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An Open Letter to the People of France
Author: BobR
Date: 2017-04-27 12:00:00
An Open Letter to the People of France...
First of all, let me apologize for writing this in English. Like most Americans, I really only speak one language (some here even have trouble with that). You have a very important election coming in just a few days. I'd like to ask you all to learn from our mistake.
While it's true that Hillary Clinton got millions more votes than... than... sorry - I can't say that orange bastard's name. Anyway, due to the anachronisms of our Constitution and the electoral system we still employ, we ended up with pResident tRump (hopefully that translates to French properly). You can all see what has happened since.
What should have been a lopsided election became equalized by his appealing to the fear and mistrust in the less educated among us. He spoke of border security, he demonized immigrants, he promised to return America to greatness (which is vague enough to allow the listener to "fill in the blanks" with one's own interpretation). In short - he supplanted patriotism with a xenophobic nationalism, and that was sufficient to motivate enough voters to sway the election.
I've read the positions and claims and politicking of Marine Le Pen. It scares me. It sounds much too familiar. The anti-immigration rhetoric, the blurring of lines between terrorist and peaceful Muslims, the false idea that citizens are suffering while non-citizens live in luxury. I am certain she is more educated than our current president, but that is hardly the crux of the problem. In a way, it makes tRump less powerful because he is stumbling and bumbling his way through his term.
My concern is that she got enough of the vote to make it to a runoff against a much more level-headed candidate. This too is uncomfortably familiar. I don't know how those voters who rejected both of them previously will choose on May 07, but I beg you to please look back in history - to America in Nov 2016, or even Germany 1932-1934. Authoritarians use propaganda (even when generated by an erstwhile foe such as Russia) to consolidate and solidify their power.
Bland and moderate is better than charismatic and dangerous. We've taken a step backward in our country. Please don't do so in yours.
With best wishes,
Bob Rouse
Alexandria, VA
Â
First of all, let me apologize for writing this in English. Like most Americans, I really only speak one language (some here even have trouble with that). You have a very important election coming in just a few days. I'd like to ask you all to learn from our mistake.
While it's true that Hillary Clinton got millions more votes than... than... sorry - I can't say that orange bastard's name. Anyway, due to the anachronisms of our Constitution and the electoral system we still employ, we ended up with pResident tRump (hopefully that translates to French properly). You can all see what has happened since.
What should have been a lopsided election became equalized by his appealing to the fear and mistrust in the less educated among us. He spoke of border security, he demonized immigrants, he promised to return America to greatness (which is vague enough to allow the listener to "fill in the blanks" with one's own interpretation). In short - he supplanted patriotism with a xenophobic nationalism, and that was sufficient to motivate enough voters to sway the election.
I've read the positions and claims and politicking of Marine Le Pen. It scares me. It sounds much too familiar. The anti-immigration rhetoric, the blurring of lines between terrorist and peaceful Muslims, the false idea that citizens are suffering while non-citizens live in luxury. I am certain she is more educated than our current president, but that is hardly the crux of the problem. In a way, it makes tRump less powerful because he is stumbling and bumbling his way through his term.
My concern is that she got enough of the vote to make it to a runoff against a much more level-headed candidate. This too is uncomfortably familiar. I don't know how those voters who rejected both of them previously will choose on May 07, but I beg you to please look back in history - to America in Nov 2016, or even Germany 1932-1934. Authoritarians use propaganda (even when generated by an erstwhile foe such as Russia) to consolidate and solidify their power.
Bland and moderate is better than charismatic and dangerous. We've taken a step backward in our country. Please don't do so in yours.
With best wishes,
Bob Rouse
Alexandria, VA
Â
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Scoopster on 04/27/2017 12:55:14
Scoopster on 04/27/2017 12:55:14
Mornin' all.. 
Comment by 
wickedpam on 04/27/2017 13:06:02
wickedpam on 04/27/2017 13:06:02
Morning 
Comment by Scoopster on 04/27/2017 13:20:50
Scoopster on 04/27/2017 13:20:50
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 04/27/2017 13:36:41
That has long been a conservative masturbatory fantasy. "It's too liberal!" has been their whine for going on 20-25 years now.
Mondobubba on 04/27/2017 13:36:41
That has long been a conservative masturbatory fantasy. "It's too liberal!" has been their whine for going on 20-25 years now.
