We can’t control what others do and we can’t stop misfortune from striking. But we can control our own actions. Those who are financially prudent will most likely enjoy success, even if events don’t always go their way.
Following are excerpts from an article in the WSJ. I have zeroed in what has changed.
Do the attitudes, the language, reflect our current society?
A cesspool of ruin, a crime ridden nation (even while violent crime has declined). Poisoning the blood? Vermin?
Why do so many Americans accept this type of rhetoric? Why indeed?
TRADE
“On world trade, there are some substantial inequities, but the answer is not to close American markets,” Reagan said while in the White House. His Republican successor, George H.W. Bush, said during his 1992 presidential campaign: “The key to America’s growth, expansion and innovation has always been our openness to trade, investment, ideas and people.” By contrast, when Trump was asked in an August interview with Fox Business Network whether he would impose tariffs on imports, he replied: “I think we should have a ring around the collar” of the American economy, saying he would impose a 10% tariff on every item a company “dumps” into the U.S. “The tariffs are great,” he summarized.
IMMIGRATION
“I believe in the idea of amnesty for those who have put down roots and lived here, even though some time back they may have entered illegally,” Reagan said while president. And in his farewell address in 1989, he repeated his oft-stated vision of America as a “shining city on a hill” for the rest of the world: “And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get there.”
Fast forward to this campaign, and in the first Republican debate of 2024, DeSantis said: “The number of people that will be amnestied when I’m president is zero. We cannot do an amnesty in this country.” Haley then added: “You have to deport them.” Trump, meanwhile, has declared that immigrants are “poisoning the blood” of the country.
ENTITLEMENTS
When George W. Bush was running for president in 2000, he shocked the political world, and unsettled some of his advisers, by proposing a partial and voluntary privatization of Social Security to preserve its financial standing. After he won re-election in 2004, he tried to advance the idea: “As we fix Social Security, we also have the responsibility to make the system a better deal for younger workers. And the best way to reach that goal is through voluntary personal retirement accounts.”
Today’s Republican candidates don’t want to go there, despite mounting signs of long-term financial problems for both Medicare and Social Security. Trump declared flatly in early 2023: “Under no circumstances should Republicans vote to cut a single penny from Medicare or Social Security.” And he bashed DeSantis as a “wheelchair of the cliff kind of guy” for once backing congressional proposals for changes in Medicare.
OPTIMISM
Perhaps the most noteworthy change among Republican leaders isn’t about an issue but about outlook. Reagan often articulated that vision of America as a shining city, and said he was like an optimistic boy who could see a barn full of manure and think only that there must be a pony inside it somewhere. But it wasn’t only Reagan. Bob Dole accepted the 1996 Republican nomination with a speech proclaiming that he was the “most optimistic man in America.”
One Republican, Sen. Tim Scott, sought his party’s 2024 presidential nomination by using a sunny, upbeat message, saying he was the candidate of “freedom and hope and opportunity,” and brandishing his personal story of a Black man raised by a single mother as a sign of hope. He lasted only until November, when he dropped out.
That Reagan confidence in positive change over time has been overtaken by a much angrier view, which sees threats to the traditional American way of life, highlights grievances and offers a foreboding sense that America might not persevere. “We’re a nation whose economy is collapsing into a cesspool of ruin,” Trump declared last month. “We have become a drug infested, crime-ridden nation, which is incapable of solving the simplest of problems.”
And when Trump said that “radical-left thugs that live like vermin” in the U.S. need to be rooted out, those dark words didn’t hurt him. Indeed, the Iowa poll found that four in 10 of this week’s likely caucus-goers said the statement made them more likely to vote for him.
By Gerald F. Seib Jan. 18, 2024 at 3:05 pm ET The Wall Street Journal
It was my response to ;”his supporters have had their anger stoked………..and are willing to burn down America”.
You are correct in what you say about Trump and like you I worry about children and grandchildren listening to this fool.
If there were a rational and reasonable party on the other side our choices would be different, or a president up for reelection that was not in another world half the time. His appearance in Wisconsin this week showed again bizarre behavior even to the point of a hard hat backwards on his head.
Haven’t seen any bizarre behavior from Biden, just record job growth, record high stock market, inflation back under control, and record US energy production. If that is bizarre behavior, sign me up for more years. Not the other guy who was found liable for sexual assault and now must pay $82 million dollars because he couldn’t quit taunting his victim. Is that really your guy?
