XXXXV. The Quality of the Company You Keep

Special Note: As I sat to work on the Porcupine, a mockingbird sang loudly to announce the coolness in the air. It rained most of the first few days of the week, and then one cloudless morning, the moon was perfectly round, unusually bright, and low in the sky, only to become an orange-ish orb by the evening.

This week’s issue is a bit longer as I set about putting together a piece I hope could educate friends and family members.

Overseas, Israel’s Mossad has pulled off a stunning operation in Lebanon by sabotaging communication equipment dispersed to members of Hezbollah. While all kinds of experts and technocrats are admiring the skill of this feat, this initiative by the Netanyahu administration is certain to sabotage peace negotiations. For several months, the United States has done everything possible to force Israel and Hamas to a peace agreement and avoid a wider conflict. Israel, our friend and ally in the Middle East, has been a difficult broker throughout the negotiations. This now puts the United States in a predicament. While we are the world's symbol of freedom, we must now deal with our friend who has zealously responded to their enemies, including preemptively killing and maiming many innocent civilians to get to the bad apples. Actions like this will test both the limits of democracy and the value of friendships founded on religious and historical connections. Such are the perils from our choices on the company we keep and the actions they are capable of taking without our consent.

When I started this newsletter journey, my focus was to discuss leadership, civics, public service, and how these things intertwine in our daily lives. It was not to be a political paper, but to follow where events and news take me for observation. This presidential election continues to offer stark contrasts in leadership that will be studied for decades, so don’t look away at what is offered over the next several weeks. This isn’t just a normal election. It’s a reflection of whether we believe in our better selves.

Let’s focus on one lesson we are taught from an early age.

Don’t run with a bad crowd of people.

You can judge a man by the company he keeps.

Surround yourself with successful people.

You lie down with dogs, you’re gonna get fleas.

We've all encountered this age-old advice about the company we keep, often delivered by a concerned parent wary of us straying down a perilous road.

In the curious case of a certain former president, he seems to have a penchant for surrounding himself with individuals who would give parents sleepless nights, the kind of people who exploit position for personal gain, champion racism, wield hate speech like a weapon, and spin lies for attention and profit.

In no particular order, let’s go over some of the Trump associates that would make you lose your brain if your son or daughter brought such a new friend home.

Steve Bannon

Trump's former chief strategist was convicted of contempt of Congress and sentenced to four months in prison. Before spending time with Trump, he has long been accused of promoting white nationalist ideologies, been involved in promoting right-wing populist movements across Europe. He has advised far-right politicians in countries like Brazil, Hungary, and Italy, promoting his brand of economic nationalism and anti-globalist ideology. Thus, you’ll see the connection in Trump's people to cronies like Orban, Putin, and Bolsonaro. In essence, this American works to undermine the principles of freedom and justice for all, and replace it with authority by a select few. You can listen to his own words in this documentary.

Paul Manafort

Trump's former campaign chairman received a 7.5-year prison sentence for financial crimes, but Trump, unsurprisingly, pardoned him. Manafort worked for pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine and as a political consultant for the former President Viktor Yanukovych. This work later became a focus of investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. This great American backed Yanukovych, the Putin ally, before Yanukovych fled to Russia when the Ukrainian people overthrew his corrupt government and restored democracy. Trump’s words and deeds on Ukraine have been consistent with Manafort and their effort to either grift or depose a democratic Ukraine. It’s why they are not backing Ukraine in their fight now against Russia. It is a direct window into the type of Russian government they would rather have in the United States. By their deeds, you will know them.

Roger Stone

Though we are told to not judge a book by it’s cover, this is a case where your common sense would tell you this book appears to be damaged. I cringe to bring this guy up. A longtime Trump associate, Stone was convicted of lying to Congress and witness tampering. His sentence was, surprise, commuted by Trump. Stone has a history of using inflammatory and racially charged language. He has a reputation as a political "dirty trickster" dating back to the Nixon administration. Stone's conviction was related to his efforts to contact WikiLeaks during the 2016 campaign regarding emails stolen from Democratic Party computers. This documentary is an eye-opener because you will see a common thread of the “bro code” that works through Trump and the people he keeps.

