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With Donald Trump scheduled tonight...to announce his nominee to replace the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia...who died in February 2016...I'm giving a standing ovation and a big pat on the back to Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon...who says he will filibuster any nominee to the Court unless Trump chooses Merrick Garland...the jurist who former President Barack Obama had selected last year, but who the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate wouldn't even give the courtesy of a hearing.
Senator Merkley told Politico - on Monday, January 30th, 2017..."This is a stolen seat. This is the first time a Senate majority has stolen a seat. We will use every lever in our power to stop this." Therefore...if Trump doesn't tap Garland for the vacancy on the Supreme Court - and there's a snowball's chance in hell that he will - once Senator Merkley sticks to his guns...Republicans will need 60 votes for Trump's choice to be confirmed...which will never happen. As for changing historical Senate rules to allow for a simple majority of only 51 votes - the so-called "nuclear option" - in order to confirm a Supreme Court Justice...will never happen either.
With all the hoopla and hullabaloo going on throughout the United States - especially in Washington, DC - since Inauguration Day...then I can only imagine Donald Trump...standing in the middle of The Oval Office...stomping his feet...shaking his head...and waving his hands as he screams..."No, no, no." Why aren't people doing what I tell them?"
Trump is a man who must be enraged...by what he might be calling...a lack of obedience by certain people in his own Administration...by members of Congress... and by the vast majority of the American public. My answer to that would be...too bad, Donald. Now you and your Republican cronies can get a taste of the GOP's own medicine...for the way they treated President Obama. It's, therefore, quite possible - as I have written in past columns - that the United States Supreme Court will remain a bench of eight...for the next four years...or, unless the Democrats gain control of the Senate after the 2018 mid-term elections...and if Trump is then willing to play ball. Otherwise...it just may be...strike 3 and you're out...with no full team of players...on the highest court in our land.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of
GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B.
Duglin.
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Tuesday, January 31, 2017
THE WHITE HOUSE OF HATE
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A number of American civil servants deserve praise today for their patriotic performances on Monday, January 30th, 2017.
Kudos to Sally Yates...who refused to be an accomplice to an executive order by Donald Trump...that Yates isn't "convinced (to be) lawful."
Yates served admirably for President Barack Obama as Deputy Attorney General... and because of her obvious love of country...she agreed to stay on the job in an upgraded capacity as Acting Attorney General for Trump. But on Monday...Yates ordered lawyers at the Department of Justice...not to defend Trump's so-called "Muslim ban" that restricted immigration.
Yates is a courageous and honorable stateswoman...who follows the rule of law with dignity and integrity...and she should be applauded for her decision.
Shortly thereafter...the acting head of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was removed from his post. Daniel Ragsdale was another holdover from the Obama Administration. He had been ICE's deputy director...and like Yates... graciously remained to work for Donald Trump and to step up his responsibilities. However...with no public explanation...Ragsdale was returned to his previous position.
As I wrote in my Monday, January 2nd column...I noted that it wouldn't take long before Trump would mimic his famous phrase from his television show, The Apprentice. But...I didn't think he would have the urge to say it after only ten days behind The Oval Office desk. That being said..."You're fired!"...to Sally Yates... apparently came easy.
What Donald Trump has done is, without question, cruel and unusual punishment for people who are human beings...and the Muslim community should not in any way be treated with such humiliation and horror.
Trump's ban aims prejudice and bigotry towards Muslims. And America cannot target an ethnically religious group of peace-loving people...just because a fraction of their worshiping congregation...are not. Shooting an arrow through the heart of any faith...is criminal and unconstitutional. And it is bad for all religions.
Along with numerous other Democrats - who faced a crowd of several hundred supporters that protested Trump's executive order on Monday - Congressman Jerry Nadler called Trump's order..."dangerously stupid." And the New York Democrat insisted..."We must overcome this little man in The White House, who is disgracing our history." Harsh words by a member of the U.S. House of Representatives...but after Trump's heinous and abominable actions...Congressman Nadler hit the nail on the head with his remarks.
