DONALD TRUMP
His persecution has started
Threatening letter sent to Donald Trump's son, Eric
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/threatening-letter-sent-to-donald-trump-son-eric-trump/
The persecution of Donald Trump has already started. Coupled with the hacking of Trump's accounts by Anonymous and the dirty work currently being done by the GOP establishment, such criminal activities are an affront to the democratic principles upon which the American dream is built. Whatever one thinks of Mr Trump, the will of the voters must be respected and allowed to prevail.
Friday, 18 March 2016
Thursday, 17 March 2016
Tuesday, 15 March 2016
DONALD TRUMP
The confident, passionate and authentic patriot
It is a great mystery why there are so many naysayers and so much negative press surrounding Mr Donald Trump. If you watch this 1988 video below when Trump was interviewed by Oprah on The Oprah Winfrey Show, you will realize that despite a gulf of 28 years, what he was saying then are exactly the same things that he is saying now. About the US being ripped off by other countries economically and the need for better leadership, he has been consistent and authentic.
http://youtu.be/SEPs17_AkTI
The interesting thing about this old video is that the young Trump was unbelievable suave, articulate and handsome, though his mannerisms and phrasing have not changed.
When asked whether he would run for president in 1988, he said that he probably would not because he didn't have the inclination; but if he would, he would probably win! He kept emphasizing that he was tired of seeing his country being ruined and shared that he might run if the ruin continued.
So, here he is today as he had promised, soon to be confirmed as the Republican Party nominee. Mr Trump, I endorse you totally. Please make America great again, not just for Americans but for the rest of the world, to see your nation as the beacon of an ideal society based on science, democracy and capitalism.
The confident, passionate and authentic patriot
It is a great mystery why there are so many naysayers and so much negative press surrounding Mr Donald Trump. If you watch this 1988 video below when Trump was interviewed by Oprah on The Oprah Winfrey Show, you will realize that despite a gulf of 28 years, what he was saying then are exactly the same things that he is saying now. About the US being ripped off by other countries economically and the need for better leadership, he has been consistent and authentic.
http://youtu.be/SEPs17_AkTI
The interesting thing about this old video is that the young Trump was unbelievable suave, articulate and handsome, though his mannerisms and phrasing have not changed.
When asked whether he would run for president in 1988, he said that he probably would not because he didn't have the inclination; but if he would, he would probably win! He kept emphasizing that he was tired of seeing his country being ruined and shared that he might run if the ruin continued.
So, here he is today as he had promised, soon to be confirmed as the Republican Party nominee. Mr Trump, I endorse you totally. Please make America great again, not just for Americans but for the rest of the world, to see your nation as the beacon of an ideal society based on science, democracy and capitalism.
Wednesday, 9 March 2016
IS DONALD TRUMP THE BADDEST MAN ON EARTH?
Quite The Contrary ...
By now, with the millions and millions of dollars' worth of negative ads against billionaire presidential candidate Donald Trump over the last few weeks, you could be forgiven if you start to think that this vulgar, ignorant, inexperienced, phony and dangerous fascist and religious bigot should never be allowed to run for the US presidency. Often called a sexist, a racist and a bully, the attacks on his intellect and his character seem unabated while the votes he earned kept on rising. To me, it seems such a mystery why so many people in his own party and in the media seem to hate him so much that they all forgot to be fair. Highly illustrative of such mocking ridicule is John Oliver's diatribe against Trump last week:
Oliver tried to pour cold water on Trump's supposed 4 qualities that attracted voters. Ok, let me truly address those 4 qualities:
(1) "We like him. He tells it like it is. He says what he means. I ..., I honestly believe he is telling the truth!"
Oliver misinterpreted this as a claim that Trump is 100% an honest guy and swiftly showed that Trump was often factually wrong and accused him of lying.
Well, Trump has his faults, but what people actually appreciate about him is not for being 100% honest, but for having the courage and forthrightness to tell people the ugly truth about the failures of his country and his fearless recommendations of politically-incorrect remedies.
(2) "He is funding his own campaign, nobody owns him!"
Oliver dwelled only on how little of his own money Trump actually spends on his campaign. He also highlighted that he actually receives donations from individual supporters.
Yet, Trump had repeatedly stressed that the unique thing about himself is that he does not owe any favour to any lobby or special interest group because he receives no money from them; and therefore would be free to act for the benefit of his country in whatever way he sees fit.
(3) "Trump is aggressive; and he is strong; and he is bold!"
