And that is his biggest weakness, and our biggest Challenge. I grew up having to deal with bullies. I learned quickly, after being pounded into the ground a few times. When I learned that they are not afraid, I changed my approach.
And that is his biggest weakness, and our biggest Challenge. I grew up having to deal with bullies. I learned quickly, after being pounded into the ground a few times. When I learned that they are not afraid, I changed my approach.
No Dennis, I didn't. I never really had that feeling again after that phase of my childhood. I had/have found another way to deal with bullies. But I did feel some confusion and stress. Are so many of my country persons so hurt and aggrieved that they have checked out of, what I consider, reality?
Yes I believe you are correct that many people are not in touch with reality. IтАЩm speaking of many people on the left and several RINOs on the right. We have a mandate. 77 million people are on the correct side of this. Look no further than the delusional democrat senators that have lost total touch with reality. Look no further than anyone that believes that Biden is not cognitively declined. Look at his speech last night where he chastised anybody that doesnтАЩt pay their fair share of taxes while at the same time he pardons his criminal son for egregious tax evasion charges.
I could go on and on. But yes there are many people that have lost touch with reality including the author of this blog. The 77.3 million that voted for Trump and his agenda are in touch with reality and we are not going to give up power. What I will tell you is IтАЩm opposed to one party rule so IтАЩm looking forward to the other side gaining sanity in order to bring back balance.
Leftist causes like climate hoax, vaccine mandates, mutilating children, open borders, obsession with EVs, Suppression of free speech, Abortion, Sexualizing children in schools. That's what Harris Walz lost on.
Sticking with backing those issues will only bury the left further into a deep deep hole. We are the majority, we have spoken and weтАЩre headed for super majorities. Thank you for the question.
Ah yes, there you go. I thought so when I saw "Patriot" and Arizona in your profile. My daughter espouses the same positions you do. So why are you on this Comment site? Peeking in next door? Naughty naughty.ЁЯШЖ
I do hope you read my Blog below as carefully as I read yours. We seem to share a common disdain of what has been going on in Washington for too long. They get great healthcare, big salaries, so many privileges, while the rest of us have/had to work our asses off just to keep our noses above water. There has definitely been something very wrong in America for some time. Maybe we just see the "Who" differently. I think it's about time we stopped the shit slinging between Americans and all really understand what is happening to our beautiful country. Thank you for your concern.
Dennis, have you ever heard of the "Identitarian Movement" which Elon Musk (et al) belong to, and is taking over from MAGA in the US now that he has put his Money behind Trump? They have also infiltrated many of the right wing and CINO (christian in name only) movements in Europe (Austria, Hungary, Germany, France, Italy...). How do you feel about that, and do you think they actually give a hoot about many of your real MAGA concerns?
V. Ramaswamy is also an Identitarian, and he obviously thinks your "kind" are inferior and to be held separately in their Apartheid Ideology. Our new Vice President is also part of that group, recruited by Thiel and his own wife a while ago. His wife teaches him the NEW Bible (written by Spengler and updated by people like Curtis Yarvin) and Theil gives him his first jobs to keep him in the loop. Quite the takeover in my view.
The guy who came up with the Ideology /Oswald Spengler) wrote a book in 1923 "Der Untergang des Abendlandes" (The decline of the West). It's kind of their, and now your "Bible". MAGA as with AfD in Germany have been undermined by these people who usually stay in the background (their ideology includes "not ever being elected" to public office). A lot of good, smart patriots joined the AfD in Germany too, but left the fold when they found out what and who was happening. Even the AfD's early leader, Frauke Petry ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frauke_Petry ) quit the party in disgust when she saw what was happening to it in 2017. Trump is just too $$$hungry to quit now, though. These people do bring 100's of billions of $$ to re-elect and "feed" him. But you probably knew all that?
Thank you for you respectful and well researched response. I do know somewhat of what you are referring to with Musk, Vivek and Vance. Also the movement in Germany. I will respond in full within 24 hours.. I just wanted to give you a quick response to let you know IтАЩm willing to engage..
IтАЩll take this a paragraph at a time, easier for me, hopefully better for you.
Your first 2 paragraphs:
Paragraph 1
тАЬAh yes, there you go. I thought so when I saw "Patriot" and Arizona in your profile. My daughter espouses the same positions you do. So why are you on this Comment site? Peeking in next door? Naughty naughty.ЁЯШЖтАЭ
Paragraph 2
тАЬI do hope you read my Blog below as carefully as I read yours. We seem to share a common disdain of what has been going on in Washington for too long. They get great healthcare, big salaries, so many privileges, while the rest of us have/had to work our asses off just to keep our noses above water. There has definitely been something very wrong in America for some time. Maybe we just see the "Who" differently. I think it's about time we stopped the shit slinging between Americans and all really understand what is happening to our beautiful country. Thank you for your concern.тАЭ
My response:
I find your opening line interesting. You saw тАЬPatriot and ArizonaтАЭ in my profile, then compare me to your daughter. I do NOT find that offensive, nor do I believe you meant it that way. You say she espouses the same positions I do. I take that as a compliment. IтАЩm not sure how old your daughter is, but IтАЩm 67 yrs old. So it sounds like me and her have a lot in common. You say that as if we are beneath you. Is that true? (please answer) As to why IтАЩm on this comment site? Great question, and IтАЩll provide maybe a longer answer than you anticipate. Also this response should cover paragraph 2
IтАЩve been a Trump fan since way before he became a media sensation during the apprentice. I never watched one episode of the apprentice. Not one. But before that even happened I could tell you about the ice rink he saved, His friendship with Rudy. The buildings he built. His many epic failures, and his comebacks. Same with Rudy. IтАЩm sort of a Rudy historian. IтАЩll save the history lesson for another day. Both of those men are great men. Both have flaws too, obviously we all do.
I lived and worked in Portland Oregon for 35 years. I made many friends. Drinking buddies, Work Friends. Softball and bowling friends. I wasnтАЩt a social animal but I HAD many really good friends in Portland. When many of those friends found out I supported Trump, they canceled me and kicked me to the curb. I promise you that was a one way thing. Politics never came up until 2015. NEVER. We worked and played together, I have many friends of different ethnicities and sexual persuasions. None of that was ever an issue with me. Nor was liberalism ever an issue. Frankly, I never paid attention to it. When these friends disowned me it was very painful. I wish I could have those relationships. I miss them. Some have been mutually resuscitated. Others.. well I donтАЩt know. So after the last 4 years of mud slinging, and IтАЩve definitely partaken in plenty of that, IтАЩve come to some realizations. One party rule is damaging no matter which side is ruling (over time) We need balance. We need strong people on the right, left, and in between. Extremism is where our problems lie. Therein lies the rub. Who decides what is extreme? OK - again, a discussion for another day. Answer to your question about why I come on this board: To try to find discussions like the one weтАЩre having right now. IтАЩve tried the mellow, soft, intellectual, and many other approaches trying to find a meaningful discission because I believe that both sides have a whole more in common that our differences. I find that jolting people with hard facts (as I know them, gets me closer to that than the soft intellectual approach). ThatтАЩs why I gave you a little history of my Portland experience. This HATE for Trump is not rational. ThatтАЩs my opinion. ItтАЩs irrational, and TDS is a real thing.
