Trump for President?

Introduction

Many people have voted for Donald Trump. He is, currently, the presumptive republican nominee. While I have tried to be essentially non-partisan in most of my writings, I, personally, do not feel that DJT is reflective of the needs and desires of the American people. I shall list several of his failings, sticking to his persona and actions – I will not discuss any of his policies – which polarize many people. 

Nicknames

It is my opinion that the President of the US should be above – way above – using derogatory nicknames for anyone. I was in grammar school (maybe even before then) when I learned that sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me. But, I also learned that calling people derogatory names is uncalled for, impolite and just downright disgusting. It displays a lack of class – a class that POTUS should have – in spades.

Indictments

By DJT’s own standards (and admissions), no candidate should be running for president while under investigation. Further, it would be “virtually impossible” for a president under indictment to govern. I would suggest that 91 indictments qualifies as being “under investigation”.

Quality appointments

One of the most important jobs of the president is the appointment of individuals to various head of departments, judges, personal advisors, press secretaries etc. The following is a list of individuals that DJT appointed during his first term that are, by his own admission, not of the proper quality to hold such appointment. There are certainly more.

Jeff Sessions, Rex Tillerson, James Mattis, H, R. McMaster Jon Kelley, Steve Bannon, James Comey, Nicki Haley, William Barr, Mike Pence, Betsy DeVos, Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Stephanie Grisham, Kayleigh McEnany, Kellyanne Conway, John Bolton – well you get the idea.

Nepotism

‘Nuff said

Lying

Admittedly, all politicians state a mistruth or two (as do basically all people) but DJT (as became de rigor under GWBush) has trouble getting one line of truth out. He lies. If I went into detail, listing even a small fraction of the lies he spews, this article would be dramatically longer.

Braggadocio

Again, this is related to Trump’s lack of decorum. Perhaps Trump is the best at just about everything but… He need not continually brag about it. Exhibiting even a slight level of humility is seemingly beyond Mr. Trump. I believe the presidency requires a more than just a small bit of humility. As Roosevelt said “speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far”.

Lack of Respect

DJT’s fails to recognize the importance of a free press. He lacks respect for the rule of law. He has made fun at the expense of handicapped or ill individuals. He disrespects the military. He claims to know more than scientists, medical professionals and other leaders in government.

Recently, as his court cases have made it to trial, he has shown a lack of respect for the judiciary and their families. It is interesting that he should attack the judges as they were assigned from a pool. They didn’t really have a choice. The judge’s family members should really be off target.

Undermining Democracy

He refuses to concede the 2020 election. Even Al Gore who lost the election in Florida, and thus the nation by a mere 500 votes conceded: “I say to President-elect Bush that what remains of partisan rancor must now be put aside”. He noted that there have been many partisan fights but “each time, both the victor and the vanquished have accepted the result peacefully and in a spirit of reconciliation.” DJT has not.

Conclusion

DJT lacks decorum, the appropriate behavior, and quality decision making skills to be president. His continued obfuscation, prevarication, and nepotism present a clear and present danger to the US. His fascination with dictators around the world undermines decades of US policy. His unwillingness to listen to advisors – advisors that he appointed – limits his decision making abilities. His lack of respect for the rule of law, the department of justice, the military etc. is further evidence of his lack of leadership quality.

Navy Tales

From 1971 to 1975 I spent some time in the US Navy – ostensibly fighting communism or defending freedom of the seas or some such nonsense. The following is some of the exploits that I had – not all of them good as during that time I was a generally rebellious and ill behaved young man. There are also some tales of true stupidity from the Navy.

My time in the Navy was a long time ago. Some of these stories may be a bit embellished – memories do that.

Boot Camp

Boot Camp is an interesting experience. I didn’t understand what was happening – at first. Sure much of Boot Camp is designed to teach young recruits how to shower, scrub their chompers, make a bed, do laundry, clean a barracks etc. Living in the cramped quarters of a naval vessel is difficult enough without having to share the space with people that do not know how to clean themselves or their living space.

Recruits also learn military protocol. But, a significant portion of your time in camp is spent brainwashing. I had trouble getting my head around the brainwashing. When I had it figured out, I went through the remainder of camp without incident.

A – School

After boot camp I was assigned to Fire Control A-school in Great Lakes Illinois. I thought the school was basically a joke – I knew essentially everything that they wanted us to learn. One of my schoolmates had a bachelors degree in electrical engineering – I am certain he knew everything that was taught.

