''The Broken Chessboard''*

NATO - A Defensive Umbrella

In response to President Putin's decision to base Iskander S-400 Nuclear tipped missiles with a range of 700km in Kaliningrad (within striking distance of Berlin) to counter the 'NATO threat' Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary General, said that "everything NATO does is defensive, proportionate and fully in line with our international commitments."

Sadly what this statement omits is the proactive philosophy coming from Washington's most influential shapers of foreign policy over the past decades – such as Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski - which has basically produced a new thinking on how American influence can continue to dominate the post-Soviet world.

You need to read Dr. Brzezinski's article (below) to appreciate the overall sentiments.

Containment – Not Appeasement – Was The Name Of the Game

In more detail, part of the philosophy had called for the containment of Russian Federation expansion by deepening economic ties with former Soviet satellite countries.

It is only when such interwoven and interdependent economic structures emerge that such can be locked in to the NATO defensive umbrella – but this equally depends on the willingness of such countries to decide that NATO's Article 5 is something which they would wish to embrace as collective defense against future Russian expansion and aggression.

Russia, throughout it's history, has known good and bad tyrants, benevolent and malevolent tyrants be they imperial or otherwise. There is no guarantee (other than NATO's Article 5) that Russians will not have to live under another Soviet-like tyranny at some stage in the future – and what then for Western Europe's collective economic security – without the NATO umbrella?

The article below (assumed that President Clinton when elected) would adopt a more proactive foreign policy irrespective of the risks which such policies carry.

Dr Brzezinski's thinking could be more in line with that of President Trump – and the 'out-of-the loop' figure on this occasion, remarkably, is NATO's Secretary General.

In my opinion, he appears to be totally at odds with the new thinking in Washington.

It is highly likely that he will be just one of many NATO 'casualties' (sic. resignations) in the very near future – departing before his term of office ends.

I just cannot conceive his 'lecturing' to President Trump (nor Trump sitting through such a session!) about the importance of maintaining the values and principles of the status quo.

Not just Stoltenberg but this entire 'sentiment' is 'on the way out' at NATO HQ.

Underestimating The Russian Federation's Defensive and Offensive Capabilities

You may not be aware – because your mainstream media did not mention it at the time – The Russian Federation earlier this year redeployed long-range nuclear ballistic missiles - capable of hitting all European capital cities – including London  - within it's internal territorial borders - the Crimea. [see my earlier blog references]

President Obama, in response, has deployed nuclear missiles to Romania – within easy striking distance of St. Petersburg and Moscow and all of Russia's 'Top 10' **]

Dr. Brzezinski is again accurate in his assessment – but to a greater extent he himself could not foresee.

For several years now Henry Kissinger has been 'frozen out' of insider thinking with regard to U.S. foreign policy. This may be about to change under newly elected President Trump.

President Trump would be most unwise to 'dump' the Counsel of the likes of Brzezinski and Colin Powell.

[My thinking is that Powell, an honorable retired General, may well decline any association with a 'racially tainted', racially divisive and widely unpopular President Trump administration – likely to be 'at war' with large segments of it's own American diverse ethnic population throughout the entire course of the Trump administration. On a further note to the latter: Trump is likely to seek out 'yes men' and 'yes women' from within minority groups – which is why the most intelligent will decline to join his administration – leaving him with a very 'partisan' Cabinet throughout the life of his government's administration.

Besides, who would want to 'genuinely' associate with a President whose hands are likely to be covered in the blood of the deaths of U.S. citizens protesting against his administration's iniquitous domestic policies throughout the land during the course of his administration?; all fueled because of his inflammatory pre-election and post-election divisive messages to Americans - Hispanic, Latino, African-Americans, liberal Jews (not Zionist Jews – note!), Women, the Disabled and other diverse groups. Trump is likely to have the blood of the deaths of tens (if not hundreds) of U.S. citizens peacefully protesting against his administration on his hands during the course of his Presidency – and all because of his inflammatory statements – which he reinforced with his choice of individuals to run the government.

It is because of such (well-founded) fears that the most prominent and widely respected from within minority communities and diverse groups will 'politely' decline to be part of Trump's administration.]

If Kissinger is 'in' the likelihood is Brzezinski is 'out' (of favor) in a Trump administration.

Trump and Putin: –

The New Global Alliance

His likely appointment of military personnel favored by the Kremlin is highly unsettling.

To understand how Trump really perceives the military-industrial complex in the United States you need to appreciate the 'thinking' of the likes of Alex Abella and Alex Jones – two sources where Donald Trump gets his 'mainstream' information from – rather than your traditional media hacks.