So IтАЩm here to find common ground. I find it difficult, but I enjoy trying.
Paragraph 3
тАЬDennis, have you ever heard of the "Identitarian Movement" which Elon Musk (et al) belong to, and is taking over from MAGA in the US now that he has put his Money behind Trump? They have also infiltrated many of the right wing and CINO (christian in name only) movements in Europe (Austria, Hungary, Germany, France, Italy...). How do you feel about that, and do you think they actually give a hoot about many of your real MAGA concerns?тАЭ
My response:
Admittedly, I had to look up Identitarian movement. After some research, my thoughts are that this identitarian movement, is also called the тАЬnew right.тАЭ
The new right is MAGA. The old right are the RINOs. Maga is full of Christians. The new right is Brexit. Brexit movement is full of Christians. Conservatives in Europe are liberals in my view. CINOs? Hmmm that requires more thought and research on my part.
ItтАЩs this ideology that drove Brexit, and itтАЩs driven by open borders. ItтАЩs the feeling of тАЬmy country is being invaded and I must do something about itтАЭ. Hence, the movement, which led to Brexit, led by Nigel Farage, and Raheem Kassam (2 individuals I follow religiously). The desire for the old traditions is not a bad thing, illegal immigration via open borders is a destructive thing. I donтАЩt care what continent you are on. You say infiltrated. I say originated. Your verbiage sounds like you think closed borders and legal immigration are bad things. Am I wrong? One last comment: Do you give the same scrutiny to the George SorosтАЩ and Reid HoffmanтАЩs of the world? IтАЩm curious.
Paragraph 4
V. Ramaswamy is also an Identitarian, and he obviously thinks your "kind" are inferior and to be held separately in their Apartheid Ideology. Our new Vice President is also part of that group, recruited by Thiel and his own wife a while ago. His wife teaches him the NEW Bible (written by Spengler and updated by people like Curtis Yarvin) and Theil gives him his first jobs to keep him in the loop. Quite the takeover in my view.
My response:
The Vivek diatribe that he went on when the H1B debate emerged I found to be offensive as hell. I believe thatтАЩs what youтАЩre referring to when you say тАЬyour kindтАЭ I was offended by that, and I think 77 million others were too. I have yet to see a mea culpa, but I can tell you that he hurt himself in the MAGA movement. Not sure about his future. Big mistake, especially for someone with his level of intelligence. Maybe тАЬtoo big for his britchesтАЭ is at play here. One thing is certain. 77 million people will not put up with that BS, and believe me when I tell you he felt the scorn.
IтАЩm familiar with JD Vance and his relationship with Peter Thiel. My question to you, is how much have you researched JD Vance, and his evolution to a MAGA / Trump loyalist? He hated Trump a while back. Are you not a believer if someone sees the light? Or do you forever call him / her a phony? Do you think that JD Vance is merely a phony and drinking the Kool-Aid? In it to be in the cool kids club? You might. I donтАЩt. Up to the individual I suppose. I like JD. IтАЩve read his books, and watched him speak and interviewed on many podcasts. HeтАЩs trustworthy. ThatтАЩs my opinion. You sound like you disagree no? ThatтАЩs ok. But youтАЩll need to make a much stronger argument than a few sound bites. Your statement about giving him his first jobs to keep him in the loop is quite baloneyish to use a cartoonish phrase. JD worked hard for everything. Yeah Peter Thiel gave him a break. So what? Have you ever been given a break? Or an opportunity? Your reaching I think. Again, youтАЩll need to provide a much stronger argument if your trying to trash Vance. IтАЩm not buying what your selling.
Paragraph 5
The guy who came up with the Ideology /Oswald Spengler) wrote a book in 1923 "Der Untergang des Abendlandes" (The decline of the West). It's kind of their, and now your "Bible". MAGA as with AfD in Germany have been undermined by these people who usually stay in the background (their ideology includes "not ever being elected" to public office). A lot of good, smart patriots joined the AfD in Germany too, but left the fold when they found out what and who was happening. Even the AfD's early leader, Frauke Petry ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FтАж ) quit the party in disgust when she saw what was happening to it in 2017. Trump is just too $$$hungry to quit now, though. These people do bring 100's of billions of $$ to re-elect and "feed" him. But you probably knew all that?
My response:
Your statement - тАЬItтАЩs kind of their, and now тАШyourтАЩ bibleтАЭ - WHAT? My bible? WhoтАЩs bible? 77 million Christians? We have all been enslaved and hypnotized by a тАЬfake bibleтАЭ And this is true also of the AfDтАЩs? My first inclination is to laugh you out of the building. But IтАЩll give you some respect, because I believe that in any debate, the worst sin, is тАЬContempt prior to investigationтАЭ ie - Throwing out an idea or concept before giving it time and research. So I wonтАЩt do that. But IтАЩll tell you that it sounds Quanon-ish. You and I both know thatтАЩs a made up bunch of BS. So please, be my guest and educate me on this, and since you provide links and background info, IтАЩll trust that youтАЩll do just that.
There are a whole lot of different thoughts in this section of your response: "The new right is MAGA. The old right are the RINOs. Maga is full of Christians. The new right is Brexit".
I think you need to do a whole lot more research on the depth of infiltration of the identitarian Movement both in Europe (I gave you some countries) and around the globe. Brexit is only one of the destructive things that has happened cutting England off from the largest single market in the world, impoverishing so many in England, and setting UK research back significantly. Study more of this, it's not hard to find if you look.
Yarvin, Thiel, the French right, Orban...they all speak the words "Great Replacement Theory". So does Putin, the great Russian history...sullied by Ukraini and other inferiors. J.D. Vance has used rhetoric closely tied to the тАЬGreat Replacement Theory,тАЭ central to Identitarianism, though he has not explicitly embraced the term itself. He has accused Democrats of promoting liberal immigration policies to тАЬreplaceтАЭ current voters with immigrants to gain political advantage. For example, during his Senate campaign, Vance referred to an тАЬimmigrant invasionтАЭ and claimed Democrats were attempting to тАЬtransform the electorateтАЭ through immigration policies. Critics have argued that this language aligns with the core ideas of the Great Replacement Theory, even if Vance avoids explicitly naming it.
I think that controlled borders and legal immigration are the only way for any country to handle this great migration we are in across the world as people who have lived off the land in agrarian societies can't do so any more because of climate change (another interesting topic to discuss, maybe). I consider it a travesty that the US still has no clear immigration policy. Illegal immigration is certainly something that ALL Americans want to stop, I know. So do I, I will go further, illegal immigrants should be considered "deportable" and those who have committed crimes need to be shown "the door" immediately (as is fiscally prudent). Those who have not committed crimes and have shown ability to be productive members of our society should be subject to a repeatable test of agreed National Policy of acceptance for immigration which is done humanely and not in Concentration camps. I believe a bi-partisan policy had been established but Trump stopped it cold as it was ready to go to the House. Going forward there needs to be that bi-partisan agreement and a reduction of bureaucracy in the system. I also think there needs to be some control over seasonal labor on farms and in construction.
If MAGA were full of true followers of Christ, there would be no MAGA. Maybe also study the Gospel deeper, Dennis. The "Seven Beatitudes" alone will free you from any doubt that Trump is not a true follower...but just another false Prophet.
