The Unclad Soul

There is no disputing that Donald Trump is a skilled manipulator. But I realize now he pales in comparison to the crass manipulation created by the Hillary Clinton campaign and those who put together the Democratic Convention last week in Philadelphia. They went over the top in trying to pull every imaginable emotion out of delegates and viewers. From using disabled individuals giving the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the National Anthem , and speaking in support of HRC, to the Muslim parents of the US soldier who was killed in Afghanistan, it was a carefully scripted attempt at psychological mind play. The Khan family, whose son was killed 12 years ago in Afghanistan, was brought on stage to simply insult Trump and to get people angry and to move them emotionally in sorrow over the tragic loss of their son. It worked. Most people remain outraged over Donald Trump’s response but very few seem to notice how manipulative this stunt was by the Clinton campaign. The Khans themselv...

“There lies before us, if we choose, continual progress in happiness, knowledge and wisdom. Shall we instead choose death, because we cannot forget our quarrels? I appeal as a human being to human beings; remember your humanity.”  ―   Bertrand Russell , Philosopher/Author

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” There is a story out of the days of Napoleon when the mad genius was plowing through Europe with fury. In the midst of battle one of his soldiers, just a boy really, was caught running away. Napoleon sentenced him to death. The young man’s mother pleaded for a hearing before the Emperor. When it was agreed, she told the Emperor the boy had been frightened, was too young to understand all that he was fighting for and against. She asked for mercy. Napoleon said the soldier had deserted his post, had betrayed his country, and left his comrades in danger. He said he did not deserve mercy. The woman said, “But your Eminence, if he deserved it, it wouldn’t be mercy.” Can we show mercy to Donald Trump? Can we look beyond his bravado and outrageousness to see the pretender he is? A frightened and insecure man operating from a deep need to be approved, praised, and loved. A man who can, in limited capacities, show love to others. Ca...