President-elect Donald Trump is going to be an unconventional president as he was an unconventional presidential candidate. Trump has now turned his Twitter account against two of the largest defense contractors – Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Both are reeling and the defense industry in general must be nervous.
On December 6, 2016 President-elect Donald Trump Tweeted, "Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!" Boeing stock immediately dipped after Trump’s Tweet and Boeing’s Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg arranged for a call with Trump.
On December 9, 2016 Trump Tweeted, “The F-35 program and cost is out of control.” Since then Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force have been jumping through hoops to mitigate any potential immediate damage and begun building their case to present to a newly empowered Trump Administration.
Liberty Takes Effort is a blog for the discussion of current national, state, and regional issues while relying on the wisdom of the founders of our nation.
Russian hacking - misplaced outrage
Much of the media is repeating Washington Post reporting that alleges Russia tried to help Donald Trump win the 2016 Presidential election. As is the standard for our time this issue too has been politicized with Democrats screaming outrage and Republicans skepticism. The average citizen doesn’t know what to think, but may better be advised to focus their outrage not at Russia, but at U.S. officials that move the country toward greater and greater digital dependence while failing to protect critical infrastructure, financial, economic, and government systems from hacking, cyber theft, and cyber attacks.
The Washington Post reported on December 9, 2016 that a “Secret CIA assessment says Russia was trying to help Trump win White House.” As the principle drafter of a major National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) for the Intelligence Community while temporarily assigned to the CIA I have detailed personal knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of Intelligence Assessments. I am skeptical of the Washington Post report conclusions, but I am not surprised that the Russians may have hacked the DNC.
The real issue that should spark outrage throughout the citizenry is the fact that systematic hacking of critical U.S. systems has been rampant for decades. Our government and political leaders speak of it as if it is inevitable and we are powerless to do anything about it except complain about it when it suits a political purpose.
The Washington Post reported on December 9, 2016 that a “Secret CIA assessment says Russia was trying to help Trump win White House.” As the principle drafter of a major National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) for the Intelligence Community while temporarily assigned to the CIA I have detailed personal knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of Intelligence Assessments. I am skeptical of the Washington Post report conclusions, but I am not surprised that the Russians may have hacked the DNC.
The real issue that should spark outrage throughout the citizenry is the fact that systematic hacking of critical U.S. systems has been rampant for decades. Our government and political leaders speak of it as if it is inevitable and we are powerless to do anything about it except complain about it when it suits a political purpose.
Hillary is ahead by 2.5 million votes - so what
Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election. Hillary Clinton lost. Many who are dissatisfied with the outcome are latching on to immaterial and irrelevant efforts and discussions that will not or cannot change that fact.
One theme says it is unfair or even immoral that Clinton won the national popular vote yet Trump won the election. Memes appear on social media as Clinton’s national popular vote tally increases to near 2.5 million. The disgruntled anxiously await the next tally announcement. The press continues to report the count in daily headlines as if it means something to the election. It does not.
The United States of America was founded as a representative republic under a federalist system - NOT A DEMOCRACY. The sovereign states joined in a federation under specific rules embodied in the Constitution.
One theme says it is unfair or even immoral that Clinton won the national popular vote yet Trump won the election. Memes appear on social media as Clinton’s national popular vote tally increases to near 2.5 million. The disgruntled anxiously await the next tally announcement. The press continues to report the count in daily headlines as if it means something to the election. It does not.
The United States of America was founded as a representative republic under a federalist system - NOT A DEMOCRACY. The sovereign states joined in a federation under specific rules embodied in the Constitution.
Don't get in the way of the pendulum!
The surprise result in the 2016 presidential election was driven by a large segment of the citizenry feeling overlooked, ignored, and insulted by the political and media establishment. The powers-that-be are shocked and surprised, but the common citizen once again demonstrated that power originates from the people. Our constitution and its framers continue to inspire awe.
Hillary Clinton wished President-elect Trump success and told her supporters they “owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.” President Obama, while announcing he had invited Trump for a meeting at the White House said, “the peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of our republic” and committed to an orderly and professional transition such as he received from George W. Bush. Again, the power of our democracy is awe inspiring.
Many are not happy with the outcome of the election. Their values and expectations for the direction of the country have been disrupted. Understandably, they are disappointed. But to expect one’s views and preferences to dominate uninterrupted in a democracy is foolhardy.
Hillary Clinton wished President-elect Trump success and told her supporters they “owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.” President Obama, while announcing he had invited Trump for a meeting at the White House said, “the peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of our republic” and committed to an orderly and professional transition such as he received from George W. Bush. Again, the power of our democracy is awe inspiring.
