Trump's disruption of USAID is leading directly to the imminent death of thousands through starvation and disease. What could be a more clear example of crimes against humanity?
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Accountability
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Rethinking Border Policies
The policies of both major U.S. parties regarding borders and immigration a based on a morass of falsehoods and misinformation. The approaches of Biden and Trump are fundamentally the same; neither enhances prosperity or safety of citizens or immigrants. The only hope for a genuinely rational approach to border issues is to set aside what exists and to start from scratch with actual facts and rationality. A summary of John Washington's book in The Nation provides a beginning for that process:
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Understanding Trump
A quick Google Search lays out the essentials:
A psychopath is someone who has an antisocial personality and a lack of empathy and remorse. They may also be manipulative, deceitful, and impulsive.
Symptoms
Lack of empathy: Psychopaths don't experience the same emotions as others, and may not be moved by things that affect others.
Manipulation: Psychopaths can be manipulative and exploitative, and may use violence, theft, or fraud to get what they want.
Deceit: Psychopaths may be deceitful and rationalize their behavior.
Impulsivity: Psychopaths may act impulsively and riskily.
Lack of remorse: Psychopaths may not care how their actions affect others, and may not feel guilt for causing pain.
Other traits Having a big ego, Limited emotional responses, Recklessness, Callousness, and Detachment.
Relationship to antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)
Psychopathy is not an official mental health diagnosis.
Some traits of psychopathy overlap with symptoms of ASPD. ASPD is characterized by a disregard for the rights, feelings, and safety of others.
Basically, Trump is a common bully who seeks power through instilling fear and anxiety. Simply not responding directly to his threats is probably a good idea.
That is not to say that his presence is not without dangers given the scale of his space for influence. While Trump is individually a clown without the capacity to formulate any coherent plans, people around him are not so impaired. By wrecking the structure of government Trump has given free reign to billionaires and right-wing ideologues who have ever greater sway over how and for whom the country is run,
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Immigrant Rights in Albuquerque
Hello Albuquerque,
Many community members have shared their fears and concerns about the
White House’s recent orders on immigration. We want to remind our
community that Albuquerque is, and will continue to be, an immigrant
friendly city that appreciates and celebrates our immigrant community.
City law says that city employees, including police, are not allowed to
ask about or document immigration status. Trump's policies are still
deeply concerning. We believe everyone in our city should be able to
report crimes and take their kids to school, church, or the hospital
without fear of having their family torn apart.
To help provide information and resources, the City of Albuquerque is
hosting a series of webinars to support community members and business
owners as they navigate immigration threats.
If you or someone you know is facing difficulties or has questions about
your rights, our Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) has
resources available online at cabq.gov/OIRA, where you can find information, guides, and connect with local organizations who can help.
During these times, let’s keep looking out for each other and caring for
one another in the One Albuquerque spirit. I hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Mayor Tim Keller
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See the full message:
Immigration Webinar Schedule
Sunday, February 2, 2025
The Elephant in the Room
... and the probability of detection.
Trump's justification for imposing tariffs on Canada is to force reduction of cross-border ingress of fentanyl and undocumented immigrants. The contribution of Canada to both of those unauthorized imports is 1%. So, even if Trump's initiative in regard to Canada was 100% effective, the impact would affect 1% of the purported problem. In exchange for the unlikely achievement of that outcome both countries will probably see catastrophic inflation and job losses. But that is not the elephant.
The real elephant (driver) in the case of fentanyl, of course, is demand. The real questions worth exploring are why the demand for illicit drugs is so high in the U.S. and what would be required to effectively reduce that demand. Better support for behavioral health services seems a much more plausible way to attack the substance abuse issue. What do you suppose the chances are that such a policy will be supported by Trump and RFK Jr. ?
See:
What is motivating Trump’s reckless trade war?
Robert Reich