Tomorrow, Donald Trump turns 80. On the eve of his long-awaited birthday celebration at the White House, the President of the United States spent another day at his golf club, paid for by the American people. And somewhere between swings and golf cart rides beneath the cloudy sky, he decided to share an update on the Iran war, telling the world that a deal would be signed tomorrow, on his birthday, and that the Strait of Hormuz would immediately be opened.
Then, almost as an afterthought, he warned the world that if Iran didn't do what he wanted, he threatened to drop a nuclear weapon on Iran. Writing on Truth Social, Trump declared: "Hopefully, this process will all work out quickly, easily, and smoothly. If it doesn’t, we have the ultimate alternative, hopefully never to be used again! Thank you for your attention to this matter!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
I recently misattributed to him the label of malignant narcissists. He really is a malevolent narcissist. A narrow distinction I know, but malignant implies some degree of slackness, whereas malevolent means exactly what is says. He means harm, not by accident, but as part of the strategy to disorient the general public in his quest for immortality. People sure will remember him, but not for the reasons he imagines.
Good point Ken, however in psychiatry the term malignant is used especially considering its origin. Erich Fromm coined the term in his book “ The Heart of Man, it’s Genius for Good and Evil”. Its characteristics include antisocial behavior, grandiosity, paranoia, unprovoked aggression, lack of empathy. Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin both fell squarely in this most toxic and dangerous pathology. The holocaust prompted the author’s writing.
Yes Mike, upon reflection, I admit he is both malignant and malevolent.
From my honorary position of 'Witchfinder General, sub-group Narcissist' along with my darlin' neighbour, who had also suffered at the hands of a Narcissist parent, i got to watch Narcissists at work in the little town we both lived in.
It was with some reluctance that I dug out the books I had read to understand what they were about. Still haven't opened 'em, too busy reading the autobiography of Blue Note records, and an old Kurt Vonnegut book i had forgotten I'd already read. Anything but re-reading about my least favourite humans of all time. But I will.
Ken, I have a book in my library by Martha Stout, "The Sociopath Next Door". I bought the book probably 20 years ago because I had a brother who I needed to understand and to protect myself, or better yet to be able to fight back. The bio of the book is it reveals about 4% of the population (one in 25 people) are sociopaths, meaning the lack a conscience and the ability to feel guilt, shame or remorse, and can be found in everyday life as colleagues, neighbors, or family members. She explains how to recognize these individuals, who often use charm and manipulation, and provides guidance on how to protect oneself from their ruthless behavior, which can range from lying and cheating to more extreme actions. IMHO it is a book that everyone ought to read as it changed my life and my relationship with my brother and allows one to better observe behavior of individuals around you and your family.
Thanks Bill. I read a similar statistic. In our little town of about 3,000 we figured there were 100+ narcs in our midst. Anywhere there is arbitrary authority. School teachers cops, council members, restaurant managers. We watched the charmers weaving their dirty stories all over. The best way to deal with them is to get as far away from them as possible. What we learnt is that they die alone, abandoned by the people they tormented, friendless, bitter and ever resentful.
Honestly, I'd rather read about my jazz heroes from the 1950's, or Kurt Vonnegut's wry view of the world.
I'm a hermit these days, so it's easy to avoid the manipulative monsters that are still at it.
Mike: His bandwith only covers his own bottomless needs; no room to include how it affects others, + or -. So yes, malignant AND malevolent. No room for morality. Nothing but pathology..,
The Nazi puppets and bootlickers in the White House are protecting what’s left of the pedophile in chief at all costs. This won’t end well for them but it’s going to take a decade to reform our political institutions to faithfully implement laws that protect the American people from future insurrections, power grabs and despotic regimes. Think if Mussolini who “hung around”.
"A decade" to fix this? More like a generation, I think. I certainly won't live to see all the scars healed. The people who have enabled him fo the past decade, who shielded him from any and all consequences, will still be here when he's gone. The slightest lapse of vigilance onourcpart, and they'll be back, and that CANNOT happen.
He didn't make this country the abomination it is tonight, threatening nuclear annihilation if countries didn't do what he wants, cutting healthcare, food assistance, housing assustance to Americans, when NONE of those things should even be an issue in the richest country on earth. He has caused untold misery and death to people who came here looking for a better life, as most of our ancestors did. But he couldn't have done that without the support of hate-filled, selfish, bigoted people. Even before he's gone, right now, today, we have to slam the door on all that. WE have to make it unacceptable, intolerable.