Do you see the word “supporters”–his student supporters carrying their anti-Semitic signs and closing down roadways are just one recent example–yes, Biden has supported Israel but one of his key constituencies he has said nothing to them about halting their despicable behavior.
I asked you a number of simple and easy questions to answer– what seems to be the problem? Here is another? I thought the Federal Reserve was the inflation fighter? High interest rates–QE reversed and they now are selling bonds. I guess if Biden gets credit for the low inflation he gets blame for the high inflation–if Putin was blamed for high gas prices who gets credit for lower prices?
You have a valid point. I consider myself right of center. I never voted for a Democratic in my 60 years of voting. However, this is very different. Trump has and continues to demonstrate with words and actions and his skill at propaganda how dangerous he is to our country, if not the world. We can survive another Biden, but given the worst he has brought out in millions of Americans I have serious doubts what America will look like if he gets elected.
The best answer I can come up with regarding increase in incarcerated Americans is the “war” on drugs began in earnest in the 80’s. Remember crack cocaine and the uproar it caused. That came along in the 80s. Meth cooking came along and added to the lock ups. I can’t say what has gone on in the past twenty years or so but I do read almost weekly of some new fraud activity like scams concerning the elderly, credit card fraud, check washing schemes, and a bunch more that I was quite ignorant of. Also, shoplifting has become a national disgrace. I can’t even buy a toothbrush at Walmart without having to get someone to come unlock the display case. Whether any or all of this increases incarceration I don’t know. My only thought is we should be building more prisons.
I don’t hear or read much about the drug situation in Canada but you know the Mexican drug cartels get rich off providing drugs to the US. It is odd that drug use in Mexico is not discussed only the sales pipelines. Of course the Sackler family got filthy rich here selling opioids through Purdue Pharmaceuticals.
I love when you just quote things he actually says. It looks so obviously ugly and dumb and against our American values. That is why it upsets so many people when you do this. No one really wants to be on the side of white nationalists and extremist militias.
And this is what happens when you have no coherent policy or strategy. All he sells is fear, lies, and paranoia. They are coming for your guns, bibles, children, household appliances, etc, and only Trump can save them.
My opinion of him is based on what he says and does, not what others say about him. I follow him on TruthSocial every day and I urge people who criticize my opinion of him to simply go there and read what he writes. Then I ask if that is the way they raised their children, is that how you want them to behave? He is the classic example of a bully and that’s the kindest thing to say. That so many people can be fooled by him is very sad and very dangerous and a reflection of the general state of our population. I don’t support any politician, but I sure wish there were someone other than Trump.
Let’s just take a few things he pontificates about–the issue is the language (which I abhor) but does he get to issues that the average folks have to deal with?
We keep hearing violent crime has declined–seems like it is a major issue to so many people and appears pretty high on the concerns of Americans. We all know violent crime is out of control in our cities–hijacking of folks–stolen cars–and especially shootings. An obvious question; “if violent crime is down will the old guy make that one of his campaign issues’? Will he hold rallies in Newark, Philly, and his backyard Washington, D.C. praising the efforts of his administration in bringing down violent crime? The party of “defund the police”–“let’s reimagine policing”–“let’s hire social workers to replace the cops we cut”. My city is down 300 cops and if I am right they wanted to cut NYC by $1 billion but settled on $700,000,000. Let me know when that rally is held.
In an hour my wife heads to a Jesuit parish to distribute food to those in need. Why is she, in a locked car, having to take all sort of precautions just in case she is hijacked?
I asked “G” questions about crime the other day–crickets. I guess if you live in Mayberry then pot holes are your biggest issue.
Yes, words like “vermin ridden leftists” are over the top. But what about the “deplorables” speech given by Hillary (if you agree with her then you didn’t complain)–or the most recent one when she said MAGA folks needed to be “reprogrammed” (agreed again I bet)–so if folks like you agree they why speak up.
Remember Maxine Waters telling folks to get in the face of MAGA folks–harass them–intimidate them–which of course happened when they drove Ted Cruz and wife out of a Capitol Hill restaurant–attacked Sen. Paul sending him to the hospital–drove Sarah Sanders and family (press secretary) out of a Northern VA restaurant. Who can forget Sen Schumer’s tirade against Justice Cavanaugh (YouTube it) and then the gun toting lunatic who came to his house looking for him.
If you can say you were appalled by the above we are on the same wave length. I deplore Trump’s rhetoric just as I deplore the above.