I had my first run-in because I and many of my schoolmates could not get a beer on base but were essentially allowed to go to the beach every evening and smoke pot. I complained and had my security clearance put at threat (not for the last time).

First Assignment in Long Beach

After learning a bit of electronics I was sent to the USS Decatur in Long Beach. Unfortunately the Decatur was not in Long Beach but rather was in Perth Australia. So, I was given orders to fly to Perth to meet the ship. The Navy, having one of its brighter ideas figured that was a waste and the cancelled the orders.

I returned to Long Beach and spent the next 30 days in temporary/transit housing. The Navy didn’t really know that I was there and so for the next month I was basically on vacation in Southern Cal. I got meals, and paid, but never got a work assignment. I was enjoying being in the navy. That wouldn’t last

Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)

NJP (article 15) is called Non Judicial Punishment because, in my mind, there is absolutely nothing judicious about it.

Fighting          

As recruits we had always been taught that fighting onboard a ship was forbidden. Should you hit a sailor you could expect 7 days restriction. Fighting back was even worse. I found out that this is not so. I was struck by Ronald Eddings and then struck again. Ron had about 70 pounds and 6 inches on me so fighting back was useless.

Bottom line was Ron got 14 days and I, for not fighting back, got 7 days restriction. So much for the Navy’s teachings. This was my first introduction to NJP but far from my last. As I said, I was a bit of a rebel.

Getting Drunk in Japan

Yeah, I got a bit wasted and generally out of control. I also went to the Captains Mast (NJP) and got another restriction.

 Desertion?

The ship was in Portland OR just before Christmas in 1973. Craig Leppo convinced me (I was easy) to leave with him. I was gone on an extended vacation for 17 days. I was on my way back when I was arrested – for desertion. Go Figger, we were always taught that you needed to be gone 30 days for that charge. But then again I had learned what the Navies teachings are worth.

In any case I was arrested at my apartment in San Diego (I wasn’t really hard to find). I was taken to the Naval Station and released on liberty. The Navy couldn’t find my ship – and didn’t believe me when I told them Portland OR. They finally found the ship and as San Diego didn’t want me – off I went to Portland.

I got there and discovered that the USS Decatur didn’t want me either. In a day or two I was sent to the shore facilities in Bremerton WA. Needless to say, Bremerton didn’t want me – and so back the Decatur I went.

Once again I received NJP. The captain asked the Navy to issue me a general discharge. You see nobody seemed to want me anymore. The Navy, in their ultimate wisdom, opted to keep me; keep me at the Decatur and permanently remove my secret security clearance. I’m guessing that this removal was a bit egregious as many years later I received a top secret security clearance. I guess since a secret was permanently removed I had to get a top secret.

Bomb Threat

I don’t remember exactly when, but I had the duty one night and I was a part of the security response team. The ship received a bomb threat at about 2 in the morning and the security team was called. You can tell it is not a drill when the Master-at-Arms gives out real bullets with the guns.

I was assigned the outside ASROC door. ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) was a nuclear capable system. As I arrived, someone entered the armory from the inside – setting off the alarm. Suffice it to say, I was a bit scared. The current Officer of the Deck decided to check the ASROC launcher for bombs. As he made his way to the launcher he had to duck under a rope that was temporarily installed as protection for the newly painted deck. As he crawled around the corner (under the rope) and into my view I loaded a round into the chamber and pointed at him. I ordered him to lie still – on the possibly still wet deck.

I’m not sure who was scared more – he obviously had the better reason (I had the gun), but my knees were shaking more than just a bit.

Security guard

One day I was a security guard as the ASROC team (and the ship as a whole) underwent an inspection of maintenance, safety and security issues. I manned the outside entrance to the launcher.

Two captains got their temporary badges from the inside guard. This was quite standard. However, when moving to the outside they switched badges. One of them approached me at outside station and produced his ID and temporary pass. Unfortunately, due to their trickery, the ID and pass did not match. I recognized the captain and he was on the entrance list – he just had the wrong badge. Naturally, I blew my whistle to alert the work crew that there was a security issue.

While people worked through the details, the captain asked me if I thought that he was a security risk shouldn’t I draw my weapon?. I responded, politely “Sir I have been trained not to draw my weapon unless I intend to use it. Should I draw it now?”

I never got any feedback form this event – but I heard that the captain was not a happy man as I basically had asked him if he would like to be shot.