Donald Trump was elected President of the United States – but not elected to hand the country, its Allies worldwide, its heritage, its traditions and its institutions on a silver platter, to President Vladimir Putin.

If President Trump does not respect these facts, then they, likewise, will show him little respect.   And giving excuses to live in Trump Tower instead of the White House, whilst popular with the bigoted who brought him to power - with the contempt which they all have for Washington and all its institutions - will make little difference.

''it ain't over till the fat lady sings.''

©Patrick Emek, November 2016

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zbigniew_Brzezinski

**

http://www.nti.org/analysis/articles/russias-ten-nuclear-cities/

https://www.rt.com/news/367665-iskander-missiles-kaliningrad-abm/

http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/ss-26.htm

http://www.voanews.com/a/stoltenberg-nato-global-actions-defensive-and-proportionate/3605284.html

http://www.newstalk.com/Russia-plans-to-move-missiles-closer-to-Europe

*

http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/08/25/the-broken-chessboard-brzezinski-gives-up-on-empire/

http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-broken-chessboard-brzezinski-gives-up-on-empire/5542580

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0465027261/counterpunchmaga

https://geopolitics.co/2016/10/04/russia-conducting-nuclear-drills-after-us-threatens-attacks-on-its-cities/

http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_110496.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Powell

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/15/us/politics/colin-powell-emails-hack-donald-trump.html?_r=0

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/12/the-lessons-of-henry-kissinger/505868/

 http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/henry-kissinger-thinks-obama-trump-china/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Kissinger

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_ain't_over_till_the_fat_lady_sings

This is part of the 'new' 'mainstream' media -where President Trump's 'thinking' is more accepted, encouraged and endorsed:

Alex Abella:

https://truth11.com/2010/12/18/insider-reveals-diabolical-secrets-of-the-the-rand-corporation/

http://tv.infowars.com/

http://allnewspipeline.com/WW3_Russians_Drill_Moving_40_Million_To_Bunkers.php

''The Broken Chessboard''*

NATO - A Defensive Umbrella

In response to President Putin's decision to base Iskander S-400 Nuclear tipped missiles with a range of 700km in Kaliningrad (within striking distance of Berlin) to counter the 'NATO threat' Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary General, said that "everything NATO does is defensive, proportionate and fully in line with our international commitments."

Sadly what this statement omits is the proactive philosophy coming from Washington's most influential shapers of foreign policy over the past decades – such as Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski - which has basically produced a new thinking on how American influence can continue to dominate the post-Soviet world.

You need to read Dr. Brzezinski's article (below) to appreciate the overall sentiments.

Containment – Not Appeasement – Was The Name Of the Game

In more detail, part of the philosophy had called for the containment of Russian Federation expansion by deepening economic ties with former Soviet satellite countries.

It is only when such interwoven and interdependent economic structures emerge that such can be locked in to the NATO defensive umbrella – but this equally depends on the willingness of such countries to decide that NATO's Article 5 is something which they would wish to embrace as collective defense against future Russian expansion and aggression.

Russia, throughout it's history, has known good and bad tyrants, benevolent and malevolent tyrants be they imperial or otherwise. There is no guarantee (other than NATO's Article 5) that Russians will not have to live under another Soviet-like tyranny at some stage in the future – and what then for Western Europe's collective economic security – without the NATO umbrella?

The article below (assumed that President Clinton when elected) would adopt a more proactive foreign policy irrespective of the risks which such policies carry.

Dr Brzezinski's thinking could be more in line with that of President Trump – and the 'out-of-the loop' figure on this occasion, remarkably, is NATO's Secretary General.

In my opinion, he appears to be totally at odds with the new thinking in Washington.

It is highly likely that he will be just one of many NATO 'casualties' (sic. resignations) in the very near future – departing before his term of office ends.

I just cannot conceive his 'lecturing' to President Trump (nor Trump sitting through such a session!) about the importance of maintaining the values and principles of the status quo.

Not just Stoltenberg but this entire 'sentiment' is 'on the way out' at NATO HQ.

Underestimating The Russian Federation's Defensive and Offensive Capabilities

You may not be aware – because your mainstream media did not mention it at the time – The Russian Federation earlier this year redeployed long-range nuclear ballistic missiles - capable of hitting all European capital cities – including London  - within it's internal territorial borders - the Crimea. [see my earlier blog references]

President Obama, in response, has deployed nuclear missiles to Romania – within easy striking distance of St. Petersburg and Moscow and all of Russia's 'Top 10' **]

Dr. Brzezinski is again accurate in his assessment – but to a greater extent he himself could not foresee.