Michael Flynn

Michael Flynn is a reminder that everyone that wears the uniform does not necessarily stay fit for service. Trump's former national security advisor pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia. He publicly stated that Trump should declare martial law and redo the election. He has since become a prominent figure in far-right circles, promoting conspiracy theories and non-factual nonsense. I am also pained by this particular individual because he has gone against the well known creed of military members staying apolitical. Separation of powers are part of the fabric of our government that has worked for nearly three centuries. Never underestimate the power of a few bad apples to upset the apple cart. Given a second chance, they will take it.

Stephen Miller

When Trump was elected in 2016, Miller was one of the first people I saw speak for him in television interviews. I’m going to let you make your own conclusion on him by checking out the videos and articles in these links. While not convicted of crimes, Miller, a senior advisor to Trump, has been widely criticized for promoting policies seen as xenophobic and for using language associated with white nationalist ideologies. This is a great interview with his uncle on the complexity of his nephew. Miller is the one person that appears to me capable of saying anything whatsoever with no dependence on fact simply to push forward an agenda, much akin to Dmitry Peskov of Russia or Goebbels from Nazi Germany.

John Eastman

My biggest repulsion as a public servant is to see public servants who use their office to clearly circumvent the public trust for political interests. Trump's attorney John Eastman orchestrated the legal strategy purportedly used to try and overturn the 2020 election results. Eastman faces multiple charges related to this manipulation of law, encompassing various offenses such as conspiracy, forgery, and state RICO violations. Efforts to disbar Eastman are continuing.

Jeffrey Clark

One strategy of Trump’s is to churn through people until he finds one who agrees with him. If the decision is dangerous or not based in fact, it doesn’t matter if you can find one or a few willing to go along. That’s exactly what he did with the Department of Justice and Jeffrey Clark is another one of those public servants who seized an opportunity and sullied his reputation and that of the members of a public agency. Though not directly associated with the Trump campaign, he was designated by Trump to spearhead critical initiatives aimed at contesting the election results. Clark's involvement in urging Georgia authorities to delay certifying the election outcomes has resulted in legal ramifications against him. Keep an eye on Georgia, where Democrats have a good chance of winning the state again and legal shenanigans are already beginning. Hopefully, the American Bar Association will find its ethical integrity and help to stop these efforts and bring attorneys like Clark to justice before they do lasting damage.

JD Vance

When I read his book Hillbilly Elegy several years ago, I passed it to the neighbor whose father had grown up in Kentucky. I remember specifically thinking it was a good read but there was something about it that was like a bird in search of a nest. It had broad enough sweeps that anyone could find something to like about it. While Vance first started off as an anti-Trumper, his complete change of heart has been noted by right-wingers and psychologists alike. The one word I think of with Mr. Vance is opportunist, a person who can change his tune accordingly to get to where he needs to go. Its a skill that has been praised in both the private and public sectors. However, given the situation, this is a dangerous thing. If one cannot trust the words and stability of their leaders, anything is open to being said or done. By Vance’s own words, he would not have certified the 2020 election, a direct blow to the majority will of the people and a mockery of what actually makes America great.

“I don’t care what happens to Ukraine one way or another.”

That’s what Vance said in relation to the support of NATO and the United States against the Russian invasion. Never in the history of the United States have we had party leaders express so publicly a willingness to leave a partnership (NATO) borne out of bloodshed. Just as the “leave no man behind” military edict, men like Truman, Eisenhower, and Marshall saw to it that we protected our freedoms by protecting our partners. When that changes, if that changes with people like Vance, the United States will suffer. Here's a couple more quotes from this nominee:

“If you wanted to kill a bunch of MAGA voters in the middle of the heartland, how better than to target them and their kids with this deadly fentanyl... it does look intentional.  It’s like Joe Biden wants to punish the people who didn’t vote for him.” 

What presidential-caliber person talks like this?

“We are in a late republican period... If we’re going to push back against it, we’re going to have to get pretty wild, and pretty far out there, and go in directions that a lot of conservatives right now are uncomfortable with.” 

Why would a wannabe leader of the United States talk like this?

Do you remember any time in American history where a President or anyone running for President expressed such vitriol for a young American woman who has had nothing but positive success? And finally….

Laura Loomer

Loomer has been banned from multiple social media platforms and payment services due to her controversial statements about Muslims, immigrants, and political opponents. She has also staged high-profile protests, including chaining herself to the doors of Twitter's New York headquarters after being banned from the platform. Recently, Loomer has drawn criticism, even from some fellow conservatives, for making remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris that were widely condemned as racist. Despite the backlash, Loomer has doubled down on her statements and continues to be a polarizing figure in right-wing political circles.

