We All Have Opinions
by Dr. Jack Sternberg, Contributing Author: It strikes me that every one of us has an opinion (actually many opinions) concerning all aspects of life. It can be as simple as who will win a certain baseball or football game or as complicated as to whom we should marry or what profession or job we should we should choose. And of course, there are thousands of opinions (which lead to choices) in between. Throughout our lifespan, daily and even minute-by-minute, we all constantly develop opinions concerning all aspects of life, which then leads to our actions. Hopefully, with time, the longer we live and experience life, the wiser we become and the more accurate are our opinions and predictions.
Some, if not most, express these opinions verbally to others, either publicly or privately in social settings. In today’s world of cyberspace, one can now voice their opinions publicly and for the record on mediums such as Facebook or Twitter. Others write blogs or publish newsletters and send them out over the Internet. Lastly, television newscasters and 24 hour a day cable news outlets have “pundits” who continuously give us their “learned” opinions ad infinitum, ad nauseum.
So, here I am. I am just one more person giving a weekly opinion about something. I have looked back over the last two years opinion pieces and I believe I have had a pretty good track record for telling it as it is and predicting what’s to come.
This week, I want to talk about President-elect Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin (Is anyone surprised? What else is everyone continuously talking about?). I have listened to dozens of “experts” try to analyze their relationship and their fears as they give their opinions.
So, now I’ll add my contrarian opinion. I don’t believe there is any “bromance” between the two of them. When Trump says Putin is “smart” he is only acknowledging the fact that Putin has been effective in accomplishing his goals for Russia. That is not an endorsement of his actions or ideology but a realization that Putin is a worthy adversary and should be respected for his shrewdness and his ability. The dangerous naïveté would be for Trump to underestimate Putin. I don’t believe he has or will in the future.
Immediately after President Obama imposed sanctions on Russia and everyone expected Putin to retaliate, I told my wife what I thought Putin would do since I too think he is “smart.” I told her, “If I were Putin, I would be magnanimous. I wouldn’t counter Obama with tit-for-tat expulsions. I would act noble and do nothing. I would show Trump respect by proclaiming I will wait to see how the new President acts.” I believed he would do this so as to appeal to Trump’s ego. I doubt Trump got suckered.
Why? Trump has been dealing with Putin types his entire business career. He knows Putin types, whether they are New York City businessmen or politicians or international entrepreneurs. He’s used to “playing with the big boys” and he is no fool or else he wouldn’t be the billionaire that he is. He just beat every other Republican to get the nomination and then beat Hillary Clinton and the Democrat machine. He is as cunning as a fox and he plays to win.
Michael Corleone in The Godfather, Part II said “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer."
That’s my opinion as to what President-elect Donald Trump is doing as it pertains to Vladimir Putin. Wouldn’t it be great if Putin underestimates Trump? Many others have.
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Jack Sternberg, MD, is a retired medical doctor and former Chairman of the Garland County, TEA Party Patriots in Arkansas, and a contributor to the ARRA News Service.
Tags: Jack Sternberg, we all have opinions, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks!
Some, if not most, express these opinions verbally to others, either publicly or privately in social settings. In today’s world of cyberspace, one can now voice their opinions publicly and for the record on mediums such as Facebook or Twitter. Others write blogs or publish newsletters and send them out over the Internet. Lastly, television newscasters and 24 hour a day cable news outlets have “pundits” who continuously give us their “learned” opinions ad infinitum, ad nauseum.
So, here I am. I am just one more person giving a weekly opinion about something. I have looked back over the last two years opinion pieces and I believe I have had a pretty good track record for telling it as it is and predicting what’s to come.
This week, I want to talk about President-elect Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin (Is anyone surprised? What else is everyone continuously talking about?). I have listened to dozens of “experts” try to analyze their relationship and their fears as they give their opinions.
So, now I’ll add my contrarian opinion. I don’t believe there is any “bromance” between the two of them. When Trump says Putin is “smart” he is only acknowledging the fact that Putin has been effective in accomplishing his goals for Russia. That is not an endorsement of his actions or ideology but a realization that Putin is a worthy adversary and should be respected for his shrewdness and his ability. The dangerous naïveté would be for Trump to underestimate Putin. I don’t believe he has or will in the future.
Immediately after President Obama imposed sanctions on Russia and everyone expected Putin to retaliate, I told my wife what I thought Putin would do since I too think he is “smart.” I told her, “If I were Putin, I would be magnanimous. I wouldn’t counter Obama with tit-for-tat expulsions. I would act noble and do nothing. I would show Trump respect by proclaiming I will wait to see how the new President acts.” I believed he would do this so as to appeal to Trump’s ego. I doubt Trump got suckered.
Why? Trump has been dealing with Putin types his entire business career. He knows Putin types, whether they are New York City businessmen or politicians or international entrepreneurs. He’s used to “playing with the big boys” and he is no fool or else he wouldn’t be the billionaire that he is. He just beat every other Republican to get the nomination and then beat Hillary Clinton and the Democrat machine. He is as cunning as a fox and he plays to win.
Michael Corleone in The Godfather, Part II said “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer."
That’s my opinion as to what President-elect Donald Trump is doing as it pertains to Vladimir Putin. Wouldn’t it be great if Putin underestimates Trump? Many others have.
-------------------
Jack Sternberg, MD, is a retired medical doctor and former Chairman of the Garland County, TEA Party Patriots in Arkansas, and a contributor to the ARRA News Service.
Tags: Jack Sternberg, we all have opinions, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks!
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