Some International Input

I found the following two recent analyses of current US political developments instructive--one a brief interview on YouTube, and one a historical description of the election(s) of DJT as POTUS. I believe each analysis is descriptive more than evaluative--although each suggests that how matters have changed will have lasting implications requiring fundamental adjustments.

"Former M16 boss on Trump, Putin and. 'new era' for international relations" - https://youtu.be/FocQITpJnaQ?si=tFFeHKrCxdpIsmVv

"The election shows that Trumpism is here to stay | Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank" - 

https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/11/election-shows-trumpism-here-stay

Particularly for my international friends, I will add that US society is diverse in many ways, including poltically. While the current POTUS administration has widespread support, not everyone agrees--indeed, many vehemently disagree and are resisting in all peaceful ways at their disposal.

I will also add--as a member of Jesus Christ's international following and as a US citizen--I find many of the maneuvers of the POTUS administration abhorrent and immoral. While I resonate with certain aspects of certain themes as they are put forth (e.g., regarding gender/sexuality, government waste), the sea change in international relations (to strongmen-run real estate/economic transactions) and backtracking on race-related relations (e.g., evident in the firing of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown) are wrong and dangerous.

Thankfully, God rules over all, and the US is but one nation that is only a drop in a bucket before the Lord Almighty.

Kyrie eleison.

Narcissist-Gaslighter Combo

Whatever one thinks of the current US President's policies, I am one of many who, for several years now, sees DJT as a narcissist-gaslighter (in combination and in the extreme). Having dealt with narcissist-gaslighter types before, I have learned the hard way that I have needed instruction and help to sift through the constant truth-twisting and manipulation that such people spew out. One simple and clear article is here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communication-success/201707/6-common-traits-of-narcissists-and-gaslighters

Coping is not easy. One technique is to ignore, like a "black rock." However, when there are widespread implications--e.g., regarding Ukraine or numerous aid projects worldwide--simply ignoring in silence becomes difficult without at least saying something to assist others who may not have had the awful, disconcerting experience of dealing with someone like this.

If you choose to post a critical or disagreeing comment, I request that you not simply refocus your attack or assign blame elsewhere, e.g., to the media. For anyone--again, this is coming from one among many who has painfully learned how destructive narcissists-gaslighters can be--I am once again offering this warning about how DJT operates.

Kyrie eleison.

Some Casualties of USAID Cuts

 - A newly married young Kenyan in Kibera (densest and second largest slum in the world), one of the most upright people I know and who never asks me for financial assistance, just lost his income due to USAID cuts. With his wife now expecting, they are in dire straits.

- A Christian community in Costa Rica (instigated by good friends James and Ruth Padilla-Deborst) has had to close its doors to many people-at-risk they serve due to the loss of USAID funding.

- https://worldrelief.org/

- etc.

I'm all for purging unnecessary and bloated government programs. I agree with cutting back on some of the USAID activities publicized of late. However, reducing USAID objectives, and hence all activities, from "extend assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms" (https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-agency-for-international-development) to--first and foremost--be "in alignment with an America First agenda" (https://www.state.gov/secretary-marco-rubio-appointed-as-acting-administrator-for-the-united-states-agency-for-international-development-usaid/) is, well, "America First."

There has to be a more humane way of enabling USAID to fulfill its mandated objectives.