A day earlier...on Sunday, January 29th...Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer - a distinguished and proud veteran of Congress - poured his heart out with genuine emotion. Choked up...Senator Schumer labeled Donald Trump's executive order banning Muslims..."mean-spirited and un-American"...which is the exact word I used in my Saturday, January 28th commentary...titled, TO DONALD TRUMP: THE WELCOME MAT TO AMERICA IS FOR EVERYONE! But Trump accused Schumer of crying "fake tears"...and he despicably chastised the New York Democrat...of "acting." I, however...raise my glass to Senator Schumer...and I toast him for his sensitivity towards Muslims and anyone else who is demeaned, belittled and offended...because of their religious beliefs...the color of their skin...or their country of origin.
And cheers to Senator Cory Booker - Democrat from New Jersey - who, also on Monday, emphatically shouted..."When someone attacks Muslim Americans...they attack all of us. We must be determined to stand up against hate."
And that's what Trump's executive order is. It is hate. And hate...should never be tolerated. It's a tragic shame that Donald Trump never learned that.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
A number of American civil servants deserve praise today for their patriotic performances on Monday, January 30th, 2017.
Kudos to Sally Yates...who refused to be an accomplice to an executive order by Donald Trump...that Yates isn't "convinced (to be) lawful."
Yates served admirably for President Barack Obama as Deputy Attorney General... and because of her obvious love of country...she agreed to stay on the job in an upgraded capacity as Acting Attorney General for Trump. But on Monday...Yates ordered lawyers at the Department of Justice...not to defend Trump's so-called "Muslim ban" that restricted immigration.
Yates is a courageous and honorable stateswoman...who follows the rule of law with dignity and integrity...and she should be applauded for her decision.
Shortly thereafter...the acting head of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was removed from his post. Daniel Ragsdale was another holdover from the Obama Administration. He had been ICE's deputy director...and like Yates... graciously remained to work for Donald Trump and to step up his responsibilities. However...with no public explanation...Ragsdale was returned to his previous position.
As I wrote in my Monday, January 2nd column...I noted that it wouldn't take long before Trump would mimic his famous phrase from his television show, The Apprentice. But...I didn't think he would have the urge to say it after only ten days behind The Oval Office desk. That being said..."You're fired!"...to Sally Yates... apparently came easy.
What Donald Trump has done is, without question, cruel and unusual punishment for people who are human beings...and the Muslim community should not in any way be treated with such humiliation and horror.
Trump's ban aims prejudice and bigotry towards Muslims. And America cannot target an ethnically religious group of peace-loving people...just because a fraction of their worshiping congregation...are not. Shooting an arrow through the heart of any faith...is criminal and unconstitutional. And it is bad for all religions.
Along with numerous other Democrats - who faced a crowd of several hundred supporters that protested Trump's executive order on Monday - Congressman Jerry Nadler called Trump's order..."dangerously stupid." And the New York Democrat insisted..."We must overcome this little man in The White House, who is disgracing our history." Harsh words by a member of the U.S. House of Representatives...but after Trump's heinous and abominable actions...Congressman Nadler hit the nail on the head with his remarks.
A day earlier...on Sunday, January 29th...Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer - a distinguished and proud veteran of Congress - poured his heart out with genuine emotion. Choked up...Senator Schumer labeled Donald Trump's executive order banning Muslims..."mean-spirited and un-American"...which is the exact word I used in my Saturday, January 28th commentary...titled, TO DONALD TRUMP: THE WELCOME MAT TO AMERICA IS FOR EVERYONE! But Trump accused Schumer of crying "fake tears"...and he despicably chastised the New York Democrat...of "acting." I, however...raise my glass to Senator Schumer...and I toast him for his sensitivity towards Muslims and anyone else who is demeaned, belittled and offended...because of their religious beliefs...the color of their skin...or their country of origin.
And cheers to Senator Cory Booker - Democrat from New Jersey - who, also on Monday, emphatically shouted..."When someone attacks Muslim Americans...they attack all of us. We must be determined to stand up against hate."
And that's what Trump's executive order is. It is hate. And hate...should never be tolerated. It's a tragic shame that Donald Trump never learned that.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
WITH DONALD TRUMP IN THE OVAL OFFICE...GOD HELP THE U.S.A.
