Donald Trump donates his first presidential paycheck to help restore Antietam

[Saris]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jul/5/trump-donates-first-presidential-paycheck-antietam/

Donald trump donated $78,333 along with an anonymous donor who gave 22,000 to Antietam Battlefield restoration projects.

[Dman979]

Great! Now I hope he'll fund the NPS at an appropriate level, too.

Best,
Dman979

[TrustyJam]

Didn't he cut the national parks of about 1.5 billion?

- Trusty

[Sapper]

Yes, Trump himself cut the parks 1.5 billion.

[TrustyJam]

I'm not enough into the specifics to comment - I don't like the 1.5b cut but obviously am glad of Antietam getting some attention. :)

- Trusty

[A. P. Hill]

Yes, Trump himself cut the parks 1.5 billion.

Source?

[TrustyJam]

Source?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/trump-presidential-budget-2018-proposal/?utm_term=.e5eef8edf4d8#dept-10

- Trusty

[Conway]

Jesus, that budget is an absolute train wreck. The only thing that's reasonable is the veterans affairs increase.

[PAIOLETTI]

Jesus, that budget is an absolute train wreck. The only thing that's reasonable is the veterans affairs increase.

Not at all, in fact on the contrary Trump is cutting budgets in almost all areas as a whole. He is focusing on rebuilding an renovating the country and rebuilding the much depleted armed forces. He will also be cutting taxes for everyone as a whole and giving people initiative to work harder and produce more. However, with his "paychecks" for being president he can "donate" money to wherever he sees fit. Proud to see him donate it to Antietam, to help keep the history alive in this country. How ironic is it for all of us playing this game that he offers his money to insuring the battlefield and historical society remains above water. Salute to Trump! As an American I honestly couldn't be prouder of the job he has done so far.

[Erwin]

Didn't he cut the national parks of about 1.5 billion?

- Trusty

Well this is true, the funding was only cut from Federal spending. The "National Parks" will, as it should've been this entire time, have to rely on the state it resides in to fund them.
And before anyone says anything stupid like "well where's the money going" or "its a 'national' park" there are taxes planned on being cut, reducing the amount of money each individual will have to cough up to the Feds which you should be thankful for. As for the national park, refer to my statement about how the states should be the ones in charge of them.

[David Dire]

Trump doesn't even know how to pronounce Antietam, most likely, let alone actually care about it. Thank god some advisor of his recognizes it could make him look less idiotic, however.

[Dman979]

And before anyone says anything stupid like "well where's the money going" or "its a 'national' park" there are taxes planned on being cut, reducing the amount of money each individual will have to cough up to the Feds which you should be thankful for. As for the national park, refer to my statement about how the states should be the ones in charge of them.

Honestly, I don't mind paying taxes. Really, I don't. It's part of the social contract I undertake to participate in my country, and it makes things like roads, trash collection- and yes, national parks- available to everyone. I get angry when people don't pay their fair share, but I don't mind paying mine.

Also, I don't see how they're National parks if they're funded by the state they're in. And what happens if a park is in two states, like Yellowstone?

Best,
Dman979

[TrustyJam]

Well it looks like he's cutting the overall budget in order to lower taxes more than most right wingers would ever dare dream about doing here in Denmark. I've never understood the rejection of taxes in the States so I'll stay out of this one - I'm pretty sure a few of you guys would mix up our socialism with communism. :P

Each to their own!

- Trusty

[Erwin]

Honestly, I don't mind paying taxes. Really, I don't. It's part of the social contract I undertake to participate in my country, and it makes things like roads, trash collection- and yes, national parks- available to everyone. I get angry when people don't pay their fair share, but I don't mind paying mine.

Also, I don't see how they're National parks if they're funded by the state they're in. And what happens if a park is in two states, like Yellowstone?

Best,
Dman979

I pay my share of taxes, because that is one of my duties as a citizen. However, that doesn't mean I agree with how the taxes are being used because I don't. I prescribe to the belief in a small Federal government, with States having the ability to govern themselves the best they see fit with obvious regulations. Saying that, a park can be nationally recognized and be ran by the state because that's basically how most of them are anyways with State Employees manning the parks for the most part and the Feds coming around ever so often depending on the park and so on and so forth. What happens when two parks are in two states is such a simple answer, the two states can both fund and work on the park.

[Erwin]

Well it looks like he's cutting the overall budget in order to lower taxes more than most right wingers would ever dare dream about doing here in Denmark. I've never understood the rejection of taxes in the States so I'll stay out of this one - I'm pretty sure a few of you guys would mix up our socialism with communism. :P

Each to their own!

- Trusty

I don't know enough about Denmark in order to comment on anything related to it. If, however, you are feeling up to it I'd love to have a conversation to better understand Denmark!

[Conway]

Not at all, in fact on the contrary Trump is cutting budgets in almost all areas as a whole. He is focusing on rebuilding an renovating the country and rebuilding the much depleted armed forces. He will also be cutting taxes for everyone as a whole and giving people initiative to work harder and produce more. However, with his "paychecks" for being president he can "donate" money to wherever he sees fit. Proud to see him donate it to Antietam, to help keep the history alive in this country. How ironic is it for all of us playing this game that he offers his money to insuring the battlefield and historical society remains above water. Salute to Trump! As an American I honestly couldn't be prouder of the job he has done so far.

Second class health-care system, ranked in the 20's for education. Second biggest polluter in the world.

Lets cut all departments that improve these and pour 52 billion into our military.
the biggest military in the world.
a military already so big its spending equals the total spending of the top 7 other countries.
logic.

I don't see why you need to ramp up defense spending like that unless your planning for another war.
You're currently spending greater amounts of your GDP on defense then you did in Vietnam. And there isn't even a global threat anymore.

[DomDowg]

Trump doesn't even know how to pronounce Antietam, most likely, let alone actually care about it. Thank god some advisor of his recognizes it could make him look less idiotic, however.

Honestly, I don't care if Trump can pronounce Antietam. He could always say Sharpsburg. As a Marylander I am glad that Trump is helping with $78,000, also Secretary Ryan Zinke donated $185,000. Finally someone in the Federal Government is helping the State of Maryland rebuild it. After some idiot drove over the Stone Bridge and damaged it. :mad:

Anyways it is good to see repairs being made. The Bridge and Mumma's Farm need repairs along with Miller's Farm and the Pry house all need work. I am just glad that the land on which those died on is still preserved. Even though they try to build a Walmart near the West Woods.... Thank God they said no way Walmart.

[Erwin]

Second class health-care system, ranked in the 20's for education. Second biggest polluter in the world.

Lets cut all departments that improve these and pour 52 billion into our military.
the biggest military in the world.
a military already so big its spending equals the total spending of the top 7 other countries.
logic.

I don't see why you need to ramp up defense spending like that unless your planning for another war.
You're currently spending greater amounts of your GDP on defense then you did in Vietnam. And there isn't even a global threat anymore.

