Black And Blue

A fragile existence

Black In America

Photos/Illustrations by Betsy Kiel

Floyd, Taylor, Martin, King, and Arbery. These are just a few names in the tragic landscape of police brutality and vigilante justice.

After experiencing an episode of unconscious racial bias in the workplace, a colleague remarked so to voice. “Racism never sleeps.”

As an African American male, my interactions with law enforcement have been fraught with stress and a hint of menace. One night while walking home from work, I came within a hair-trigger of being yet another statistic of police over-reaction —Castile, Gray, and McDonald.

Guns were drawn, as I was mistakenly identified as being one of the usual suspects —Garner, Brown, Scott, and Rice.

I had a visceral reaction to the horrific murder of George Floyd. It was the ultimate grotesque perversion of justice and symbolized the painful systematic institutionalized racism endured by African Americans for over 400 years. In addition, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic deadly disproportionate impact on people of color allied to high unemployment and you had the perfect explosive ingredients for the social upheaval that followed.

The chickens of our nations ‘original sin,’ slavery, are finally coming home to roost. Decades of inequality in the realms of justice, health, education, and economic opportunity have left many bereft of hope and close to the edge.

We are now at a historic inflection point as a multicultural American coalition demands an end to racial injustice. This clarion call for change is now a global phenomenon, it would seem that change is at hand.

Central to this idea of seismic change is the issue of Police reform, which has to happen. Accountability and transparency need to be central tenets of any progressive moves to change the negative image many people have of law enforcement. Police union's intransigence ferocious defense of its members has meant that the successful prosecution of rogue cops is extremely rare, therefore, communities of color literally have a license to kill.

Police cannot be allowed to police themselves, and, for the public to have faith in the system, there must be independent oversight.

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We need a paradigm in our approach to law enforcement in which police are seen less like an occupying army, but a more highly integrated community-based partner.

Last, bloated police budgets have added to the increased militarism of police departments nationwide. This trend was on full display as police dispatched peaceful protesters with brutal efficiency past Floyd’s death. With crumbling infrastructure, homelessness, chronic underinvestment in human capital, and a myriad of other social ills, perhaps it is time to change priorities and reallocate tax dollars.

The warrior psyche of law enforcement needs to evolve. It leads to the notion we are less than human and need to be policed over aggressively. Deadly chokeholds and the lack of transparency over officers' disciplinary records are positive metrics of change that need to be instituted.

The winds of change, are blowing as evidenced by the multicultural hordes who marched for George Floyd. Our shared humanity unites us, and we look forward to the day when black lives are truly valued, and the specter of police violence exiled to the distant past.

Prof. Yankah Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

The honor signifies high reward

By Benson Afful

Ghana’s Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education, Professor Kwesi Yankah, has been elected to the membership of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AMACAD).

A letter, jointly signed by the Chair of the Board, Nancy C. Andrews and the President, David W. Oxtoby, and addressed to the Minister of State, announced his election to the Academy and welcomed him as a member.

The honor signifies the high reward in which you are held by leaders in your field and members throughout the nation.

With his election, Prof. Yankah, joins the company of notable members, from the founders, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Bowdoin to Ralph Waldo Emerson, Maria Mitchell, and Alexander Graham Bell. Other distinguished members include John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Margaret Mead. International members include Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, and Nelson Mandela.

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences is one of the oldest learned societies in the United States. Founded in 1780, the Academy is dedicated to honoring excellence and leadership, working across disciplines and divides, and advancing the common good.

AMACAD’s current members represent today’s innovative thinkers in every field and profession, including more than two hundred and fifty Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners.

The Induction weekend scheduled for October 9-11, 2020, pending guidance from US public health officials.

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Actions The U.S. Took To Address FGM/C In Its Foreign Policy

FGM: The Hot Button Topic

By J Reynold Weeks: Credit Source:

In 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a unanimous resolution condemning FGM/C as a human rights violation. The resolution condemning FGM/C was co-sponsored by 28 members of Congress and calls for “coordinated efforts to eliminate the harmful practice.”

Two reports by the U.S. GAO from 2016 found the U.S. efforts to end the practice lacking and in need of significant improvement both in the U.S. and abroad. Despite the clear recommendations outlined in those reports, very little has changed since they were issued. The United States presently has only one program explicitly dedicated to ending FGM/C through foreign assistance. A three-year program in Kenya due to expire in 2021. US$5 million for the U.N. joint international program focused on eliminating FGM/C. Supports 17 countries, and led to national laws banning the practice in 13 of those countries, and 12 have appropriated funds from their respective national budgets to specifically address FGM/C through investigation, prosecution, intervention, prevention, and care services.

