Presidential Candidates on Climate Change

Presidential Candidates on Climate ChangeHere’s a little exchange on Twitter that I thought might bring readers a Friday afternoon chuckle:

A guy writes: Something that shouldn’t need saying but apparently does: @HillaryClinton’s climate plan is better than @realDonaldTrump’s.

…..to which my colleague Stephen Lacey of GreenTechMedia (pictured) responds, Wait. Trump has a plan?

 

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20 comments on “Presidential Candidates on Climate Change
  1. Frank Eggers says:

    Yes, Trump does have a plan. His plan is to deny that climate change is real. He also supports more coal mining. There were delegates holding up signs reading “Trump digs coal” at the GOP convention.

    Although Mrs. Clinton sees climate change as real, her position to deal with it is unrealistically weak.

    It is already too late to limit climate change to a degree that it will be easy to deal with. All we will be able to do is limit it to some degree and learn to live with it. However, unless there are dramatic changes in our political systems, I do not believe that our political systems will be able to deal with mass migrations without wars and insurrections.

  2. Silent Running says:

    @ Frank

    Well said Frank , your assessment of the structural capacity well lack of the structural capacity of our decaying political systems is an accurate clarion call to a more diminished future.

    I don’t think the Pixie Dust being showered upon us has the density needed to rectify the seriousness of the situation.

    I still have Hope and strive towards it but more and more I feel their system and its so called leaders are all part of a club that has a Motto PRETEND TO THE END CLUB

    while many Stark and accurate contrasts were made this week , the solutions presented are lacking in the Real Substance needed to slow the decline.

    Good to see you back my allies and I suffered a set back in the efficiency wars today so your comments brings some soothing understanding to the Bigger picture which you understand thanks

    Take care

  3. marcopolo says:

    Hi Frank,

    Yes, like you I still have faith that Hillary Clinton will win and go on to be a very successful President. Her most powerful asset is her tough, ruthless determination, experience, political heritage, powerful backing and flexibility. The support of her still popular husband is certainly an asset.

    However, she may find herself crippled by owning too many favours. Her Presidency could become bogged down with ideological baggage, and beholden to a political system more interested in internal infighting and petty ambition than genuine reform.

    Donald Trump on the other hand is a whole new phenomenon. In the unlikely event he gets elected, he holds a huge advantage over every other President in 100 years.

    Donald Trump comes with no ideological or party baggage. He owes no real favours to anyone, no even his own party. He has no dogma, no conventional mandate, in fact it’s very hard to discover what he does stand for and if he has any real vision.

    The next few months will tell the real strength of Trump’s continuing appeal and how ably HC can counter his unusual method of campaigning.

    Oddly enough, the vitriol from Trump’s opponent’s only seems to strengthen Trump. He’s very clever at manipulating opponents to exaggerate and embellish (to the point of hysteria) his proclamations.

    Thus when he modifies or changes his position, it’s easy since he only has to deny “what was said about what he said “, to seem reasonable and even likeable. The media, and his opponents have yet to wake up to this trick.

    They’re so busy being self-important experts reveling in demolishing an unsophisticated “everyman” they fail to realize, it only increases his appeal, since Trump’s vague nonsense is exactly in tune with his supporters. Sneer at Trump, you sneer at his supporters, and these are the very people who feel left out and betrayed by US mainstream politics.

    So what’s Donald Trump’s policy on climate change, coal, gas, oil etc ? Most of what’s known is what others say, or assume, about him. He has said very little.

    His candidacy receives very little support from the coal industry, the oil industry is completely disengaged from his campaign, he certainly has no friends in the RFA, yet his campaign keeps gathering strength.

    Partly because he works hard to capture support, not from the owners of the industries, but the workers and folk dependent on those industries. It really doesn’t matter if the oil industry withdraws financial support from Trump, he doesn’t need it for two reasons.

    1) He doesn’t care about getting other GOP candidates elected to help carry out a legislative program.

    2) He get all the publicity he needs from media hysteria and his opponents. In fact, the loss of campaign funding in contrast to the Democrats and his GOP opponents, seems to increase his popularity.

    Donald Trump remains an unknown. Is he the “sociopathic buffoon” portrayed by his opponent’s, or the shrewd, calculating, complicated individual his intimates claim him to be.

    Whatever he is, Donald trump is a truly American phenomenon. He reveals himself to be an amazing combination of contrasts. On the one hand, extroverted, bombastic, egotistical, appallingly ignorant, yet at other times he revels himself to be kind, tolerant, flexible, insightful and possessing a disarmingly self-depreciating sense of humour.