Last one for now. to your comment: "Frankly, I never paid attention to it. When these friends disowned me it was very painful. I wish I could have those relationships. I miss them." Well, Dennis same here, and I wish and hope that you can ease your pain, in time.
I spent more than 30 years in the South from where I had to travel the world. I lived in Southern California, Georgia and South Carolina. I love the South and its people, and I abhor what has happened and the rhetoric that divides us. I too mourn those "friendships" that have turned to derision and even hate for my outspokenness and my opinions gathered through a life of slow travel. I have spent more than 6 Months in 64 places on this earth. I revel in our differences and our similarities. I have been invited to sleep over and eat in Tien An Minh square (and have done so) as one exquisite example...there are so many. My home though was the South and its people... no more.
Where we seem to differ fundamentally is Trump. Definitely not Rudy, one of my heroes too. I mean Football Rudy, not Giuliani, scum that he is). I too have followed him for many years since 1972 when I entered Undergrad. Even then the con game turned me off, and it didn't get any better. Everything that he says he is, is a lie. (But more on that elsewhere if you like). I am/was very successful in business, never had to declare bankruptcy, never stiffed anyone, client or Supplier (and even forgave a couple of them their business sins against me). I, with my team grew our core business to $1.6 Billion. I know, nothing compared to many. I retired when I became very sick, started painting and created from the proceeds of those paintings a school for inner city kids, to let them experience succcess in something other than sports. Trump is a constant looser in business and an actor who is a brilliant purveyor of a non-existent brand.
Also, please Dennis, when I make the effort to get the facts. Do not, again please come back with the standard, "yeah so what about". You ask the question. Do me the courtesy of not answering with a so what about, when I give you overwhelming, as you did, Fact Checkable information. I would lose my interest very quickly if that happened again, and you threw out the crooked Joe "What about" without any evidence of that MAGA false allegation, on your part. That does not amount to a friendly discussion by equals. Very disappointing, my friend. You can do better.
And thanks for Fact Checking me. Now believe me. He is a Looohuser at all of his business ventures, except Acting and Brand leveraging. And I still don't, for the life of me understand his brand, gaudy, ostentatious, pompous, self aggrandizing LOOOOSER? Crazy, but he IS a genius at that.
One more point, which I make at the beginning of my other reply. It's how you do it. I am somewhat proud of my business record, as I have told you.
Yes, I have had to let people go in bad times, but they each had a good severance package plus head hunter help to get them back working again, and I have closed the loop with most of them.
I have never stiffed a supplier or contractor, and always paid a fair price.
I never got any money once I entered Undergrad School, throughout my education from my parents or anyone else except scholarships, and wages earned while at school. Except: one years worth of half my rent as a wedding present (I got married real early). A very small inheritance from my Dad's estate when he died, of which I gave 1/2 to the person my brother and I hired to give him daily care while he rotted away in a good Alzheimers facility. There wasn't a whole lot left, when he died.
I often agreed to not get paid for my work and that of my team and Associates until the results were counted by my client's Accountant. Such projects often took years to complete, and my partners and I financed those projects. Sometimes the client agreed to pay part of my operating costs, mostly not. These projects were usually also risky for my clients, you see they had usually tried to make the necessary changes to their businesses themselves, but were not able to do so. Usually because some ass-hole whom they trusted was stabbing them in the back...politics in business, I tell you, disgusting. So, they were at risk too. But we always earned our money and the clients always paid willingly. I can't say "happily, Dennis, because they knew they paid more than if they had just given me a normal contract. Every one of them paid me but ENRON swine that they were/are.
We even had a case in Spain where we were, by court order, not allowed to take a success based fee. The court determined (for the shareholders) that we had to be paid our normal fees, get this, because our track record of success was so good, that the court felt the CEO was overpaying us, and thereby stiffing his shareholders. Bwahahahahahaha, can you get any better branding than that?
So, again...it's not how much money you make, in my book at least. It is also how you do it. And Trump does not even come close to qualifying in my "club, or league". And, you should be blinded by his money. Money is nothing, it's reputation that counts. Arthur Anderson should know, their handling of ENRONS books was a travesty. And you know the rest. Intensely dislike those guys, I do.
It's how you do it, Dennis. When you have six bankruptcies and stiif workers suppliers and employees, I call that loosing. And when you have the facts, I know you will too. And pleas, my friend do check the facts. Here are the ones I have:
Donald TrumpтАЩs businesses have filed for bankruptcy six times between 1991 and 2009, all under Chapter 11 bankruptcy laws, which allow companies to restructure their debts and continue operations. The bankruptcies involved his casino and hotel ventures, including the Trump Taj Mahal (1991), Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino (1992), Plaza Hotel (1992), Trump Castle Hotel and Casino (1992), Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts (2004), and Trump Entertainment Resorts (2009) .
The financial cost to creditors was significant. For example:
тАв In the 1991 Trump Taj Mahal bankruptcy, creditors lost substantial amounts as the company defaulted on $3 billion in debt .
тАв By 2004, TrumpтАЩs casino empire had accumulated $1.8 billion in debt, leading to losses for bondholders and other investors .
тАв Workers at his casinos also suffered losses, with over 400 employees losing more than $2 million in retirement savings due to plummeting stock values during the 2004 bankruptcy .
While exact total losses across all six bankruptcies are difficult to calculate, they collectively resulted in billions of dollars in losses for creditors, bondholders, and employees.
I would not call that a business record to be admired. I mean seriously Dennis. How do you go Bankrupt owning a Casino??
And, those are only the bankruptcies. He has always been known to stiff his suppliers and contractors:
Donald Trump and his companies have been accused of underpaying or failing to pay contractors and suppliers for decades. Investigations and legal records reveal the following:
тАв Scale of Non-Payment: Over 200 mechanicтАЩs liens have been filed against Trump and his businesses since the 1980s, alleging unpaid amounts ranging from $75,000 to over $1 million. For example, during the construction of the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, at least 253 subcontractors were not fully paid, with TrumpтАЩs companies reportedly owing $69.5 million in total.
тАв Payment Reductions: In some cases, contractors received significantly less than owed. For example, during negotiations for the Taj Mahal project, Trump offered as little as 30 cents on the dollar to some contractors. One contractor eventually negotiated 70 cents on the dollar but noted that many small businesses suffered financially, with some failing to survive.
тАв Legal Disputes: TrumpтАЩs companies have faced at least 60 lawsuits over unpaid bills. These include claims from contractors, employees, and even his own lawyers and real estate agents. Some cases were resolved through settlements that often included confidentiality agreements.
While exact figures are difficult to estimate due to settlements and varying claims, the consistent allegations suggest unpaid amounts likely total tens of millions of dollars over several decades.
Donald Trump and his companies have been accused of underpaying or failing to pay contractors and suppliers for decades. Investigations and legal records reveal the following:
тАв Scale of Non-Payment: Over 200 mechanicтАЩs liens have been filed against Trump and his businesses since the 1980s, alleging unpaid amounts ranging from $75,000 to over $1 million. For example, during the construction of the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, at least 253 subcontractors were not fully paid, with TrumpтАЩs companies reportedly owing $69.5 million in total.
