President Donald J. Trump

[PB the Deplorable]

... Moron...

... You fucking ignorant bloviating moron!...

... you are a complete fucking (uninformed) embarrassment!

... (fool)...

... a-hole...

... maggot...

Maggot?  Oh dear.  My true identity has been outed.  Isn't that a TOS violation?

[RoseGirl]

I'm not.  There may very well be geniuses in that population and some will have superior IQs. They are called outliers.   You, Tiger Lily and others on this thread may be in this category.  It also has to do with the intermingling of genes from other races and things like nutrition and exposure to a different culture over generations.

There is no way to prove this. None. Making assumptions about large groups of people (or even about individuals, for that matter) is in my opinion always a sign of arrogance and, ultimately, insecurity.

But I am an astrologer...we travel in herds, you know.

[PB the Deplorable]

*sigh*

You need a new battle cry, PB. This one has become...ahem....thread-bare.

What, you can point out what you consider Fake Statistics, but not me?

Weren't you just yesterday all alarmed about free speech being encroached upon?

[Kidnostad3]

There is no way to prove this. None. Making assumptions about large groups of people (or even about individuals, for that matter) is in my opinion always a sign of arrogance and, ultimately, insecurity.

But I am an astrologer...we travel in herds, you know.

You are wrong.  There are many proofs of this. 

[RoseGirl]

What, you can point out what you consider Fake Statistics, but not me?

Weren't you just yesterday all alarmed about free speech being encroached upon?

*face palm*

Lord, give me strength.

[PB the Deplorable]

There is no way to prove this. None. Making assumptions about large groups of people (or even about individuals, for that matter) is in my opinion always a sign of arrogance and, ultimately, insecurity...

Accurate or not, you do know the difference between assumptions and statistical findings right?

Oh, maybe you don't, given yesterdays inability to differentiate between encroaching on free speech vs someone taking an opposing position.

[RoseGirl]

You are wrong.  There are many proofs of this.

I understand your point, kid. Really, I do. But it just seems to me that it is just far too easy for the ego to over rule everything, especially when propped up by 'numbers'. Human nature, and all.

[RoseGirl]

Accurate or not, you do know the difference between assumptions and statistical findings right?

Oh, maybe you don't, given yesterdays inability to differentiate between encroaching on free speech vs someone taking an opposing position.

Ha! I've taken enough statistics classes to know that neither of them mean anything.

[albrecht]

The more we see of his actual economic policy the shakier the markets look. Never mind the sugar high from November - those wear off.

Throw in his pissing contests abroad and it's a bad mix.

Many have predicted a big crash coming for many years. The various "stimulus" programs, companies buying back stocks propping up the price, the bank bailout not going to out to loans, various debt bubbles (student etc,) and the FED policy of recent years which at some point will have to change. Add to that various investors parking money here in investments, real estate, etc because of the instability, at least perceived, in other currencies or due to political situations.

[GravitySucks]

Many have predicted a big crash coming for many years. The various "stimulus" programs, companies buying back stocks propping up the price, the bank bailout not going to out to loans, various debt bubbles (student etc,) and the FED policy of recent years which at some point will have to change. Add to that various investors parking money here in investments, real estate, etc because of the instability, at least perceived, in other currencies or due to political situations.

Companies don't typically buy back stock if they expect a crash. That would be silly. They buy back stock to raise the price of outstanding shares, but if they expect a crash, it makes more sense for investors to take the paper loss than for a company to eat the real loss.

[Dr. MD MD]

I understand your point, kid. Really, I do. But it just seems to me that it is just far too easy for the ego to over rule everything, especially when propped up by 'numbers'. Human nature, and all.

Propped up by numbers?! Yes, things were much better for mankind when things were propped up by arcane, unproven beliefs like religion and astrology.  :

Better for charlatans like you maybe. 

[Dr. MD MD]

Accurate or not, you do know the difference between assumptions and statistical findings right?

Oh, maybe you don't, given yesterdays inability to differentiate between encroaching on free speech vs someone taking an opposing position.

You get that you're trying to discuss things with a troll who just always going to nah nah nah in response, right?

[Kidnostad3]

I understand your point, kid. Really, I do. But it just seems to me that it is just far too easy for the ego to over rule everything, especially when propped up by 'numbers'. Human nature, and all.

You are right.  Statistics can be manipulated and weaponized for sure.  But there is a point where replication of the findings by different people with different motives has to be regarded as credible at least until something comes along that adds to our knowledge and disproves it.

[albrecht]

Companies don't typically buy back stock if they expect a crash. That would be silly. They buy back stock to raise the price of outstanding shares, but if they expect a crash, it makes more sense for investors to take the paper loss than for a company to eat the real loss.

