Name:   Talullahhound - Subject:   An Opinion Date:   9/10/2016 12:04:11 PM

Seems like the media and the population in general spends far too much time debating the personalities of the candidates and not nearly enough time listening and debating the issues.

All this talk about Trump and Putin is nothing more than a smoke screen. I think that Donald may be somwhat right about Putin - he is a strong leader, he is very popular in Russia and he makes it a point to come from a position of strength on the international front.  He has been clear about his objective to re-establish Russia as a superpower.  Although we have been conditioned to distrust Russia, even hate them, if you step back and look at it objectively, Putin has done pretty well for himself.  I don't think Trump necessairly admires Putin or trusts him, but he is pragmatic and sees that we will be forced to deal with him.  Sometimes honey is more effective than poison.

I'm not sure why, but it certainly seems that Democrats are unwilling to allow anything positive to be said about Trump, to the extent that they seem to feel the need to attack.  I've been attacked on FB by my circle of friends (mostly liberals) to the point where some have unfriended me.  I find it curious, because the basis of our relationship has not been political, but love of animals. 

One thing I observe is that we have been brain washed into being so politically correct that we no longer value someone as a character and celebrate their uniqueness.  Trump is hardly the first person to run for political office who could justly be identified as a unique character and not a smooth politician.  Some of our past Presidents well celebrated for being different personalities. 

And finally, our Country and our President were deeply disrespected by the Chinese at the G-20 summit and by the Phillipine President.  The fact that our President turned the other cheek, was not a show of strength on our part.  We looked weak.  And when Obama accepted the Phillipine President's apology, that was a show of weakness too.  Other countries took note.  Obama may feel he was being very civilzied and diplomatic but he is wrong.  Does anyone remember when Condoleeza Rice made her first trip to Russia in her high boots and military style coat?  She was sending a message.