For several years now Henry Kissinger has been 'frozen out' of insider thinking with regard to U.S. foreign policy. This may be about to change under newly elected President Trump.

President Trump would be most unwise to 'dump' the Counsel of the likes of Brzezinski and Colin Powell.

[My thinking is that Powell, an honorable retired General, may well decline any association with a 'racially tainted', racially divisive and widely unpopular President Trump administration – likely to be 'at war' with large segments of it's own American diverse ethnic population throughout the entire course of the Trump administration. On a further note to the latter: Trump is likely to seek out 'yes men' and 'yes women' from within minority groups – which is why the most intelligent will decline to join his administration – leaving him with a very 'partisan' Cabinet throughout the life of his government's administration.

Besides, who would want to 'genuinely' associate with a President whose hands are likely to be covered in the blood of the deaths of U.S. citizens protesting against his administration's iniquitous domestic policies throughout the land during the course of his administration?; all fueled because of his inflammatory pre-election and post-election divisive messages to Americans - Hispanic, Latino, African-Americans, liberal Jews (not Zionist Jews – note!), Women, the Disabled and other diverse groups. Trump is likely to have the blood of the deaths of tens (if not hundreds) of U.S. citizens peacefully protesting against his administration on his hands during the course of his Presidency – and all because of his inflammatory statements – which he reinforced with his choice of individuals to run the government.

It is because of such (well-founded) fears that the most prominent and widely respected from within minority communities and diverse groups will 'politely' decline to be part of Trump's administration.]

If Kissinger is 'in' the likelihood is Brzezinski is 'out' (of favor) in a Trump administration.

Trump and Putin: –

The New Global Alliance

His likely appointment of military personnel favored by the Kremlin is highly unsettling.

To understand how Trump really perceives the military-industrial complex in the United States you need to appreciate the 'thinking' of the likes of Alex Abella and Alex Jones – two sources where Donald Trump gets his 'mainstream' information from – rather than your traditional media hacks.

Donald Trump was elected President of the United States – but not elected to hand the country, its Allies worldwide, its heritage, its traditions and its institutions on a silver platter, to President Vladimir Putin.

If President Trump does not respect these facts, then they, likewise, will show him little respect.   And giving excuses to live in Trump Tower instead of the White House, whilst popular with the bigoted who brought him to power - with the contempt which they all have for Washington and all its institutions - will make little difference.

''it ain't over till the fat lady sings.''

©Patrick Emek, November 2016

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zbigniew_Brzezinski

**

http://www.nti.org/analysis/articles/russias-ten-nuclear-cities/

https://www.rt.com/news/367665-iskander-missiles-kaliningrad-abm/

http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/ss-26.htm

http://www.voanews.com/a/stoltenberg-nato-global-actions-defensive-and-proportionate/3605284.html

http://www.newstalk.com/Russia-plans-to-move-missiles-closer-to-Europe

*

http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/08/25/the-broken-chessboard-brzezinski-gives-up-on-empire/

http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-broken-chessboard-brzezinski-gives-up-on-empire/5542580

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0465027261/counterpunchmaga

https://geopolitics.co/2016/10/04/russia-conducting-nuclear-drills-after-us-threatens-attacks-on-its-cities/

http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_110496.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Powell

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/15/us/politics/colin-powell-emails-hack-donald-trump.html?_r=0

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/12/the-lessons-of-henry-kissinger/505868/

 http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/henry-kissinger-thinks-obama-trump-china/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Kissinger

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_ain't_over_till_the_fat_lady_sings

This is part of the 'new' 'mainstream' media -where President Trump's 'thinking' is more accepted, encouraged and endorsed:

Alex Abella:

https://truth11.com/2010/12/18/insider-reveals-diabolical-secrets-of-the-the-rand-corporation/

http://tv.infowars.com/

http://allnewspipeline.com/WW3_Russians_Drill_Moving_40_Million_To_Bunkers.php

The Electoral College

There has been a 'buzz' in the Left Wing Press over the past few days that Trump will be stopped by the Electoral College.

I have never read so much nonsense in my life – other than the rubbish put out by Trump about Mexican illegal immigrants all being rapists drug dealers and murderers.

Let us be clear about one thing: Donald Trump will become President of The United States of America in January – whether you or I like it or not.