My wife and I go to a restaurant with outdoor seating and easily accessible from the street and a few times BLM came around to intimidate and shame folks who did not resemble them. I was never there when it happened, read about it, but I did keep my steak knife close by as I am not easily intimidated.
Reagan was living in a period that was not seeing the massive amount of illegal immigration we see today–just like gun violence–school shootings–and the “woke” folks doing their thing. It was a different period. So he mentions illegal immigration which was not the #1 issue he faced. We could say inflation, unemployment 10.5%) at one point), and the cold war were very important issues.
Today we have millions every year crossing illegally–some get away–some sent along to wait hearings with judges–some deported. Since the southern governors sent these folks north to the sanctuary locations the stunt (like the Boston Tea Party) has had quite the effect. Those who derided people of racism and bigotry want the illegal immigrants gone–the “nimbys”–not in my back yard folks.
Of course as a campaign issue the old guy might, like crime, deep six this one. Try and blame everyone but his folks for border crossings might not work well when members of your own party are very critical of your lack of action.
Now, we have some liberals who want Biden to federalize the Nat’l Guard to cut out the wires. Let’s go for it! Federal folks clearing aside a barrier so it is easier to enter the country, as many will, illegally.
Remember, the president proposes and the Congress disposes. I plead ignorance on any comprehensive legislation he has set forth and barnstormed the country for. Remember Reagan and taxes–made an address about tax reduction–said “call your rep.”–phone lines could not handle the volume. Let me know when Biden addresses us with his comprehensive plan.
Only plan I know of is HR 2 and Schumer deep sixed it.
Let’s go for one more! Entitlements–the something for nothing or maybe something for something not fully funded. We know what happens if you touch the 3rd rail of politics–you get castigated. Remember when Paul Ryan made some suggestions–wasn’t he pictured by the Dems. as pushing the wheelchair over the cliff?
I guess Biden’s plan is more taxes to save it all–I think we all know that is what will happen if the Dems. get all three branches. In my opinion without structural changes some of which brother Quinn has proposed it will have a shelf life beyond my life.
Trump’s criticism of the Florida governor is no different than we can here from folks on the other side although far too harsh in tone and word for me.
Yes, Trump is a giant pain in the butt–but I worry about the left more. Most recent example is the No Labels Party and the party that says our democracy is threatened. Trying their best to keep them off the ballot in a myriad of states using the courts. Now if you believed in democracy why would you work so hard to keep folks (even Trump) off the ballot? If you follow the law what’s the issue? If you preach democracy you have some standards to meet.
Here we go again Richard. You stated once that you voted Republican and now don’t want Trump. If you’re getting Into politics on your page. Give us your ideas on who you think is the best and why. There are a lot of people that will vote Trump only because they don’t want Biden. Clear our eyes with a solution. .
I think is pretty obvious that Mr Quinn is demonstrating that the biggest threat is Trump, through Trump’s own words and actions. Trump is a chaos agent whose only purpose is to destroy America’s institutions and values. His supporters have had their anger stoked and channeled at the wrong things, and are willing to burn down America just to hurt who they perceive are the “other side”. If we survive this without serious damage to our standard of living, we will be very lucky.
Not sure of your point, but the only issue is the person, Donald Trump, what he seeks for our country and himself, what he says and does, how he brings out the worst behavior in people, how he manipulates and bullies, outright lies beyond logical behavior. As I have said before, look no further than what he says and does, his words and actions, his outrageous claims. Is that the type of person you want leading our nation or as an example for our children and grandchildren. This should be beyond politics.
I think one of the most damning pieces of evidence, besides his own words and record, is how almost his entire cabinet from his first administration is almost unanimous in condemning him as unfit for office and an existential threat to the country. His own people that he chose and worked with closely for years. It is unfathomable that anyone could support him at this point.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
It was my response to ;”his supporters have had their anger stoked………..and are willing to burn down America”.
You are correct in what you say about Trump and like you I worry about children and grandchildren listening to this fool.
If there were a rational and reasonable party on the other side our choices would be different, or a president up for reelection that was not in another world half the time. His appearance in Wisconsin this week showed again bizarre behavior even to the point of a hard hat backwards on his head.
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Haven’t seen any bizarre behavior from Biden, just record job growth, record high stock market, inflation back under control, and record US energy production. If that is bizarre behavior, sign me up for more years. Not the other guy who was found liable for sexual assault and now must pay $82 million dollars because he couldn’t quit taunting his victim. Is that really your guy?
