Had Trump Committed Treason?

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 05:43:42 -0500

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 5:52 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 05:52:52 -0500

"Seriously guys, if you think it is okay to have no background checks for people who want to buy AR-15s and AK-47s and you think it is okay for people on the Terror Watch List TO BUY THE SAME"

Couple things here:

1) Nobody's said it's OK for there to be no background checks on ARs and AKs. Which is why there *are* background checks on ARs and AKs. I've passed many of them.

2) You're mixing up the Terror Watch List and the No-Fly List. In either case, someone can be nominated to the watchlist with essentially no due process. Do *you* want to kick open the door to revoking an American's civil liberties without due process? Are you sure?

Those points made, I don't agree with Trump.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 6:30 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 06:30:47 -0500

I think you'll be hard pressed to find where those of us on the pro-Second Amendment side say that there should be no background check to purchase a weapon.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Dec 9 at 2015 7:25 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 07:25:04 -0500

Walt, you need help. None of the comments you have mentioned rise to treason. Trump is in no position of power or authority. His comments are his opinions just like everyone on this forum. If you don't like them, don't vote for him and move on. You look like a loon posting things like this.

He is allowed to poke any beast he likes under the first amendment. There is nothing, zero that rises to the level of treason and you ought to know that. You are simply following the left's playbook in trying to shut down any voice you do not like.

If you don't like what he says, post counter arguments and positions, encourage you friends/family to steer away. To attempt to play the treason card is simply juvenile.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 7:38 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 07:38:59 -0500

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 9 at 2015 8:07 AM

SGT David T. — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 08:07:51 -0500

Walt with all due respect. You are way off on this one and your statements are very dangerous. Attempting to tie someone's protected first amendment right to treason is a VERY slippery slope. What you suggest amounts to the destruction of liberty and tramples on the very document we all swore to defend.

Also using Ad Hominem attacks basically tells everyone that you can't win the argument based on message alone. So your argument is weak and not really well supported.

As far as those on the watch list being prohibited from buying firearms, I strongly oppose this idea as things currently are. The decision to place someone on the no fly list is a unilateral decision that does not go through a court. Sure there is a redress process, but any infringement on a right without a trial by jury is strictly prohibited and unconstitutional on the basis of the 5th and 14th amendments. Furthermore, the Farook and his wife weren't on the watch list to begin with. They had no criminal record nor were they deemed a threat based on mental health. So as you can see, no background check in the world will stop someone who hadn't done anything up to that point. I would also like to point out that they were stopped by people with guns.

As for your claims of gerrymandering, I do not have the numbers nor the time to look it up so I will refrain from discussing that for the time being. If I get time later I will look it up comment.

I get what you are trying to say, I do. I just think that instead of being divisive and lashing out with personal attacks it would be more productive to come up with a compromise measure that doesn't trample on the very thing we all swore to protect or drive the wedge further between both sides. We need to remember that when we stop talking, stop cooperating and stop compromising the repercussions are something none of us want to see. The last time that occurred, the result was 600K dead Americans and countless others wounded. Just something to think about. As for me I hope we NEVER get to that point again.

Response by SCPO Joshua I made Dec 9 at 2015 8:14 AM

SCPO Joshua I — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 08:14:36 -0500

Oh come on.

Absurdity.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Dec 9 at 2015 8:15 AM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 08:15:49 -0500

The question is quite inflammatory, but the answer is easy. No. Treason is a serious charge. To propose a policy when you have no authority to enact policy is what candidates do. It carries no weight and becomes nothing. It aids no one, and harms no one (except maybe the candidate him/herself), until the policy comes into effect. If anti-Islamic rhetoric is now automatically treason, then you have already made the leap that we are at war with Islam. You have defined the enemy he is providing "aid and comfort to" as the very Muslims he wants to prevent coming here.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 8:18 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 08:18:25 -0500

I’d say –again- that his words might help ISIS in recruiting jihadis in this country to go martyr on us like Farook and Malik did.

That is providing aid and comfort to our enemies.

“Take, for example, our freedom of speech. It is one of the most clearly stated and robustly protected rights in the Constitution, yet it is also subject to numerous restrictions. Our speech might not be protected if it falsely damages someone’s reputation, aids and abets a crime, contains a threat of violence, reveals a trade or military secret, harasses, plagiarizes, inflicts severe emotional distress, is deemed to be obscene, incites violence, or leaks classified information, to name a few. The United States Supreme Court further allows restrictions on when, where, and how we can express ourselves even when the message itself is protected. In some cases we control who may speak, such as limitations we may constitutionally impose on the speech of students, prisoners, and government employees.

When determining what regulations on speech are acceptable, the Supreme Court carefully weighs the significant value of protecting the freedom of expression against the countervailing public interests. Thus you certainly have a right to protest, but not in a public park without a permit. You have a right to exclaim your beliefs, but not with a sound truck at night in a residential neighborhood. You have a right to express yourself through art, but not with a can of spray paint on someone else’s car. Child pornography is indisputably a type of speech, yet the Supreme Court gives it no constitutional protection, zero, because the court believes that the harm it inflicts on the abused children far outweighs any expressive value.” - Salon.com

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 8:27 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 08:27:41 -0500

So are we going to talk about this notion that rights should be restricted via watchlist, or did we suddenly realize what a terrible idea that is?