WE have to elect people of good character; generous, hard-working, charitable, honest people. WE should demand these traits in the people with whom we do business, who educate our children, keep our streets safe. This has to be the society we demand, because really, it's just basic human kindness.
We don't get to sit back and breathe a sigh of relief when this monster is gone. We have to work, WORK, to make sure we build a country where something like this can NEVER happen again. We have to be the change, ask not, have a dream, and do unto others Every Damn Day, so we never lose everything again.
Make a list of your most trusted politicians / businesses/ people in power once you have done that create a plea/ letter/ email (letter preferred as more likely to be seen) and send it. Bombard the good guys into standing tall and making it clear that what is happening in USA is not right. Surely not all the courts and judges are crooked.
Look at what Mandani has done in New York. He has put power back into actions and words and made it a better place. He is visible and seen and one of the good guys.
Too many are in hiding keeping their heads down hoping it will all do away. It won’t if it is all allowed to carry on, the people around Trump are building walls that won’t be distructable if left up too long. Not least all the coffers will be empty of funding to put right the horrific destruction that has taken place.
Excellent article..the worst part are the “sycophants” around him..I sometimes think he doesn’t even write most of the posts..he’s not that smart…you are correct that he is a “con man” & “scam artist” he always has been..he’s getting rich being the “show” for those behind him dismantling our country..that’s the scariest part…they are fast at work whether he is there or not! My greatest confusion is the same as yours..how are everyday people still supporting this? What is it going to take to open their eyes? Will it be too late? Thank you for your continued fight..it is appreciated…this may be the biggest fight of our lives‼️
Thank you for the review of some of the behaviors of a man who is the living example of Caligula - DJT is using the lawn of the People’s House of the United States of America as a staging area for a blood sport.
Of course, many other Roman emperors did the same and of course there were cheering throngs of citizens who attended - as there will be later on today: The difference is that today we still have a (barely) functioning democracy.
Heather, I applaud your efforts - and the efforts of others like you- who, along with so many of your combined supporters, will continue to fan the flames of Democracy’s burning embers so the People can reclaim their House, their Government, and their Lawn , from sheer madness.
One day your writing will be the seminal source - a scholarly outline, even - for the analysis of this era by the historians who will follow. You're making their job easy for them. The honest ones among them will acknowledge your contribution, and that of those who comment on your insights. You're an integral part of the history of our country, So, thank you.
As Joyce Vance, Umair Haque and I'm sure others frequently and rightly observe, 'We're in this together." This small, despicable, impossibly tacky malevolent individual temporarily occupying OUR house will not destroy America,, and patching up the holes that let these vermin in will eventually make us stronger.
On the occasion of the President’s 80th birthday we should all wish him hell and hope for a speedy degradation of his health in order to put us all out of our misery, allowing us to celebrate the end of this extended period of embarrassment and hopelessness. Then we can repair the damage.
The future’s bright, it’s not orange! Drinks all round. (This day WILL come - the sooner the better)
Happy Bday you cocksuckingscumwaffledouchenozzle. Now please, just go away and leave everyone alone. Forever. We miss our country. I remember being in awe in 1976 watching the tall ships come into the harbor in NYC. I was proud to be an American. Now we have UFC fights on the White House lawn and sleazy people dishonoring our monuments. May the Claw do its job well. Maybe it will fall. Maybe we'll all get the best birthday present ever. Just sayin.
I pray his night is a disaster…the skies open up..the thunder and the lightning and the wind shut the whole thing down and before that happens the sycophants in the audience are chewed alive by mosquitoes..the gnats get in the eyes and noses of the fraudsters in the ring and they can’t see to fight.
This night will NOT be what he wants and this time he can’t throw a tarp over it to hide the truth from the world as he has done with the Kennedy Center.
He can run but he can’t HIDE and all of his evil machinations are going to come back to haunt him.
THAT’S what he fears the most..not the ticking clock..he thinks he can control that somehow ..he fears his own retribution..KARMA is a BITCH and he KNOWS she’s coming for him.