    But the one thing he’s not, is a spin doctored, image managed, focus group, party machine manufactured politician.

    Donald Trump has no firm convictions, except ambition and the desire to compete and win.

    If convinced, Donald Trump could be a great benefactor to the environment. Once leftist or even rightist political ideology is detached from environmental issues, a populist like Trump could be a real asset for environmental reform, since he’s not encumbered with any ideological baggage.

    (It may horrify the sanctimonious, but the first government in the world to pursue “green” policies at cabinet level, was Germany’s NSDAP ! Herman Goering’s environmental policies were astonishing for the era ).

    Trump’s advantage is flexibility. He can afford to be open minded and persuaded since he’s beholden to no one except his own sense of destiny.

    Like all great showmen, he responds to his audience. His campaign reminds me of the lyrics of Paul McCartney’s satirical song, Paperback writer,

    “It’s a thousand pages, give or take a few
    I’ll be writing more in a week or two
    I can make it longer if you like the style
    I can change it round and I want to be a paperback writ

    • Frank Eggers says:

      Marcopolo,

      Trump has explicitly denied climate change. Also, at the GOP convention, coal miners displayed signs reading “Trump digs coal”.

      Consider also that Trump asserted that the reason that a judge ruled against him was that he was of Mexican ancestry. He has also stated that he wants to erect a fence along the entire border between the U.S. and Mexico. Anyone who has seen the border or pictures of it would know that, because of the terrain, it would not be practical to erect such a fence for the entire length of the border. He has also asserted that he would not permit Muslims to enter the U.S. He has gone through bankruptcy FOUR TIMES to discharge debts yet former students, who are much more limited in income, cannot get out of repaying student loans under any circumstances. A “university” he founded charges exceedingly high tuition yet it is accredited in nothing and seems not to provide students with any useful knowledge or skills. It rips off people desperate to improve their earning ability. He even permitted himself to be drawn into a discussion about his penis size. In all my many years, I have never before seen a candidate who, to that extent, was so egotistical and was constantly attacking others at such a low level.

      Unfortunately, Mrs. Clinton has permitted herself to be dragged down to Trump’s level of rhetoric. It is fine for her to list the problems with Trump, but she has gone way beyond that. Objectively, she may be very well qualified but I do not like people who stoop to personal attacks and insults instead of sticking to facts. Moreover, such behavior is certain to harden Trump’s supporters and arouse the displeasure of some of her better educated supporters.

      Under the auspicious of a TV station, students in a civics class were interviewed. When asked about the presidential candidates, one student asserted that they should behave like adults; I agree.

      It is true that Mrs. Clinton’s performance as president could be unduly affected by moneyed interests. Certainly she would not be the first candidate so influenced.

      Unfortunately, I will probably have to hold my nose and vote for Mrs. Clinton.

      • marcopolo says:

        Frank and Craig,

        Again, while your points are perfectly valid, I would suggest that you are still stuck in an old fashioned mindset that fails to correctly assess the Trump phenomenon.

        Trump is a strange mixture of old fashioned stump politician, and a creature of the new age of social media and reality TV !

        His promises, opinions and pledges mean nothing. He’s not really moral, or immoral he’s amoral. Trying to pin down his “beliefs” in anything is pointless since he possess no ideological allegiances outside of his own personality and expediency. He is, simply what his audience wants him to be.

        Donald Trump has never been bankrupt. Corporations he’s been involved with may have gone bankrupt, but he would argue that’s always a risk with entrepreneur type enterprises.

        That’s the problem you are having trying to refute Donald Trump, trying to pin him down is impossible, and he just doesn’t care, while his supporters see that as an advantage of his flexibility.

        You go to all the trouble of proving a fence can’t be built . He simply redefines the term “fence”. You repeat his statement about Muslims, he simply qualifies it as meaning beefing up immigration requirements from Muslim countries with a history of active terrorists.

        Trump knows his audience will hear what they want to hear. His best publicists are his enemies. The more vitriolic and outraged they become, the more likable he seems.

        The fact that he makes no secret of his flaws only seems to endear him to his followers. For years American’s have said they want a “real” candidate, a ” man of the people” , well Donald Trump is just that ! He’s not Mr Smith, but more Al Bundy, goes to Washington !