Comment by 
Raine on 04/27/2017 13:58:06
Raine on 04/27/2017 13:58:06
Good Morning! 
This is a lovely letter to France.
This is a lovely letter to France.
Comment by 
TriSec on 04/27/2017 14:17:37
TriSec on 04/27/2017 14:17:37
Hi all . TriSec is finally out at the range today behind the wheel. Off to camp this evening.
Comment by Raine on 04/27/2017 14:29:12
Raine on 04/27/2017 14:29:12
Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/27/2017 14:39:45
Will in Chicago on 04/27/2017 14:39:45
Good morning, bloggers!!
BobR, thanks for a great letter. I think that we are seeing people who are afraid turning to leaders who offer to restore a version of the past that never truly existed.
BobR, thanks for a great letter. I think that we are seeing people who are afraid turning to leaders who offer to restore a version of the past that never truly existed.
Comment by Raine on 04/27/2017 15:05:32
Raine on 04/27/2017 15:05:32
They are now flat out saying that the WH is covering up for Flynn.
And it should be noted that Chaffettz left town -- he's taking a 4 week leave of absence.
And it should be noted that Chaffettz left town -- he's taking a 4 week leave of absence.
Comment by Scoopster on 04/27/2017 15:06:24
Scoopster on 04/27/2017 15:06:24
Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2017 15:10:24
beyond sketchy
wickedpam on 04/27/2017 15:10:24
Quote by Raine:
They are now flat out saying that the WH is covering up for Flynn.
And it should be noted that Chaffettz left town -- he's taking a 4 week leave of absence.
beyond sketchy
Comment by Scoopster on 04/27/2017 15:15:05
Heh there's a big deal about that I was reading on Twitter. Supposedly he had screws/plates put in his foot 12ish years ago after an accident, and he suddenly remembered his docs want to have them removed ASAP "to prevent infection".
Now, this is 100% bullshit because... Infection?! The surgery was 12 years ago, it's long healed. In fact, he's been on video constantly walking the halls of Congress and never shown any signs of discomfort. It's definitely likely that the docs want to remove the screws/plates tho, so why the decision to do it now?
It's a lot more likely that it has to do with the fact that he wants his Congressional health insurance to pay for it before he does. Remember that the new repeal bill has an amendment that lets members of Congress keep ALL BENEFITS OF THE ACA while the rest of us ARE FUCKED!
He's a real slick piece of trash...
Scoopster on 04/27/2017 15:15:05
Quote by Raine:
They are now flat out saying that the WH is covering up for Flynn.
And it should be noted that Chaffettz left town -- he's taking a 4 week leave of absence.
Heh there's a big deal about that I was reading on Twitter. Supposedly he had screws/plates put in his foot 12ish years ago after an accident, and he suddenly remembered his docs want to have them removed ASAP "to prevent infection".
Now, this is 100% bullshit because... Infection?! The surgery was 12 years ago, it's long healed. In fact, he's been on video constantly walking the halls of Congress and never shown any signs of discomfort. It's definitely likely that the docs want to remove the screws/plates tho, so why the decision to do it now?
It's a lot more likely that it has to do with the fact that he wants his Congressional health insurance to pay for it before he does. Remember that the new repeal bill has an amendment that lets members of Congress keep ALL BENEFITS OF THE ACA while the rest of us ARE FUCKED!
He's a real slick piece of trash...
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/27/2017 15:21:40
Oh jeez! Really? REALLY? That is the story he's going with? I am calling total bullshit on that. Every single person I know who's had a plate/screws for a broken bone have never had them removed. Once they are in, they are in for the long haul.
Mondobubba on 04/27/2017 15:21:40
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
They are now flat out saying that the WH is covering up for Flynn.
And it should be noted that Chaffettz left town -- he's taking a 4 week leave of absence.
Heh there's a big deal about that I was reading on Twitter. Supposedly he had screws/plates put in his foot 12ish years ago after an accident, and he suddenly remembered his docs want to have them removed ASAP "to prevent infection".
Now, this is 100% bullshit because... Infection?! The surgery was 12 years ago, it's long healed. In fact, he's been on video constantly walking the halls of Congress and never shown any signs of discomfort. It's definitely likely that the docs want to remove the screws/plates tho, so why the decision to do it now?