Many are not happy with the outcome of the election. Their values and expectations for the direction of the country have been disrupted. Understandably, they are disappointed. But to expect one’s views and preferences to dominate uninterrupted in a democracy is foolhardy.
My Vote - fight consolidated power
The 2016 Presidential Election is upon us. The three presidential debates are over. It is time to make a decision.
Never before have I expended so much energy in making a decision about my vote. Faced with two very flawed candidates from the two major parties the decision is more difficult, and the ramifications more profound than in previous elections. Simple impulses to vote for the person one dislikes least or because a historical barrier will be broken are not adequate in this election.
I believe that the greatest threat to our nation at this point in its history is consolidated power.
Powerful moneyed elites and international corporations drive choices, two parties entrenched in power for 160 years are beholden to them and completely disconnected from the common citizen, federal Executive powers expand unchecked, a massive entrenched bureaucracy has become a power unto itself, corporate media is the handmaiden of powerful interests rather than the watchdog, and digital-age companies are unchecked as they increase power greater than the industrialists and financiers of the Robber Baron era of the late 19th Century.
Never before have I expended so much energy in making a decision about my vote. Faced with two very flawed candidates from the two major parties the decision is more difficult, and the ramifications more profound than in previous elections. Simple impulses to vote for the person one dislikes least or because a historical barrier will be broken are not adequate in this election.
I believe that the greatest threat to our nation at this point in its history is consolidated power.
Powerful moneyed elites and international corporations drive choices, two parties entrenched in power for 160 years are beholden to them and completely disconnected from the common citizen, federal Executive powers expand unchecked, a massive entrenched bureaucracy has become a power unto itself, corporate media is the handmaiden of powerful interests rather than the watchdog, and digital-age companies are unchecked as they increase power greater than the industrialists and financiers of the Robber Baron era of the late 19th Century.
The elections of 2016 and 1852
The two very flawed presidential candidates presented as nominees in 2016 result from a divisive two-party system that is long overdue for tumultuous change. That change is likely to occur over the next two or three presidential election cycles and may result in a major political party realignment such as occurred in the period 1852-1860.
The Democratic and Republican Parties have dominated the political process of the United States for over 160 years. Two-party dominance over such a long period has resulted in a political system unresponsive to the needs, concerns, or desires of most citizens. Despite the warnings of George Washington and others to avoid factions, the success of the Democratic and Republican Parties is now largely dependent upon the creation of factions and the exploitation of division.
The Democratic and Republican duopoly is not mandated by the Constitution. These two parties can be replaced by two others – or three, or four. If both do not wake up and begin to focus on solving the problems of citizens of the United States in a manner acceptable to a broad consensus majority - they deserve to be replaced.
The Democratic and Republican Parties have dominated the political process of the United States for over 160 years. Two-party dominance over such a long period has resulted in a political system unresponsive to the needs, concerns, or desires of most citizens. Despite the warnings of George Washington and others to avoid factions, the success of the Democratic and Republican Parties is now largely dependent upon the creation of factions and the exploitation of division.
The Democratic and Republican duopoly is not mandated by the Constitution. These two parties can be replaced by two others – or three, or four. If both do not wake up and begin to focus on solving the problems of citizens of the United States in a manner acceptable to a broad consensus majority - they deserve to be replaced.
Freedom From the Press
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a state dinner at the White House on October 18, 2016. The Italian Prime Minister was the guest of honor. George Stephanopoulos and his wife were pictured at the event. The full guest list of the White House state dinner revealed a half dozen other media attendees from NBC, MSNBC, and NPR.
For those who have forgotten or are not old enough to remember, George Stephanopoulos was the Communications Director for Bill Clinton’s first presidential bid. After Clinton’s election he became White House Communications Director. Later in the Clinton Administration he was made Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy. He left the Clinton Administration in 1997 to join ABC News as a political commentator.
Stephanopoulos now sits as the most important personality in the “news” division at ABC. He hosts two of the networks three major news and information programs - Good Morning America and ABC’s Sunday Morning This Week - and held titles of ABC’s Chief Anchor and Chief Political Correspondent.
For those who have forgotten or are not old enough to remember, George Stephanopoulos was the Communications Director for Bill Clinton’s first presidential bid. After Clinton’s election he became White House Communications Director. Later in the Clinton Administration he was made Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy. He left the Clinton Administration in 1997 to join ABC News as a political commentator.