The United States government has issued several policy statements and recommendations.

• In 2017, the USAID guidance on Female GENITAL Mutilation/Cutting was released

• In 2016, the State Department launched the US Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls, which included specific goals and objectives to ensure adolescent girls were able to reduce their risks and vulnerability

• The State Department’s Office of Global Women’s Issues has worked closely with high prevalence countries such as the Gambia and Egypt on partnerships with local leaders and community outreach to combat the practice via legal reforms, public education and awareness campaigns

• The 2016 US Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally defined FGM/C as a form of gender-based violence but did not recommend specific actions to address the practice

• Although the State Department includes information on FGM/C in their annual Human Rights Country Reports, under the Trump Administration, reporting on women’s rights issues has been curtailed in countries that generate asylum petitions, and have the greatest levels of gender inequality. As a result, reporting on FGM/C appears to be less robust since 2018, the first year for which the Trump administration was responsible for country reports

While the U.S. has a federal law prohibiting transporting minors abroad for FGM/C in a practice already described as “vacation cutting,” a 2016 GAO report noted that existing efforts to raise awareness on this issue need improvement. Currently, there are very few investigations and prosecution of FGM/C, in part due to the confusion over reporting requirements.

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Female Genital Mutilation

FGM: The Hot Button Topic

By J Reynold Weeks: Credit Source:

Acknowledgments: Dr. Nina Smart, the United Nations, recognized Ambassador and Representative, FGM/C. Policymakers and researchers.

Growing up in West Africa, it did not seem to be of importance to me when young girls mostly in their teens with distinguished colorings on their faces and other parts of their bodies were paraded bare-breasted if there were any to be bared, in the streets of my village.

As I grew older, I became curious. Was it to satisfy the social norms that seek to suppress the girls’ sexual desires or expressions? Was it a religious ritual, or was it a cultural practice in my country alone?

Every year, there are about 3 million girls forced to undergo a procedure to remove or modify their genitalia to fulfill social norms which look to suppress women’s sexual desire and expression. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) as: 'all procedures involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female organs.' The practice has no known health benefits. Moreover, it most frequently occurs to girls from infancy to age 15. Adult women are also at risk.

Approximately 200 million girls and women alive today have survived FGM/C, and an estimated 3 million girls are at risk of FGM/C each year according to the group Equality Now.

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Although 43 countries globally have banned the practice, it still occurs at a very high rate in at least 30 countries where it is measured. Mainly in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. While now considered to be both child abuse and a violation of girls’ and women’s human rights, FGM/C is a deeply entrenched practice with roots in inequitable gender norms.

Despite my youthful misconceptions to the contrary, FGM/C not rooted in any religious or theological tradition. This practice is not limited to any one country, region, religion, or culture.

Frequently FGM/C is tied to cultural traditions and norms related to perceived purity and family honor around virginity and girls’ sexuality. Since these beliefs are rooted in cultural norms, immediate change is difficult even in countries where strong laws and or policies exist.

Infection, obstetric fistula, excessive bleeding, difficulties related to menstruation, sexual problems, infertility, cysts, scarring, increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth in some cases death, believed to be negative health consequences. Many survivors of FGM/C experience physical trauma, pain, and complications, which can lead to psychological harm such as post-traumatic stress, flashbacks, fear, anxiety, and depression. Research also suggests that in countries or communities where FGM/C is prevalent, individual girls who do not undergo the process are at risk for trauma and isolation as a result of social stigmas stemming from their non-conformity.

As such, it is clear that programs that seek to outlaw FGM/C or change individual behavior without addressing the root causes and social norms may do more harm than good.

"Actions The U.S. Took To address FGMC/C in its Foreign Policy," will be the next publication.

Life On Mars

Strange days indeed!

By The Editorial Board

We are in the eye of the storm. The world enmeshed in an insidious and invisible foe that threatens our very existence.

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has markedly changed our lives. We exist in a miasmic twilight zone whereby tragic news drips into our eyes daily via our Tv sets and social media.

