Thank you for your lucid rejection of the Trump's abominable speech and behavior.... I hope he burns in hell for all of eternity for all the people he has hurt and is still hurting.
Aaah, Chania! Wonderful atmosphere, people, and cuisine. Enjoyed several stops to refuel and load stores in Souda Bay. Enjoy your spring break— Omalá taxídia and kala orexi!
In May of this year I chose to retire from federal service and a job I loved, mainly because my values - that served me well over the previous 45 years - were so misaligned with my two new bosses (SECDEF and POTUS) that I could no longer work in that Chain of Command. Their actions to date have demonstrated how right my assessment was of their character and integrity, and this is a glaring example. Enjoy Crete!
I can’t think of any good defense of Trump’s post, but I’ve never voted for the guy. My guess is that some of his defenders will just say you’re making a big deal out of something that isn’t that bad, but that’s a cheap cop out.
No predictions on the basketball season. Was at a brewery downtown (Charlottesville, of course) during the Duke game and it was pretty exciting when we tied it up in the fourth quarter and then a huge letdown when we lost. A bunch of students were there and I don’t know that any of them bought a beer. The place technically closed, but they let us all hang out when the game went into overtime.
Perhaps it is time to recall what many of us were taught long ago: Sticks and Stones may break my bones
But words shall never hurt me.
The country knew how Trump spoke and wrote when they elected him. Many had heard him on "The Apprentice." One may not like it, but one can't now say they didn't know.
Perhaps try something I have used. Normalize the person - then look to see when or if they deviate from THEIR norm - not yours.
Some think others are so busy complaining about what the president is saying that they don't pay attention to his accomplishments - some of which are still working. But:
The border has been secured from illegal entry by felons, drug dealers, child and women traffickers, etc.
There is a war on against drugs coming to the U.S. to kill our citizens and its successful.
The bloat in Federal Government has been significantly reduced.
Wasteful spending is being reduced and money spent is being required to be accounted for - not just shoveled out of DC via a trough.
We have a president who is actually more interested in peace than war. I don't know that he will stop the excursions of Russia, China or Iran; But, he certainly has been more successful than his two predecessors.
Some like the green energy initiatives. They were never based on the real science behind earth's climate change. The president is putting us on a path of self-sufficiency and reliance.
Our trade deficit was ignored. The president has taken steps to decrease the deficit that occurred because other countries took advantage of our laws.
There is more - but it is time to put things in perspective instead of the constant hate messages - yes from the president - but also from the opposition which is not often the "loyal" opposition.
Let's start with understanding what and why actions are being taken instead of what appears to be a "ready, shoot and aim" mentality.
I think the purpose of being taught that by my parents and grandparents was to instill in us how we should learn to respond to words - that we can not and should not allow ourselves to let words affect our actions or self. The words said more about the person saying them than about us. It was not a lesson that we shouldn't be careful about how we ourselves use words that may hurt others.
Bryan, I run a blog as well. Rather than my interpreting what one of my members meant, I prefer to allow my member to clarify. In fact, I did not say or mean that the president's behavior was "acceptable to me." One of the points made was that the U.S. elected Trump as our President with full knowledge of how he speaks in public. Spending time trying to change a leopards spots to stripes may assuage our inner self but it is not a worthwhile effort. What is useful, is discussing the president's policies after fully understanding the pros and cons of what he is doing and why. "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." (Covey) I find little of that being done among those criticizing our President.
I don't know where to begin with this, so I'll dive right in. First, congratulations on how you administer your blog. This is however, obviously not your blog, and I prefer to run it as I see fit. You wish for this to be a discussion of policy, and to that end, you cited numerous policies that you support. This is not and was not a policy discussion. It has been from the beginning a discussion of character, behavior, temperament, judgment, and civility, and the degree to which the president deviates from these virtues. You believe discussing these things to be "..not a worthwhile effort...", whereas I believe the diminishing of our national character by casual acceptance of these things to be damaging to civil society, and therefore not only worth the effort, but necessary. You cite leopards and spots as for you, this is about Trump. For ME, this is about us, the voters, and interestingly enough, our spots DO change. "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." (Various, disputed). I find a great deal of this among those supporting the President.
