Subject: Re: War, currencies and jurisdictions
the reality is that the folks in charge determine the US government's actions and form the facts on the ground, whereas the opinions of those Americans that don't agree absolutely don't matter at all. This seems so obvious I'm surprised it isn't more widely appreciated. When it comes to actions, as opposed to hand wringing, like it or not Mr Trump *does* speak for the United States and direct its actions more or less without limit. One might admire those who say they don't approve, inside or outside the US, but it simply doesn't matter a whit. The white house wanted jackboots on the streets of LA, so there are jackboots on the streets of LA. Maybe that's a good idea or maybe it isn't, but the point is that those who don't like the idea don't factor into the decision.

You seem to be saying that the will of a majority disfavored by a 'moron', inexplicably reelected for a second term, are now helpless. I'd say we're more the victims of a pusillanimous Republican-dominated congress that refuses to stand up to their lawless leader. Two senators per state, regardless of widely disparate populations, coupled with long-practiced gerrymandering of voting districts have imperiled us.

Given widespread tech-enabled socialization, I think the deeper issue is what's required for viable communal governance across scales of complexity ranging from familial to tribal to national to global. Even our still-aspiring democracy, revered for 250 years, suddenly appears vulnerable to the whims of a rogue president. The social, political and economic alignments within and among nations and governments must be impelled to align with our noblest instincts. Ultimately, only we the people can achieve that. The considerable benefits of civilization have evolved over the millennia at the expense of many lives.

Having lived a relatively long life, with four sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren, I'm vehemently opposed to the impulse to give up or give in to a petty wannabe dictator.

Tom