Metric crescent wrenches

It is a classic joke that many newbies are sent to fetch a metric crescent wrench. At that time all crescent wrenches onboard the ship were English – 6″, 10″ etc. The “size” represents the wrench handle length. Needless to say I was sent for a metric crescent. Obviously not being able to find one on board, I left and went home. Came back the next day with a crescent from my bicycle tool maintenance kit. It was in fact a 250mm crescent. I enjoyed a bit of early liberty and you would think that the navy would have learned to not be so callous in their treatment of people. Such was not the case.

Locker Searches

As we departed for my first WestPac our ship had a locker inspection – probably to find drugs. I passed, I thought, no problem. There is no way to keep uniforms civvies, personal items and about 80 Books in a standup shipboard locker if you are not neat and I never had drugs on board. Westpac cruises are typically 7 months and libraries in the Pacific generally have a great selection of Louis L’Amour and that is about it. My collection contained a selection of real literature.

The next day the Master-at-Arms returned once more indicating that since I had flunked I would need to undergo an additional inspection/search. My locker was checked and every one of my books was flipped through to ensure that it was not hollowed out to hide drugs. Apparently anyone that likes to read that much must be doing drugs.

Planned Maintenance System (PMS)

After going AWOL in Portland, and having no security clearance, I was stuck in the Fire Control Group but could not enter any of the work spaces. The ship really didn’t know what to do with me. I cleaned the compartment real well though.

About 3 months later, the ship had a PMS inspection. The work group that I had been in just kept writing my name on the list to indicate that A. the maintenance had been done and B. I had done it.

Sure enough the inspectors picked that particular maintenance to observe. I was summoned to the Gun Plot workspace to show the inspectors what I had done. I refused, as Gun Plot was off limits to me. Finally the weapons boss (whose name escapes me) told me to “get my ass” down there “or else”. So I went.

Needless to say I didn’t do a sufficient job on the inspection. When queried, I explained that due to not having a security clearance I was not allowed in this space. I hadn’t worked in this space for a few months, and obviously had not performed this PMS for quite some time. Lack of practice was the only real reason for failure to perform adequately.

Since the Navy had not learned, the ship failed the PMS inspection – and I was finally moved to a new group. I finished my naval career as a storekeeper.

The Center for Naval Analysis (CNA)

After the navy I attended college-several of them in fact. I finished about ten years later as a Post-doc at the University of Iowa. My first job was at CNA. This was the beginning of Ronald Reagan’s “Starwars” project. For some reason I thought that CNA wanted me for my experience with laser development, operation and maintenance. Such was not the case as I was assigned to the Marine Corps Operational Analysis Group (MCOAG).

I spent just over two years at CNA. I met, or succeeded, every measure of productivity that I was given. I worked on improvements to the AAVP7A1 including demining equipment, mobility, and evaluating new guns and range finders. I also performed an analysis of battlefield laser capabilities and limitations. I evaluated a new laser detection system for helicopters and finally worked on the Landing Craft Air Cushion – a vehicle that was just entering the fleet.

My career at CNA came to a screeching halt when a “fleet letter” arrived concerning CNAs support of the LCAC during its first deployment. The CNA reps in the Pacific had determined that since no one was available the LCAC deployment would be done with “floating manpower” from other stations. I discussed with Chris Jehn (The head of MCOAG) how I had finished second to nobody. After all, it was a choice of me (who was available) and no one. I finished second. He tried to tell me that it wasn’t all that bad but could not tell me anything that was good about it.

Needless to say, I looked for a new job – immediately.

Conclusion

I never thought that I was treated fairly as a fire control technician. But to be fair, I never really earned that right. I finished as a storekeeper – and I think a pretty good one. I left the navy to re-pursue my education using the GI Bill to attend San Diego State University and University of Southern California.

I can honestly say that the best thing I got out of the Navy – was me.

I gave the navy a second try at CNA. But obviously this was another error. Once again the best thing to come out of the navy was – Me.

Health, Wealth and Time

There are many retirement articles that focus exclusively on Wealth (creation and spending). Obviously important to the ideas of Wealth is the importance of Time. Specifically, how long it takes to create Wealth and how long it takes to spend it. It seems that an individual’s Health is either ignored or assumed.

I have always maintained that people need three things to truly enjoy life: Time, Health and Wealth. Unfortunately:
In your youth you have Time and (generally) Health. Most young folks are not wealthy.
As you embark on building a career and starting a family, You find that you have your Health and at least some modicum of Wealth. But Time is essentially entirely devoted to work and family.
Late in life when the family is grown, the career is successfully behind you, you find that you have have significant Wealth and lots of free Time, but often your Health has taken a hit.

