Face of Two-facedness

United States Public Officials’ Selective Application of Law, their attacks on institutions of law, their penchant for feigned “Shock” together with Vicious “Shock and Awe”—exposes a Dangerously Unprincipled Nature. 

In Domestic and Foreign Affairs, they are Instruments of Lawlessness.

A case in current affairs reporting 

Prompts a nagging question

WHY

“WHY” is not in this instance the common question of motive usually asked of a killer in any-state USA but rather the WHY that goes to priors – prior conditions, judgment, pressing realities (even with an implied HOW: how did matters reach this point?).

FIGHTING OVER LOUD MUSIC IN RESIDENTIAL SETTING

WHY does a man working as a cook deported from the US more than a decade ago put himself in further jeopardy by throwing punches instead of lowering the volume of his music that is apparently disturbing his neighbors or roommates?

FLYING OFF THE HANDLE ON THE BENCH

WHY does a professional on the bench for nearly a decade together with a long career in legal practice risk her reputation and occupation by flying off the handle and directing a petty criminal to commit further crimes instead of choosing proper time and place to intercede?

POOR JUDGMENT AND (even passing) REALITY

Bad judgment dismisses an atmosphere in which the country is being ruled by retaliatory and reactionary extremists prone to public showboating on stages and media platforms. It is at one's own peril to dismiss show boaters centered on self and careless of the United States of America's chronic domestic problems:

•  Mental and physical illness including various forms of addiction (and causation)
•  Homegrown human and drug trafficking (remember Epstein & Co)
• Joblessness (in terms of productive, effective and efficient labor forces, sustained work and living wages for workers)
• Homelessness and public squalor (even in the shadow of and clearly visible to occupiers of Capitol Hill and residences of high-positioned US public officials).

GOOD JUDGMENT

Good judgment takes into account present reality and acts accordingly. There is a time and place for everything under the sun. 

A Milwaukee judge and a Mexican cook used bad judgment. 

Given the gift of bad judgment, the showmen and show boaters at the helm swooped in with a command performance. 

A FINAL WORD TO THE WISE

Governance, Judiciary practices, Professional work, at its best, is not and should not be conducted—in any manner or degree—on social media platforms.

People entrusted with public service of any kind should take the work seriously. Among other things, that means staying clear of social media platforms.

Leave to the bored masses the Internet pods and silos, rumor mills and generally questionable and unserious sites. 

Peg Sources

Biography
https://milwbar.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/2022JudicialPollBios/2022%20JUDICIAL%20CANDIDATE%20BIOGRAPHIES%20-%201%20per%20page%20Dugan.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Dugan

News

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel April 25, 2025, Daniel Bice, John Diedrich, Mary Spicuzza, Vanessa Swales “Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan charged with 2 felonies in ICE case” https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/breaking/2025/04/25/milwaukee-county-judge-hannah-dugan-arrested-by-feds-at-courthouse/83270885007/

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel April 25, 2025, Mary Spicuzza, Vanessa Swales, Ricardo Torres, Bridget Fogarty “Protesters decry arrest of Milwaukee judge charged with helping immigrant evade ICE” https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2025/04/25/protesters-decry-arrest-of-milwaukee-judge-charged-with-helping-immigrant-evade-ice/83274429007/

###

PROLIFIC SOUTHERN-BORN AMERICAN WRITER Dr. Carolyn LaDelle Bennett focuses on People, Press, Politics USA; Domestic and Foreign Affairs (no copyright claimed in direct quotes and individual image)

https://www.facebook.com/carolynladelle.bennett 

https://insightbeyondtodaysnews.blogspot.com/

Latest book: Are There No Champions? Yes and No

(live limited) https://www.bennettsareherenochampions.com/

https://www.xlibris.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/859250-are-there-no-champions-yes-and-no

https://www.xlibris.com 

Email: Nolandanisland@hotmail.com or Authorswork@gmail.com 

Beware THIS “Second Coming”

No Good Comes from Wastefulness

Penn Ave Pageantry

Rabid Consumerism

Disavowal of Conservation

Dependency thus Weakness 

F

orty years of hollowing out U.S. domestic manufacturing [without any consideration, policy or concern focused on conservation, reduction of consumerism and waste, change in Americans' behavior] and an ever-increasing DEPENDENCY on imported products and goods has resulted in a self-inflicted vulnerability of the United States and its people.