The Kennedy Center was step ONE..step TWO will be tonight. PRAY.
OK, so it is true that moving fast and breaking things is quicker and easier than creating or rebuilding things, that what we are dealing with in Trump is an aging raving narcissist lunatic in his bubble, surrounded by a coterie of selfish incompetent sycophantic enablers, and the clock, which is objective and constant, is ticking. The race is on, and decisive, and that is what we need to know about—how that is progressing, who is winning and who is losing, and how and why, day to day, as well as what can be done about it.
Keep up the great work you do Heather. Even though I’m down under I look forward to your updates and understanding what is happening in your once great country but slowly (quickly?) being dismantled piece by piece. Praying the midterms come around quicker than it seems and before he destroys your country and the world 🙏🙏🙏
Poor America. Going down and down and even further down. All because of greedy corrupt bunch of billionaires believing they are golden gods and masters of this little planet. Respect, responsability, empathy, accountability, honesty and transparency are all words without meaning, deleted from their dictionaries. Sure their own insane Artificial Stupidity tools will still sanitize many more words, as they have been imbedded in their white fake-christian-but-true fascist theories. The only dripping down effects are not money and jobs given to citizens who desesparetely need them to survive but propagation of their damn sick ways of apprehending life, moulded to their own personal visions. And misery for hundred of millions. Look at how many wannabe mini trumpian pieces of shit are trying to mimick them around the world. Musk apparently worth 1'000 billions? On paper only. Greed and just magic powder in the eyes by talented liars and conmen. But big business opportunities to the people supporting and managing it. Stupidos! This "money" could help save the planet! On which their own children and grand children will have to live. Not on the Moon and not on Mars. Send robots there. Cheaper and safer. Not humans with delicate and often unpredictable psychologies and physiologies. Did they ever pay attention to simple feelings? Of course not. Fucking racist musk paying women to breed his numerous children. Nuts! A criminal. Good luck
Heather, it's appalling that the Donald is talking about dropping the nuclear bomb on Iran if they don't negotiate a deal; a war he himself started. Surely a decision like this can't go ahead without the approval of Congress? Not that would stop the Dumpkof but surely this is a step too far?
I don't know if anyone else on this site watches Facebook but I like to read Mary Trump's posts (she's Donald's niece of course). She told a story that her Dad told her. Apparently when the Trump children were young Donald was bullying younger brother Robert at the dinner table and made him cry. Fred got fed up with this and grabbed a bowl of mashed potato and poured it over Donald's head! Once a bully.... It made me laugh anyway.
As always, thank you Heather for so beautifully putting in writing the things I say to myself every single day! I was born the same year as tRump - 1946. So it makes me sad to realize that I probably won't be around to see most of his wrongs set right, but I believe in my country and the strength of our fellow Americans to correct this carnage. Please don't stop speaking for us!
Excellent writing Heather, thank you. Over this past year and a half have written, called and of course protested this abomination currently seated in DC. Have gathered with neighbors to help those in need, whether it be picking up something at the grocery store or pharmacy which is about 20 to 30 minutes drive away, sharing vegetables from our gardens swapping out tomatoes for squash or even eggs from their chickens or a side of beef from their herd of cows. Volunteering at the senior center for making meals and serving to those in need, volunteering at the local library to read to young people stories that capture an imagination to donating time and money to local and federal candidates that may turn the course of our current situation. It’s all about community, always has been and in my opinion always should be. Now I live in a rural “real red” section of Ohio, moved here after retiring since my own children are grown and having families of their own to aid my elderly parents to remain in their home, my father has since passed away but my mom is a spunky 87 year old woman who is like the energizer bunny. Have never shied away from wearing a Kamala baseball hat or any apparel that denotes the “other side” and trust me have many neighbors that adorn that “red hat” with those capitalized white letters. In this year and a half have had some political discussions. Some started to get ugly, sure but some have been really good. It’s more about being a good neighbor sometimes versus making it more complicated.
Today there is a protest in the larger town, a population of a little over 10,000 that is 20 to 30 minutes away and have attended those protests in this timeframe at least 10 to 15 times prior and the crowd gets larger every time. Today for the first time seven neighbors will be joining this protest in the probable rain this afternoon. This past week have aided them with their posters that they will be carrying to say for themselves — They have had “Enough”…..
