Trump

Ben, the difference is I view all of those things you do for women to be general politeness and good manners. I hold the door open. I often open the passenger door of my car for a guest before going to open mine. I don't know that I've stood at a table when someone arrives, but that's sweet that you do. I do wait to eat my food until everyone has sat at the table and I prefer to let someone else take the first bite so I'm never out of line. I treat my boyfriend to dinner sometimes, and sometimes he treats me. 3 weeks ago when he got his new job, I treated him to dinner after his first day of work. The day of his first paycheck, he treated me. I think that's love and respect. It doesn't need to be a man doing it for a woman. If you think it does... well then, yes, I think you're sexist lol.

"Is anything I'm saying the colorblindness you speak of? I so don't mean that as snooty as it probably sounds, lol, I'm genuinely trying to learn more about the topic."

Britt, that's not colorblindness. That's simply not being racist. You nailed it. You recognize race exists, but you treat people with equal respect.

Also, just to clarify to everyone: I don't mean that race exists biologically. It doesn't. It only exists as a social construct, but that means it DOES exist. People have been treated differently for ages because of it, and continue to be treated differently today. That's why it's important to recognize it's there. Colorblindness does more harm than good. Yes, Ben, celebrate our differences!

As for the differences between male and female brains (I focused a lot of my studies on this), here's one of many scientific articles: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2015/11/brains-men-and-women-aren-t-really-different-study-finds

A clip from the article:
Depending on whether the researchers looked at gray matter, white matter, or the diffusion tensor imaging data, between 23% and 53% of brains contained a mix of regions that fell on the male-end and female-end of the spectrum. Very few of the brains--between 0% and 8%--contained all male or all female structures. "There is no one type of male brain or female brain," Joel says.

So how to explain the idea that males and females seem to behave differently? That too may be a myth, Joel says. Her team analyzed two large datasets that evaluated highly gender stereotypical behaviors, such as playing video games, scrapbooking, or taking a bath. Individuals were just as variable for these measures: Only 0.1% of subjects displayed only stereotypically-male or only stereotypically-female behaviors.

^
It's a spectrum. Where differences exist, they are often sociological, not biological. When sociological differences have been taught for generations, they begin to look biological.

No, Jane, I never once said men NEED to do it for women; it's just nice. But yes, it works both ways and is nice to see from both sexes.
I hope that clarifies my complete lack of sexism.......:)

It does :)
I'm sorry if some women get upset with you for being polite. I understand where their sensitivity is coming from though because if a man treats you differently because you are a woman, you begin to think he thinks of you differently because you are a woman. Much of chivalry suggests that women are the weaker sex. As a strong woman, I don't like that suggestion. I combat it by being chivalrous myself. I think that's the best strategy as a woman. As a man, I don't know.
In the end, you are being polite and it's the intent behind the action that matters. If someone gets mad at you for being considerate, that's their problem. Flip 'em the bird :P

I understand Jane. It must be hugely frustrating as a woman sometimes. For me though, offering a chair to a woman, for instance, is not because I think they are weaker than me - it's my way of showing them the huge amount of respect they deserve (sometimes) lol

Thanks, Jane, that makes a lot more sense now. :)

It's sad when people have to look down on others for general manners and politeness.. what has happened to our world? I get annoyed when I see someone not hold a door open for someone else, especially the elderly, out of general respect and kindness. I'm the type of person that takes carts back for people, especially seniors and moms with little kiddos. The moms always give me this frazzled "OMG thank you!".. because if you leave your kids unattended in the car for 2 seconds while you put a cart away, you're in trouble. You leave the cart in the parking lot, you're in trouble. Bring your little ones with you to take the cart back can sometimes take 10 times the length of time, lol. It's a kind gesture, not a sign of weakness. When someone holds my door open or takes my cart back, it makes me want to extend the gesture to other people and be a blessing! Why does it have to have ill intent? People. lol.

See Britt, we're not that different! Look at you being all chivalrous ;) haha

I agree, it shouldn't have ill intent. Women have it harder, but there's a lot going on right now that can make being a man pretty confusing! I opened a door to Starbuck's for my boyfriend the other day and this older man in a suit stared at us then shook his head, as if Kevin had done something wrong by not being the one to hold the door open. Funnily enough, Kevin didn't notice the look this guy gave us and he held the door for me on the way out of his own accord. We're both polite. Whoever gets to the door first opens it. Or whoever has their hands free. Whatever. Who cares.