There are others in the rank and file of Trump's team. These are just a few. Of course none of this matters if it means nothing to you the voters.

My hope is that a brief discussion of these associates will serve as a reminder of the lessons we are brought up with. The associations a person maintains are crucial to not only his/her success, but the capacity for good decision-making in service to the public. Close associates often have significant influence on a leader's policies and decisions. If these associates hold extreme or problematic views, it can lead to harmful policies that negatively impact large segments of the population. When a leader's inner circle includes individuals with a history of financial crimes, poor public conduct, or ethical violations, it increases the risk of corruption within the administration.

The company a leader keeps is not merely a matter of personal preference; it's a window into their character, judgment, and potential actions in office. Based on the company Trump keeps around him, we can make some predictions about specific decisions he will make if he were to return to office. There are a few threads that runs through this group that will influence decisions.

• They will lie about anything and everything to get their way.

• They are all white and speak routinely about diversity as a problem.

• They use Christian symbology in word, but are very anti-Christian in deed.

You can count on increased polarization. Given his association with figures like Stephen Miller and Steve Bannon, Trump is likely to pursue even more divisive policies, particularly on immigration and race relations. His alignment with individuals like John Eastman in attempts to overturn the 2020 election, suggests Trump will make more aggressive moves to undermine electoral processes and institutions. Any person of color, no matter their race or status, will be subject to scrutiny. Bills that curtail travel, political access, and public services will be passed via the legislature or enacted by executive order. While our government has so far held steady between the branches of government and checks and balance, Trump will crash the country if given the keys again.

The end of supporting democracy at home and abroad. Trump will double down on protectionist trade policies and further strain relationships with traditional allies. At the same time, given his soft handling of Xi, Putin, and Kim Jong-Un, these countries are more than likely to risk settling old scores with neighboring countries with a reduced fear of American protection and response.

Trump's pattern of abusing the legal system will ramp up Trump’s pardons, legal troubles, and felonies indicate he will take drastic steps to interfere with the justice system, most likely working to undermine its independence. Given his association with figures like Michael Flynn and the ability to spout off the last thing he saw on television, Trump will give more credence to fringe ideas, potentially incorporating them into policy decisions. When he talks about mass deportations, retributions, and sinking the economy, trust him by his words. He will do it and he will find the judges to help him do it.

The great division in the country isn’t predicated by what comes out of Trump’s mouth, but what he represents by the people he keeps around him. They are the ones that will carry out the orders. While most Americans value love, ethics, honesty, and character, Trump keeps people around him that value lies and dirty tricks. For many Americans, this is enough. They don't want fleas. There is no cause great enough to support Trump that would allow a blind eye to his companions. That’s why you see a constant parade of messages on fear and anger working to overcome the inner guardian of the American voter. The voice of our parents who said, you know better.

This self-inflicted dilemma is a reminder that Americans once used Christianity and racism to keep other people as slaves.

Maybe we’ve overlooked what Americans are still capable of rationalizing.

Be on the right side of history.

• Love everything about this piece on the nexus of New Orleans music, historical preservation, civil rights, and community building.

• Don’t believe the hype. When an oil-exporting country decides the future is going to be more costly without changes, they get it done.

• A piece on preserving a shrine for the great Roberto Clemente: “He could convey that if you were a bigot, you couldn’t be a good man, and that resonates so much to the messages of today.”

• If you see something online that could mislead or suppress voters, report it here.

I want you to really pay attention to this. It's a short and interesting read. Leaders need to be judged upon their actions, not on their normal human functions. Efforts like this are so juvenile, one has a hard time understanding how adults become prey to this kind of thinking. Personally, I love a woman who can laugh. I see a window into someone who knows there is a wild amount of absurdity in life. And in this case, I think it shows a serious woman who doesn't take herself too seriously. A great breath of fresh air we truly need.

The rise of Trump has brought into question who gets to vote, age restrictions, and so on. I’m in the camp that believes everyone of age has a responsibility to vote and to be informed. I would generally hope in this school year that teachers in social studies and history classes around the country are taking advantage of this election year to supported building involved citizens. As I’ve said to my kids and others over the years, you can go out and be a great engineer, or scientist, or nurse, or technician, but above all things, be a good citizen.

And Now….

Hope to see you next time. Keep reading, practice your gratefulness, and remember, real freedom is freedom from ignorance, assumptions, and hate. Now is the time to be involved. Be a good human.