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 8:44 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 08:44:39 -0500

None of the excuses I am seeing on this thread obviate the clear words of the statute. You don’t have to be a person of power, we don’t have to be at war with our enemies. One just has to help our enemies, which Trump is doing.

Won’t any of you just come out and say that Trump should STFU?

Walt

Response by SGT William Howell made Dec 9 at 2015 9:11 AM

SGT William Howell — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 09:11:54 -0500

Capt Walter Miller Not sure how using ones 1st Amendment rights constitutes treason. However, I can see how using ones freedom of speech can make you look like an racist idiot.

Response by PO1 Todd Cousins made Dec 9 at 2015 9:15 AM

PO1 Todd Cousins — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 09:15:51 -0500

If you want to follow that same thread of thought the president should be immediately impeached and charged with treason for trying to open our borders to military aged males Siriain refugees.

But both aren't and can't happen. Let's put aside the first amendment side of your statement and just look at it with an eye to the courtroom. Where is your proof that his statement is aiding ISIS? It's all well that you believe it but you can't prove his statements are doing such a thing. You are talking about a man passing secrets to a foreign power you ar trying to say his words gave aid and comfort to the enemy. If we use that thought process then Hillary Clinton would be charged for her email alone not to mention the Libya embassy where her actions lead to the death of American citizens.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 9:24 AM

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 09:24:13 -0500

Walter, what Trump said was wrong and has ramifications of its own. However, you pose a severe logical fallacy to infer zealous misguided patriotism is treason. At worst it is bad judgement. I do become concerned about your posit on the matter because of your command level. In my professional opinion I would recommend you unplug the terror tube (tv) for two weeks and put your ear to the deck to listen to what's going on around you. Talk with your men about their lives and families. Talk with ops and make sure you're running as finely tuned as possible. Take some extra time to do pt with the men/women. This posit of yours indicates that current politics may adversely influence your processing and may otherwise cause you to have predisposition on decisions that could affect personnel or other actions. It would be woeful to let politics of the sheeple affect us as more than hot air. Time focused tending our immediate responsibilities is paramount at this time.

Response by CPT Gary Mattson made Dec 9 at 2015 9:43 AM

CPT Gary Mattson — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 09:43:21 -0500

We already have a significant background check to buy any firearm in the United States, adding a list of excluded individuals will just give the government the ability to add anyone they want to the list. We can make as many laws as we want, individuals who have ill intent will always get what they need to do harm.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 9:49 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 09:49:16 -0500

"In the late-night political comedy war that is mocking Donald Trump, “The Daily Show” threw down one hell of a gauntlet Tuesday evening. Trump has spent the aftermath of the San Bernardino shooting spreading his Islamophobia and Muslim bigotry. But more, he’s fulfilled the label that ISIS likes to place on the West, by fueling assumptions that all Americans ascribe to the “radical ideology” of Trumpism. Imagine an entire population of people being lumped into being just like Donald Trump…. that’d be like saying all Muslims are like ISIS!
That’s why Trevor Noah says that all conservatives must be banned from entering the White House. These people meet all of the criteria for being radical Christian terrorists capable of anything. “White ISIS” or WhISIS could attack at any time.
“Daily Show” correspondent Hasan Minhaj, a peace-loving American Muslim, said Trump is absolutely right to keep Muslims out, not because they’re a danger, but rather there’s a “racist maniac” on the loose in America and his name is Donald Trump. He’s “an extremist leader who came out of nowhere” is “self-financed, recruits through social media, attracts his followers with a radical ideology to take over the world and is actively trying to promote a war between Islam and the West.”

http://www.salon.com/2015/12/09/wow_the_daily_show_calls_gruesome_racist_maniac_donald_trump_white_isis/

Wow, “The Daily Show” calls “gruesome” “racist maniac” Donald Trump “white ISIS”

"He's self-financed, recruits through social media, attracts his followers with a radical ideology..." VIDEO

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 10:20 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 10:20:39 -0500

Don't we need this again:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Assault_Weapons_Ban

Federal Assault Weapons Ban - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB) — officially, the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act — is a subsection of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, a United States federal law that included a prohibition on the manufacture for civilian use of certain semi-automatic firearms it defined as assault weapons, as well as certain ammunition magazines it defined as "large capacity."

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 10:44 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 10:44:08 -0500

Your attempt to frame a response is noted. You are not going to get a valid answer from all of those polled since there isn't a valid answer.

US Constitution
Article. I. Section. 1.
ALL LEGISLATIVE POWERS herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Under federal law, the executive branch is expressly required to take religion into account in determining who is granted asylum. Under the provision governing asylum (SECTION 1158 OF TITLE 8, U.S. CODE), an alien applying for admission

...must establish that … religion [among other things] … was or will be at least one central reason for persecuting the applicant.

