2017

Rudy? I can see Giuliani acting as an eager hatchet man. In fact I feel a little sick right now just thinking about it.

Warren DeMontague

(80,708 posts)
15. I still think it would be Christie.
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 05:51 PM
Jul 2017

Christie would be an eager toady to do whatever Trump wants, and he's gonna be out of a job soon.

Plus he's just as enthusiastic, if not more, as Sessions is when it comes to using Federal Law Enforcement to put pot smokers in prison.

H2O Man

(73,308 posts)
32. I agree.
Mon Jul 31, 2017, 10:09 AM
Jul 2017

I think that both Rudy and Cruz have made clear they don't want to be asked. Christie needs a job. He has a background as a federal prosecutor. And he likes to cover up scandals. Add to that his willingness to kiss Trump's ass in public.

coeur_de_lion

(3,662 posts)
36. Does that mean
Mon Jul 31, 2017, 11:44 AM
Jul 2017

Trump still plans to oust Sessions?

And if so what happens to Graham's threats of holy hell?

H2O Man

(73,308 posts)
37. This week should
Mon Jul 31, 2017, 11:55 AM
Jul 2017

tell if Trump will move Sessions to DHS. That would be such an obvious attempt to placate the republicans, while putting in a new AG that would seek to kneecap Mueller, that I suspect the Senate would not cooperate.

lutherj

(2,485 posts)
11. I saw one analysis of the transgender ban as being an effort to placate the alt-right base who
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 04:31 PM
Jul 2017

admire Jeff Sessions. The argument is that Trump is throwing them a bone before he forces Sessions out. If you look at the tweets announcing the ban it's obvious that Trump didn't write them. It would seem that this is a move coming from his advisors, which to me supports the analysis. Trump can't strategize his way into his own limo sitting directly in front of him. I fear something will happen over the Senate recess, and we'll be in a full-blown constitutional crisis in the next 6 or 8 weeks. Trump's a cornered animal. This could get very ugly very fast.

H2O Man

(73,308 posts)
33. Right.
Mon Jul 31, 2017, 10:13 AM
Jul 2017

You are correct. Trump has to play to that part of his base. He really has no ability to expand his base of support. His ugly attempt to do so with police failed -- though I'm sure that the ones who are alt-right are confident that he gave them license to assault those they dislike.

wiggs

(7,788 posts)
24. If Huntsman and Kelly are there to keep watch, who put them there? I doubt Trump would consider
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 08:17 PM
Jul 2017

Huntsman a close, trustworthy, loyal ally...Huntsman doesn't need Trump, doesn't believe in Trump, and is too smart to fall for threats and bullying and deception.

So why is this happening? Is this part of a transition plan? Is this part of a deal wherein the soon-to-be-indicted have to leave but a somewhat stable, reliable government stays in place?

I've often thought that if our worst suspicions about the Trump team are true, the small group of insiders and IC leaders who know the truth could very well formulate a deal, a compromise, that reduces the security threats and ends the corruption but doesn't do so in a way that creates a government crisis and leaves us vulnerable (more so than now).

Is the gang of 8 working behind the scenes to steer the investigations, the investigated, and the resolutions toward a well-managed splash-down?

H2O Man

(73,308 posts)
34. Huntsman's father
Mon Jul 31, 2017, 10:33 AM
Jul 2017

founded a large, powerful business -- which started with a focus on plastics. The old man recognized that there was a future in plastics. Business people such as the father were connected to the intelligence community, though not necessarily actual members of it. When the early group that became the CIA was formed, for example, it was by way of the government tapping the intelligence operatives of a specific group of businesses, the oil corporations. And plastics are related to oil.

Trump is, of course, destabilizing the US government. Hence, the "constant" parts of that machine need to create a stable foundation before removing Trump. Although I strongly dislike and oppose him, I suspect that VP Pence is the one (supported by the Secretary of State) encouraging Trump to bring in Huntsman, and to put Kelly in the new position. Both the VP and SoS are part of the machine, and stand to benefit from Trump's downfall.

longship

(40,416 posts)
29. George Carlin said something about that.
Sun Jul 30, 2017, 09:43 PM
Jul 2017

I know that he was a big time cynic, but he at least explains a solution (of sorts) to the plastic problem.

Enjoy! (If not only for his wonderful humor.)



BTW, Save the whales; save those snails!


 

CanSocDem

(3,286 posts)
35. "Unstable" might be a good thing...
Mon Jul 31, 2017, 10:54 AM
Jul 2017


...if it forces people to actually think about what is going on. That there are clear-thinking citizens like yourself who can publicly question the "generals", gives me confidence that the USA will get through this, in better shape.

K&R

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