“Importing products from overseas is a major industry in the United States.” “Hundreds of companies bring in goods from other countries to sell to American consumers and businesses.” This importing activity has seeded long-lasting consequences for the economy and the lives of the people of the United States of America.

In this man's machine, money plays; pandering names the game. Paymasters call the tune and politicians and public servant bow and obey. This is consummate betrayal, cuddled dependency in service to a master. How high? No high is too high to jump. No outrage too great to keep the puppeteers' funds flowing into the coffers of pliable panderers. Money plays. Pandering (Corrupt 'R' US) in the name of the game. 

Off shoring, Outsourcing
SELLING out at High price

Crossing United States borders are imports (not including the drugs) that touch every aspect of American life:

“Cars on dealership lots, computers in offices, clothing in home closets, edibles and non-edibles in home pantries and cupboards.” Ten leading US companies (i.e., companies headquartered in the United States) across retail autos, technology, apparel and home improvement are “responsible for importing more than $600 billion annually from abroad.”

Top 10 U.S. Import Companies by Total Value of Goods Imported

Rank
Company
Total Value of Imports

No. 1 Walmart $200 billion	No. 2 General Motors $114 billion	No. 3 Ford Motors $70 billion	No. 4 Target Stores $50 billion	No. 5 Samsung Electronics $45 billion
No. 6 Home Depot $43 billion	No. 7 Nike $27 billion	No. 8 Dell Technologies $25 billion	No. 9 GAP $23 billion	No. 10 Lowe’s            $20 billion

Konnect International Charlotte Smith January 18, 2024 “Top 10 Import Companies in USA” https://www.konnectinternational.com/top-10-import-companies-in-usa/

The top US-headquartered importer, Walmart, is a multinational “with stores under different names” operating in countries throughout the world: countries such as “Canada, Mexico, India, Chile, South Africa, and China.” China is home to “more than 400 Walmart stores (including Sam’s Club, where Chinese workers make up 99 percent of the workforce).” Mangoful December 16, 2022, Lisa Jones “Chinese Walmart Products? Here’s What You Should Know” https://mangoful.com/chinese-walmart-products-to-know/

Owned by the world’s richest family, the Walton family [net worth “approximately $432.4 billion” (Bloomberg)] via Walton Enterprises, Walmart Inc. (formerly Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.) GLOBAL (its divisions Walmart U.S., Walmart International, Sam’s Club, Global eCommerce) is headquartered 99 miles from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and 288 miles from Dallas, Texas, in a place called Bentonville, Arkansas (USA). 2025 all rising estimates show revenue at $680.99 billion, operating income at $29.348 billion. (Source: general reference)

Charlotte Smith writes that United States commercial and consumer sectors insatiably demand imported merchandise (e.g., “energy production” struggles “to keep pace with consumption”, demand constantly increases for greater varieties of year-round off seasonal domestic crops). Imports crossing US borders reportedly 

• “Contribute trillions in economic activity,” 
• “Support millions of jobs …” and 
• are projected to “accelerate” and “expand” far into the future.

A 2021 article at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis website notes that

“During the past two decades, the production process has become more fragmented, with different stages occurring in different parts of the world (often referred to as global value chains).” And the United States’ “heavy reliance on a few foreign suppliers in some industries could make the U.S. economy more susceptible to foreign economic shocks.” Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Ana Maria Santacreu and Jesse LaBelle May 13, 2021, “Investigating the U.S. Reliance on Foreign Suppliers” https://www.stlouisfed.org/on-the-economy/2021/may/investigating-us-reliance-foreign-suppliers

To avoid over-dependency of imports or create at least a “40-percent increase in production” dramatically reducing dependencies, one analyst suggests that the United States “Produce at least 50 percent of most products it consumes (“100 percent…, in many cases by working 24/7…, if foreign supply is cut off”)” and

• Strengthen its skilled workforce
• Increase its competitiveness
• Cut the US trade deficit to zero.