тАв Payment Reductions: In some cases, contractors received significantly less than owed. For example, during negotiations for the Taj Mahal project, Trump offered as little as 30 cents on the dollar to some contractors. One contractor eventually negotiated 70 cents on the dollar but noted that many small businesses suffered financially, with some failing to survive.
тАв Legal Disputes: TrumpтАЩs companies have faced at least 60 lawsuits over unpaid bills. These include claims from contractors, employees, and even his own lawyers and real estate agents. Some cases were resolved through settlements that often included confidentiality agreements.
While exact figures are difficult to estimate due to settlements and varying claims, the consistent allegations suggest unpaid amounts likely total tens of millions of dollars over several decades.
I got stiffed by one client once for $250,000, and could not recover. That was ENRON, swine that they were/are. I want my money? I hear they are coming back!? Imagine, Dennis someone stiffing you for your honest work. Would you vote for them? I doubt it. I think you are an honest man, and were hard working for your $$.
Plus he started it all with a gift from Daddy:
According to a detailed investigation, Trump received at least $413 million in todayтАЩs dollars from his fatherтАЩs real estate empire. This wealth transfer began when Trump was a toddler and continued into adulthood, involving gifts, loans, trust funds, and other financial mechanisms, including tax avoidance strategies that were described as dubious or fraudulent.
Fred Trump provided Donnie with extensive financial backing, including funding for his early business ventures, covering personal expenses, and bailing him out during financial difficulties. For example, by the time Donald Trump was 29 years old in 1975, he had already received nearly $9 million in todayтАЩs dollars.
Additionally, Fred Trump set up trust funds for his children and gave Donald loans that were often not repaid.
If Donald Trump had passively invested the money he received from his father in an index fund tracking the S&P 500, his wealth would have grown to approximately $1.96 billion by 2018. However, he pursued various real estate ventures and other business activities instead. Despite this inherited wealth.
By the way, I thank Him every day for the many "breaks" or blessings that I receive every day. Some say, Luck is 1/2 of success: I believe Luck has nothing to do with it. I give it all to Him. We need to be examples of the Word, and when we shine we illuminate him, if we don't aggrandize ourselves falsely. Have you read Bonhoefer: "The cost of discipleship"? Anyone who believes they can be a true disciple and follow Him and them and claim to speak his word, is trying to fool you. I certainly can't . I am not strong enough in my faith or not deluded enough. To me Trump is completely deluded by his Narcissism.
ThereтАЩs so much in all your replies. Much to digest, much to understand. IтАЩll take on the above paragraph first, which might have some back and forth, so this one will be easier than whatтАЩs below. But this first, then IтАЩll take on the Vance discussion in its entirety as a single subject.
"IтАЩm familiar with JD Vance and his relationship with Peter Thiel. My question to you, is how much have you researched JD Vance, and his evolution to a MAGA / Trump loyalist? He hated Trump a while back."
Doesn't that surprise you, everyone has been surprised by his turnaround. The fact that he is very much aligned with Theil and Musk speks to his conversion to Identitarian. He may not show it much, but several comments he made his critiques of figures like Kamala Harris, where he has supported narratives questioning her racial identity and authenticity are identitarian.
He stays "out of the fray" as is the Identitarian policy. So, yes the official word is still out, but to me it looks like he has been placed into his position as second for avery important reason, so that an, at minimum influenced Identitarian takes over. Also, don't think that Identitarians schrink fro violence and killing, I fear for the life of Trump (as a Christian):
Notable incidents involving Identitarian violence or individuals inspired by Identitarian ideology include the following:
тАв Christchurch Mosque Attacks (2019): Brenton Tarrant killed 51 people in two mosques in New Zealand. His manifesto, titled тАЬThe Great Replacement,тАЭ was rooted in Identitarian ideology, particularly the belief in a conspiracy to replace white Europeans with immigrants. Tarrant had connections to Generation Identity (GI), including donations to its Austrian and French branches.
тАв Halle Synagogue Attack (2019): In Germany, Stephan Balliet attempted to attack a synagogue during Yom Kippur and later killed two people. His actions were motivated by antisemitic and anti-immigrant beliefs linked to the тАЬGreat ReplacementтАЭ theory.
тАв Hanau Shootings (2020): A gunman killed nine people of immigrant backgrounds at two shisha bars in Germany. His writings reflected Identitarian ideas, particularly fears of cultural and ethnic тАЬreplacementтАЭ.
тАв El Paso Walmart Shooting (2019): Patrick Crusius killed 23 people, targeting Hispanic individuals. His manifesto echoed the тАЬGreat ReplacementтАЭ theory, citing the Christchurch shooter as an inspiration.
тАв Halle Police Attack (2017): Members of the Identitarian Movement in Halle, Germany, attacked two police officers with baseball bats and pepper spray, mistaking them for left-wing activists
Each of these counts has detailed Sources. But I'm trying not to write another Postgrad Thesis. Just having a conversation with you to begin with.
The Vivek diatribe....You won't get a mea culpa unless he is told to do so by Martin Stiller and his kind. He doesn't care about your scorn, because he has learned the Identitarian way: "Separate the Wheat from the chaff, and MAGA are the Chaff. And there are not 77 million of you: Source. A 2023 NBC News poll found that only 24% of Americans hold positive views of the MAGA movement, while 45% view it negatively. Among Republicans, 52% view it positively, but support drops significantly among independents and other groups.
2. Core MAGA Republicans: Studies estimate that approximately 15% of the U.S. adult population, or about one-third of all Republicans, are тАЬMAGA Republicans.тАЭ This group is characterized by strong alignment with Donald Trump and beliefs such as the claim that the 2020 election was stolen.
3. TrumpтАЩs Claim: Donald Trump has claimed that his MAGA base represents 75% of the U.S. population, though this assertion is not supported by independent polling or studies.
Your statement - тАЬItтАЩs kind of their, and now тАШyourтАЩ bibleтАЭ - WHAT? My bible? WhoтАЩs bible? 77 million Christians?
I had 'bible' in quotes. Which means "not the real thing". I meant there, that if MAGA has been infiltrated by Identitarians, and they adhere to "the decline of the West" and its anticedents, then so does MAGA now. I was not impuning your or my brothers' and sisters' spiritual beliefs, but I was saying that your organization, MAGA has been undermined. I could have said it differently. back to reading
" but IтАЩm 67 yrs old. So it sounds like me and her have a lot in common. You say that as if we are beneath you. Is that true?"
She is 39 with two kids and a hubby in SoCal. NOT AT ALL, I don't think that you or she are beneath me. You simply have a completely different (never beneath) ethical framework. Do I like what she says as MAGA? No, but there are many similarities, and she is the best Mom in most aspects (I don't like the bubble she keeps my grandchildren in). I am dedicated to and try to follow Jesus, therefore I dare not judge lest I be judged. ...and with me judgement would be a long affair and not pretty. So, now to read.
As you, Dennis this will take me a while to do it justice. Thanks in advance. I look forward to learning how and what you think. Also, maybe we should take this offline, and I will send my response to your PM attached to your name here on Substack.
And that is his biggest weakness, and our biggest Challenge. I grew up having to deal with bullies. I learned quickly, after being pounded into the ground a few times. When I learned that they are not afraid, I changed my approach.