One polite person beats zero polite people, and two polite people beat one.

...

If only Trump knew the meaning of politeness.

I think he has a very apt surname.

(that's about my level of intelligence for tonight)

I don't know if this is veering more off-topic... but I've been reading this and nodding my head to a lot of good points being made.

Jane & Britt - awesome insight and I've never heard it quite put into those terms. I haven't thought much about how much of an impact if both men AND women are chivalrious. And in my opinion, it's a great call and reminder for us all to act kindly and honor one another. Do little things, not because we're "supposed" to or "pressured" to, but because we want to.

Also, Jane, I had been thinking along with Britt and am glad you went deeper talking about the colorblindness. I know I've said before, oh we're all human, we're all the same, I don't look at race... but in truth, we should celebrate our culture and obviously race shouldn't be the factor how we treat someone, but in reality, we shouldn't forget our culture or lose appreciation for it.

Lots of contemplation here... loving it :)

^Yes, that is exactly how I feel!

This election is truly frightening. I will not vote for someone who promotes hate, supports racisam and violence.

This election is filled with anger and evil... I listen to the other candidates and I just feel sadness... Trump is acting like a true demonic ass, and people are supporting him and his hatred. I dont mean to be such a negative Nelly towards this man... but I am. I will never support someone who promotes evil...

Jane- You and Kevin make me think of Jim and Myself... we are both respectful of each other...Pure respect and consideration.

Bob...I read that Fred Trump negotiated a consent decree regarding the housing matter. Doesn't that mean 'technically' that he wasn't convicted? I'm just as unsure of your laws as I am of your politics haha!!! I mean, can't Obama re-run for president? If not, why not?

I remember suggesting years ago that Americans should have a 3rd party to choose from...I think I was considered nuts back then :)

Someone just sent me this...

http://www.9news.com.au/entertainment/2016/03/19/15/48/simpsons-writer-said-he-could-never-have-predicted-ugliness-of-trump-campaign

A president in peace time is only allowed two terms

Hellon
American presidents can only setve a maximum of eight years in office

Could that be changed? I mean...if you are happy with what Obama is doing...why topple the apple cart?

I think it's more or less to do with no one person becoming too powerful.

Oh..like good ol' Maggie you mean??

Yeah yeah yeah, but where are the Trump supporters?
I WANTED SOME CRAZY.

Well...I wouldn't call myself a supporter but....I do think the fact that he would like to put muslim immigration on hold temporarily is a good thing and not an act of racism ....just an act of caution.

The wall he talks about building on the border of USA and Mexico is laughable...aren't the Mexicans (both legal and illegal) leaving the USA to go back to their own country?

Then you have his hairdo!..OMG...what else an I say???

You know...kidding aside..how has this person even made his way into the position of possibly being the next US president and...why have you (America) let him get there?

Is that CRAZY enough Abby???

FEEEL THE BERN...

lol

Non-USA people, I'm quite curious about how you feel/what you've heard about Bernie Sanders? I have no idea if people outside the US are aware of him or if there are similarly strong opinions about him as there are for Trump out and about in the world.

Hellon,

We are not allowing Trump to do anything. He has the freedom to run and obviously has the money to spend on it. Don't forget it was just half-a-lifetime ago that George Wallace ran in a third party bid that met with surprising support.

Trump attracts members of the constituency to whom personal accountability and respect have little concern. The same rabble that would chant "get a rope" when Sarah Palin mentioned Obama now cheer for Trump lustily and beat up protesters at his rallies.

The fact is that Trump taps into a demographic with critical dissatisfaction against the politics of the left and centrist leaders. When George Bush (father) gave an inauguration speech urging people to put aside their intolerance and bigotry his popularity took a dip. That is a fact of American life. We are only one generation removed from "separate but equal," aka American Apartheid, and there are millions who would love to turn back the clock.

Cruze remains the stalwart of the Tea Party, but their influence in the Republican Party is apparently dwarfed by those who seek shelter in the same party for intolerant issues having little to do with government spending or taxation.

