Trump---I Can Go On Because I am a Con

Trump---I Can Go On Because I am a Con
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On September 27, 1995, during the (in)famous O.J. Simpson trial in Los Angeles, defense lawyer, Johnny Cochran, declared what became a key hallmark, and noted residue, of the trial, "If it [a glove] doesn't fit you must acquit." It occurred to this writer that the Donald has not come up his own phrase or adage by which to remember him during this election cycle. So, the title to this blog post suggests one for him, because it fits him so exceedingly well.

The Cambridge Dictionary tells us that a "con" is a person intent on deceiving someone else by using a trick or deception, or to cheat someone out of money, as in a con job; it was a con job; and, he fooled us all; or even, I know when I'm being conned. When someone tries to sell us something not based on reality or facts as known to exist or to convince us of a position not based on reality or known facts, we are being conned. With that as a definition, we must look at Trump on the campaign trail going into the first debate.

Much has been written about him and his ability to con the American voter, but, before that, how he conned those with whom he entered into business deals in the private sector, including stiffing vendors out of rightfully owed payments for services rendered. The compendium of such cons, including outright lies, deceptions and deceitful verbiage, is best put forth in a catalog of 176 reasons authored, seriatim, by Keith Olberman for GQ.com on why Trump cannot become president. The list in video form made several online sites, one, for example, is http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/sep/14/keith-olberman-has-176-reasons-donald-trump-shoul/. Every reader of this post should most definitely view it.

Add to those reasons Trump saying at his new hotel last week that the President was born in the United States and that he (Trump) "finished" it after five years of trying to con the American public into believing Obama was born outside the borders of our country. He then told us Hillary started this birther movement. Another con job because she didn't. And then in another answer to a reporter's question days later, when asked what changed to alter his position on where Obama was born, he said he just wanted to get on with the campaign. Which means, Trump still thinks Obama wasn't born in the U.S. Another con on top of a con.

We also cannot forget that he won't disclose his tax returns because, he says, he remains under audit when former IRS officials tell us he is fully capable of doing so. Yet, his returns before the asserted period of audit, 2009 forward, are available for public inspection. This is another example of his conning the American voter. Add to the Olberman list his foundation paying $258,000 to settle lawsuits when a member of his campaign tells us money he earned from speaking engagements went into the foundation so it was actually his money that paid off the settlements. Then if it was Trump's own dough, why did he place it into the foundation? And what about the foundation paying $20,000.00 for portraits of Trump himself that had been placed in auctions for bidding that his wife successfully won. Two more con jobs.

Within the last couple of days due to two African Americans being killed in Tulsa and Charlotte at the hands of law enforcement, Trump first told us in general terms in reply to a questioner's query that "stop and frisk" should be implemented. Then a day later, he said he didn't mean to be so general, but because Chicago has had so many shootings this year (he says 3,000), stop and frisk should only be used there. While extremely insulting to any minority group targeted by law enforcement this way, certainly by those in and about Chicago,---Trump is conning everyday voters once more---this time, he forgets to tell voters that stop and frisk had been declared unconstitutional because it is an illegal form of profiling. When New York City amended its police tactics after this federal court ruling, its crimes of violence decreased. Nonetheless, another example of the Trump con. Ditto for his recent appearance at a Black church in Detroit to woo the Black vote after years of his involvement with racism and bigotry, starting in the 1970s (that we know of) when he was sued for discrimination based on color and race against African Americans in the renting of properties over which he had authority. Of parenthetical note is that one of his county campaign chairs in Ohio declaring most recently that racism never started until President Obama took office, and Robert Pittenger (R-9th (NC) and a Trump supporter) telling a reporter that the reason for racial strife is that Blacks are jealous of the successes Whites have had. Who is conning whom?

And in line with the above, Trump tells the voters that HRC wants to abolish the Second Amendment. Nothing of the sort has ever occurred but another of his con jobs nonetheless.

And we must not forget the President of Mexico calling Trump a liar after Trump went to Mexico City so he could be seen as "presidential" in his presence. Another con to add to the list.

Regardless of any of the above, there is a voting segment (38+% of the voting public, maybe higher) that are falling for his every word-maybe they don't care-as if he is the messiah that will save them and the United States, domestically and internationally, whether or not they know they are being conned. This writer addressed it---this "dumbing down" of the electorate---in an earlier post, "Trump Will Win By Dumbing Down The Electorate-Is Vomiting Preferable" (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/miles-j-zaremski/trump-will-win-by-dumbing_b_12023868.html. It attracted a considerable audience and is probably worth a second look since it has equal application every time Trump cons the American public with his statements, positions, and flip-flops.

Borrowing a term from the football world, we are now in the "red zone" of this year's presidential campaign, just a couple of days away from the first presidential debate and under two months to go to the election. As millions of Americans listen intently to what Trump and HRC say next Monday evening, how they say it, what knowledge and experience each possesses reflected in what they tell us, and what barbs and zings they might get in, just keep in mind one thing when we listen to all Trump spews forth:

"I can go on because I am a con". Do we really want our next president to have this trait?

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