An Unbiased Look At President Trump
INTRODUCTION:
My staff always advises me to stay out of the political arena. I do listen and actually, prefer not to comment on politics because so many are opinionated without knowing the actual facts. Who needs the drama. However, at times, some things do need to be said. At least by someone. The news media is a great resource, but when a small excerpt of anything is shown, it can be misleading with regards to the bigger picture. We all know life is busy. Therefore, most people will tend to believe what they told. Why not, we trust that everything we are told is true, right? Why wouldn't we? It's the news, politicians are educated and knowledgeable people, right?
In the interest of full disclosure, most writers will tell you they avoid politics because they are not looking to offend anyone. An honest fact. We want people to buy our books, we don't want to anger anyone. As a Best Selling Author and Public Speaker, I am no different, but not at the cost of lowering my values and not speak the truth when it needs to be told. What the heck is the truth? Simply put, the truth is that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality. Funny, nowhere in that definition do I see the word opinion.
Moving on, I do not believe this is a political blog post in the sense that I am choosing a side, meaning, left or right, up or down, in or out. I never pick sides. I choose what I believe is right regardless of the political affiliation, BASED ON FACT. BECAUSE FACTS ARE TRUTH, and cannot be disputed. As an educated individual, firefighter, and paramedic for 30+ years, I have seen more than my share of right and wrong. Therefore, I know the difference. Right and wrong should not be based solely on opinion because there are many determining factors such as the law, upbringing, religious beliefs, and life experience.
When all these factors are considered, the phrase "what society in general," was born. It is what most reasonable people would consider right or wrong. Not everyone will agree, that is the beauty about living in America. However, it is how we express our disagreement that determines many outcomes. Keeping that in mind, before anyone forms an opinion based solely on those factors, and forgets to consider the facts, which as I already explained is truth, we now have what is called "an uneducated opinion." No, that does not mean someone is not intelligent, it means that they are missing the most critical factor that is always required to arrive at an "informed opinion." The facts, which are truth, must always be viewed and considered. The real question is, what are the facts." I will tell you this. They are NOT always what you see, hear, or read. As people, we have a responsibility to do our homework. One of my our quotes, "THE TRUTH IS NOT ALWAYS POPULAR, BUT IT IS ALWAYS THE TRUTH WHETHER WE LIKE IT, OR AGREE WITH IT." With the facts, you have the truth. You can now come to an INFORMED OPINION.
Now that I set some groundwork, this post is about the concepts of perception and opinion, versus facts. It just so happens that our current President falls prey to each of those concepts which makes everything he does, or says, extremely controversial. How do I know this? One of my jobs as a health care provider was to evaluate the care that was provided to patients. At times, I would see a video clip on the news regarding an event we were involved with. On the surface, one would think there were problems with the initial care, or proper care may have been delayed. It certainly did look that way when I got the angry call to review this information and supply some answers. Video editing is a wonderful tool. In every case, when I viewed the COMPLETE clip and compared it to the timeline of the call, I found the media edited out many things. Now I am NOT saying this was deliberate. It was not. The media is prisoner to the constraints of time. Of course, they would edit what to them was not pertinent. However, when aired, it made the event look completely different. SO LET ME BE CLEAR. I am not saying it was deliberate, in fact, I know it was not. When I would contact the reporting station to discuss this, I also learned a great deal. At the same time, I provided a bit of education as well. This was for one or two stations out of thousands. That is like trying to fix the broken leg of a mosquito that is lost somewhere in the woods. My point being, when the full footage was viewed, the event appeared completely different. What do you think? Does that issue create a perception problem that will affect viewers? Of course, it does. With that said, how does that affect perception, opinion, or fact?