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As far back as my Saturday, December 19th, 2015 column - titled, DONALD TRUMP: STOP BASHING MUSLIMS - I called Trump a "lunatic"...a "maniac"...and a "malicious madman." I was point blank on target - more than 13 months ago - as Trump continues to fit the same bill.
In that 2015 commentary...I accused Trump of being "hostile" and for spreading around his "swill and stink." I noted..."There is no doubt that ISIS is a monumental threat to the United States and could possibly be perilous to Americans. And yes, Democrats and Republicans agree that ISIS is a barbaric organization that needs to be destroyed. But we cannot point the finger at Muslims. There are millions of peace-loving Muslims throughout the world who have nothing to do with terrorism or the radicalized bastards of ISIS and Al-Qaeda, who want to annihilate Americans."
In that same editorial, I mentioned that..."I am a Jew. And as a Jew...I know about bigotry. I'm personally familiar with anti-Semitism and the horrendous prejudice by others who detest me because I am Jewish." I went on to compare Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler. Not that Trump slaughtered 6-million Jews. He did not. Let me repeat myself so Republican readers do not put their own spin on my words. I am not suggesting...or insinuating in any way...that Trump is a mass murderer. Clearly, he is not. And as I stated in my 2015 piece..."Nothing in global history could be compared to The Holocaust. However, I reference Hitler to illustrate the prejudice that faced Jews during World War II...(and the similar prejudice) and the injustice that Donald Trump supports, which violates the rights of Muslims."
Now to 2017. With Trump keeping his campaign promise for "extreme vetting"... he issued an executive order - signed on Friday, January 27th - which was to temporarily halt immigration from seven Muslim-dominated countries with possible ties to terrorism. Trump immediately blocked entrance in to the United States - for 90-days - to anyone from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yeman. Trump's order also ended access in to our country...for any Syrian refugee...for an indefinite period of time. Furthermore...Trump's signature demanded the suspension of the entire Refugees Admissions Program for 120 days...which was to mean refugees from no countries would be permitted until the federal government could review the application process. The executive order also affects green card holders who have permanent residence status. Bottom line...the Trump ban is religious discrimination...and it violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
But Donald Trump must be spitting blood today because - on Saturday night, January 28th - a federal judge in Brooklyn, New York issued an emergency stay...to block Trump's executive order...banning immigration. U.S. District Court Judge Ann M. Donnelly ruled that nobody will be deported, as a result of Trump's order.
Judge Donnelly became involved when a lawsuit was filed on Saturday by the American Civil Liberties Union...on behalf of two men...who were detained on Friday, January 27th at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. The suit against Donald Trump and the federal government...challenges Trump's so-called, "Muslim ban." Following the judge's ruling...the two men were released. The ACLU estimates that up to two-hundred people, across the United States, had also been held at airports because of Trump's executive order.
Prior to Judge Donnelly's decision...the issue escalated on Saturday night when hundreds of protesters demonstrated at JFK...at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago...and at other major airports throughout the country.
Judge Donnelly's decision is historic...and it is a stunning defeat for Donald Trump, as the ruling protects any refugees or other individuals with a valid visa...from deportation...under Trump's order. The stay also covers anybody in transit when the emergency ruling was filed. And according to Judge Donnelly's order...it is a nationwide injunction and nobody can be removed from the United States.
The judge's stay is not a guarantee that Trump's executive order will be overturned. A court will decide - perhaps as early as sometime in February - whether to make Judge Donnelly's ruling permanent.
Eleven months ago...in my Thursday, February 25th, 2016 column - titled, CAN DONALD TRUMP BEAT HILLARY CLINTON?"...I wrote..."I don't think he can. I would bet that he won't. I hope not. Shame on Americans, if he does. And if he does... God help the U.S.A."
I lost my own bet that Donald Trump could not be victorious over Hillary Clinton. But wow! I've been right on the mark with..."And if he does...God help the U.S.A."
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
As far back as my Saturday, December 19th, 2015 column - titled, DONALD TRUMP: STOP BASHING MUSLIMS - I called Trump a "lunatic"...a "maniac"...and a "malicious madman." I was point blank on target - more than 13 months ago - as Trump continues to fit the same bill.
