Did Trump follow the procedure to have a formal wreath laying ceremony complete with military escorts at Arlington? You be the judge. By Hal Brown, MSW

 

Because Trump is now an ordinary citizen in the controversial ceremony at Arlington there's one question that I haven't seen asked.

Trump was escorted by two members of the 101st Airborne. A military bugler was also part of the ceremony. 

Federal law prohibits Army employees from being involved with any political campaign.

There's a procedure for members of the public to request such a formal ceremony.

You can read it here.

Arlington National Cemetery offers the following opportunities to conduct public ceremonies. To avoid delays in scheduling, please read carefully to ensure that you request the appropriate ceremony for your group.

All ceremonies are scheduled based on the discretion of Arlington National Cemetery. All ceremonies are scheduled based on time, location, appropriateness and availability. They are also subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to official U.S. government ceremonies, inclement weather or other unforeseen occurrences.

Public Wreath Ceremonies may be requested up to 180 days in advance. The online system begins accepting requests as early as 7 p.m. ET the evening before the 180 day period.

Let's say that Trump asked for a formal ceremony at the last minute and the request was very quickly granted as a courtesy for a former president. I wonder if officials would have granted the request if they knew he was going to use it as a campaign event. I rather doubt it.

As it happened two members of the fabled 101st Airborne and a bugler from another division (possibly a member of the US Army Band)  leant their stature to a president who has consistently disparaged military service and who was also a draft dodger.

As president Trump had the pomp and circumstance he was entitled to (see photo).

As a private citizen who happens to be a former president it could be argued that as a courtesy he should be able to jump to the front of the line to have a formal ceremony. As a candidate there is no way one could make the argument this gave him the right to turn a solemn ceremony into a smiling thumbs up campaign event, let alone post a campaign message over a video of the event on TikTok (view here).

Another question I have is who is the three star general in the photo below and what is he doing there in uniform?

Addendum: 

Here's an article by a veteran who was a member of the 101st Airborne. He doesn't mention that members of the 101st were escorting Trump but I expected he noticed this.

I’m a combat veteran. Here’s why Trump’s Arlington stunt was so insulting.

His disregard for military tradition and his disdain for military service members is well documented

Read previous blogs.

With Truth Social tanking, what's next for Trump? Perhaps it will be Trump AI. By Hal Brown, MSW

 

Click images to enlarge them.

If you follow business tech news you know about how Truth Social stock is tanking, and you also know about this:

OpenAI in Talks for Funding Round Valuing It Above $100 Billion

I am sure that Jared Kushner knows about this because his brother Josh's company just invested $1 billion in Microsoft's Open AI. Whether Trump knows about it remains to be seen. He does know something about BitCoin which he is promoting. I doubt he could explain precisely what it is and how it works. I can't.

When Trump was pissed off at Elon Musk for kicking him off Twitter he started Truth Social. Now, of course, he's put aside bonifide mega-billionaire envy and made him a best buddy. 

Trump has no such affection for Microsoft founder (along with Paul Allen) Bill Gates. Gates once called him an illeist, which is far from a complement.

While addressing the staff of the "Gates Foundation," Gates recounted his peculiar interaction with Trump. The tech billionaire pointed out that Trump refers to himself in the third person.

"When I walked in, his first sentence kind of threw me off. He said, 'Trump hears that you don't like what Trump is doing.'" And I thought, 'wow, you're Trump!'" Gates said in the MSNBC video clip.

"I didn't know if the third-party form is what was expected," Gates said.'

This practice of referring to oneself in the third person is called illeism, Inc. Magazine noted. The publication also referred to Trump’s reference to himself in speeches: “There’s never been a president like President Trump.”

Trump knows that AI is huge. I'm not sure if he knows that the letters stand for artificial intelligence and that "artificial" means massive computer power, but this is besides the point. 

He may know that photo AI can make images he can sell. I made some of my own for my blog yesterday (here). I am sure that whoever made his digital trading card images used a photo AI program to create them. If he knew how easy they are to make he might realized that he overpaid for them.  

Some of them can be made for free and they can make flattering, if delusional, images like the six which came up when I asked for Trump as a gladiator:

This was using a free program. I can imagine what the programs that cost about $200 can do.

Trump could be convinced that one of the reasons Truth Social failed is that it offered nothing to subscribers except a chance to follow his so-called "truths" and reply to them. It might be a blow to his massive ego, but it might assuage his hurt feelings to invest in something that might make him billions.

Even if he didn't make a crap-load of money off of this it would make the news.

Trump knows that AI programs are the wave of the future. He's not that dumb. Someone could explains that AI can be used in medicine and other kinds of science but also can be used by ordinary people for good or for bad (like cheating on essay exams). I am sure AI can be used to make a interactive Trump video game which for his fans would be less of a grift than most of his schemes.