Oliver humorously pointed out that Trump is actually a wimp because he has a laughably thin skin and often failed to carry out his threats to sue others.
Yet, what people see is that he can be quite unconventional and unpredictable in his thinking and opinions. He also seems unafraid to voice unpopular, outlandish and politically-incorrect statements against overwhelming odds. He doesn't hesitate to contradict himself and shows a willingness to sometimes change his mind and be flexible. That seems to attract voters who are fed up with the old inertia of true politicians.
(4) "I think Trump is an incredible businessman! If he runs the country like he runs his organization, we would be in good shape!"
Oliver talked about Trump's past business failures and financial difficulties; questioned the actual magnitude of his wealth and attributed his success to the head-start Trump got when he inherited millions from his father.
On the other hand, many people admired Trump for his optimistic self-confidence, his ability to think and dream big for his country, his resilience in recovering from every setback and most of all, his authenticity in passionately believing in what he is saying, pursuing power not for himself, but for unwisely setting aside his comfortable life to take on the thankless job of trying to make America great again.
Conclusion
If we see Trump through the lens of conventional politics, he seems like an ignorant and reckless opportunist who does not play by the normal rules of the game. But, if we believe he is the vanguard of a new movement of non-politics as a form of political innovation, then we may begin to understand this whole Donald Trump phenomenon. Apparently disgusted by the lack of success of conventional politics and politicians, Trump is now attempting to conduct politics as a form of business, borrowing heavily from his own business principles and expertise. He is now ready to be the President of the United States. The big question is whether the people are ready for him.
Meanwhile, we hear the chants: "USA! USA!"
Quite The Contrary ...
By now, with the millions and millions of dollars' worth of negative ads against billionaire presidential candidate Donald Trump over the last few weeks, you could be forgiven if you start to think that this vulgar, ignorant, inexperienced, phony and dangerous fascist and religious bigot should never be allowed to run for the US presidency. Often called a sexist, a racist and a bully, the attacks on his intellect and his character seem unabated while the votes he earned kept on rising. To me, it seems such a mystery why so many people in his own party and in the media seem to hate him so much that they all forgot to be fair. Highly illustrative of such mocking ridicule is John Oliver's diatribe against Trump last week:
Oliver tried to pour cold water on Trump's supposed 4 qualities that attracted voters. Ok, let me truly address those 4 qualities:
(1) "We like him. He tells it like it is. He says what he means. I ..., I honestly believe he is telling the truth!"
Oliver misinterpreted this as a claim that Trump is 100% an honest guy and swiftly showed that Trump was often factually wrong and accused him of lying.
Well, Trump has his faults, but what people actually appreciate about him is not for being 100% honest, but for having the courage and forthrightness to tell people the ugly truth about the failures of his country and his fearless recommendations of politically-incorrect remedies.
(2) "He is funding his own campaign, nobody owns him!"
Oliver dwelled only on how little of his own money Trump actually spends on his campaign. He also highlighted that he actually receives donations from individual supporters.
Yet, Trump had repeatedly stressed that the unique thing about himself is that he does not owe any favour to any lobby or special interest group because he receives no money from them; and therefore would be free to act for the benefit of his country in whatever way he sees fit.
(3) "Trump is aggressive; and he is strong; and he is bold!"
Oliver humorously pointed out that Trump is actually a wimp because he has a laughably thin skin and often failed to carry out his threats to sue others.
Yet, what people see is that he can be quite unconventional and unpredictable in his thinking and opinions. He also seems unafraid to voice unpopular, outlandish and politically-incorrect statements against overwhelming odds. He doesn't hesitate to contradict himself and shows a willingness to sometimes change his mind and be flexible. That seems to attract voters who are fed up with the old inertia of true politicians.
(4) "I think Trump is an incredible businessman! If he runs the country like he runs his organization, we would be in good shape!"
Oliver talked about Trump's past business failures and financial difficulties; questioned the actual magnitude of his wealth and attributed his success to the head-start Trump got when he inherited millions from his father.
On the other hand, many people admired Trump for his optimistic self-confidence, his ability to think and dream big for his country, his resilience in recovering from every setback and most of all, his authenticity in passionately believing in what he is saying, pursuing power not for himself, but for unwisely setting aside his comfortable life to take on the thankless job of trying to make America great again.