Another example might be, and there are official documented cases of this. Someone takes a video with their cell phone of a police officer wrestling with a suspect. The part that goes on YouTube makes it appear as if in SOME case, the officer is using excessive force. However, when the camera video is confiscated and viewed, or compared to a dash-cam or body cam, the part where the suspect attacked the police officer is never seen. However, once public opinion has been established, it is very difficult to change because special interest groups jump on the bandwagon, it turns into a media frenzy, and a year later, when the truth comes out, it is meaningless, and many believe it is a coverup. Doesn't it seem that so much time and effort is spent destroying people's lives, and so little time is spent on fixing the screw-up? Let's move on.
If you agree with what you are about to read, fine. If not, that is also fine. However, a fact that is hard to swallow is, any intelligent person MUST be able to separate facts from perception and opinion. When you understand the facts, you can then form an educated, informed opinion. Not an opinion that is based solely on perception. If you cannot understand the facts, whether you like them or not, then you are biased when reviewing them and you will NEVER have an INFORMED, or EDUCATED opinion. That does not facilitate individuality or leadership. You are now only a follower, and one of many in the crowd. That ladies and gentleman is the hard cold truth, based on facts.
I am perfectly aware that some will like this post, and others, not so much. I can accept that because that is what America is all about; diversity, and I'm good with that. I've been judged by many over the years because I speak my mind, the truth, and the truth often times hurts. The funny part is, most of those that judge me, I do not have respect for anyway. In my view, that makes their opinion insignificant to me. That being said, remember; whether you like it or not, the truth is truth. The reality is, many people cannot step out of their own shell and put their opinions aside and look at the facts. I can. I don't have to like them, but I can accept them.
Frankly, let's get this statement out of the way. I do not care who anyone voted for or who anyone wanted for our President. I also do not care if you are left, right, conservative, liberal, independent, from Mars, or, what your race, color, or creed is. None of those factors affect the truth because the truth is based on facts. Now, where have you heard that before? Those other factors are only a representation of what people believe base on the ideals of a particular group of people, and factors I mentioned earlier. That is fine if that is your choice. However, know what you perceive may NOT always be the truth. As a society, we need to be aware that not everything every faction stands for is based on truth. To them, it may be what they perceive to be the truth. And that my friends is where the problem begins. Oh yes, everyone is playing ball, but often in different parks.
To understand this post, you should be able to put all of that aside and view the facts first. I wasn't born yesterday. If I make a statement, it can and will be perceived differently by many. This is because everyone's perception and opinion is different, and could be a result of their belief system or a group they belong to. This causes some things to be completely misunderstood versus how I may want my statement to be perceived. THIS IS WHERE MOST POLITICIANS DROP THE BALL because much of what they say is based on their opinion, their party's views, or what they think the American people want to hear, which many times is much different than the actual facts. That is why the saying, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it," is so true. Let us see if you can be unbiased and look at the facts before you form an opinion.
REMEMBER; WHAT YOU ABOUT TO READ IS BASED ON FACTS AND NOT MY OPINION. IF YOU ARE GOING TO READ THIS AND BE OPINIONATED,
"THAT DOG WON'T HUNT."
FACTS:
1. Is President Trump, (and who the President is does not change this statement. If Hillary Clinton had won, maybe some form of disrespectful events would also be occurring), supported by all people and political parties? NO! That is the key thing that makes our present political atmosphere so embarrassing and anti-productive. Our world image is not exactly the best right now.
2. So many have an opinion on this one but have failed to remember that our President has clearly explained on many occasions why this occurs. Why does President Trump use Twitter? It's not because he has nothing better to do. Could it be because our President, as he has stated on many occasions, was unfairly treated by the news media during his campaign, and through his presidency to date. Something, by the way, some media networks publicly admitted. Therefore, he uses Twitter to speak directly to the citizens of this nation. Is this the best scenario for a President, maybe not, that is a matter of choice. So ask yourself, what past President has fallen to the scrutiny at every turn that President Trump has? None that I can think of, except for those that got caught with their hands in the cookie jar, in one form or another, but never right out of the starting gate.
