Has the United States evolved to a national Peyton Place?  The “drama” seems to never end and it’s becoming very embarrassing.  So, what’s the topic for today?  Well, as I was driving around I tuned into MSNBC (on my XM radio) as I often do and Trump was about to speak in Las Vegas regarding the horrific shooting which took place this past weekend.  I regret to say I immediately changed the channel because I can no longer even stand the sound of Trump’s voice.  Just yesterday he was in Puerto Rico bemoaning their debt and what they’re doing to our “budget” (that Trump is BLOWING up with another HUGE tax cut for himself and the others in the so-called 1% – although they’ll likely try to find ways to “pay for it” via cutting more social programs – ie look out Medicare and Social Security) while throwing rolls of paper towels to those in attendance.  I guess the thought was they could wipe up the rivers of water in their towns with these Brawny “picker uppers.”  Bad optics – I’m just sayin…….

Then today, when I tuned back in – after giving the time necessary to where I wouldn’t be forced to listen to Trump’s actual voice – the commentators were saying Trump did a good job of reading from the teleprompter and, apparently, hadn’t pulled ANOTHER major BLUNDER. (the “bar” is really low for this president)  Soon, the topic changed to “politics” – which is what MSNBC is usually about.  And, sure enough, here come’s another in the never ending barrage of “stories” which happen almost EVERY day in “Trump world!”  If you’ve wondered, as have I, why Rex Tillerson remains as Secretary of State despite Trump undercutting his message on almost every occasion, you’re not alone.  (not to mention Tillerson’s apparent incompetence at the job from an administrative standpoint) At the minimum, I’m right there with you.

Now, first of all, I need to be clear. last year I read Steve Coll’s book “Private Empire” which was a detailed expose’ on Exxon Mobile and their incredible power around the world.  It’s almost as if they’re a sovereign nation unto themselves – certainly a corporation at the “head of the class” – at the very least.  I NEVER viewed Rex Tillerson as someone who was qualified to be Secretary of State.  My cynical mind believed Tillerson was chosen for this post to facilitate the REMOVAL of sanctions ON Russia which are preventing the development of a HUGE oil reserve in northern Russia.  A situation which requires Exxon’s expertise to advance Russia’s oil empire.  A “win win” for Russia and Exxon that was stymied by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.

So, I’m trying to make clear I’m not the person to be applauding or defending Tillerson in the inevitable conflict he was bound to have with Trump from the beginning – especially when it became clear removing those sanctions was a “non- starter” because of Trump’s campaign colluding with Russia as they ATTACKED our nation in the most fundamental place – the voting booth.  Yet, today it was reported that Tillerson and I have one thing clearly in common!

NBC reported today, with certainty, that Tillerson – sometime during the past few months – referred to Trump as a MORON!  OK, now I realize Tillerson is Secretary of State and is likely on the job only until Trump can find someone willing to work for him, and he shouldn’t (probably) be referring to his “boss” in this manner.  But, the reality, to me, is that FINALLY I’ve got something I can totally AGREE on with Tillerson.  It’s a sad day in American “history” when the president of the United States is called a MORON by his Secretary of State and people all across the country want to see a poll which checks to see how many Americans agree.

Of course, Trump’s first words when asked about Tillerson’s comment was “NBC is fake news” – isn’t that kind of his signature response?  Then Trump said, “I have full confidence in Rex.”  Well, that’s definitely the kiss of death for Tillerson as far as his job is concerned – and, if he would tell the truth (Tillerson, that is – we KNOW Trump is incapable of telling the TRUTH) he will be relieved when he’s no longer saying one thing and almost immediately being undercut by Trump.  Again, Tillerson was not made to be Secretary of State.  He’s likely to go down as the WORST Secretary of State in modern times no matter how much longer he’s on the job.  His memoir should be very interesting!  I do have to give Tillerson credit in that I’ve seen signs he prefers negotiation to bluster in regard to foreign policy.  That’s always a bit of relief – until the Trump “tweets” confirming Tillerson’s insignificance.

Just a few days ago, almost as if there was going to be signs of actual “adults in the room” regarding the issue with North Korea Tillerson suggested we have “back channels of Communication with North Korean officials – asking them if they’d like to talk?”  Seemingly within minutes (but, more likely the next day) Trump was undercutting his Secretary of State (again) by “tweeting”, “Rex Tillerson, our wonderful Secretary of State, is wasting his time trying to negotiate with Little Rocket Man.”  Would it surprise you to find out those in North Korea who might be able to help diffuse the situation with the U.S. are a bit confused?  Would it surprise you to think leaders around the world may agree with Tillerson’s characterization of Trump above?  In America, this is now the daily routine.  (I did here a reporter state that the term “moron” IS being used by leaders around the world in describing Trump)

I listened to an interview with Mike Pense’s former press secretary (I believe) and his attempts to defend Trump were almost as astonishing as listening to Trump himself.  (I have to add that I’m one who believes Pense is at least “knee deep” in the obstruction of justice related to the “Russia Thing”)  The MSNBC commentator (I believe it was Nicole Wallace) asked Pense’s former spokesman what has Trump accomplished.  Just as Trump would do, he listed a littany of “stuff” that’s simply an extension of what President Obama was “accomplishing” as he left office.