Find that everyone has a line that gets crossed where they just can’t look away. May we look forward to better days ahead….
I recently misattributed to him the label of malignant narcissists. He really is a malevolent narcissist. A narrow distinction I know, but malignant implies some degree of slackness, whereas malevolent means exactly what is says. He means harm, not by accident, but as part of the strategy to disorient the general public in his quest for immortality. People sure will remember him, but not for the reasons he imagines.
Good point Ken, however in psychiatry the term malignant is used especially considering its origin. Erich Fromm coined the term in his book “ The Heart of Man, it’s Genius for Good and Evil”. Its characteristics include antisocial behavior, grandiosity, paranoia, unprovoked aggression, lack of empathy. Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin both fell squarely in this most toxic and dangerous pathology. The holocaust prompted the author’s writing.
Yes Mike, upon reflection, I admit he is both malignant and malevolent.
From my honorary position of 'Witchfinder General, sub-group Narcissist' along with my darlin' neighbour, who had also suffered at the hands of a Narcissist parent, i got to watch Narcissists at work in the little town we both lived in.
It was with some reluctance that I dug out the books I had read to understand what they were about. Still haven't opened 'em, too busy reading the autobiography of Blue Note records, and an old Kurt Vonnegut book i had forgotten I'd already read. Anything but re-reading about my least favourite humans of all time. But I will.
Ken, I have a book in my library by Martha Stout, "The Sociopath Next Door". I bought the book probably 20 years ago because I had a brother who I needed to understand and to protect myself, or better yet to be able to fight back. The bio of the book is it reveals about 4% of the population (one in 25 people) are sociopaths, meaning the lack a conscience and the ability to feel guilt, shame or remorse, and can be found in everyday life as colleagues, neighbors, or family members. She explains how to recognize these individuals, who often use charm and manipulation, and provides guidance on how to protect oneself from their ruthless behavior, which can range from lying and cheating to more extreme actions. IMHO it is a book that everyone ought to read as it changed my life and my relationship with my brother and allows one to better observe behavior of individuals around you and your family.
Thanks Bill. I read a similar statistic. In our little town of about 3,000 we figured there were 100+ narcs in our midst. Anywhere there is arbitrary authority. School teachers cops, council members, restaurant managers. We watched the charmers weaving their dirty stories all over. The best way to deal with them is to get as far away from them as possible. What we learnt is that they die alone, abandoned by the people they tormented, friendless, bitter and ever resentful.
Honestly, I'd rather read about my jazz heroes from the 1950's, or Kurt Vonnegut's wry view of the world.
I'm a hermit these days, so it's easy to avoid the manipulative monsters that are still at it.
Ken,
That's exactly what happened to my brother, he died alone and miserable.
Mike: His bandwith only covers his own bottomless needs; no room to include how it affects others, + or -. So yes, malignant AND malevolent. No room for morality. Nothing but pathology..,
He is our Caligula.
Yes, he enjoys inflicting harm and pain, as if that’s the only way he can feel truly alive.
Bingo.
Exactly!
The Nazi puppets and bootlickers in the White House are protecting what’s left of the pedophile in chief at all costs. This won’t end well for them but it’s going to take a decade to reform our political institutions to faithfully implement laws that protect the American people from future insurrections, power grabs and despotic regimes. Think if Mussolini who “hung around”.
"A decade" to fix this? More like a generation, I think. I certainly won't live to see all the scars healed. The people who have enabled him fo the past decade, who shielded him from any and all consequences, will still be here when he's gone. The slightest lapse of vigilance onourcpart, and they'll be back, and that CANNOT happen.
He didn't make this country the abomination it is tonight, threatening nuclear annihilation if countries didn't do what he wants, cutting healthcare, food assistance, housing assustance to Americans, when NONE of those things should even be an issue in the richest country on earth. He has caused untold misery and death to people who came here looking for a better life, as most of our ancestors did. But he couldn't have done that without the support of hate-filled, selfish, bigoted people. Even before he's gone, right now, today, we have to slam the door on all that. WE have to make it unacceptable, intolerable.
WE have to elect people of good character; generous, hard-working, charitable, honest people. WE should demand these traits in the people with whom we do business, who educate our children, keep our streets safe. This has to be the society we demand, because really, it's just basic human kindness.