I'm not expressing support for the various doom-and-gloom scenarios but what people have been saying. Also, depending on the company and people, many might think shorter-terms than others, thinking that they could get out, or be desperately trying to just keep themselves afloat and "looking good" on the exchanges and ensuring that their personal salaries and bonuses are larger than what, in reality, they should be without the inflation or, in some cases, without real profitability and propping up some scam, failed company, or etc? I recall reading a Financial Times, I think it was because a BA flight, article on a plane extolling the people and business model of ENRON pretty close to when it all unraveled.

[RoseGirl]

You are right.  Statistics can be manipulated and weaponized for sure.  But there is a point where replication of the findings by different people with different motives has to be regarded as credible at least until something comes along that adds to our knowledge and disproves it.

Oh but you have to be so very cautious about this. There are so many ways to trip yourself up and make mistakes, either purposefully or unconsciously. And politically, it can certainly cause mayhem...even genocide. Remember: the public can be convinced of anything. Just ask Don-Don, if you can catch him off the golf course.

[RoseGirl]

Whoa...just watching the news. It looks like Trump is tired of Bannon. That means, of course, that Trump has finished using him, is comfortable in his ability to manipulate those around him and will soon completely betray his 'base' of supporters. You watch.

[Kidnostad3]

Oh but you have to be so very cautious about this. There are so many ways to trip yourself up and make mistakes, either purposefully or unconsciously. And politically, it can certainly cause mayhem...even genocide. Remember: the public can be convinced of anything. Just ask Don-Don, if you can catch him off the golf course.

So what do we believe if anything?  In the absence of divine revelation, I tend to go with data and findings that prove consistent over time.  That's the best I can do.

[Yorkshire pud]

Whoa...just watching the news. It looks like Trump is tired of Bannon. That means, of course, that Trump has finished using him, is comfortable in his ability to manipulate those around him and will soon completely betray his 'base' of supporters. You watch.

Ever since Trump put his son in law in the WH; And had to endure the 'President Bannon' jibes (plus the 'Bannon made the difference' comments), the writing has been on the wall. Trump cannot abide competition to his ego.

[RoseGirl]

So what do we believe if anything?  In the absence of divine revelation, I tend to go with data and findings that prove consistent over time.  That's the best I can do.

I know, it's difficult...isn't it? I've found it is best to have no assumptions and to maintain that everyone has an inherent right to be treated with dignity and respect. A bit polly-anna-ish, but it seems to cause the least chaffing.

Oh, and I also know that I am DAMN TIRED of listening to that guy scream on the air plane.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9cMNOl9e7E

[Kidnostad3]

Whoa...just watching the news. It looks like Trump is tired of Bannon. That means, of course, that Trump has finished using him, is comfortable in his ability to manipulate those around him and will soon completely betray his 'base' of supporters. You watch.

That is certainly a way of looking at it.  I shudder to think what you might have to say if you didn't have such an unbiased view when it comes to Trump.

[RoseGirl]

That is certainly a way of looking at it.  I shudder to think what you might have to say if you didn't have such an unbiased view when it comes to Trump.

Oh my. Now that could get ugly.

[3OctaveFart]

Discarding Bannon would mean a move to the center on certain issues.

Ask some of the pro-Trump posters here if they would like this government to be more centrist.

[albrecht]

Whoa...just watching the news. It looks like Trump is tired of Bannon. That means, of course, that Trump has finished using him, is comfortable in his ability to manipulate those around him and will soon completely betray his 'base' of supporters. You watch.

This is a surprise? From day one I said that if Trump was not a stalking horse for Billary that he was no radical, or even really, a conservative. But the Left, and their media, kept saying Trump is a Russian puppet, he is Putin's man, he is even a potential Hitler (despite Jewish relatives, friends, and history,) and if you looked at his appointments mainly mainstream, normal- albeit Republican- but historically would even be considered ok for Democrats a few decades ago before they went full-on socialist, crazy. People from industry, banking, etc. Yet the Left and the media kept hyping up Trump's is "alt right," racist, Russian puppet, etc. The dude had the same friends as the Clintons and is from NYC for Heaven's sake....and yet some thought he was some kind of Hitler from a Midwestern racist's compound? So bizarre. Now the spin is that he wants to start WWIII against Russia (who initially the media was claiming was his controller?) Heck even during the process he never really was a "States' Rights" guy but liked the idea, as do all Presidents for decades, of central Federal control and a strong Executive- but just a bit more limited in things like regulations. So a mainstream Republican.