New phrases such as “Social Distancing,’ and ‘Flattening the curve’ have become part of our everyday lexicon. Family and friends laid off. Many don’t know how the bills are going to be paid. Schools out for the foreseeable future and kids with access struggle to make use of online instructions.

Communication, travel, and our retail habits all been significantly altered during the crisis.

The few times ventured out for the basics, I was disappointed. Hoarders and panic shoppers had stripped the shelves. Wholesale shopping clubs Costco and BJs, city dinners are virtual ghost towns. The surreal nature of the pandemic upends our daily lives. Strange days indeed!

We hope our elected officials get it together and lead by example. We see incredible acts of kindness, courage, and resourcefulness on a far local and global scale. The crisis will batter and bruised us, but it will not break us. Girded by our common humanity, we emerge stronger and prepared for the next storm.

Coronavirus vs The Administration

Silent Nemesis

By Angela Brooks

Mar-a-Lago - What In The Diary

Wow! I sure made a mess of this Coronavirus thing. I tried to blame it on the Democrats, Obama, and the media but nobody believes my excuses anymore.

I was around people exposed to the virus, and like a Muppet, I shook hands with all of them. Everybody knows I’m a 74-year-old and a germaphobe. So scared! Anytime I open my mouth, the stock market crashes. Melania locked me out of our bedroom, she said, she was following ‘social distancing.’

The travel ban bugs me. I never thought I would have to keep white people out of America. People love my daily briefings. Doctors are amazed by my medical knowledge.

Everyone wants something, and I am not an Amazon shipping clerk! The media so nasty and mean. Note to Bloomberg: You can cheat in an election, but you can’t buy one. What a waste of “beautiful money.” Stay tuned!

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vs. The Administration

The Coronavirus pandemic in the US has put into stark and tragic perspective, the frailties of the Administration. The Chinese government, undoubtedly, bears a great responsibility for the initial spread of the virus. There's ample evidence; however, the administration played Nero while Corona scorched the planet.

They ignored intelligence reports in January and derided the coming storm as a hoax. In their haste to dismantle all things Obama the White House, office that dealt with global pandemics, axed. Additionally, severe budget cuts blunted the effectiveness of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With the event of hundreds of dead and exploding numbers of those who potentially infected, Trump's abject lack of understanding of how government works is truly scary.

If the American public was waiting for a Churchillian profile of leadership, they have been sorely disappointed so far. There's been a litany of cringe-worthy moments as Trump stumbles through daily briefings. The President battled the press. Stated misinformation, and stoke confusion. Health expert; Dr. Anthony Fauci, often walks back, Trump's sunny optimism.

Indeed, Trump abrogated all responsibility for the crisis yet gives himself a perfect score (ten out of ten) for his handling of the situation.

The reality: the economy in freefall, major cities and states, on lockdown, and yet the federal response remains unfocused. Real leadership has been shown at local and state levels with New York, California, and Oregon leading the way.

The pandemic revealed structural frailties in our government healthcare and economic systems. Our 'President Emperor' exposed as having no clothes.

The indomitable spirit of the American people seeing examples of compassion and true humanity exhibit others. We will survive this, not because of Trump but despite him.

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A Fractures Mosaic

As we pursue racial and economic equality, the 'ADOS' needs to realize 'United We Stand, Divided We Fall.'

By Theo Edwards and Ola George

Black people as a whole are a complex myriad of cultures and a beautiful array of colors. Many, of course, the descendants of former slaves. For many, the bitter legacy and the enduring struggle for civil rights and equality have been over time an unceasing quest.

American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS) a term to specifically distinguish African Americans of slave descent. Coined by Yvette Carnell, and Lawyer Antonio Moore describes people whose ancestors were slaves in the USA before the Civil War.

I hail from a secondary group of black people, known collectively as the Diaspora. Migrating from the Caribbean, Africa, and virtually all parts of the globe, the Diaspora has been hugely influential in the making of this unique American tapestry.

I was happily basking in my blackness until I read an article about the African Descendents Of Slavery (ADOS). This group's world view is bent on the philosophy that the Diaspora has detracted from the development of blacks in the US. According to the ADOS, any economic, social or educational benefits only be the purview of “pure” blacks.

As a group, blacks have never been monolithic in their political thinking. Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois had competing ideologies in the nineteenth century. Additionally 'Malcolm X and his separatist stance was a stark contrast to the likes of Martin Luther King (MLK) integration vision.

