The candidacy and punishment of Donald Trump
You can’t say Trump isn’t getting press. That’s his thing, in addition to making money: attention-getting.
Why is he #2 on the Republican candidate list? Because a lot of people like his big, brash mouth, and because there are so many other candidates competing. I don’t think Trump has a chance of actually winning the nomination, but he will draw from the “I’m sick of the Republican Party” crew and get a certain not-so-small percentage of Republicans to favor him.
Which brings us to the fallout from his immigration remarks. Let’s look at what he actually said:
“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best,” Trump said. “They’re sending people that have lots of problems and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.”
“And some I assume are good people,” he added.
But it’s not just Mexico that’s dumping all of it’s problems in the U.S., Trump continued. “It’s coming from all over South and Latin America and it’s coming probably, probably, from the Middle East. We don’t know.”
Was Trump’s main problem hyperbole, the failure to say it the other way around, as in: “Most of the people coming here are good people, but many are bringing their problems with them—drugs, crime, rape”? Would that have gotten any attention at all?
I don’t know. But Trump is defending his rape remarks as true, and there certainly is some evidence to back him up (see this, this, this from HuffPo, and this from Amnesty International).
I guess it’s okay to say when they’re the ones saying it. From Amnesty:
Kidnapping for ransom isn’t the only risk. Health professionals report that as many as six in ten migrant women and girls are raped on the journey. And activists repeatedly raise concerns that abducted women and girls are vulnerable to trafficking.
From HuffPo:
But while many of these girls are fleeing their homes because of fears of being sexually assaulted, according to the UNHCR, they are still meeting that same fate on their journey to freedom.
Rape can be perpetrated by anyone along the way, including guides, fellow migrants, bandits or government officials, according to Fusion. Sometimes sex is used as a form of payment, when women and girls don’t have money to pay bribes.
The assaults are so common that many women and girls take contraceptives beforehand as preventative measures.
So it’s not only coyotes doing the raping; fellow-migrants are involved as well.
The media and liberals are hyper-concerned with campus rapes whose high numbers are largely a myth. But they seem to show little concern for these women—as long as its Trump bringing it up.
As for drugs, there’s this, from a 2006 House Committee on Homeland Security report:
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reports that the Mexican drug syndicates operating today along our Nation’s Southwest border are far more sophisticated and dangerous than any of the other organized criminal groups in America’s law enforcement history. Indeed, these powerful drug cartels, and the human smuggling networks and gangs they leverage, have immense control over the routes into the United States and continue to pose formidable challenges to our efforts to secure the Southwest border. ”¦ The cartels operate along the border with military grade weapons, technology and intelligence and their own respective paramilitary enforcers. ”¦ This new breed of cartel is not only more violent, powerful and well financed, it is also deeply engaged in intelligence collection on both sides of the border.
You can read more general statistics on illegal immigrants and crime here. And, as Ann Coulter’s recent book indicates, the problem is hardly limited to illegal immigrants; many legal immigrants are a problem, too, because the type of screening process that used to be in place no longer is.
Coulter points out that we have “a media determined to cover up immigrants’ crimes.” The reaction to Donald Trump is an indication of that, but it’s not just the media. It’s businesses who are boycotting him, because anyone who says the sorts of things Trump has said—which, although hyperbolic, are based on a core of truth, a truth that cannot be told—must be shunned. American now no longer cares what’s actually happening to the country, as long as we talk about it in a politically correct manner.
The narrative—it’s everything. And you wonder why politicians get so mealy-mouthed?
If any other Republican had said the same thing, they would have dropped out by now from the media pressure which would have been intense. The media assume Trump isn’t a real candidate so they don’t need to beat him up.
…”a truth that cannot be told’…
There are many many such truths these days. I would discuss some of them but our taboos are such that these truths may no longer be told!
The older I get the more the scales fall from my eyes and the more I wonder whether the West has always been as mad as it is right now. I guess it has, and I realize that it’s often been far worse (the period 1914-1945 comes to mind).
Trump is certainly entertaining but I sincerely hope he’s not another Ross Perot. He needs his moment in the limelight but should then exit “stage right”.
WHAT???