Moreover, to qualify for asylum in the United States, the applicant must be a “refugee” as defined by federal law. That definition (set forth in SECTION 1101(A)(42)(A) OF TITLE , U.S. CODE) also requires the executive branch to take account of the alien’s religion:

...The term “refugee” means (A) any person who is outside any country of such person’s nationality … and who is unable or unwilling to return to … that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of … religion [among other things] …[.]

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/427262/refugee-religious-test-shameful-and-not-american-except-federal-law-requires-it-andrew

Refugee ‘Religious Test’ Is ‘Shameful’ and ‘Not American’ … Except that Federal Law Requires It

President Obama sees his principal task as imposing his post-American “progressive” preferences, regardless of what American laws mandate.

Response by PO3 Michael Cardinale made Dec 9 at 2015 10:52 AM

PO3 Michael Cardinale — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 10:52:37 -0500

Mr Trump is certainly spouting off some craziness that many of us find disturbing but he is not committing treason. I believe many of his anti Muslim ideas are just ways to drum up the fear base of his constituents, if elected he could be impeached for trying to implement any of them as they are clearly unconstitutional.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 11:01 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 11:01:26 -0500

He may be a buffoon, but an act of treason is a stretch.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 11:26 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 11:26:08 -0500

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/a-note-on-trump_b_8744476.html

A Note on Trump: We Are No Longer Entertained

Earlier today, the candidate currently leading in the polls for the Republican presidential nomination called for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." That was, of course, Donald Trump. On the heels of Trump's proposed change for America, we will be changing how we cover him at The Huffington Post. Back in July, we announced our decision to put our coverage of Trump's presidential campaign in our Entertainment...

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 11:26 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 11:26:47 -0500

Earlier today, the candidate currently leading in the polls for the Republican presidential nomination called for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." That was, of course, Donald Trump. As Jeffrey Goldberg just tweeted, "Donald Trump is now an actual threat to national security. He's providing jihadists ammunition for their campaign to demonize the US."

A threat to national security? Being a citizen and alll -- isn't that treason?

Walt

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 11:38 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 11:38:35 -0500

"This is not conservatism," declared House Speaker Paul Ryan, the Republican Party's top elected leader. "What was proposed yesterday is not what this party stands for. And more importantly, it's not what this country stands for."
Meanwhile, Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday that Trump's rhetoric is complicating U.S. diplomacy.
"I stay out of politics," he told reporters in Paris. "But on this one I have to say something because it involves my job, it involves our country."
He said that IS, also known as ISIS or Daesh, "is not Islam and there are courageous Muslims around the world in the Middle East and elsewhere standing up to it."
Kerry said that "what Mr. Trump has said runs contrary" to U.S. values of religious tolerance "and makes our job of reaching out to people and sharing America just that much more complicated and that much more difficult. And that's about as diplomatic as I can be about it."
One by one, Republican officials across the country lashed out at Trump's plan, which calls for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States" to help quell the threat of terrorism."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trumps-incendiary-comments-throw-gop-into-a-tailspin_56682ec9e4b0f290e5213756

Trump's Incendiary Comments Throw GOP Into A Tailspin

One by one, Republican officials across the country lashed out at Trump's plan.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Dec 9 at 2015 11:40 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 11:40:11 -0500

I don't know if it is treason but he is definitely an asshole who needs to be shouted down and exposed as the racist bigot he is.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 12:54 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 12:54:06 -0500

Freedom of Speech, 1st Amendment, US Constitution.
Words do not provide material "aid and comfort to the enemy", no matter how ill-advised they are.
If you don't like what he has to say, don't vote for him. It is pretty simple.
I only hope that my choices are not Hillary or Trump.

If you'll indulge me for a moment, let's explore the logical consequences of such a ban on immigration.
Let's say that Trump is elected, enacts this ban, it somehow passes Constitutional muster, and he builds a border wall.
People who already hate us and are members of ISIL will continue to do so.
New recruits may be spawned by this, but I think honestly the effect is negligible. Far more motivating is the military action we take in the Middle East.
Since "all Muslims" are banned from entry, they'd have to sneak in. Since the Southern wall will be the "best wall ever (!), they'll have to come in through Canada or any of the numerous ports of entry on the coast.
Let's just say that Trump can lock all of that down (he can't). The obvious threat in this eventuality is the same as it is now - that the real threat is from radicalized individuals already within our borders.

Basically, Trump is trumpeting (pun intended) the precise counterpoint to the President's "save the women and children" rhetoric. Both are poorly formed and undoubtedly poorly executed ideas.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Dec 9 at 2015 1:03 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 13:03:49 -0500

I am just befuddled how someone can view someone's opinion as treason...my head hurts from reading what amounts to another vitriolic attack on anything and everything Republican by the poster...smdh.....