I made no comment about how you run your blog, including that it should be about policy. It is, of course, entirely up to you. I also did not say one should agree with the President's personal manner in conducting business. Nor did I say I support the President's actions. I did offer some general advice that might lead to constructive discussion of areas of national interest whenever one is so inclined to discuss them. The question of whether the country should have a president who speaks and acts as our president does was answered by a majority of U.S. citizens voting - and by a majority of the electoral college twice. The time to effectively raise questions about his personality was prior to those elections. I find that attacking the President for his personal traits, while it may serve our personal interests and even make the case for how we think society should act also undermines what our President does for the good of our citizens and in his ability to conduct foreign affairs. There are many who thinks he undermines his own ability to accomplish things as President. Trump will have to live with the results of his own actions. We too will have to live with what he accomplishes or does not accomplish.
No hideous Truth Social post is complete until Karoline Leavitt comes out with her Crucifix dangling from her neck and says "I think the American people take these frank and open comments as refreshing and authentic, something they longed for on cold winter days like a warm LL Bean parka and a cup o' warm cocoa during the Autopens Presidency". Until then it's just draft hideousness.
"Yesterday, December 14, 2025, a man and his wife were stabbed to death in their California home by their troubled son. Shortly thereafter, our President reacted to the news on his social network"
All I can say about Trumps post/response is THUMBS DOWN!!
Speaking as a Big Fan of Trump, He Screwed The Pooch on this!
"Kentucky Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie called President Donald Trump’s comments following the deaths of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, producer Michele Singer Reiner, “inappropriate and disrespectful discourse.” It is refreshing to see a Republican Representative speak "truth to power" and call out Mr. Trump's spiteful comments. Is there any difference between the crude comments concerning Charlie Kirk's death and Mr. Trump's rant? Just my humble opinion but I see no difference. The lack of moral values by so many of our political and military leaders is discouraging. Just the rambling thoughts of an old hermit. (Enjoy your time in Crete.)
The comments about Charlie Kirk that got people the most upset were the ones that just directly quoted what he - Charlie Kirk - said. Trump didn't quote Rob Reiner. Your attempt to "both-sides" this is indefensible.
Only those who seethe with unremitting hatred would overlook his praise of a "very talented movie director and comedy star," and "may they rest in peace."
Reiner hated Trump and took every opportunity to remind us.
I don't ooze joyfully at Trump's post. I found it completely unnecessary.
You missed my point, which was critical of the constant glass half full approach to the President, ignoring the praise and best wishes while drawing attention only to the low life response to a man who hated Trump with a vengeance. Those political enemies who can only praise and not bury the deceased exist in literature only.
As for "once" I took it to mean he once upon a time made great movies, which is true. But his last film, per Wikipedia released in 2017, Shock and Awe, was a box office bomb, grossing just $77,980 in the United States and Canada and $104,435 in other territories, for a worldwide total of $182,415, plus $2.6 million with home video sales, against a $16 million budget.
Trump’s vitriol and immature disrespect for someone who had just been murdered (no matter whether Reiner disliked Trump) cancels out any “rest in peace” thrown in the disgraceful post. I’m just glad some Republicans are speaking out against Trump for his pettiness and lack of leadership in these times.
Crete is wonderful. However to go there you must visit the Knossos palace. There are very good vineyards in the hills well worth seeing. Chania is archeological gem where Christian, Jews and Muslims all found a home. Studying how the Greeks defended their island during WWII is also worthwhile. Finally, the simplest restaurant or cafe will have the best food.
I wish y'all the best whilst visiting Crete! Sea Story follows:
I've never been there, but I was a rider in several boats that passed by south of the island, silently unobserved back in the late 1970s.
Well, there was that ONE time when "my" boat surfaced to allow a CTF67 CDR to be lifted up into a CH-3 for transport to USS SARATOGA and return to AFSOUTH.
