Trump: Unqualified and Unhinged!

9-26-16

Richard J. Garfunkel

Donald Trump, a self-proclaimed billionaire and tribune of the people, who has an unparalleled record of making unfulfilled and phony promises and claims about his accomplishments, his business acumen and his charitable giving in the first debate, had his proverbial “feet held to the fire.” As the poet has said, “talk is cheap,” but, in his case, his specious remarks have contained hundreds of examples of fraudulent claims, broken promises, and unexplained reversals. In the tradition of Charles Ponzi and Barnard Madoff, we have learned that his so-called foundation raises money from others and is a vehicle for him to pay for trinkets and services he wants, under the aegis of charitable giving. As for his claims of generosity, in investigation after investigation, there is little, or no, evidence of any example of personal generosity. Of course, maybe there is some evidence contained in his income taxes filings, but, it seems we have to take his word about it, because he believes that his filings are none of the public’s business, and therefore remain a deep, dark, secret. The public should ask about his connections to Chinese Debt and his connections to Russia’s Putin. Maybe in those tax returns is the key to his connections!

As for his business practices, aside from his numerous bankruptcies, the seizure of many of his properties, the 4000+ times he has been in court, what about the economic wreckage he has left in the wake of his failures and scams? There is ample evidence that he has defrauded numerous investors, partners, vendors, customers and clients?

But, aside from Trump’s outlandish and specious claims about his education, his economic brilliance and farcical and unrealistic economic plans, what of the man, his character, sincerity, morals or his vision of America? We have been able to peek into his nefarious business career and partially pierce the chrysalis, which has protected the truth around his so-called generosity. But, is his economic empire just a “House of Cards?”

As for his character, it has been on view for many years and as a result of this recent campaign alone, hundreds of well-known, and publicly responsible, Republicans have defected from supporting their party’s flag bearer. Has any Republican candidate ever experienced that in the past? Almost never in memory. Which newspaper in the whole country will endorse him? Any? So far, we have seen of his two of his most vocal backers, Newt Gingrich and Chris Christie, prime examples of flawed personalities. Gingrich, who was basically removed as Speaker of the House, and Christie, who may yet face impeachment, are two of the few. But, what of Senator Ted Cruz, who excoriated him in the primaries?  Trump slandered his wife and his father, and Cruz endorsed him. What a triumvirate of vexatious and insincere public servants. Could anyone want worse?

But, what of his sincerity? He has been insincere on his on his positions regarding; Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Choice, trade, and imports. At times, he heaped praise upon, the Clintons, Colin Powell, and even President Obama. But, expediency is Trump’s middle name and his reversals are so many, that even the media has become bored with their recital. Now, after almost eight years of being the leading exponent of “Birther Issue,” he has again reversed himself. Trump told us that he was having “his people” look into the past of President Obama. He constantly fanned the flames of the specious complaint that the Barack Obama was an “illegitimate” president, because he wasn’t born here. Not only did he make and repeat that spurious and empty smear, but he also challenged the president’s faith as a Christian. But, what of Trump’s real faith? Has he ever gone to church, except to be married? Where is evidence of his Christian morality? Is it with his multiple marriages and affairs? Is it with his faux charity or even his intemperate use of language and insults? What makes him a G-d fearing individual? I would like to see one iota of evidence.

So, the issue of truthfulness and veracity has come up often in his outrageous campaign, which has been laced with vituperation, insults, and mocking references to women, the disabled and minorities. Has any candidate, in the collective memory of any living American, been so often caught in lies by the fact-checkers? It is almost become a worn out cliché with regards to his disregard for the truth, established history, his own personal conduct, and recorded statements. Even when he is confronted by his own image giving testimony, he and his own campaign ignore that reality! When has that ever happened in the past? The editorial pages of the country’s leading newspapers have chronicled his unparalleled mendacity to the extent that most Americans have heard enough. It seems, his idolaters couldn’t care less. No matter what he says or does is irrelevant to them.

Therefore, how can any sane American support this brigand, con man, serial adulterer, sexual predator and mendacious liar? Almost every candidate for the presidency has been a decent person with an accomplished record of achievement and public service. Often the choice comes down to political party or vision of the future. We entrust a person of either party with the idea that our future is in stable hands, no matter what their philosophy is. But, what is Trump’s philosophy? Does anyone really know? Again is there a sincere bone or nerve in this man’s whole body or mind? That is the question that should be asked by every voter. He is not a Republican or a Democrat. He is not a Liberal or Conservative. He is not a protectionist or a free trader. He is not an internationalist or an isolationist. But, he is a valueless demagogue who believes in nothing but power, control and self. It is all our choice, let’s not blow it.