Where debating everything under the sun is only the beginning

You do know the derivation of the term "banana republic," right?

The whole world’s eyes are on Washington today, and not in a good way. As Venezuelans, we’re looking North with more trepidation than most today, even though — in fairness — the panic over Trump-as-northern-Chávez is premature. A politician is to be judged by what it does in office, not by what he says before he gets there. Beating Chávez historic economic demolition of the richest oil country in the world, during the biggest oil bonanza ever, leaving behind an inflation-ridden, bullet-stricken, hungry, ailing country — is quite an ask. But let’s see what happens.

Because in one way, Trump and Chávez are identical: they are masters of Populism. [...]

For all those who listen, Populism is built on the irresistible allure of simplicity. The narcotic of the simple answer to an intractable question. The problem is now made simple. The problem is you.

How do I know? Because I grew up as the ‘you’ Trump is about to turn you into. I was cast in the role of the enemy in the political struggle that followed the arrival of Chávez, and watched in frustration year after year as the Opposition tried and failed to do anything about the catastrophe unfolding all around. Only later did I realize this failure was, in a significant way, self-inflicted.

And so, some advice:

1. Don’t forget who the enemy is.
2. Show no contempt.
3. Don’t try to force him out.
4. Find a counter-argument. (No, not the one you think.)


[details in linked post]

South and Central America's past and USA's future?

How to Culture Jam a Populist in Four Easy Steps

But we failed. Because we lost sight that a hissy-fit is not a strategy. The people on the other side, and crucially Independents, will rebel against you if you look like you’re losing your mind. Worst of all, you will have proved yourself to be the very thing you’re claiming to be fighting against: an enemy of democracy

Why did people in Ohio and Wisconsin vote for Trump? Did they actually believe Trump would bring their factories back, or something else? The only way to know is to talk to them.

I just heard the president's spokesman say that it was a "political" decision by Nordstroms... So? That's not against the law.

As he should have: A National Security Advisor to the President cannot lie to the Vice President, nor fudge his "recollection"...

You look at what's happening in Germany, you look at what's happening last night in Sweden. Sweden, who would believe this. Sweden. They took in large numbers. They're having problems like they never thought possible. You look at what's happening in Brussels. You look at what's happening all over the world. Take a look at Nice. Take a look at Paris. We've allowed thousands and thousands of people into our country and there was no way to vet those people. There was no documentation. There was no nothing. So we're going to keep our country safe.

He's right (and everybody else is wrong and left), because he is like Jefferson, Jackson, and Lincoln who called out the media oftentimes on their lies. That's another quote.