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 1:25 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 13:25:00 -0500

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Dec 9 at 2015 1:34 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 13:34:01 -0500

Sir, I understand your definition of treason, but fail to remotely see where it applies to Trump. Is he a laughing stock of a candidate, is he a bigoted blowhard that no one with a brain respects, is his money longer than his common sense, the answer is yes. But none of those equate to treason. If anything Geraldo would've been convicted years ago when he told the world where he was live while embedded with the Marines. Bergdhal, would be a sho-in for conviction. Trump's issues aren't what he says or even does, but the fact there are those who actually support it both directly and indirectly. If the GOP really wanted to do something about him and his antics, they would've sent a different memo outlining how they were going to ostracize him. They didn't and sent a memo telling the candidates not to get into a direct conflict with him unless it's clearly something they could isolate themselves from. Is the GOP going to win in 2016? No. Without Trump they're going to loose a substantial number of voters. Personally I think the GOP would be better off without him or his voters not that I'm remotely a fan of any candidate of any party. Note also none of the GOP candidates really went out of their ways to decry what he said to include prominent members of congress. The Dems aren't really putting in any real effort into this election, and they don't really have to. This is one of those "sit back and watch the train wreck" moments for them. When the GOP has finally had enough of the embarrassment he's providing and want to be honest to themselves and the party line, they will get rid of Trump in a very public and embarrassing method. Until then, they are getting what they give. I watched a video of reporters directly asking Republicans running for various offices if they would support him if he won the candidacy, and they tried the standard doubletalk and when pressed, the only retort was that "he won't win the nomination". That's not an answer. If something isn't done soon, Hillary WILL be the First female President, and she won't have to even paint her face to go to any debate. But on the "plus" side, if Trump actually won the race, it could possibly be the first time in history that both parties united together across the isle against the president. Within the first 100 longest days in Trumps presidential life, he'll see how effective congress can be, and how easily those executive orders really are overturned. His supporters would also find out what everyone else with one brain cell knew already...that isn't good for anything that doesn't support Trump.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Dec 9 at 2015 1:39 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 13:39:56 -0500

Trump is just running his mouth as usual and showing just how ignorant he really is!

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Dec 9 at 2015 2:34 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 14:34:47 -0500

Walter you are way off with your assessment. Obviously you do not know our history or you were too young to remember. In 1979 President Jimmy Carter banned the immigration of Iranians and called for the deportation of those who were here on a Visa. But, this does not fit into the Democrats rhetoric right now, so they say nothing about it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 2:38 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 14:38:14 -0500

Not one thing you said had an ounce of truth behind it. Your facts are way off. You need serious help if you believe what you posted.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 9 at 2015 3:12 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 15:12:23 -0500

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 5:40 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 17:40:58 -0500

Thankfully, this reason in particular is a prime example of why this nation is a Democratic Republic, and not a Democracy. In a standard democracy, an irrational movement such as Donald Trump suggests would only require the support of the majority of voters, effectively allowing the government to oppress the rights of a minority group of individuals. This time the Muslims, next, the Christians, and so on. Thankfully, this wonderful democracy is restricted to abide by the laws of our governing document, The US Constitution, which strictly prohibits the government from passing such laws as Mr. Trump and is uneducated voter base are condoning. That in itself helps this wonderful nation to prevent a temporary fear to spur permanent change by Politicians such and Donald Trump from using the current situation to increase the power of the government and strip Americans of their rights.

Now, if we can just ensure a Supreme Court to effectively administer the laws of the Constitution to limit the powers of government the way intended, we can get past this ridiculous nonsense and move toward effective solutions to the radical Islamic epidemic.

That being said, Treason? Really? I could provide a laundry list of things that President Obama has done more closely tied to Treasonous than this loud mouth ignoramus spouting off hateful rhetoric. Like oh, I don't know, violating the longstanding precedence that the United States does not negotiate with terrorists to release 5 highly dangerous known terrorists in exchange for a treasonous deserter without notification of or approval from Congress...

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 9:50 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 21:50:56 -0500

You guys can wail and cry all you like.

Trump has adhered to our enemies.

Walt

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 7:49 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 07:49:40 -0500

treason ... to who??? The Muslim from Syria?!?! what are you talking about??

The best case you lay down is "UN-AMERICAN". :)

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 8:01 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 08:01:54 -0500

Trump did not commit treason, he is allowed to say whatever he wants. However, it is my right to say he is an ignorant ass who has no concept what means to uphold the constitution and the rights of all peoples. Treason... no, asshole... Yes.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 10 at 2015 8:06 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 08:06:29 -0500

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that not many people are saying, “Trump should STFU.” Even if he is saying things a lot of people want to hear, he may be an enabler of an enemy of the United States. Someone said, “we are not at war with ISIS”, as if that mattered.

I think President Lincoln in the Corning letter pretty much nailed the concept. That agitator’s words were intended to damage the military power of the federal army. Trump’s words tend to increase the power of ISIS. The effect is the same.

Walt

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 10 at 2015 9:25 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 09:25:20 -0500

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."

