Grow Up! How can anyone be for this spoiled brat?

[TBBT]

Grow Up!
How can anyone be for this spoiled brat?

By Thomas Sowell – 1.30.16

Of all the many things said about Donald Trump, what was said by Roger Ailes, head of the Fox News Channel, said it all in just two words: “Grow up!”

It is amazing how many people have been oblivious to this middle-aged man’s spoiled brat behavior, his childish boastfulness about things he says he is going to do, and his petulant response to every criticism with ad hominem replies.

He has boasted that his followers would stick by him even if he committed murder. But is that something to boast about? Is it not an insult to his followers, if it is true? Moreover, his cockiness is misplaced, because he still does not have a majority among Republican voters, while you need a majority of all the voters to win any state in the general election.

Trump has a showman’s talent for telling people what they want to hear. But you can listen in vain for a coherent argument from him, based on facts and logic, much less an understanding of the inherent limitations of the office of president.

More than two centuries ago, Edmund Burke said: “Constitute government how you please, infinitely the greater part of it must depend upon the exercise of the powers which are left at large to the prudence and uprightness of ministers of state.”

In other words, the personal character of the people to whom you entrust the powers of government matters even more than what kinds of government institutions there are. There have been some good kings and some bad presidents, as well as vice versa.

In a world where the future of this country is threatened from within by increasingly angry polarization, and where external threats can become nuclear, are we really going to entrust the safety or this country to a man who still needs to grow up?

Read more here:

http://spectator.org/articles/65335/grow

[Longiron]

 


http://www.snopes.com/trump-flies-sick-boy/


http://conservativeread.com/in-praise-of-trump/

[massadvj]

Thomas Sowell makes one last ditch effort to instill some common sense into the Republican electorate before they do what all peoples frustrated by their corrupt governments have done throughout the ages: place their hopes in a demagogue.  It does go to show you how quickly we have fallen into the abyss.  Trump Derangement Syndrome is something you'd expect of Argentina or Italy, but not the freedom-loving USA.  Please, Iowa, stop him now.  Electing a dictator is not the answer. 

[katzenjammer]

I am not sure that "Trump Derangement Syndrome" (TDS) is used the way that you have been using it.  (Perhaps you are using it in that fashion to make a point?)  Normally it has been used in the same manner as "Bush Derangement Syndrome" referring to those that are deranged in their hatred of Bush.

One question, Vic, if I may, is the primary reason that you are against Trump his call for closing the border?  If I am not mistaken, I've gleaned from some of your past posts that you are of the libertarian mindset that views national borders as an impediment to the free flow of labor and capital across the globe.  I've been a bit curious about that since I've seen your strong sentiments against his candidacy.

[NavyCanDo]

He has boasted that his followers would stick by him even if he committed murder. But is that something to boast about? Is it not an insult to his followers, if it is true?
http://spectator.org/articles/65335/grow

That's how I took that "I can shoot someone on 5th Avenue" comment, - an insult to his followers. That they are nothing but his minions that would follow him into hell, not caring what he says or does. If that is how you feel Trump supporters - if you are not going to hold his feet to the fire, and hold  him to his promises he is making on the campaign trail, as you have done with any candidate you have supported in the past, then you need to examine your own soul. Is there one here, who will says, Yes I will hold him to his promises? 

[musiclady]

More than two centuries ago, Edmund Burke said: “Constitute government how you please, infinitely the greater part of it must depend upon the exercise of the powers which are left at large to the prudence and uprightness of ministers of state.”

In other words, the personal character of the people to whom you entrust the powers of government matters even more than what kinds of government institutions there are. There have been some good kings and some bad presidents, as well as vice versa.

In a world where the future of this country is threatened from within by increasingly angry polarization, and where external threats can become nuclear, are we really going to entrust the safety or this country to a man who still needs to grow up?

Sowell nails the argument here (or rather, Burke does).