Your links suggest Mexican immigrants are extremely likely to be rape victims, not rapists.
IIRC you’ve posted on how the Administration is not only aware that a lot of recent illegals are being raped during their journey here, but they are now forcing Catholic charities with whom they contracted to house and care for them upon arriving in the U.S to pay for their birth control and abortions.
This is sick, the way that Obama first created the environment in which these desperate people are preyed upon (open borders) and then using this crisis to manhandle religious institutions who seek to assist the victims.
But we can’t admit any of this, wouldn’t be polite.
Alex:
That’s why I included the statement that said that it’s not just coyotes, it’s also fellow migrants doing the raping. That’s why I said there’s some evidence to back him up. That’s also why I said that Trump was using hyperbole, and I rewrote his statement and asked whether it would have been okay if he had said it that way.
There are no studies and no statistics (at least I could find none, although I spent a significant amount of time looking) that say, of this huge number of rapes that are reported by various sources, what percentage are committed by coyotes, etc., and what percentage by other illegal immigrants. These woman appear to be at risk from both (although to what extent each is involved is completely unknown and unstudied, as far as I know). There seems to be little question that there is a large lawless element coming in (driving violations, gangs, drug dealers, and identity theft in particular). That 2006 report from the House discusses some aspects of that as well.
I would imagine that compiling valid statistics on this would be especially difficult for a number of reasons. There’s no trouble finding stories about rapes where the perpetrators were the illegal immigrants themselves, but there’s a problem trying to find a study that focuses on what part of the whole this represents.
Here’s a video of Trump’s actual remarks.
And here’s a 2009 discussion of the amount of general criminality among immigrants and/or illegal immigrants.
It also seems likely to me that part of the difficulty of getting meaningful statistics (aside from the general difficulty of getting data on illegal immigration and even how many illegal immigrants are here) on this is the following (a) many statistics I’ve seen don’t distinguish between legal and illegal immigrants; and (b) many also lump together all immigrants from all countries and regions (for instance, the rates of crime by the “foreign-born”), which doesn’t tell us much. For example, someone from Russia vs. someone from Mexico vs. someone from Chechnya vs. someone from China—certainly unlikely to be the same.
One more thing: I think the point Trump was trying to make, albeit poorly, was that illegal immigration is immigration without the traditional checks and screens that discouraged the arrival of what used to be known as “undesirables” (i.e. criminals). Legal immigration is far from perfect, but at least it provides some sort of system of deciding who is going to help the country and who is likely to harm it, in terms of criminal history. With the proliferation of illegal immigrants there is no check at all (plus the current immigration law and the Obama administration are releasing many illegal immigrants who have been convicted of crimes in this country, which is another but related issue). Why import criminals? I can’t think of a single valid reason. And yet we are fundamentally unserious about dealing with the problem of illegal immigration.
Alex, we’re getting both: the criminal illegals crossing the border (who then prey upon Americans) AND the (non-MS-13) unaccompanied minors who are preyed upon by those who have offered them safe passage/safe shelter upon arriving in the US.
Neo-neocon you’ve got it right. Trump has it right.
The immigrants coming across the border are illiterate in two languages, poorly educated or trained. They have brought in antibiotic resistant diseases that the US eliminated or never had.
As for criminals coming across the border the number or percentage is an academic argument. We already have more then enough native criminals in America. ANY coming in across the border are too many.
What makes Trump appealing is that he can inject his rough and ready views into the culture and can’t be cowed into backing off. He has the Scotch-Irish (see Jim Webbs book on this) spoiling for a fight attitude. And of course he’s floating in money. I read that he has 300 million in cash, more then enough to take him as far as he wants to go. Remember Perot had 40% at various times and ended up with 20% of the vote.
And most importantly Trump will destroy the GOPe’s plans.