The KRIVAK II SKR following the B1RD Farm followed the helicopter and...there we were, on the surface. CDR Houley, our Skipper, was not happy as he pulled the plug and created a hell of an SPL that threw off the KRIVAK II when the Skipper slowed to 3 knots and backed away in order to continue our mission.
I understand that the CTF-67 rider was safely recovered and made his way home.
About your Main Point, Captain...
The President's bleat about the murders of Rob and Michele Reiner is indefensible. Period.
As is his apparent indignation against the public perception of their status in our current economy or his assertion that their perception is caused by a "hoax" concerning "affordability" on the whole.
3. Remember - 🎵“Virginia was Virginia, when Maryland was a pup…🎶
2. I would guess you’ve seen it, however Terri Morrison’s “Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands” is a great primer for international travel (it was just re-released, with updates, last month and is available on Amazon)
1. Bleh. Hopefully 2028 candidates are better at discourse, and remember it’s possible to disagree vehemently without resorting to childishness. We need to remember and nominate capable, secure adults who don’t need sycophants around.
Bonus point: Bryan McGrath for US Senate! Then for President (you’re young enough!). I’d vote for McGrath-Manchin, or McGrath - Haley. 😉
Maybe we make it “Haley - McGrath,” and pay you in Bitcoin. That way you get eternal income (after the bubble bursts and recovers), plus you pick up the youth vote since “Haley - McGrath” sounds like “Hailey Bieber”….
Thank you for your lucid rejection of the Trump's abominable speech and behavior.... I hope he burns in hell for all of eternity for all the people he has hurt and is still hurting.
Aaah, Chania! Wonderful atmosphere, people, and cuisine. Enjoyed several stops to refuel and load stores in Souda Bay. Enjoy your spring break— Omalá taxídia and kala orexi!
In May of this year I chose to retire from federal service and a job I loved, mainly because my values - that served me well over the previous 45 years - were so misaligned with my two new bosses (SECDEF and POTUS) that I could no longer work in that Chain of Command. Their actions to date have demonstrated how right my assessment was of their character and integrity, and this is a glaring example. Enjoy Crete!
The problem is that TDS and RATS are not remotely the same thing. I'm all in on RATS; I'm completely done with TDS.
I can’t think of any good defense of Trump’s post, but I’ve never voted for the guy. My guess is that some of his defenders will just say you’re making a big deal out of something that isn’t that bad, but that’s a cheap cop out.
No predictions on the basketball season. Was at a brewery downtown (Charlottesville, of course) during the Duke game and it was pretty exciting when we tied it up in the fourth quarter and then a huge letdown when we lost. A bunch of students were there and I don’t know that any of them bought a beer. The place technically closed, but they let us all hang out when the game went into overtime.
Couldn’t be more succinctly written. Absolutely indefensible. Where is the Charlie Kirk outrage?
Perhaps it is time to recall what many of us were taught long ago: Sticks and Stones may break my bones
But words shall never hurt me.
The country knew how Trump spoke and wrote when they elected him. Many had heard him on "The Apprentice." One may not like it, but one can't now say they didn't know.
Perhaps try something I have used. Normalize the person - then look to see when or if they deviate from THEIR norm - not yours.
Some think others are so busy complaining about what the president is saying that they don't pay attention to his accomplishments - some of which are still working. But:
The border has been secured from illegal entry by felons, drug dealers, child and women traffickers, etc.
There is a war on against drugs coming to the U.S. to kill our citizens and its successful.
The bloat in Federal Government has been significantly reduced.
Wasteful spending is being reduced and money spent is being required to be accounted for - not just shoveled out of DC via a trough.
We have a president who is actually more interested in peace than war. I don't know that he will stop the excursions of Russia, China or Iran; But, he certainly has been more successful than his two predecessors.
Some like the green energy initiatives. They were never based on the real science behind earth's climate change. The president is putting us on a path of self-sufficiency and reliance.