[RoseGirl]

Discarding Bannon would mean a move to the center on certain issues.

Ask some of the pro-Trump posters here if they would like this government to be more centrist.

Bannon rallied the haters and got him elected. He is of no use anymore.

Trump has no loyalty to anyone except himself and his own wallet. He will soon start 'romancing' his military commanders....cuz, everyone can get behind that flag, right?

[RoseGirl]

And that son-in-law is just scary.

[RoseGirl]

This is a surprise? From day one I said that if Trump was not a stalking horse for Billary that he was no radical, or even really, a conservative. But the Left, and their media, kept saying Trump is a Russian puppet, he is Putin's man, he is even a potential Hitler (despite Jewish relatives, friends, and history,) and if you looked at his appointments mainly mainstream, normal- albeit Republican- but historically would even be considered ok for Democrats a few decades ago before they went full-on socialist, crazy. People from industry, banking, etc. Yet the Left and the media kept hyping up Trump's is "alt right," racist, Russian puppet, etc. The dude had the same friends as the Clintons and is from NYC for Heaven's sake....and yet some thought he was some kind of Hitler from a Midwestern racist's compound? So bizarre. Now the spin is that he wants to start WWIII against Russia (who initially the media was claiming was his controller?) Heck even during the process he never really was a "States' Rights" guy but liked the idea, as do all Presidents for decades, of central Federal control and a strong Executive- but just a bit more limited in things like regulations. So a mainstream Republican.

Oh I know what you mean...wow. So much scarier that Trump is even 'colder' than the alt-right. Things could get really really bad.

[GravitySucks]

I'm not expressing support for the various doom-and-gloom scenarios but what people have been saying. Also, depending on the company and people, many might think shorter-terms than others, thinking that they could get out, or be desperately trying to just keep themselves afloat and "looking good" on the exchanges and ensuring that their personal salaries and bonuses are larger than what, in reality, they should be without the inflation or, in some cases, without real profitability and propping up some scam, failed company, or etc? I recall reading a Financial Times, I think it was because a BA flight, article on a plane extolling the people and business model of ENRON pretty close to when it all unraveled.

About the only scenario I can see for a company blindly buying back stock is if they have so much cash on hand that they are a prime target for a takeover.

[albrecht]

Bannon rallied the haters and got him elected. He is of no use anymore.

Trump has no loyalty to anyone except himself and his own wallet. He will soon start 'romancing' his military commanders....cuz, everyone can get behind that flag, right?

Can I be the first to say MSNBC etc will be still claiming a new Hitler and this is just a new-style Röhm-Putsch coming soon of Bannon and that crowd? Instead of admitting what most all knew that Trump was no "alt-right," Hitler, or even real conservative, at least socially, but a mainstream candidate that, before a large percentage of the Democratic Party went full-on socialist and value foreign interests over the country, could've have been a Democratic candidate in former decades. A very mainstream Republican and not much of a conservative, excepting in anti-regulation and, maybe, in lowering taxes, which is good but hardly a "radical" position historically. Though certainly one, like many a politician, with some narcissism issues but able to deal with the "common people," NPR or the Democrats might call them "fly-over country" or "little people." But anybody was better than Billary and that is what the people thought and knew.

[Kidnostad3]

I've found it is best to have no assumptions and to maintain that everyone has an inherent right to be treated with dignity and respect.

Oh, and I also know that I am DAMN TIRED of listening to that guy scream on the air plane.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9cMNOl9e7E

They absolutely do have an inherent right to be treated with dignity and respect.  They also should be trusted with the truth and not be treated as an overly sensitive children.  That to me is the ultimate act of disrespect.

[RoseGirl]

Can I be the first to say MSNBC etc will be still claiming a new Hitler and this is just a new-style Röhm-Putsch coming soon of Bannon and that crowd? Instead of admitting what most all knew that Trump was no "alt-right," Hitler, or even real conservative, at least socially, but a mainstream candidate that, before a large percentage of the Democratic Party went full-on socialist and value foreign interests over the country, could've have been a Democratic candidate in former decades. A very mainstream Republican and not much of a conservative, excepting in anti-regulation and, maybe, in lowering taxes, which is good but hardly a "radical" position historically. Though certainly one, like many a politician, with some narcissism issues but able to deal with the "common people," NPR or the Democrats might call them "fly-over country" or "little people." But anybody was better than Billary and that is what the people thought and knew.

But we can't forget either that Trump is neither Republican or Democrat. He did a hostile takeover of the Republican party, but he is not a Republican. Kind of exactly like most dictators in the past have done. Trump is a tyrant, created out of the corruption and greed of corporate America, and he is having himself a grand old time.