Comment from meeshu

Excellent

This is a very fine piece of writing. It has a wonderful cadence and pace. I don't agree with any of it, but that doesn't matter. Well done, Steve. I wish you well in all your future endeavors.......................meeshu

 Comment Written 09-Nov-2018

---

reply by the author on 09-Nov-2018

Thanks, Meeshu for the kind words and the reward of stars even when you disagree with the content.

Steve

Comment from Realist101

Excellent

Hi there! I was a never Trumper for a long time, and still have times where I get upset with him...but, we've had worse. W. for example. And Obama too. Both, very ineffective. Right or wrong, Trump keeps at it. I have to admire his determination even as I don't know for sure his real motivations. America is in decline -- as all great Empires eventually fall. It's a historical fact that we cannot deny. We've been sliding downward for over 30 years and I doubt we can save ourselves. Just my opinions, I do know it matters not a hill a beans. :)

 Comment Written 08-Nov-2018

---

reply by the author on 09-Nov-2018

Thank you. I gaze from afar, but there certainly seems to be something amiss at the heart of American politics and it filters down to the way people treat each other.

You see Trump as determined - I see him as cunning like a cornered rat, out to get as much benefit as possible from this unexpected glory. I truly believe history will reveal him as a conman and a criminal.

Steve

reply by Realist101 on 10-Nov-2018

Hi Steve, I really hope you're wrong. But, I also know most people, women too, in politics either get in the game for personal gain, or become crooks once they get in. I wish you could see our daily 'news'. You'd be sick. Physically. Thank you for sharing your views, I do appreciate that. S.

Comment from Winslow

Excellent

Dear Steve,

I agree that President Trump is a bully, a demagogue, a pathological liar, and a Xenophobe. Fortunately, we have the constitution to protect us. The results of the election have the democrats in control of the house which will serve to mitigate some of the things he wants to do like build a wall.

It is interesting that you should mention Saudi Arabia. We gave our blessings and supplied weapons to the Saudi's to fight against the Houthi in Yemen. The war was started in 2014 during the OBAMA administration. Also when first elected in 2008 the democrats controlled both houses and did nothing about our immigration problems. 3,000, 000 immigrants were deported under his administration. He added to the divisiveness of our country. Now during Trump's tenure divisiveness has been accelerated and we are at each other's throats. Both parties are full of hypocrisy.

I believe our political problems have been caused by the infusion of a massive amount of money which has corrupted the system. Politicians no longer represent the people but special interests. What we really need is term limits, limiting campaigns to no more than six months, reducing the amount of money lobbyists can use to bride politicians, and treating the constitution as a LIVING document that can be changed. (ie read the 2nd amendment for example).

Regards,

Winslow

 Comment Written 08-Nov-2018

---

reply by the author on 09-Nov-2018

Winslow, thanks for your review and the thoughtful comments.

I too see corruption as a huge part of the problems that plague the American political scene. Above all the way the NRA controls the vote of so many of the lawmakers is just scandalous.

Immigration is a huge problem too, but demonising them and categorising refugees as criminals and terrorists is just an evil tactic Trump uses to stir up his base and retain power rather than tackling the problem in a humane way.

Steve

Comment from DonandVicki

Excellent

Well written essay and I can feel your pain. The country is more divided now than it was during the civil war. The main difference now it brews in every state in the union. It is no longer the UNITED States of America.

 Comment Written 08-Nov-2018

---

reply by the author on 09-Nov-2018

Thank you.

I am really concerned at the way the USA is headed and the current corrupt administration needs to be urgently reined in, in my humble opinion.

Steve

Comment from Wabigoon

Exceptional

Hi Steve--
Well, enough of us managed to do the "right thing" to vote Scott Walker out of office in Wisconsin. This is the bastard who destroyed the teacher's union, my wife's union, and froze pay for teachers in the state. He won two recall elections but finally lost this one. Wisconsin has regained some of its populist, progressive luster. Finally.

I like what you have written. Maybe easy to see from as far away as...Australia? or are you a New Zealander? It does just...creep in though it has always been there.

I am going to post a piece from my particular place on Trump. Give it a read. Radically different than yours but worth seeing, contemplating I think.

One problem that I see:
so the question becomes what can you do(.) Shouldn't this have a question mark?