ADOS Wants Reparations—But at the Cost of Black Unity. While I Will Concede

Down The Rabbit Hole that as a relative newcomer from the Diaspora, I should not be part of any reparations settlement if that ever comes to pass.

However, I find the rest of the argument fatuous, divisive, and quite frankly, hurtful. The ADOS perspective diminishes the struggles and successes of those of us who came here to seek a better life. We arrived here we should be, united by our common heritage and cultural bonds. As we pursue racial and economic equality, the 'ADOS' needs to realize 'United We Stand, Divided We Fall.'

Complete Exoneration!

Mar–a–Lago: The Unofficial Diary

Dear Diary: Complete exoneration!

Innocent, complete exoneration! If the hoax does not fit, you must acquit. Pelosi, Romney, and Schiff, eat it! As Jack Shakespeare said, ‘Pizza is a dish best served cold.” It was never in doubt I own the Senate.

Mitch Mc Connell, I love him, even though he mumbles, and I can’t understand a word he says. It’s the Chinese, ‘Year of The Rat” and Mitt Romney and John Bolton are big rats.

I’m so powerful, and right now, I can fire people just for fun. I had one setback I almost started World War VI (six) with Iran. I didn’t know they would fight back.

Just itching to see who the Dems put up in November - I will slime them all! Nancy Pelosi prays for me, give me a break!

Back to work! So much to do, so many people to fire. Stay tuned!

Good Grief! Thanksgiving In Afghanistan. So Scared

Mar–a–Lago: The Unofficial Diary

Dear Diary:

It’s all going wrong! One day I need to make time to read the Constitution. Human scum continues to rat me out. I don’t know who these people are.

The 'Three Amigos' kinda gets me down. All those people who testified against me are 'Never Trumpers.' It’s a shame that Conan, the dog is more popular than me!

The whole investigation is a hoax. Note to self: remind Mike Pence to pick up more chicken sandwiches from Popeye’s!

I didn’t know that such a perfect call could cause such problems. People just don’t get it; I did nothing wrong!

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Poor Roger Stone, like Lev and Igor, I barely know him.

Roger asked me for a pardoned I wished him good luck and told him not to drop the soap.

They say I try to smear and tamper with witnesses. Not true! All I ever do is fight against corruption, Joe and Hunter Biden, so swampy!

Rudy and I are like the Batman and Robin of anti-corruption, we are superheroes unlike 'shifty' Adam Shiff, and, I am the most trustworthy person I know.

Goodbye, New York! You can’t kick me around anymore. I break out in cold sweat whenever I hear the word impeachment.

A few weeks ago, I had a dream I was being booed at the World Series. There was no Quid Pro Quo! I don’t know what it means but, I will keep on saying it. My call to the leader of Ukraine was just perfect!

I was criticized for how I treated the Kurds. Screw them, after all! They gave us no help at Pearl Harbor or Grenada.

I hate it that people are comparing me to Nixon. What an insult! Nixon was never as handsome as I am.

Don Junior, number one on the New York Times bestsellers list, take that Michelle Obama!

Stay tuned!

We Have A Busy Day Planned

South Lawn

Mar–a–Lago: The Unofficial Diary

Dear Diary:

Trouble seems to follow me. Now its Ukraine-gate, I didn’t do anything wrong, I just made the guy an offer he couldn’t refuse. Gangsta style! Giuliani, such a big mouth.

We have a busy day planned. Then we’re coming home and then we have a lot of work at the United Nations. Note to self: need distractions. Perhaps I need to help my Saudi friends.

Bolton had to go we disagreed on everything. Not a smart guy. JB wants to blow up the whole world at one time.

My tariffs are working beautifully. I’ve got China eating out of my hands. Had to speak to Melania about making eyes at Trudeau. I can’t help it if TV makes me look twenty pounds heavier and crazy light bulbs make me glow orange.

Got in a few rounds of golf while working on the hurricane crisis, I know how to multitask too. Thanks to me the hurricane missed Alabama. It’s amazing what you can do with a sharpie. Must find a scapegoat for this mess. Speaking of scapegoats, Jerome Powell is messing my GREAT economy.

I didn’t want to go to Poland anyway, terrible food. After my G7 victory, I wanted to bask in my glory. At least I had the good manners to congratulate Poland on a lovely war.