That "pounding into the ground" your so familiar with? Did you have a reoccurrence of that feeling on Nov 5 2024? A flashback?
No Dennis, I didn't. I never really had that feeling again after that phase of my childhood. I had/have found another way to deal with bullies. But I did feel some confusion and stress. Are so many of my country persons so hurt and aggrieved that they have checked out of, what I consider, reality?
What did you feel or think?
Complete and total exhilaration!
Yes I believe you are correct that many people are not in touch with reality. IтАЩm speaking of many people on the left and several RINOs on the right. We have a mandate. 77 million people are on the correct side of this. Look no further than the delusional democrat senators that have lost total touch with reality. Look no further than anyone that believes that Biden is not cognitively declined. Look at his speech last night where he chastised anybody that doesnтАЩt pay their fair share of taxes while at the same time he pardons his criminal son for egregious tax evasion charges.
I could go on and on. But yes there are many people that have lost touch with reality including the author of this blog. The 77.3 million that voted for Trump and his agenda are in touch with reality and we are not going to give up power. What I will tell you is IтАЩm opposed to one party rule so IтАЩm looking forward to the other side gaining sanity in order to bring back balance.
Leftist causes like climate hoax, vaccine mandates, mutilating children, open borders, obsession with EVs, Suppression of free speech, Abortion, Sexualizing children in schools. That's what Harris Walz lost on.
Sticking with backing those issues will only bury the left further into a deep deep hole. We are the majority, we have spoken and weтАЩre headed for super majorities. Thank you for the question.
Ah yes, there you go. I thought so when I saw "Patriot" and Arizona in your profile. My daughter espouses the same positions you do. So why are you on this Comment site? Peeking in next door? Naughty naughty.ЁЯШЖ
I do hope you read my Blog below as carefully as I read yours. We seem to share a common disdain of what has been going on in Washington for too long. They get great healthcare, big salaries, so many privileges, while the rest of us have/had to work our asses off just to keep our noses above water. There has definitely been something very wrong in America for some time. Maybe we just see the "Who" differently. I think it's about time we stopped the shit slinging between Americans and all really understand what is happening to our beautiful country. Thank you for your concern.
Dennis, have you ever heard of the "Identitarian Movement" which Elon Musk (et al) belong to, and is taking over from MAGA in the US now that he has put his Money behind Trump? They have also infiltrated many of the right wing and CINO (christian in name only) movements in Europe (Austria, Hungary, Germany, France, Italy...). How do you feel about that, and do you think they actually give a hoot about many of your real MAGA concerns?
V. Ramaswamy is also an Identitarian, and he obviously thinks your "kind" are inferior and to be held separately in their Apartheid Ideology. Our new Vice President is also part of that group, recruited by Thiel and his own wife a while ago. His wife teaches him the NEW Bible (written by Spengler and updated by people like Curtis Yarvin) and Theil gives him his first jobs to keep him in the loop. Quite the takeover in my view.
The guy who came up with the Ideology /Oswald Spengler) wrote a book in 1923 "Der Untergang des Abendlandes" (The decline of the West). It's kind of their, and now your "Bible". MAGA as with AfD in Germany have been undermined by these people who usually stay in the background (their ideology includes "not ever being elected" to public office). A lot of good, smart patriots joined the AfD in Germany too, but left the fold when they found out what and who was happening. Even the AfD's early leader, Frauke Petry ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frauke_Petry ) quit the party in disgust when she saw what was happening to it in 2017. Trump is just too $$$hungry to quit now, though. These people do bring 100's of billions of $$ to re-elect and "feed" him. But you probably knew all that?
Bruce,
Thank you for you respectful and well researched response. I do know somewhat of what you are referring to with Musk, Vivek and Vance. Also the movement in Germany. I will respond in full within 24 hours.. I just wanted to give you a quick response to let you know IтАЩm willing to engage..
Bruce,
IтАЩll take this a paragraph at a time, easier for me, hopefully better for you.
Your first 2 paragraphs:
Paragraph 1
тАЬAh yes, there you go. I thought so when I saw "Patriot" and Arizona in your profile. My daughter espouses the same positions you do. So why are you on this Comment site? Peeking in next door? Naughty naughty.ЁЯШЖтАЭ
Paragraph 2
тАЬI do hope you read my Blog below as carefully as I read yours. We seem to share a common disdain of what has been going on in Washington for too long. They get great healthcare, big salaries, so many privileges, while the rest of us have/had to work our asses off just to keep our noses above water. There has definitely been something very wrong in America for some time. Maybe we just see the "Who" differently. I think it's about time we stopped the shit slinging between Americans and all really understand what is happening to our beautiful country. Thank you for your concern.тАЭ
My response:
I find your opening line interesting. You saw тАЬPatriot and ArizonaтАЭ in my profile, then compare me to your daughter. I do NOT find that offensive, nor do I believe you meant it that way. You say she espouses the same positions I do. I take that as a compliment. IтАЩm not sure how old your daughter is, but IтАЩm 67 yrs old. So it sounds like me and her have a lot in common. You say that as if we are beneath you. Is that true? (please answer) As to why IтАЩm on this comment site? Great question, and IтАЩll provide maybe a longer answer than you anticipate. Also this response should cover paragraph 2
IтАЩve been a Trump fan since way before he became a media sensation during the apprentice. I never watched one episode of the apprentice. Not one. But before that even happened I could tell you about the ice rink he saved, His friendship with Rudy. The buildings he built. His many epic failures, and his comebacks. Same with Rudy. IтАЩm sort of a Rudy historian. IтАЩll save the history lesson for another day. Both of those men are great men. Both have flaws too, obviously we all do.
I lived and worked in Portland Oregon for 35 years. I made many friends. Drinking buddies, Work Friends. Softball and bowling friends. I wasnтАЩt a social animal but I HAD many really good friends in Portland. When many of those friends found out I supported Trump, they canceled me and kicked me to the curb. I promise you that was a one way thing. Politics never came up until 2015. NEVER. We worked and played together, I have many friends of different ethnicities and sexual persuasions. None of that was ever an issue with me. Nor was liberalism ever an issue. Frankly, I never paid attention to it. When these friends disowned me it was very painful. I wish I could have those relationships. I miss them. Some have been mutually resuscitated. Others.. well I donтАЩt know. So after the last 4 years of mud slinging, and IтАЩve definitely partaken in plenty of that, IтАЩve come to some realizations. One party rule is damaging no matter which side is ruling (over time) We need balance. We need strong people on the right, left, and in between. Extremism is where our problems lie. Therein lies the rub. Who decides what is extreme? OK - again, a discussion for another day. Answer to your question about why I come on this board: To try to find discussions like the one weтАЩre having right now. IтАЩve tried the mellow, soft, intellectual, and many other approaches trying to find a meaningful discission because I believe that both sides have a whole more in common that our differences. I find that jolting people with hard facts (as I know them, gets me closer to that than the soft intellectual approach). ThatтАЩs why I gave you a little history of my Portland experience. This HATE for Trump is not rational. ThatтАЩs my opinion. ItтАЩs irrational, and TDS is a real thing.
So IтАЩm here to find common ground. I find it difficult, but I enjoy trying.