Do we really want to entrust our nation to an infantile narcissist when our very security and our lives are at stake?

Do we really want to say, Character doesn't matter, in these dangerous times?

So, rather than cheering on Trump's insults to his followers as blind sycophants, don't we all want to think about the consequences of our decision to go with a man devoid of character and maturity??

[musiclady]

Thomas Sowell makes one last ditch effort to instill some common sense into the Republican electorate before they do what all peoples frustrated by their corrupt governments have done throughout the ages: place their hopes in a demagogue.  It does go to show you how quickly we have fallen into the abyss.  Trump Derangement Syndrome is something you'd expect of Argentina or Italy, but not the freedom-loving USA.  Please, Iowa, stop him now.  Electing a dictator is not the answer.

For me, this is the crux of the matter, massadvj.  Trump's popularity is, for me, not only a lack of common sense, but yet another sign that we have literally sunk into the abyss where some are crying for a proto-fascist. 

What has happened to us?

[Right_in_Virginia]

Thomas Sowell makes one last ditch effort to instill some common sense into the Republican electorate before they do what all peoples frustrated by their corrupt governments have done throughout the ages: place their hopes in a demagogue.  It does go to show you how quickly we have fallen into the abyss.  Trump Derangement Syndrome is something you'd expect of Argentina or Italy, but not the freedom-loving USA.  Please, Iowa, stop him now.  Electing a dictator is not the answer.   

You've a long record of posting thought-provoking statements, but this post confuses me.  Is the plea that Iowa stop a dictator your plea, or is it meant to ridicule those inflicted with TDS?

[massadvj]

You've a long record of posting thought-provoking statements, but this post confuses me.  Is the plea that Iowa stop a dictator your plea, or is it meant to ridicule those inflicted with TDS?

I do not intend to ridicule anyone.  What I see as TDS may well be perceived by a Trump supporter as enthusiasm for strong leadership.  I don't criticize them for that.  It is merely a matter of perception.  I see delusion.  They see an answer to our problem of much needed leadership.  I could be wrong, and they could be right.  I am just saying what I see. 

[massadvj]

I am not sure that "Trump Derangement Syndrome" (TDS) is used the way that you have been using it.  (Perhaps you are using it in that fashion to make a point?)  Normally it has been used in the same manner as "Bush Derangement Syndrome" referring to those that are deranged in their hatred of Bush.

One question, Vic, if I may, is the primary reason that you are against Trump his call for closing the border?  If I am not mistaken, I've gleaned from some of your past posts that you are of the libertarian mindset that views national borders as an impediment to the free flow of labor and capital across the globe.  I've been a bit curious about that since I've seen your strong sentiments against his candidacy.

While I do oppose Trump's protectionism, my objections go much deeper than that.  They go to the fact that he seems to have no ideological core, in particular as it regards the constitution and the limits of power.  There is very little in Trump's vision for the country, such as is actually known about it, that I agree with.

[Right_in_Virginia]

I do not intend to ridicule anyone.  What I see as TDS may well be perceived by a Trump supporter as enthusiasm for strong leadership.  I don't criticize them for that.  It is merely a matter of perception.  I see delusion.  They see an answer to our problem of much needed leadership.  I could be wrong, and they could be right.  I am just saying what I see. 

Sorry, my question may have been unclear.  TDS aside (whatever the definition  ^-^ ) -- the "meat" of my question was:  are you asking Iowa to stop a "dictator"?

Thanks.

[massadvj]

Sorry, my question may have been unclear.  TDS aside (whatever the definition  ^-^ ) -- the "meat" of my question was:  are you asking Iowa to stop a "dictator"?

Thanks.

As I see it, Trump is a classic demagogue, so I guess the answer is yes.

[dem-uh-gog, -gawg]  1.a person, especially an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.

