Going Whole Hogg

It has always been said that “power corrupts” and one need only look at David Hoggs to see the validity of that axiom. With the help of an agenda-driven media, Mr. Hogg transformed quickly from a student “activist” into an angry, self-righteous firebrand demanding the world change to fit his views.

His experience of surviving the Stone Douglas High School shooting qualified him in the media’s eyes to be held up as an authority on gun-control issues and because he is so young he has also been granted immunity from criticism. The media has, of course, shunned fellow students who do not agree with his agenda. Hogg has now become convinced of his infallibility and is wielding his power with fist-pumping speeches filled with revolutionary rhetoric that will result in the sale of t-shirts bearing his image.

Mr. Hogg lashed out at Laura Ingram for daring to criticize him and then brazenly called for (demanded?) a boycott of Ingram’s show. Several advertisers acquiesced to the bully tactic, forcing Ingram to apologize – an apology Hogg quickly rejected. He also had the ego-driven audacity to refuse going to the White House to talk with president Trump, saying that the president should come to him if he wanted to talk. His arrogance is expanding with media coverage.

Eighteen-year-old David Hogg has now attacked or blamed president Trump, Governor Rick Scott, Senator Marco Rubio, Laura Ingram, Senator John McCain, and the NRA, all targets approved by the progressive agenda. He has placed no blame on his high school’s policy of not relaying information to police about troubled students, a policy that allowed shooter Nikolas Cruz to avoid a criminal record and pass a background check to purchase the weapon for the murders – a policy that could have prevented the massacre.

Some may sympathize and say the media is using David Hogg like a puppet but that is not the whole picture. He is a Teenlink reporter for Broward County’s Sun Sentinel who transferred to Stone Douglas High School because of the television production classes offered, so he has been actively engaged in pursuing a career in the media. This, then, looks much like a career move for Mr. Hogg which begs the question: Who’s using who?

High school students are now encouraged to go “whole Hogg” with walkout protests and it is not hard to imagine how quickly this could get out-of-hand. Progressive educators will certainly be selective concerning approval of the issues being protested but they will gleefully allow walkouts. They will be considered college preparation and credits will be earned with each walkout.

David J. Hentosh

Shove Your Apology

Johnny Depp, the latest idiot celebrity to spew stupid political vehemence, has offered an apology for publicly insinuating that it’s time again for an actor to assassinate a president. He can shove that apology you-know-where.

Following in the footsteps of so many other dumb Hollywood celebrities, Depp offered his asinine political opinion as if he actually knew what he was talking about. He doesn’t. He let the adoration of a crowd of fans deceive him into believing that they need to hear his political views because…well…because he’s a celebrity and everything he does or says is profound.

Finding that advocating the assassination of the president is not acceptable to those outside his bubble, he tried to walk it back with a lame apology. That falls as flat as Kathy Griffin’s semi-apology for proudly holding up a decapitated head of president Trump. Both tried to pass ignorant behavior off as a joke but with so many left-wing fanatics crossing the line into violence, there is no humor to be found.

There have been far too many self-righteous celebrities shooting off their mouths, crossing lines of civility, and then apologizing when they find it damaging to their image. There have also been far too many accepting those apologies, allowing them to get away with it. They need to be held accountable.

Sincerity is an essential element of an apology and there has been very little sincerity in apologies from celebrities crossing the line of decency. There has only been fear for their careers. Depp should shove his apology and silently suffer the consequences. Acting brought him fame and money but acting like an idiot only brings loathing and embarrassment.

David J. Hentosh

Stupidity on Parade

We are stuck with two candidates for president who continue to say (and do) stupid things. Right now, Trump is beating Hillary in stupidity and may lose an election that he could have run away with had he controlled himself.

Hillary’s scandals, lies, and denials put her in a very precarious position with voters. Long before her recent denial of Comey’s tacit indictment, she was finding it hard to become likeable or believable. Rather than admit any wrongdoing or apologizing for poor judgment, she doubled-down on lies and denial, treating the public like fools.

When she began attaching herself to Obama’s failing policies and adopting some of Bernie’s far-left ideas in a transparent effort to increase her base, it did little more than highlight character flaws that voters were finding distasteful. She was sinking and ripe for the taking.

Donald Trump, however, failed to take advantage. He stupidly continued to shoot from the hip with personal attacks and anything that popped into his head on the spur of the moment. Rather than act presidential and show an understanding and command of the issues, he continued to let his ego run wild and act like an ass.

