Okay. This was a day filled with drama and chaos even by Trumponian standards. It began at sunrise as in a rather incoherent tweet, Mr. Trump questioned his own administration’s support for a controversial bill (FISA) to reauthorize the government’s ability to conduct foreign surveillance in the U.S. Mass confusion broke out among lawmakers for about an hour and a half, but after a second backpedaling tweet, the bill was approved. Then, came the confusion over whether or not a tentative agreement had been reached concerning DACA. And now the day ends with some absolutely vile comments Mr. Trump came out with during a meeting with Republicans and Democrats to discuss this possible bipartisan immigration deal. For my friends who don’t live in the U.S., DACA is a program issued under President Obama by executive order. It protects immigrants who were brought to this country illegally as children. Several months ago Mr. Trump disbanded the program, saying that President Obama had exceeded his authority. In March, these Dreamers will have to start leaving the country unless an agreement is made. So, during this meeting late this afternoon, Senator Dick Durbin was explaining to him that part of the proposal would end the visa lottery program in exchange for Temporary Protected Status for countries such as El Salvador. (BTW, earlier this week 200,000 Salvadorans who have been here since 2001 were told to start getting their affairs in order because starting next year they’re being deported.) Senator Durbin was going through the list of TPS countries which would be covered when Mr. Trump apparently grew frustrated when he learned this deal would include immigrants from Haiti and African countries. He questioned why he should accept immigrants from “shithole countries” instead of people from countries like Norway. “Why do we need more Haitians? Take them out.” Now obviously Mr. Trump’s blatant racism shouldn’t come as a surprise to any of us. This is the man who referred to Mexicans as rapists and drug dealers during the campaign. This is the man who dodged condemning the white supremacists and neo-nazis in Charlottesville. This is the man who instituted a Muslim ban. And last June during a meeting with his national security team, he vented about the slowness in fortifying the borders. Reading from statistics put together by his equally racist aide, Stephen Miller, he complained about Haitian immigrants, saying: “ They all have AIDS.” In regards to immigrants from Nigeria he said: they would “never go back to their huts.” While the White House has denied he made those particular statements, despite numerous confirmations from sources in the room, no one is denying what he said today, although who knows what “alternative facts” Minister of Propaganda, aka White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders will present tomorrow. Indeed, reports are coming out saying that he and his minions believe his atrocious comments will play well with his base.
That Mr. Trump did this at the beginning of the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, makes it even more sickening. And tomorrow marks the eight year anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti. As I watch the talking heads on CNN right now calling Mr. Trump’s comments “racist statements”, or “racially charged”, they also seem to be hesitant about calling him a racist. Well, I have no such hesitation. The message from this administration is clear. If you’re not white, you’re not welcome in this country. Mr. Trump is a blatant racist which has been proven time and time again, going back to his days as a landlord in NYC. Journalists and Americans need to stop tiptoeing around and acknowledge that we have a RACIST leading this country! I know I’ve said this before, but I am ashamed and embarrassed to be an American. I wish to God I could offer an apology to every single person who is being detrimentally affected by his words and actions.
America has always been “great” in part because of its rich tapestry made up of immigrants from different countries bringing their education and skills and culture with them. So many have made such incredible contributions.
People like John James Audubon, painter, naturalist, and ornithologist. He was born Jean Rabin in Les Cayes, Saint Domingue (later Haiti).
Viter Juste, The Haitian-born American community leader, activist and businessman. He’s considered the father of the Haitian American community in Miami.
Danielle Laraque-Arena, also born in Haiti. She’s the first female President of the State University of New York Upstate Medical University.
Representative Mia Love, the first black female Republican elected to Congress. Born Ludmya Bordeau to Haitian parents.
John O. Agwunobi, born in Scotland to a Nigerian father and Scottish mother. He’s a notable pediatrician and public health professional.
Kimberly Anyadike, whose parents immigrated from Nigeria. Born in 1994, she’s a pilot who completed a transcontinental flight at the age of fifteen.
Salvadoran Francisco Machon Vilonova who wrote his most well known novel Ola roja in San Francisco. The book is about the indigenous populations in El Salvador who were massacred in the Matanzana of 1932.
Salvadoran fashion designer Francesca Miranda, whose designs are sold all over the world and have been worn by many celebrities.
Obviously the list is endless.