ChatGPT, for example, created this when I posed the simple request "explain what AI is:"

AI, or artificial intelligence, refers to the field of computer science focused on creating systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. These tasks include learning from experience (machine learning), understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, solving problems, and making decisions.

AI can be categorized into different types:

Narrow AI: This type of AI is designed to perform a specific task or a set of related tasks. Examples include virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, recommendation systems on streaming services, and autonomous vehicles.
General AI: Also known as Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), this type aims to possess the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks at a level comparable to human intelligence. AGI is still theoretical and not yet realized.
Superintelligent AI: This is a hypothetical form of AI that surpasses human intelligence in all aspects, including creativity, problem-solving, and social intelligence. It remains a topic of speculation and debate among experts.

AI technologies often involve subfields such as:

Machine Learning: A method where algorithms improve their performance based on data and experience. It includes supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

Natural Language Processing (NLP): This focuses on enabling machines to understand and interact using human language, like chatbots or translation services.

Computer Vision: This field allows machines to interpret and understand visual information from the world, such as image recognition and object detection.

Robotics: Involves the design and creation of robots that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously, often integrating various AI techniques.

AI systems can be used for a wide range of applications, from improving medical diagnoses and automating routine tasks to enhancing customer service and creating art.

I asked Chat GPT to write a flattering essay abut Donald Trump. This is what came up:

Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, is a figure whose impact on American politics and culture is undeniable. While opinions about him are deeply polarized, it is worth examining the aspects of his career and presidency that reflect his unique strengths and contributions.

One of Trump’s most notable achievements is his ability to connect with a significant portion of the American electorate. His rise to prominence was not just a result of his business acumen but also his unique approach to communication. Trump's direct and often unfiltered style resonated with many Americans who felt disconnected from traditional political discourse. His ability to speak to the concerns of ordinary people and challenge the status quo revitalized a sense of engagement among voters who felt overlooked by conventional politicians.

Trump's presidency brought a number of policy changes and initiatives that had a lasting impact. His administration prioritized deregulation, which many argue spurred economic growth and innovation. By rolling back numerous regulations, Trump aimed to reduce government intervention and create a more business-friendly environment. This approach was credited with contributing to a strong pre-pandemic economy, characterized by low unemployment rates and robust stock market performance.

Additionally, Trump's focus on tax reform led to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This landmark legislation was designed to stimulate economic activity by reducing tax rates for individuals and businesses. Proponents argue that these cuts provided a boost to the economy and led to increased investment and job creation.

On the international stage, Trump’s approach to foreign policy was characterized by a blend of assertiveness and unconventional diplomacy. His administration brokered agreements in the Middle East, such as the Abraham Accords, which aimed to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations. This initiative was seen as a significant step towards stability in a region long marked by conflict.

Trump’s tenure also saw a concerted effort to renegotiate trade deals, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Supporters of this move argue that the new agreement better addressed issues related to labor, environmental standards, and intellectual property, reflecting a commitment to fair trade practices.

Moreover, Trump's emphasis on judicial appointments left a lasting mark on the American legal landscape. His administration successfully appointed three Supreme Court justices, significantly shaping the ideological balance of the Court for years to come. These appointments underscore his influence on the judicial branch and highlight his impact on the future of American jurisprudence.

In summary, Donald Trump’s career is marked by his ability to galvanize a large segment of the American population and his contributions to economic policy, international diplomacy, and the judiciary. While his presidency was a period of considerable controversy and debate, it is important to recognize the strengths and achievements that define his complex legacy. His impact on American politics and culture remains a significant chapter in the nation's history.

I include this because it demonstrates what AI can do, although Trump would probably find fault with it because it isn't flattering enough.

You can make an image using the free version of Perchance Photo AI. Here's what came up what I asked for a casual photo of fat Trump.

If Trump started his own AI company he could make sure that algorithms censored out anything that wasn't flattering to him. 

Read previous blogs.

HuffPost thought Trump's new digital trading cards should be their top story giving me an excuse to contribute my own images, by Hal Brown, MSW

 

You may have read about Trump's latest narcisstic self-agrandizing delusional grift. It is of course his selling more ridiclous so-called "digital trading cards." Yesterday, just for fun, I used the free Photo AI from Perchance to make the images shown above with the request to show Trump as Humpty Dumpty.

This morning this was the top story on HUFFPOST:

Here are some more of his digital delusions:

I posted this on X:

From Trump’s Latest NFT Sale Depicts Him as Superhero, Motorcyclist, Bloomberg News

The new collection features 50 NFTs selling for $99 each, with additional “trading cards” showing Trump as a boxer, dancing and even riding a motorcycle. In one of the cards, Trump holds a ball with a Bitcoin logo in his hand, highlighting him as a crypto-friendly presidential candidate. 

