Donald Trump

[Marc]

7 hours ago, Peter said:

How about “The Don. J. In-Trump-tive Average?”

Matt Drudge via Twitter: Trump advisers leaking to media are now deliberately sabotaging presidency. Major house cleaning needed for survival. Leaks on hour, every hour, will destroy Trump presidency. There's a Trojan horse plotting within the inner circle! end quote

That Matt Drudge tweet sounds like he watched the ABC show, “Designated Survivor,” last night. I have no doubt the American President will solve the mystery. Find the rat!

Nothing will destroy President Galt , Um sorry , I mean President Trump . He is playing them , playing them all . 

Mr. President created his " inner circle " , and he will find the rat , if there is one . 

Folks are over simplifying this !!!!!!

[Brant Gaede]

2 hours ago, Marc said:

How does Donald Trump become President of the United States ?

Well , he cannot win a primary , a state , ground game , don't got this and can't do that , wont's be allowed to blab blah blah blah blah . yet everyday still our President rises , he still rises every day , He fights , he fights the secret oaths and the pacts and the haters and he wins and he gets the Supreme Court set back correctly . 

Our President , my President , heck , The Worlds President . 

He is literally changing the world , he is doing it all , while former President Obama is doing what no President EVER did , keeping the pressure on President Trump 

To quote myself on these here pages , I thought Rubio would win . My thought process was that it was a Revolution , not an election , it is not Repubs and Dems , its the people against the establishment.

This is the one place on Earth , where we should have 100 people commenting on this thread daily , saluting the achievement of President Trump , against all odds , against his own party , the oath , not having the Bushes support him . It is a Revolution , that President Trump leads . 

Give it up folks , already . 

POTUS is in the Middle East , he is consolidating his support across the world , 

wake up folks , this is real .

John Galt , is Commander in Chief . God Bless President Trump , and God Bless the world . 

He literally would win President of The World , if such a thing existed . 

I kid you not .

I wish Barbara Branden was alive to witness this !!!!!!!!!!

Uh, did you read the novel?

--Brant

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

There is only one thing holding Trump in power for the long haul and that's his base. The crony elitists despise him.

The difference between the two, the crony elitists and typical Trump supporters, could not be thrown into contrast as clearly as Charles Krauthammer just did in his recommendations to Trump (on Tucker's show):

Krauthammer gave 5 recommendations--the last one humorous and not serious, so there were only four. In the second one (starting at 2:08), he revealed himself far far far far more than he intended. You can see him catch himself.

Here is the transcript of that part.

Quote

Tucker: What's Number Two?

Krauthammer: Stop tweeting. Now that's never gonna happen because I think he's hardwired, like neurologically attached to his tweeting machine. But it would help because, when you tweet, you say what you really believe and that's not always...

OOOOOOPSIE!!!

BIG HONKING AWKWARD PAUSE.

 

Krauthammer tried to make a joke about it, but you can see him kicking himself inside.

His second recommendation would be the quickest way for President Trump to start losing his base. They love him precisely BECAUSE he always says what he believes. He's honest with them. He might change his mind later, but he's always upfront about it. Krauthammer prefers him to be deceptive.

If that isn't a crony elitist foundational principle of virtue (i.e., lie to your supporters), I don't know what is.

This is a huuuuuuuge stark contrast between typical Trump supporters and crony elitists.

btw - You know why Krauthammer was kicking himself inside? It was because he realized he did not deceive his audience competently at that moment. He told the truth and said what he believed.

 

Michael

[BaalChatzaf]

15 minutes ago, Michael Stuart Kelly said:

There is only one thing holding Trump in power for the long haul and that's his base. The crony elitists despise him.

The difference between the two, the crony elitists and typical Trump supporters, could not be thrown into contrast as clearly as Charles Krauthammer just did in his recommendations to Trump (on Tucker's show):

Krauthammer gave 5 recommendations--the last one humorous and not serious, so there were only four. In the second one (starting at 2:08), he revealed himself far far far far more than he intended. You can see him catch himself.

Here is the transcript of that part.

OOOOOOPSIE!!!

BIG HONKING AWKWARD PAUSE.

 

Krauthammer tried to make a joke about it, but you can see him kicking himself inside.

His second recommendation would be the quickest way for President Trump to start losing his base. They love him precisely BECAUSE he always says what he believes. He's honest with them. He might change his mind later, but he's always upfront about it. Krauthammer prefers him to be deceptive.