I consider the unfettered influx of illegal aliens into our city (Los Angeles, CA) the result of utter malfeasance on the part of every elected government official. This has been contemptuous of every law-abiding, hard-working tax-paying citizen. Trash is EVERYWHERE, with the exception of the high-end areas and gated communities. No accident that so many of our public officials live in these areas. The drought? Would our state be suffering this drought if the laws governing immigration were enforced? What’s the likelihood that those breaking the law to enter our country, observe behaviors that conform to respect for the environment and resources? This doesn’t even account for the millions of dollars being siphoned off the system in providing for these interlopers. As far as I’m concerned the first and foremost purpose of our government is to “protect and defend our way of life”. The abject failure in every domain (city, state and federal, as one living in California) faces me every day.
“In a time of universal deceit – telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” George Orwell
Sharon W., well said. The Federal government’s job one is protecting the citizenry against foreign and domestic enemies. Controlling the border is a big part of that.
Years ago (1956) I was doing Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLPs) at Brown Field, which lies just north of the border in the San Diego area. From the air the border was clear to see. On the south side it was brown, unkempt, and trashy. On the north side it was green, well cared for, and clean. As the illegals have overwhelmed the system, things on our side of the border are resembling those of Mexico more and more.
Sovereign nations have borders for defense purposes, but they must also control them to protect agriculture from unwanted disease, keep unwanted human diseases out, bar criminals from entry, protect American workers, and so on.
Victor Davis Hanson wrote about all this in his 2003 book, “Mexifornia.” Twelve years on and it has only gotten worse.
Trump is guilty of hyperbole, but he is also hitting notes that resonate with people who are fed up with the namby-pamby, mealy-mouthed politicians on both sides who are paralyzed by their fear of being politically incorrect. If his presence in the campaign results in more straight talk from Republicans, I see that as a good thing. It will, however, provide red meat for the MSM to attack the Republican side. Anyone who wants to go rogue like the Donald had better be ready, as he has so far, to fight back and answer every attack. I’m seeing Trump’s candidacy as a plus so far.
The punishment of Donald Trump refers to what is happening to him. It could also refer to his candidacy being a punishment against the Republican party. One that they richly deserve.
I am a member of the sick of the Republican party crew but that doesn’t mean that I think Trump would be a great candidate. Although I understand his appeal. And, sorry, but I think it would be hilarious if he ends up winning the nomination.
Statistics? Why does one need statistics on illegal immigration and the illegals? Why? The process is lawless, so criminal acts are to be expected. The rate of rape, for example, does not matter except to young women who are contemplating their own migration.
Trump is not being “hyperbolic”, in my humble opinion. He is raising the alarm about matters which so many of his fellow citizens are already well aware, and are frustrated beyond belief that the soft-border posture continues.
It is not hyperbole to acknowledge evil.
While much of the donalds’ words are true, I can not but wonder if he is working as a secret agent for the club of soros. OTOH he might just be the wild card he appears to be. Either way he is a train wreck for any viable gop candidate.
Frog:
I’m not using the word “hyperbole” for Trump because he “is raising the alarm about matters which so many of his fellow citizens are already well aware, and are frustrated beyond belief that the soft-border posture continues.”
I have raised that alarm many times as well, although of course I don’t have that much of an audience (present company excluded 🙂 ). I accuse him of hyperbole because he spoke in a way that sounds as though he is overstating the facts; he should have said something like “some of them are rapists” rather than just “they’re rapists.” Would it have mattered? I doubt it. But when you state the case you have to stick to the facts or you are vulnerable.
What he should also have said, IMHO, is that illegal immigration is inherently wrong. Illegal immigrants are breaking the law to begin with. The laxity of the rules gives criminals carte blanche to come here if they want, as opposed to legal immigration that screens people (albeit imperfectly). We know that some criminal people are coming. One would be too many, but it’s many many more than one; it’s a very significant number. There is no reason on earth not to protect ourselves, and most Americans (including legal immigrants) are well aware of that.
“We know that some criminal people are coming. One would be too many, but it’s many many more than one; it’s a very significant number. There is no reason on earth not to protect ourselves, and most Americans (including legal immigrants) are well aware of that.”
Is that the same “most Americans” that are not LGBT and who know that SSM will destroy American’s religious freedoms?
RE: Punishment of Trump.
If private businesses want to boycott or drop their business with Trump that is their right – as long as the courts deal with breach of contract fairly.
And, I as a consumer have the right to not do business with them – Sorry, Macy’s you’re off my shopping list.