        Donald Trump has tapped into a mood of discontent in America, he’s exposed the flaws, weaknesses and hypocrisy in American society and given his followers a voice.

        Donald Trump doesn’t lie in the accepted definition, he simply redefines truth.

        Whether you like it or not, he’s a living example of both the strength and weaknesses of US democracy.

        • craigshields says:

          Wow, this is great. You really are a smart guy. My wife, as well as several other readers, have remarked that they’re astounded that I put up with you. 🙂 But I say, “Bring it on! The dude has a great deal to offer. Why would I want to shut him up?” And you really are the perfect counterpoint to my voice.

          • marcopolo says:

            Craig,

            Thank you for those kind words.

            I have the advantage of not being an American, sometimes it’s easier to see from a distance.

            My oldest son is a big fan of yours, and is more in tune with your philosophical and political outlook.

            He’s doctor in rural (outback) Australia who despite an elite education and excellent qualifications, chooses to specialize in treating the disadvantaged, including aboriginal communities.

            Despite our differences, I’m proud of his achievements and sense of moral purpose. His upbringing was made difficult by the sudden change in circumstances when he was at a sensitive age.

            It was difficult for him to understand why his mother and I separated. He was too young to understand why I decided to leave the Army and undertake responsibility for my younger brother and the massive financial problems of our UK estate.

            To him the UK was a completely foreign country, with a heritage and lifestyle he didn’t appreciate. Suddenly finding himself with an uncle his own age, for whom sacrifices had to be made, must have been traumatic.

            Later, he had to cope with my remarriage to a someone younger than himself and naturally felt a loyalty to his own mother.

            In trying to understand him, I have learned a great deal about myself, and the importance of appreciating the reasons behind what others believe.

    • craigshields says:

      You make good points about Trump’s not having obligations to do favors. It’s a shame he’s such a terrible person. But this underscores a critical problem in our democracy: decent people will not tell the lies required to run successfully for high office.

      • marcopolo says:

        Craig,

        I wouldn’t worry too much about a Trump Presidency.

        In the end it will come down to campaign logistics. Hillary Clinton has the funding to engage the expensive, but very professional team of grass roots, feet on the ground, organizers that have served the Democrats so well in recent years.

        She enjoys the luxury of a huge staff, experienced aides who can manage everything from ensuring she doesn’t get to exhausted, to keeping her in front of the most important demographics. To ensure the maximum effectiveness her team will include an army of highly paid and equipped researchers. research.

        Just her expert social media and technical advisor and strategists numbers 428 and will increase to 600. The are highly paid professionals. Her total team within 2 weeks will expand to nearly 2400 full time (paid) coordinators.

        With this sort of machine she can recruit and deploy tens of thousands of volunteers.

        In contrast, Donald trump has no organization, no way to determine the effectiveness of his demographics. He will quickly become exhausted and fail in crucial debates.

        Trump has only 2 relatively in experienced social media and technical advisors.( as opposed to 600) Almost no grass roots, on the ground organization to ensure voter turn out in crucial areas. he will receive no support from the GOP machine, and little support from local GOP politicians. His total campaign will be lucky to employ 400 and far less volunteers.

        In the next hundred days he will run out of money, and without professional logistical and strategic support, he just can’t win.

        Had Donald Trump gained the full support of the Republican party machine and organization, had he attracted heavy political donations, careful and expert management, he could be very dangerous. As it is, he chances of winning are very small, it would take a massive and more importantly, new scandal involving HC to compensate for the lack of logistical expert campaign management, and party support.

        But, it’s easy to understand your angst at the reasons for his defeat 🙂

  4. Silent Running says:

    @ Frank and Marco

    Trump versus Clinton is like a WW 1 Bi- Plane engaging a Modern Fighter Jet. I saw thru the Clintons as RepubliCon Light posing as Democratic change Agents in 1996. Most of what transpired has only confirmed that position and validates my Inner circle. They took Dems away from their Roots.

    so my Johari Bias is against her, but when I observe this situation technically, spiritually, and hopefully intelligently I see NO Equal comparison and America deserves a person who has at least done some things and has the real experience. So her many faults and her too close to the Wall Street Manipulators of the Casino Economy ASIDE

    I side w her. I live in Texas so I may not have to vote for her but I would never give my vote to a Manical Egomaniac that is also a Socio path . Trump represents too many DARK Forces that I have waged against my entire life. Period end of Story.
    I remember when his book came out and my crowd discussed this. I ran with some serious Sicilian Merchants then young man, we all saw a Braggart and slick Schemer . Now the Ghost Author who separated from Trumpster years ago says Trump who he spent 18 months trying to get the book written is a Farce a Socio Path a real sick dude.
    Trump is now suing him for bck royalties etc. Typical , trump crying the victim card …blah blah.
    the June Issue of the Atlantic monthly has excellent clinical analysis by a medical Doctor a Psychiatrist . Not good at all!