Purchasers of 15 NFTs will get a physical card with a piece of the suit Trump wore to the presidential debate in June that is credited with prompting President Joe Biden to drop from the race. Trump noted in a video on his Truth Social platform that it was being called the “knock-out” suit. Those who purchase 75 NFTs will be invited to have dinner with Trump at his club in Jupiter, Florida.   

I thought that rather than actually write something hopefully original about politics this morning I'd let artificial intelligence to the work for me and create illustrations which Trump could more realistically use for his digitals. I've used Photo AI to make illustrations for blogs before. for example some showing like this:

Here's what came up when I asked for images of Trump as Superman in vintage comic style and then for a more realistic image:

Here's Trump as a cowboy.

Here he is as a fat cowboy:

This is how easy it is to make these images. It took me less than a minute for each set. Trump is selling them. For all I know his people are using the same program, Perchance Photo AI, as I do. You can pay for such programs but this suits my needs.

These are the six images for Trump as a biker in cinematic style.

Of course this is how Trump wants to see himself and how he wants members of his deluded cult to see him. I thought how the genie inside the AI machine could help make some that actaully depicted him the way I want to see him. Here are some of the better images.

How about one showing him dancing on Fifth Avenue:

This came up asking for fat Trump tap dancing.

Here he is in a tutu:

How ludicrous would a digital image have to be for Trump to say it was just too over the top and begged mockery? For example, would he nix using any of these?

Here's what I got looking for images of Trump on the toilet:

This program will create explicit images. I got one by mistake so I know.

Here's one of Trump as a court jester:

Unfortunately not all images look like Trump and in order to get what I want I have to tweak my request. For example asking for one of Trump in prison in an orange jumpsuit in the first he look to physically fit so I had to ask for "fat Trump in prison in an orange jumpsuit.

This image did look more like Trump but had a blank background so I had to add my own. I think it makes a good conclusion to the blog.

Addendum:

If you can stand to watch, here's Trump hawking his cards.

Read previous blogs here.

At 25, First Daughter, Ella Emhoff would be older than Chelsea, Malia, and Sasha were as First Children, so be prepared for more attacks like these, by Hal Brown, MSW

 

Can you guess what this MAGA Paroxysm of Rage article about Ella Emhoff is about?

Here's a hint:

That's right. It is about her tattoos. Here's an article about them. It includes photos and descriptions.

Excerpt from RawStory article:

“A chorus of conservative commentators like Tucker Carlson and Charlie Kirk lost their minds at the sight of this young woman, she wrote.

“They complained that she's "covered in tattoos," which is held out as proof that [her dad] Doug Emhoff "messed up." (Real men, to the MAGA right, control their daughter's body from her skin to her hymen to how she dresses. Not weird at all!) 

“They said she wore a "man's suit" and looked like "something out of a horror film." They were especially incensed that her father showed affection for his fun, fashionable daughter, and freaked out that he gave his daughter a fatherly side hug during the convention."

It used to be taboo for the media to criticize White House children, but living on her own at 25 Ella Emhoff is a millennial (considered someone between 25-40) so all bets are off as far as her being insulated from media attacks.

Ella is a 2021 graduate of the prestigious Parsons School of Design. She is persuing her career as a fashion designer, artist, and model. (Read her Wikipedia profile.)

This is from the generally apolitical Women's Wear Daily: ‘We Did It, Joe’: Kamala Harris’ Stepdaughter Ella Emhoff Designed Her Final DNC Dress With Viral Fashion Designer Joe Ando."

We already had vicious right-winger Ann Coulter calling Tim Walz's son "weird" for crying. Now we have MAGAs wringing their hands over Ella Emhoff expressing herself with tattoos and fashion. 

This is supposed to prove that Ella is weird and by extension I am sure they want everyone to believe Kamala is also weird in some convoluted way for marrying a man who has a daughter who sports an array of unique tattoos. 

Hello! That is what's supposed to be weird! Really? This is coming from people who are supporting Donald Trump who has these adult sons...

and who married this woman:

I won't get into why Trump himself is an exemplar of (one might say perverse) weirdness beyond sharing this (click to see video):

Addendum:

Ever since tattoos moved from the primary domain of men to the mainstream it is impossible in areas like Portland, Oregon where I live, to go anywhere and not see numerous people with tattoos. In fact, it isn't possible to go out to eat or shopping and not see many people with tattoos. The other day we were eating at Holy Taco, one of our favorite restaurants, where most of the servers were between the ages of 18-25, and I think all of them had tattoos.