LikeLike
Do you see the word “supporters”–his student supporters carrying their anti-Semitic signs and closing down roadways are just one recent example–yes, Biden has supported Israel but one of his key constituencies he has said nothing to them about halting their despicable behavior.
I asked you a number of simple and easy questions to answer– what seems to be the problem? Here is another? I thought the Federal Reserve was the inflation fighter? High interest rates–QE reversed and they now are selling bonds. I guess if Biden gets credit for the low inflation he gets blame for the high inflation–if Putin was blamed for high gas prices who gets credit for lower prices?
Simple and easy as were the previous ones.
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My point is what other choices do we have? I know of Trumps problems but I don’t agree of the direction Biden is taking us. Who is the answer?
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You have a valid point. I consider myself right of center. I never voted for a Democratic in my 60 years of voting. However, this is very different. Trump has and continues to demonstrate with words and actions and his skill at propaganda how dangerous he is to our country, if not the world. We can survive another Biden, but given the worst he has brought out in millions of Americans I have serious doubts what America will look like if he gets elected.
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Trump is an unbridled narcissist with no goal other than self. Once you realize this all else doesn’t matter. He is an utter disaster for America.
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The best answer I can come up with regarding increase in incarcerated Americans is the “war” on drugs began in earnest in the 80’s. Remember crack cocaine and the uproar it caused. That came along in the 80s. Meth cooking came along and added to the lock ups. I can’t say what has gone on in the past twenty years or so but I do read almost weekly of some new fraud activity like scams concerning the elderly, credit card fraud, check washing schemes, and a bunch more that I was quite ignorant of. Also, shoplifting has become a national disgrace. I can’t even buy a toothbrush at Walmart without having to get someone to come unlock the display case. Whether any or all of this increases incarceration I don’t know. My only thought is we should be building more prisons.
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Only in America? They don’t have drugs in Canada and Mexico? The disparity is huge.
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I don’t hear or read much about the drug situation in Canada but you know the Mexican drug cartels get rich off providing drugs to the US. It is odd that drug use in Mexico is not discussed only the sales pipelines. Of course the Sackler family got filthy rich here selling opioids through Purdue Pharmaceuticals.
LikeLike
I love when you just quote things he actually says. It looks so obviously ugly and dumb and against our American values. That is why it upsets so many people when you do this. No one really wants to be on the side of white nationalists and extremist militias.
And this is what happens when you have no coherent policy or strategy. All he sells is fear, lies, and paranoia. They are coming for your guns, bibles, children, household appliances, etc, and only Trump can save them.
LikeLike
My opinion of him is based on what he says and does, not what others say about him. I follow him on TruthSocial every day and I urge people who criticize my opinion of him to simply go there and read what he writes. Then I ask if that is the way they raised their children, is that how you want them to behave? He is the classic example of a bully and that’s the kindest thing to say. That so many people can be fooled by him is very sad and very dangerous and a reflection of the general state of our population. I don’t support any politician, but I sure wish there were someone other than Trump.
LikeLike
Let’s just take a few things he pontificates about–the issue is the language (which I abhor) but does he get to issues that the average folks have to deal with?
We keep hearing violent crime has declined–seems like it is a major issue to so many people and appears pretty high on the concerns of Americans. We all know violent crime is out of control in our cities–hijacking of folks–stolen cars–and especially shootings. An obvious question; “if violent crime is down will the old guy make that one of his campaign issues’? Will he hold rallies in Newark, Philly, and his backyard Washington, D.C. praising the efforts of his administration in bringing down violent crime? The party of “defund the police”–“let’s reimagine policing”–“let’s hire social workers to replace the cops we cut”. My city is down 300 cops and if I am right they wanted to cut NYC by $1 billion but settled on $700,000,000. Let me know when that rally is held.
In an hour my wife heads to a Jesuit parish to distribute food to those in need. Why is she, in a locked car, having to take all sort of precautions just in case she is hijacked?
I asked “G” questions about crime the other day–crickets. I guess if you live in Mayberry then pot holes are your biggest issue.
Yes, words like “vermin ridden leftists” are over the top. But what about the “deplorables” speech given by Hillary (if you agree with her then you didn’t complain)–or the most recent one when she said MAGA folks needed to be “reprogrammed” (agreed again I bet)–so if folks like you agree they why speak up.
Remember Maxine Waters telling folks to get in the face of MAGA folks–harass them–intimidate them–which of course happened when they drove Ted Cruz and wife out of a Capitol Hill restaurant–attacked Sen. Paul sending him to the hospital–drove Sarah Sanders and family (press secretary) out of a Northern VA restaurant. Who can forget Sen Schumer’s tirade against Justice Cavanaugh (YouTube it) and then the gun toting lunatic who came to his house looking for him.