His response to Khizr Khan’s speech at the Democratic Convention was, simply, stupid. Humbly accepting Khan’s anger for what it was, one of the stages of grief, and showing compassion for his loss would have not only been the high road to take; it would have spotlighted the Democrats’ unsavory use of the Khan family’s personal grief for political purposes. Trump showed nothing but a lack of control and, as a result, his poll numbers and chances for the presidency are diminishing.

The GOP has Trump as a candidate because the other candidates bought into political correctness and the left’s framing of social issues as most important – two reasons the Dems were on their way to losing the White House. In spite of scandals and lying, Hillary remains a candidate only to “make history” and continue Obama’s “transformation of America”.

Perhaps we are all stupid for allowing this to happen.

David J. Hentosh

Fantasy in Philly

Fantasyland at Disney World would have been a much more appropriate location for the Democratic Convention considering how much was ignored, denied, and forgotten inside the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia.

The initial dip into Lake Fantasy was spoiled by the forced resignation of the DNC chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, after leaked e-mails proved she, and others, had been less than impartial by working to rig the nomination for Hillary. An attempt to ignore it by allowing Debbie to open and close the convention before stepping down failed when Bernie’s enraged followers would not join the denial.

Having no coherent plan to deal with terrorism, the entire opening day of the convention went by with no mention of it – a continuation of Obama’s pretense that terrorism is insignificant. The first day also went by with no American flag onstage as if its presence would have been offensive for many in attendance – and there is little doubt it would have been.

Day two of the convention was all about “making history” and putting Hillary on a pedestal as the first female presidential candidate. Former president Bill Clinton gave a long (very, very long) and glowing recap of Hillary’s entire life; poignantly skipping the years she made a fool of herself backing up his lies about his sexual escapades. That was, of course, the elephant in the room (no pun intended) everyone pretended did not exist.

After vehement liberal media disgust over the mother of an American Foreign Service official killed in Benghazi speaking at the Republican convention, hypocrisy was on display (as always) with glowing admiration for speeches given by the mothers of blacks killed by police. Deliberately absent and ignored were mothers of the many police officers cold-bloodily murdered as a result of the fomenting of violence by black “leaders”. One should also remember the admiration held for Cindy Sheehan by the “impartial” media.

It was noticeable that so many speakers talked about “change” and how Hillary is such a great instrument for change. If the past eight years under the Obama administration were as great as they say and everything he did was so right, why would we need so much change? I guess you have to buy into the fantasy to understand that.

If you want to vote for change in November, it certainly shouldn’t be same old, same old Hillary.

David J. Hentosh

How Did Trump Rise?

Progressive liberals fear a Donald Trump presidency more than conservatives once feared an Obama presidency. They are totally baffled by Trump’s rise and they are laying blame for it on the GOP, the media, and racism. They need look no further than at themselves.

Emboldened by one of their own in the White House and backed by a complicit media, progressive liberals began implementing their idealistic agenda, believing mainstream America was on board. They began forcing wholesale changes much too quickly on society using political correctness, class warfare, and allegations of racism to silence opposition.

While the media blindly praised the progressive agenda and Obama’s policies, mainstream America was busy struggling with a weak economy, unemployment, rising health care costs, increasing racial tensions, threats of terrorism, and illegal aliens pouring across our open border. Progressive liberals ignored these growing problems and continued focusing on social issues.

As Washington became more and more polarized and mired in bitter partisanship, President Obama, seemingly oblivious to it all, concentrated on pushing his personal agenda and building his legacy. He deliberately minimized the threat of terrorism in order to concentrate on “transforming” America. His failure in foreign affairs and his lack of leadership resulted in alienating allies, emboldening enemies, and reducing respect for the United States across the globe.

Since the DNC and the media refused to acknowledge administration failures or curtail changes being forced on society, it was inevitable there would be a backlash. The arrogance of the administration and progressive liberals created a fertile ground for a political outsider.

Ignoring political correctness and daring to speak candidly on issues, Trump addressed the frustration and fear growing throughout the country, increased awareness of our lack of responsible leadership, and pulled many out of denial. His stirring of the stagnant political climate has been a positive.

Trump may be egotistical, abrasive, and obnoxious, but he shocked a numbed population out of a complacency that allowed a progressive transformation to run wild. That transformation is the reason for Trump’s growing popularity.