Our trade deficit was ignored. The president has taken steps to decrease the deficit that occurred because other countries took advantage of our laws.
There is more - but it is time to put things in perspective instead of the constant hate messages - yes from the president - but also from the opposition which is not often the "loyal" opposition.
Let's start with understanding what and why actions are being taken instead of what appears to be a "ready, shoot and aim" mentality.
What we were taught is wrong. Words can and do hurt.
I think the purpose of being taught that by my parents and grandparents was to instill in us how we should learn to respond to words - that we can not and should not allow ourselves to let words affect our actions or self. The words said more about the person saying them than about us. It was not a lesson that we shouldn't be careful about how we ourselves use words that may hurt others.
And I'll put you down as "I like some things he does, so the behavior is acceptable to me".
Bryan, I run a blog as well. Rather than my interpreting what one of my members meant, I prefer to allow my member to clarify. In fact, I did not say or mean that the president's behavior was "acceptable to me." One of the points made was that the U.S. elected Trump as our President with full knowledge of how he speaks in public. Spending time trying to change a leopards spots to stripes may assuage our inner self but it is not a worthwhile effort. What is useful, is discussing the president's policies after fully understanding the pros and cons of what he is doing and why. "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." (Covey) I find little of that being done among those criticizing our President.
I don't know where to begin with this, so I'll dive right in. First, congratulations on how you administer your blog. This is however, obviously not your blog, and I prefer to run it as I see fit. You wish for this to be a discussion of policy, and to that end, you cited numerous policies that you support. This is not and was not a policy discussion. It has been from the beginning a discussion of character, behavior, temperament, judgment, and civility, and the degree to which the president deviates from these virtues. You believe discussing these things to be "..not a worthwhile effort...", whereas I believe the diminishing of our national character by casual acceptance of these things to be damaging to civil society, and therefore not only worth the effort, but necessary. You cite leopards and spots as for you, this is about Trump. For ME, this is about us, the voters, and interestingly enough, our spots DO change. "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." (Various, disputed). I find a great deal of this among those supporting the President.
I made no comment about how you run your blog, including that it should be about policy. It is, of course, entirely up to you. I also did not say one should agree with the President's personal manner in conducting business. Nor did I say I support the President's actions. I did offer some general advice that might lead to constructive discussion of areas of national interest whenever one is so inclined to discuss them. The question of whether the country should have a president who speaks and acts as our president does was answered by a majority of U.S. citizens voting - and by a majority of the electoral college twice. The time to effectively raise questions about his personality was prior to those elections. I find that attacking the President for his personal traits, while it may serve our personal interests and even make the case for how we think society should act also undermines what our President does for the good of our citizens and in his ability to conduct foreign affairs. There are many who thinks he undermines his own ability to accomplish things as President. Trump will have to live with the results of his own actions. We too will have to live with what he accomplishes or does not accomplish.
Some people will twist themselves in knots to rationalize their beliefs.
No hideous Truth Social post is complete until Karoline Leavitt comes out with her Crucifix dangling from her neck and says "I think the American people take these frank and open comments as refreshing and authentic, something they longed for on cold winter days like a warm LL Bean parka and a cup o' warm cocoa during the Autopens Presidency". Until then it's just draft hideousness.
"Yesterday, December 14, 2025, a man and his wife were stabbed to death in their California home by their troubled son. Shortly thereafter, our President reacted to the news on his social network"
All I can say about Trumps post/response is THUMBS DOWN!!
Speaking as a Big Fan of Trump, He Screwed The Pooch on this!
?
I eagerly await the PBS special narration
"Kentucky Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie called President Donald Trump’s comments following the deaths of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, producer Michele Singer Reiner, “inappropriate and disrespectful discourse.” It is refreshing to see a Republican Representative speak "truth to power" and call out Mr. Trump's spiteful comments. Is there any difference between the crude comments concerning Charlie Kirk's death and Mr. Trump's rant? Just my humble opinion but I see no difference. The lack of moral values by so many of our political and military leaders is discouraging. Just the rambling thoughts of an old hermit. (Enjoy your time in Crete.)