We don't get to sit back and breathe a sigh of relief when this monster is gone. We have to work, WORK, to make sure we build a country where something like this can NEVER happen again. We have to be the change, ask not, have a dream, and do unto others Every Damn Day, so we never lose everything again.
Make a list of your most trusted politicians / businesses/ people in power once you have done that create a plea/ letter/ email (letter preferred as more likely to be seen) and send it. Bombard the good guys into standing tall and making it clear that what is happening in USA is not right. Surely not all the courts and judges are crooked.
Look at what Mandani has done in New York. He has put power back into actions and words and made it a better place. He is visible and seen and one of the good guys.
Too many are in hiding keeping their heads down hoping it will all do away. It won’t if it is all allowed to carry on, the people around Trump are building walls that won’t be distructable if left up too long. Not least all the coffers will be empty of funding to put right the horrific destruction that has taken place.
Excellent article..the worst part are the “sycophants” around him..I sometimes think he doesn’t even write most of the posts..he’s not that smart…you are correct that he is a “con man” & “scam artist” he always has been..he’s getting rich being the “show” for those behind him dismantling our country..that’s the scariest part…they are fast at work whether he is there or not! My greatest confusion is the same as yours..how are everyday people still supporting this? What is it going to take to open their eyes? Will it be too late? Thank you for your continued fight..it is appreciated…this may be the biggest fight of our lives‼️
Thank you for the review of some of the behaviors of a man who is the living example of Caligula - DJT is using the lawn of the People’s House of the United States of America as a staging area for a blood sport.
Of course, many other Roman emperors did the same and of course there were cheering throngs of citizens who attended - as there will be later on today: The difference is that today we still have a (barely) functioning democracy.
Heather, I applaud your efforts - and the efforts of others like you- who, along with so many of your combined supporters, will continue to fan the flames of Democracy’s burning embers so the People can reclaim their House, their Government, and their Lawn , from sheer madness.
Dear Heather
One day your writing will be the seminal source - a scholarly outline, even - for the analysis of this era by the historians who will follow. You're making their job easy for them. The honest ones among them will acknowledge your contribution, and that of those who comment on your insights. You're an integral part of the history of our country, So, thank you.
As Joyce Vance, Umair Haque and I'm sure others frequently and rightly observe, 'We're in this together." This small, despicable, impossibly tacky malevolent individual temporarily occupying OUR house will not destroy America,, and patching up the holes that let these vermin in will eventually make us stronger.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy 8-blank-4-7
You can fill in the 6
On the occasion of the President’s 80th birthday we should all wish him hell and hope for a speedy degradation of his health in order to put us all out of our misery, allowing us to celebrate the end of this extended period of embarrassment and hopelessness. Then we can repair the damage.
The future’s bright, it’s not orange! Drinks all round. (This day WILL come - the sooner the better)
Happy Bday you cocksuckingscumwaffledouchenozzle. Now please, just go away and leave everyone alone. Forever. We miss our country. I remember being in awe in 1976 watching the tall ships come into the harbor in NYC. I was proud to be an American. Now we have UFC fights on the White House lawn and sleazy people dishonoring our monuments. May the Claw do its job well. Maybe it will fall. Maybe we'll all get the best birthday present ever. Just sayin.
I pray his night is a disaster…the skies open up..the thunder and the lightning and the wind shut the whole thing down and before that happens the sycophants in the audience are chewed alive by mosquitoes..the gnats get in the eyes and noses of the fraudsters in the ring and they can’t see to fight.
This night will NOT be what he wants and this time he can’t throw a tarp over it to hide the truth from the world as he has done with the Kennedy Center.
He can run but he can’t HIDE and all of his evil machinations are going to come back to haunt him.
THAT’S what he fears the most..not the ticking clock..he thinks he can control that somehow ..he fears his own retribution..KARMA is a BITCH and he KNOWS she’s coming for him.
The Kennedy Center was step ONE..step TWO will be tonight. PRAY.