3. Is President Trump a polished politician with regards to how he presents his statements? NO!
Our President was never a politician. He was a businessman, and a successful one at that. For those that have never run a business, that requires a completely different form of politics and skill set. A business professional on that level does not need to win the favor of their employees. Although it is always a good practice to have employees that are engaged and interested in the success of a business, the "boss" receives that recognition by virtue of being the individual that signs the paychecks. As a politician, is our President a man that says it like it is with the minimal amount of sugar coating? ABSOLUTELY! If you remember and want to be honest, this was one of the main reasons people voted for him. He said exactly what was on his mind, and what most Americans were thinking, but afraid to say publicly. That is a big one. As Americans, we are not used to this form of communications from a President. I've been around through many Presidents. Most times, you never knew what the heck they were trying to say because many politicians talk around the issues rather than directly addressing them. You only heard from them in a special news announcement when something was wrong, or at the traditional speeches. Therefore, this method is not tried and true, not traditional, and some do not agree with it. However, many do since social media has become the main outlet for people.
4. Going back a bit, when all of this really started, did both Hillary Clinton and President Trump have things in their past that were not so acceptable to the public? YES. However, find me one individual that doesn't. The only President I could think of that was never found to have anything of considerable concern in their past that surfaced while running, or after elected, was Ronald Reagan. Keep in mind, much of what we know today about people is due to ever-evolving technology, and the ability to obtain this information. Fifty-Years ago, you would have never heard anything about President Trump or Hillary Clinton. The resources were not there like they are now. That does not mean everyone who came before was perfect? ABSOLUTELY NOT! It simply means we may have not had the resources to know about things because the technology was not there. Women did not speak out as freely as they do today, which by the way is a positive step forward, but it doesn't make everyone else angels. My support of women is clearly evident in my book "A Woman's Fear."
Good, bad, or indifferent, times were just different back in the day. What was considered acceptable behavior towards women, right or wrong, was considered the norm. Thank God that has improved. Also, keep in mind with equality, which is the way we should have always been, also comes responsibility. The excuses that many fell back on before, no longer apply. I support total equality at every level, 100%. However, that also comes with total and equal responsibility.
5. Is every decision President Trump makes the right one? OF COURSE NOT. Has every decision any previous President always been the correct one? NEVER! People are human. The fact is, 1 out of every 100 decisions a person makes will be wrong. Even our leaders. We hope that we have the checks and balances in place to correct them or stop a bad decision before it is implemented. This is why we have a Congress and the Senate.
6. Has our country woke up, put our difference aside, and start supporting our President, regardless of their political affiliations? NO WAY! Whose fault is that? OURS, OWN IT! Is that an effective way for people to act? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Therefore, before you cast blame, look in the mirror. We are at a point in time where two major political parties are in a war of wits. That my friends is also a product of a great deal of shortsightedness, pigheadedness, and the old fashion notion "that you can't play with my ball." Honestly, if you look over everything that has occurred, and I will leave you all to do your own homework, the Democratic party has embarrassed themselves. Staying seated while others stand during a Presidential speech. Denouncing our President during their public speeches on the news, or TV shows, which by the way, reflects a negative tone to the world how our nation conducts its internal issues. It does not surprise me that so many take a shot at us whenever they can. This is not only rude and disrespectful, it is also offensive to many. I expect more from our elected leaders. Rather, both parties should be working to support the goals of any present administration that was voted in. Shame on them for NOT setting the proper example for others to follow. It is fine to disagree and work on a compromise. That is what our democratic process is all about. No one expects both political parties to agree on everything. It's how any they expresses that disagreement and work to resolve it that speaks to their character, integrity, and what they stand for. I hate to even mention the sports teams or entertainers that have turned down invitations to the white house to be honored for their accomplishments. Some sports that our government funds. The others, we the people, fund. How does it feel fellow American Citizens to be slapped in the face by those your taxes might be supporting, or purchasing tickets to their games or shows which supports their million-dollar salaries? Not to mention the message of disrespect it sends to our young people who idolize them. Why? Because right now, that is what the traditional thing to do is. Disrespect our President and government. Frankly, that is a shame and a sad state of affairs.