If you can say you were appalled by the above we are on the same wave length. I deplore Trump’s rhetoric just as I deplore the above.
My wife and I go to a restaurant with outdoor seating and easily accessible from the street and a few times BLM came around to intimidate and shame folks who did not resemble them. I was never there when it happened, read about it, but I did keep my steak knife close by as I am not easily intimidated.
LikeLike
Let’s have some more fun and go to immigration.
Reagan was living in a period that was not seeing the massive amount of illegal immigration we see today–just like gun violence–school shootings–and the “woke” folks doing their thing. It was a different period. So he mentions illegal immigration which was not the #1 issue he faced. We could say inflation, unemployment 10.5%) at one point), and the cold war were very important issues.
Today we have millions every year crossing illegally–some get away–some sent along to wait hearings with judges–some deported. Since the southern governors sent these folks north to the sanctuary locations the stunt (like the Boston Tea Party) has had quite the effect. Those who derided people of racism and bigotry want the illegal immigrants gone–the “nimbys”–not in my back yard folks.
Of course as a campaign issue the old guy might, like crime, deep six this one. Try and blame everyone but his folks for border crossings might not work well when members of your own party are very critical of your lack of action.
Now, we have some liberals who want Biden to federalize the Nat’l Guard to cut out the wires. Let’s go for it! Federal folks clearing aside a barrier so it is easier to enter the country, as many will, illegally.
Remember, the president proposes and the Congress disposes. I plead ignorance on any comprehensive legislation he has set forth and barnstormed the country for. Remember Reagan and taxes–made an address about tax reduction–said “call your rep.”–phone lines could not handle the volume. Let me know when Biden addresses us with his comprehensive plan.
Only plan I know of is HR 2 and Schumer deep sixed it.
LikeLike
Let’s go for one more! Entitlements–the something for nothing or maybe something for something not fully funded. We know what happens if you touch the 3rd rail of politics–you get castigated. Remember when Paul Ryan made some suggestions–wasn’t he pictured by the Dems. as pushing the wheelchair over the cliff?
I guess Biden’s plan is more taxes to save it all–I think we all know that is what will happen if the Dems. get all three branches. In my opinion without structural changes some of which brother Quinn has proposed it will have a shelf life beyond my life.
Trump’s criticism of the Florida governor is no different than we can here from folks on the other side although far too harsh in tone and word for me.
Yes, Trump is a giant pain in the butt–but I worry about the left more. Most recent example is the No Labels Party and the party that says our democracy is threatened. Trying their best to keep them off the ballot in a myriad of states using the courts. Now if you believed in democracy why would you work so hard to keep folks (even Trump) off the ballot? If you follow the law what’s the issue? If you preach democracy you have some standards to meet.
Terrible choices for the 1st time in my life.
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When you’re in a hole, stop digging?
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
What the hell happened in 1980?
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Here we go again Richard. You stated once that you voted Republican and now don’t want Trump. If you’re getting Into politics on your page. Give us your ideas on who you think is the best and why. There are a lot of people that will vote Trump only because they don’t want Biden. Clear our eyes with a solution. .
Steven
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Trump is not a Republican.
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I think is pretty obvious that Mr Quinn is demonstrating that the biggest threat is Trump, through Trump’s own words and actions. Trump is a chaos agent whose only purpose is to destroy America’s institutions and values. His supporters have had their anger stoked and channeled at the wrong things, and are willing to burn down America just to hurt who they perceive are the “other side”. If we survive this without serious damage to our standard of living, we will be very lucky.
LikeLike
Who burned and looted the cities in the summer of 2020? MAGA and Trump?
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Not sure of your point, but the only issue is the person, Donald Trump, what he seeks for our country and himself, what he says and does, how he brings out the worst behavior in people, how he manipulates and bullies, outright lies beyond logical behavior. As I have said before, look no further than what he says and does, his words and actions, his outrageous claims. Is that the type of person you want leading our nation or as an example for our children and grandchildren. This should be beyond politics.
LikeLike
I think one of the most damning pieces of evidence, besides his own words and record, is how almost his entire cabinet from his first administration is almost unanimous in condemning him as unfit for office and an existential threat to the country. His own people that he chose and worked with closely for years. It is unfathomable that anyone could support him at this point.
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