Tyrants operating in plain sight. We’ve always had to deal with one or five throughout human history. The current batch includes Vladimir Putin, who the world can see with its own eyes but can’t seem to do anything about.
Recent comments have various constituencies talking in alarmed, fearful tones, stunned by Putin’s “history” lesson regarding Poland, regurgitated for Tucker Carlson and an American audience. This in parallel with Donald Trump’s wildly irresponsible retelling of an apparently fabricated encounter with some president or head of state in which he threatens to encourage Russia to invade if this NATO member doesn’t pay its dues.
Always transactional, that Donald. Not to mention dangerously, ignorantly tone deaf. Or perhaps not as clueless as we often think. In any case, Trump’s most recent foray into playing to the crowd and just saying shit sent shivers down many a spine.
One thing’s for sure: there is no ceiling—or basement—when it comes to the heights or depths to which Trump can rise or sink regarding the messages he’s capable of conveying, whether unwittingly or intentionally. The old excuse– it’s just Donald being Donald– can’t fly anymore.
He is actually a dangerous, loose cannon, whether or not that’s the look he’s going for. He sees the reaction he gets when he says something outlandish, he likes it, so he keeps doing it. Regardless of effect or consequence.
He’s a damaged child, folks, a punch-drunk actor on autopilot. Don’t encourage him. Don’t vote for him. He’s not gonna do anything for you. He’s incapable of such effort. His only motivation is self-preservation.
As for Putin? Time will tell, I guess. Maybe, somehow, the Russian people, the people he treats as materiel, will somehow gain the upper hand and send him packing. People like him– and Trump– are nothing more than scourges on humanity. They’re not here to save anything or anybody other than tired, oppressive, even contrived principles. And their own hides.
3 Cents' 