Busy. So many people to deport, so little time. I’m surrounded by nasty people, like The premier of Denmark. So mean! I made an offer for Greenland, she, insulted me. Thank God for friends like Vlad, Kim, and MLB.

Space Force is up and running. I aim to show the “Klingons” who runs the Universe. I do have great ideas. So great looking and smart, a true Stable Genius-an extremely stable genius at best! The military is considering my plan to nuke hurricanes. Ivanka called my plan sheer genius.

People are beginning to hate me. ME! The least racist and offensive person I know. I’ve given billions to farmers and paper towels to Puerto Ricans. What a bunch of whiners! They say I will ruin the economy. Such nonsense! I ran great casinos.

Note to self: Be subtle now and then; anytime I open my mouth Wall Street crashes. Such power!

Losers are coming out of the woodwork to challenge me for the Republican nomination. Joe Walsh should continue to play guitar for the 'Eagles.

Forty Acres And A Mule Revisited

In recent times the reparations issue has forced its way back into the public discourse

By Angela Brooks

The year 2019 marks 400 years since the arrival of the first African slaves in American shores. A person mind could become wrapped at the injustices of that “peculiar institution” and deaths of countless numbers during the “Middle Passage.“

Despite the degradations of slavery, broken promises, Jim Crow, and pervasive racism, African Americans have a boundless love of country.

Indeed; from Vietnam, and Afghanistan, African Americans have shed blood to keep the red in the red, white and blue.

In recent times the reparations issue has forced its way back into the public discourse and in the current political climate in some cases reopening racial wounds.

There are historical precedents. For reparations, of course, Japanese Americans and Native Americans have been compensated for the harm done to them by the American government. People of the Jewish faith enjoin the World ever to forget the Holocaust. Indeed, it will stand forever as a testament to our periodic bouts of inhumanity. However, when it comes to African American issues, America develops selective amnesia.

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In this state of bliss institutional racism, in the justice system, education, and virtually all aspects of African American life magically do not exist. Attempts to redress societal imbalance through programs such as Affirmative Action have been rebuffed Reverse Discrimination by those who strive to maintain ethnic superiority.

Slavery is the indelible stain at the heart of the unique American tapestry. Failure to honestly address this only ensures problems to persist. Perhaps we need South African style Truth and Reconciliation Committee historical record outlined and people educated about the consequences of slavery and push the need for real change.

African Americans are not looking for a handout. Respect and recognition of our unique role in American history are all that ask. The country should live up to its core beliefs. We want our country to love us, as we love it.

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I”m So Focused

Mar–a–Lago: The Unofficial Diary

Dear Diary:

There I was at the G20 with my best pals, MBS and Putin. Then came the love fest at the DMZ with Kim. I had tanks in Washington DC July 4th. I’m On Fire! Note to self must call the NBA commissioner to ensure an American team wins the title next year. MAGA@

Under so much pressure, I was for the strike on Iran before I was against it. Boy those Iranians sure do send mixed messages!

Bolton has the hots for Iran, it’s like, he is jealous ex-lover. I may have to destroy Iran to make it 'Great Again.' My marketing guys have the 'MAGA' hats, ready to go!

Sarah’s leaving the White House and Mueller going to testify. They say I lack empathy but those kids at the border making me look bad. So Sad!

Word to OJ and Cosby: leave the Twitter to me…My London trip was great, adoring crowds everywhere!

Watched the Democratic debates, what a snooze-fest. 'Sleepy Joe' needs to take a permanent nap.

So bugged about presidential harassment, for some reason, they still want my tax returns. As the great poet, En Vogue said, 'never, gonna get it.

Gotta go. Bolton wants war with Fiji. Another 'shit' to deal with to boost my ratings. Biggest Number Ever!

America’s Deadly Obsession

The main caveat for the NRA

By Angela Brooks

Virginia Beach, Las Vegas, Parkland and Sandy Hook, all stand as a bloody testament to America’s love affair with guns. Each mass shooting leaves behind in its wake shattered lives, hopes, and dreams while we see feckless politicians offer up meaningless “Thoughts and prayers.”

Politicians wring their hands, staunchly defends the status quo and take in huge donations from the NRA.

Believe you me; I do not advocate for Stormtroopers go into people’s homes and forcibly confiscating guns. However, surely we can do something to alleviate the domestic carnage we experience in this country.

Many convinced that the second amendment is sacrosanct. Where do none gun owners’ rights begin? Don’t we have the right to attend public events, school, and go to work without fear of gun violence?

