Who Knew It Was Going to Be So Complicated and/or Hard?

Apparently Not This Clueless Chap

Who knew the following were difficult, complicated, or hard?

Healthcare

North Korea

The Constitution

The Presidency

NAFTA

Taiwan and China

Walking and chewing gum

David Frum summed it up quite nicely.

All this information was cunningly concealed by being put in books and other forms of writing

So what does a chap with good genes (whose uncle was a  scientist!), who knows more than everyone else in the Government, and who doesn't trust either his  diplomats' or intelligence professionals' advice when he finally realizes something is complicated and needs answers? 

1. Well, there's Fox News, Breitbart, or Infowars for honest unbiased journalism.
2. A newly made Chinese "friend" could in ten minutes honestly explain North Korea without trying to advantage his own country's foreign interests.
3. Retreat into a fantasy world.  Actually with #1, it's more of a further descent into fantasy.

Sad.

Securing the Homeland -- Extreme Vetting Part 3

On a Winning Streak with Another Great Pick

Consistency in performance is what distinguishes a great businessman or a great political leader from mediocre ones. 

Here we are in part 3 of extreme vetting and the pattern is consistent.  You be the judge of performance.

28 March AP reported.

This week, the AP revealed Manafort's secret work for a Russian billionaire to advance the interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin a decade ago. Manafort did not dispute working for Oleg Deripaska but said he had represented him only in personal and business matters. He called the focus on him a "smear campaign," and said he was ready to defend his work if investigators wish to learn more about it.

The White House said Trump had not been aware of Manafort's work on behalf of Deripaska, a close Putin ally with whom Manafort, who is 67, eventually signed a $10 million annual contract beginning in 2006. "The president was not aware of Paul's clients from the last decade," said spokesman Sean Spicer. "What else don't we know? I mean, where he went to school, what grades he got, who he played with in the sandbox?"

AA's head is spinning as promised by Candidate Trump. 

Does this mean that extreme vetting is extreme only in the past five years?  Or is it a shorter period?  And I suppose there's was no  reason to ask Paul about his work in the electoral campaign of the pro-Russian candidate for President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych.  Nor about the allegations raised by the current Kiev government against Mr.Manafort.  A curious lack of curiosity.

Extreme Vetting 24/7

 Sleep well, citizens, the Homeland is secure.

Securing the Homeland: Extreme Vetting Part 2

Welcoming Mr. Giuliani to Team Trump

President Trump has correctly noted the importance of extreme vetting to protect the Homeland.

One needs to make sure that those who enter the Homeland or who serve it are not dangerous individuals or those who do not have the best interest of the United States at heart.

On March 27, the NY Times carried a disturbing report on Reza Zarrab which just goes to prove the wisdom of President Trump's statement about extreme vetting.  Zarrab has been charged with facilitating millions of dollars in illicit transactions on behalf of Iran and other sanctioned entities through the use of front companies and false documentation.  He's currently facing trial in the United States. 

Reza Zarrab, a prominent Turkish gold trader who has been jailed in New York on charges of violating the United States sanctions on Iran, has added Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former New York mayor, to his legal team, adding intrigue to a case that has been steeped in international politicking between Turkey and the United States.

Just last month, Mr. Giuliani and another prominent lawyer, Michael B. Mukasey, traveled to meet with the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as part of their efforts on behalf of Mr. Zarrab, according to a person briefed on the meeting who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the trip.

With vetting like this, the nation is clearly in good hands.  I suppose