Advanced Manufacturing December 9, 2021, updated May 26, 2024, “The U.S. is Overly Dependent on Imports” Harry Moser, Founder/President, Reshoring Initiative   https://www.advancedmanufacturing.org/industries/the-u-s-is-overly-dependent-on-imports/article_77bdf500-1ba0-11ef-bf04-6351f2f9cee3.html

Exposing 

Fantasy

Infantilism

Exploitation of Weakness

International journalist Martin Jay in an April 8, 2025, article reflects on the current pageantry playing out in Washington, DC, going viral on internet platforms, and hitting a little ball on who-knows-where golf courses.

The “tariffs tantrum” or “tariff stunt,” terms Jay uses alternately, 

“appears to be born of frustration from his first term in office, both not pulling off many of his election promises and wanting to garner more respect around the world.”

However, “Trump isn’t as bright or as capable as some give him credit for.”

The president’s “tariff stunt” is imbued with the hope (or fantasy) that “that it will boost blue collar jobs as many foreign firms might be forced to move to the U.S. and set up factories to bypass the tariffs.” It will not happen. Trump 2.0 may hang out on the links “waiting for news of new companies setting up shop in the U.S. and consumer spending to increase.” But neither will happen. And bashing the major supplier to the US commerce and consumers is not a winning strategy.

Jay points out that all those poor Americans sporting MAGA Merchandise—and momentarily parroting Trump & Co’s China bashing—are major consumers (on credit or otherwise) of all that cheap stuff retailed by Walmart and Target and Home Depot, imported from the United States’ indispensable supplier: the People’s Republic of China.

“All experts have agreed,” Jay writes, 

“…that it will not be the companies in China who will absorb the new costs (Trump tariffs), but these costs will be passed on to the consumer” — (thus) “shooting in the feet those poor folks …, typically Trump supporters who wear the MAGA baseball caps….”

Buyer Beware Message and Messenger

“Trump isn’t as bright or as capable as some give him credit for,” Martin Jay writes. 

This second coming, arrogantly unlearned in the workings of government and US public service and “international business and global trade,” is radicalized, deliberately lacking able counsel, and surrounded by yes-men (madams, mademoiselles). 

Trump 2.0 “is not interested in listening to experts and developing policies.”

“He prefers dumbed-down oversimplified strategies which he can be the architect of and claim the credit for, once implemented.”

Sooner than later, Jay writes, “he will come to understand that something as huge and as complicated as the U.S. economy can’t be fixed by juvenile and ill conceived ‘no-brainer’ fixes.”

“At a certain point (earlier more than later), he will be forced to listen to the economists who, at the moment, lack the courage to tell him that collapsing markets in Asia – AS WELL AS America’s own two bourses — cannot be a good sign. Jay, Martin April 8, 2025, “Trump tariffs will impact his own grassroots supporters” “The case for the tariffs – that they will boost the U.S. economy – is hardly a clear-cut case,” https://strategic-culture.su/news/2025/04/08/trump-tariffs-will-impact-his-own-grassroots-supporters/

NOTE Bourses / Stock exchanges: marketplaces in which U.S. financial 

securities, commodities, derivatives, and other financial instruments are traded

United States Stock Exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange and the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (Nasdaq)

Beware Second Comings and other Fantasies. 

Beware leaders (and would-be leaders) who put forward policies and practices of rabid consumerism, destruction, and wastefulness.

Beware power that fails to govern, fails to govern for the public good (for the common defense and general welfare). Beware the recklessness and arrogance of power, power that disdains and disavows conservation.

A high price will be paid for deliberate ignorance and the recklessness of power. And the burden will be borne not by members of the billionaires’ club, but by disciples of a charlatan.

###

Prolific Southern-Born American Writer Dr. Carolyn LaDelle Bennett focuses on People, Press, Politics USA; Domestic and Foreign Affairs (no copyright claimed in direct quotes and individual image)

https://www.facebook.com/carolynladelle.bennett

https://insightbeyondtodaysnews.blogspot.com/

Latest book: Are There No Champions? Yes and No

(live limited) https://www.bennettsareherenochampions.com/

https://www.xlibris.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/859250-are-there-no-champions-yes-and-no

https://www.xlibris.com

Email: Nolandanisland@hotmail.com or Authorswork@gmail.com

EDUCATION and SOCIETY Crisis Conditions Reduced to Buzzwords and Baby talk

DATELINE

Rochester, New York State, USA

This bit of raw data is prompted by a recent conversation “Connections” host Evan Dawson had with a member of the Rochester New York City Schools District Board of Education. 

