QOTD: "A Gangster For Capitalism"

 

From the always readable Heather Digby Parton, writing today in Salon.com. Please read the entire article:

"Since 1898, the United States has attempted to overthrow governments in Latin America at least 41 times. The legendary Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Smedley Butler participated in several of those operations, and he grew increasingly disillusioned by how American troops were being sacrificed for imperialism and the interests of big money and the corporatocracy — a ruling class that rarely, if ever, sacrificed its own children.

In his famous 1935 book 'War is a Racket,' Butler described his career without illusion or self-deception: 'I served in all commissioned ranks from Second Lieutenant to Major-General. And during that period, I spent most of my time being a high class muscle-man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the Bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism.'

Trump’s military misadventure in Venezuela fits squarely within that tradition. While he brags, it is others who have to carry out his orders and, far too often, make the ultimate sacrifice. 

Despite his certainty, the outcome of Trump’s gambit in Venezuela — and potentially beyond — is very much in doubt. Swagger often dissolves when it encounters reality. The question then becomes, will Trump pivot, or will he instead let himself continue to be possessed and flattered by his own version of MAGA machismo on the international stage?" (our emphasis)

We're betting that the depraved Malignant Fascist (a.k.a. Cadet Bone Spurs) will continue in his narcissistic bubble, strutting and bullying other nations as the gangster goon he's always been, destroying what remains of the international good will and support we once had.