That is a titanic fact of life. I say 'titanic because now, only God himself (or herself!) can stop this from happening – and, as I always say, don't ever rely on the 'Cavalry' to come to the rescue in time to save your sweet and sorry ass.

It might help to read the reference I give taken from the magazine 'Politico' which explains how the electoral college is made up.

Another very good read is Vox Media (also given below).

Both will clearly explain to those with their heads in the clouds (or in the sand!) why Donald Trump will be comfortably elected President by the Electoral College – and probably by the numbers given.

Yes I know, Hillary won the popular vote.

(The only interesting fact here – and one which neither Politico nor Vox mention by the way – is that the Electoral College exists to prevent a demagogue or tyrant coming to power. It is the last 'fail-safe' check in the process – just in case the electorate 'got it wrong' and elected a madman or tyrant.

Apparently Politico nor Vox do not think that this is worth mentioning to you so I thought I would just add it for your deeper thinking and consideration.)

Every Dark Cloud Has …......

I can understand the dismay, anger and frustration – but there is a silver lining to the U.S. Election.

Trump will pick the most right-wing most extremist team which has existed in any Cabinet in the democratic world since the Fuhrer Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany.

The people he appoints – from the Supreme Court downwards – will all be working to implement what can only be called neo-Right (Nirvana) policies.

The 'Donkey' Mainstream Media Which Gave Platform To Mr Trump and His New 'Movement'

With the media cowed into silence by new anti-defamation and libel laws

(see my blog 'what if Trump becomes President') and McCarthy-like Witch hunts in full swing against 'anti-Trump' vocal activists for 'unAmerican activities' and 'supporters of terrorism'; I know how bizarre this is going to sound, but when America finally emerges from the darkness it's about to plunge into for some time, the 'cleansing' process will be better for real democracy, worldwide.

Poor Is The Man …........

I recently saw a very interesting documentary about the great earthquake and tsunami followed by firestorms with temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees, which devastated Lisbon, Portugal, on All Saints Day, 1755.

To cut a long story short, the Chief Inquisitor and most of the noblemen and women perished in the ensuing firestorms because of the time of day it struck – most were praying in the early day because it was a Holy Day.

The people spared by the earthquake, tsunami and fire (before law and order were restored) were mainly criminals in the prisons who created terror as they ravaged and pillaged the rubble human, animal and charcoaled remains of what was once one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Law and order was eventually restored and, the new Prime Minister of Lisbon (Sebastião de Melo, Marquis of Pombal, a title which was only granted to him for services rendered in 1770, fifteen years after the great earthquake, tsunami and firestorms.). to show his contempt of religion, made one last gesture – burning alive a prominent Catholic Priest – before declaring that the Inquisition was a thing of the past and religious persecution, effectively dead.

[The priest in question was a political enemy and had attempted to earlier get the (now) Prime Minister or 'Ruler' of Lisbon indicted by Inquisitors on charges of immorality and licentious living.]

[If you are a religious believer, it may also interest you that the earthquake tsunami and ensuing firestorms destroyed all of Lisbon's churches - filled to capacity with the faithful – it being All Saints Day - mansions, citadels, manorial and diplomatic residences and the only buildings which remained undamaged were Lisbon's brothels (!) - all completely spared from the devastation from which the city never recovered, even to this day, as a center of European and global trade and commerce.

Through equally bizarre circumstances (involving another 'wobbly' or structurally failing building - The British Embassy in Lisbon - where we were to have been originally hosted) I was a 'guest' in what was one of the earthquake, tsunami and fire 'spared' brothels - used for the past century, I need to hastily add, for more 'legitimate' matters – such as business meetings, conferences and diplomatic receptions.    It was a very impressive, very comfortable and a very ornate building – reflective of the wealth and opulence which gave it patronage before 1755.]

So 'what has all this to do with President-elect Trump?, you may well ask.

Well, as they sometimes say, 'things change'.

You need to understand now that, when it happens, you will never know that the mainstream media has been silenced.

One of the rules is that they cannot tell you they have 'gagging orders' or if they do, they are closed down - their licence being revoked with immediate effect.

America simply cannot succeed under Trump unless he carries a very big (military) stick and is prepared to use it when dealing with countries and trade blocs which oppose his foreign policy agendas - particularly those economic and military agendas he will need to secure to fulfill anything remotely like the promises he has made to a disaffected and disillusioned home base of loyal followers.

As I have said on many occasions China will be one of two main beneficiaries.

China's number one foreign policy dictum is 'never get involved in the domestic affairs of business partners – just do the business'.