Here, let me help you with some of your errors.
14th in education.
44th in Health-care. (with majority of the ones above us being small countries, forgot to count that, buckaroo)
1st in having the richest people in the word (in case you wanted to whine about debt)
Your statement on us being the second biggest polluter is correct, but could easily be explained away with a simple point out production, population and the vast amount of land.


Now that we've cleared your points up, and pointed out a few more, lets address your defense spending claims.
You seem to fail to understand the role that America plays in the world, and me pointing this out might upset you so be sure to buckle your belt. America is essentially the World Police, whether we or anyone else likes it or not. Our spending doesn't just go to our military, it goes to countries we fund militarily like in Europe. If you fail to understand that, you over look the idea completely and instead draw the conclusion we're just spending all this money to dick around.

Also, I'd like to correct you on the "7 countries" because its the next 10 countries we outspend.


If you'd like to continue this conversation, I implore you reach out to me in a DM and we can talk more in there since this is getting off topic.

[TrustyJam]

Did a bit of cleaning. Let's keep this civil, gents. :)

- Trusty

[yoyo8346]

I've never understood the rejection of taxes in the States so I'll stay out of this one - I'm pretty sure a few of you guys would mix up our socialism with communism. :P

Americans have a terrible aversion to fair wealth redistribution that the rest of the first world has managed to get over. They got their first taste of it with Medicaid, and they didn't like it very much :P . They still stand by the idea of "every man for themselves" which lets the rich get richer and poor get poorer, rather the closing that gap. Perhaps it's the size and diversity of their country? Perhaps they are afraid of it for historical reasons? Perhaps their tyranno-phobia causes them to be held back. I don't know and I doubt they're changing any time soon.

[FrancisM]

Aah, praising a man for handing you a band-aid after slashing your limbs off. Never gets old.

Also, 'Much depleted Armed Forces', say what?

http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/55e0c1619dd7cc24008b6c64-1200-1566/bi_graphics_millitary-budget-compare-chart-2.png

Nothing wrong with being happy with such a donation, but you're really falling for the PR-trap here. Good job, some advisor up in the White House earned his pay because of people like you.

[Erwin]

Aah, praising a man for handing you a band-aid after slashing your limbs off. Never gets old.

Also, 'Much depleted Armed Forces', say what?

http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/55e0c1619dd7cc24008b6c64-1200-1566/bi_graphics_millitary-budget-compare-chart-2.png

Nothing wrong with being happy with such a donation, but you're really falling for the PR-trap here. Good job, some advisor up in the White House earned his pay because of people like you.

I don't think anyone mentioned "depleted armed forces" so your point is ultimately for nothing

[TheBoberton]

Let's not forget that the United States has to maintain the capacity to operate on every continent of the world.

https://blogs-images.forbes.com/niallmccarthy/files/2015/06/20150625_Defense_GDP_Fo1.jpg

On topic; I personally suspect the idea was to set the precedent that such parks should be run primarily by state funding and private contributions, rather than just federal funds. Whether it works, I suppose we shall see.

[Erwin]

Americans have a terrible aversion to fair wealth redistribution that the rest of the first world has managed to get over. They got their first taste of it with Medicaid, and they didn't like it very much :P . They still stand by the idea of "every man for themselves" which lets the rich get richer and poor get poorer, rather the closing that gap. Perhaps it's the size and diversity of their country? Perhaps they are afraid of it for historical reasons? Perhaps their tyranno-phobia causes them to be held back. I don't know and I doubt they're changing any time soon.

Ah yes, the idea that I should pay for someone else stuff is always a funny one. Perhaps if you'll take a look at society you'll realize that Medicaid failed us as a country, the ones who didn't need it took the most. Our vets suffered because more money was being pumped into the idea of universal healthcare than it was being spent on even thinking about them.
Furthermore, the notion that "the rich get richer well the poor get poorer" as the foundation for your argument is simply wrong. America has some of the richest people on the planet as well as the ability to become rich. Literally anyone can become rich if you have the drive and dedication to follow it through. The problem is people are born and are told "you'll never be more than this." Because that's how the majority of the world views life. They don't have the American Dream of always striding further and moving higher.
Lastly, you would be right for your other reasons of "size and diversity, historical reasons and tyranno-phobia". But the question is, is that really bad? Is it bad we are scared of tyrants? Is it bad that we stick to our countries beliefs?

[FrancisM]

Perhaps if you'll take a look at society you'll realize that Medicaid failed us as a country, the ones who didn't need it took the most.

Source?


Our vets suffered because more money was being pumped into the idea of universal healthcare than it was being spent on even thinking about them.

You just laughed at the idea of paying for someone else's well-being and now you're criticizing the previous administration for not giving enough of your money to them. Surprising fact: A lot of countries have both working healthcare and take care of their veterans.


Furthermore, the notion that "the rich get richer well the poor get poorer" as the foundation for your argument is simply wrong. America has some of the richest people on the planet as well as the ability to become rich. Literally anyone can become rich if you have the drive and dedication to follow it through. The problem is people are born and are told "you'll never be more than this." Because that's how the majority of the world views life. They don't have the American Dream of always striding further and moving higher.

A false statement. You're talking about social mobility, which in the USA is relatively low. I'm not too well-read into the causes of this, but I'm wagering access to education has something to do with it. Anyway, the 'American Dream' is precisely that for most Americans - a dream.

http://www.parliament.uk/ImageVault/Images/storage_Edited/filename_pbtpGI4b5xz3YKGxgsqe.jpg/id_6167/ImageVaultHandler.aspx



But the question is, is that really bad? Is it bad we are scared of tyrants?

This might come as a bit of a shock for you, but in most nations, people are scared of tyrants.

[Erwin]

Source?



You just laughed at the idea of paying for someone else's well-being and now you're criticizing the previous administration for not giving enough of your money to them. Surprising fact: A lot of countries have both working healthcare and take care of their veterans.



A false statement. You're talking about social mobility, which in the USA is relatively low. I'm not too well-read into the causes of this, but I'm wagering access to education has something to do with it. Anyway, the 'American Dream' is precisely that for most Americans - a dream.

http://www.parliament.uk/ImageVault/Images/storage_Edited/filename_pbtpGI4b5xz3YKGxgsqe.jpg/id_6167/ImageVaultHandler.aspx



This might come as a bit of a shock for you, but in most nations, people are scared of tyrants.

https://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottgottlieb/2014/01/02/new-study-shows-how-medicaid-fails-the-poor-and-why-obamacare-will-fail-the-middle-class/&refURL=https://www.google.com/&referrer=https://www.google.com/

You misunderstood saying "I won't pay for some random person's healthcare" as "I don't give a hoot about our vets". They are an entirely different ball game because they've sacrificed their very lives to protect our great country.

I was not talking about "social mobility". I was talking about the notion of success and failure in relation to the argument. Don't try and twist it to fit your agenda.
Furthermore, the 'American Dream' is not just a dream. The American dream is only a dream if you don't chase after it, not because you don't try. So the next time you try and pull that argument, think about the notion that just because individuals decide not to go after the dream no matter how many, it still exist.