Paragraph 3
тАЬDennis, have you ever heard of the "Identitarian Movement" which Elon Musk (et al) belong to, and is taking over from MAGA in the US now that he has put his Money behind Trump? They have also infiltrated many of the right wing and CINO (christian in name only) movements in Europe (Austria, Hungary, Germany, France, Italy...). How do you feel about that, and do you think they actually give a hoot about many of your real MAGA concerns?тАЭ
My response:
Admittedly, I had to look up Identitarian movement. After some research, my thoughts are that this identitarian movement, is also called the тАЬnew right.тАЭ
The new right is MAGA. The old right are the RINOs. Maga is full of Christians. The new right is Brexit. Brexit movement is full of Christians. Conservatives in Europe are liberals in my view. CINOs? Hmmm that requires more thought and research on my part.
ItтАЩs this ideology that drove Brexit, and itтАЩs driven by open borders. ItтАЩs the feeling of тАЬmy country is being invaded and I must do something about itтАЭ. Hence, the movement, which led to Brexit, led by Nigel Farage, and Raheem Kassam (2 individuals I follow religiously). The desire for the old traditions is not a bad thing, illegal immigration via open borders is a destructive thing. I donтАЩt care what continent you are on. You say infiltrated. I say originated. Your verbiage sounds like you think closed borders and legal immigration are bad things. Am I wrong? One last comment: Do you give the same scrutiny to the George SorosтАЩ and Reid HoffmanтАЩs of the world? IтАЩm curious.
Paragraph 4
V. Ramaswamy is also an Identitarian, and he obviously thinks your "kind" are inferior and to be held separately in their Apartheid Ideology. Our new Vice President is also part of that group, recruited by Thiel and his own wife a while ago. His wife teaches him the NEW Bible (written by Spengler and updated by people like Curtis Yarvin) and Theil gives him his first jobs to keep him in the loop. Quite the takeover in my view.
My response:
The Vivek diatribe that he went on when the H1B debate emerged I found to be offensive as hell. I believe thatтАЩs what youтАЩre referring to when you say тАЬyour kindтАЭ I was offended by that, and I think 77 million others were too. I have yet to see a mea culpa, but I can tell you that he hurt himself in the MAGA movement. Not sure about his future. Big mistake, especially for someone with his level of intelligence. Maybe тАЬtoo big for his britchesтАЭ is at play here. One thing is certain. 77 million people will not put up with that BS, and believe me when I tell you he felt the scorn.
IтАЩm familiar with JD Vance and his relationship with Peter Thiel. My question to you, is how much have you researched JD Vance, and his evolution to a MAGA / Trump loyalist? He hated Trump a while back. Are you not a believer if someone sees the light? Or do you forever call him / her a phony? Do you think that JD Vance is merely a phony and drinking the Kool-Aid? In it to be in the cool kids club? You might. I donтАЩt. Up to the individual I suppose. I like JD. IтАЩve read his books, and watched him speak and interviewed on many podcasts. HeтАЩs trustworthy. ThatтАЩs my opinion. You sound like you disagree no? ThatтАЩs ok. But youтАЩll need to make a much stronger argument than a few sound bites. Your statement about giving him his first jobs to keep him in the loop is quite baloneyish to use a cartoonish phrase. JD worked hard for everything. Yeah Peter Thiel gave him a break. So what? Have you ever been given a break? Or an opportunity? Your reaching I think. Again, youтАЩll need to provide a much stronger argument if your trying to trash Vance. IтАЩm not buying what your selling.
Paragraph 5
The guy who came up with the Ideology /Oswald Spengler) wrote a book in 1923 "Der Untergang des Abendlandes" (The decline of the West). It's kind of their, and now your "Bible". MAGA as with AfD in Germany have been undermined by these people who usually stay in the background (their ideology includes "not ever being elected" to public office). A lot of good, smart patriots joined the AfD in Germany too, but left the fold when they found out what and who was happening. Even the AfD's early leader, Frauke Petry ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FтАж ) quit the party in disgust when she saw what was happening to it in 2017. Trump is just too $$$hungry to quit now, though. These people do bring 100's of billions of $$ to re-elect and "feed" him. But you probably knew all that?
My response:
Your statement - тАЬItтАЩs kind of their, and now тАШyourтАЩ bibleтАЭ - WHAT? My bible? WhoтАЩs bible? 77 million Christians? We have all been enslaved and hypnotized by a тАЬfake bibleтАЭ And this is true also of the AfDтАЩs? My first inclination is to laugh you out of the building. But IтАЩll give you some respect, because I believe that in any debate, the worst sin, is тАЬContempt prior to investigationтАЭ ie - Throwing out an idea or concept before giving it time and research. So I wonтАЩt do that. But IтАЩll tell you that it sounds Quanon-ish. You and I both know thatтАЩs a made up bunch of BS. So please, be my guest and educate me on this, and since you provide links and background info, IтАЩll trust that youтАЩll do just that.
Thanks for engaging..
There are a whole lot of different thoughts in this section of your response: "The new right is MAGA. The old right are the RINOs. Maga is full of Christians. The new right is Brexit".
I think you need to do a whole lot more research on the depth of infiltration of the identitarian Movement both in Europe (I gave you some countries) and around the globe. Brexit is only one of the destructive things that has happened cutting England off from the largest single market in the world, impoverishing so many in England, and setting UK research back significantly. Study more of this, it's not hard to find if you look.
Yarvin, Thiel, the French right, Orban...they all speak the words "Great Replacement Theory". So does Putin, the great Russian history...sullied by Ukraini and other inferiors. J.D. Vance has used rhetoric closely tied to the тАЬGreat Replacement Theory,тАЭ central to Identitarianism, though he has not explicitly embraced the term itself. He has accused Democrats of promoting liberal immigration policies to тАЬreplaceтАЭ current voters with immigrants to gain political advantage. For example, during his Senate campaign, Vance referred to an тАЬimmigrant invasionтАЭ and claimed Democrats were attempting to тАЬtransform the electorateтАЭ through immigration policies. Critics have argued that this language aligns with the core ideas of the Great Replacement Theory, even if Vance avoids explicitly naming it.
I think that controlled borders and legal immigration are the only way for any country to handle this great migration we are in across the world as people who have lived off the land in agrarian societies can't do so any more because of climate change (another interesting topic to discuss, maybe). I consider it a travesty that the US still has no clear immigration policy. Illegal immigration is certainly something that ALL Americans want to stop, I know. So do I, I will go further, illegal immigrants should be considered "deportable" and those who have committed crimes need to be shown "the door" immediately (as is fiscally prudent). Those who have not committed crimes and have shown ability to be productive members of our society should be subject to a repeatable test of agreed National Policy of acceptance for immigration which is done humanely and not in Concentration camps. I believe a bi-partisan policy had been established but Trump stopped it cold as it was ready to go to the House. Going forward there needs to be that bi-partisan agreement and a reduction of bureaucracy in the system. I also think there needs to be some control over seasonal labor on farms and in construction.
If MAGA were full of true followers of Christ, there would be no MAGA. Maybe also study the Gospel deeper, Dennis. The "Seven Beatitudes" alone will free you from any doubt that Trump is not a true follower...but just another false Prophet.
Last one for now. to your comment: "Frankly, I never paid attention to it. When these friends disowned me it was very painful. I wish I could have those relationships. I miss them." Well, Dennis same here, and I wish and hope that you can ease your pain, in time.