Stephanopoulos now sits as the most important personality in the “news” division at ABC. He hosts two of the networks three major news and information programs - Good Morning America and ABC’s Sunday Morning This Week - and held titles of ABC’s Chief Anchor and Chief Political Correspondent.
In a Quandary? - Vote Strategically
Most voters are dissatisfied with the choices they face in the 2016 presidential election. Hillary Clinton is viewed unfavorably by as much as 55% of the electorate. Donald Trump’s unfavorable percentage is even higher at over 60%. Under these circumstances many voters in non-competitive states may find a non-typical path the best option to avoid an unacceptable vote for either of the two major party candidates. Simultaneously, these voters may have a long term positive impact on future elections.
Sixty percent of voters live in non-competitive states. In these 34 states the Electoral College votes are pre-determined because the states are so overwhelmingly Red or Blue. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are certain of who will win in each of these states. For the minority-Red voter in a Blue state or the minority-Blue voter in a Red state the vote they cast will make no difference in the election outcome.
This creates an opportunity for minority-Blue or minority-Red voters in each of these 34 states. Those voters should vote strategically by casting their ballot for either Gary Johnson (Libertarian Party) or Jill Stein (Green Party). Again, there will be no impact on the election outcome, but a tremendous potential long term improvement in the election process.
Sixty percent of voters live in non-competitive states. In these 34 states the Electoral College votes are pre-determined because the states are so overwhelmingly Red or Blue. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are certain of who will win in each of these states. For the minority-Red voter in a Blue state or the minority-Blue voter in a Red state the vote they cast will make no difference in the election outcome.
This creates an opportunity for minority-Blue or minority-Red voters in each of these 34 states. Those voters should vote strategically by casting their ballot for either Gary Johnson (Libertarian Party) or Jill Stein (Green Party). Again, there will be no impact on the election outcome, but a tremendous potential long term improvement in the election process.
The Voter Quandary
A large portion of the electorate faces a quandary in the presidential election. Quandary is defined as “a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.” The tension voters feel from this quandary increases as the November election draws nearer. The need for a decision to relieve that tension is pressing. What is a voter to do?
The voter in the 2016 presidential election is faced with flawed candidates from the two major parties. Polling consistently reflects an electorate that is unenthusiastic about either candidate. Hillary Clinton is viewed unfavorably by over 50% of the electorate. Donald Trump’s unfavorable percentage is even worse at nearly 60%. One recent poll reported Clinton at 55% and Trump at 63% unfavorable - unprecedented in a presidential election.
Faced with such an undesirable choice many voters are looking for alternatives. In the extreme there are rumors of Hillary Clinton’s health issues forcing her out to be replaced by Bernie Sanders. On the Republican side it is rumored Trump will quit the race to be replaced by a rescuing hero/heroine riding in on a stallion. These far reaching scenarios are very unlikely near fantasies.
The voter in the 2016 presidential election is faced with flawed candidates from the two major parties. Polling consistently reflects an electorate that is unenthusiastic about either candidate. Hillary Clinton is viewed unfavorably by over 50% of the electorate. Donald Trump’s unfavorable percentage is even worse at nearly 60%. One recent poll reported Clinton at 55% and Trump at 63% unfavorable - unprecedented in a presidential election.
Faced with such an undesirable choice many voters are looking for alternatives. In the extreme there are rumors of Hillary Clinton’s health issues forcing her out to be replaced by Bernie Sanders. On the Republican side it is rumored Trump will quit the race to be replaced by a rescuing hero/heroine riding in on a stallion. These far reaching scenarios are very unlikely near fantasies.
Cancel South Coast Rail
This week the MBTA announced the South Coast Rail project will cost $3.4 billion - a more than 50 percent increase over the original $2.23 billion estimate. The original completion date of 2022 extends to 2028. If past is prologue, the cost estimate will continue to rise. Governor Charlie Baker should cancel this project and refocus economic development funding directly in Gateway Cities.
The South Coast Rail project has been under evaluation since the 1980s. It would restore old rail beds of the former Old Colony rail line to provide commuter rail service from New Bedford and Fall River to Boston.
The MBTA announcement points out several issues that should concern taxpayers in Massachusetts – MBTA incompetence, over regulation, and a cultural and economic mindset more fit to the 1900s than the 21st Century.
The South Coast Rail project has been under evaluation since the 1980s. It would restore old rail beds of the former Old Colony rail line to provide commuter rail service from New Bedford and Fall River to Boston.
The MBTA announcement points out several issues that should concern taxpayers in Massachusetts – MBTA incompetence, over regulation, and a cultural and economic mindset more fit to the 1900s than the 21st Century.