That last one is just sour and you know it. I never rejected the notion that anyone is scared of tyrants, I was just pointing out that the OC was right.

[Sarado]

You seem to fail to understand the role that America plays in the world, and me pointing this out might upset you so be sure to buckle your belt. America is essentially the World Police, whether we or anyone else likes it or not.

If that's your justification for spending so much on military, I guess you can size it down some, soon, no? Considering you are doing your very best to remove yourself from that role at the moment.

I reject your notion that anyone can become rich if he wants it bad enough.

[Erwin]

If that's your justification for spending so much on military, I guess you can size it down some soon, no? Considering you are doing your very best to remove yourself from that role at the moment.

I can agree with sizing down the military, but you can't just up and leave because it'll only cause far more problems. But to answer your question, yes we could

[FrancisM]

I was not talking about "social mobility". I was talking about the notion of success and failure in relation to the argument. Don't try and twist it to fit your agenda.

You said that 'They don't have the American Dream of always striding further and moving higher.'. Yet compared to that, the rest of the world, Americans are doing quite a bad job at improving their situation. That's what that data is saying. Sorry to burst your bubble of American exceptionalism, but the USA is not the place where one can 'stride further' and 'move higher'. You can make broud claims about 'ideas' and 'dreams' without ever defining what in God's name that actually means, but at the end of the day, the data is there. Reals before feels.


You misunderstood saying "I won't pay for some random person's healthcare" as "I don't give a hoot about our vets". They are an entirely different ball game because they've sacrificed their very lives to protect our great country.

So paying for someone's healthcare because he got shot is good, but paying for someone's healthcare because he can't pay cancer healthcare on minimum wage is bad. Roger, got it.

Anyway, can someone change this title to 'Trump cuts back funding of pretty much anything but sure has some good PR-advisors and did something Antietam-related'? That's sorta like click-baity.

[John Bell Hood]

The US has to keep spending on the military to defend the world's peace through it's strength. The world would be living under communism already if it wasn't strong because China and Russia who are both communistic would like to force their beliefs on the rest of the world. However, they are working on the downfall of the US via the education system, culturally, and morally. I respect President Trump for doing his Job...unpaid...and donating his check to Antietam and dealing with fake news. Also, before you criticize me it's my opinion so it doesn't bother me what you think.

[FrancisM]

Good trolling.

[Dether]

never seen so many silly comments on a subject none of them are actually willing to take on for REAL.. but that is the united states.. you have been born with the right to let your HOLE be heard and by god you are gonna let the stink fly no matter if you have an original thought or not... god bless ya.

SEMPER FI

[michaelsmithern]

glad Trump did this, hate that budget spending on many things have gone down, but frankly the man said he wants to try and save money, what better way to that than cut or slash budgets.

when it comes to the military, couldn't care less how much we spend, since per GDP we spend less than Russia, China, and India(I think we may have passed Russia have to check again) and we are all over the world as peacekeepers, Frankly couldn't care less about many of the countries we are in mainly the Middle East, but hey I'm not president so I don't choose who goes where.

Hope for good things from this presidency and hope the world remains slightly more stable for the next 4-8 years respectively

[Dingle]

Ah yes, the idea that I should pay for someone else stuff is always a funny one.

But you already do. Your taxes go to tons of different purposes that benefit others. It's called society.


Perhaps if you'll take a look at society you'll realize that Medicaid failed us as a country, the ones who didn't need it took the most. Our vets suffered because more money was being pumped into the idea of universal healthcare than it was being spent on even thinking about them.
Furthermore, the notion that "the rich get richer well the poor get poorer" as the foundation for your argument is simply wrong. America has some of the richest people on the planet as well as the ability to become rich. Literally anyone can become rich if you have the drive and dedication to follow it through. The problem is people are born and are told "you'll never be more than this." Because that's how the majority of the world views life. They don't have the American Dream of always striding further and moving higher.
Lastly, you would be right for your other reasons of "size and diversity, historical reasons and tyranno-phobia". But the question is, is that really bad? Is it bad we are scared of tyrants? Is it bad that we stick to our countries beliefs?

This is so inconsistent with reality that it's actually quite humorous.

[Sarado]

Also, before you criticize me it's my opinion so it doesn't bother me what you think.

Summing up what's wrong with politics.

That statement gets even better if you connect it with your "fake news".

[Erwin]

You said that 'They don't have the American Dream of always striding further and moving higher.'. Yet compared to that, the rest of the world, Americans are doing quite a bad job at improving their situation. That's what that data is saying. Sorry to burst your bubble of American exceptionalism, but the USA is not the place where one can 'stride further' and 'move higher'. You can make broud claims about 'ideas' and 'dreams' without ever defining what in God's name that actually means, but at the end of the day, the data is there. Reals before feels.



So paying for someone's healthcare because he got shot is good, but paying for someone's healthcare because he can't pay cancer healthcare on minimum wage is bad. Roger, got it.

Anyway, can someone change this title to 'Trump cuts back funding of pretty much anything but sure has some good PR-advisors and did something Antietam-related'? That's sorta like click-baity.

Simply in correct. The USA is certainly where you can stride further and move higher, because I've done so. I came from a lowly uneducated farmer to an Insurance Agent who graduated from high school early, have a free ride to college and live on my own all at the age of 18. And before you try and use the "muh isolated" incident fallacy, I've known plenty of American born or migrants who have started off worse than me. So you can take your anti-American ideals elsewhere.

As for the "cancer" argument, you and I both know that this argument is purely a pity party at base. First off, I do value someone who's put their life on the line for my country more than anyone else. I don't care about anyones little pity party story else-wise. Furthermore, the notion that simply because someone who's on minimum wage is fucked the second they've got cancer fails to account for these lovely thing called willing donates, which happen literally all the time. So yet again, take your pity party and get an actual argument.

[Erwin]

But you already do. Your taxes go to tons of different purposes that benefit others. It's called society.



This is so inconsistent with reality that it's actually quite humorous.


Simply because my taxes goes towards something doesn't mean I agree with it. Try again.

It is not "inconsistent" with reality, because I'm not the only American saying this. Plenty of fellow Americans will agree with basically everything I said. Try and formulate an actual argument next time

[yoyo8346]

This is so inconsistent with reality that it's actually quite humorous.

It really is. I don't know how old Erwin is, but he clearly isn't old enough to live on his own and face the difficulties and truculence of life. Yes, the American Dream used to be possible (in 1920 when an immigrant could step off the boat with nothing and become successful), but now it isn't. Now it's just a way for the American government to placate its people, the same way Trump sold his supporters a lie.

[Erwin]

It really is. I don't know how old Erwin is, but he clearly isn't old enough to live on his own and face the difficulties and truculence of life. Yes, the American Dream used to be possible (in 1920 when an immigrant could step off the boat with nothing and become successful), but now it isn't. Now it's just a way for the American government to placate its people, the same way Trump sold his supporters a lie.

