Trumpled (Alternative Leading)

[Baggers]

Anti establishment figures like Trump will always appeal when the establishment lets people down. Both the Democrats and Republicans have left common folk for dead, and its been happening for decades. Along comes a figure like Trump who has no allegiance to anything expect himself, and portrays himself as a person who won't be told what to do by anyone, dances to his own tune, will fix the country, the Democrats, the Republicans and everything in between. Add in nonsense like making America great again, and the usual scapegoating of minorities, and his appeal to a disenfranchised and ill informed body politic becomes obvious. It's happened often enough throughout history.

But focusing on him rather than the system is a waste of time.

I don't think it's either/or, Pauly... it's both the system - in this case the US system, and the person - in this case, the orange Orangutan. How does a system become that dysfunctional that a psychologically ill-equipped buffoon/criminal can skate into the White House on a 40 year slope of bullsh1te? A clean shaven Rasputin with a red tie he might well be! Only he's fckng the entire country and not just the Tsarina.

You've mentioned Naom Chomsky. Almost 30 years ago I sat through the long, laborious yet brilliant, Manufacturing Consent. And was a Chompsky fan thereafter. But also looked for other commentators who could explain America but with less verbiage.

Chompsky is right and accurate but being a deeply contemplative human being who can actually see the many factors influencing whatever the 'system' is, he tackles deeply complex explanations dragging each syllable and word up from his boot laces. In a 'sound bite' culture he also tends to not be so attractive to the uneducated masses with his superior intelligence, unmatched academia and lacerating account of the truth. Probably why M. Moore is so popular, he gives the 'populist' culture dashes of entertainment with their unpalatable truth. Another commentator of note on this subject is Neil Postman... I bet you've read, 'Amusing Ourselves To Death.' One of my favourite books to this day, although having read it in the mid 80s (oh, and if anything, what he discusses has only gotten worse).

I recall John Pilger saying, when responding to a question regarding how does he get away with such controversial articles and discourses, probably two decades ago, that as a self sufficient investigative journalist there are no clackers to kiss (my words) so no-one to interfere with his passion for truth. Malcolm Moore is in the same boat (funding wise). I wonder how many Murdoch journalists feel they've sold their talents to the devil? Or are unsavoury pr1cks to begin with so buddying up to Murdoch (and the many, many of his ilk) suits them fine.

That's probably why I like the political and social commentary of George Carlin... a comedy great who can sharply summarise with great skill... if you're so inclined, here's a sample BUT if you don't like 'salty' language, George mightn't be for you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9CjBtv7j78