For example, the economy (and jobs numbers) continue on a “straight line” that was continued under Obama’s leadership – numbers Trump himself ridiculed while running for office and quickly taking credit for once elected.  Trump’s administration has done NOTHING to change the direction of the economy he inherited.  And, they always refer to the stock market’s record closings.  Well, after the meltdown of 2008 the Dow Industrial Average dropped to around 6500 and by the time Obama left office it was nearing 20,000.  Clearly, there was a “Trump affect” after his “election” which, by most accounts is Wall Street’s excitement over the possibility of HUGE tax cuts for the rich and a reduction in regulations aimed at the environment and the protection of every day consumers.

Wall Street would like nothing better than to get rid of the Consumer Protection Agency which is a watch dog on the predatory behavior which got us into the 2008 mess in the first place.  Obviously, Wall Street felt little pain after they almost brought us into another Great Depression during the term of Bush/Cheney because of the TARP bailouts by our previous republican administration (you know, the conservatives who “believe” in a “free market”).  In my mind, those bailouts were quickly forgotten due to “we the people” electing an “other” in 2008 leading to the “Tea Party” and ultimately to Trump.  Those giving credit to Trump for a gain in the Dow of a couple thousand points are the same people who were BLASTING Obama as he oversaw a gain of something like 300% on the DOW.  These record closings (since Trump’s election) are based on the anticipation that Trump can deliver on pro Wall Street legislation AND the continuation of the SLOW recovery Obama orchestrated after 2008 which was continuing to gain “steam” as President Obama left office.  Make no mistake though – Trump inherited a “bull market” – Obama inherited a near DEPRESSION.

In my mind, it will take about another 6 months for Trump to lead us in the opposite direction economically (and, when this happens, he’ll probably still be blaming Obama) IF he can get his “agenda” passed – which, at this point, appears less than certain.  I keep wondering how republicans will respond when Robert Mueller reports on his investigation and, at the minimum, suggests their WAS collusion (we KNOW this from the June 9, 2016 meeting between Trump Jr., Manafort, Kushner, and a bunch of Russians connected to Putin – what hasn’t been talked about much is Trump’s comments right after that meeting suggesting the next Monday he would have incriminating “stuff” on Mrs. Clinton) and OBSTRUCTION of justice.  How will they be able to get huge tax cuts for the rich through while dealing with that reality?

After hearing about Tillerson’s characterization of Trump today, I couldn’t help but think back to all the times when Trump did stuff that I feel fits that word – MORON.  The first that comes to mind is Trump meeting with Lester Holt shortly after firing James Comey and having his surrogates – led by the Vice President – out en force telling virtually EVERY media outlet he was fired because of the recommendation of Rob Rosenstein – the newly confirmed Assistant Attorney General who was over seeing the “Russia Thing” due to Jeff Sessions’ recusal.  In that interview, Trump famously (and stupidly) confessed to why he fired Comey – it was the “Russia thing” – a “made up story by the democrats.”  Then a day or two later, Trump met with the Russians in the oval office with ONLY media from Russia where he confirmed why he fired Comey – to reduce the pressure of the Russia investigation.  This really is the work of a MORON!

All the LIES and the willingness to publicly defend the LIES is MORONIC – and, in the case of Sean Spicer and, now, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, is likely ruining the careers of this surrogates – the ones who will not get caught up in the illegal “stuff” regarding Russia and the cover up.  I don’t think Spicer will ever purge the STUPIDITY of his first press conference where he defended Trump’s claim that his audience was the LARGEST ever, PERIOD!  Now that he’s left office he seems to be willing to parody himself on that one – but, the reality is that kind of stuff is not funny when you think of the importance of the office and those who speak to the American people for the office holder.  In my mind, the honorable thing to do would be to resign instead of LYING for Trump just to save your job.  I believe Ms. Sanders will be somewhat toxic by the time she’s looking for work after Trump – unless, of course, she lands at Fox “news.”  She’d probably fit in nicely there.

Finally, there’s a thought I can’t seem to get out of my mind as I’m writing about our “Peyton Place” in Washington DC.  Two things happened almost simultaneously and I believe they leave a picture that pretty much says it all.  As the reports were coming out about the Secretary of State calling Trump a MORON there were pictures of Trump throwing (actually “shooting” as if he had basketballs) paper towels to the desperate people of Puerto Rico.  Sometimes we don’t have to prod very far to find out the truth behind a story.  As I said above, Rex Tillerson and myself FINALLY have something on which we can agree!