Stand'-by


I came from a lowly uneducated farmer to an Insurance Agent who graduated from high school early, have a free ride to college and live on my own all at the age of 18. And before you try and use the "muh isolated" incident fallacy, I've known plenty of American born or migrants who have started off worse than me. So you can take your anti-American ideals elsewhere.

[yoyo8346]

How does being a student reinforce the American dream? You haven't even started a career. Are you debt-free? Did you get a scholarship?

Also, I don't quite understand the "farmer to insurance" part. What do you mean?

[A. P. Hill]

It's American Humor!

6603

[Erwin]

How does being a student reinforce the American dream? You haven't even started a career. Are you debt-free? Did you get a scholarship?

Also, I don't quite understand the "farmer to insurance" part. What do you mean?

The American dream is defined as the ideal that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. Me being a student reinforces that notion simply because I was born into a low in-come family as a simply farmer boy. We had nothing to our name but an RV and moved around the country working on farms. My family gave up, but I didn't. I went to school and graduated two years earlier then I was supposed to. On top of that, I can't start my career at 18 because the career I am looking to begin requires you to have a degree. (I want to be a professor of history). I am 100% debt free. I got multiple scholarships from private companies and individuals willing to donate their money, not from the government, through I could've applied for such.

The "farm to Insurance" part was point out how I was born at a very low economic and educational standpoint, but I worked my way up to where I am today. I had the dedication and drive to achieve and I did it

[yoyo8346]

Your story is a testament to your hard work and I commend you for it. However, the definition you just cited is different from what you said before. There's a big difference between "everyone should have equal opportunity" and "everyone does have equal opportunity".


Literally anyone can become rich if you have the drive and dedication to follow it through.

You are turning your back on 14.5% of the US population with that statement (the amount of people living below the poverty line last year). "Looks like 45 million people are lazy, oh well, they don't deserve a decent life anyway". <-- This is what your notion of the American Dream amounts to in a modern context.

[Dingle]

Erwin, do you think you have a valid economic theory just because of an anecdote? Of course there are going to people who find success in any scenario. The reality is that the US has massive income inequality, relatively low social mobility, an extremely inefficient education system that affords some people far more opportunity than others, and an absolutely abysmal health system in comparison to other nations that are as developed as we are.

You say that the US is number 1 in wealthiest people. That means diddly squat. You also insist that anyone can be successful with shear determination. While there might be some validity to this, it isn't a recipe for a successful society. Furthermore, major success due to "determination" usually also involves a lot of luck and opportunity. I would recommend Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell for more on this.

You mention that the US is 44th in health care as though it's not that bad. How can you possibly be content with that? Why should we be satisfied with such an awful status quo when we can change it by taking queues from other countries that have managed to? Oh right, "those are small countries, so they can have a good health system, but we can't"... oh wait, that's just a myth that's perpetuated by conservative commentators.

I could go on and on addressing your arguments, but it would take a lot of time and I doubt you would be convinced. All I can say is that you've clearly drunk the kool aid that people like the Koch brothers want you to drink in order to sustain the system that lets them grow immeasurably wealthy while leaving other communities in the dust, without health care, uneducated, etc.

Good luck with your degree (not being sarcastic). I think that in the course of pursuing it you might find that some of your ideas are not consistent with historical realities.

[Conway]

Trump increases defense spending because "America is world police".
Trump is anti-globalist.
logic.

He ramped up military an homeland spending because it makes voters feel safe and its easy to politically defend the forces. Looks like hes a politician like the rest after all.
So much for draining the swamp.

I think from now on you should have to personally pay firefighters to put out your house and cops to investigate break-ins to your home. After all, why should your tax dollars save someone else's home?
I honestly don't see how people can see universal healthcare as a bad thing for a country.

[Saris]

Trump increases defense spending because "America is world police".
Trump is anti-globalist.
logic.

He ramped up military an homeland spending because it makes voters feel safe and its easy to politically defend the forces. Looks like hes a politician like the rest after all.
So much for draining the swamp.

I think from now on you should have to personally pay firefighters to put out your house and cops to investigate break-ins to your home. After all, why should your tax dollars save someone else's home?
I honestly don't see how people can see universal healthcare as a bad thing for a country.

During his campaign he always talked about increasing the US military budget

[Conway]

During his campaign he always talked about increasing the US military budget
Yes, but for what reason? Is the U.S under an imminent external threat at home? Did I miss something in the news?
It doesn't make sense to increase spending like that unless you plan on fighting an offensive war somewhere, seeing the U.S military is already more then equipped to maintain is dominance and expand it.
He seems to be taking the "problems at home" stance from what I've gathered but instead he cuts most of the departments that help citizens and placed it into the military, which was doing its job at protecting the homeland fine without an extra 52 billion USD.

[A. P. Hill]

Yes, but for what reason?...

Probably because every other country in the world expects the U.S. of A. to come running to their aid and fight their battles for them? :) So we have to be fully prepared to step in and provide what other's don't seem to be able.

[John Bell Hood]

I find it amusing that the people who are posting the most anti-trump and anti-American posts are foreigners but I forgive them because they have been programed through their school systems and media to fight for social justice and think everyone's a victim aka socialism. I don't understand the whole anti-family(abortion, easy-divorce, gay marriage), anti-culture(anti-America, Globalist), anti-morality( via media porn, and numerous deviances but to each his own. People aren't equal and nor should they be and the world is Very unfair but at least in America it's a little better than most other countries. A lot of people suffered horrendously under communism and socialism when they tried to make people equal, fair and society just...

[Dingle]

I find it amusing that the people who are posting the most anti-trump and anti-American posts are foreigners but I forgive them because they have been programed through their school systems and media to fight for social justice and think everyone's a victim aka socialism. I don't understand the whole anti-family(abortion, easy-divorce, gay marriage), anti-culture(anti-America, Globalist), anti-morality( via media porn, and numerous deviances but to each his own. People aren't equal and nor should they be and the world is Very unfair but at least in America it's a little better than most other countries. A lot of people suffered horrendously under communism and socialism when they tried to make people equal, fair and society just...

Yes. Everyone who disagrees with you is anti-American, everyone who isn't fiscally conservative is a socialist/communist, and everyone who isn't socially conservative is a deviant. Be careful there, you've taken so many red pills, you just might overdose.

[Conway]

Probably because every other country in the world expects the U.S. of A. to come running to their aid and fight their battles for them? :) So we have to be fully prepared to step in and provide what other's don't seem to be able.

But what countries have been calling for this so bad as to need such a dramatic increase in defense spending? There is almost no nation on earth that is currently in risk of hostile takeover. What major conflicts outside the middle east are currently being fought that require U.S troops? And again, how where you not previously equipped to deal with these threats?