Plato

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 10 at 2015 10:02 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 10:02:20 -0500

"Thousands of Muslims who have courageously served our country in uniform are struggling to come to grips with the hate that they’re now experiencing stateside: “There are roughly 5,900 U.S. service members who self-identify as Muslims,” Thomas Gibbons-Neff reports. “Now they are finding a climate that is significantly worse than anything they experienced after the Sept. 11th, 2001, attacks. ‘The rhetoric is definitely different, it’s very alarming,’ said Cpl. Ibrahim Hashi, a Marine who left the service in 2011 and now attends American University in D.C. ‘And I’m concerned for myself and my family’s safety.'” -- Wash Po

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 10 at 2015 1:08 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 13:08:10 -0500

"The 2016 candidate has more in common with the terrorist group than he does with America

The terrorist campaign against American ideals is winning. Fear is rampant. Gun sales are soaring. Hate crimes are increasing. Bearded hipsters are being mistaken for Muslims. And 83 percent of voters believe a large-scale terrorist attack is likely here in the near future. Some Americans are now so afraid that they are willing to trade in the sacred beliefs that define America for some vague promises of security from the very people who are spreading the terror. “Go ahead and burn the Constitution — just don’t hurt me at the mall.” That’s how effective this terrorism is.

I’m not talking about ISIS. I’m talking about Donald Trump.

This is not hyperbole. Not a metaphor. Webster defines terrorism as “the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal; the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion.”

If violence can be an abstraction — and it can; that’s what a threat is — the Trump campaign meets this definition. Thus, Trump is ISIS’s greatest triumph: the perfect Manchurian Candidate who, instead of offering specific and realistic policies, preys on the fears of the public, doing ISIS’s job for them. Even fellow Republican Jeb Bush acknowledged Trump’s goal is “to manipulate people’s angst and fears.”

http://time.com/4143003/kareem-abdul-jabbar-donald-trump-isis/

Hard to argue with Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Donald Trump, ISIS's Candidate

The 2016 contender has more in common with ISIS than he does with America

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 10 at 2015 1:16 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 13:16:36 -0500

"The mere suggestion of such a policy option in America ironically plays right into the hands of the “Islamic State” (ISIS) and other jihadis. The likes of ISIS want to attract more supporters and recruits, and there is probably no better way to do so than engendering discrimination and bigotry towards Muslims in general. In the world as the jihadis see it, convincing everyone that a clash of civilizations really exists will put some 1.3 billion Muslims into their pool of constituents, supporters and recruits – as opposed to the small minority of Muslims who currently support the jihadis."

http://rudaw.net/english/opinion/10122015

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Dec 10 at 2015 2:29 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 14:29:13 -0500

I fail to see how Donald Trump has committed treason, has he been a loud mouthed ass? Most certainly but I doubt that he could be convicted in a court for his ranting.
Radical / Extreme Islam, Christianity or any other faction that wants the world to conform to their way of thinking or else face the music is the problem.
People like Donald Trump rant on hot topics to garner attention and to get the scared people to join up on their ranting.
Just look at what happened in Alameda, CA http://www.ktvu.com/news/56662657-story
A Corrections Department employee verbally harassed 3 Muslim men who were in the park, the same park they go to during the work week at the same time every work day, doing their prayers and this clown starts to berate them and telling them to leave the country. I mean WTF is going on that something that was not harming anyone last week is all of a sudden a conspiracy meeting.
Is this what we are becoming? Are we going to fear every single person who looks Muslim? And with that can you pick a Muslim out of a crowd?
I will agree that Donald Trump is a loud mouthed ass but treason, now that's a bit of a stretch even for someone looking for something to cry about.

Woman could face charges after alleged attack on praying Muslims

A woman could face charges after an incident at LakeChabotRegional Park on Sunday in which she shouted insults at a group of Muslim menpraying in the park and then allegedly struck one and threw coffee at him, an East Bay Regional Park District spokeswoman said today.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 10 at 2015 10:05 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 22:05:14 -0500

"Trump is doing ISIS' job for them."

- Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Dec 11 at 2015 12:19 AM

SSG Gerhard S. — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 00:19:36 -0500

Treason? Seriously? Nothing he's said is actionable, or even policy. This is more than a "reach" Sir. At this point, Trump is in no position to make anything of the sort happen. He is engaging in speech, and speech is protected by our First Amendment. I've made my position on Trump clear. I'm not a supporter, though primarily because he has expressed destructive economic policies. Treason.... I can't believe you actually went there. Respectful Regards.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 3:51 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 03:51:46 -0500

No sir.

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Dec 11 at 2015 4:41 AM

Cpl Tou Lee Yang — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 04:41:33 -0500

The discriminatory hatred and racist view spewing from Trumps mouth is unbelievable. What's more fascinating is the amount of people who actually support his views.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 7:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 07:55:01 -0500

I can have a respectful conversation about politics but this is over the line. Calling Trump a trader for his political views is wrong. I don't completely agree with trump but nothing you put in your question looks like treason.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Dec 11 at 2015 6:51 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 18:51:57 -0500

I believe that his statement was that he wanted a temporary ban on Muslims until a better immigration procedure is designed. Its not unprecedented either, the US has banned certain groups individuals in the past (Pres. Carter did it to Iranians). Besides, immigrating to the US is not a right that every human on earth has. Its a privilege. Trumps statements are just election talk, nothing more.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 11 at 2015 9:08 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 21:08:36 -0500

