Cycles

[H2O Man]

I like to think about cycles. There are cycles in nature, such as the four seasons we experience here in the northeast. There are social and political cycles, too. There's even news cycles. And, generally speaking, one cycle leads to another.

It wasn't actually that long ago that the resignation of FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe dominated for a news cycle. A number of people questioned if this would lead to an even more damaging cycle within the administration. In a very real sense, it has ….though not the one that good people worried about.

For several days now, in an extended news cycle by current standards, the coverage has focused on the knee-capping of Rob Porter, and the purposeful though pathetic lies coming from the White House. In Trump's mind, this is an example of the “deep state” attacking his presidency. And, to be fair, he is not totally wrong: pressure the FBI deputy director to “retire,” and somehow or another, information on Porter's criminal history gets released to the media.

In fact, the operation to nail Porter involves some in the FBI. It was well run, and well coordinated .General Kelly was again exposed for purposeful lying. And it connects with today's hearing, with the top six in the intelligence community. The FBI actually did inform the White House that their background check was complete, and Porter should be denied clearance.

What isn't being reported yet, so far as I know, is that then, Kelly and the White House counsel had to have informed Trump. He then had the option of either getting rid of Porter, or granting him clearance required to do that job.

Instead, Trump opted to do neither. Instead, he choose to allow Porter continue in his role. If not for the information being leaked, Porter would still be there ….with a promotion, no less.

Also, each of the six intelligence officials exposed the fact that Russia poses a problem for the 2018 elections, and Trump hasn't done a damned thing about it.

A two-week cycle comes full-circle.

[coeur_de_lion]

1. Really interesting

I don't know why but it hadn't occurred to me that the FBI leaked the Porter story.

May the leaks continue.

Always grateful for your insight H.

This essay made me feel better that there are patriots in this country who have the knowledge to take down this Fredo wannabe.

[BSdetect]

2. He makes Fredo look likeable and intelligent.

[coeur_de_lion]

5. I know!

At least we felt sorry for Fredo. He was lovable in his own way.

Trump is not lovable even to his wife.

[H2O Man]

6. Thanks.

I was watching the news yesterday with two old associates, and they had not connected it with the previous events. When I pointed it out, they immediately saw the connection. I think it's the nature of the intensity of rapid news cycles, that can make it hard to see how one leads to another.

A good strategy for a group such as the FBI is to always have good cards in their hand that they don't feel pressured to play immediately. This is the opposite of Team Trump, as they play every card that appears "good" right away, without considering the long-term consequences.

[coeur_de_lion]

7. Short term thinking

could possibly be their downfall.

[H2O Man]

8. Yes.

They really are not up to the plans they have. They are not as smart or powerful as they believe they are. Yet they are inflicting severe damage to the systems they are abusing, and purposely so.

[coeur_de_lion]

11. Why?

Why do they want to hurt the middle class and poor so badly?

[coeur_de_lion]

12. Obvious to anyone with two brain cells to rub together

Why oh why don't Fredo voters see how just plain stupid he is?

[spanone]

3. K&R...

Someday, America will be ashamed.....Someday.

[H2O Man]

9. Right.

I think that is part of another cycle. People like us are ashamed right now, and more people are every day. But we are not willing to accept the shameful dynamics that we know as "Trump." And we will work to change them, both in terms of the immediate and long-term. We'll be proud again.

[kentuck]

4. Yes, the FBI denied clearance and the WH did ignore it....

...and were going to continue to ignore it.

Because rules and laws are for other people.

[H2O Man]

10. Seriously.

It's a shame the White House has gotten away with it this long. They believe they have enough power as to be above the law. But it is catching up with them. Slowly, but surely.

[RandomAccess]

13. Well, Trump WAS warned before he took office

He was throwing his weight around dissing the IC and Chuck Schumer was being interviewed on some TV show (I think it was Rachel Maddow), and he warned Trump that you don't want to get on the bad side of the IC. The gist, tho maybe not the words he used was, "they can screw you up 6 ways to Sunday." He was ADAMANT about the importance of not making enemies of the IC.

And all I can do is smile.