In that 2015 commentary...I accused Trump of being "hostile" and for spreading around his "swill and stink." I noted..."There is no doubt that ISIS is a monumental threat to the United States and could possibly be perilous to Americans. And yes, Democrats and Republicans agree that ISIS is a barbaric organization that needs to be destroyed. But we cannot point the finger at Muslims. There are millions of peace-loving Muslims throughout the world who have nothing to do with terrorism or the radicalized bastards of ISIS and Al-Qaeda, who want to annihilate Americans."
In that same editorial, I mentioned that..."I am a Jew. And as a Jew...I know about bigotry. I'm personally familiar with anti-Semitism and the horrendous prejudice by others who detest me because I am Jewish." I went on to compare Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler. Not that Trump slaughtered 6-million Jews. He did not. Let me repeat myself so Republican readers do not put their own spin on my words. I am not suggesting...or insinuating in any way...that Trump is a mass murderer. Clearly, he is not. And as I stated in my 2015 piece..."Nothing in global history could be compared to The Holocaust. However, I reference Hitler to illustrate the prejudice that faced Jews during World War II...(and the similar prejudice) and the injustice that Donald Trump supports, which violates the rights of Muslims."
Now to 2017. With Trump keeping his campaign promise for "extreme vetting"... he issued an executive order - signed on Friday, January 27th - which was to temporarily halt immigration from seven Muslim-dominated countries with possible ties to terrorism. Trump immediately blocked entrance in to the United States - for 90-days - to anyone from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yeman. Trump's order also ended access in to our country...for any Syrian refugee...for an indefinite period of time. Furthermore...Trump's signature demanded the suspension of the entire Refugees Admissions Program for 120 days...which was to mean refugees from no countries would be permitted until the federal government could review the application process. The executive order also affects green card holders who have permanent residence status. Bottom line...the Trump ban is religious discrimination...and it violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
But Donald Trump must be spitting blood today because - on Saturday night, January 28th - a federal judge in Brooklyn, New York issued an emergency stay...to block Trump's executive order...banning immigration. U.S. District Court Judge Ann M. Donnelly ruled that nobody will be deported, as a result of Trump's order.
Judge Donnelly became involved when a lawsuit was filed on Saturday by the American Civil Liberties Union...on behalf of two men...who were detained on Friday, January 27th at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. The suit against Donald Trump and the federal government...challenges Trump's so-called, "Muslim ban." Following the judge's ruling...the two men were released. The ACLU estimates that up to two-hundred people, across the United States, had also been held at airports because of Trump's executive order.
Prior to Judge Donnelly's decision...the issue escalated on Saturday night when hundreds of protesters demonstrated at JFK...at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago...and at other major airports throughout the country.
Judge Donnelly's decision is historic...and it is a stunning defeat for Donald Trump, as the ruling protects any refugees or other individuals with a valid visa...from deportation...under Trump's order. The stay also covers anybody in transit when the emergency ruling was filed. And according to Judge Donnelly's order...it is a nationwide injunction and nobody can be removed from the United States.
The judge's stay is not a guarantee that Trump's executive order will be overturned. A court will decide - perhaps as early as sometime in February - whether to make Judge Donnelly's ruling permanent.
Eleven months ago...in my Thursday, February 25th, 2016 column - titled, CAN DONALD TRUMP BEAT HILLARY CLINTON?"...I wrote..."I don't think he can. I would bet that he won't. I hope not. Shame on Americans, if he does. And if he does... God help the U.S.A."
I lost my own bet that Donald Trump could not be victorious over Hillary Clinton. But wow! I've been right on the mark with..."And if he does...God help the U.S.A."
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
TO DONALD TRUMP: THE WELCOME MAT TO AMERICA IS FOR EVERYONE!
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Tears are streaming down the eyes of Lady Liberty, as she weeps over Donald Trump's executive order - signed on Friday, January 27th, 2017 - which temporarily halts immigration from seven Muslim-dominated countries with possible ties to terrorism. Living up to his campaign promise for "extreme vetting"...Trump has immediately blocked entrance in to the United States - for 90-days - anyone from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yeman. Trump's order also ends access in to our country...for any Syrian refugee...for an indefinite period of time. Furthermore...Trump's signature demands the suspension of the entire Refugees Admissions Program for 120 days...which means refugees from no countries will be permitted until the federal government can review the application process.