[katzenjammer]

While I do oppose Trump's protectionism, my objections go much deeper than that.  They go to the fact that he seems to have no ideological core, in particular as it regards the constitution and the limits of power.  There is very little in Trump's vision for the country, such as is actually known about it, that I agree with.

Thank you for your reply.  I wouldn't characterize wanting to seal the border and stop the nation from being overrun by illegal aliens (and even worse actors) as "protectionism."  Sounds more like a common sense approach along the path of protecting the well-being of the nation to me.

As far as the rest of your objections, we *may* get to see how that plays out.  I think that you will agree, all we have to go by on that front are the visible components of the "marketing plan."  Only if he wins the general election will we be able to make any rational judgements on his "governance plan."

[andy58-in-nh]

For me, this is the crux of the matter, massadvj.  Trump's popularity is, for me, not only a lack of common sense, but yet another sign that we have literally sunk into the abyss where some are crying for a proto-fascist. 

What has happened to us?

The elevation of celebrity over character, and a search for meaning in other people's promises and our temporal desires rather than in our own actions and in eternal values.

But I think you know that.

[libertybele]

As I see it, Trump is a classic demagogue, so I guess the answer is yes.

[dem-uh-gog, -gawg]  1.a person, especially an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.

Thanks for the clarification.  Trump is without a doubt a classic demagogue.  I would like to add he is a classic narcissist.

People with narcissistic personality disorder are characterized by exaggerated feelings of self-importance. They have a sense of entitlement and demonstrate grandiosity in their beliefs and behavior. They have a strong need for admiration, but lack feelings of empathy.

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of ultraconfidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

[musiclady]

The elevation of celebrity over character, and a search for meaning in other people's promises and our temporal desires rather than in our own actions and in eternal values.

But I think you know that.

Well, I do, but you summed it up beautifully. 

I think the last cause is perhaps the most important.  The desire for immediate gratification, and the lack of thought about the long range, and of course, the eternal consequences of getting what we want NOW, I think is behind a lot of the desire for a king.

Unfortunately, the problems we have in this nation have taken more than a century to manifest themselves fully, and the desire to have a quick fix (which is actually perpetuating the crisis we are in), is driving the emotion behind the Trump frenzy and the complete disregard for his lack of integrity.

I've said it here before, but we don't have much time to wake up before we get ourselves into another four years of either another hardcore socialist, or a fascist wannabe.  We truly are at a crossroads, and we'd better make the choice based on lasting principles and not a fit of pique.

[libertybele]

Well, I do, but you summed it up beautifully. 

I think the last cause is perhaps the most important.  The desire for immediate gratification, and the lack of thought about the long range, and of course, the eternal consequences of getting what we want NOW, I think is behind a lot of the desire for a king.

Unfortunately, the problems we have in this nation have taken more than a century to manifest themselves fully, and the desire to have a quick fix (which is actually perpetuating the crisis we are in), is driving the emotion behind the Trump frenzy and the complete disregard for his lack of integrity.

I've said it here before, but we don't have much time to wake up before we get ourselves into another four years of either another hardcore socialist, or a fascist wannabe.  We truly are at a crossroads, and we'd better make the choice based on lasting principles and not a fit of pique.

The problem is; I do believe that people are awake.  Unfortunately they are following someone who is misleading them by emotion (much like Hussein) rather than on substance of the issues. 

I agree with you 100%.  We truly are at a crossroads, only I don't believe this country will last another 4 years under another narcissistic liberal ruler. We won't survive.  We will have lost this country and conservatism will die. Conservatism will still be in the hearts of many and many will realize under a Trump presidency that they were duped; but by that time it will be far too late to really do anything to turn things around.

[musiclady]

The problem is; I do believe that people are awake.  Unfortunately they are following someone who is misleading them by emotion (much like Hussein) rather than on substance of the issues. 

I agree with you 100%.  We truly are at a crossroads, only I don't believe this country will last another 4 years under another narcissistic liberal ruler. We won't survive.  We will have lost this country and conservatism will die. Conservatism will still be in the hearts of many and many will realize under a Trump presidency that they were duped; but by that time it will be far too late to really do anything to turn things around.