The comments about Charlie Kirk that got people the most upset were the ones that just directly quoted what he - Charlie Kirk - said. Trump didn't quote Rob Reiner. Your attempt to "both-sides" this is indefensible.
Only those who seethe with unremitting hatred would overlook his praise of a "very talented movie director and comedy star," and "may they rest in peace."
Reiner hated Trump and took every opportunity to remind us.
"once" "very talented movie director..." Only those who ooze joyfully at behavior like this would overlook that important word.
I don't ooze joyfully at Trump's post. I found it completely unnecessary.
You missed my point, which was critical of the constant glass half full approach to the President, ignoring the praise and best wishes while drawing attention only to the low life response to a man who hated Trump with a vengeance. Those political enemies who can only praise and not bury the deceased exist in literature only.
As for "once" I took it to mean he once upon a time made great movies, which is true. But his last film, per Wikipedia released in 2017, Shock and Awe, was a box office bomb, grossing just $77,980 in the United States and Canada and $104,435 in other territories, for a worldwide total of $182,415, plus $2.6 million with home video sales, against a $16 million budget.
Only the greatest of fools would even suggest "very talented movie director" with or without the word 'once' was a genuine compliment.
Trump’s vitriol and immature disrespect for someone who had just been murdered (no matter whether Reiner disliked Trump) cancels out any “rest in peace” thrown in the disgraceful post. I’m just glad some Republicans are speaking out against Trump for his pettiness and lack of leadership in these times.
Why didn't he wait until they were buried before binging Politics into this!
Crete is wonderful. However to go there you must visit the Knossos palace. There are very good vineyards in the hills well worth seeing. Chania is archeological gem where Christian, Jews and Muslims all found a home. Studying how the Greeks defended their island during WWII is also worthwhile. Finally, the simplest restaurant or cafe will have the best food.
I wish y'all the best whilst visiting Crete! Sea Story follows:
I've never been there, but I was a rider in several boats that passed by south of the island, silently unobserved back in the late 1970s.
Well, there was that ONE time when "my" boat surfaced to allow a CTF67 CDR to be lifted up into a CH-3 for transport to USS SARATOGA and return to AFSOUTH.
The KRIVAK II SKR following the B1RD Farm followed the helicopter and...there we were, on the surface. CDR Houley, our Skipper, was not happy as he pulled the plug and created a hell of an SPL that threw off the KRIVAK II when the Skipper slowed to 3 knots and backed away in order to continue our mission.
I understand that the CTF-67 rider was safely recovered and made his way home.
About your Main Point, Captain...
The President's bleat about the murders of Rob and Michele Reiner is indefensible. Period.
As is his apparent indignation against the public perception of their status in our current economy or his assertion that their perception is caused by a "hoax" concerning "affordability" on the whole.
I won't rant further, not now and not here.
S chastlivogo plavanie!
Well…. In reverse order:
3. Remember - 🎵“Virginia was Virginia, when Maryland was a pup…🎶
2. I would guess you’ve seen it, however Terri Morrison’s “Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands” is a great primer for international travel (it was just re-released, with updates, last month and is available on Amazon)
1. Bleh. Hopefully 2028 candidates are better at discourse, and remember it’s possible to disagree vehemently without resorting to childishness. We need to remember and nominate capable, secure adults who don’t need sycophants around.
Bonus point: Bryan McGrath for US Senate! Then for President (you’re young enough!). I’d vote for McGrath-Manchin, or McGrath - Haley. 😉
If nominated, I will not run. If elected, I will not serve.
Maybe we make it “Haley - McGrath,” and pay you in Bitcoin. That way you get eternal income (after the bubble bursts and recovers), plus you pick up the youth vote since “Haley - McGrath” sounds like “Hailey Bieber”….
Justin can do your campaign theme.
(Enjoy the game and your trip, Bryan)
Yep. Scum of the earth.