At this point, the main difference between President Trump’s (shudder) relationship with Kim Jong-un and Mitch McConnell is that Trump has asked only McConnell to resign. Kim just gets the bluster treatment. Of the two, McConnell is in the biggest trouble. Here in New Jersey, and only about 10 miles from the president’s retreat in… Continue reading The Trump Doctrine: Shoot Off Mouth, Then Foot
Author: Robert I. Grundfest
I am a teacher, writer, voice-over artist and rationally opinionated observer of American and international society. While my job is to entertain and engage, my purpose is always to start a conversation.
Sometimes, America, It Takes a Leak
Thank goodness for government leaks and the leakers who leak them. From the Pentagon Papers to the transcripts of President Trump’s (shudder) conversations with the leaders of Mexico and Australia, leaks of government information have overwhelmingly benefited the country. They serve the interests of democracy. They uncover that which the ruling class would like to keep… Continue reading Sometimes, America, It Takes a Leak
The Trump Cycle: Blather, Reince, Repeal
American Heroes Week is firmly in the rear-view mirror. But as we celebrate our heroes – Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, John McCain and every Senate Democrat – it’s important to remember that every American can be a hero every day simply by living a positive, moral, thinking, compassionate, empathetic, reflective life and acting on those… Continue reading The Trump Cycle: Blather, Reince, Repeal
Beg Your Pardon? I Can’t Fear You.
If the past six months is any guide, then most politicians – corporate executives and foreign leaders – have little to fear from Donald Trump. He has turned out to be a wildly ineffective manager, deal maker and communicator, and with turnover in his administration expected to be high over the coming months (Sean Spicer… Continue reading Beg Your Pardon? I Can’t Fear You.
Kill (the Trumpcare) Bill, Part I: And the Magic Number Is…?
I’m curious. Just how many people have to lose their health insurance before the Republicans in Congress shout, “Eureka! We have done it?” Obviously 22 million people is too many. But what happens if the Congressional Budget Office comes back this week and says that the new, not-really-improved Trumpcare bill will only result in 19 million… Continue reading Kill (the Trumpcare) Bill, Part I: And the Magic Number Is…?
America’s Educators Lead the Way
If you care deeply about social and racial justice, value equal opportunity, detest discrimination and believe that this country needs to focus on its core values of tolerance, compromise, equality and democracy, then fear not. America’s educators have got your back. I returned from the National Education Association (NEA) convention in Boston last week feeling… Continue reading America’s Educators Lead the Way
Christie’s Last Stand: Bankrupt Bluster
Governor Christie is obviously not content with 15% approval ratings. He must want them to go lower. And he’s doing a great job, drawing a line in closed beach sand about the state budget that was supposed to be approved by June 30. The problem is that Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto refused to include Christie’s proposed grab… Continue reading Christie’s Last Stand: Bankrupt Bluster
Worst is the New Normal
Let me get this straight. The president (shudder) lies in hinting that he might have tapes of his conversations with James Comey in order to make sure that Comey tells the truth when he testifies under oath in front of Congress? Comey says that this spurred him to have a friend leak information he hoped… Continue reading Worst is the New Normal
Hail Caesar!
I go back and forth about whether there is such a thing as fate. This is one of those weeks where I believe. The shooting of the Republican congressional baseball team in Alexandria is terrible enough, and predictably, the right wing scream machine is in full blather blaming the Democrats and their anti-Trump rhetoric for… Continue reading Hail Caesar!
The Snowflake Presidency
When are Americans going to wake up and realize that Donald Trump is like any other guy in a bar with an opinion and limited facts? That he’s essentially a guy who went into dad’s business, spreading his money around to anyone who would spell his name correctly in big neon letters, and that he… Continue reading The Snowflake Presidency
We’ll Always Have Paris
Of all the things that Donald Trump has done to make us weaker over the past 5 months, his withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Accord is the one that feels most like a betrayal. Because it is. His decision betrays common sense. The only reason to withdraw is because Trump and the… Continue reading We’ll Always Have Paris
Hey! New Jersey’s Electing A Governor! Pass It On
And you probably thought that Chris Christie had appointed himself governor-for-life. Of course, I wouldn’t put it past him, but his approval ratings are even lower than Trump’s, so he’ll need to leave next January. And with all the fun and excitement going on in DC these days, I can’t really blame you if you… Continue reading Hey! New Jersey’s Electing A Governor! Pass It On