Nah, idiocy is not Treasonous.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 12 at 2015 12:07 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 00:07:37 -0500

"By pushing away the American-Muslim community, we lose one of our greatest assets against terrorism: the trust between the community and law enforcement that we rely on to spot the warning signs of radicalization. The reality is that one of our greatest threats is in homegrown terrorism, radicalized individuals acting on their own the way we saw in San Bernardino. Further, acting the way ISIL claims in their propaganda by turning against our own Muslim community only contributes to those who are vulnerable to radicalization."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rep-judy-chu/hate-is-nothing-new-our-r_b_8786368.html

"The mere suggestion of such a policy option in America ironically plays right into the hands of the “Islamic State” (ISIS) and other jihadis. The likes of ISIS want to attract more supporters and recruits, and there is probably no better way to do so than engendering discrimination and bigotry towards Muslims in general. In the world as the jihadis see it, convincing everyone that a clash of civilizations really exists will put some 1.3 billion Muslims into their pool of constituents, supporters and recruits – as opposed to the small minority of Muslims who currently support the jihadis."

http://rudaw.net/english/opinion/10122015

Trump has aided our enemies. That is the definition of treason.

Walt

Hate is Nothing New, But Our Response Should Be

We need to fight against the fear and anger directed at Muslims and others. We need to resist the dangerous prejudices of our past that gave us the Jim Crow laws, the Chinese Exclusion Act, Japanese incarceration during World War II, and jobs offered with the caveat that Irish, Italians, or Jews need not apply.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 12 at 2015 3:15 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 03:15:08 -0500

He's got the Fascist Demagogue Act down to a fine art. I think he will say whatever he thinks he needs to say to attract the "Base" which from the look of it have some pretty scary ideas. Technically I would call it Treason sure but the Sedition Act has never really held up in court so it is kind of a Non-Starter anyway.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 1:13 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 01:13:19 -0500

I think there are enough good responses as to how outlandish this remark is!

Response by SrA Art Siatkowsky made Dec 13 at 2015 5:15 AM

SrA Art Siatkowsky — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 05:15:34 -0500

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2015/01/05/the_myth_of_democrats_20-million-vote_majority_125145.html

The Myth of Democrats' 20-Million-Vote Majority | RealClearPolitics

This past weekend, Vox’s featured piece contained the click-bait-y headline “The Senate's 46 Democrats got 20 million more votes than its 54 Republicans.” The short, three-paragraph...

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 8:12 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 08:12:33 -0500

After reading some of this, it certainly appears that some think treason is "You disagree with me."

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Dec 13 at 2015 12:39 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 12:39:31 -0500

being a loose cannon is not a treasonable offense.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Dec 13 at 2015 10:29 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 22:29:31 -0500

Wow...

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 14 at 2015 2:16 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 02:16:14 -0500

"Thinking About President Trump

America has been a sitting duck for a figure like Trump for a long time. More and more Americans are simply disconnected from government, politics and civic life. They are deeply cynical. Voting turnout keeps falling, especially among lower income people. The collapse of civic life means that too many Americans don't pay attention, don't have well informed views, think all politicians are crooks and phonies anyway, and are habituated to view everything as entertainment. The more of anti-politician a figure like Trump seems, no matter how boorish or mendacious, the better. What the hell, the regular crowd hasn't fixed the economy or saved us from terrorism. This guy at least talks tough and doesn't take any guff from either the PC people or wimps like Jeb Bush. When citizens do not pay attention, they do not bother to disentangle fact from fiction. If Trump's claims are outright lies, it doesn't matter as long as they are simple and reassuring." HuffPo

Sounds about right.

Walt

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 14 at 2015 8:08 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 08:08:01 -0500

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 14 at 2015 4:51 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 16:51:55 -0500

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 15 at 2015 11:57 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 11:57:52 -0500

"More Republicans publicly say they won’t back The Donald: Rep. Reid Ribble (Wisc.) told a local radio station that he won’t support Trump if he’s the GOP nominee, adding: “I have had dozens of Republicans and also fellow colleagues here in Congress say to me they will not support Trump no matter what.” Ribble said he wouldn’t vote for Hillary but perhaps for a Libertarian Party candidate, per BuzzFeed." - WashPo

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 15 at 2015 11:59 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 11:59:14 -0500

“The GOP’s get-serious caucus heads into debate: ‘Showtime is over’,” by Philip Rucker: “Candidates such as Chris Christie — mainstream Republicans who have climbed the political ladder from one government office to the next — have been drowned out and out-polled, much to their frustration and humiliation, by Trump and other insurgents. But now they hope that (tonight) will be a clarifying moment to pivot into a more sober final phase. This get-serious caucus, which also includes Ohio Gov. John Kasich and (Bush), has been begging voters to evaluate candidates not on their rhetoric, personalities and projections of strength, but on their governing records, knowledge and worldliness.” -- WashPo

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 10:14 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 10:14:39 -0500

Walt, you cannot possibly be serious with this one-sided view.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 23 at 2015 10:24 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 10:24:10 -0500