Also John Bell Hood, being pro gay marriage and easy divorce isn't anti-family. Gay couples still make good parents and divorce doesn't end a family as usually parents still compromise for the child's sake. I don't see how you see socialism and communism as being instantly equal. That sort of thinking is what SJW's use when they compare conservatives to nazis. Its just not true. I don't see how I'm fighting for "social justice" when I'm just stating that what Trump is doing isn't the best for the U.S and its people. Socialism moderately implemented into democracy can lead to better life's for a countries people, that's just a fact. There's a reason why the happiest countries on earth tend to have many socialist ideals built into their country (i.e universal healthcare).

[yoyo8346]

Yep! I'm anti-family (screw the next generation), anti-culture (that garbage music, literature and, art), and of course anti-morality (Nietzsche was right). :cool:

Thank heavens you forgave me.

[Legion]

I prescribe to the belief in a small Federal government, with States having the ability to govern themselves the best they see fit with obvious regulations.

That's how this country started and that's how it should be. It wasn't until the civil war that the Federal Gov gained much of it's power. I would love for the Gov. to go back to the way it was before the war, but I don't think that will happen unfortunately.

[Takerith]

I find it amusing that the people who are posting the most anti-trump and anti-American posts are foreigners but I forgive them because they have been programed through their school systems and media to fight for social justice and think everyone's a victim aka socialism. I don't understand the whole anti-family(abortion, easy-divorce, gay marriage), anti-culture(anti-America, Globalist), anti-morality( via media porn, and numerous deviances but to each his own. People aren't equal and nor should they be and the world is Very unfair but at least in America it's a little better than most other countries. A lot of people suffered horrendously under communism and socialism when they tried to make people equal, fair and society just...

A lot of people also suffered under capitalism throughout history. To take my own country's history as an example, 1 million people died and another million emigrated in the Great Famine due to the British government refusing to provide aid, in line with their laissez-faire economic theory. This curbed the population growth of Ireland, which if you look at this image (https://i.redd.it/oy7mqe1k7sqy.jpg) was set to grow at a similar speed as England. If the British had taken steps to alleviate the suffering of the Irish people, our development as a nation would be far more in line with other western countries and we could have been a far stronger country in Europe. To this day, Ireland is sparsely populated in the west, the areas that were worst affected by the famine, and we suffer from a lack of urban development outside of Dublin (the second largest city in Ireland, Cork, only has just under 200,000 people, and Limerick only has 90,000) British laissez-faire policy similarly caused the deaths of millions more Indians throughout the 19th century as well, and possibly many more in other countries.

This doesn't include the number of countries that America rolled over in order to prevent the spread of communism despite the will of those nations' people. Vietnam, Cuba and Nicaragua spring to mind, as well as a number of South American nations involved in Operation Condor. This also doesn't the extra-war victims of capitalism throughout history. For example, the subject of this very game. One of the main reasons that the South wanted to keep slaves was because their economy depended on cotton, and keeping slaves allowed them to turn a greater profit. There are also the number of Asian sweatshop workers who endure poor working conditions due to their employers' desire to reduce costs and maintain a profit.

Keep in mind, I'm not saying that Communism hasn't victimised at least as many people as capitalism (the Holodomor, various Stalinist purges, Great Chinese Famine, various atrocities by the Viet Cong, suppressive techniques by Castro, and others that I can't think of), and I'm not a supporter of Communism (I'm more of a Social Democrat), but to act as though Capitalism=Good and Communism=Bad is disingenuous to both ideologies and shows a childish and simple view of world affairs. Also, I find it ironic that a (presumably) patriotic American would hold a view that is in direct opposition to one of the most famous lines in the US Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

And although this is also directed to various other people in the thread (cough cough, A.P. Hill, Erwin), I find it ironic how many Trump supporters are simultaneously against globalism but also support high military spending, as well as US intervention against Communism, in order to preserve globalism. Are ye anti-globalists or do you just want American world domination?

[FrancisM]

Can we just assume John Bell Hood is trolling and ignore him?

[yoyo8346]

Can we just assume John Bell Hood is trolling and ignore him?

Absolutely not. Ignoring people because you disagree with their political views is fundamentally wrong. It's hate and resentment for "the other side" that has caused the terrible political division is the US right now. You should consider everything everyone has to say.

[FrancisM]

I wasn't kidding. I cannot honestly believe this man is being serious. Either's he's trolling, or he's nine years old, or his IQ is that of a cucumber. A serious reply is a waste of time in any of those cases.

[Dether]

Absolutely not. Ignoring people because you disagree with their political views is fundamentally wrong. It's hate and resentment for "the other side" that has caused the terrible political division is the US right now. You should consider everything everyone has to say.


I wasn't kidding. I cannot honestly believe this man is being serious. Either's he's trolling, or he's nine years old, or his IQ is that of a cucumber. A serious reply is a waste of time in any of those cases.

you both make good points for valid reasons... and it is honor itself.. that caused the fall of the south. .. as the Mvskokee

[John Bell Hood]

Okay, I'll amend some of my comments...being pro gay marriage and easy divorce isn't anti-family. It's anti-morality. Morality is principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. Gay marriage erodes the Christian culture that America was founded on and is a bad example for our children. How do you know Gay couples make good parents and it's not propaganda? When you say you don't see socialism and communism as equal I'll quote Vladimir Lenin "The goal of Socialism is Communism" and when you state socialism leads to better life I say look to Venezuela, Cuba, etc. and people where happier before that universal healthcare fiasco known as Obamacare. The communist/socialist takeover of America was stated in these 45 goals in 1963. They have accomplished most of them already worldwide.
1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.
2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.
3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament [by] the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.
4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.
5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.
6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.
7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N.
8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.
9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.
10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.
11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)
12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.
13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.
14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.
15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.
16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.
17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.
18. Gain control of all student newspapers.
19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.
20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policy-making positions.
21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.
22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms."
23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."
24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.
25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.
26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."
27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a "religious crutch."
28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."
29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.
30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."
31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.
32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.
33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.
34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.
35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.
36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.
37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.
38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand [or treat].
39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.
40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.
41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.
42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use ["]united force["] to solve economic, political or social problems.
43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.
44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.
45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction [over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction] over nations and individuals alike.

On January 10, 1963, the House of Representative and later the Senate began reviewing a document entitled "Communist Goals for Taking Over America." It contained an agenda of 45 separate issues that, in hindsight was quite shocking back then and equally shocking today. Here, in part, are some key points listed in that document.
4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.
5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.
8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states.
11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind.
13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.
16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.
23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."
24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.
25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.
26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."
27. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a "religious crutch."
28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."
40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.
44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.
So, I think we can agree to disagree. Sorry, for making the paragraph too long and I hope you understand.

[Conway]

966 words in one paragraph, oh my word.

[A. P. Hill]

Paragraphs and breathing between comments can be your friends sometimes. ;)

[crazychester1247]

When you're thinking about posting but you see a 966 word paragraph claiming that America is turning communist.


http://i.imgur.com/NGToiws.jpg

[Dman979]

Guys, give him a break. It's two paragraphs, not one.

JB Hood, it's still a bit difficult for me to understand what you're saying. Do you mind breaking it up a bit more? Say, make each number a separate line?