Conclusion
If we see Trump through the lens of conventional politics, he seems like an ignorant and reckless opportunist who does not play by the normal rules of the game. But, if we believe he is the vanguard of a new movement of non-politics as a form of political innovation, then we may begin to understand this whole Donald Trump phenomenon. Apparently disgusted by the lack of success of conventional politics and politicians, Trump is now attempting to conduct politics as a form of business, borrowing heavily from his own business principles and expertise. He is now ready to be the President of the United States. The big question is whether the people are ready for him.
Meanwhile, we hear the chants: "USA! USA!"
Tuesday, 1 March 2016
ONLY IF ...
If your mind is trapped in a box,
It'll be as fixed as the equinox.
Only if you step out of your cage,
Can it go beyond the next stage.
If there's restraint in your ankles,
It is just by imaginary shackles.
Only if you could recognize this,
Can you know what freedom is.
If you long to spread your wings,
Be open to all wonderful things.
Only if you could lift your eyes,
Can you be a ruler in the skies.
If you aim beyond simple reason,
Victory will come every season.
Only if you could take the heat.
Can you never bow to defeat.
If your mind is trapped in a box,
It'll be as fixed as the equinox.
Only if you step out of your cage,
Can it go beyond the next stage.
If there's restraint in your ankles,
It is just by imaginary shackles.
Only if you could recognize this,
Can you know what freedom is.
If you long to spread your wings,
Be open to all wonderful things.
Only if you could lift your eyes,
Can you be a ruler in the skies.
If you aim beyond simple reason,
Victory will come every season.
Only if you could take the heat.
Can you never bow to defeat.
Sunday, 28 February 2016
CLINTON VS TRUMP
So, after only 4 states of primaries, it has become increasing clear that the US Presidential election will boil down to a battle between Clinton (dislikable, untrustworthy, inauthentic, a smudgy record over the Benghazi incident and potentially in legal trouble over those emails) and Trump (bombastic, unrefined, politically untested and inexperienced, ideologically bankrupt and politically-incorrect). A little like between the devil and the deep blue sea. Both candidates are flawed, but between the two, Clinton is so yesterday and so insincere; Trump despite being insulting and prone to making sweeping statements, at least, he is charming and refreshing. So, don't be surprised that, come November, Trump may win the election easily.
So, after only 4 states of primaries, it has become increasing clear that the US Presidential election will boil down to a battle between Clinton (dislikable, untrustworthy, inauthentic, a smudgy record over the Benghazi incident and potentially in legal trouble over those emails) and Trump (bombastic, unrefined, politically untested and inexperienced, ideologically bankrupt and politically-incorrect). A little like between the devil and the deep blue sea. Both candidates are flawed, but between the two, Clinton is so yesterday and so insincere; Trump despite being insulting and prone to making sweeping statements, at least, he is charming and refreshing. So, don't be surprised that, come November, Trump may win the election easily.
Wednesday, 3 February 2016
Thursday, 21 January 2016
THE CHIVAS REGAL EFFECT
What is the difference between a luxury product and a utilitarian one? Is it a difference in quality, technological advancement, durability, reliability, design, craftsmanship, raw material or the cost of manufacture? Or is it a question of brand-name prestige; and if so, it may boil down to the simple fact of consumer perception. Naturally, such perceptions are the intended target of advertising which leads one to form a strong and favorable impression about the superiority and desirability of whatever product that is being advertised.
One of the most powerful psychological effects is the one that makes us equate price with quality. This is to implant the idea that if it is logical to assume that a higher quality product would cost more, it would be safe to assume high quality if the price is high. Apparently, the higher the price - the higher the quality. The added snob appeal that is bestowed by the exclusivity that high prices engender only reinforces the intangible value of prestige.
This is called the Chivas Regal Effect. This took the name of a particular brand of scotch whisky called Chivas Regal. Marketing legend says that Chivas Regal once solved their problems of low sales and struggling market share by counter-intuitively doubling the price of their scotch whisky without changing the whisky. Instead of scaring away consumers, it had the opposite effect of boosting sales greatly because consumers saw such high prices as evidence of quality.
One good way of appreciating the power of the Chivas Regal Effect is to look at the world of luxury watches. Watches can cost only $10 to $20 or they may fetch millions of dollars at auctions. Even a run-of-the mill popular model like the Rolex Submariner costs several thousand dollars.