If that isn't a crony elitist foundational principle of virtue (i.e., lie to your supporters), I don't know what is.

This is a huuuuuuuge stark contrast between typical Trump supporters and crony elitists.

btw - You know why Krauthammer was kicking himself inside? It was because he realized he did not deceive his audience competently at that moment. He told the truth and said what he believed.

 

Michael

I agree about the tweeting.  That is being a blabber-thumb.

I agree with what R. Shammai has to say about blabbing...

https://torah.org/learning/pirkei-avos-chapter1-15b/

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

Except President Trump got elected tweeting.

The folks who kept saying in public that Trump shouldn't tweet didn't get their choice of candidate elected.

Like it or not like it, it's hard to argue with a result like that..

Krauthammer's point, though, wasn't about blabbering something one wants to have hidden (like, say, military strategy or legal plans). It was that when one tweets, it's hard to deceive one's public about one's beliefs. 

In other words, only hypocrites are fit to be politicians in Krauthammer's world. He believes people who stand for something and say it regardless of media appeal are not. He believes true leaders should say the opposite of what they believe if what they believe is unpopular just to keep the power flowing smoothly.

Typical Trump supporters not only don't think that way, they elected Trump because they despise politicians like that.

Michael

[Peter]

Marc wrote: To quote myself on these here pages, I thought Rubio would win. My thought process was that it was a Revolution, not an election, it is not Repubs and Dems, it’s the people against the establishment. end quote

Well said. Marco has sure faded from view. Was Ted Cruz a better choice than Donald or Marco? Perhaps, but Trump is my second choice after his performance so far as President. Before the nomination I was for Ted, Marco, and then Donald in that order, but now I wouldn‘t wish for a change, so it's third place for Marco. And I don’t think Ted Cruz would have been a good fit for Vice President either.

The impeachment talk is total B.S. Robert Tracinski is on a roll, and it’s not a honey bun. I agree with him about some of President Trump’s mistakes, but a point he doesn’t see is that Trump is still doing tremendous good.

Peter

Robert Tracinski wrote: . . . . President Trump has been in office long enough to demonstrate a chronic lack of elementary prudence or any shred of self-discipline. He has a knack for constantly creating crises by his own recklessness. He does things like set off totally unnecessary tensions with South Korea because he likes to shoot off his mouth about getting other countries to pay for things we want. He shares sensitive intelligence with the Russians just to boast. His chief of staff struggles to keep him from picking up unverified reports and Internet hoaxes and repeating them as the truth. His press secretary and chief of staff spend half their time denying the plain meaning of reckless statements he made in a fit of pique on Twitter. He gives a vast, vague, and impossibly ambitious portfolio to his son-in-law, who has no prior experience in government. His administration leaks like a sieve, with everyone trying to manipulate the media to jockey for advantage in a constant internecine struggle.  And despite everything we expected from his history in show business, he's not even good at firing someone.

. . . . The greatest damage will be in the areas where the president has the broadest constitutional authority, which unfortunately include national security, foreign policy, and the military. So we can expect him to continue to offend our allies at a rate of one a week for the indefinite future. We're just going to have to hope that there are enough people in the bureaucratic establishment and at the top levels of the administration--people like James Mattis and H.R. McMaster--who are willing to wake up every morning and shoulder the hard and unglamorous job of talking the president down from whatever ledge he talks himself onto that day.

[Peter]

Michael wrote: Typical Trump supporters not only don't think that way, they elected Trump because they despise politicians like that. end quote

Hear, hear! We have gotten sick of Stephen Colbert’s, “truthiness,” in politicians. Instead we get the unvarnished truth though it is much like bragging at times but who cares? It is a refreshing difference from all who have gone before. We may not think the President’s tweets are always the prudent course, but he is saying what he thinks with little or no spin.

So far President Trump has made no mistakes that can’t be remedied. But unfortunately, the pace of change has slowed.

Peter

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

1 hour ago, Peter said:

The impeachment talk is total B.S. Robert Tracinski is on a roll, and it’s not a honey bun.

Peter,

The true dichotomy is elitist versus the rest of us. All the rest is smoke in a fun house. And I don't restrict elitism in this sense to power. It's a mindset.

The elitist thinks he or she is a superior life form as opposed to the pathetic rest of us, therefore--to them--when they screw things up, it's because of a trifling lapse. When one of us screws the same thing up or not as bad, it's because we are hopelessly unfit to be where we are.