Best,
Dman979

[Erwin]

Your story is a testament to your hard work and I commend you for it. However, the definition you just cited is different from what you said before. There's a big difference between "everyone should have equal opportunity" and "everyone does have equal opportunity".



You are turning your back on 14.5% of the US population with that statement (the amount of people living below the poverty line last year). "Looks like 45 million people are lazy, oh well, they don't deserve a decent life anyway". <-- This is what your notion of the American Dream amounts to in a modern context.

I don't look at suffering and shrug, but I also don't believe that I should be forced to fund their suffering. There are plenty of programs that they can go to ran by private organizations that are there to help without taking money out of my pocket.

[Erwin]

Erwin, do you think you have a valid economic theory just because of an anecdote? Of course there are going to people who find success in any scenario. The reality is that the US has massive income inequality, relatively low social mobility, an extremely inefficient education system that affords some people far more opportunity than others, and an absolutely abysmal health system in comparison to other nations that are as developed as we are.

You say that the US is number 1 in wealthiest people. That means diddly squat. You also insist that anyone can be successful with shear determination. While there might be some validity to this, it isn't a recipe for a successful society. Furthermore, major success due to "determination" usually also involves a lot of luck and opportunity. I would recommend Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell for more on this.

You mention that the US is 44th in health care as though it's not that bad. How can you possibly be content with that? Why should we be satisfied with such an awful status quo when we can change it by taking queues from other countries that have managed to? Oh right, "those are small countries, so they can have a good health system, but we can't"... oh wait, that's just a myth that's perpetuated by conservative commentators.

I could go on and on addressing your arguments, but it would take a lot of time and I doubt you would be convinced. All I can say is that you've clearly drunk the kool aid that people like the Koch brothers want you to drink in order to sustain the system that lets them grow immeasurably wealthy while leaving other communities in the dust, without health care, uneducated, etc.

Good luck with your degree (not being sarcastic). I think that in the course of pursuing it you might find that some of your ideas are not consistent with historical realities.

This simply comes down to either believing the American Dream, and our different political views. I can tell that you don't agree with my notions, and I won't agree with yours. So, I think in the interest of being civil I will agree to disagree with you if you find that's alright.

[Erwin]

Yep! I'm anti-family (screw the next generation), anti-culture (that garbage music, literature and, art), and of course anti-morality (Nietzsche was right). :cool:

Thank heavens you forgave me.

Please be mocking or joking

[Erwin]

That's how this country started and that's how it should be. It wasn't until the civil war that the Federal Gov gained much of it's power. I would love for the Gov. to go back to the way it was before the war, but I don't think that will happen unfortunately.

Indeed, we probably have a long ways to go if we even tried to return to that. Being a super power and having a small Federal government doesn't really go hand in hand sadly.

[FrancisM]

This simply comes down to either believing the American Dream, and our different political views. I can tell that you don't agree with my notions, and I won't agree with yours. So, I think in the interest of being civil I will agree to disagree with you if you find that's alright.

How does any of this come down to 'believing in the American Dream'. What does that even mean? Do you honestly believe all poor or marginalized people are simply not making an effort?

[yoyo8346]

I don't look at suffering and shrug, but I also don't believe that I should be forced to fund their suffering.

You're changing the subject. We're not talking about whether your tax dollars should go to welfare...

We're talking about your convoluted idea of the "American dream". I'll take your response as confirmation that you honestly believe that all poverty is attributed to laziness and "lack of will power". I'd like to see you say that to the face of someone who lost their home and belongings in hurricane Katrina and is still destitute. Wake up and smell the roses, guy. I'm done here.

[Lance Rawlings]

966 words in one paragraph, oh my word.

This is why I don't get into political discussions on a forum ;)

Why can't we all just say "That's great that Trump is giving his first portion of his salary to conserving history" and be done? I don't care if you like him or not, these discussions just go in circles and WAY off topic. ;)

Rawlings out.

[Takerith]

Okay, I'll amend some of my comments...being pro gay marriage and easy divorce isn't anti-family. It's anti-morality. Morality is principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. Gay marriage erodes the Christian culture that America was founded on and is a bad example for our children. How do you know Gay couples make good parents and it's not propaganda? When you say you don't see socialism and communism as equal I'll quote Vladimir Lenin "The goal of Socialism is Communism" and when you state socialism leads to better life I say look to Venezuela, Cuba, etc. and people...

I'm not going to get further into this argument for both of our sakes, but I will rebuke the idea that socialism and communism are the same thing. Socialism is a broad term that can cover many different belief systems, but at its core it essentially demands that the inequality in wealth between the richest and poorest should be bridged, to some degree.

This is essentially what Jesus Christ taught, to love thy neighbour and provide aid to the less fortunate. This can be seen in Luke 3:11 : John answered, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.". It's quite clear that Jesus (or rather, Jesus's apostle, who taught the word of Jesus) would rather some of your extra wealth be given to someone who has none, which is what socialism wants at its core.

So why is it that you insist on following a Christian culture in terms of repressing the lifestyle of others while ignoring the same culture when it demands that you sacrifice personal wealth?
(This question is also extended to Erwin, since he started the whole debate in relation to taxes :) )

[John Bell Hood]

Whoever, said to not discuss Religion or politics was wise because opinions vary so much. This whole political/morality discussion started because I had the gall to state "I respect President Trump for doing his Job...unpaid...and donating his check to Antietam and dealing with fake news". Then, FrancisM Said "Good Trolling" and "Can we just assume John Bell Hood is trolling and ignore him?" then "I wasn't kidding. I cannot honestly believe this man is being serious. Either's he's trolling, or he's nine years old, or his IQ is that of a cucumber". A serious reply is a waste of time in any of those cases. Sardo accused me of "Fake News". Dingle stated "Be careful there, you've taken so many red pills, you just might overdose".

In response to those comments I'll say it takes a troll to know a troll and I consider it a compliment to call me a red pill popping, low IQ cucumber as I am at least a higher life form to those trolls. How many of them would do their job's for FREE and at great personal cost(financial, time etc.) to themselves like President Trump?

At the risk of offending some and getting trolled...I believe it is better to teach someone to fish so they can provide for themselves instead of giving them fish (welfare, healthcare etc.as stated in the bible. I believe giving should be done only if you want too and not by "guilting" people too or theft by taxes. As, All Laws are someone else's opinion backed by a gun/penalties of the establishment in power. Personally, I believe in an internal peaceful still God and not an external angry god. I believe in God but not organized religion. I believe in reincarnation and that we live many lifetimes so life is a school and we learn the most from our "bad" experiences and challenges(though life). I don't believe in interfering with the karma of other people by providing any assistance to them via socialism, communism etc. When I look at their life thru the view of one life I might take pity on them and say it's rough but then I remember that they knew what their lives would be like before they incarnated on Earth and by helping them I would be hurting them in the long run of many lives. This for me is true for me and what's true for you is no less true and right.