China will accept whatever level of tariffs Trump imposes – and pass them on to the American consumer in the form of higher prices.  It's a win-win situation for both Trump and China.

President Trump can say he imposed phenomenal tariffs - 100-500-1000% - on Chinese-made products and goods and China can 'play ping-pong' – complaining publicly about such 'unfair' 'illegal' practices, doing nothing else, and quietly passing on the prices to consumers worldwide – they will still be cheaper - even with the higher price tags - than anything which could be manufactured in Michigan or Oregon – unless Trump introduces a 'slave economy' to manufacture 'made in America' goods and produce.

(Perhaps using incarcerated prisoners in the [privatized] Federal Prisons system to produce 'slave labor' goods and, with the Supreme Court 'secured', changing the law to expand this practice and make it perfectly legal.)

As I also said, many intellectuals and persons of wealth will now look for

temporary abode (political asylum) in other domains.

The same happened in prewar Nazi Germany. Those who were wise (and rich enough) got out well in advance of all the restrictive laws being passed.

But remember, most Americans do not have such resources and will just have to learn to live (and suffer) under the (democratically elected) totalitarian dictatorship of Donald Trump.  I always keep mentioning, because people forget, that The Fuhrer was democratically elected into office in Germany on the back of popular discontent, and was 'invited' to form a new government.

In the short term this will be a disaster but in the longer term it will be a 'cleansing' process for the United States.

So China has nothing to loose (and indeed many things to gain) under a Trump dictatorship.

As to the American ordinary folk as a whole, as I said earlier, most will remain exactly where they have always been – at the bottom of the heap with no hope, no future, no prospects, no equality and certainly no justice.

(For the latter it is clear that most of Trump's appointees to his Cabinet will favor voting rights restrictions and legitimize Gerrymandering to secure future Republican majorities in both Houses.   Trump can do this if he makes the 'right' Supreme Court appointments and subsequent amendments are made to the U.S. Constitution – which is also highly likely.)

“Respice post te! Hominem te esse memento! Memento mori!”

Broken promises and shattered dreams will be Trump's legacy to the majority of the American people.

My hope is that you will not be flying over Washington eight or ten or twenty years from now and seeing it as we saw Berlin in ruins after a devastating war which cost 50 million lives.

I am pretty sure you will not, but nothing is for absolute certainty in this world.

©Patrick Emek, November 2016

http://www.politico.com/magazine/thepeoplewhopickthepresident/2016

http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/11/11/13588048/electoral-college-petition-clinton-trump

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1755_Lisbon_earthquake

https://lifeafter40.net/2014/12/25/the-1755-lisbon-earthquake-the-start-of-atheism/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_Un-American_Activities_Committee

http://www.danieldykes.com/post/10473093243/memento-mori

The Electoral College

There has been a 'buzz' in the Left Wing Press over the past few days that Trump will be stopped by the Electoral College.

I have never read so much nonsense in my life – other than the rubbish put out by Trump about Mexican illegal immigrants all being rapists drug dealers and murderers.

Let us be clear about one thing: Donald Trump will become President of The United States of America in January – whether you or I like it or not.

That is a titanic fact of life.  I say 'titanic because now, only God himself (or herself!) can stop this from happening – and, as I always say, don't ever rely on the 'Cavalry' to come to the rescue in time to save your sweet and sorry ass.

It might help to read the reference I give taken from the magazine 'Politico' which explains how the electoral college is made up.

Another very good read is Vox Media (also given below).

Both will clearly explain to those with their heads in the clouds (or in the sand!) why Donald Trump will be comfortably elected President by the Electoral College – and probably by the numbers given.

Yes I know, Hillary won the popular vote.

(The only interesting fact here – and one which neither Politico nor Vox mention by the way – is that the Electoral College exists to prevent a demagogue or tyrant coming to power.   It is the last 'fail-safe' check in the process – just in case the electorate 'got it wrong' and elected a madman or tyrant.

Apparently Politico nor Vox do not think that this is worth mentioning to you so I thought I would just add it for your deeper thinking and consideration.)

Every Dark Cloud Has …......

I can understand the dismay, anger and frustration – but there is a silver lining to the U.S. Election.

Trump will pick the most right-wing most extremist team which has existed in any Cabinet in the democratic world since the Fuhrer Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany.

The people he appoints – from the Supreme Court downwards – will all be working to implement what can only be called neo-Right (Nirvana) policies.