7. Everyone focuses on the big words. Racist and racism.
DEFINITIONS:
Racism - a prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.
Racist - a person who shows or feels discrimination or prejudice against people of other races, or who believes that a particular race is superior to another.
Fact: Not one of President Trumps statements in his tweets referring to anyone, when he wrote to the effect if you don't like it in this country, leave, and go back where you came from, or the country you came from, DOES NOT FALL INTO EITHER OF THOSE DEFINITIONS. Therefore, anyone who calls those statements racist, are simple individuals that are being antagonistic and displaying antagonistic behavior. Remember, we are talking about FACTS, not OPINIONS. Let me give you an example. How many times at work have you ever heard a fellow employee always complain? Eventually, someone says, "If you don't like working here, find another job or quit." Is that racist?
8. President Trump will be the cause of WWIII. That is the most ridiculous statement to make. When any threat is made against our country, it is the job of the Commander and Chief, in that case, POTUS, whoever that might be, to send a clear and present message that any threats military or otherwise against our country will be dealt with accordingly. A clear and decisive message. I am sure that if we surveyed every American, all would agree that no one wants war on any level. However, until the mentality of the world changes, like it or not, there are three main factors that prevent a world war;
1. Balance of power. Meaning, both sides can inflict the same amount of devastation on the other, making war senseless.
2. When one power is know to be the more powerful force, therefore, the other country initiating the conflict backs off, which sometimes might require some form of convincing. Remember the Napoleon complex? Little always has to try to beat big. Actually, that is a known medical fact and condition.
3. The War and Powers Act. No President alone can declare a state of war. Only Congress can do that. Therefore, declaring war is not as easy as most think. Every President has the responsibility to protect our troops, properties, borders, and economic security. Retaliating against an attack on any of these threats when necessary, means POTUS is simply doing the job they were elected to do. If not, Americans anywhere in the world have no degree of protection. The name of the President at the time of any of these events is irrelevant. Anyone remember this phrase, "Perception perceived is perception achieved." Simply put, that means; I don't have to do anything. I just need to make you believe that I would. If you are a poker player, you might say it's a form of a bluff.
I COULD GO ON. BUT EVERYTHING STATED HERE IS DOCUMENTED FACT, NOT MY OPINION. NOW FOR THE MOST CURRENT ISSUE.
CURRENTLY:
As I referred to in item 7., most recently, everyone is talking about the tweets President Trump made regarding certain statements or tones in statements regarding four Congresswomen, which by the way has escalated and will probably continue to do so. Let's ask ourselves this question. As the President of the country, did President Trump make his position quite clear since day one of his campaign regarding his views an loyalty, respect, honoring our country, our flag, and what we stand for? As I stated, by definition, nothing in his tweets were racist and based on facts, which is truth, as a reply to their statements. Remember we talked about doing our homework? Here is another example of perception. Some perceive his comments as racist, but in fact, by definition, they are not. Another political tool that is being used by some to keep our political system in this ridiculous anti-productive state, and at our expense, I might add. President Trump never mocked them for any initiatives they were working on for their constituents, their race, color, or creed, only their remarks which he felt did not support our country. So I guess we can say that having a double standard on perception is acceptable. It is fine for the left to perceive something one way, but the right cannot. So here we have it, ladies and gentleman. What everything in the world boils down to. A matter of perception. Isn't that what everything in life comes down to; how something is perceived by someone or others?