Your position reminds me of Hillary; advancing the same argument of unsubstantiated "aid and comfort" to the ISIS recruiting effort when her husband's conduct serves as a center piece in an actual piece of ISIS produced propaganda. I suspect your position is more political than moral or ethical. If you want a real example of "aid and comfort" research Kerry's trip to Paris to "negotiate" with the North Vietnamese delegates concerning the VN war when he still held a commission in in the Navy Reserve.
Trump's statement is part of his campaign rhetoric. That it was couched in words that reflected religious criteria is inappropriate but had it been directed toward country of origin it would have had historical precedence.
I will not answer your survey as the positions are colored similarly to your initial essay.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 7:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 19:05:11 -0500

While I disagree with Trump on pretty much everything, what your suggesting would effectively curtail free speech. Someone saying something that is viewed favorably by an enemy of the United States and then having that treated as treason would effectively halt free speech. Next we would have to arrest those who are opposed to US bombing of Daesh because of civilian casualties. Were we foolish enough to exercise that sort of logic, our entire society could begin to unravel.

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Dec 28 at 2015 1:06 AM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 01:06:24 -0500

Were you this worked up when John Kerry actually did commit treason?

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 31 at 2015 2:24 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 14:24:06 -0500

My two cents Capt Walter Miller.
You are a Vet, and as such, your freedom of speech has been fully restored to you. A great many of the RP members are currently serving. As such, they do NOT have complete freedom of speech, in fact their "speech" can do irreparable damage to their careers.

You can hate on Mr Trump, or Mrs Clinton, or anyone else, but we as service members should not as a matter of practice publicly denounce political candidates as being "traitorous".

I did not vote you down, as you are expressing your beliefs, but I would caution those who still don the uniform, to be careful of what they say, as those comments could haunt. Especially with posts making their way onto Facebook....

I will express my opinions of candidates at the polls-I vote. When I am unhappy with the way the politicos are taking us, I express it by voting against.

Just my two cents.

Response by SrA Marlin Taylor made Jan 4 at 2016 7:59 PM

SrA Marlin Taylor — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 19:59:06 -0500

If Trump has committed treason then by your own statements so has Obama.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 8:49 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 20:49:37 -0500

I do see it as election rhetoric, but then so is your question.

And if you reread your post, I'll gladly bet you that I can find plenty of people willing to give testimony on acts of treason (i.e. aid and comfort to the enemy) committed by Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. So tell me what your opinion, or even mine actually prove?

In the 1930's there was a poll: Should Jews be allowed to live in the U.S.? To our national shame, 66% voted in favor of expelling Jews. Jews started integrating into our society being less isolated and separated. And that's a good thing, because if you aren't going to be an American, I don't see what you are doing in our country.

It is time that peaceful Muslims denounced the radicals who are disparaging their religion. It is time that Muslims took a stand against Daesh (that's what ISIS calls themselves) instead of flocking to our country and expecting someone else to fight. It's time peaceful Muslims denounced honor killings and embraced human rights, especially women's right. And as long as they aren't willing to take such stands, it's not unreasonable for us to wonder whose side they are on. People have a right to be afraid of terrorists, and if you are on our side, it shouldn't bother you to say so. If you won't ... Silence is consent.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jan 5 at 2016 7:54 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 07:54:18 -0500

Unlock your head from your ass Captain. First of all it is not necessary to name call. It just lowers your credibility to that of whale dung or lower. Now to put his comments in context, he said (paraphrasing) that all immigration of mooslims must be halted until those alleged refugees can be vetted properly. A process BTW, the POTUS is trying to circumvent. If you do not want such a vetting, then I suggest the first 10K come live with you.

You need to learn to have a civil tongue. If I were your CO you'd be getting paper for conduct unbecoming. You are an officer and a gentleman only by order of Congress and so far I don't see your actions (via the comments) as representing either.

Your comments represent the hate and vitriol of the those liberals who throw names when they cannot make their case with comments based in fact.

At ease, Captain!

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jan 5 at 2016 8:53 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 08:53:34 -0500

A lot of what DT has said, despite not being said in the most PC manner, reflects the thoughts and feelings of a lot of people. If what he says against World Terrorism offends them too bad and more power to him to twist their tails. Politicians pandering for political stroke by being nice to everyone potentially do more harm to US. DT is the only candidate so far to bring up major issues and address them head-on rather than try to boiler plate everything.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Jan 6 at 2016 1:09 AM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 01:09:18 -0500

For the most part I agree with your stance against Trump, except the part about treason. He is not presidential material. he speaks for shock value, no offering any real solutions. He was however misrepresented as his ban on Syrian refugees was a temporary thing until the vetting process could be cleaned up. But since then, his messages have gone from bad to worse. From the beginning I've believed his inability to control his mouth would destroy his chances.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 7 at 2016 7:44 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 07:44:55 -0500

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 7 at 2016 8:13 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 08:13:34 -0500

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Trump-Muslim-ban-al-qaida-ISIS/2016/01/01/id/707862/

I dunno guys. Sounds like the Donald aided and abetted our enemies to me.