I spent more than 30 years in the South from where I had to travel the world. I lived in Southern California, Georgia and South Carolina. I love the South and its people, and I abhor what has happened and the rhetoric that divides us. I too mourn those "friendships" that have turned to derision and even hate for my outspokenness and my opinions gathered through a life of slow travel. I have spent more than 6 Months in 64 places on this earth. I revel in our differences and our similarities. I have been invited to sleep over and eat in Tien An Minh square (and have done so) as one exquisite example...there are so many. My home though was the South and its people... no more.
Where we seem to differ fundamentally is Trump. Definitely not Rudy, one of my heroes too. I mean Football Rudy, not Giuliani, scum that he is). I too have followed him for many years since 1972 when I entered Undergrad. Even then the con game turned me off, and it didn't get any better. Everything that he says he is, is a lie. (But more on that elsewhere if you like). I am/was very successful in business, never had to declare bankruptcy, never stiffed anyone, client or Supplier (and even forgave a couple of them their business sins against me). I, with my team grew our core business to $1.6 Billion. I know, nothing compared to many. I retired when I became very sick, started painting and created from the proceeds of those paintings a school for inner city kids, to let them experience succcess in something other than sports. Trump is a constant looser in business and an actor who is a brilliant purveyor of a non-existent brand.
Constant loser thatтАЩs president of the United States and ammassed a fortune worth over 3 billion? Hmmm
Also, please Dennis, when I make the effort to get the facts. Do not, again please come back with the standard, "yeah so what about". You ask the question. Do me the courtesy of not answering with a so what about, when I give you overwhelming, as you did, Fact Checkable information. I would lose my interest very quickly if that happened again, and you threw out the crooked Joe "What about" without any evidence of that MAGA false allegation, on your part. That does not amount to a friendly discussion by equals. Very disappointing, my friend. You can do better.
And thanks for Fact Checking me. Now believe me. He is a Looohuser at all of his business ventures, except Acting and Brand leveraging. And I still don't, for the life of me understand his brand, gaudy, ostentatious, pompous, self aggrandizing LOOOOSER? Crazy, but he IS a genius at that.
One more point, which I make at the beginning of my other reply. It's how you do it. I am somewhat proud of my business record, as I have told you.
Yes, I have had to let people go in bad times, but they each had a good severance package plus head hunter help to get them back working again, and I have closed the loop with most of them.
I have never stiffed a supplier or contractor, and always paid a fair price.
I never got any money once I entered Undergrad School, throughout my education from my parents or anyone else except scholarships, and wages earned while at school. Except: one years worth of half my rent as a wedding present (I got married real early). A very small inheritance from my Dad's estate when he died, of which I gave 1/2 to the person my brother and I hired to give him daily care while he rotted away in a good Alzheimers facility. There wasn't a whole lot left, when he died.
I often agreed to not get paid for my work and that of my team and Associates until the results were counted by my client's Accountant. Such projects often took years to complete, and my partners and I financed those projects. Sometimes the client agreed to pay part of my operating costs, mostly not. These projects were usually also risky for my clients, you see they had usually tried to make the necessary changes to their businesses themselves, but were not able to do so. Usually because some ass-hole whom they trusted was stabbing them in the back...politics in business, I tell you, disgusting. So, they were at risk too. But we always earned our money and the clients always paid willingly. I can't say "happily, Dennis, because they knew they paid more than if they had just given me a normal contract. Every one of them paid me but ENRON swine that they were/are.
We even had a case in Spain where we were, by court order, not allowed to take a success based fee. The court determined (for the shareholders) that we had to be paid our normal fees, get this, because our track record of success was so good, that the court felt the CEO was overpaying us, and thereby stiffing his shareholders. Bwahahahahahaha, can you get any better branding than that?
So, again...it's not how much money you make, in my book at least. It is also how you do it. And Trump does not even come close to qualifying in my "club, or league". And, you should be blinded by his money. Money is nothing, it's reputation that counts. Arthur Anderson should know, their handling of ENRONS books was a travesty. And you know the rest. Intensely dislike those guys, I do.
It's how you do it, Dennis. When you have six bankruptcies and stiif workers suppliers and employees, I call that loosing. And when you have the facts, I know you will too. And pleas, my friend do check the facts. Here are the ones I have:
Donald TrumpтАЩs businesses have filed for bankruptcy six times between 1991 and 2009, all under Chapter 11 bankruptcy laws, which allow companies to restructure their debts and continue operations. The bankruptcies involved his casino and hotel ventures, including the Trump Taj Mahal (1991), Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino (1992), Plaza Hotel (1992), Trump Castle Hotel and Casino (1992), Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts (2004), and Trump Entertainment Resorts (2009) .
The financial cost to creditors was significant. For example:
тАв In the 1991 Trump Taj Mahal bankruptcy, creditors lost substantial amounts as the company defaulted on $3 billion in debt .
тАв By 2004, TrumpтАЩs casino empire had accumulated $1.8 billion in debt, leading to losses for bondholders and other investors .
тАв Workers at his casinos also suffered losses, with over 400 employees losing more than $2 million in retirement savings due to plummeting stock values during the 2004 bankruptcy .
While exact total losses across all six bankruptcies are difficult to calculate, they collectively resulted in billions of dollars in losses for creditors, bondholders, and employees.
I would not call that a business record to be admired. I mean seriously Dennis. How do you go Bankrupt owning a Casino??
And, those are only the bankruptcies. He has always been known to stiff his suppliers and contractors:
Donald Trump and his companies have been accused of underpaying or failing to pay contractors and suppliers for decades. Investigations and legal records reveal the following:
тАв Scale of Non-Payment: Over 200 mechanicтАЩs liens have been filed against Trump and his businesses since the 1980s, alleging unpaid amounts ranging from $75,000 to over $1 million. For example, during the construction of the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, at least 253 subcontractors were not fully paid, with TrumpтАЩs companies reportedly owing $69.5 million in total.
тАв Payment Reductions: In some cases, contractors received significantly less than owed. For example, during negotiations for the Taj Mahal project, Trump offered as little as 30 cents on the dollar to some contractors. One contractor eventually negotiated 70 cents on the dollar but noted that many small businesses suffered financially, with some failing to survive.
тАв Legal Disputes: TrumpтАЩs companies have faced at least 60 lawsuits over unpaid bills. These include claims from contractors, employees, and even his own lawyers and real estate agents. Some cases were resolved through settlements that often included confidentiality agreements.
While exact figures are difficult to estimate due to settlements and varying claims, the consistent allegations suggest unpaid amounts likely total tens of millions of dollars over several decades.
Donald Trump and his companies have been accused of underpaying or failing to pay contractors and suppliers for decades. Investigations and legal records reveal the following:
тАв Scale of Non-Payment: Over 200 mechanicтАЩs liens have been filed against Trump and his businesses since the 1980s, alleging unpaid amounts ranging from $75,000 to over $1 million. For example, during the construction of the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, at least 253 subcontractors were not fully paid, with TrumpтАЩs companies reportedly owing $69.5 million in total.