Unfortunately, all this Irish/Catholic/Jew can do, is call and email politicians, vote, and pray to God that this country wakes up and sends him packing in 2020. We deserve better.
booksandlovealways said:
This is so wrong and so saddening
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Every time he pulls this crap, (sorry for the language) it drives me up the wall. He is a racist and homophobe who needs to be labeled as such and called out for Hus actions.
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booksandlovealways said:
Yesss!!! I still can’t believe he is standing where Obama stood. A true joke for a president is what Trump is and I’m incredulous he has even made it this far in his term without getting shot at (sorry I really don’t wish him or any human being dead but at times like these it’s like…frustrating as hell)
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know exactly how you feel!😡
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realthog said:
this crap, (sorry for the language)
Oh, my, Kim: I’ve had to book a session with my PTSD shrink.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Hahaha!🤣 I actually wanted to use a stronger word.🤬
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Felicia Denise said:
To admit Trump is a racist would also be admitting the truth about themselves…something they’ll never do. Better to deny or downplay than admit the wrong person sits in the Oval Office.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I expect that from his supporters Felicia, but not from journalists.😒
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Felicia Denise said:
I believe true journalists will (and do) say it. Others are either afraid of becoming targets of the Deranged Toddler…and subsequently, his base, afraid of the people who sign their lucrative contracts, or again, afraid to admit who they really are.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve been watching this on CNN since the story broke, and Jim Acosta was the first reporter I heard actually bring it up. Now on Anderson Cooper’s show it’s being talked about…finally.
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Felicia Denise said:
The more, the better! Then those who don’t speak out will look suspect. Well, except for Faux News…but that’s just a Klan meeting in fancy clothes. 😄😄😄
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Don Lemon just began his show stating “The President of the United States is a racist.” You’re right Felicia. The more the better!
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realthog said:
Oh, God, how sick this man makes me. It’s like he’s not really a human being, just an orangutang dressed up as one. Nup: I say that, I get letters from justifiably angry orangutangs.
The problem is that you can trace this degradation of our body politic back to Ronnie Raygun, whom half the country still thinks was worthy of beatification despite the vileness of his assaults on the poor, his fundings of death squads in Latin America, etc. To be honest, we deserve what we’ve got because we raised not a whimper when so many of our liberties were taken away from us.
This evening I chatted with someone in a local shop. She was tired: She has two jobs, and that’s getting to her. As Pam and I drove home we recalled that, when we were in our childhood and teens, it was assumed a single job was enough to keep an entire family afloat. Now, even with two adults working long hours, many families aren’t making it.
Thanks, Republicans, for all you’ve done to make this country great.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I do think you just insulted orangutans John. Seriously though, I absolutely agree with you about Reagan. I don’t understand idealotry of him. Just look at how the AIDS epidemic exploded because of his inaction. And look at the new rules that the WH and Republicans have just attached to Medicaid. There is indeed a whole new class. It’s called the working poor.😞
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Mama Cass said:
I’ve been watching MSNBC and Joy Reid was filling in for Chris Hayes. Joy went at it with some asswipe repugnant from KS, who wanted to talk about other things and she tore HIM up! She spoke true! She quoted him, she had research, she said racist and shithole. Trump wants to make America white again. Huh, do you think he realizes that Jesus came from a shithole country? That Norwegians don’t want to come to this shithole country?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Don Lemon just began his show on CNN with “The President of the United States is racist.” People in power need to call him what he is. It’s going to be interesting to see what Republicans have to say about what he said. Especially ones like Lindsey Graham who were in that meeting. And no Cass. I seriously doubt he knows where Jesus was born.
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Writergurlny said:
Out of everything he has done, this takes the cake.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Indeed it is.
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sonofabeach96 said:
Dan Rather’s statements say it best:
https://m.facebook.com/theDanRather/
This so-called “leader” is an utter disgrace. I’d like to say to any people whom may be reading this from outside of the US, that not all of us “stand with” this pathetic human being and his disgraceful behavior nor his child-like hissy fit rants…about anything. As an American, I’m thoroughly embarrassed and disgusted with what this country has allowed to happen. 😔
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Mama Cass said:
I stand with Dan!
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sonofabeach96 said:
Yeah, man. 💪🏻
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Hear! Hear!