Here's a website with tattoo statistics. 

PS: I was quoted in Salon yesterday…

Chauncey DeVega is senior politics writer for Salon, the American progressive and liberal news and opinion website created in 1995.

 His essays can also be found at Chaunceydevega.com. He also hosts two weekly podcasts, The Chauncey DeVega Show and The Truth Report. Chauncey can be followed on Twitter and Facebook. For the third time he quoted me in a column. You can read the column here:

Read previous blogs here.

Trump can win on character, just ask the editor-in-chief of The National Review, by Hal Brown, MSW

 

Or as Elizabeth Warren said at the DNC about Trump and Vance, "shoot, I wouldn't let these guys, I wouldn't trust them to move my couch." If Trump could be honest he'd say it about himself.

This brings me to the subject of Trump's character.

Rich Lowry (see profile), the editor-in-chief of The National Review, wrote about Trump in this NY Times guest opinion piece (subscription).

The title of the piece, "Trump Can Win on Character" made me jump like I'd stepped on a red hot nail. What the blank, "is this guy certifiably insane" I thought this even before I read the article. 

Then I read it.

Below is the paragraph that I'd submit for consideration in the assessment as to whether this guy should be pink-slipped for a psychiatric evaluation to determine it he's delusional.

“Presidential races are won and lost on character as much as the issues, and often the issues are proxies for character,” he wrote. “Not character in the sense of a candidate’s personal life, but the attributes that play into the question of whether someone is suited to the presidency — is he or she qualified, trustworthy and strong, and does he or she care about average Americans?

Breaking this down, he first says that 'presidential races are won and lost on character as much as the issues, and often the issues are proxies for character.” On that alone if one takes the usual meaning of character, below, it disqualifies Trump. 

 The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual

• the distinctive nature of something: gas lamps give the area its character. 

• the quality of being individual in an interesting or unusual way

• strength and originality in a person's nature

• a person's good reputation

Then he redefines the word to say "not character in the sense of a candidate’s personal life, but the attributes that play into the question of whether someone is suited to the presidency."

I'll reluctantly give him the right to slaughter the English language for the sake of argument. He's wisely eliminated character as related to Trump's personal life for obvious reasons. If possessing personal character was a requirement for being president Trump would be disqualified. I won't go on a riff as to why this is.

Then Rich Lowry lists as questions his own attributes of character which should be emphasized so Trump can win:

1. Is he qualified?
2. Is he trustworthy?
3. Is he strong?
4. Does he care about average Americans?

Let's give Trump number one because if you want someone to implement Project 2025 he's qualified as long as he leaves all of the major work to others.

Number two depends on what you mean about being trustworthy. Can you trust him to do what he says he'll do? The answer is along the lines of "when it suits him." Can you trust him to honor promises? 

Photo AI

Just ask those who got their degrees at Trump University and everyone else he grifted. Ask Melania how she felt when she found out about Stormy Daniels.

Is Trump strong? 

This one is complex because strength can be defined in different ways. Philosophers often pair strength with strength of character and having the courage of ones convictions in the face of adversity. Psychologists view strength as being part of self-awareness and the ability to be self-critical. This includes not needing others to stroke their egos so they feel good about themselves.

Last one about caring about average Americans is a no-brainer. 

As Bill Clinton said in his Democratic National Convention speech:

“[H]ow does Donald Trump use his voice? Mostly to talk about himself—his vengeance, vendettas, complaints, conspiracies,” he said.

“The next time you hear him, don’t count the lies, count the I’s. He’s like the tenor warming up before the opera: me, me, me, me.”

Oddly, following the paragraph which I quoted Lowry writes:

Presidential races, in this sense, are deeply personal; they usually involve disqualifying the opposing candidate, rather than convincing voters that his or her platform is wrongheaded.

The Obama team hammered Mitt Romney on the issues in 2012, but pretty much every policy argument went back to the core contention that he was a heartless, out-of-touch capitalist who valued the bottom line more than people. That ended up being the winning argument of the campaign. 

He is describing Romney as a heartless, out-of-touch capitalist who valued the bottom line more than people. Doesn't he realize he is actually describing Donald Trump?

Update:

'Laugh-out-loud funny': Experts guffaw as Times op-ed asserts Trump can win 'on character'

Bonus AI image:

Addendum: I was quoted in Salon today...

Chauncey DeVega is senior politics writer for Salon, the American progressive and liberal news and opinion website created in 1995.

 His essays can also be found at Chaunceydevega.com. He also hosts two weekly podcasts, The Chauncey DeVega Show and The Truth Report. Chauncey can be followed on Twitter and Facebook. For the third time he quoted me in a column. You can read the column here:

Read previous blogs here.