That's hilarious, because someone called stumpy, Hitler and I said no, he's a modern day George wallace.....oh the irony of it all.......

I am neither republican nor democratic. But i personally don't think trump is as bad as clinton. I am a Bernie supporter only and i do not fear trump in the white house. MAYBE just maybe it will wake Americans up into seeing how bad America really is. I fear clinton and her lies. There are a ton of Bernie supporters that went democratic to vote for him. They as well as others will not vote hillary, because they know how horrible she is, some even say they will vote for trump over her, i do not blame them.

See, I don't get that. Clinton has had decades of public office without doing anything more erratic than using her personal emails against Obama's policy (not a crime) and possibly missing some fairly obscure clues that the Benghazi riots were more than non-violent. She actually took responsibility for that disaster which says more about her character than all the accusations of being a liar.
What I'm saying is that it's far too easy to succomb to years of demonizing her than it is to recognize that she is not only a known quantity; not only that, she is the most centrist candidate left standing. There's just no possibility that she will do anything extreme as President.

I found this to be very interesting...

https://www.quora.com/Does-Donald-Trump-have-any-political-experience

Hellon, does that link
just take you to a screen
as empty as the Donald's
history of public service?

Is that a joke Larry? If so, it's gone right over the top of my head haha!!!

EDIT

As an outsider. I can see a lot of truth in this item.

Red Yoshi......you don't think trump is as bad as Clinton, let me guess, you watch a lot of news and media politics?....do your research, trump makes hillary seem like an adolescent when it comes to distorting the truth, not to mention trump is for trump, he could care less about making america great other than to pick pocket it, the fool couldn't make atlantic city great, sucked it dry, then declared bankruptcy and people lost their businesses because he couldn't pay his bills....He hires illegals in florida to work at all his properties and when faced with it he said americans wouldn't do the work, yet the labor dept. said today that they had a lot of american applicants for those jobs and they weren't hired, his clothing lines are made abroad, he still hasn't released his taxes, because the people will find out the truth about a lot of things, mainly money donated to his charity foundation written off by him, which is illegal, he says he's not part of the establishment and yet has bought political favors for the past 30 years, which means he's his own special interest group and part of the problem in america today.....at least with hillary we will still have a country, this clown will get us in world war 3 or at the very least a civil war....His blatant disrespect for women and making fun of a handicapped reporter is just despicable.......Hillary has been doing public service long before she even got into politics, they can't even be compared, trump is a self pompous ass, and yes a racist without a shadow of a doubt.

Bob, to clarify something you just posted: Trump has actually been in bankruptcy 4 times: 1991, 1992, 2004 & 2009.

<http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/donald-trump-filed-bankruptcy-times/story?id=13419250>

Hellon: I did go to that link you posted but nothing showed up.

^I know, the exact number of times he dodged the draft in nam......

I'm not sure why that's happening Larry...I can open it ok.

Just google 'Does Donald Trump have any political experience" an article by Quora should come up. Basically it's suggesting that Trump, because of his experience with reality TV and knowing how to play the media, who in turn influence Joe Public, is the most experienced candidate running.

There's a huge gap between being a political animal and performing public service.

If you are speaking of learning to be manipulative and insincere then having his reality shows may be useful.

Unfortunately, this environment caters to his ego to the point of insulating him from his inhumanity. Anything he does on the Apprentice is OK because the show is all about him. There's no real-world negotiation and reappraisal of his position.

My daughter produces reality TV shows and from what she tells me the genre is further from reality than the worst stereotypical sitcom or cop drama.

As an outsider looking in, its hard to believe Trump is pretty much the last standing candidate for the republicans. he's viewed world wide as an absolute bloody joke but, if elected a bloody dangerous one

i don't think anybody can believe he has gotten so far, its absolutely incredulous. somebody said its like watching the Kardashians, they are right only worse

Whenever i think of Hillary i think of Monica Lewinsky on her knees in front of her hubby and find it hard to take her seriously but think the world feels she is the better option

Then i look at our own back yard and wonder if our lot are any better and think well yeah in this instance they are.... Well Turnbull is anyway.........