The main caveat for the NRA should be that the right to gun ownership is a privilege bought with responsibility, total responsibility. We should be able to agree on comprehensive background checks to deny criminals and the mentally ill access to deadly firepower. However, the financial heft and lobbying muscle of the NRA has stymied real attempt at gun control.

We have a patchwork of laws in some states, such as “Open carry: and “Stand your ground” have fueled a “Wild West” mentality which in some cases has led to tragic consequences. It would be too simplistic to state the nations 'love affair sixth guns are just a part of our psyche. In comparison, other countries where guns are not as readily available death rates due to gun violence are dramatically lower.

As in the case of New Zealand after a massacre, had the political will to ban assault rifles a lesson for us all perhaps there is hope for the future. The passionate advocacy of the young Parkland shooting survivors has galvanized a movement for common sense gun laws. Progressive states such as California and Colorado have passed more restrictive laws on gun and ammunition sales. Many have called for the crisis to be declared 'national emergency, very few in battle zones like Chicago would disagree with that characterization.

Elections have consequences, and 2020 is the perfect way to our craven politicians who failed so miserably to protect us.

Still got SDNY crawling up my ass, gotta get my homey Rudy G on them

It all goes back to Episode 1. 'Nobody disobeys my orders': Trump

Mar–a–Lago: The Unofficial Diary.

Dear Diary,

Total exoneration! “Beautiful William Barr” deserves the Congressional Medal of Freedom or at least a free lunch at KFC. I also told Barr he could keep the colored pens I gave him to redact the report. This Mueller thing was fake news and a failed coup. I won, suck on that Democrats!

Nobody disobeys my orders you can ask Rod Rosenstein.

The Russian hoax is over Don McGahn, such a loser! What kind of lawyer actually takes notes?

People don’t believe I have the energy of a 17-year-old, ask Melania. I’ve got more vigor than “Sleepy Joe.” That’s for sure.

No collusion, no obstruction, the Mueller report is total B.S.; They keep trying to take me down, but this is “Game of Thrones” baby and I aim to win!

Still got SDNY crawling up my ass, gotta get my homey Rudy G on them. Note to self, find out if Slovenia has an extradition treaty with the USA…

AOC and Warren itching to impeach but they forget that I have low friends in high places.

A lesser man would laugh at Joe Biden, but I am too presidential to stoop to that level. I know how it feels to be falsely accused, ask my pals, Bill Cosby, and Robert Kraft.

People keep on asking me about Julian Assange. Who? I don’t know the guy. I thought WikiLeaks was slang for the men’s restroom.

Lie, cheat, steal, but really I'm a nice guy. I have to wonder, why Nipsy Hustle gets all the love? After all, I didn’t get my parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Samuel L. Jackson needs to stop whining about me cheating at golf and focus on great movies like “Snakes on a Plane.” Still waiting on that sequel Sammy.

I really don’t know what all the fuss about, Rudy said it was fine to get help from Russia and we can always blame the Dems.

I wish Bill Maher would stop calling me “Fat Donny.” So mean! I told Theresa May I am coming to London in June and she started to cry. She so was overcome with joy. Hope the Queen comes up with better food this time. Would it kill her to make a McDonald’s run? Have a caravan to stop. Stay tuned!

Must call Vlad and make sure my video is safe

Mar–a–Lago: The Unofficial Diary

Dear Diary, update…

Vietnam, what a dump! Could not find a decent burger in Hanoi. Chairman Kim, you cut me, bro! At least I finally made it to Vietnam bone spurs be damned, take that McCain!

Cohen. RAT!!!

Good to know that the national emergency did not stunt my golf skills. Tiger Woods said I was better than Phil Mickelson. He played scared because I joked about my security detail shooting him if I lost…

R Kelly and Robert Kraft. LOSERS!! The smart people, never get caught!!!

It’s all about my big and beautiful wall, who needs Congress? Damn Democrats! Shutting down the government. SHAME! With Mueller locking up my pals I have nightmares about waking up in a supermax being held by a guy called Bubba.

JEFF Bezos! What a stiff! Cheating on his wife, such a disgrace because I would never cheat on Melania…

Blackmail is such an ugly word Jeff, I prefer the phrase “friendly” persuasion. Note to self, must call Vlad and make sure my video is safe.