However, NY Gov. Pataki wants to reconsider business deals between Trump and NY state – this is coming too close for government punishing someone for their political opinion. But, who, except libertarians, is going to cry foul?
Ahh, Neo. “When you state the case you have to stick to the facts or you are vulnerable.”
I don’t think you can help it. This is a sign of thinking like a lawyer.Are we in a court?
Well, maybe we are in court; we might be on the jury. If so, Trump is making an opening statement, not testifying as to facts.
Frog:
No, I’m thinking like a person who knows my arguments can be attacked successfully if I don’t have facts to back them up.
Of course, the left gets away with making arguments they don’t have to back up; the MSM will cover for them. But the right has to be more careful.
Donald Trump:Bernie Sanders?
Neo: Combat with the Left is not fought in a courtroom. Take the Confederate flag hoo-haa as an example. The facts do not apply. Unsubstantiated allegations abound, flagged products are removed from shelves quicker than fast, TV reruns that have nothing to do with race are cancelled because the southern redneck muscle car has the Flag on its roof! One does not turn away unprincipled assaults with principles.That is why PC wins, why Stalinist rewrites and deletions from history are successful.
I applaud principles, hold a few myself! But I want us not to kid ourselves: We are losing. The old honorable ways no longer work in a dishonorable zone of combat. We are not jousting in lists. Chivalry est mort.
Neo said:
“It’s businesses who are boycotting him, because anyone who says the sorts of things Trump has said–which, although hyperbolic, are based on a core of truth, a truth that cannot be told–must be shunned.”
I think it is time for us to check out who in the businesses are making the decision to “punish” Trump. Any business which is publicly owned has a fiduciary duty to its stockholders to avoid politics entirely unless the political stance is one which enhances the income or market share of the business and reflects the will of the majority of the stockholders. Leftist CEO’s who represent publicly held companies should be sued by any of the stock holders who is offended by their actions any time a CEO uses the company to promote their own political agenda without conferring with the stock holders first. In fact, CEO’s who use their positions in a publicly traded stock company to advance their own private political agenda should be prosecuted for theft since they are using company money and prestige to advance their own private interests.
Also we need to check whether foreign governments or members of the ruling class of any foreign country has invested heavily in our news media in order to use them as a tool to subvert our country to their advantage. For example, who owns the majority of the stock in Univision? Who is the CEO who decided to use a publicly traded company for political purposes? For that matter who owns Fox News? I understand that officials of Saudi Arabia have invested in Fox.
I’ve read Coulter’s book.
It is absolutely shocking. And all true. Footnoted like a law review article.
Mass emigration from second and third-world nations is evidence of extraordinary problems in those nations.
Trump is right on two counts. First, a majority of women and girls participating in the mass emigration movements are raped during their travel. Second, an unknown number of the rapists are entering America in this flow, and repeating their actions against American women and girls. Also, illegal (i.e. unmeasured) immigration does more to disrupt communities than legal immigration. Finally, excessive immigration serves to compensate and obscure the consequences of policies like selective-child.
Trump is speaking “truth to power” and stepping on a lot of people’s toes. Americans who have had their civil rights violated by the DOJ and civil rights groups can appreciate his honesty and courage. The people left behind in the dysfunctional second and third-world nations should also welcome a voice to clear the layers of emotional appeals that obfuscate their conditions.
The reason the Dems are so vocal about allowing in illegals is not to get more Dem voters — that’s far in the future, even under “a path to citizenship.” The immediate reason is that Social Security is being kept afloat by millions of Ramon Gonzalez’s and Maria Fernandez’s, Social Security Number 123-45-6789, who are working “legally” and paying into Social Security but will never receive benefits. If it weren’t for them, Social Security would have gone bust years ago and that would have destroyed the Dems image of “taking care of the little guy” and blown them off the political map.
Do people really think they can win a war by mouthing pleasant words these days?
If it weren’t for them, Social Security would have gone bust years ago and that would have destroyed the Dems image of “taking care of the little guy” and blown them off the political map.
No, that wouldn’t have happened. They merely would have reduced military funding to zero to compensate. Although even that might not be enough.