You may be right, liberty, in that people are awake and willingly following a pied piper because of his emotional appeal.  In a way that seems even more dangerous than having people sleepwalking with the chance that they'll wake up in the next few months.

No matter what, if we end up with Trump or any of the socialist Dems as President for the next four years, the great American Experiment is over.  We need to right the ship, not turn it over even farther.

[massadvj]

You may be right, liberty, in that people are awake and willingly following a pied piper because of his emotional appeal.  In a way that seems even more dangerous than having people sleepwalking with the chance that they'll wake up in the next few months.

No matter what, if we end up with Trump or any of the socialist Dems as President for the next four years, the great American Experiment is over.  We need to right the ship, not turn it over even farther.

Personally, I have given up hope for the restoration of anything resembling what the founders envisioned.  We haven't had that since Coolidge.  I would be happy if we could just slow things down.  I think we already have a controlled national economy, and there is really no going back. 

[musiclady]

Personally, I have given up hope for the restoration of anything resembling what the founders envisioned.  We haven't had that since Coolidge.  I would be happy if we could just slow things down.  I think we already have a controlled national economy, and there is really no going back.

I share your pessimism about ever returning to what the Founders intended.  We'd have to take a segment of the country, secede, and start all over again, and that ain't gonna happen.  The early 20th century took care of any chance of righting the ship entirely.

But if we can at least pull back on the reins a bit with a Constitutionalist President, maybe we can stanch the flow of blood a bit.

And my point is that with Trump, we're pushing the country further off the cliff.  Truly the river of no return. (Forgive the mixed metaphors).

[Right_in_Virginia]

As I see it, Trump is a classic demagogue, so I guess the answer is yes. 

Okay (and I know the definition of demagogue, thank you).    But that's not a dictator.

I have long admired you for rational, not hyperbolic, opinions.  I know primary season is tough, but please, I'm counting on you to stay rational.

Thanks.

[Bigun]

Personally, I have given up hope for the restoration of anything resembling what the founders envisioned.  We haven't had that since Coolidge.  I would be happy if we could just slow things down.  I think we already have a controlled national economy, and there is really no going back.

I haven't gotten to that point yet but must admit that the number of normally right thinking people on this site who have fallen in behind the shiny object that is Donald Trump is beginning to make me re-think my position!   

[sneakypete]

Thanks for the clarification.  Trump is without a doubt a classic demagogue.  I would like to add he is a classic narcissist.

People with narcissistic personality disorder are characterized by exaggerated feelings of self-importance. They have a sense of entitlement and demonstrate grandiosity in their beliefs and behavior. They have a strong need for admiration, but lack feelings of empathy.

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of ultraconfidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

I think he and Bathhouse Barry have that in common,and Trump may even worse than Barry because he is clearly smarter than Barry. Then again,most people are smarter than Bathhouse Barry.

[musiclady]

Okay (and I know the definition of demagogue, thank you).    But that's not a dictator.

I have long admired you for rational, not hyperbolic, opinions.  I know primary season is tough, but please, I'm counting on you to stay rational.

Thanks.

I know you have me on ignore because you didn't like the way I responded to your incessant insults, but you're making the wrong assumption here that calling Trump a demagogue is hyperbolic and irrational.

It is neither.  It is an accurate observation based on reason.

[Meshuge Mikey]

Thomas Sowell makes one last ditch effort to instill some common sense into the Republican electorate before they do what all peoples frustrated by their corrupt governments have done throughout the ages: place their hopes in a demagogue.  It does go to show you how quickly we have fallen into the abyss.  Trump Derangement Syndrome is something you'd expect of Argentina or Italy, but not the freedom-loving USA.  Please, Iowa, stop him now.  Electing a dictator is not the answer.

Hes In The Wings Alright!