Likewise for achievements. When they achieve, it's proof of their superiority. When we achieve the same thing or better, it's a lucky accident.

Elitists are in all walks, all religions, all philosophies. To a person like Tracinski, President Trump is the luckiest sub-human life form ever to exist.

That's why I stopped taking him seriously a long time ago.

Besides, I think he likes Krauthammer...

Michael

[Marc]

15 hours ago, Brant Gaede said:

Uh, did you read the novel?

--Brant

Indeed , I did , Sir ! 

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

I got in a discussion on Facebook about the following story (which illustrates Fake News nicely):

Trump Bragged To Russians That He Fired “Nut Job” Comey

Here is what I wrote:

Quote

The barrage of fake news sure has lowered the journalistic standard these days. "Someone said something" is now a source. I quote from the article:

===============

The White House document that contained Mr. Trump’s comments was based on notes taken from inside the Oval Office and has been circulated as the official account of the meeting. One official read quotations to The Times, and a second official confirmed the broad outlines of the discussion.

===============

Who took the notes? Why they were taken from inside the Oval Office. See? I used and official sounding phrase and that replaces an actual person. But.. but.. but... there had to be people. Who were the people? Well... there was one official. He or she read quotations from those notes to someone at The Times. There was another official who even confirmed broad outlines. So there! Don't forget that these notes have been "circulated as the official account of the meeting," at least circulated somewhere by someone to some other folks. I think...  

I was surprised for quite a while that intelligent people accept this kind of drivel as fact, but they are doing it so much these days, I have to accept it--that fog and sleaze have become the new standard of truth in today's culture.

And this:

Quote

Also, let's not forget that Redstate is one of the homes of the NeverTrumpers. These crony corporatists would never cheat and lie, now would they? Nah... Not these fine folks... 

(What big eyes you have grandma... The better to see you my dear. Come closer my dear, I don't bite...  )

This was countered by the following story, the point being that Sean Spicer did not deny it or something..., and a comment that this story was reported in the NYT, which hates Trump, but that doesn't mean the story is false:

Trump to Russians: Comey “was crazy, a real nut job” — and firing him has reduced the pressure over Russia

I wrote:

Quote

If the story was reported in the New York Times, actually, these days it does mean it is false. That is the best default position to take given their track record.

And this:

Quote

I don't read Hot Air all the much because of the NeverTrumper stuff (especially not a writer with the name ALLAHPUNDIT  ). My attitude is different than yours about fake news. I study propaganda, and, because of this, I need credible sources to believe anything posited in propaganda pieces. "Someone said" is not good enough for me, but hey, I'm a rebel...  

I don't know if this has any value, but I keep doing it for some damn reason.

Michael

[Peter]

Michael wrote: . . . . the Oval Office. See? I used and official sounding phrase and that replaces an actual person. But.. but.. but... there had to be people. Who were the people? Well... there was one official. He or she read quotations from those notes to someone at The Times. end quote

Here’s how it happened. The Limo loaded with Trump inner circle folks rolls up to the White House gate to exit. The window is lowered and the gate guard looks at the Secret Service driver’s ID and the faces of everyone in the limo. They are waved through. The window on the vehicle is raised again. But the stoical looking gate guard was listening. He heard someone in the vehicle say on a cell phone, “Yeah. That’s right. Potus said Comey was a jerk, a loser, and unfit for J. Edgar’s job. Yup. He’s firing him.”

The gate guard has a family and his income isn’t adequate for DC living. He called up The NY Times and told them what he had heard, and a second official, his partner at the security booth confirmed the broad outlines of the discussion. “You can quote us as unnamed officials for 2 grand each,” said the gate guard.

Peter

[Peter]

Newt Gingrich sent this to my inbox: And as early supporters of the President, you and I will be able to tell a unique story about the roles we played in this exciting chapter of American history. That’s what inspired me to write my new book, Understanding Trump, where I recount my experience on the campaign trail and explore the agenda and political philosophy that motivate President Trump to make his most critical decisions. end quote

So Newt knows the President’s political philosophy? I believe him but I think The Speaker is patching together things the President has said and making that into a coherent philosophy. If Trump ever verifies “Yeah, that sounds like me,” I would put more credence into it, but as many have said, the President is not a philosopher or a politician.

