Thursday, January 19, 2017

Random Thoughts On the Eve of Inauguration WeekEnd 2016





It is the eve of the Trump Era in Washington.    I helped finish off a number of updates in the Daily Outsider as I reflected upon the Legacy of Barack Obama--including quite a realistic view by the Al Jazeera's Marwan Bishara--especially on the expansion of the power of the Imperial Presidency which is something that has to be investigated further--which has not been a focus in the US Media on a broad scale (unless there are those of us politicos follow the predicament of selfless souls like James Risen of the New York Times). 
I was quite amazed as I caught the public testimony of Nikki Haley, the UN Ambassador-Designate on Israel without any realization of what continues to occur on the ground in the occupied territories and a realization that in fact the two-state solution is dead.   I also was blown away by the manner in which the hearing for the Education Secretary-Designate was handled--including how she's advocated privatizing public education.       What is important here is that 4 percent of my local school district budget comes from Federal Funds which may be in danger due to the change in Washington--this is as I reviewed the rather disturbing development about deep cuts forthcoming that has been proposed by the Trump Administration and as reported by the National Priorities Project.   
I want to remain hopeful and optimistic as I saw Mr. Trump's Tweet on his assurance to bring the Country together.   I would note my agreement with the Washington Post's Dan Baltz that it was not Trump who divided the Country--he just understood the divide as no one else has.   (Update:    The question is whether he can bring it all together or not--This interesting take by the Haaretz' Chemi Shalev underscores the challenge faced by Mr. Trump as all are gearing up for the Noon Hour EST when the oath will be adminstered).    


As I finished off the edits, I decided to "pop in" to the White House and the President Elect's Website one last time and created this grid for all to enjoy: 



Before I and the team go  "dark" for the weekend, I picked up these thoughts courtesy of +Jonathan Huie that is always inspiring to embrace and shared it with a few friends--many of these are common sense reminders as a new era arrives in Washington.  


It is better to give others a piece of your heart than a piece of your mind.

- Amish Saying 



The best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice you give others.
- Amish Saying 

Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns, be glad that the thornbush has roses.
- Amish Saying

Be what you wish others to become.
- Amish Saying 

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet.
- Amish Saying

Worse than failure is the failure to try.
- Amish Saying



I wish all a fabulous WeekEnd from a Rainy Laguna Niguel, California and hope all enjoy the inauguration festivities (being streamed live right now on this January 20 via the White House--As I helped edit the latest, I am seeing the members of the House coming in including our local Congressman, Dana Rohrbacher) as I saw earlier Bill and Hillary Clinton arrive at the Capitol--The Presidential Motorcade has begun its' travel down Pennsylavinia Avenue.
  Fun to be witness to history!!   

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