Best
Wabigoon/Jeff

 Comment Written 08-Nov-2018

---

reply by the author on 09-Nov-2018

Thanks, Jeff. Yes, I am far away in New Zealand and I accept the news we get here is often filtered, but I am aghast that so many people can consider this selfish fool as a worthwhile president.

I did take a peek at your piece - it's certainly different!

Steve

Comment from Carolyn Reaves

Excellent

I enjoyed reading your very descriptive writing. You have included lots of historical information in this. I think you have arranged it in a great way. I hope you do well in the contest. Be blessed today.

 Comment Written 08-Nov-2018

---

reply by the author on 09-Nov-2018

Thanks, Carolyn.

No contest this time - just me unloading some of my thoughts!

Steve

Comment from Kelly Hanna

Excellent

This a great piece! It was written very well. Very clear and concise. It felt like I was reading from a newspaper article. This reads very much like a rallying call and I found it to be inspiring. Maybe not all can agree about Trump, but we do have to watch out for wolves in this world. And those that would stand by and watch our country fall to them. A great call to the people of this country!

 Comment Written 08-Nov-2018

---

reply by the author on 09-Nov-2018

Thanks, kelly. I am glad you found this to be well-writtem and yes, it was intended as something of a rallying call, even though I know my lone voice from down here at the other end of the world will have little effect.

Steve

Comment from Lady Jane

Excellent

A clean write full of promise and prophetic pleading. The letter addresses many issues, we Americans face, and do so knowing that it will take a miracle to turn things in the right direction. I voted! Most of those I know voted. WE can only do so much...it will take an act of God, and congress, for things to move anywhere near the direction it needs to go.

I found just two spags listed below. Other than that, the flow was good, the content timely and relatable, the penning was well thought out and conveyed. Nothing not to like. Solid 5 in my book.
Janelle

Edit suggestions:
either "We didn't know(,)" or "We couldn't do anything."

"To Kill a Mockingbird(,)"

 Comment Written 07-Nov-2018

---

reply by the author on 08-Nov-2018

Thank you for the kind words and the sharp eye!

Yes, perhaps the election was one small step back towards rationality. It will certainly make it harder for Trump to pursue his agenda. Let's see how he likes being stymied at every turn as Obama was in his last few years.

Steve

Comment from rspoet

Excellent

Hello Steve,
After reading, I checked some of the reviews which confirmed my opinion
that FS is a microcosm of society in general.
The part that I think weakens your argument is comparing Trump
to Hitler, Mussolini, Franco, and Stalin.
T may be a racist, sexist, bigot, but those despots killed tens of millions of people.
The opposition to Trump is strong, but there is a divide in the US as there is in many countries around the world.
The real danger lies in the US Senate, controlled by the right wing.
But overall, an excellent, well intentioned post.
Robert

 Comment Written 07-Nov-2018

---

reply by the author on 08-Nov-2018

Thanks, Robert. I suspect many of those with opposing views chose not to review, but as you see, there were a few who were compelled to punish me with low ratings.

Remember that Hitler never killed anyone until after he had dictatorial power. In the meantime he encouraged violence from his followers. I hope Trump never gains that sort of power and that the democratic mechanisms see him thrown out of oiffice, sooner rather than later.

Steve

Comment from Pam (respa)

Excellent

-I applaud you for sharing your views, Steve.
-You have strong introductory paragraphs
about the history of our country,
and what it was founded on.
-I appreciate your concerns, and
we have them over here, too.
-The best thing we can do is use
the power of the vote; we did
that yesterday, and managed to
make some inroads in the House,
and hopefully there will be more when
all ballots have been counted.
-I like your conclusion with the
literary works you cited, especially
"To Kill a Mockingbird."
-I think it is one of the best books written
that shows the courage of one man
confronting insurmountable odds.
-I am sure you are getting all kinds
of responses, but it is always good to
voice your concerns; I know we are not
the only ones who have them.

 Comment Written 07-Nov-2018

---

reply by the author on 08-Nov-2018

Thanks, Pam. Yes, I have had a variety of responses! I applaud the change of direction shown by the voting yesterday. I believe Democrats actually gained more votes in both polls, even though they conceded seats in the Senate.

Interesting times ahead.

Steve

reply by Pam (respa) on 08-Nov-2018

You are welcome, Steve. I am pleased with the turnout. We even had another Dem declare a win in our district. Every bit helps.