The Rolex Submariner (left picture) costs about US$8,000 on Amazon, the Grand Seiko Spring Drive SBGA029 (center picture) costs almost US$4,000 and the very humble Seiko Sea Urchin SNZF17 (right picture) only costs about US$164. All 3 look similar, feel similar and are all high quality, automatic, stainless steel, water resistant dive watches. It leads to a few questions: If the movement of the Grand Seiko is more sophisticated than the Rolex's, why is it selling at half the price? If we talk about history, Seiko is an even older watch manufacturer than Rolex! And if both the Grand Seiko Spring Drive and the Seiko Sea Urchin have similar styles and are manufactured by the same company, why is the lovely and lovable Sea Urchin 24 times cheaper?
This is truly weird consumer psychology.
What is the difference between a luxury product and a utilitarian one? Is it a difference in quality, technological advancement, durability, reliability, design, craftsmanship, raw material or the cost of manufacture? Or is it a question of brand-name prestige; and if so, it may boil down to the simple fact of consumer perception. Naturally, such perceptions are the intended target of advertising which leads one to form a strong and favorable impression about the superiority and desirability of whatever product that is being advertised.
One of the most powerful psychological effects is the one that makes us equate price with quality. This is to implant the idea that if it is logical to assume that a higher quality product would cost more, it would be safe to assume high quality if the price is high. Apparently, the higher the price - the higher the quality. The added snob appeal that is bestowed by the exclusivity that high prices engender only reinforces the intangible value of prestige.
This is called the Chivas Regal Effect. This took the name of a particular brand of scotch whisky called Chivas Regal. Marketing legend says that Chivas Regal once solved their problems of low sales and struggling market share by counter-intuitively doubling the price of their scotch whisky without changing the whisky. Instead of scaring away consumers, it had the opposite effect of boosting sales greatly because consumers saw such high prices as evidence of quality.
One good way of appreciating the power of the Chivas Regal Effect is to look at the world of luxury watches. Watches can cost only $10 to $20 or they may fetch millions of dollars at auctions. Even a run-of-the mill popular model like the Rolex Submariner costs several thousand dollars.
This is truly weird consumer psychology.
Friday, 11 December 2015
IS DONALD TRUMP A XENOPHOBE, AN ISLAMOPHOBE, A RACIST OR A RELIGIOUS BIGOT?
Xenophobe, Islamophobe, racist, religious bigot ... More and more national and international name-calling and condemnation have been hurled at Mr Trump, yet his Republican voter approval has, in fact, risen further to 35% after his proposal to bar Muslims from entering his country.
Trump’s national policy adviser, Sam Clovis, had explained that the plan is a reasonable way for his country to “stop, take a break, have a look and make sure everything is cool”.
If we do not misunderstand him, his reasoning goes something like this: yes, the vast majority of Muslims are good and peaceful people and though a very small number of people are terrorists, the unfortunate thing is the majority of terrorists are Muslims or proclaim themselves to be Muslims. It is hard to understand why these terrorists are so full of hatred and violence towards Americans. We need to try to understand why and devise an appropriate long-term plan to counter them. Meanwhile, as a temporary measure, stopping Muslim entry will theoretically stop new entry of most terrorists. This should buy us some time to rethink our counter-terrorist strategy.
If seen in this light, what Mr Trump is proposing has nothing to do with xenophobia, Islamophobia, racism or religious bigotry; but a practical though unprecedented measure to ensure national security and the protection of innocent American lives. The question is: can our heads be cool enough to think this way?
I don't know whether Mr Trump is a xenophobe, a Islamophobe, a racist or a religious bigot; but I can empathize with his intentions.
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
Sacred Things
Sacred Things are so fully good,
Tell their faults, we never could.
Bestowing us instant sainthood,
They're our minds' staple food.
Since they have not a single flaw,
We have no need of scrutiny's claw.
Under the spell of their silent law,
Out icy hearts can never thaw.
Yet, the tiny dirt we failed to pick
Leads to wide infection so quick.
Sacred things are now morally sick,
Suffering their own vengeful kick.
No longer just harmless folklore,
They're bringing us blood and gore.
So, their sacredness we must ignore,
Their falsity we must truly explore.
Sacred Things are so fully good,
Tell their faults, we never could.
Bestowing us instant sainthood,
They're our minds' staple food.
Since they have not a single flaw,
We have no need of scrutiny's claw.
Under the spell of their silent law,
Out icy hearts can never thaw.
Yet, the tiny dirt we failed to pick
Leads to wide infection so quick.
Sacred things are now morally sick,
Suffering their own vengeful kick.
No longer just harmless folklore,
They're bringing us blood and gore.
So, their sacredness we must ignore,
Their falsity we must truly explore.
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