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sonofabeach96 said:
😊
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Jay said:
Oh it can always get worse.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Sadly Jay, I agree.😞
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Saturday Nite Reader said:
Yes, we deserve so much better. Sigh.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
By the time he’s done we really are going to need someone to “Make America Great Again.”😞
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raistlin0903 said:
Well, I have said it before, and I will gladly say it again, this guy is completely crazy as far as I am concerned. I really hope that he will be sent packing in 2020. Great post Kim. It just saddens me that you still have to deal with this crazed man for another two years 😢😢
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Michel. I’m still hoping he’s impeached over obstruction of justice, but I’m not counting on it.😞
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Gronda Morin said:
Dear Kim,
Someone I know had her husband pass away from Alzheimer’s disease who is saying that when she watches President Trump, she sees her husband.
If that is the case, he doesn’t have the impulse control to not reveal what’s in his heart. He is a racist.
Maya Angelou saying is appropriate here: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” He was the creator of the “birther movement” against President Obama..
Hugs, Gronda
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve heard several people say he’s showing signs of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. And that’s a wonderful quote from Maya Angelou, and so fitting.
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fragglerocking said:
I hope the democrats have someone waiting in the wings strong and good enough to contend with him in 2020.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Right now there’s a few possible contenders: Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Joe Biden. But no one is truly standing out yet. Well, except Oprah.😕
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fragglerocking said:
I like Elizabeth Warren. We are chuckling over here as Pres. Trump has cancelled his visit to open the new embassy, the Mayor of London has said he’s not welcome. Freaked our govt right out!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I do too Fraggle. And I’m proud that she’s from my state of Massachusetts.😊
I just was reading about hi cancelled visit. He’s blaming President Obama for selling the existing embassy for “peanuts”. Puhlease! It wasn’t even Obama who decided to move the embassy. This was done under George W. Bush. It’s obvious Trump was afraid of the protests. What a coward. I don’t see that State visit happening any time soon!😏
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realthog said:
He’s blaming President Obama for selling the existing embassy for “peanuts”.
I’ve just been reading in WaPo that it was GW Bush who sold the embassy . . .
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know! Bloody flippin’ idiot! He’s a coward who’s afraid of the mass protests over there. I don’t see the State Visit happening any time soon.
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fragglerocking said:
SAD 🤣
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beetleypete said:
Be careful of your migraines, Kim. This man is sure to make your headaches worse.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Pete. He definitely doe.😕
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Beware Of The Reader said:
Kim I was aware of the problematic of children from illegal immigrants. Thanks again for informing us! If you want to read a good book about children immigrating illegaly The radius of us by Melanie Marquardt was a really good one. I wish you a Happy Friday despite everything
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That was a great book Sophie!
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Dr. Rex said:
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
‘Just When You Think It Can’t Get Any Worse’ …. exactly correct!! How did I miss this? I found it and I’m sharing … because ALL need to know!!
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The Shameful Narcissist said:
I’m hoping for an upset this year in November with the midterms. If 2017’s turnout is any implication, it’s going to be a rude awakening to rival the one we had at the end of 2016.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If there is that upset Adrienne, it will give us hope for 2020.
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Anna (Film Grimoire) said:
Wow, just another day in the Trump presidency. He has always shown himself to be a racist and a generally deplorable person. I wonder when enough will be enough.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Indeed Anna. As long as he’s President this stuff will keep happening.😞
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
He is a fuckin’ idiot!!! Grrr…. I hope he is either behind bars or impeached soon!!! We don’t need a fascist and racist asshat as commander in chief!😒😡
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
What makes it even worse are the reports that he’s pleased with the reaction.😡
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Diana said:
Thanks for sharing Kim. Trump doesn’t even surprise me anymore. I have been seeing people all excited about that book, Fire and Fury and the revelations that it contains but I don’t even want to read it because I know everything about the man, he is crazy and disgusting.
What pains me even more is that his comments have brought more than just hurt. People have taken his comments seriously here. Kenyans are trying to figure out trump thinks we are sh**hole country and what we need to change. Its ridiculous. I don’t think Africa needs to change anything because of him since his bigotry would still continue no matter what. Really sad though.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m sorry Diana. Please know that the majority of Americans don’t share his views.😡
I’m almost halfway through Fire and Fury and I’ll be reviewing it as soon as I finish.
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Diana said:
I look forward to your review Kim. Thank you.
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Mama Cass said:
True Americans know that America is made up of immigrants from everywhere. And America was kidnapped by a deranged lunatic
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
So true Cass.
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Mama Cass said:
And lets not forget good ol Carson.
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