Taking a knee during the National Anthem, entertainers using their venue as a platform to voice their opinion. Honestly, when I've paid over a hundred dollars for a good seat at a concert, I don't give a darn about your political opinion. I came for a night out and be entertained, not to hear or see their political opinion because they have a captive audience and the platform to display their dislikes. With that said, I don't have to like it, but I do accept their right to do it. I just do not and will not support them. That is my right. My father, as many of yours may have, served during times of war. My son served in Iraq, and many friends of mine died in Vietnam. They deserve better, and I will not be a part of anything that diminishes that sacrifice. However, other politicians SHOULD NOT take everything that is said out of the context it was said in their quest fill their personal political agenda. This isn't about opinions or perceptions. It is about a political party that will do and twist anything they can to attack our President. Trust me, if anything that was said were racial, I would be the first to agree. I will not agree with deliberate antagonistic behavior to meet someone's or any groups misguided quest.
SUMMARY:
Do I agree with everything that President Trump has done, and every decision he has made? NO. In all fairness, we have seen times when he made a decision and then changed it. Any psychologist would tell you that is a trait of someone who listens and readjusts their position. Looking at the larger picture, is he doing a good job,? YES. The economical facts don't lie. Do I think people like Nancy Pelosi are doing a good job? NO. Not as a whole. Not because she is not knowledgeable, it is because she is anti-productive towards bringing our political parties together since she is so focused on her own personal agenda against our President. I've seen her on TV shows, I have listened to her speeches and interviews. I've yet to hear a tone that supports bringing a divided nation together. Saying the words, and exercising those beliefs are two different things. Show me something different, and I could change my opinion, but the facts speak for themselves. I do not believe by her actions she is playing the role of what the Speaker Of The House is intended to be. Is this my opinion? Of course, but it is based on facts and research, not pulled out of the sky because of a political affiliation or a news report.
As a member of the NRA, I hear many members discuss that during President Trumps campaign, the President expressed how he would push for a form of federal carry permit. This permit would allow LEGAL and RESPONSIBLE gun owners be able to carry their weapons throughout the country. Hopefully eliminating the need to apply for thousands of permits that would be required to do the same. The 2nd. amendment is for the country, not for individual states. I fully support better guns regulations and background checks. I do not support anything that denies any American citizen their constitutional rights. Many NRA members voted for him for that reason. No one expected this would happen overnight. Trust me, I have done the research on this. For others like myself who travel a great deal, this was a key issue. President Trump has 1 1/2 years left to attempt this task, and to the best of my knowledge, no talks of this has taken place. Can that, or will that, hurt him in a re-election campaign? PROBABLY SO Especially if it is not started. Let's face it. Whenever we vote for a candidate, we vote for them because of the promises they make, and we believe in them. Some issues are more important to some versus others. The American people believe in campaign promises. That is one of things every President is judged by when it comes to re-election. How many things got done that they said they would get done? The FACT is, in a re-election campaign, President Trump will be judged the same way every other President who ran for re-elected was judge, but if this continues, maybe more harshly then he deserves. Honestly, I do not believe any President can meet their agenda in one term. Most do not because many things take time. We now live in a world where most feel entitlement. Our society feels that they should have the right to know everything. WAKE UP CALL. We never will know it all. There are many things, if for no other reason than national security, we should not know.
We also now live in a world of cyber-crime. Individuals that know how to can make anyone look guilty via many methods. The media can twist and turn anything, and blow it so far out of proportion that the American people will believe it. Why, because the American people are looking for something and someone to believe in. The issues on the table, such as gun control, Medicare, health insurance. Medication costs and more, are major issues that will not be fixed overnight. They hold a high degree of importance as they affect the quality of life for people. This may have never happened to your loved ones, but as a paramedic, sadly, I have seen it far to many times where an elderly person passed away because they could not afford to buy the medications that helped to keep them alive. Therefore, as long as we the people, continue not to look at the facts, and use our common sense, and allow opinions and perceptions to rule our system, it will NEVER get any better. It will only get worse. Our political parties have now set the stage to wage war on any candidate, their families, or children, by any method they choose when things do not go their way. Should they have this much power? Should there be this little amount of dignity in our political system? There is no more honor or boundaries that should not be crossed. It was Abraham Lincoln who said, "That government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." It is just as important to be a gracious loser as it is to be a gracious winner. As a public speaker, I know that at times, you cannot control what an audience does. A 13-second chant is now being used as an attack on the President. I remember during the campaign watching many rallies on TV for both candidates, many chants went on for far more than 13 seconds. How about the chants that occur during protests? Really, when will the grasping at straws stop?