Walt

Trump's Call for Muslim Ban Used in Terrorist Recruitment Video

Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump is featured in a new terrorist recruitment video.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 10:55 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 10:55:43 -0500

Stop being silly! lol Capt Walter Miller One could claim, that you are in the backpocket of liberals and more particularly this administration and the Crocodile and Chief (Tears over Guns) Oh how about an answer that is not leading?

Response by CW3 Jim Norris made Jan 7 at 2016 1:46 PM

CW3 Jim Norris — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 13:46:23 -0500

Your supposition is not a rational argument. Mr. Trump can express an opinion about anything, person or place......and what I understood him to say was that we should stop immigration from hotbeds of Islamist terror dogma being espoused. And we should, we should also take seriously the estimated 150 million Islamist who believe that Sharia is superior to our Constitution and should be implemented - violently if need be. ISIS has been advocating that a global caliphate be established that replaces all of the government that are not in compliance with Sharia, contrary to your statement they advocate that as many Islamic terrorist as possible enter Europe and the rest of western nations to foment terror and overthrow of they're 'man made' governments....I know that liberals absolutely hate our freedom of expression, when it doesn't align with that ideology, but the fortunate fact is this nation, at least for the present, still maintains that freedom...and I to think we should stop ALL immigration until we get the nation debt under control and give these millions of people that have immigrated in the past 5 years time to assimilate into our culture, which by the way is superior to any other nation on earth.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 3:10 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 15:10:35 -0500

If Trump has, then so has our POTUS..... Seeing that Trump has no authority, which do you think would be the more serious offense?

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 7 at 2016 4:13 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 16:13:47 -0500

I want to thank all you guys who keep bumping my thread.

Walt

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 6:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 18:34:16 -0500

No, but Hillary should be charged because she actually did things like

1. Refusing to help the Benghazi consulate even though we had aircraft station less than an hour away

2. Alloying and releasing SAP information

3. Intentional trying to use a private email server to circumvent FOI requests.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 9:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 21:08:03 -0500

I'll just leave it at that I'm glad it says "Veteran" next to your rank...

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 1 at 2016 11:33 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 11:33:16 -0500

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Feb 1 at 2016 12:40 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 12:40:37 -0500

I'm certain you will be calling for the same restraint and respect for the office of the President if Trump were to get elected....

Response by SSG William Rhodes made Feb 23 at 2016 6:38 PM

SSG William Rhodes — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 18:38:58 -0500

Trump is a draft dodger moron that only care about money, for that reason I have not even consider to vote for him. Actually if he wins I will leave the country and come back after he is long gone! There are still enough candidates with more brain and experience than that clown. Remember the reason he made some of his fortune was at the expense of the people, illegals and by questionable Bussines deals!

Response by LTC Marc King made Mar 8 at 2016 9:38 AM

LTC Marc King — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 09:38:02 -0500

Walt: Once again your political bias is sticking out like a badly buried land mine! If you want to examine a case of treason you can start with Hillery. Really... Run the traps on that and tell me the analysis shows she is qualified to be the CinC. Snowden committed treason, Bergdhal may have committed treason, Hillery and her entire staff have committed treason, but Trump at best committed stupid. Both you and Trump need to review and understand the UCMJ.

Response by PO2 Michael Henry made Mar 24 at 2016 3:40 PM

PO2 Michael Henry — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 15:40:46 -0400

Your understanding is completely wrong. Obama has committed treason by releasing 5 high level terrorists back into the wild for a deserter who we shouldn't have bothered over. Did he ever get that Marine out of Mexico yet? Probably not. He also wanted to help Syrian rebels in which some have ties to Al Qaeda. Another case of treason. He created an illegal treaty without Congressional approval with Iran and they kidnapped a group of sailors WHO DID NOT CROSS INTO IRANIAN WATERS afterwards, he did nothing about it. He is in Cuba after stating he wouldn't go if Cuba didn't improve its human rights issues. Research the events of the last few weeks and Obama still went. Look what happened in Belgium and still no response from him while he is still there. Obama has clearly committed treason and completely destroyed any real credibility with our foreign policies/relationships. And you think Trump has created treason, that is hilarious.

Response by PFC Teresa Walker made Jul 22 at 2016 12:48 AM

PFC Teresa Walker — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 00:48:33 -0400

You sir, obviously have forgotten the treasonous acts of Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama. It is opinions like yours that scare me for the very freedom of this country. Perhaps if things go your way, you can stand on your soap box in a FEMA camp.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jul 24 at 2016 8:27 AM

MSgt John McGowan — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 08:27:12 -0400

There are many thingd said during the elrction cycle. I have no idea that much is said is true. I do know if they promise you something it's mostly a lie.unless it's a give way. I do agree that somehow the refugees shouls be checked or not let in. What er are doing id opening thr border and telling them to just come oin.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Jul 28 at 2016 7:11 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 19:11:16 -0400

Drumpf is a freek and traitor.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Feb 5 at 2018 6:33 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 18:33:12 -0500

He should resign