A Petulant Child
AJ Robinson

I’ve been wondering, mostly of the government shutdown. Why is Dumb Donald so adamant regarding funding for his stupid wall? The Republicans controlled Washington for the last two years; why didn’t he whine and complain then.

► Fund my wall or I’ll hold my breath.

Why not push for funds when he had those spineless wimps, I mean his fellow Republicans, in charge of the Senate and House? Instead, he waits until the end of December, an especially stressful holiday time for many. Literally, within days of the Democrats taking control of the House of Representatives he said, “Fund my wall or I shutdown the government.”

I found that confusing. I know he’s an idiot. Yet, he typically has a little more brains than setting himself up to fail so spectacularly.

Then I understood. Once again, it’s all to deceive, in the classic conman routine. Caught in the act or knowing the police are closing in or maybe the mark is ready to figure out the con, he creates a distraction or changes the subject. This is a gut-level move for survival.

Trump knows well that the day the Democrats takeover the House, which they did on 5 January 2019, is the day he becomes subject to oversight, possibly for the first time in his entire life. Several representatives have said they will subpoena various members of his administration, investigate his actions and even ask to see his tax returns. The minute that starts is the end for him. When Mueller issues his report is the true end.

So, what can Trump do? By shutting down the government, he accomplishes much. He distracts everyone from the onset of those investigations, he throws much of the nation into chaos and, most importantly, he pleases his base.

► Those hurt most, support Trump most.

At the last polling, I think Trump has about a ninety percent approval rating among Republicans. Still, they’re the ones who’ll suffer the most from the shutdown; farmers who were counting on the bailout following his trade war with China are looking at not getting their cheques; that doesn’t matter to Trump. One, he doesn’t care and, two, they agree with him.

This is what confuses me. Hate consumes the Trump base; hate for any one they see as disagreeing with or different from them. This allows them to be hurt, even virtually destroyed, anyone or thing that gets in their way.

I hope and pray the Democrats stand firm. If they cave to the Great Orange, now, they’ll be no stopping him. To date, Speaker Pelosi has stood firm against any funding for a wall on the US-Mexico border; let’s hope her resolve remains.

Now that he’s done it once, anytime Trump doesn’t get his way, he’ll shut down the government until the Democrats yield. What worries me is that the Democrats are decent people who want to govern. They care about the government workers and the agencies they work for and all the things those agencies do for the American people.

As for the Donald, nope, he doesn’t care, which means he has nothing to lose. At this point, he’s backed himself into a tight corner and there may not be any way for him to yield. The only hope I see is that the Republicans in the Senate grow a backbone and work with the Democrats to pass a meaningful budget. However, to do that, “Midget” Mitch, the Chief Wimp of the Senate, would have to allow a vote on the matter. I don’t see him working up the courage to defy Donny.

► Holding his breath.

Yes, Trump truly is a petulant child holding his breath until mommy and daddy give in. Nancy, Chuck, hold firm, he’s must breathe sometime!