Check out this link: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/01/27/christians-cringe-at-donald-trump-s-sexy-past.html

Apparently Trump gets the most support from white Evangelical Republican voters (37 percent), yet he has owned casinos, been divorced twice, married a woman ~25 years his junior (an immigrant - ironic?), "profited off strip clubs, cheated on his wife, and appeared on the cover of the nation's pre-eminent porn magazine." Playboy.

What a stand up guy, right? :\

----

As for Hillary, well, there's an unfortunate trend in the media, and it's that the wife is blamed for the husband's cheating. Did she push him away? Was she too cold? Was she refusing sex? Monica was blamed as well. The temptress. The home-wrecker. The succubus. But Bill? According to Gallup, "As the Lewinsky situation unfolded, Clinton's job approval went up, not down."
That Hillary was cheated on by Bill should not make it harder to take her seriously, nor should the fact she's stood by him. He cheated. She remained loyal. She also forgave him, at least publicly. If she were to divorce him for the affair, the scandal and accusations (her failure to have a lasting marriage) would do more damage to her, politically, than good. She's not a fool for keeping him around. She's a politician and politics are a game. Hillary and Bill are players. She's kept up her end of the partnership even when he failed miserably and nearly wrecked both of their political careers (mainly hers).
...It all reminds me so much of House of Cards lol.

I agree that Hillary should not be held accountable for her husband's indiscretions but...try as I might, I also cannot get the image of Monica on her knees with the PRESIDENT!!!!

Imagine it all you want, but don't let it cloud your judgment.

I doubt Bill was the first President to have an affair, and I doubt he'll be the last. I'd wager that a lot of White House marriages are based on image and strategy, not love and faithfulness. I love the Obama family and believe in them, but who knows, maybe I'm being tricked by the media into seeing what I'm supposed to see. An all American, loving family that sticks together - that's what the people want. Who cares if it's true, so long as we believe it to be.

Edit: I just think there's so little we actually know, and what we think we know, it's because we're supposed to think we know it. Deals are made. Lies are spread. People are thrown under the bus. Campaigns are smeared. Stances are changed to gain favor. Money trumps all. It's frustrating as hell to have so little idea of what is actually going on. As a voter, I feel quite powerless and ill informed.

Well...luckily I'm in a position where I can judge albeit as an outsider looking in. Your statement has me baffled Jane..."Who cares if it's true, so long as we believe in it" such an naïve comment from such an intelligent person...seriously I'm gobsmacked!!!

EDIT

Just adding that I don't really care about Ol' Bill's infidelities just the fact that he tried to lie about them...

"Now, I have to go back to work on my State of the Union speech. And I worked on it until pretty late last night. But I want to say one thing to the American people. I want you to listen to me. I'm going to say this again: I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky. I never told anybody to lie, not a single time; never. These allegations are false. And I need to go back to work for the American people. Thank you"

Hellon, my point in saying, "who cares if it's the truth, so long as we believe it to be" is that the media and slimy politicians make us believe in things whether they're true or not. So long as we believe in something in a manner that serves them, why should they care if it's truth? They should, of course, but do they? I'm reading a book right now that suggests most highly successful businessmen and politicians have psychopathic traits. Psychopathy can be adaptive in certain professions. Calculated emotion. Charm. Coolness under pressure. The ability to lie without guilt or nerves getting in the way. The ability to use other people without feeling remorse.

I think we see only a small picture of the candidates, and a lot of that picture is false. Not enough people question what they're being fed. The public gobbles up gossip, rumors, insinuations... We like to think we know more than we do. We blindly believe we have the truth and we stop asking questions.

Sorry Jane...I misread your post and, I should have known better that to think you of all people would be swayed be the media....my apologies.

I can't believe your elections are when...November? is that right? and this is still March...how much popcorn do you reckon P&Q will go through over the next 8-9 months???

That's alright, I worded myself poorly. I'm starting to realize I do that a lot! I'll think everyone is on the same page as me, but I've explained myself so poorly that I've given the wrong impression entirely.

Yep, November.

It's very upsetting that Bill tried to lie. I'm assuming he had a whole team of people telling him to 'try lying first and see how it pans out.' He didn't care about the truth. He cared about the Presidency. He was playing the game.