It's a lot more likely that it has to do with the fact that he wants his Congressional health insurance to pay for it before he does. Remember that the new repeal bill has an amendment that lets members of Congress keep ALL BENEFITS OF THE ACA while the rest of us ARE FUCKED!
He's a real slick piece of trash...
Oh jeez! Really? REALLY? That is the story he's going with? I am calling total bullshit on that. Every single person I know who's had a plate/screws for a broken bone have never had them removed. Once they are in, they are in for the long haul.
Comment by 
BobR on 04/27/2017 15:39:55
I still have a screw in my knee. That will end up in my urn after I'm gone
BobR on 04/27/2017 15:39:55
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
They are now flat out saying that the WH is covering up for Flynn.
And it should be noted that Chaffettz left town -- he's taking a 4 week leave of absence.
Heh there's a big deal about that I was reading on Twitter. Supposedly he had screws/plates put in his foot 12ish years ago after an accident, and he suddenly remembered his docs want to have them removed ASAP "to prevent infection".
Now, this is 100% bullshit because... Infection?! The surgery was 12 years ago, it's long healed. In fact, he's been on video constantly walking the halls of Congress and never shown any signs of discomfort. It's definitely likely that the docs want to remove the screws/plates tho, so why the decision to do it now?
It's a lot more likely that it has to do with the fact that he wants his Congressional health insurance to pay for it before he does. Remember that the new repeal bill has an amendment that lets members of Congress keep ALL BENEFITS OF THE ACA while the rest of us ARE FUCKED!
He's a real slick piece of trash...
Oh jeez! Really? REALLY? That is the story he's going with? I am calling total bullshit on that. Every single person I know who's had a plate/screws for a broken bone have never had them removed. Once they are in, they are in for the long haul.
I still have a screw in my knee. That will end up in my urn after I'm gone
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 04/27/2017 15:40:24
trojanrabbit on 04/27/2017 15:40:24
A short and much cruder message to our friends in France...
Dear France
You've always said you're better than the British. Prove it by kicking this right-wing fascist Putinpuppet to the curb.
Sincerely
America
p.s. you might want to consider taking the Statue of Liberty back.
Oh merde.....
Dear France
You've always said you're better than the British. Prove it by kicking this right-wing fascist Putinpuppet to the curb.
Sincerely
America
p.s. you might want to consider taking the Statue of Liberty back.
Oh merde.....
Comment by Raine on 04/27/2017 15:40:31
Check the date:
Raine on 04/27/2017 15:40:31
Quote by Raine:
They are now flat out saying that the WH is covering up for Flynn.
And it should be noted that Chaffettz left town -- he's taking a 4 week leave of absence.
Check the date:
Here's the letter from the inspector general announcing a new investigation into Mike Flynn's payments from foreign governments pic.twitter.com/3vRebNaBdy
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) April 27, 2017
Comment by Raine on 04/27/2017 17:12:40
Raine on 04/27/2017 17:12:40
Spicer is now almost 15 minutes late for the presser.
Comment by Raine on 04/27/2017 17:13:16
(This is actually very nice)
Raine on 04/27/2017 17:13:16
Sean Spicer briefs a slightly younger audience for "Take Your Kid to Work Day" in the White House briefing room. Next on the agenda: bowling pic.twitter.com/7NrOXrxroe
— Monica Alba (@albamonica) April 27, 2017
(This is actually very nice)
Comment by Scoopster on 04/27/2017 17:14:57
What the hell?!
Scoopster on 04/27/2017 17:14:57
What the hell?!Peak Trump with Marci on the lemon business in Argentina: “I know about all the lemons†— then segues to North Korea then back to the lemons pic.twitter.com/9ON3lQNUZQ
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) April 27, 2017
Comment by Scoopster on 04/27/2017 17:15:49
Scoopster on 04/27/2017 17:15:49
I swear that interview segment made me think immediately of this:
Comment by Raine on 04/27/2017 17:22:43
Raine on 04/27/2017 17:22:43
Quote by Scoopster:
Peak Trump with Marci on the lemon business in Argentina: “I know about all the lemons†— then segues to North Korea then back to the lemons pic.twitter.com/9ON3lQNUZQ
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) April 27, 2017
Comment by Raine on 04/27/2017 17:23:23
Raine on 04/27/2017 17:23:23
Quote by Scoopster:
I swear that interview segment made me think immediately of this:
Comment by Raine on 04/27/2017 17:26:58
Raine on 04/27/2017 17:26:58
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Peak Trump with Marci on the lemon business in Argentina: “I know about all the lemons†— then segues to North Korea then back to the lemons pic.twitter.com/9ON3lQNUZQ
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) April 27, 2017
Comment by Scoopster on 04/27/2017 17:57:10
Fucking wow they're blaming Obama for Flynn. AYFKM?!?!?!!?