The 'Donkey' Mainstream Media Which Gave Platform To Mr Trump and His New 'Movement'

With the media cowed into silence by new anti-defamation and libel laws

(see my blog 'what if Trump becomes President') and McCarthy-like Witch hunts in full swing against 'anti-Trump' vocal activists for 'unAmerican activities' and 'supporters of terrorism'; I know how bizarre this is going to sound, but when America finally emerges from the darkness it's about to plunge into for some time, the 'cleansing' process will be better for real democracy, worldwide.

Poor Is The Man …........

I recently saw a very interesting documentary about the great earthquake and tsunami followed by firestorms with temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees, which devastated Lisbon, Portugal, on All Saints Day, 1755.

To cut a long story short, the Chief Inquisitor and most of the noblemen and women perished in the ensuing firestorms because of the time of day it struck – most were praying in the early day because it was a Holy Day.

The people spared by the earthquake, tsunami and fire (before law and order were restored) were mainly criminals in the prisons who created terror as they ravaged and pillaged the rubble human, animal and charcoaled remains of what was once one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Law and order was eventually restored and, the new Prime Minister of Lisbon (Sebastião de Melo, Marquis of Pombal, a title which was only granted to him for services rendered in 1770, fifteen years after the great earthquake, tsunami and firestorms.). to show his contempt of religion, made one last gesture – burning alive a prominent Catholic Priest – before declaring that the Inquisition was a thing of the past and religious persecution, effectively dead.

[The priest in question was a political enemy and had attempted to earlier get the (now) Prime Minister or 'Ruler' of Lisbon indicted by Inquisitors on charges of immorality and licentious living.]

[If you are a religious believer, it may also interest you that the earthquake tsunami and ensuing firestorms destroyed all of Lisbon's churches - filled to capacity with the faithful – it being All Saints Day - mansions, citadels, manorial and diplomatic residences and the only buildings which remained undamaged were Lisbon's brothels (!) - all completely spared from the devastation from which the city never recovered, even to this day, as a center of European and global trade and commerce.

Through equally bizarre circumstances (involving another 'wobbly' or structurally failing building - The British Embassy in Lisbon - where we were to have been originally hosted) I was a 'guest' in what was one of the earthquake, tsunami and fire 'spared' brothels - used for the past century, I need to hastily add, for more 'legitimate' matters – such as business meetings, conferences and diplomatic receptions.   It was a very impressive, very comfortable and a very ornate building – reflective of the wealth and opulence which gave it patronage before 1755.]

So 'what has all this to do with President-elect Trump?'; you may well ask.

Well, as they sometimes say, 'things change'.

You need to understand now that, when it happens, you will never know that the mainstream media has been silenced.

One of the rules is that they cannot tell you they have 'gagging orders' or if they do, they are closed down - their licence being revoked with immediate effect.

America simply cannot succeed under Trump unless he carries a very big (military) stick and is prepared to use it when dealing with countries and trade blocs which oppose his foreign policy agendas - particularly those economic and military agendas he will need to secure to fulfill anything remotely like the promises he has made to a disaffected and disillusioned home base of loyal followers.

As I have said on many occasions China will be one of two main beneficiaries.

China's number one foreign policy dictum is 'never get involved in the domestic affairs of business partners – just do the business'.

China will accept whatever level of tariffs Trump imposes – and pass them on to the American consumer in the form of higher prices. It's a win-win situation for both Trump and China.

President Trump can say he imposed phenomenal tariffs - 100-500-1000% - on Chinese-made products and goods and China can 'play ping-pong' – complaining publicly about such 'unfair' 'illegal' practices, doing nothing else, and quietly passing on the prices to consumers worldwide – they will still be cheaper - even with the higher price tags - than anything which could be manufactured in Michigan or Oregon – unless Trump introduces a 'slave economy' to manufacture 'made in America' goods and produce.

(Perhaps using incarcerated prisoners in the [privatized] Federal Prisons system to produce 'slave labor' goods and, with the Supreme Court 'secured'. changing the law to expand this practice and make it perfectly legal.)

As I also said, many intellectuals and persons of wealth will now look for

temporary abode (political asylum) in other domains.

The same happened in prewar Nazi Germany.   Those who were wise (and rich enough) got out well in advance of all the restrictive laws being passed.

But remember, most Americans do not have such resources and will just have to learn to live (and suffer) under the (democratically elected) totalitarian dictatorship of Donald Trump.   I always keep mentioning, because people forget, that The Fuhrer was democratically elected into office in Germany on the back of popular discontent, and was 'invited' to form a new government.

In the short term this will be a disaster but in the longer term it will be a 'cleansing' process for the United States.