I am the product - note the operative word..."product" - of immigration. My great-grandparents - all four of them - arrived at Ellis Island in New York City in the late 1800s. And unless your ancestors are Native Americans...then you...and every single citizen of the United States...are the result of immigration.
Therefore...let me remind you of the inscription that is engraved on a bronze plaque...which is mounted to the base of the Statue of Liberty. It is part of a poem by Emma Lazarus, which she wrote in 1883 to help raise funds for the construction of the statue's pedestal.
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
But my great-grandparents did not read those hallowed words when they came to the United States. Because although America was Lady Liberty's home since 1886...it wasn't until 1903 when the aforementioned plaque became part of the lower level of her base.
For 114 years, however...that very special stanza...of that memorable sonnet... has been absorbed...by the minds of American citizens...by immigrants...and by tourists...who have read it...and deeply embraced its meaning. According to New York Harbor Parks...approximately four-million people visit the Statue of Liberty National Monument on Liberty Island every year.
But that precious verse...from that cherished poem...found on our treasured Statue...does not say - Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses who are not Muslim.
For more than 240 years...the United States has welcomed people of all faiths...of all races...and of all ethnicities...to its shores. For Donald Trump to restrict our nation's soil to individuals...because of their religious beliefs...is un-American. It is not what our country stands for. But then...I question whether Trump - and others who claim to love America, but who agree with him on this entire issue - even know what the United States stands for...or what it truly means...to be an American. And something tells me...they never will.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
It should be known that the opening line of the above column was written before Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer - Democrat from New York - released his statement using some similar wording.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
Tears are streaming down the eyes of Lady Liberty, as she weeps over Donald Trump's executive order - signed on Friday, January 27th, 2017 - which temporarily halts immigration from seven Muslim-dominated countries with possible ties to terrorism. Living up to his campaign promise for "extreme vetting"...Trump has immediately blocked entrance in to the United States - for 90-days - anyone from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yeman. Trump's order also ends access in to our country...for any Syrian refugee...for an indefinite period of time. Furthermore...Trump's signature demands the suspension of the entire Refugees Admissions Program for 120 days...which means refugees from no countries will be permitted until the federal government can review the application process.
I am the product - note the operative word..."product" - of immigration. My great-grandparents - all four of them - arrived at Ellis Island in New York City in the late 1800s. And unless your ancestors are Native Americans...then you...and every single citizen of the United States...are the result of immigration.
Therefore...let me remind you of the inscription that is engraved on a bronze plaque...which is mounted to the base of the Statue of Liberty. It is part of a poem by Emma Lazarus, which she wrote in 1883 to help raise funds for the construction of the statue's pedestal.
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
But my great-grandparents did not read those hallowed words when they came to the United States. Because although America was Lady Liberty's home since 1886...it wasn't until 1903 when the aforementioned plaque became part of the lower level of her base.
For 114 years, however...that very special stanza...of that memorable sonnet... has been absorbed...by the minds of American citizens...by immigrants...and by tourists...who have read it...and deeply embraced its meaning. According to New York Harbor Parks...approximately four-million people visit the Statue of Liberty National Monument on Liberty Island every year.
But that precious verse...from that cherished poem...found on our treasured Statue...does not say - Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses who are not Muslim.
For more than 240 years...the United States has welcomed people of all faiths...of all races...and of all ethnicities...to its shores. For Donald Trump to restrict our nation's soil to individuals...because of their religious beliefs...is un-American. It is not what our country stands for. But then...I question whether Trump - and others who claim to love America, but who agree with him on this entire issue - even know what the United States stands for...or what it truly means...to be an American. And something tells me...they never will.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
It should be known that the opening line of the above column was written before Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer - Democrat from New York - released his statement using some similar wording.
Now, please express your personal opinions by following the instructions above. And thank you for reading The Controversy.
Copyright 2017 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.
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