Slippery Slide To Third World Status

Before 6AM today, the President tweeted:

[quote]Amazon is doing great damage to tax paying retailers. Towns, cities and states throughout the U.S. are being hurt - many jobs being lost![/quote]

Background: Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon owns the Washington Post.

So, as the WaPo continues to provide factual coverage, and reports the real story, and seeing that people don't believe Trump's claims (that the WaPo is fake news), he's going after the owner (who does not actually get involved in the WaPo's content).

Amazon is one of America's success stories, it employs hundreds of thousands of people, and has made $Bs in investments in this country's manufacturing and infrastructure. But, because the WaPo refused to become FoxNews, then let's use the power of government to shut them up.

Doesn't this sound like something a third rate, third world dictator would do?

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Burnley123 · 41-45, M

Notice how both the left and right have mixed feelings on this issue. This will raise controversy but not hurt his ratings because it is a 'populist' move and will resonate with some.

I have an opinion too and it may be slightly different to yours but I refuse to debate it right now because that is EXACTLY what Trump wants.

Meanwhile, the NAZIs of Charlotteville declare victory and the controversy dies down a little.

Expect more controversial tweets about other issues in the coming days. Nuts as he is, Trump is a great media manipulator.

Northwest · M

@Burnley123 I don't think it will hurt his ratings. As you can tell, the right wing here on SW, is quick to dismiss it.

It mat be a dead cat, but my concern here, is that I'm seeing a pattern related to the WaPost. They've been a thorn in his side, exposing his lies, and using "leakers" to publish accurate stories. It's driving him nuts.

The concern here, is that he wants them gone, and he's been very consistent, dropping this false tax story, every once in a while, to prep the troops. He figures that the the WaPost is a toy, as far as Bezos is concerned, so if he caused him enough pain, by introducing an investigation by the commerce department, and possibly the FBI, then Bexos will rein the WaPost in.

That would be classic Trump, the bully, petulant child. That would be bad for our nation, and then who's next? This is how dictators and fascists work. This is not us.

The repetition of charges, through twitter, works. It takes exposure to a story, about 3 times, before it leaves an imprint, based on your particular political orientation. I spent some time with an anthropologist at St. Andrews U. learning about this stuff, for another project (years ago).

This would be sad.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@Northwest Yes repeat a lie enough times and people think its true. Another Lynton Crosby tactic btw.

Its fascinating to learn these things from you because details on this level don't make the UK press.

I think you are right but I am still calling dead cat. This story alone won't be enough distraction for Charlottesville, so expect more controversial tweets in the next days. I expect him to pick a fight with a celebrity and/or stoke up a culture war issue. These things will be aimed at keeping the Republican base on board.

Not sure it will be enough though. Charlottesville could be a turning point.

Northwest · M

@Burnley123 I'm saying that it could also be a shotgun approach by Trump, to see what sticks.

He tried today to remind everyone, via Twitter, that Kim Jung-On lost (it's August 16, where are those missiles?). Sure, you taught him a lesson Donald. That was a dead cat, if there's any.

I told everyone yesterday, that Trump finally fell apart. I watched the whole thing live, and I'm still in disbelief. Sooner or later, the Donald was coming out.

JimboSaturn · 51-55, M

Well now Trump has tweeted that the removal of Confederate statues "is a great loss" it seems he finds new ways of digging himself deeper.
And getting a kudos from the former Grand Wizard of the KKK helps too :P
@Burnley123

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@JimboSaturn He is changing the strategy by throwing that cat on himself and letting it strangle him. 😂

JimboSaturn · 51-55, M

And he has abolished his business team, nice temper tantrum@Burnley123

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@JimboSaturn He is also using another tactic called the wedge issue. This wedge is between Trump and Nazis vrs the rest of Republicans. Not sure this will work for him. He's losing.

Northwest · M

@JimboSaturn He's creating a false narrative, to support his explosive press conference. statues == history is not always true.

JimboSaturn · 51-55, M

Yes very Orwellian. Fake history! @Northwest