So China has nothing to loose (and indeed many things to gain) under a Trump dictatorship.

As to the American ordinary folk as a whole, as I said earlier, most will remain exactly where they have always been – at the bottom of the heap with no hope, no future, no prospects, no equality and certainly no justice.

(For the latter it is clear that most of Trump's appointees to his Cabinet will favor voting rights restrictions and legitimize Gerrymandering to secure future Republican majorities in both Houses. Trump can do this if he makes the 'right' Supreme Court appointments and subsequent amendments are made to the U.S. Constitution – which is also highly likely.)

“Respice post te! Hominem te esse memento! Memento mori!”

Broken promises and shattered dreams will be Trump's legacy to the majority of the American people.

My hope is that you will not be flying over Washington eight or ten or twenty years from now and seeing it as we saw Berlin in ruins after a devastating war which cost 50 million lives.

I am pretty sure you will not, but nothing is for absolute certainty in this world.

©Patrick Emek, November 2016

http://www.politico.com/magazine/thepeoplewhopickthepresident/2016

http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/11/11/13588048/electoral-college-petition-clinton-trump

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1755_Lisbon_earthquake

https://lifeafter40.net/2014/12/25/the-1755-lisbon-earthquake-the-start-of-atheism/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_Un-American_Activities_Committee

http://www.danieldykes.com/post/10473093243/memento-mori

The Electoral College

There has been a 'buzz' in the Left Wing Press over the past few days that Trump will be stopped by the Electoral College.

I have never read so much nonsense in my life – other than the rubbish put out by Trump about Mexican illegal immigrants all being rapists drug dealers and murderers.

Let us be clear about one thing: Donald Trump will become President of The United States of America in January – whether you or I like it or not.

That is a titanic fact of life. I say 'titanic because now, only God himself (or herself!) can stop this from happening – and, as I always say, don't ever rely on the 'Cavalry' to come to the rescue in time to save your sweet and sorry ass.

It might help to read the reference I give taken from the magazine 'Politico' which explains how the electoral college is made up.

Another very good read is Vox Media (also given below).

Both will clearly explain to those with their heads in the clouds (or in the sand!) why Donald Trump will be comfortably elected President by the Electoral College – and probably by the numbers given.

Yes I know, Hillary won the popular vote.

(The only interesting fact here – and one which neither Politico nor Vox mention by the way – is that the Electoral College exists to prevent a demagogue or tyrant coming to power. It is the last 'fail-safe' check in the process – just in case the electorate 'got it wrong' and elected a madman or tyrant.

Apparently Politico nor Vox do not think that this is worth mentioning to you so I thought I would just add it for your deeper thinking and consideration.)

Every Dark Cloud Has …......

I can understand the dismay, anger and frustration – but there is a silver lining to the U.S. Election.

Trump will pick the most right-wing most extremist team which has existed in any Cabinet in the democratic world since the Fuhrer Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany.

The people he appoints – from the Supreme Court downwards – will all be working to implement what can only be called neo-Right (Nirvana) policies.

The 'Donkey' Mainstream Media Which Gave Platform To Mr Trump and His New 'Movement'

With the media cowed into silence by new anti-defamation and libel laws

(see my blog 'what if Trump becomes President') and McCarthy-like Witch hunts in full swing against 'anti-Trump' vocal activists for 'unAmerican activities' and 'supporters of terrorism'; I know how bizarre this is going to sound, but when America finally emerges from the darkness it's about to plunge into for some time, the 'cleansing' process will be better for real democracy, worldwide.

Poor Is The Man …........

I recently saw a very interesting documentary about the great earthquake and tsunami followed by firestorms with temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees, which devastated Lisbon, Portugal, on All Saints Day, 1755.

To cut a long story short, the Chief Inquisitor and most of the noblemen and women perished in the ensuing firestorms because of the time of day it struck – most were praying in the early day because it was a Holy Day.

The people spared by the earthquake, tsunami and fire (before law and order were restored) were mainly criminals in the prisons who created terror as they ravaged and pillaged the rubble human, animal and charcoaled remains of what was once one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Law and order was eventually restored and, the new Prime Minister of Lisbon (Sebastião de Melo, Marquis of Pombal, a title which was only granted to him for services rendered in 1770, fifteen years after the great earthquake, tsunami and firestorms.). to show his contempt of religion, made one last gesture – burning alive a prominent Catholic Priest – before declaring that the Inquisition was a thing of the past and religious persecution, effectively dead.