    He appeals to insecure people who are Feeble minded etc. Rich wanna be;s authoritarian as well

    enough

    No contesto ! A disgrace for America Clinton needs to stay our of the weeds and smoke him w the good qualities she does have some and maybe her and Bill want to make amends to the Serious damage they did to the working men and blacks of America by playing along with the RepubliCONs in the 1990’s and the undermining of the Wall st and Banking rules etc so they could be winning yuppies. Maybe this election is about Redemption and Atonement ! perhaps !!

    Frank stated all the excellent reasons Right On ! to Marco and Marco the fine words and concepts you share on these blogs , deserve much better than the rubbish that spews in volumes from trump like a sewer spigot! You are on Higher Ground Sir.

    The deeper issue is along what Craig said, our political system is contaminated and not enough decent good people from both sides are willing to run and get engulfed into the Swamp of our denigrated politics. In addition the average American is not engaged in Civics and Community at the needed levels which bodes bad for future .

    The classic book “winner Take all Politics ” summarizes all this up real well. Been out about 4 years or so. Great Read from mid 1970’s to Obama’s first term.
    Un like Trump it really does Tell it Like It Is.

    Trump is leveraging the isolation, anger that many people feel against the corrupted system I feel it too deeply, but my Mind and MY Soul prevent me from being Seduced !

    thanks Frank — Marco maybe you should take a long walk along the Beaches and filter all this thru …give it Up to the Great White Sharks ! They feast on trash.

    later

    • Frank Eggers says:

      Silent,

      You mentioned one of my concerns in your post.

      Under Clinton, banking restrictions were further relaxed thereby contributing to our economic melt down. Reagan also relaxed banking regulations. The combination was not good.

      As the result of economic instability in the late 19th century and the Great Depression which began in 1929, a number of banking regulations were enacted to prevent more financial problems. They were enacted for a purpose and seemed to serve that purpose fairly well. The idea that we can have laissez faire capitalism and still have a stable economy has been pretty well discredited. Capitalism yes, but not laissez faire!

      We really need to restore some of the regulations, including, but not limited to, Glass Steagall. Also, as others have rightly pointed out, banks which are too big to fail are too big and should be broken up.

      Having a stable economy and widespread prosperity would make it easier to move away from using fossil fuels.

      • marcopolo says:

        Hi Frank,

        I think you do the late President Reagan a great disservice.

        The reforms Reagan initiated needed a lot of continuous refinement and adjustment, but essentially they worked and were very effective.

        His policies and initiatives were never designed to be set in stone or become a doctrine. Once he left office his economic policy initiatives were poorly understood and mismanaged.

        Reagan’s basic economic policy was to create economic growth (which was stagnant and boost middle America. Reagan was a strong champion of the middle class.

        He didn’t see a mortgage as a method of becoming a property speculator, but a home owner. He believed a citizen with a mortgage had entered a commitment to be a productive, law abiding citizen.

        To judge his economic policies by the aftermath from the mismanagement of others, is unfair.

  5. Silent Running says:

    @ Frank

    Yes sir right on summary you gave you touched on my positions in the areas. In Albq in the mid 1990’s my two closest friends and I washed down volumes of wine and good beer discussing the political mistakes that were being made. We all three did not vote for Billy boy the charmer the second time , one of us voted Green and other two abstained out of disgust.

    We saw a bubble forming and we wondered why this was being done by a Democrat , RepubliCon policies and we concluded that they are in Bed together sorta . All of us have Industrial background so we value those real items and we realize the limits of value in a dot com economy with virtual value and less employees etc.

    We all predicted Failures and issues which all came to pass in the 2000’s but the Seeds of Destruction that were planted in the 1980’s and the Reagan voodoo supply side economics lie and continued with the 1990’s under Clinton set the stage for the clown prince of folly bush boy to really ACT Up and let all the cattle get Off the Farm.

    The shortcomings of many of these policies were understood by many but we are not in Power and can just watch from sidelines as our leaders have failed us and great pain was inflicted which lingers on to this day!