On a side note I know I was a confederate Civil War soldier with vague memories of North Carolina as I can deeply remember the wilderness and the trees. I wonder if any of the other forum members are fascinated by the Civil War because they where in it during a past life?

[Sarado]

I never accused you of being "fake news". I pointed out your hypocrisy of calling out "fake news" while at the same time stating an "I don't care about it" attitude on other peoples' opinions.

I don't see how your analogy of "teaching someone to fish rather than giving them fish" works with any of this. You can't exactly teach someone to be covered in case his leg breaks, can you?

So you basically say that if something happens to someone, it's their own fault? Because of karma? Really?
Secularisation, Praise be.

You do realise that your whole construct falls apart pretty quickly, yes?
Let's assume for a second I was believing in this whole "reincarnation" thing:

I don't remember a past life, like the vast majority of humanity. So how is it still my fault if something happens because I didn't learn?

[John Bell Hood]

Sorry, if I misinterpreted the "Fake News" point. Thank you for clarifying your point. Your not a troll then. My, "I don't care about it" attitude on other peoples' opinions is how I feel as what's right, true and just for them is true for them and what's right, true and just for me is correct and right for me.

The "teaching someone to fish rather than giving them fish" is my anti-socialism, anti-communism, anti-welfare argument as a whole and not on a case by case basis. I do feel sorry for the person who broke his leg and will donate to them if I choose to but that person reviewed their life and knew they'd break their leg and that broken leg is to teach them a life lesson...maybe they avoided something worse or learned to just be more careful.

I am saying if something happens to someone, it's because of karma. That something happened to teach that person something in this lifetime or the next. And, It's only YOUR judgment that makes that something a "Good event " or a "Bad event".

I think you are misinterpreting karma as equating to fault. Your life experiences both "good" and "bad" help one progress or regress on the path to becoming Christ like. Their are many who have progressed like Buddha, Allah, Krishna and countless others who have made it and we can too eventually.

The Key Point Of my argument in case you missed it is that when you view someone's life event in the context of your or "One" lifetime it can appear "bad" but you need to realize people live multiple lifetimes and that they need to learn their own life lessons on their own and without your "help" or it takes longer or it could make their life "worse" with your "help". The "help" could even force them to live another lifetime or even multiple lifetimes. Example, I'm saying that even if you knew quicker street to take that you shouldn't tell them. "Bad" events happened for a reason beyond your comprehension , that person reviewed their whole life before they where born and knew it would occur and still chose to be born to learn that reason, and that it's just your judgment that makes that event "Good" or "Bad". Life is a school. Your purpose is to become "Christ like" and many others throughout history have done so.

Ps.I remember my past life in the Civil War through a vision of North Carolina, North Carolina trees and myself in a grey uniform. Also, my dreams and interests.

[TrustyJam]

Enough reincarnation talk, thanks. Back on-topic please or I shall have to lock the thread.

- Trusty

[Takerith]

No-one called you a low-IQ troll for agreeing with Trump's decision, they called you a low-IQ troll for being a living caricature of the alt-right. There are others who have posted in support of Trump too, but none of them have been subject to the same accusation.

Back to the very original topic, I don't see any reason to see Trump's decision as being any way sacrificial. The man is a millionaire, his Presidential salary is a drop in the bucket for him.

It's easy for Trump to go without pay when he's already made more than enough money for him and his extended family to retire, and it's easy to take the time to do his job when he goes golfing every week.

Like has been said already, he cut funding for national parks massively, so donating a quarterly salary is like knocking down someone's house and giving them back the door. This doesn't show a genuine care for the battlefield, it's just a publicity stunt that doesn't have any real impact in the long run.

[John Bell Hood]

Wow, Thanks for calling me a "living caricature of the alt-right" as I consider that a compliment. At least it's better than being a "libtard".:) There is something wrong when the number of people who work in the government is: Federal, state, or local government employs 17% of U.S. workers nationally. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Seventeen percent of U.S. workers say they work for federal, state, or local government, ranging from 38% in Washington, D.C., to 12% in Ohio. Also, 21.3% or 52.2 million people in the united states participate in government assistance programs. Which is wrong because as I stated the worst experience is your best teacher. Ghosts prove my "rein*******n" point I believe just watch "Ghost Hunters" or one of the other Ghost TV shows.

I believe he cut funding because the united states no longer owns the parks. In 1972, our government signed the United Nations' World Heritage Treaty, a treaty that creates "World Heritage Sites" and Biosphere Reserves."Selected for their cultural, historical or natural significance, national governments are obligated to protect these landmarks under U.N. mandate. Since 1972, 68 percent of all U.S. national parks, monuments and preserves have been designated as World Heritage Sites. Twenty important symbols of national pride, along with 51 million acres of our wilderness, are World Heritage Sites or Biosphere Reserves now falling under the control of the U.N. This includes the Statue of Liberty, Philadelphia's Independence Hall, Thomas Jefferson's home at Monticello, the Washington Monument, the Brooklyn Bridge, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite, the Florida Everglades and the Grand Canyon. As a consequence, across the U.S.A. Our parks and wilderness areas are slowly being closed to the public. Roads inside the parks are being grazed over. Mountain passes and hiking paths are being blockaded. "No fishing," "No hunting," "No trespassing" signs are being erected everywhere on public lands.

It might be easy for trump to donate his check but he didn't have too. He cut the park funding to save money for other "social" programs or because of sovereignty issues over control of our park lands. This will be my last post on the issue as the thought/opinion police(aka moderators) are trying to silence me and my free speech. Maybe you all can examine your biases and at least consider a few of the points I made in my arguments. We can agree to disagree at least. I'd like to think I understand your point's of view at least...

Ps. You could get one of those past lives readings if in doubt....okay I couldn't help myself :rolleyes:

[yoyo8346]

It's the beginning of the end for Trump. Mueller is going to tear their admin to shreds when the time comes.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/11/us/politics/trump-russia-email-clinton.html

[Dman979]

It's the beginning of the end for Trump. Mueller is going to tear their admin to shreds when the time comes.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/11/us/politics/trump-russia-email-clinton.html

Let's not get hasty here. As much as I think Trump is wrong for the country, I do not want to see him impeached and convicted for purely political motivations; there has to be some wrongdoing, too. Conviction without wrongdoing sets a very, very bad precedent for the country, along the lines of when Johnson or Clinton was impeached. I have no wish to see that furthered.

Best,
Dman979

[Dman979]

As a consequence, across the U.S.A. Our parks and wilderness areas are slowly being closed to the public. Roads inside the parks are being grazed over. Mountain passes and hiking paths are being blockaded. "No fishing," "No hunting," "No trespassing" signs are being erected everywhere on public lands.

There's a very simple reason for that, as any Boy or Girl Scout will tell you. Continued, long-term usage of the same trails will lead to erosion and permanently harm the environment around the trail. As such, trails are closed and new ones are opened, both to show different areas of the park and to allow old trails to recover.

I do fail to see how this simple conservation matter is related to your other points, though.