I watched the first part of the second “Home Alone” movie from 1992? yesterday and just after the child protagonist Kevin McCallister played by Macaulay Culkin arrives alone in NY he gets a hotel room using his Dad’s credit card. He walks up to Donald Trump in the lobby and has a very brief conversation. I would guess their ages to be 10 and 55. Trump looked good and well rested unlike that picture I just saw from The President traveling overseas. He looked sleep deprived, and not just aged.

From the official White House site, First 100 Days: Top Issues America First Energy Plan America First Foreign Policy Bringing Back Jobs And Growth Making Our Military Strong Again Standing Up For Our Law Enforcement Community Trade Deals That Work For All Americans. end quote

Anyone besides Newt care to specify what President Trump’s political philosophy is? He is for creating more personal freedom, lowering taxes and regulations, and being more constitutional. So he is not a wrecking ball, except to “The Swamp.”

I saw Jeb Bush quotes from the campaign were mashed up with a recent quote to paint the President as unfit for the highest office in the land. As Alec Baldwin impersonating The Prez might say, “Wrong then and wrong now, Jeb.” And Jeb is wrong.

Michael wrote: Typical Trump supporters not only don't think that way, they elected Trump because they despise politicians like that. end quote

So, I agree that it is time for Jeb, George, Dubya and Tracinski to get Objective. At least minimally support the good that is happening, you jerks.

Peter   

[Peter]

Oh, for crap’s sake. Now Michael Reagan is quoting unnamed sources.

Breaking News From Reagan Reports for America: Federal investigators of possible coordination between President Trump’s campaign and Russia now consider a current senior White House official close to Trump a "significant person of interest," reports The Washington Post. People familiar with the matter confirmed the official is under scrutiny to The Post, but would not provide further identification. end quote

Of course Michael Reagan is a good guy but just because fake news supports your view does not mean you should give it credence. It IS time for a mammoth backlash against fake news . . . even if some of it later is proven to be true.

Peter  

[Peter]

People Magazine has the Obama’s on the front cover with the caption, “Their Lives Now.” He has his arms around Michelle and they look supremely happy. And relaxed. IT is over.

I wonder if every time Trump is maligned former President Obama experiences emotions? Hmmm, what might they be? “Ha, the jerk deserves it! Sock it to him. I am vindicated. Leave my legacy alone, Caucasian bleep?

Or. Poor guy. Glad it’s not me. He has no idea. Wish I could help but he would never listen to me. I know what is coming next.

Or maybe, what will Pence be like after Trump has a stroke? The Docs put me on blood thinners and I was a lot younger. What will Melania do then? My daughter Malia Ann’s name sounds a lot like Melania. And doesn’t my other daughter’s name Sasha (Natasha), sound foreign too, though I could be wrong, or like someone in the Trump administration? I wish him well.   

Or. Ha! He couldn’t fire Melania for plagiarizing my wife Michelle. At least she has good taste. I wonder if the White House Staff and Secret Service miss us? Crap. Michelle wants me to mow the lawn today, and I ache from the last time. Wish I was back at the OK Corral with servants . . . and daily briefings. Damn, talk about snooping. I knew everything that was goin’ on.

Peter

 

[Peter]

Odd. I could not get into my email via MSN. I hope that they have not been hacked. I went thru Yahoo. The following is meant to be humorous.

I wonder if they will hire former President Obama to cut the White House grounds? He has been vetted already and he is black. He could wear one of those Amish looking straw hats. Maybe he could pick up on some of the gossip about the “goings on” inside the big house, as he earns a second pension.

Please read my new book, co-authored by Glenn Beck and Michael Reagan, “My 10 years as a grounds keeper at the White House”, subtitled “From being like one of the Granville’s in Downton Abbey, to actually being happy as a manual laborer,” by Barack Obama.

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

1 hour ago, Peter said:

Anyone besides Newt care to specify what President Trump’s political philosophy is?

Peter,

Here is a good one where political philosophy is a major point:

Big Agenda: President Trump’s Plan to Save America by David Horowitz

It's a bestseller.

Michael

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I present to you President Donald Trump, the Muslim hater.

The link goes here: Trumps on tour: Donald and Melania (plus Ivanka) are greeted by the Saudi king...

I wonder how this is going to be processed in the different courts when they rule on lawsuits against his travel ban because they say it is based on Trump being a bigot (as per his comments during his campaign).

Such a ruling would now make a judge look like a complete idiot.

Michael

[Peter]

7 minutes ago, Michael Stuart Kelly said:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I present to you President Donald Trump, the Muslim hater.