The goal in life is to somehow beat this trap. And that is why people want to retire early: To increase your free Time at an age when you have sufficient Wealth and have not yet lost your Health.

Bad Speaking

Disclaimer notice

I have thought long and hard whether to publish this (or not). Some of the thoughts are pet peeves and are really not a major problem. However, some of the thoughts are major public speaking problems. Their use makes listening hard and tends to diminish the credibility of the speaker.

While many readers will take some offense at the “nitpicking” many others will recognize the need for better communication skills.

Introduction

I didn’t realize it at the time, but public speaking was an important part of my education – not a big part, but an important part. It was a part of the core general education requirements at San Diego State University (where I received my undergraduate degree). It was a research group requirement that we give a public presentation regularly during graduate school. And, finally it was a part of the introduction requirements at the Center for Naval Analysis; my first professional job.

Today it seems that speaking is not emphasized. It certainly seems to be not important. The following are some of the general “misspeaks” that are heard regularly. These are heard not just during casual conversations but often from talk show guests on stations like NPR, during professional presentations, or even political rallies.

Umm

This is probably the most common problem. Many people say “Umm” regularly when answering questions or giving a presentation. Some have raised its use to an art form. The original purpose of such nonsense was merely to gain time to formulate an answer while continuing to control the conversation. Over time it has really just became an annoying habit.

Yeah So, So yeah, Well, Well So, So Well

There are a myriad of preliminary thoughtless responses. These are a few. These seem to be the most popular answers – whatever the question. There are really a couple of major problems with these responses.

Yes No

In answer to a question, the speaker often says “Yes, No”. It is at best confusing.

May I ask or Can I ask?

This question is most often associated with telephone calls. The receptionist is attempting to ask the callers Identity. “Can I ask who is calling?” Of course you can in fact you have asked “Who is calling” but the answer to the question asked is “Yes”.

Such nonsense is often followed by “May I ask who is calling?” The correct answer is still “Yes”. At least in this case the receptionist has asked you for permission to ask who you are but that is probably not what was intended.

The questions arise from a desire to be deferential or polite. The attempt is a failure. Try this one – “Who is calling” or “Who is calling, please?”. As I discussed in https://shawnpheneghan.wordpress.com/2018/12/19/heneghans-rules/ remember to follow the Three Rules of Inquiry: 1. Ask the right question. 2. Ask the right person. And 3. Ask politely. Don’t let “Ask Politely” cause you to ask the wrong question.

Like to

Airline flight attendants regularly say they would “Like to” welcome you to Chicago (or wherever). What is left unsaid is “Welcome to Chicago”. Perhaps they can’t because the plane landed in St. Louis. I really don’t care what you’d “like to” do – just do it. Don’t ask permission (may I), or inquire if you have the ability (can I) just do it.

You Know

Seriously, if I really “knew” you wouldn’t have to tell me. Some people are so prolific at saying “you know” that they actually say it two or three times in a row. It seems that this bad habit has no value – historically or currently. It is just a bad habit.

And

Many people just don’t know how to end a sentence. They just put an “and” or “but” or some other conjunction at the end and begin another thought.

They Say

“They” refers to the ubiquitous, but unknown, third person. If you don’t know who “They” are, they are probably lying. Former president Donald Trump was famous for using the unnamed third person as the source for his dubious claims. “I’ve heard”, “It’s been said”, and “There are reports” each claim unnamed third persons for the story.

Like

Valley speak – ‘Nuff said.

Vital vs Vibrant.

How many times have you heard some politician talk about the need for a vital downtown. Or, to put it another way “we need a necessary downtown”. It makes no sense. What is meant, of course, is we need a vibrant downtown – much more sensible statement.

Rating the Question

Telling a person, before answering the question, that “that is a great question” is disingenuous. Not only is it a great question, but I can answer it. If you appreciate, or were hoping for the question, say so. But, rating questions is inappropriate.

Conclusion

Remember, mean what you say and say what you mean. Some people have taken “misspeak” to an art form. Sentences are packed full of “You know”s and “Umm”s. Casual responses ( “Yeah, so”) and improperly phrased questions (May I ask who is calling?) diminish the speakers credibility.

Using unnamed third persons (“They say”) is just a way to state possible (probable) untruths and have the unnamed party take responsibility.

Speaking in run on sentences is just annoying. Using the wrong word or valley speak is just plain ignorant.

Some of these are “pet peeves” (this whole article will be perceived by some as a “pet peeve”) but others seriously diminish the conversation. It is really not that hard to remove these bad habits from most daily conversations. They should be removed from any public presentations.