Skirmishes. Distractions.

I have never observed a President of the United States exercise influence like donald trump. He is constantly in motion. Talking. Tweeting. Ranting or raving. Strutting across a rally stage, a perpetual campaigner for a job he didn’t want but was too proud to lose. Got it anyway. Just because.


Noise does not indicate progress. Boasting does not prove accomplishments. But it does distract. The press seems obligated to report on his doings even though that appears to be the sole purpose of the distractions. Because of that alone, they work.


Shaking up allies gives pause to enemies. The latter are hopeful of change that works in their favor. The former wonder what’s happening. Repeated performance of these antics makes allies fear loss of stature and cooperation; more, collaboration and its hopes appear lost.


But this is the front man acting. Supporting cast in the White House and in key departments of the government, provide operatives with transactions already in the routine. Scripts have not changed for them, so minions of allied governments are encouraged that not much has changed.


Except when they have. By design or accident no one knows. Tariffs are changed and world trade patterns are shifted. Unknown consequences bedevil everyone in the details. Imbalances in trade are worsened. Cash flows surge to new currents. Where the chips fall is anyone’s guess. Supply chains are interrupted. Deliveries are messed up. International funds payments go awry. Bankers scratch their heads.


Then a sudden shift in temperament and policy. All is well for a few hours. Markets calm. Prices stabilize. Brokers trade goods and stocks once again with some semblance of proper expectation.

That’s all we have really – expectations. Of order and cause and effect logic. Like the ‘old days’ but not quite.


You see the pattern of dash and dart? You get the value of surprise and correction? On again, then off again. Keep them guessing ladies and gentlemen. The Con Man on his game. The transaction is in his focus. But what is the aim?  Not policy; that is long-term and strategic. Not law; there has been little of that. Not program; there is no evidence of that either.


There is no replacement healthcare program for Obamacare. Plain and simple. There is no plan for border security other than an ego-driven wall as monument. To him, you see; not for the safety of the nation. There is no compassion for the immigrant kids, parents, battered and bruised all. None.


That is not the value standard of American life. Or Americans.


Once in the maelstrom of confusion sowed by empty antics, we all wonder what this circus is about? There is no philosophy, ideology, policy or logical sense to any of it except folly and disruption.


As a people Americans are much more serious, purposeful and caring. This is not mirrored by the occupant of the White House. It is time to identify his replacement and the proper method to accomplish that end.


Bring back our values to the stage. Front and center. Now.


Please.


May 9, 2019