David J. Hentosh

Trump: The Good, Bad, and the Ugly

Donald Trump tapped into the frustration many have concerning lack of leadership and the direction this country has taken. His refusal to bow to political correctness has been a breath of fresh air for a populace weary of rhetorical gymnastics, guarded speech, and fear of offending. He opened the door to realistically discussing illegal immigration, Islamic terrorism, and the runaway progressive agenda – issues that have been blanketed by PC foolishness far too long. This is the ‘good’ that Trump brought to the presidential campaign.

His ego and thin skin, however, cause him to lash out with personal attacks against anyone daring to criticize or challenge him. These attacks have brought a lot of media attention that has helped his rise in popularity; therefore, they have continued and become a major tactic of his campaign. Other candidates have begun emulating the personal attacks in an effort to gain media attention and, consequently, issues and policies are not being given the attention they need. This is the ‘bad’ Trump has wrought.

The entrenched establishment of the GOP does not like Trump and is trying to derail him, splitting instead of unifying the party. Sophomoric insults between candidates along with Mitt Romney’s out-of-character speech attacking Trump have brought ugliness to the GOP campaign – and that can only alienate voters.

Trump may very well end up to be the GOP candidate but he will lose to Hillary if he does not get his ego in check, eliminate the brash insults, and provide substance rather than empty, feel-good rhetoric. He has certainly been entertaining but he is running for president of the United States, not auditioning for a role in a Hollywood movie. We need serious leadership.

It is sad that running for president has become such a circus that only a fool would enter the ring. Thus, we may end up having to vote for Hillary or Trump. This is not the best we can do; it is just what apathy has allowed.

David J. Hentosh

Legacy?

Democrats are praising Obama’s “diplomatic relations” with Iran, hailing the release of four prisoners who were held for years as proof of improved relations. Obama’s dealings with Iran seem to be solidifying his legacy but what, exactly, will that legacy be?

Obama essentially traded 21 for 4 by offering clemency to seven Iranians pending trial in the US and dismissing charges and extradition requests against fourteen others not in the US. This follows his swap of five terrorists from Gitmo for Sgt. Bergdahl who now faces a court-marshal for desertion. With lopsided numbers such as those, Obama’s prisoner exchange negotiations have come under harsh criticism.

His “nuclear deal” with Iran, which he desperately pursued, came after allowing Iran time to hide its nuclear weapons program and, thereby, receive $100 billion in assets frozen by sanctions. These assets were released just hours after the latest prisoners swap, suspiciously looking like a ransom for the prisoners. It certainly suggests that kidnapping US citizens can be lucrative so it should not come as a surprise if more US citizens are taken. Perhaps the three kidnapped in Baghdad are a direct result. You can bet North Korea took notice.

It is always a good thing to get prisoners back but our policy of not negotiating with terrorists seems to have been thrown by the wayside to do so. If (many think it’s just a mater of when) Iran obtains a nuclear weapon, Obama’s legacy will become a nightmare and his lopsided prisoner swaps will no longer seem positive even by those now drinking the Obama Kool-Aid.

There has been an embarrassing desperation to Obama’s dealings (appeasement?) with Iran and he has treated Israel, a staunch ally, like a terrorist nation while courting Iran as a desirable and legitimate nation beneficial to US interests. That is only beneficial to Obama’s interests and it is his legacy that interests him the most. However, the legacy he is building is a house of cards on the verge of tumbling down – and we may all be forced to pay the price.

David J. Hentosh

Marching For Free

Free public college, cancellation of student debts, and $15 an hour minimum wage for people who work on campus. Those were the core demands made by students across the country protesting in the Million Student March.

Neil Cavuto on the Fox Business Network interviewed a student spokesperson for the march and it was nothing short of embarrassing. The “free” stuff demanded was to be paid for by the 1% and when presented with the fact that taxing the 1% at a 100% rate wouldn’t be enough to pay for it, the student simply said she didn’t believe that.

Perhaps $15 an hour for students working on campus is a good idea for schools that have been indoctrinating students with such “beliefs”. They could simply raise the cost of the “free” tuition, increasing student debts that are to be “cancelled”. Many students could then begin making money by attending college, becoming “professional students” working toward degrees that have no earning potential.

College student protests used to be about issues such as civil rights, women’s rights, the Vietnam War, the Iraq War, etc. Even when student demonstrations were naively misguided, they displayed an idealistic sense of reality. “Free Mumia” has now turned into “Free stuff”, and a new generation is making its mark.