My State of The Union speech or as I like to call it, Trump’s Primed Time Special was so brilliant. BIG RATINGS! HUGE NUMBERS!

DT might need a distraction soon, hello Venezuela.

Just took my annual physical. The doctor said I have the body of “The Rock “and the mind of Einstein. HE REALLY KNEW HIS STUFF!!

The Clemson Tigers, what a bunch of whiners. At my own expense, I treat them to authentic American food and they have the nerve to complain.

I have to say. “Blackface” not cool!!! But Liam Neeson along with Tom Brady are my true heroes.

@realDonaldTrump thoughts on planes on the heels of an Ethiopian Airline crash: Airplanes are becoming far too complex to fly. Pilots are no longer needed, but rather computer scientists from MIT. I see it all the time in many products. Always seeking to go one unnecessary step further, when often old and simple is far better. Split second decisions are needed, and the complexity creates danger. All of this for great cost yet very little gain. I don't know about you, but I don't want Albert Einstein to be my pilot. I want great flying professional that are allowed to easily and quickly take control of a plane! SAD!

March could be a bad month due to the witch hunt. No Collusion!! Stay tuned.

History & Politics

Mar–a–Lago: The Unofficial Diary

Dear Dairy,

Mattis. LOSER!

The midterms, Mike Cohen and Michelle Obama, horrible people! You too, K West I treated you like a son, a dark and crazy son! SO SAD!

My Saudi friends are so unlucky. Was it their fault a visiting journalist died after carelessly slipping on a banana peel? TRAGIC!

People say I was a sad sack in Paris, but it was raining cats and dogs. I gave a speech while my hair was getting wet. You tell me who the real war hero was…

Jeff Sessions. SO WEAK!! Hopefully Barr will be my Roy Cohn.

Whitaker and Barr really need to protect me even though I did nothing wrong.

Rats are everywhere!

I have two new titles. “Individual number one” and “unindicted co-conspirator”. SO PROUD”!

Mueller thinks he can outsmart me. He needs to know, I am. “Bigger than King Kong.”

Firing John Kelly is my idea of a Merry Christmas… Even “dumb-as-a-rock” Rex Tillerson took a cheap shot. SAD!! Melania feels so bad for me that now she wants to hold my hand in public. Love is great!

I want my wall, maybe Canada will pay for it.

No respect right now, Kim and Vlad are ducking my calls. The other day the President of Haiti hung up on me

Is it my fault Wall Street took a dump and where is my thanks for beating ISIS?

Went to the Bush funeral and I behaved well… I just stared straight ahead and repeated, Mueller is a bastard and Russia is a hoax!

The “Deep State” is out for blood, but I am too smart!

I am a nice guy, but my patience is being tested. What do people want? I was assured they only used the best quality tear gas on women and kids at the border.

Now I must deal with “Nasty Nancy” and “Cheerless Chuck.”

No more mister “nice guy”!

I love the smell of Twitter in the morning!

Got to go, have to call Rush, and Hannity. Stay tuned.

History & Politics

Satire | YAME

Mar–a–Lago: The Unofficial Diary

Dear Diary,

My shrink told me this was a healthy way to express my inner feelings. What a load of crapola!

Personally, I think he is jealous that I’m the Shakespeare of Twitter. SAD!

Washington is full of swamp rats and liars.

There’s more flipping going on than at Burger King. So unfair it should be illegal. The other day I groped Jared in the Oval Office. I thought he was wearing a wire!

No collusion, no collusion. This Russian thing such a hoax –Fake news

My dad was the greatest role model, and people say I am just like him. I remember watching him leave for a Klan rally. So proud!

Make America great again.

Believe me I am the least racist person I know. Look at how K West calls me daddy.

Mike Pence is a strange guy, he keeps offering to take me skydiving and personally wants to pack chute.

It’s not easy being the GLOAT -Greatest Leader of All Time. Only my friend Vladimir might disagree. So true!

People call me nasty names. So mean! Idiot and screw up, Melania really hates me.

Bart O Kavanaugh (Brain on Bart) is my kind of guy. I would love to have ‘z’ beer with him. It’s a tough time to be a white male. False accusations –SAD!

They say I am a tax fraud. The Press is really the “enemy of the people.”

Mueller insists on meeting me. Fat chance loser!

All for now, I’ve got a cheeseburger with my name on it.

Note to self must learn to fake empathy.