The link goes here: Trumps on tour: Donald and Melania (plus Ivanka) are greeted by the Saudi king...

I wonder how this is going to be processed in the different courts when they rule on lawsuits against his travel ban because they say it is based on Trump being a bigot (as per his comments during his campaign).

Such a ruling would now make a judge look like a complete idiot.

Michael

One picture I saw of those two Saudi's showed them genuinely smiling and happy as they walked along with the one . . . the only . . .   

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

The American media: Muh Russhans with the evul bigot, Trump!

The rest of the world:

Michael

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

I could not be prouder of President Donald John Trump.

He took the problem to them as a leader does.

Expect great results.

Michael

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

Transcript.

Or better, the entire thing here:

Quote

I want to thank King Salman for his extraordinary words, and the magnificent Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting today’s summit. I am honored to be received by such gracious hosts. I have always heard about the splendor of your country and the kindness of your citizens, but words do not do justice to the grandeur of this remarkable place and the incredible hospitality you have shown us from the moment we arrived.

You also hosted me in the treasured home of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Kingdom who united your great people. Working alongside another beloved leader – American President Franklin Roosevelt – King Abdulaziz began the enduring partnership between our two countries. King Salman: your father would be so proud to see that you are continuing his legacy – and just as he opened the first chapter in our partnership, today we begin a new chapter that will bring lasting benefits to our citizens.

Let me now also extend my deep and heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of the distinguished heads of state who made this journey here today. You greatly honor us with your presence, and I send the warmest regards from my country to yours. I know that our time together will bring many blessings to both your people and mine.

I stand before you as a representative of the American People, to deliver a message of friendship and hope. That is why I chose to make my first foreign visit a trip to the heart of the Muslim world, to the nation that serves as custodian of the two holiest sites in the Islamic Faith.

In my inaugural address to the American People, I pledged to strengthen America’s oldest friendships, and to build new partnerships in pursuit of peace. I also promised that America will not seek to impose our way of life on others, but to outstretch our hands in the spirit of cooperation and trust.

Our vision is one of peace, security, and prosperity—in this region, and in the world.

Our goal is a coalition of nations who share the aim of stamping out extremism and providing our children a hopeful future that does honor to God.

And so this historic and unprecedented gathering of leaders—unique in the history of nations—is a symbol to the world of our shared resolve and our mutual respect. To the leaders and citizens of every country assembled here today, I want you to know that the United States is eager to form closer bonds of friendship, security, culture and commerce.

For Americans, this is an exciting time. A new spirit of optimism is sweeping our country: in just a few months, we have created almost a million new jobs, added over 3 trillion dollars of new value, lifted the burdens on American industry, and made record investments in our military that will protect the safety of our people and enhance the security of our wonderful friends and allies – many of whom are here today.

Now, there is even more blessed news I am pleased to share with you. My meetings with King Salman, the Crown Prince, and the Deputy Crown Prince, have been filled with great warmth, good will, and tremendous cooperation. Yesterday, we signed historic agreements with the Kingdom that will invest almost $400 billion in our two countries and create many thousands of jobs in America and Saudi Arabia.

This landmark agreement includes the announcement of a $110 billion Saudi-funded defense purchase – and we will be sure to help our Saudi friends to get a good deal from our great American defense companies. This agreement will help the Saudi military to take a greater role in security operations.

We have also started discussions with many of the countries present today on strengthening partnerships, and forming new ones, to advance security and stability across the Middle East and beyond.

Later today, we will make history again with the opening of a new Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology – located right here, in this central part of the Islamic World.

This groundbreaking new center represents a clear declaration that Muslim-majority countries must take the lead in combatting radicalization, and I want to express our gratitude to King Salman for this strong demonstration of leadership.

I have had the pleasure of welcoming several of the leaders present today to the White House, and I look forward to working with all of you.

America is a sovereign nation and our first priority is always the safety and security of our citizens. We are not here to lecture—we are not here to tell other people how to live, what to do, who to be, or how to worship. Instead, we are here to offer partnership – based on shared interests and values – to pursue a better future for us all.

Here at this summit we will discuss many interests we share together. But above all we must be united in pursuing the one goal that transcends every other consideration. That goal is to meet history’s great test—to conquer extremism and vanquish the forces of terrorism.