Scoopster on 04/27/2017 17:57:10
Fucking wow they're blaming Obama for Flynn. AYFKM?!?!?!!?
Comment by Raine on 04/27/2017 18:16:13
Let's make this clear,
Spicer is blaming Obama for the SecClear but:
Trump STILL HIRED FLYNN!
WTF.
Raine on 04/27/2017 18:16:13
Quote by Scoopster:
Let's make this clear,
Spicer is blaming Obama for the SecClear but:
Trump STILL HIRED FLYNN!
WTF.
Comment by Scoopster on 04/27/2017 19:39:26
Not to mention Spicer's timeline is bogus.
Flynn retired (i.e. was fired in disgrace & allowed to retire) from DIA and the Army in August 2014. Also as I understand it, security clearances have a five year lifespan once vetted granted. They expire after that time period, or immediately upon leaving a position where the clearance was necessary. Why would the Obama Admin have had to re-vet him if he no longer held such a position?
And regardless of anything in the past he would have been REQUIRED to be re-vetted before receiving a clearance when he was nominated by Trump.
Scoopster on 04/27/2017 19:39:26
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Let's make this clear,
Spicer is blaming Obama for the SecClear but:
Trump STILL HIRED FLYNN!
WTF.
Not to mention Spicer's timeline is bogus.
General Flynn was a career military officer who maintained a high level clearance throughout his career in the military. His clearance was last reissued by the Obama administration in 2016 with full knowledge of his activities that occurred in 2015, as you point out. So, the issue is he was issued a security clearance under the Obama administration in the spring of 2016 … all of that clearance was made by the Obama administration.
Flynn retired (i.e. was fired in disgrace & allowed to retire) from DIA and the Army in August 2014. Also as I understand it, security clearances have a five year lifespan once vetted granted. They expire after that time period, or immediately upon leaving a position where the clearance was necessary. Why would the Obama Admin have had to re-vet him if he no longer held such a position?
And regardless of anything in the past he would have been REQUIRED to be re-vetted before receiving a clearance when he was nominated by Trump.
Comment by Raine on 04/27/2017 20:35:02
I caught that as well.
Flynn has his Sec Clear suspended in February. Something is very wrong here.
Obama is not supposed to watch over every Sec Clear.
Raine on 04/27/2017 20:35:02
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Let's make this clear,
Spicer is blaming Obama for the SecClear but:
Trump STILL HIRED FLYNN!
WTF.
Not to mention Spicer's timeline is bogus.General Flynn was a career military officer who maintained a high level clearance throughout his career in the military. His clearance was last reissued by the Obama administration in 2016 with full knowledge of his activities that occurred in 2015, as you point out. So, the issue is he was issued a security clearance under the Obama administration in the spring of 2016 … all of that clearance was made by the Obama administration.
Flynn retired (i.e. was fired in disgrace & allowed to retire) from DIA and the Army in August 2014. Also as I understand it, security clearances have a five year lifespan once vetted granted. They expire after that time period, or immediately upon leaving a position where the clearance was necessary. Why would the Obama Admin have had to re-vet him if he no longer held such a position?
And regardless of anything in the past he would have been REQUIRED to be re-vetted before receiving a clearance when he was nominated by Trump.
Flynn has his Sec Clear suspended in February. Something is very wrong here.
Obama is not supposed to watch over every Sec Clear.
Comment by Raine on 04/27/2017 20:35:44
Raine on 04/27/2017 20:35:44
One more thing: Sec Clear is not the same as vetting.
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/27/2017 21:14:41
When in doubt, blame the black guy.
Mondobubba on 04/27/2017 21:14:41
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Let's make this clear,
Spicer is blaming Obama for the SecClear but:
Trump STILL HIRED FLYNN!
WTF.
When in doubt, blame the black guy.