тАв Payment Reductions: In some cases, contractors received significantly less than owed. For example, during negotiations for the Taj Mahal project, Trump offered as little as 30 cents on the dollar to some contractors. One contractor eventually negotiated 70 cents on the dollar but noted that many small businesses suffered financially, with some failing to survive.
тАв Legal Disputes: TrumpтАЩs companies have faced at least 60 lawsuits over unpaid bills. These include claims from contractors, employees, and even his own lawyers and real estate agents. Some cases were resolved through settlements that often included confidentiality agreements.
While exact figures are difficult to estimate due to settlements and varying claims, the consistent allegations suggest unpaid amounts likely total tens of millions of dollars over several decades.
I got stiffed by one client once for $250,000, and could not recover. That was ENRON, swine that they were/are. I want my money? I hear they are coming back!? Imagine, Dennis someone stiffing you for your honest work. Would you vote for them? I doubt it. I think you are an honest man, and were hard working for your $$.
Plus he started it all with a gift from Daddy:
According to a detailed investigation, Trump received at least $413 million in todayтАЩs dollars from his fatherтАЩs real estate empire. This wealth transfer began when Trump was a toddler and continued into adulthood, involving gifts, loans, trust funds, and other financial mechanisms, including tax avoidance strategies that were described as dubious or fraudulent.
Fred Trump provided Donnie with extensive financial backing, including funding for his early business ventures, covering personal expenses, and bailing him out during financial difficulties. For example, by the time Donald Trump was 29 years old in 1975, he had already received nearly $9 million in todayтАЩs dollars.
Additionally, Fred Trump set up trust funds for his children and gave Donald loans that were often not repaid.
If Donald Trump had passively invested the money he received from his father in an index fund tracking the S&P 500, his wealth would have grown to approximately $1.96 billion by 2018. However, he pursued various real estate ventures and other business activities instead. Despite this inherited wealth.
By the way, I thank Him every day for the many "breaks" or blessings that I receive every day. Some say, Luck is 1/2 of success: I believe Luck has nothing to do with it. I give it all to Him. We need to be examples of the Word, and when we shine we illuminate him, if we don't aggrandize ourselves falsely. Have you read Bonhoefer: "The cost of discipleship"? Anyone who believes they can be a true disciple and follow Him and them and claim to speak his word, is trying to fool you. I certainly can't . I am not strong enough in my faith or not deluded enough. To me Trump is completely deluded by his Narcissism.
ThereтАЩs so much in all your replies. Much to digest, much to understand. IтАЩll take on the above paragraph first, which might have some back and forth, so this one will be easier than whatтАЩs below. But this first, then IтАЩll take on the Vance discussion in its entirety as a single subject.
Tomorrow. God bless
Why don't we take this off line into PM. We are taking up a lot of space, and I think it might get fairly private too. God bless you and yours.
It's a good debate. I can't participate, but I can learn from it. Maybe you 2 should start your own stack...
maybe we can publish something later. Thanks T.
"IтАЩm familiar with JD Vance and his relationship with Peter Thiel. My question to you, is how much have you researched JD Vance, and his evolution to a MAGA / Trump loyalist? He hated Trump a while back."
Doesn't that surprise you, everyone has been surprised by his turnaround. The fact that he is very much aligned with Theil and Musk speks to his conversion to Identitarian. He may not show it much, but several comments he made his critiques of figures like Kamala Harris, where he has supported narratives questioning her racial identity and authenticity are identitarian.
He stays "out of the fray" as is the Identitarian policy. So, yes the official word is still out, but to me it looks like he has been placed into his position as second for avery important reason, so that an, at minimum influenced Identitarian takes over. Also, don't think that Identitarians schrink fro violence and killing, I fear for the life of Trump (as a Christian):
Notable incidents involving Identitarian violence or individuals inspired by Identitarian ideology include the following:
тАв Christchurch Mosque Attacks (2019): Brenton Tarrant killed 51 people in two mosques in New Zealand. His manifesto, titled тАЬThe Great Replacement,тАЭ was rooted in Identitarian ideology, particularly the belief in a conspiracy to replace white Europeans with immigrants. Tarrant had connections to Generation Identity (GI), including donations to its Austrian and French branches.
тАв Halle Synagogue Attack (2019): In Germany, Stephan Balliet attempted to attack a synagogue during Yom Kippur and later killed two people. His actions were motivated by antisemitic and anti-immigrant beliefs linked to the тАЬGreat ReplacementтАЭ theory.
тАв Hanau Shootings (2020): A gunman killed nine people of immigrant backgrounds at two shisha bars in Germany. His writings reflected Identitarian ideas, particularly fears of cultural and ethnic тАЬreplacementтАЭ.
тАв El Paso Walmart Shooting (2019): Patrick Crusius killed 23 people, targeting Hispanic individuals. His manifesto echoed the тАЬGreat ReplacementтАЭ theory, citing the Christchurch shooter as an inspiration.
тАв Halle Police Attack (2017): Members of the Identitarian Movement in Halle, Germany, attacked two police officers with baseball bats and pepper spray, mistaking them for left-wing activists
Each of these counts has detailed Sources. But I'm trying not to write another Postgrad Thesis. Just having a conversation with you to begin with.
The Vivek diatribe....You won't get a mea culpa unless he is told to do so by Martin Stiller and his kind. He doesn't care about your scorn, because he has learned the Identitarian way: "Separate the Wheat from the chaff, and MAGA are the Chaff. And there are not 77 million of you: Source. A 2023 NBC News poll found that only 24% of Americans hold positive views of the MAGA movement, while 45% view it negatively. Among Republicans, 52% view it positively, but support drops significantly among independents and other groups.
2. Core MAGA Republicans: Studies estimate that approximately 15% of the U.S. adult population, or about one-third of all Republicans, are тАЬMAGA Republicans.тАЭ This group is characterized by strong alignment with Donald Trump and beliefs such as the claim that the 2020 election was stolen.
3. TrumpтАЩs Claim: Donald Trump has claimed that his MAGA base represents 75% of the U.S. population, though this assertion is not supported by independent polling or studies.
Your statement - тАЬItтАЩs kind of their, and now тАШyourтАЩ bibleтАЭ - WHAT? My bible? WhoтАЩs bible? 77 million Christians?
I had 'bible' in quotes. Which means "not the real thing". I meant there, that if MAGA has been infiltrated by Identitarians, and they adhere to "the decline of the West" and its anticedents, then so does MAGA now. I was not impuning your or my brothers' and sisters' spiritual beliefs, but I was saying that your organization, MAGA has been undermined. I could have said it differently. back to reading
" but IтАЩm 67 yrs old. So it sounds like me and her have a lot in common. You say that as if we are beneath you. Is that true?"
She is 39 with two kids and a hubby in SoCal. NOT AT ALL, I don't think that you or she are beneath me. You simply have a completely different (never beneath) ethical framework. Do I like what she says as MAGA? No, but there are many similarities, and she is the best Mom in most aspects (I don't like the bubble she keeps my grandchildren in). I am dedicated to and try to follow Jesus, therefore I dare not judge lest I be judged. ...and with me judgement would be a long affair and not pretty. So, now to read.
As you, Dennis this will take me a while to do it justice. Thanks in advance. I look forward to learning how and what you think. Also, maybe we should take this offline, and I will send my response to your PM attached to your name here on Substack.
Sounds good. Looking forward to it.