Young Muslim boys and girls should be able to grow up free from fear, safe from violence, and innocent of hatred. And young Muslim men and women should have the chance to build a new era of prosperity for themselves and their peoples.

With God’s help, this summit will mark the beginning of the end for those who practice terror and spread its vile creed. At the same time, we pray this special gathering may someday be remembered as the beginning of peace in the Middle East – and maybe, even all over the world.

But this future can only be achieved through defeating terrorism and the ideology that drives it.

Few nations have been spared its violent reach.

America has suffered repeated barbaric attacks – from the atrocities of September 11th to the devastation of the Boston Bombing, to the horrible killings in San Bernardino and Orlando.

The nations of Europe have also endured unspeakable horror. So too have the nations of Africa and even South America. India, Russia, China and Australia have been victims.

But, in sheer numbers, the deadliest toll has been exacted on the innocent people of Arab, Muslim and Middle Eastern nations. They have borne the brunt of the killings and the worst of the destruction in this wave of fanatical violence.

Some estimates hold that more than 95 percent of the victims of terrorism are themselves Muslim.

We now face a humanitarian and security disaster in this region that is spreading across the planet. It is a tragedy of epic proportions. No description of the suffering and depravity can begin to capture its full measure.

The true toll of ISIS, Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, and so many others, must be counted not only in the number of dead. It must also be counted in generations of vanished dreams.

The Middle East is rich with natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and massive amounts of historic treasures. It should increasingly become one of the great global centers of commerce and opportunity.

This region should not be a place from which refugees flee, but to which newcomers flock. 

Saudi Arabia is home to the holiest sites in one of the world’s great faiths. Each year millions of Muslims come from around the world to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj. In addition to ancient wonders, this country is also home to modern ones—including soaring achievements in architecture.

Egypt was a thriving center of learning and achievement thousands of years before other parts of the world. The wonders of Giza, Luxor and Alexandria are proud monuments to that ancient heritage.

All over the world, people dream of walking through the ruins of Petra in Jordan. Iraq was the cradle of civilization and is a land of natural beauty. And the United Arab Emirates has reached incredible heights with glass and steel, and turned earth and water into spectacular works of art.

The entire region is at the center of the key shipping lanes of the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and the Straits of Hormuz. The potential of this region has never been greater. 65 percent of its population is under the age of 30. Like all young men and women, they seek great futures to build, great national projects to join, and a place for their families to call home.

But this untapped potential, this tremendous cause for optimism, is held at bay by bloodshed and terror. There can be no coexistence with this violence. There can be no tolerating it, no accepting it, no excusing it, and no ignoring it.

Every time a terrorist murders an innocent person, and falsely invokes the name of God, it should be an insult to every person of faith.

Terrorists do not worship God, they worship death.

If we do not act against this organized terror, then we know what will happen. Terrorism’s devastation of life will continue to spread. Peaceful societies will become engulfed by violence. And the futures of many generations will be sadly squandered.

If we do not stand in uniform condemnation of this killing—then not only will we be judged by our people, not only will we be judged by history, but we will be judged by God.

This is not a battle between different faiths, different sects, or different civilizations.

This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life, and decent people of all religions who seek to protect it.

This is a battle between Good and Evil.

When we see the scenes of destruction in the wake of terror, we see no signs that those murdered were Jewish or Christian, Shia or Sunni. When we look upon the streams of innocent blood soaked into the ancient ground, we cannot see the faith or sect or tribe of the victims – we see only that they were Children of God whose deaths are an insult to all that is holy.

But we can only overcome this evil if the forces of good are united and strong – and if everyone in this room does their fair share and fulfills their part of the burden.

Terrorism has spread across the world. But the path to peace begins right here, on this ancient soil, in this sacred land.

America is prepared to stand with you – in pursuit of shared interests and common security.

But the nations of the Middle East cannot wait for American power to crush this enemy for them. The nations of the Middle East will have to decide what kind of future they want for themselves, for their countries, and for their children.

It is a choice between two futures – and it is a choice America CANNOT make for you.

A better future is only possible if your nations drive out the terrorists and extremists. Drive. Them. Out.

DRIVE THEM OUT of your places of worship. 
DRIVE THEM OUT of your communities. 
DRIVE THEM OUT of your holy land, and 
DRIVE THEM OUT OF THIS EARTH.

For our part, America is committed to adjusting our strategies to meet evolving threats and new facts. We will discard those strategies that have not worked—and will apply new approaches informed by experience and judgment. We are adopting a Principled Realism, rooted in common values and shared interests.