OK, so it is true that moving fast and breaking things is quicker and easier than creating or rebuilding things, that what we are dealing with in Trump is an aging raving narcissist lunatic in his bubble, surrounded by a coterie of selfish incompetent sycophantic enablers, and the clock, which is objective and constant, is ticking. The race is on, and decisive, and that is what we need to know about—how that is progressing, who is winning and who is losing, and how and why, day to day, as well as what can be done about it.
The finish line is the mid-terms.
which is why Trump and his enablers/profiteers are doing everything they can on every level possible to be sure they are corrupted.
Keep up the great work you do Heather. Even though I’m down under I look forward to your updates and understanding what is happening in your once great country but slowly (quickly?) being dismantled piece by piece. Praying the midterms come around quicker than it seems and before he destroys your country and the world 🙏🙏🙏
Poor America. Going down and down and even further down. All because of greedy corrupt bunch of billionaires believing they are golden gods and masters of this little planet. Respect, responsability, empathy, accountability, honesty and transparency are all words without meaning, deleted from their dictionaries. Sure their own insane Artificial Stupidity tools will still sanitize many more words, as they have been imbedded in their white fake-christian-but-true fascist theories. The only dripping down effects are not money and jobs given to citizens who desesparetely need them to survive but propagation of their damn sick ways of apprehending life, moulded to their own personal visions. And misery for hundred of millions. Look at how many wannabe mini trumpian pieces of shit are trying to mimick them around the world. Musk apparently worth 1'000 billions? On paper only. Greed and just magic powder in the eyes by talented liars and conmen. But big business opportunities to the people supporting and managing it. Stupidos! This "money" could help save the planet! On which their own children and grand children will have to live. Not on the Moon and not on Mars. Send robots there. Cheaper and safer. Not humans with delicate and often unpredictable psychologies and physiologies. Did they ever pay attention to simple feelings? Of course not. Fucking racist musk paying women to breed his numerous children. Nuts! A criminal. Good luck
Heather, it's appalling that the Donald is talking about dropping the nuclear bomb on Iran if they don't negotiate a deal; a war he himself started. Surely a decision like this can't go ahead without the approval of Congress? Not that would stop the Dumpkof but surely this is a step too far?
I don't know if anyone else on this site watches Facebook but I like to read Mary Trump's posts (she's Donald's niece of course). She told a story that her Dad told her. Apparently when the Trump children were young Donald was bullying younger brother Robert at the dinner table and made him cry. Fred got fed up with this and grabbed a bowl of mashed potato and poured it over Donald's head! Once a bully.... It made me laugh anyway.
As always, thank you Heather for so beautifully putting in writing the things I say to myself every single day! I was born the same year as tRump - 1946. So it makes me sad to realize that I probably won't be around to see most of his wrongs set right, but I believe in my country and the strength of our fellow Americans to correct this carnage. Please don't stop speaking for us!
Excellent writing Heather, thank you. Over this past year and a half have written, called and of course protested this abomination currently seated in DC. Have gathered with neighbors to help those in need, whether it be picking up something at the grocery store or pharmacy which is about 20 to 30 minutes drive away, sharing vegetables from our gardens swapping out tomatoes for squash or even eggs from their chickens or a side of beef from their herd of cows. Volunteering at the senior center for making meals and serving to those in need, volunteering at the local library to read to young people stories that capture an imagination to donating time and money to local and federal candidates that may turn the course of our current situation. It’s all about community, always has been and in my opinion always should be. Now I live in a rural “real red” section of Ohio, moved here after retiring since my own children are grown and having families of their own to aid my elderly parents to remain in their home, my father has since passed away but my mom is a spunky 87 year old woman who is like the energizer bunny. Have never shied away from wearing a Kamala baseball hat or any apparel that denotes the “other side” and trust me have many neighbors that adorn that “red hat” with those capitalized white letters. In this year and a half have had some political discussions. Some started to get ugly, sure but some have been really good. It’s more about being a good neighbor sometimes versus making it more complicated.
Today there is a protest in the larger town, a population of a little over 10,000 that is 20 to 30 minutes away and have attended those protests in this timeframe at least 10 to 15 times prior and the crowd gets larger every time. Today for the first time seven neighbors will be joining this protest in the probable rain this afternoon. This past week have aided them with their posters that they will be carrying to say for themselves — They have had “Enough”…..
Find that everyone has a line that gets crossed where they just can’t look away. May we look forward to better days ahead….