    The so called recovery from 2008 is weak because the structure of our economy was Hollowed out. And no amount of Pixie Dust or almost zero interest bank interest rates OR Bombastic Reality TV Proclamations can put Humpty Dumpty back together again.

    A new progressive Model is needed and All hands on Deck approach is in Order to restore real prosperity and get us away from a Bubble Gum Bubble Balloon economy

    how I see things and I concur with your assessments and suggestions Thank You.

    Frank, You got Your Headlights On Bright !

    Now for Marco I saw his comment but I cant access it to respond ?

  6. Silent Running says:

    @ Marco

    For some reason Craig, Marco’s last few comments don’t show up on the screen when one tries to respond. what is up with that ???

    Basically Marco says the Clinton machine and money will over whelm the Trumpeter which is fine with me.

    His description parallel the Historical assessment of the american civil war. The confederates had great Generals , excellent fighting spirit and lots of Heart etc.
    But the war was over and decided from the onset as the North had over whelming industrial, population , railroad and other necessary power centers to wage war. The South did not have a real chance to fight a war of attrition despite their Valor etc.

    I would not assign any valor to trumper , valor and Trumper are mutually exclusive realities! This political exercise is all about his bloviated feeble EGO, one last desperate attempt to reduce taxes on himself and others like him, and Wounded child from his oppressive father , a bigot just like his son.

    Perhaps there is Hope after All Craig , take Heart in the political reality that the KOCH Brothers are not supporting the on paper only billionaire trumper with any of their money . Thus far they declined him.

    Maybe Hope does not just Spring Eternally but is actually Flowing this season perhaps ? Only arrogance can blow it for HRC from the distant view.
    Hells Bells HRC has been running for President for close to 40 years or so …lots of trials and tribulations and Practice. The Anointed One lays claim to her Destiny!

    • craigshields says:

      I don’t know what you mean about the display. Can you send me a screen shot? Thanks.

  7. Silent Running says:

    @ Craig

    Thank you for your timely response.

    Finally the last post he made on The coal Republicans etc discussion well his sh0ws up now right before my response as I type it in.

    It was not showing up , it had the last person and not his , perhaps they get out of sync?

    But now when to started to respond to him it was his comment right above so maybe its correcting ?

    good to go for now not to Fret

  8. Silent Running says:

    @ Craig you had a post on Trump but I deleted it as I have no desire to waste my time on the Bloviated Buffoon , well here is a great summary of his Flawed Energy positions and environmental stance as well
    So full of Ignorance and not a good Plan at all – does not pass the Reality Test.

    ALL ONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT HIS FLAWED ENERGY AND ENVIRONEMTNAL POSITIONS

    CAMPAIGN 2016:
    Trump bashes renewables, promises to feed coal execs
    Dylan Brown, E&E reporter
    Published: Tuesday, August 2, 2016
    Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said yesterday he had hope for solar energy, but not yet and not at the expense of natural gas and coal.
    The billionaire reality television star also derided wind power as a bird-killing eyesore during a campaign stop in Harrisburg, Pa.
    “Everything has its place. Solar absolutely has its place. I think solar is going to be good as time goes by, but right now they have not perfected it,” Trump said.
    “And you know, when you have clean coal, when you have natural gas, you’re talking about a fraction of the cost, a fraction of the cost, but they’re putting your businesses out of business,” he said.

