June 2, 2020

Hey, Trump, what were you doing with that Bible in your hand?


What was Trump really doing with that Bible? Pick the answer closest to what you think.
 
pollcode.com free polls

143 comments:

rhhardin said...

Clinton went to church with an unusually large bible so it was sure to be seen in his troubles.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Church + Bible.

Oh no! No one ever takes a bible to church.

Temujin said...

You needed another option. This one: Expressing his sincere belief that traditional values, including religion, are the answer. was close.

But should have read: He was expressing his sincere belief that traditional values, including religion, are to be protected. And that seems to be a bridge too far for our media to grasp.

My wife and I watched Lafayette Park go from filling up again with potential rioters, to being cleared out quickly. Then an escort of Secret Service and the President, Sec'y of the Army, AG, and others walked through the park, by the marred and destroyed buildings and monuments, over to the Church. Both my wife and I thought what we were seeing was just symbolic, but a good and needed symbol. I immediately turned to CNN and they were already calling it a cheap photo-op while sounding like they were going to cry.

There is no limit to my hate for the media right now. They actually work on being obtuse.

Ken B said...

Missed one: Imitating Bill Clinton. He held the Bible too.

Todd said...

Shame no multiple choice. Could be the first three. Could be all four...

tim maguire said...

Engaging in an effective photo op.

Sincerely recognizing that decent people are outraged by the damage done to national monuments, including St. John's Church while smartly distinguishing himself from Democrats who don't seem to mind being seen as hostile to religious faith.

Sebastian said...

"Bible and faith good, places of worship good, attacking church bad."

Bay Area Guy said...

Some of DC looters have parents who respect the Bible -- so maybe it'll help signal them to reign in their lawless, looting kids.

bagoh20 said...

If you watch people who frequent the front of a church, a bible is the most often held item, except maybe car keys, but Trump doesn't drive himself, so I don't know why holding a bible at a church is even questioned. I mean, I know it's because TDS is overwhelming so many, but people need to take their meds.

n.n said...

Expressing belief in principles and union. That said, everyone has a religion (i.e. behavioral protocol), tradition, and philosophers ("leaders", "gods" and "goddesses"). Some are better characterized, labeled, and understood than others.

stevew said...

I think the two most popular choices (at this point) are likely true. Voted for the "Baiting" one because if Trump were to tell us what motivated him, that would be his first choice. He likes to bait, and fight, and tease his critics, detractors, and adversaries.

whiskey said...

I would guess he meant the same thing that he meant when he held it when he took the oath of office at his inauguration.

mandrewa said...

I don't know whether Trump is truly religious or not. But I think it's apparent from his behavior that he believes in "traditional values."

But actually there are a lot of people that believe in "traditional values" whether they claim to do so or not. For instance I know Sam Harris, who is both left wing and an atheist, clearly and implicitly believes in many traditional values given the arguments he makes.

So this is why I'm putting "traditional values" in quotes. Both Donald Trump and Sam Harris believe in traditional values, but the "traditional values" category is loose enough that there is still considerable room for difference between the two men.

Openidname said...

Where's "Playing to his base"?

Chris said...

Trying to understand if you were as upset about Clinton holding the Bible? Or Obama?

Mr Wibble said...

The first three.

Achilles said...

It is a symbol of unity. He is probably really sad right now.

The barbarians are at the gate.

I know that Democrats feel nothing for what they are destroying. But we do.

It is time to redefine citizenship.

Fubar.N.Wass said...

Where is the all of the above choice?

mandrewa said...

Yancey Ward has already pointed this out but this editorial by Tucker Carlson is something special:

Our leaders dither as our cities burn

rehajm said...

It was symbolic for the supporters but go ahead and attack him. He'll take the bonus points...

wendybar said...

Why do they care if they hate religion so much. They never asked Attorney General Keith Ellison why he had an Antifa radical handbook in his hands in a tweet he put out. That's okay...but God forbid, you hold up a bible. These people make me sick, and everyday I despise them more and more. They need help for their TDS.

hombre said...

In the vernacular of believing Christians, Trump is under demonic attack through a portion of the population that is clearly deranged and emboldened by an acquiescent larger population bedeviled with moral bankruptcy, ignorance or both.

He ought to keep that Bible by his side, read it now and then and exchange his narcissism and a few of his political advisors for a well-grounded spiritual advisor.

As for the derangement, moral bankruptcy and ignorance, I base that observation in part on the fact that despite having been a leading Democrat in my community for nearly a quarter of a century, no Democrat who knows that has ever asked me why I left the Party or why I support Trump. I wouldn’t dream of talking politics with them including my oldest son unless asked. Many here know why.

Bilwick said...

"Liberals" and other State-fellating idiots are probably triggered by Trump holding a Bible because he's probably holding one of those old, non-PC translations that still include "Thou Shalt Not Steal" and "Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Goods."

Big Mike said...

I couldn’t vote for the first answer because it’s plain wrong. I couldn’t vote for the second because “sincere” does not belong with “politician.” But I do note that the second answer and the third are not mutually exclusive.

NorthOfTheOneOhOne said...

Well, whoever runs against de Blasio in the next mayoral election just got artwork for their campaign posters, courtesy of Antifa!

Narr said...

I love being in the majority in the morning.

Narr
It smells like victory!

YoungHegelian said...

That idiot Trump! What the hell is he doing holding up a Bible in front of an Episcopal Church? Doesn't he know the Episcopalians don't hold any truck with that old thing!

I mean, jeez! The only people who get to use an Episcopalian Church as a political prop are the Episcopalians!

Michael said...

Excellent set of possible answers: they cover the waterfront and are generally mutually exclusive (although you could believe the third and either the second or fourth are true.)

sykes.1 said...

Trump may have attended Norman Vincent Peale's Marble Collegiate Church in New York City, but he not now a practicing, believing Christian.

Dude1394 said...

Uhhhh going to a church you carry a bible. Just saying.

Inga said...

Blaspheming?

Jon Ericson said...

Are you trying to get a part-time job writing multiple choice questions for the NYT polls?
If so, good job with the words 'sincere', 'baiting', 'foolishly', 'desperately' 'weird' and 'inept'.
You people.
Or was this an attempt at humor?

YoungHegelian said...

A friend of mine from Saint John's in Santa Fe was ordained a priest in an Eastern Rite Church (the Melkites). He had an ugly falling out with the Melkites & rather than try and repair relations and become a priest in the broader Catholic Church, he decide to decamp to the Anglicans/Episcopalians.

One afternoon I called and in my best clergy-ish voice left a message on the answering machine: "Mr. X, we've spoken to one of your references, a Mr YoungHegelian, and he claims that in college he saw you dancing around a bonfire on Monte Sol with three naked coeds chanting 'Satan is Lord! Satan is Lord!' Would you like to comment on this allegation, Mr. X?"

He called me back & said that if I had proof of such a thing it could only help his case with the Episcopalians.

sparrow said...

Really want to make two choices here. I think Trump sincerely believes and wants to bait his enemies.

Wince said...

Did Trump 'thump' his bible?

That bible thumpin' Trump!

Yancey Ward said...

Oh, most definitely baiting his antagonists, and, of course, they immediately take the bait.

djf said...

Yes, the real problem we face is Trump's ham-handed and insincere attempt to exploit religious symbolism in a crisis (as opposed to the more deft but equally insincere exploitation of such symbols by Democrats, particularly Bill Clinton and Obama). Thanks for the clarification.

Churchy LaFemme: said...

Goin down to shoot his old lady?

Birches said...

I didn't pick. It's somewhere in the middle of 2 and 3. I don't think he was intentionally baiting. I think he thought it would be a nice thing to do. But he has such good instincts and our press is utterly out of their minds. I just can't understand how visiting a historic church nearby that was defaced is a reason for outrage? It's his neighborhood!

More impressive? Bill Barr and Mike Esper walking the streets after dark. God bless them.

traditionalguy said...

He was drawing his two edged sword made out of inspired living words. No wonder he really scared the dark forces that he is up against.

cubanbob said...

I'm not a prog so I don't see the problem. If Senile China Joe gets elected is he going to take the oath of office with his hand on the Communist manifesto?

Lazarus said...

That is a smaller Bible than Bill Clinton was lugging around during the Lewinski scandal, so congrats on the modesty.

Dan said...

"Expressing sincere solidarity with religious people" would have been my preferred answer.

chuck said...

How about "I don't know". As far as baiting enemies, doing anything normal would serve the purpose.

bagoh20 said...

Trump's purpose with the whole episode including the bible was to send a message to Americans that things can be under control and life can be normal if leaders will do their job, which is to protect law abiding citizens, not tell them to hide. We are done with hiding from the left's boogie men.

Gospace said...

Expressing his sincere belief that traditional values, including religion, are the answer is baiting his antagonists to make attacks that alienate religious people and traditionalists. They cannot help themselves.

Those two answers are inextricably entwined. I answered with expressing his belief.

MayBee said...

I think he was doing something weird, I think he was trying to show solidarity and counteract the meme that he was hiding.

Drago said...

"Hey, Trump, what were you doing with that Bible in your hand?"

Sending a message that he will not abandon religious conservatives the way Bush and the establishment republicans have in coordination with their democrat allies and he (Trump) will push back against the lefts attempt to drive religious conservatives from the public square.

Oso Negro said...

I choose "using a location and symbol to reinforce his point"

Lucien said...

Not "where you goin' with that Bible in your hand"?

Drago said...

I'm going to channel traditionalguy with this thought:

In this cultural battle where visuals matter greatly and a single picture is like a speech, Trump is Gen Patton who is letting you know that he happily reads the Bible "every God**** day" even as he directs US troops to use the guts of German soldiers to grease the treads of our tanks.

The Godfather said...

Almost every time I take a poll on Althouse, I give the same answer as the majority.

Should I be worried about this?

TRISTRAM said...

All of the above seems plausible.

Drago said...

Bears repeating:

jon gabriel@exjon

When you're more upset about Trump standing in front of a church than arsonists setting fire to it...

6:14 PM · Jun 1, 2020·Twitter Web App

MayBee said...

Here's how Nancy Pelosi decided to respond: https://twitter.com/heatherscope/status/1267823160482643970

Drago said...

Russian Collusion Truther and Bearer of False Witness Inga: "Blaspheming?"

Inga, were you standing on a mountain of sold off baby parts when you wrote that?

wendybar said...

Temujin said...There is no limit to my hate for the media right now. They actually work on being obtuse.
6/2/20, 9:43 AM

Same. I hate them more and more everday. I am waiting for the day that Antifa shows up at their houses, like they did to Tucker Carlson a year ago. The Media is dying, they are committing suicide, and we are watching them thrash around in a death throe....

Bay Area Guy said...

""Hey, Trump, what were you doing with that Bible in your hand?""

He is inviting Antifa to join him in Bible study class this weekend.....

The Cracker Emcee Refulgent said...

"Where's "Playing to his base"?"

When you can make your opponents sit up and bark like a dog, you no longer need to play to your base. Your opponents are doing the job for you.

exiledonmainstreet, green-eyed devil said...

Even committed secularists should be horrified by the burning of St. John's Church, because it's a historical site. Every President since Madison has attended services there. And it's beautiful in addition to being historically important. I used to worry about Muslims blowing up European cathedrals. Now we have home-grown barbarians trying to destroy our churches and monuments.

But the moronic bishop is more offended by Trump standing in front of The Presidents' Church holding a Bible than she is by the vandals.

Drago said...

BTW, to date, not a single prominent democrat anywhere has condemned the international terrorist group antifa.

Not a single one.

And why would they, given antifa is the left's storm trooper direct action arm.

Ann Althouse said...

“ Not "where you goin' with that Bible in your hand"?”

You get the reference, but I couldn’t use “where” because he had arrived at the where and we knew what it was.

Ann Althouse said...

“ Should I be worried about this?”

Should you be worried about... The Twilight Zone?

Drago said...

I was also "very impressed" with the radical left Episcopal Minister essentially apologizing to the arsonists.

That's a good look.

Francisco D said...

Hey Joe! Whatya doin with that gun in your hand

I prefer the Jimi Hendrix version to to the original.

When the BLM and Antifa kids temper tantrum is over will we be back to normal?

Normal = Impeach Trump.

Fernandinande said...

Should I be worried about this?

44% said yes, 33% said no, and 43% were not sure. May add up to more than 100% because cheating.

Yancey Ward said...

"Should I be worried about this?"


⊙ No, the commentariat is to be emulated.
⊙ No, because even low probability events are sometimes realized.
⊙ Yes, the commentariat are a bunch of knuckle-dragging lunatics.
⊙ Yes, but it is mostly ok to be a knuckle-dragging lunatic.

Vote View

wsw said...

Bill Clinton's got you covered already, having carried around one during the Lewinsky fallout

RobinGoodfellow said...

“ Blogger Churchy LaFemme: said...
Goin down to shoot his old lady?”

He caught her messin’ ‘round with another man!

Lurker21 said...

Hey Don, where you goin' with that Bible in your hand?
Hey Don, I said where you goin' with that Bible in your hand?


Somebody is channeling Hendrix today.

Brian said...

The hero in the “Hero’s Journey” needs to descend into hell to gather a talisman to do battle against the forces of evil. Seems about right.

Think Perseus and his shield.

Doesn’t have to fool everybody. Just enough.

Bill Crawford said...

Temujin - sounds like you were there. Can you confirm the crowd of people was asked to leave the park prior to the use of tear gas, etc. to expel them?

clint said...

I'm with MayBee -- He needed to counter the idea that he was under siege, hiding in a bunker. So he went outside, to stand in front of a burned church. And made sure he was seen doing it.

I'm bewildered by the focus on the Bible, as I am by most of the things the media choose to focus on. Cities are burning, many with the government supporting the vandals. Who cares what prop the President held for a photo op?

John Marzan said...

He's not religious himself, but he's there to protect conservatives from the progressives attacks on their traditional values.

Koot Katmandu said...

Has Ann always been triggered by Bibles? Asking us to read PDT mind and pick one of your answers seems a bit odd. Could be multiple reasons for the bible including he believes it. How about you do a poll asking why the rioters and looters burned the church?

Unknown said...

Left of this choice: Reassuring people of faith that their right to practice their religion and their places of worship will be respected.

Inga said...

Trump set up this photo op because he was embarrassed that word got out that he went down to the White House bunker. He can’t be seen as weak and wanted to prove what a big brave man he is. He used the church and the Bible as props and he’s using the religious right as his dupes. Yes, it’s unsourced, but it’s oh so believable for anyone who has observed ol’ bone spurs.

https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-church-photo-op-in-fury-at-bunker-mockery-reports-2020-6

President Donald Trump was enraged by coverage of him sheltering in a bunker during protests around the White House, according to several reports.

In response, the reports said, he staged a photo op at a nearby church to demonstrate that he was not afraid to be seen outside, the reports said.

To make way for him, police cleared peaceful demonstrators with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash grenades.

The president is facing mounting criticism for his response to the unrest that has broken out in cities across the US.”

traditionalguy said...

That little book translated into German and English 500 years ago started a hundred year war in Christendom. It also taught Scots to read producing David Hume and Adam Smith whose intellects kick started modern civilization. That’s all.

Inga said...

“Almost every time I take a poll on Althouse, I give the same answer as the majority.

Should I be worried about this?”

Yes.

Mike (MJB Wolf) said...

89% agree it was symbolic and potent. That’s a pretty consensus-like result.

Achilles said...

Ann Althouse said...
“ Should I be worried about this?”

Should you be worried about... The Twilight Zone?

I know it is tough for you right now. You are watching the people you voted for try to burn down the country.

The shutdown hoax wasn't enough. Now they are resorting to open violence.

At some point you will let reality have it's day.

But for now snark away.

Howard said...

Jesus, you people are beyond the twilight zone.

Levi Starks said...

I’m gonna need to know what version he’s using before I get excited either way.

n.n said...

The Twilight Fringe, where penumbras and emanations bloom, where living constitutions lose their viability, yes.

Narayanan said...

Can anyone see Bible in his hand as he walks over? if not definitely prop after

Andrew said...

Trump should tweet this photo of George Floyd holding up the same book. (The photo was even fact-checked by Snopes.)

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/may/george-floyd-ministry-houston-third-ward-church.html

narciso said...

the rector, marianne dubbe, isn't really that keen on the Word,

n.n said...

Hey, Orange Man, what are you squeezin'? How about squeezin' some of that up with me.

Greg the class traitor said...

I don't know if Trump is truly religious, I personally doubt that he is.

But I do know that Trump won in 2016 because the Left's insanely vitriolic hatred of all those who actually are religious in America caused those people to vote for Candidate Trump in the hope that he would defend them from the Left.

And President Trump responded by actually doing what he said he would do.

So President Trump took part in a photo op that's going to help him win in 2020. Because the message was simple, straightforward, and honest:

Dear American Christians and Jews. The Left hates you and wants to destroy you, and your places of worship. I am on your side, and will fight to stop them.

Joe Biden is not on your side. He will stand by and watch as they burn your church down. Just like all those Democrat Mayors and Governors stood by and watched.


The reason why this will work for Trump is because it's true. If you don't like that, blame the Left for their hatred of Christianity, and their hatred of Jews who are more than "culturally Jewish". And if you can't bring yourself to condemn those haters, GFY

Rosalyn C. said...

Only a week ago or so, the President was calling for the opening of houses of worship which have been closed as non-essential in our society. Now we see synagogues in LA are being vandalized, and a church right across the street from the White House burned by protestors. The President went to stand with a Bible in front of that vandalized church and the media is triggered, not by the malicious destruction of a historical landmark, not by lawlessness, but by Trump holding the Bible.

The Bible forbids stealing, vandalism, lawlessness. There are no excuses for racism, for inequality, etc. But the clergy of that church find excuses to overlook damage and destruction and stealing. They claim that if we find excuses the looting and destruction will stop. But we see the chaos is increasing. Trump is going to defend the Bible and what it stands for, even if the clergy do not.

IMO the closest thing in the Bible to what is happening is the story of the Golden Calf. As you recall, Moses didn't come down make excuses for their foolishness, he didn't let them carry on, he stopped it.

Narayanan said...

Trump showed Bible front, back and edgeways.

I wonder if he took oath on that Bible and saying I mean to keep my oath?!

Jon Ericson said...


Here's Joe.
Much better.
He's 'praying' and he has his mask on.
Very presidential.

wendybar said...

Read Revelations....it explains a lot.

effinayright said...

Chris said...
Trying to understand if you were as upset about Clinton holding the Bible? Or Obama?
****************

Or Obama holding his prayer rug?

BUMBLE BEE said...

I recall a dustup involving Trump. Something about Trump killing someone on Fifth Ave. and nothing would happen to him. Well, didn't Cuomo just accomplish the same thing in the Nursing Homes? OK, so they were old and feeble and not a fair matchup, but look at the numbers Cuomo got!

Mr. T. said...

Stupid racist Trump showing up with a bible at a church (that was set on fire).

What we need are real spiritual leaders and their Presidents- like Obama and his Rev. Jeremiah Wright who epitomize racial unity.

Jim at said...

I don't care why he did it. It's pissing off all the right people, and that's good enough for me.

Greg the class traitor said...

Howard said...
Jesus, you people are beyond the twilight zone.


Tell it to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Howard

Until you people stop trying to force them to pay for birth control, you're a bunch of anti-religious lunatics/

What's taht? You really want your employer to pay for your birth control?

Then don't go to work for a group of Catholic nuns

Michael K said...

I see Inga can now read Trump's mind. It's a shame she doesn't have one of her own.

Inga said...

“So President Trump took part in a photo op that's going to help him win in 2020. Because the message was simple, straightforward, and honest:

Dear American Christians and Jews. The Left hates you and wants to destroy you, and your places of worship. I am on your side, and will fight to stop them.“

Dear American people, Trump is using your strongly held beliefs to gain politically. He doesn’t care about your faith or the Bible. He is using you and you are letting him.

Bilwick said...

Inga is one of those idiotic State-fellators I referenced above, who would like the Bible revised to remove those pesky strictures against stealing and not covetting other people's property.

Drago said...

Howard: "Jesus, you people are beyond the twilight zone."

Tell us more about how white supremacists are making this happen all across the country.

Drago said...

Bill Crawford: "Temujin - sounds like you were there. Can you confirm the crowd of people was asked to leave the park prior to the use of tear gas, etc. to expel them?"

The democrat mayor of DC ordered a 7pm curfew and the police were enforcing that curfew.

So naturally, the lefties are now all pretending that the DC Metro police enforcing the DC democrat Mayors curfew is Trump's fault.

It goes without saying that Inga has been pushing that latest lie.

Drago said...

Its fun watching Inga and Howard and the rest of the moron lefties get their talking points and narratives all tangled up.

pacwest said...

I would guess he meant the same thing that he meant when he held it when he took the oath of office at his inauguration.

Bingo! Trump swore his oath of office with his hand on the Bible. He walked across the street after a show of force to let everyone know that he has full intent to uphold that oath. He showed us the book. Look, I intend to follow thru on that oath I swore. See? This book I swore on. See? Look here. If that means using force I will.

Pretty straightforward. Not sure what the confusion is.

Stephen said...

This guy had a bunch of peaceful protesters teargassed so that he could have a photo op in front of a church with a bible.

Sick by any standard.

And violence and looting are not OK and should be stopped and punished. But threats to send in the army, whether state governors want it or not? While at the same time saying that states must take responsibility for fighting the pandemic, even when they beg for help in doing so? So there's no overriding federal interest in protecting the public from a disease that is disproportionately killing black and brown people, but there is an overriding federal interest in protecting the public from black and brown protests. Sick again.

FullMoon said...

Secret Service and all advisors demanded that Trump stay safe in the White House.
Trump said, "Fuck that, you got thirty minutes to get ready, then we are going to church".

Reminds me of when man got on stage during Trump speech, SS grabbed Trump, Trump pushed his hand off. Seared in my memory.

FullMoon said...

Hey, am I the only one here concerned about lack of social distancing and masks in the crowds?

Gk1 said...

Are lefties entirely confident they can put the genie back in the bottle after encouraging all of this mayhem? Having a president flash a bible is the least of our worries. Their tin ear for politics is the most alarming aspect of the last week.

The Cracker Emcee Refulgent said...

"Somebody is channeling Hendrix today"

Dude, The Leaves. Get hip already.

Brian said...

To make way for him, police cleared peaceful demonstrators with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash grenades.

Fake news. The Park Police have said they didn't coordinate with the White House, responded only after being attacked, and didn't use tear gas, but smoke.

The story falls apart from that. Unless you think Park police are a bunch of MAGA supporters and are lying.

Qwinn said...

"When you're more upset about Trump standing in front of a church than arsonists setting fire to it..."

This applies to every leftist, everywhere. Think about that.

I have yet to even hear a single leftist prioritize differently.

Achilles said...

Greg the class traitor said...
I don't know if Trump is truly religious, I personally doubt that he is.

There are a lot of people that doubt everyone else's personal commitment to faith.

It seems to make some people feel good to say things like this.

Howard said...

Trump had to tear gas the church to save it

FullMoon said...

Not to worry, Biden gonna attend Floyd funeral for better photo op.

Drago said...

"Russian Collusion Truther and Bearer of False Witness Against General Flynn, Carter Page and Brett Kavanaugh" Inga: Dear American people, Trump is using your strongly held beliefs to gain politically. He doesn’t care about your faith or the Bible. He is using you and you are letting him.

If Inga is so good at reading minds, how did she screw up her Mueller mind-reading so badly?

Drago said...

The police ordered one of Howard and Inga's antifa "heroes" in for arrest.........

....and yes, he was 20 years old, living at home and he showed up at the police station with mommy and daddy.

Howard must be so very proud to be associated with this young go-getter.

Francisco D said...

Howard said... Jesus, you people are beyond the twilight zone.

Howie,

I sympathize with your emotional struggles. After 8 years of drooling over the crease in Obama's pants, it is difficult for you to deal with a real POTUS.

Is was the crease in his points that you were slobbering over, wasn't it?

iowan2 said...

Haven't read all the comments.

The problem was, Monday morning President Trump was doing nothing, failing to lead, hiding in "the Bunker" (SS orders, but shutup) Monday evening President Trump is showing leadership...but doing it wrong.

What exactly should President Trump do? The only thing the President can do, is take symbolic actions. So no matter the symbolism exhibited, the leftist will declare 'orange man bad' It is exactly the same tune leftist have been performing since June of 2015. Its old and tired and no one is dancing to it.
Please find a new tune.

Stephen Taylor said...

Saw this comment on Yahoo!......

"There were a whole bunch of commandments. At least 10. I heard 10, but there were probably many more. They were big, beautiful commandments. Very commanding. The 2nd commandment is very, very important. It gave the Corinthians the right to bear arms. Very important commandment that I will make sure to protect. Sleepy Joe hates the 2nd commandment. He wants to take away the rights of the Corinthians, who, by the way, are very good people. We've golfed on several occasions. Great guys. MAGA guys. No one knows the commandments better than me. The Pope asked me, "Trump, how do you know so much about religion." It's like a gift."

Drago said...

Howard: "Trump had to tear gas the church to save it"

If you want to piss off Howard, show him pictures of churches that have not been destroyed.

That always seems to trigger him.

Jim at said...

Stephen - the dog who likes to hear himself bark - is sick.

Good.

Clyde said...

Over 1400 votes! That's a lot of lurkers!

BUMBLE BEE said...

Trump is the one we sent to kill the boogeyman.

BUMBLE BEE said...

Trump always brings out the Lamentation of the women.

Drago said...

Howard: "Trump had to tear gas the church to save it"

BTW, the tear gas lie has now been officially debunked.

As in, its another lefty lie.

Next time Howie, if you're just going to lie anyway, make it more interesting.

Make it russian tear gas!

Robert Cook said...

Poll results: 40% of respondents are incognizent beyond earthly understanding.

Robert Cook said...

"That idiot Trump! What the hell is he doing holding up a Bible in front of an Episcopal Church? Doesn't he know the Episcopalians don't hold any truck with that old thing!

"I mean, jeez! The only people who get to use an Episcopalian Church as a political prop are the Episcopalians!"


I can testify! I was raised in the Episcopal Church and I never saw anyone bring a Bible to church.

(This is not to suggest that most of the parishioners were insincere. As far as I could tell, most of them were true in their belief. Growing up, I "believed" in God in that tepid, cursory way many--most?--Americans do, but I shed even that perfunctory religiosity by my early 20s.)

Michael K said...

but I shed even that perfunctory religiosity by my early 20s.)

Of course you did. And that lesbian bishop agrees completely.

Michael K said...

Listening to a group of Ukrainians playing Chicago music Amazing to see the US dissolving in chaos.

Greg the class traitor said...

Achilles:

I have not faith myself, so it is not a negative judgment when I doubt it in someone else

But "Two Corinthians" left me doubting that Trump has ever spent much time in Church

Greg the class traitor said...

Blogger Stephen said...
This guy had a bunch of peaceful protesters teargassed so that he could have a photo op in front of a church with a bible.

Sick by any standard.



Really? Sure they weren't "mostly peaceful" "protesters"?

Greg the class traitor said...

So, here's what those "peaceful protesters" of Stephen's were up to:
On Monday, June 1, the USPP worked with the United States Secret Service to have temporary fencing installed inside Lafayette Park. At approximately 6:33 pm, violent protestors on H Street NW began throwing projectiles including bricks, frozen water bottles and caustic liquids. The protestors also climbed onto a historic building at the north end of Lafayette Park that was destroyed by arson days prior. Intelligence had revealed calls for violence against the police, and officers found caches of glass bottles, baseball bats and metal poles hidden along the street.

To curtail the violence that was underway, the USPP, following established policy, issued three warnings over a loudspeaker to alert demonstrators on H Street to evacuate the area. Horse mounted patrol, Civil Disturbance Units and additional personnel were used to clear the area. As many of the protestors became more combative, continued to throw projectiles, and attempted to grab officers’ weapons, officers then employed the use of smoke canisters and pepper balls. No tear gas was used by USPP officers or other assisting law enforcement partners to close the area at Lafayette Park. Subsequently, the fence was installed.

https://hotair.com/archives/john-s-2/2020/06/02/park-police-issue-statement-clearing-lafayette-park/

hombre said...

The clergy there forgave the arsonists for burning the church, but couldn’t forgive Trump for having a photo taken. Maybe they were pissed because he brought a Bible on the premises. Oh so Episcopalian!

hombre said...

@Greg: “Two Corinthians” is the less common usage, but it is not incorrect - except of course when Trump says it.

Greg the class traitor said...

@hombre, in roughly 30 years of church going, I never once heard it as anything other than "Second"

Point is, IMAO it doesn't matter whether or not Trump personally believes. What matters is that President Trump is willing to protect those who do believe, from the hatred of the Left

Because the Party of "'Catholic' politicians who support abortion" doesn't get to throw stones about other people's faith

Greg the class traitor said...

Larry Niven had two "laws":
1: Don't throw baggies of shit at armed men / cops
2: Don't stand next to people who throw baggies of shit at armed men / cops

If you're an actually peaceful protester, then when you go to a protest, you make a plan. "What do i do if I see a violent rioter trying to screw up my protest?"

One option is to plan with your friends, and immediately attack any vandals / destroyers / attackers
The other reasonable option is to leave

Standing around and waiting to get nailed by the response to the violence is "you get what you deserve"

DeepRunner said...

So cynics and Trump-haters are saying it was just a photo op. I dunno. He had to be seen in public and, from photo perspective, he was in a particularly vulnerable position on the church sidewalk. Yeah there was probably plenty of protection very close by, but it was interesting optics nonetheless. Of course, a bunch of African-American pastors, who probly have no use for Trump anyway, decided to publicly criticize him and it.

DeepRunner said...

Inga said...
Blaspheming?


Really???? I guess Saint Joe would be more believable with a Bible in his hand, huh? At least it would keep his hands off female congregants and the children's choir. Maybe.

DeepRunner said...

Howard said...
Trump had to tear gas the church to save it


TDS is a helluva drug.

cf said...

i thought it was quite poignant: with all the words being yak-yak-yakked like confetti, and all the words President Trump types out at all hours on Twitter, here he is Beyond words, a message of action.
He Walks through the barriers, He stands in front of Tried and True history, and looking in the eyes of the cameras and the people, he holds up "THE Word".
It is that Word that says we are each naturally granted every Reason to be Fearless and Free. Huzzah.

gadfly said...

Any attempt to associate the word "sincere' - free of pretense or deceit - is impossible when the individual cited is possessed with malignant narcissism. This psychological syndrome is comprised of an extreme mix of narcissism, antisocial behavior, aggression, and sadism.

It blows my mind that so many people responding here obviously have lived life without having had to personally deal with those obsessed as Trump is. As for those buying into Trump, remember George Will's words:

This unraveling presidency began with the Crybaby-in-Chief banging his spoon on his highchair tray to protest a photograph — a photograph — showing that his inauguration crowd the day before had been smaller than the one four years previous. Since then, this weak person’s idea of a strong person, this chest-pounding advertisement of his own gnawing insecurities, this low-rent Lear [as in tragic King Lear] raging on his Twitter-heath has proven that the phrase malignant buffoon is not an oxymoron.

Charlotte Johnson said...

HELLO EVERYONE