[The priest in question was a political enemy and had attempted to earlier get the (now) Prime Minister or 'Ruler' of Lisbon indicted by Inquisitors on charges of immorality and licentious living.]

[If you are a religious believer, it may also interest you that the earthquake tsunami and ensuing firestorms destroyed all of Lisbon's churches - filled to capacity with the faithful – it being All Saints Day - mansions, citadels, manorial and diplomatic residences and the only buildings which remained undamaged were Lisbon's brothels (!) , all completely spared from the devastation from which the city never recovered, even to this day, as a center of European and global trade and commerce.

Through equally bizarre circumstances (involving another 'wobbly' or structurally failing building - The British Embassy in Lisbon - where we were to have been originally hosted) I was a 'guest' in what was one of the earthquake, tsunami and fire 'spared' brothels - used for the past century, I need to hastily add, for more 'legitimate' matters – such as business meetings, conferences and diplomatic receptions.    It was a very impressive, very comfortable and a very ornate building – reflective of the wealth and opulence which gave it patronage before 1755.]

So 'what has all this to do with President-elect Trump?, you may well ask.

Well, as they sometimes say, 'things change'.

You need to understand now that, when it happens, you will never know that the mainstream media has been silenced.

One of the rules is that they cannot tell you they have 'gagging orders' or if they do, they are closed down - their licence being revoked with immediate effect.

America simply cannot succeed under Trump unless he carries a very big (military) stick and is prepared to use it when dealing with countries and trade blocs which oppose his foreign policy agendas - particularly those economic and military agendas he will need to secure to fulfill anything remotely like the promises he has made to a disaffected and disillusioned home base of loyal followers.

As I have said on many occasions China will be one of two main beneficiaries.

China's number one foreign policy dictum is 'never get involved in the domestic affairs of business partners – just do the business'.

China will accept whatever level of tariffs Trump imposes – and pass them on to the American consumer in the form of higher prices.   It's a win-win situation for both Trump and China.

President Trump can say he imposed phenomenal tariffs - 100-500-1000% - on Chinese-made products and goods and China can 'play ping-pong' – complaining publicly about such 'unfair' 'illegal' practices, doing nothing else, and quietly passing on the prices to consumers worldwide – they will still be cheaper - even with the higher price tags - than anything which could be manufactured in Michigan or Oregon – unless Trump introduces a 'slave economy' to manufacture 'made in America' goods and produce.

(Perhaps using incarcerated prisoners in the [privatized] Federal Prisons system to produce 'slave labor' goods and, with the Supreme Court 'secured'. changing the law to expand this practice and make it perfectly legal.)

As I also said, many intellectuals and persons of wealth will now look for

temporary abode (political asylum) in other domains.

The same happened in prewar Nazi Germany. Those who were wise (and rich enough) got out well in advance of all the restrictive laws being passed.

But remember, most Americans do not have such resources and will just have to learn to live (and suffer) under the (democratically elected) totalitarian dictatorship of Donald Trump.   I always keep mentioning, because people forget, that The Fuhrer was democratically elected into office in Germany on the back of popular discontent, and was 'invited' to form a new government.

In the short term this will be a disaster but in the longer term it will be a 'cleansing' process for the United States.

So China has nothing to loose (and indeed many things to gain) under a Trump dictatorship.

As to the American ordinary folk as a whole, as I said earlier, most will remain exactly where they have always been – at the bottom of the heap with no hope, no future, no prospects, no equality and certainly no justice.

(For the latter it is clear that most of Trump's appointees to his Cabinet will favor voting rights restrictions and legitimize Gerrymandering to secure future Republican majorities in both Houses. Trump can do this if he makes the 'right' Supreme Court appointments and subsequent amendments are made to the U.S. Constitution – which is also highly likely.)

“Respice post te! Hominem te esse memento! Memento mori!”

Broken promises and shattered dreams will be Trump's legacy to the majority of the American people.

My hope is that you will not be flying over Washington eight or ten or twenty years from now and seeing it as we saw Berlin in ruins after a devastating war which cost 50 million lives.

I am pretty sure you will not, but nothing is for absolute certainty in this world.

©Patrick Emek, November 2016

http://www.politico.com/magazine/thepeoplewhopickthepresident/2016

http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/11/11/13588048/electoral-college-petition-clinton-trump

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1755_Lisbon_earthquake

https://lifeafter40.net/2014/12/25/the-1755-lisbon-earthquake-the-start-of-atheism/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_Un-American_Activities_Committee

http://www.danieldykes.com/post/10473093243/memento-mori