The psyche of Trump

In the June 26 issue of the Ledger-Enquirer Froma Harrop argues that Trump’s master plan involves losing the election. She argues that “Trump’s candidacy is a brand-building scheme and little more.” Some critics wonder if Mr. Trump has, in the words of Richard N. Patterson (see online the Huffington Post of June 4, 2016), a “narcissistic personality disorder.” This disorder includes a warped sense of one’s importance, a craving for constant attention, anger at those who thwart one’s own wishes (Ted Cruz, Marc Rubio, President Bush, etc.), an impulsive nature that leads one to speak before thinking through things, and feeling that one is always right.

People with this disorder refuse to admit they are wrong and are totally unable to accept criticism. We see this in that Mr. Trump forbids a number of media outlets to attend his rally. This disorder rears its ugly head when Mr. Trump bends the truth, shifts positions, and lies so much that objective truth disappears. Mr. Trump has fantasies of his own power, success, and brilliance. That’s why when asked whom he consults in regard to his foreign policy, Mr. Trump says he “listens to himself.”

Mr. Trump appears to have a huge sense of entitlement. Above the rule of law, he guarantees that he will torture terrorists and use waterboarding “in a heartbeat.” If international laws stand in the way, Trump states “we have to change the laws.” For Trump it does not matter that our country under Article VI of our Constitution makes the United Nations Convention against Torture the supreme law of the land. A question: Is Trump’s campaign an external manifestation of his own inner disorientation or psychodrama?

Enemy leading us

Without a doubt, the man who was, unfortunately, elected to lead the greatest nation on earth is a most dispassionate person. He is incapable of feeling emotion about anything except his obsessions. His obsessions being his plan to destroy this nation, climate change and appeasement of the enemy, whoever it is. He is determined not to name the enemy and just as determined to erase all reference to the real enemy from official records and pronouncements.

He bears the blame for the attrition of the most cruel and ruthless menace the world has ever seen. The Islamic terrorists have tortured, beheaded, and committed unbelievable atrocities against thousands of innocent men, women and children. Life means nothing to them. Despite all these terrible acts, this President has shown no remorse or compassion. Worst of all, he refuses to use the full resources at his disposal to eradicate this horrible menace. He is content with containment.

His is the most dishonest administration in the history of this nation and the most divisive. Dishonesty is rampant in his administration and is rewarded rather than the guilt being reprimanded or terminated. Honesty is threatened with retribution. He is the enemy within our gates and, presently, more dangerous than ISIS. God help us, but we have to do our part to prevent the realization of his obsessions.

Good memories

When I picked up Sunday’s paper and saw Johnny Barfield’s picture as councilman for Phenix City, I remembered Johnny Barfield and his Troubadours. They were a big hit at WRBL radio in the 1940s and thereabouts.

Congratulations, Johnny, for trying to make the world a better place.

Times of trouble

“In times like these” is the name of a gospel hymn. A look at history shows that there have always been times like these: wars, lawlessness, rape, torture, slavery, traitors, political oppression, refugees, etc.

One school of thought says that the world is evolving and technology will eventually make the world a better place for humankind. Others say that our society is degenerating and it will never deliver its implied promise of an evolutionary utopia.

Meanwhile, the world’s major religions are robust and active. Some of these faiths claim to offer hope and salvation, but what kind of salvation are they talking about?

The salvation of the Holy Bible is more than a plan to escape the world system; it is also a plan to transform the world system and according to 2 Peter 3:9, God wants everyone to be a part of His plan.

The founders of every major religion and faith movement came as teachers. Do this and you will get this, etc. Only Jesus Christ came as a Savior. Jesus didn’t give anyone a “list” of things you have to do to be saved. He came to forgive and to save by way of the Cross and the Resurrection. Let’s go forward, not trusting in traditions, ceremonial form or religious activity but in the finished work of the real Savior and the real Salvation.

This story was originally published June 30, 2016 at 10:00 AM with the headline "The psyche of Trump."