Our friends will never question our support, and our enemies will never doubt our determination. Our partnerships will advance security through stability, not through radical disruption. We will make decisions based on real-world outcomes – not inflexible ideology. We will be guided by the lessons of experience, not the confines of rigid thinking. And, wherever possible, we will seek gradual reforms – not sudden intervention.

We must seek partners, not perfection—and to make allies of all who share our goals.

Above all, America seeks peace – not war.

Muslim nations must be willing to take on the burden, if we are going to defeat terrorism and send its wicked ideology into oblivion.

The first task in this joint effort is for your nations to deny all territory to the foot soldiers of evil. Every country in the region has an absolute duty to ensure that terrorists find no sanctuary on their soil.

Many are already making significant contributions to regional security: Jordanian pilots are crucial partners against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Saudi Arabia and a regional coalition have taken strong action against Houthi militants in Yemen. The Lebanese Army is hunting ISIS operatives who try to infiltrate their territory. Emirati troops are supporting our Afghan partners. In Mosul, American troops are supporting Kurds, Sunnis and Shias fighting together for their homeland. Qatar, which hosts the U.S. Central Command, is a crucial strategic partner. Our longstanding partnership with Kuwait and Bahrain continue to enhance security in the region. And courageous Afghan soldiers are making tremendous sacrifices in the fight against the Taliban, and others, in the fight for their country.

As we deny terrorist organizations control of territory and populations, we must also strip them of their access to funds. We must cut off the financial channels that let ISIS sell oil, let extremists pay their fighters, and help terrorists smuggle their reinforcements.

I am proud to announce that the nations here today will be signing an agreement to prevent the financing of terrorism, called the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center – co-chaired by the United States and Saudi Arabia, and joined by every member of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is another historic step in a day that will be long remembered.

I also applaud the Gulf Cooperation Council for blocking funders from using their countries as a financial base for terror, and designating Hezbollah as a terrorist organization last year. Saudi Arabia also joined us this week in placing sanctions on one of the most senior leaders of Hezbollah.

Of course, there is still much work to do.

That means honestly confronting the crisis of Islamist extremism and the Islamist terror groups it inspires. And it means standing together against the murder of innocent Muslims, the oppression of women, the persecution of Jews, and the slaughter of Christians.

Religious leaders must make this absolutely clear: Barbarism will deliver you no glory – piety to evil will bring you no dignity. If you choose the path of terror, your life will be empty, your life will be brief, and YOUR SOUL WILL BE CONDEMNED.

And political leaders must speak out to affirm the same idea: heroes don’t kill innocents; they save them. Many nations here today have taken important steps to raise up that message. Saudi Arabia’s Vision for 2030 is an important and encouraging statement of tolerance, respect, empowering women, and economic development.

The United Arab Emirates has also engaged in the battle for hearts and souls—and with the U.S., launched a center to counter the online spread of hate. Bahrain too is working to undermine recruitment and radicalism.

I also applaud Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon for their role in hosting refugees. The surge of migrants and refugees leaving the Middle East depletes the human capital needed to build stable societies and economies. Instead of depriving this region of so much human potential, Middle Eastern countries can give young people hope for a brighter future in their home nations and regions.

That means promoting the aspirations and dreams of all citizens who seek a better life – including women, children, and followers of all faiths. Numerous Arab and Islamic scholars have eloquently argued that protecting equality strengthens Arab and Muslim communities.

For many centuries the Middle East has been home to Christians, Muslims and Jews living side-by-side. We must practice tolerance and respect for each other once again—and make this region a place where every man and woman, no matter their faith or ethnicity, can enjoy a life of dignity and hope.

In that spirit, after concluding my visit in Riyadh, I will travel to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and then to the Vatican – visiting many of the holiest places in the three Abrahamic Faiths. If these three faiths can join together in cooperation, then peace in this world is possible – including peace between Israelis and Palestinians. I will be meeting with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Starving terrorists of their territory, their funding, and the false allure of their craven ideology, will be the basis for defeating them.

But no discussion of stamping out this threat would be complete without mentioning the government that gives terrorists all three—safe harbor, financial backing, and the social standing needed for recruitment. It is a regime that is responsible for so much instability in the region. I am speaking of course of Iran.

From Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen, Iran funds, arms, and trains terrorists, militias, and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region. For decades, Iran has fueled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror.