    Donald Trump. Photo by Gage Skidmore, courtesy of Flickr.
    The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports solar prices are down 70 percent in the last decade. But Trump maintains “it’s not working so good.”
    He said, “I know a lot about solar. I love solar, but the payback is, what, 18 years? Oh, great.”
    SEIA spokesman Dan Whitten said Trump needed to be better educated. “The economic argument for solar speaks for itself in the form of massive investment among corporations and homeowners alike in new solar energy production,” he said in an email.
    “Solar also is a major jobs creator,” added Whitten, “which will benefit any administration over the next four years and beyond.”
    The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track solar employment, but SEIA reports that nearly 209,000 Americans work in the industry.
    The number of coal mining jobs is lower at 53,000. Still, coal advocates say salaries are far higher in their industry.
    ‘Can’t live,’ ‘can’t eat’
    Trump is promising to put downtrodden parts of Pennsylvania back to work during his sweep through a region battered by the collapse of coal and steel.
    “Your jobs are all gone,” Trump said, blaming 28 years of Pennsylvania voting for Democrats in presidential elections.
    Although election forecasters at FiveThirtyEight.com show him with only a 33 percent chance of carrying the key battleground state, Trump believes he can turn Pennsylvania red because he has proved polls wrong before.
    “It’s going to happen,” he said.
    For the second event in a row, Trump renewed his promise to put miners back to work and told the story of his massive May rally in West Virginia (Greenwire, Aug. 1).
    Trump said between 28,000 and 30,000 people were inside and outside the Civic Center in the state capital of Charleston.
    The local Charleston Gazette-Mail reported that venue officials said only 11,600 people were inside the arena and the amount outside was nowhere near 28,000.
    Trump’s promises to revive coal have helped give him a massive lead over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in every West Virginia poll. One of his tactics is to reduce mine inspections.
    “I have friends that own the mines. I mean, they can’t live, they can’t eat,” he said. “The restrictions, environmentally, are so unbelievable, where inspectors come two and three times a day, and they can’t afford it any longer.”
    Trump’s solution is to “use our heads,” which led him to bash international climate agreements.
    “We make these environmental deals where we have to adhere here immediately and China doesn’t kick in for 25 years,” he said. “Great. Great negotiating, fellas.”
    Chinese coal consumption fell 3.7 percent in 2015 (ClimateWire, March 1).
    Trump also panned wind energy. “All your birds, killed. You know, the environmentalists never talk about that,” he said.
    In May, Trump claimed wind turbines killed more than 1 million birds every year, double the Fish and Wildlife Service’s estimate.
    Turbines also ruin the landscape, Trump said.
    “You got all these windmills all over the place, driving you loco when you look at them, right?” he said. “The worst are farms, are the one where each windmill is made by a different company so you’ll have, like, 50 of them, and you’ll have all these different companies, different colors, different shapes, different sizes — looks like a junkyard.”
    The American Wind Energy Association responded with a statement, saying, “Wind power has among the lowest impacts on wildlife of any way to make electricity and many people see wind farms as beautiful.”
    It added that, “They are good for the economy by producing clean electricity that is two-thirds cheaper over six years, keeping more money in the pockets of consumers, and support a record-high 88,000 jobs.”
    Fracking
    Trump has gotten criticism for not understanding energy issues, including saying he didn’t know what liquefied natural gas was (E&E Daily, May 24).
    Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D), a proponent of hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas, was mystified when Trump said in recent days that he supported fracking, but also local bans on it — a sharp contrast to most Republicans.
    “I don’t think he understands, completely, the issue,” Hickenlooper toldThe Denver Post. “But that’s not unusual for him.”
    In Pennsylvania, a major natural gas producer, Trump has promised to roll back regulations on natural gas.

    ALL ONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT HIS FLAWED ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL POSITIONS Open a Good bottle of Red Wine or a Real Stiff Drinkl to wash away this bitter rubbish of policy.

    Thought he was supposed to be about Reality , oh yeah that is in TV LOL

    • marcopolo says:

      Silent, Frank and Craig,

      Donald Trump is neither a sociopath, nor mentally ill.

      Outraged tirades of venom against him, will be interpreted as against the millions who support him. Most of his support comes from the very people who are sick of being sneered at,condescended, or belittled by self-righteous liberals.

      Hate breeds hatred. Hilary Clinton will need all the support she muster if she is to reunite the nation. To achieve any reform she will need to restore faith in American Institutions, and that can’t be achieved by crusading advocates preaching a divisive, ‘winner take all’ philosophy.

      • craigshields says:

        That’s a really good point. Unfortunately, the temptation to call Trump a vile human being is just too great for me to resist. I need to work on my self-control.

  9. Silent Running says:

    @ Marco , Craig and Frank

    sir Marco your Insight into the social dynamics at play have serious components of Truth.

    How ever I was submitting TRUMPER s Own Mis-Guided words on a disastrous energy and environmental policy. In his own WORDS he exposes himself to having no clothes no Gravitas No serious plan or even a basic understanding of the complex energy / environmental issues etc etc etc .

    So I agree we dont have to waste time attacking him and alienating the Simple Minded Morons who claim to be his Followers.

    I stated that clearly at the beginning of the Post!

    My personal time is too Precious and Valuable to spend time attacking the Bloviated Buffoon , love the term that was placed on the trumper by Noble and Right Minded Serious British MP’s when they considered voting to Ban him from the UK.

    they said it all for those of us who are still right minded in this confused and conflicting times. Sometimes called a Graceless Age!

    Tea Time Everyone take care