IN CLOSING:
In every election, there is a winner and a loser. Anyone who was raised with values was taught when you lose, lose graciously. Evaluate yourself, do better next time, and set your sights on the overall good. That is what makes you a winner. Do you think the disrespect, attacks, and one-sided views occurring now will stop? Do you think what happened in our last election will not be repeated in the next election? HECK NO. Actually, I hate to see what's to come in the next election campaign. No candidates have been chosen, and those already in the running have already started the personal bashing. Is it possible they have not earned enough accomplishments that they need to rely on bashing another to get elected? Is this the person you want? That is also a fact. In fact, if you really follow it, most of the things our President says is in response to what others already said. What will come next? Does any President have the right to defend their position? We always say, take the high road. On a level playing field, that is true. This playing field is far from level. Everything is now fair game. If you don't like Trump, do not vote for him next time. I clearly stated I do not agree with everything he has done. However, I can see the larger picture and understand it. Like it or not, overall, he has done a good job. This is why we have a democracy, but judge by the actual facts. Not someone's brief opinion on a TV show or news report.
In the meantime, Donald Trump is the President Of The United States. He or any President deserves the opportunity to do the job they were elected to do, by the people, for the people. Every elected politician has an obligation to the American people to work out ways to get done what needs to be done for the benefit of each and every America citizen. That is what being an American is all about. Not this petty nonsense political BS. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to be able to see through the horse crap and games, and view the facts before you form an opinion. Everyone walking the face of this earth deserves a chance. That is not limited to any one group, race, color, creed, or any one individual. However, to be given a chance means people need to productively work together for anything to be successful. Anything less, can, and most likely will, result in failure. In the case of this President, should failure occur, it will not be by the hand of that one individual. It will be by the hands of many, including some of our citizens. For that, there is no excuse. Especially from any political party whose mission is supposed to be to made things better for the American people.
Many of you will read this and think, or say, I am defending President Trump. This post is not about defending President Trump. I am sure he does not need my help in that regard. However, it is about defending the principals of fair play, right from wrong, reminding those of what the job of our political parties are, and most importantly, to raise awareness about the term FACTS. Facts are truth, opinions may not be. As citizens of this great nation, we MUST always look at the facts first, before we form an opinion. We may not always like what we find, but as I said earlier, the truth is not always popular, but it's always the truth.
Lastly, I am far from perfect and know that at times, I can also fall prey to some of the things I have talked about. Being able to admit things to yourself is the first step in becoming a better person. For the record, I did send this post out to some very educated friends with varying degrees of political views before it was posted. I asked one question. "In your view, is this a biased or non-biased post?" Every response I received clearly stated it was exactly what I intended it to be; factual, not biased. You can judge for yourself.
Please feel free to leave a comment, or browse the site. Book3, the final book in the Life Through A Mirror murder mystery trilogy, Life Through A Mirror-When Murder Calls, is now available. The murder mystery series is now complete and available in Print, E-book, and Audiobook. In September, my love story, When Two Worlds Collide will be released. Oh, and don't forget, A Woman's Fear-Female Abuse is a must read for every woman, and yes, even men. All my books are available on all major online bookstores. This year we have branched out and opened a video production company, Altech Videos. Feel free to click on the name and check us out. My YouTube channel and Vimeo channels are growing. Feel free to check them out and subscribe to them if you would like. I am happy to add that last week, we broken the 4,000 subscriber mark. Please feel free to subscribe to receive a notification when a blog is posted by clicking this link. SUBSCRIBE. We do not share or sell your email information. All the links to my different platforms are below. Most of what I do as a writer revolves around my connection to my readers, so, LET'S CONNECT.
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