Reality check: No one is forced to take out a huge student loan or to attend a school costing $50-60k a year; terms of paying back student loans are understood and agreed upon up front; the amount of a loan is as important a decision as is the choice of school to attend; degrees in Parks Recreation, Fine Arts, or Liberal Arts from Ivy League schools do not increase employment opportunities or command higher salaries if a job can be found; college isn’t for everyone; and “free” stuff is not free.

Perhaps that is too harsh to hear for a generation used to: Not being graded; not hearing “no”; being told they are all great; playing soccer with no score-keeping; getting participation trophies; posting selfies on Facebook; wearing helmets and knee pads on tricycles; government freebies; parent’s providing health care until the age of 26; mood altering medication; political correctness; and rights without responsibility.

Reality scan be tough to take – as tough as watching the Million Student March.

David J. Hentosh

The Worst of Obama

The Oregon school shooting brought out the worst of president Obama. Once again, he let his emotions and political agenda override what should have been a presidential demeanor and compassion in time of tragedy. Instead, he wallowed in self-righteousness and lectured America during a press conference, ignorantly urging more politics over reasonable debate.

Before facts concerning the shooting were known, Obama quickly determined that guns were responsible and began inflaming the gun controversy just as he has inflamed racism at every opportunity. He knows exactly what he is doing because politics is the only tool in his toolbox and it is his answer for everything.

He urged everyone to follow his foolish lead and turn this shooting into a political issue, as if the media hadn’t already done so. Going even further, he advocated everyone become a one-issue voter and use his agenda on gun control as a sole basis for voting. One-issue voting, of course, neglects addressing the many failures of his administration (and the Democratic Party), something Obama has become expert at doing. It is a fatuous way to vote that should be discouraged.

And what, exactly, is Obama’s agenda on gun control? In his press conference, he revealed his agenda when he praised “countries like ours”, Australia and Great Britain, which “have been able to craft laws that almost eliminate mass shootings”. They have confiscated guns in those countries; countries which are not “like ours” in that we have over 350 million guns in circulation. If it is “impossible” to round up and deport 10 million illegal immigrants, how do we confiscate 350 million guns?

Trying to further his point, Obama urged news organizations to compare gun deaths with deaths from terrorists in the country, an apples-to-oranges comparison. He could also compare gun deaths (approx. 30 per day) with drug deaths (approx. 120 per day), but that would highlight the senseless “progressive” push to legalize marijuana and other drugs – a political football he’d rather not toss around.

Having to go through another year of Obama’s brand of “leadership” is depressing enough. The thought of replacing him with a policy clone brings nightmares. We can do better, and we must.

David J. Hentosh

The Demise of Greatness

Is it really surprising that a recent poll showed 72% of Americans believe this country is not as great as it once was? Greatness requires great leaders and our political atmosphere is not attracting our best.

Our brightest and most competent leaders are far too wise to subject themselves and their families to the mud slinging, dirty tricks, and media bashing that has taken over politics. Furthermore, experience and competence mean little to one-issue voters far more concerned with social issues than the country’s wellbeing.

The election of Obama, an inexperienced community organizer, for the sake of “making history” is a result, not the cause, of our declining greatness, but it has accelerated the decline. Obama caters to a society shunning the common good in favor of the individual; a society obsessed with the emotional satisfaction of legislating fairness for all, an unrealistic goal. His election legitimized political correctness, encouraging a denial of reality.

The Obama administration’s ineffective and unrealistic foreign policies produced a vacuum of leadership in the world and a loss of international respect. The White House, once a symbol of our greatness, has become a bully pulpit of pettiness and self-aggrandizement where sniping at critics and casting blame is commonplace. Social engineering is a priority and instead of sound economic policies, our floundering economy is being dealt with by rhetoric filled with a pretense of achievement. Nothing is real; nothing is true.

The building block of our nation, the family unit, is fractured and an agenda under the guise of “progress” is eradicating morality and common decency. Under this agenda, anything goes – but everything is going away. The mainstream media actively promotes this agenda, swaying public opinion toward accepting it by deceivingly “reporting” on its goodness.

If the 72% who see greatness dissolving vote wisely, this can change. Otherwise, this country’s greatness will exist only in history books – if “progress” allows history to remember it.

David J. Hentosh