Rejecting Globalism
On May 5, 2016 Secretary of State John Kerry, in a commencement speech at Northeastern University said, "You’re about to graduate into a complex and BORDERLESS WORLD." [emphasis mine] This is a profound statement, particularly from the Secretary of State of the United States. It turns on its head a system of political organization in place since the 1600s in which each nation state has sovereignty over its territory and domestic affairs, to the exclusion of all external powers, within the borders of the state. Kerry’s globalist viewpoint may be out of step with a nationalist moment in history.
Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders reject the notion of a borderless world through their condemnation of international trade agreements. They revile a political, economic, financial, and media elite that have advanced a global economic system that increasingly operates outside of the controls of the state and the interests of U.S. citizens. Large corporations move production to the lowest wage labor markets and shift headquarters to escape taxation. The resultant loss of whole industry sectors like manufacturing in the United States or stagnation of wages in the middle class are the tangible experience of many citizens.
Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders reject the notion of a borderless world through their condemnation of international trade agreements. They revile a political, economic, financial, and media elite that have advanced a global economic system that increasingly operates outside of the controls of the state and the interests of U.S. citizens. Large corporations move production to the lowest wage labor markets and shift headquarters to escape taxation. The resultant loss of whole industry sectors like manufacturing in the United States or stagnation of wages in the middle class are the tangible experience of many citizens.
Trump as Mussolini?
Bob Woodward and Robert Costa of the Washington Post interviewed Donald Trump this week. The interview was described as “very unusual” by Woodward. The headline makers used that phrase to further validate a narrative that Trump is a kook. But when you watch a video of the two reporters discussing the interview the impression is that “unusual” is not intended as “odd” or “strange” in a pejorative sense, but “different” from traditional behavior in presidential politics. Framing Trump as a nut may be a mistake that his opponents use as a primary theme to their peril.
Trump v Clinton – likely, but not yet assured
The party nomination process for this year’s presidential election set a clear direction last Tuesday. The probability is now very high that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will represent the Democratic and Republican parties respectively in November. However, each faces threats to their nomination. For both candidates these threats could end their pursuit of the nomination, and in Clinton’s case continue into the general election cycle.
Iowa Caucuses Result
Iowa is the first state in the nation to begin the party nomination process in presidential elections. It has been that way since 1972. It is a unique form in the nation using caucuses rather than primary elections. As Iowa only awards 1% of the delegates it is rather inconsequential, except that it is first. This brings a great deal of attention to the state.
Beyond being first, what does Iowa tell us? Its track record in predicting the nominee for the Democrats is only 40%. With Republicans it is slightly better, but still only 50/50. So winning isn’t really predictive. As Iowa is not a winner takes all state and the delegates are distributed based on the percentage each candidate receives its practical meaning in the race for delegates is also subdued.
Beyond being first, what does Iowa tell us? Its track record in predicting the nominee for the Democrats is only 40%. With Republicans it is slightly better, but still only 50/50. So winning isn’t really predictive. As Iowa is not a winner takes all state and the delegates are distributed based on the percentage each candidate receives its practical meaning in the race for delegates is also subdued.
NBC to Replace WHDH Channel 7: Southeastern Massachusetts Needs to Speak Up
NBC Universal, a subsidiary of Comcast, recently announced it will end its relationship with Boston’s WHDH-TV Channel 7 and substitute a network-owned station beginning in 2017. This change could have a major negative effect on households on Cape Cod and in Southeastern Massachusetts that now receive NBC network programming over the air using antennas, or may desire to in the future. Regional government representatives and community organizations need to understand the potential impact of the NBC change and attempt to influence the outcome.
Sunbeam Television Corp. owns WHDH. President Ed Ansin has said he intends to contest the change with the Federal Communications Commission. Ansin’s argument appears to be that Comcast made commitments as part of its FCC-approved purchase of NBC Universal. He may argue that if Comcast uses NBC-owned WNEU-TV Channel 60 in southern New Hampshire to replace WHDH, with the signal reaching half the audience, this may violate commitments Comcast made before the FCC.
Sunbeam Television Corp. owns WHDH. President Ed Ansin has said he intends to contest the change with the Federal Communications Commission. Ansin’s argument appears to be that Comcast made commitments as part of its FCC-approved purchase of NBC Universal. He may argue that if Comcast uses NBC-owned WNEU-TV Channel 60 in southern New Hampshire to replace WHDH, with the signal reaching half the audience, this may violate commitments Comcast made before the FCC.
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