The Counter-Puncher

Well, a lot has been happening lately. Of course, you could say that on any day of the past six months. Or, for those with a deep sense of history, for the past year.

And it seems to have a lot of people confused. What is he doing next? Why is he doing that? Who will be next to go? What’s happening in Texas? Endless questions to ponder, with more to come.

We really need some clarity here. So, as a public service, here is the secret decoder ring to explain everything that is coming out of Donald Trump’s White House. And it’s no great secret. After all, he’s given us the secret lots of times.

He is a counter-puncher.

Let that sink in a bit. Donald Trump waits for someone to attack him, or - if its quiet - he pretends that someone has attacked him and those he holds dear - and then punches back, hard. And, like a lot of schoolyard bullies, he is really good at finding the flaws in his opponents. Or, even worse, turning their strengths against themselves.

But, you can’t be a counter-puncher when there is nothing to punch against. 

Now, in the endless angst of the moment, it’s hard to see that. There is always an opponent, always a target. It’s a little hard to see the truth underlying the immediate controversy, which is that without his endless attacks Donald Trump doesn’t really stand for anything. Except maybe pronouns.

Huh?

Well, let’s look at his “Make America Great Again” caps. Doesn’t tell us anything about what he considers great would be, or who would benefit. Does it mean we balance the federal budget, eliminate homelessness and poverty, straighten out problems with health care, vastly improve a failing public education system, or all of the above?

I admit those answers would be hard to put on a cap, but a hint would be nice. Maybe a different hint every day.

ASIDE - As a public service, I just looked up the price of a Make America Great cap on line. The Trump Outlet sells them for $19.99. Walmart sells them for $9.99. And the bid price on eBay was $2.26.

Now, let’s get back to the main point. Our counter-punching president needs an opponent. Without one, he has to invent one, or attack things he believes his base hates. Things like minorities, gays, transgender people, people who believe in a religion that is not his, foreigners and Mexicans who don’t want to pay for his wall.

That’s what happens when you are a counter-puncher. With no enemies, he’s just an empty shadow.

If you think that’s too harsh, give me one original plan he has proposed, a single idea that can be carried out. Not the kind that says “I’m a leader, do what I tell you.” A plan that says something like this: “North Korea is an unacceptable danger, and China is enabling them to get stronger every day. So, we are going to stop all trade with China and with all nations that trade with them until the situation is resolved. Of course, this will severely harm our own economy, and probably sink the world into a deep recession, but that is the price I and our nation are willing to pay.”

Or how about this: “Illegal immigrants are stealing jobs from hard-working Americans. So, I want to make hiring them a federal offense, and any employer who hires one will face at least six months in jail and a $10,000 fine. Now, I am turning ICE loose to hunt down those farms and factories where they work. It will end our problems in six months.”

Now, that’s leadership. With nouns.

Now, between the hurricane and Hillary Clinton’s book, I am sure our president will have weeks and weeks of tweets to confuse and entertain us. But, he may not get to use them all.

Remember, Congress will be back in session soon.  Then, the hit list of his real enemies will be posted. You know, the one listing the treacherous Republicans who are keeping him from getting a debt ceiling extension, a new budget, a tax cut for the wealthy and the need for 60 votes in the Senate to get some controversial motions passed.

My only question is: will anyone be surprised?