Best,
Dman979

[yoyo8346]

Let's not get hasty here. As much as I think Trump is wrong for the country, I do not want to see him impeached and convicted for purely political motivations

You either didn't read the article or don't understand.

This isn't political motivations...it's criminal motivations. Trump Jr.'s emails prove that their campaign attempted collusion with the Russian Government by trying to acquiring hacked information on Clinton from them. and now we know that the people who were in the meeting (Trump Jr., Paul Manafort, Jared Kushner) were all lying when they said they had never met with Russians. This is no doubt a catalyst in the investigation. It's only going to get worse from here and when Mueller presents his case, it's all over.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DEdnhw-WsAEbW9N.jpg

[Dman979]

You either didn't read the article or don't understand.

This isn't political motivations...it's criminal motivations. Trump Jr.'s emails prove that their campaign attempted collusion with the Russian Government by trying to acquiring hacked information on Clinton from them. and now we know that the people who were in the meeting (Trump Jr., Paul Manafort, Jared Kushner) were all lying when they said they had never met with Russians. This is no doubt a catalyst in the investigation. It's only going to get worse from here and when Mueller presents his case, it's all over.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DEdnhw-WsAEbW9N.jpg

You got me, I didn't read that particular article. I have been following the story, and I think that what Donnie Jr. attempted to do was illegal. From a criminal standpoint, though, I don't know if there's a law against attempted collusion. It's the details that make our laws useful, but at the same time it can be quite frustrating to prosecute.

As for Mueller, I'm happy to let him do his work without trying to politicize it. If (and probably when) he comes back with damaging information, it's important that the findings not be politically charged in order to get any Republican support.

Best,
Dman979

[dmurray6]

It's the beginning of the end for Trump. Mueller is going to tear their admin to shreds when the time comes.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/11/us/politics/trump-russia-email-clinton.html

Ahh yes, (in the voice of my British friends)....excellent, brilliant. Lets base all of our speculation on the U.S. Presidency and his family's "collusion" with Russia, on a NY Times article and a meeting established by "a British music publicist and former tabloid journalist"......sounds credible. :-|

[Lightfoot]

From email released by Trump jr from Rob Goldstone on 6/7/16:
"scheduled meeting with you and The Russian government attorney ... Thursday"

Federal Law makes it a crime for any person to "solicit, except or receive" a contribution or "anything of value" from a foreign person for a US political campaign.

Trump Jr. agreeing to that meeting is sufficient to make him chargeable for a federal crime.
Kushner's not listing said meeting on his Form 86 makes him also committing perjury.

And, since it appears that they had further meeting resulting in Russia interfering in our elections, it makes them also chargeable with Treason.

And, if Trump's attempts to drop sanctions against the Russians is in any way linked to that help and he knew of it, then he too has committed Treason.

[Dman979]

From email released by Trump jr from Rob Goldstone on 6/7/16:
"scheduled meeting with you and The Russian government attorney ... Thursday"

Federal Law makes it a crime for any person to "solicit, except or receive" a contribution or "anything of value" from a foreign person for a US political campaign.

Trump Jr. agreeing to that meeting is sufficient to make him chargeable for a federal crime.
Kushner's not listing said meeting on his Form 86 makes him also committing perjury.



Ah, I see. I'm glad to know that there could be criminal charges for this misconduct.



And, since it appears that they had further meeting resulting in Russia interfering in our elections, it makes them also chargeable with Treason.

And, if Trump's attempts to drop sanctions against the Russians is in any way linked to that help and he knew of it, then he too has committed Treason.

Not quite. Treason "shall consist only in levying war against [the United States], or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort." Since we are not at war with Russia, they are not our enemy. Strategic rival? Absolutely, but not our enemy.

Best,
Dman979

[A. P. Hill]

I strongly recommend You (plural, not singular,) read what a Clinton Democrat insider has to say about all this much ado about nothing. (http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/07/11/dershowitz-did-donald-trump-jr-commit-crime-or-merely-political-sin-it-depends.html)

[John Bell Hood]

Dishonest and crooked politicians delete emails, wipe her private servers and hide their dealings with Russians and foreign governments like Hillary Clinton. It is unprecedented in politics to have the honesty of Donald Trump Jr. risking criticism by releasing his emails and talking to us on TV and I say good for him for doing the right thing.

[Lightfoot]

Dishonest and crooked politicians delete emails, wipe her private servers and hide their dealings with Russians and foreign governments like Hillary Clinton. It is unprecedented in politics to have the honesty of Donald Trump Jr. risking criticism by releasing his emails and talking to us on TV and I say good for him for doing the right thing.

Yep, and politicians trying to cover up criminal activity lie about what happen until they are caught in their lies then they change them to conform and spin a new lie.

[Lightfoot]

Ah, I see. I'm glad to know that there could be criminal charges for this misconduct.



Not quite. Treason "shall consist only in levying war against [the United States], or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort." Since we are not at war with Russia, they are not our enemy. Strategic rival? Absolutely, but not our enemy.

Best,
Dman979

Technically correct. You can't have Treason unless the US is at war. If someone gave information to the Japanese before they bombed Pearl Harbor, technically they didn't commit Treason but they certainly committed Treason.

Russia has been our enemy since WW II and hasn't changed in their intend to destroy our Democracy. Trump is helping them do it. It may not be technically treason but it sure smells like it.

[Isaac32017]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jul/5/trump-donates-first-presidential-paycheck-antietam/

Donald trump donated $78,333 along with an anonymous donor who gave 22,000 to Antietam Battlefield restoration projects.


Not a big fan of his, but awesome.

[Lightfoot]

And, if he just make 16 thousand more such contributions he will offset the 2 billion dollar budget cut he is giving them.

Maryland’s Antietam National Battlefield, the site of the bloodiest one-day battle in U.S. history, will receive a $78,333 donation from the president to help fund two restoration projects, and additional donations to the battlefield from the National Park Foundation and several historic trusts will bring the full amount to more than $263,000.

However, the announcement comes as Trump plans to slash some $1.5 billion from the Interior Department under his proposed federal budget — including some $296 million from the National Park Service, which oversees protected battlefields like Antietam. If all $400,000 of the president’s annual salary were set aside for Interior, it’d take about 3,750 years of checks to make up for that shortfall.

[Mercanto]

And, if he just make 16 thousand more such contributions he will offset the 2 billion dollar budget cut he is giving them.

Maryland’s Antietam National Battlefield, the site of the bloodiest one-day battle in U.S. history, will receive a $78,333 donation from the president to help fund two restoration projects, and additional donations to the battlefield from the National Park Foundation and several historic trusts will bring the full amount to more than $263,000.

However, the announcement comes as Trump plans to slash some $1.5 billion from the Interior Department under his proposed federal budget — including some $296 million from the National Park Service, which oversees protected battlefields like Antietam. If all $400,000 of the president’s annual salary were set aside for Interior, it’d take about 3,750 years of checks to make up for that shortfall.


You nailed it. I couldn't have said it better myself.