It is a government that speaks openly of mass murder, vowing the destruction of Israel, death to America, and ruin for many leaders and nations in this room.

Among Iran’s most tragic and destabilizing interventions have been in Syria. Bolstered by Iran, Assad has committed unspeakable crimes, and the United States has taken firm action in response to the use of banned chemical weapons by the Assad Regime – launching 59 tomahawk missiles at the Syrian air base from where that murderous attack originated.

Responsible nations must work together to end the humanitarian crisis in Syria, eradicate ISIS, and restore stability to the region. The Iranian regime’s longest-suffering victims are its own people. Iran has a rich history and culture, but the people of Iran have endured hardship and despair under their leaders’ reckless pursuit of conflict and terror.

Until the Iranian regime is willing to be a partner for peace, all nations of conscience must work together to isolate Iran, deny it funding for terrorism, and pray for the day when the Iranian people have the just and righteous government they deserve. 

The decisions we make will affect countless lives.

King Salman, I thank you for the creation of this great moment in history, and for your massive investment in America, its industry and its jobs. I also thank you for investing in the future of this part of the world.

This fertile region has all the ingredients for extraordinary success – a rich history and culture, a young and vibrant people, a thriving spirit of enterprise. But you can only unlock this future if the citizens of the Middle East are freed from extremism, terror and violence.

We in this room are the leaders of our peoples. They look to us for answers, and for action. And when we look back at their faces, behind every pair of eyes is a soul that yearns for justice.

Today, billions of faces are now looking at us, waiting for us to act on the great question of our time.

Will we be indifferent in the presence of evil? Will we protect our citizens from its violent ideology? Will we let its venom spread through our societies? Will we let it destroy the most holy sites on earth? If we do not confront this deadly terror, we know what the future will bring—more suffering and despair. But if we act—if we leave this magnificent room unified and determined to do what it takes to destroy the terror that threatens the world—then there is no limit to the great future our citizens will have.

The birthplace of civilization is waiting to begin a new renaissance. Just imagine what tomorrow could bring.

Glorious wonders of science, art, medicine and commerce to inspire humankind. Great cities built on the ruins of shattered towns. New jobs and industries that will lift up millions of people. Parents who no longer worry for their children, families who no longer mourn for their loved ones, and the faithful who finally worship without fear.

These are the blessings of prosperity and peace. These are the desires that burn with a righteous flame in every human heart. And these are the just demands of our beloved peoples.

I ask you to join me, to join together, to work together, and to FIGHT together— BECAUSE UNITED, WE WILL NOT FAIL.

Thank you. God Bless You. God Bless Your Countries. And God Bless the United States of America.

Wonderful.

Michael

[BaalChatzaf]

1 hour ago, Michael Stuart Kelly said:

Transcript.

Or better, the entire thing here:

Wonderful.

Michael

Keep  in mind that the Saudis  pay protection money to al Queda  and they treat half their population (the females)  like shit.  Other than that Trump's statement was as gracious   as it was undeserved. 

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

Bob,

President Trump wasn't there to fix the Saudi civilization.

He was there to encourage--to demand--peace.

I saw some lefties bitching on TV that President Trump will probably abandon "human rights" to fight terrorists. God, I hope so.

If you want to see the tip of the spear in Endless War for Profit, look no further than the US's formal "human rights" policy over the decades.

btw - If anyone wants to see what happens with President Trump when real "human rights" are violated, you need look no further than the bombing of the Syrian airport. In and out. The problem of chemical weapons being used on civilians is not solved yet, but man, was it reframed in the minds of the bad guys. You don't hear about other cases since then.

Michael

[Peter]

On the pages of The Times of Israel there must be ten stories about President Trump and they all come with pictures. It is big, hopping news. There’s Trump putting a hand written message in the Wailing Wall and praying. How long before someone steals and publishes that note? Fox is showing Melania visiting a hospital. A garden. Walking with Sara Netanyahu. Whoa. This is serious. Melania is now giving away tote bags and pens from The White House in Jerusalem.

We got Jews on Delmarva. Temple Bat Yam ("by the sea") ain't far from my house. Why won't she come here?  

[Marc]

This is a Revolution , folks .

God Bless Mr. President , and God Bless the world .

If only Ayn Rand , Barbara and Nathaniel were alive to see John Galt in The Oval Office .

Ivanka v Chelsea in 2024 , 

 

Ivanka in a Landsliddddddeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee