Yesterday the !@#$ hit the fan when people traveling to the US were detained or turned away at the airport after Donald Trump's Executive Order. There were protests at airports where people were detained, including Sea-Tac
Donald Trump's order is more wide reaching than previous bans, it wasn't in response to a specific incident, it didn't involve any of the countries where terrorists have come from (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan et al), and it was hastily implemented so even people with Green Cards were unable to enter the US.
In addition, Donald Trump changed the people who are part of the National Security Council. The NSC is the main forum a president can use to discuss national security and foreign policy issues.
As of January 28, 2017 the Military Advisor (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) no longer has permanent status on the NSC
As of January 28, 2017 the Intelligence Advisor (Director of National Intelligence) no longer has permanent status on the NSC
As of January 28, 2017 the White House Chief Strategist now has a permanent status on the NSC.
Why? It doesn't make any sense that when you're having a discussion about National Security and Foreign Policy you would not require the Military and Intelligence Advisors be part of the discussion and you would want your White House Chief Strategist.
I guess a President is allowed to be advised by whoever he wants. And, the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of Energy (a laughable Rick Perry who didn't even know the Energy Department is in charge of our nuclear stockpile) are part of the discussion so maybe Trump feels like that's all he needs.
I'm concerned that Trump's national security and foreign affairs decisions will be based on politics rather than what is in the long term best interest of the United States - and humanity.
To be clear, I think people should follow the law when coming into this country (I don't get illegal immigration - I guess they often overstay their visas?), and I don't mind a process where people are vetted before granting green cards or whatever else we give people (see? I obviously don't know much about immigration and people coming to the US), but this policy of Donald Trump's is over-reaching and doesn't respect the nuances of life. No refugees? Christians get priority? It's affecting people who have a legal right to be here. This process requires more finesse than a political grand gesture, which is what Trump has done.
Trying to keep up with this stuff was what I did yesterday.
Also of note: I always forget about the Australian Open because the time difference means I'm asleep when they're playing. When I DO try to watch, it's not live - it's three hours behind, so by the time the matches are on in the West Coast time zone - it's already over in real life.
Even though I didn't watch - the championship matches promise to be classic battles.
Venus Williams vs Serena Williams. They're both over 30 and still play outstanding tennis.
Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal. Again, both over 30 and playing brilliantly.
We aren't likely to see those match-ups again. Stunning. (Serena and Roger won)
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