Dawson is a kindly interviewer who might pose a single question, repeatedly; but doesn’t push for a clear and clean answer. He seems to prefer the appearance of compliments instead of confrontation. Perhaps he worries about backlash or programs without bodies to interview.

The particular guest in question was in a segment focused on the Rochester City School District’s musical-chairs leadership and top-heavy, weighted-down incompetence (my words) played the political game of platitudes, talking points, feigned concern (my heart goes out, thoughts and prayers, hearts and flowers blah blah blah) sandwiched between buzzwords and a salad of empty words all signifying absolutely nothing of true substance. (WXXI News by Evan Dawson and Megan Mack April 9-10, 2025, a conversation with “RCSD ((Rochester City School District) Board President Camille Simmons on the new superintendent and the latest with the (Rochester City School) district” Published April 9, 2025, at 11:49 PM EDT https://www.wxxinews.org/2025-04-09/rcsd-board-president-camille-simmons-on-the-new-superintendent-and-the-latest-with-the-district


Consider these IGNORED

• Raw Facts
• Context Factoring into the Failure of America’s Young

Highest salary at Rochester City School District in year 2024: $270,425

Gov Salaries https://govsalaries.com/salaries/NY/rochester-city-school-district

Rochester City School Board Members’ Salaries (January 2025)

Combined cost of the salaries for Rochester School Board:

$133,600

Board Members annual Salaries

Members (Commissioners): $16,000 Board Chairman/woman: $17,600 ($16,000+$1,600)

Jordan Shearer Post Bulletin January 21, 2025, “Rochester School Board members to vote on their salaries next meeting” https://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/rochester-school-board-members-discuss-th

Democrat and Chronicle newspaper Columnist David Andreatta wrote in a 2018 article, citing the district’s budget, “six of the seven members on the Rochester Board of Education are paid $27,033”; and the seventh member, “President Van White, takes a salary of $34,758.” Andreatta opined that “the worst school district in the state pays its board commissioners the most.”

“Of the roughly 700 school boards in New York (State), only a handful of districts pay their elected representatives; and the rate of pay in Rochester tops the list by a mile.” Democrat and Chronicle November 23, 2018, “Why are Rochester School Board members highest paid in state?” https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/local/columnists/andreatta/2018/11/23/rochester-ny-school-board-members-highest-paid-state/2092355002/

Roster 2025 Rochester City School Board

Camille Simmons, President	Amy Maloy, Vice President	Cynthia Elliot, Board Vice President	Jacqueline Griffin, Commissioner
Beatriz LeBron-Harris, Commissioner	James Patterson, Commissioner	Isaiah Santiago, Commissioner	Hazel Roberts, Student Representative

https://www.rcsdk12.org/domain/11465

Turnover in Superintendents Rochester City School District

Rochester City School District Superintendents over 22-year period (2003-2025): 13

(Since 1980: 18) Thirteen charted below: 

Manuel Rivera (interim 2002): April 2003 -April 19, 2007	William Cala (April 20, 2007-December. 31, 2007 (interim)	Jean-Claude Brizard: January 1, 2008-May 10, 2011	Bolgen Vargas (interim May 11,  2011-June 30, 2012): July 1, 2012-December 31, 2015	Dan Lowengard: January 1- January 7, 2016 (interim):	Linda Cimusz:  January 8, 2016- August 2016 (interim)
Barbara Deane-Williams: August 2016-January 2019	Dan Lowengard: February 2019-June 2019 (interim)	Terry Dade: June 2019-May 2020	Lesli Myers-Small: June 2020-August 2022	Carmine Peluso: August 2022-June 2024	Demario Strickland July 1, 2024- April 2025 present (interim)
No. 13 (LATEST Superintendent HIRE): Eric Jay Rosser (School Board elected, district hired) tenure begins effective March 2025 “Rochester City School District Welcomes Dr. Eric Jay Rosser as New Superintendent” https://www.rcsdk12.org/ WXXI News March 6, 2025, “Rosser will start with an annual salary of $280,000” https://www.wxxinews.org/local-news/2025-03-06/rochester-city-school-board-taps-poughkeepsies-rosser-as-the-districts-new-superintendent

Rochester School District’s Profile in Brief

Cost
Academic Accomplishments, Product, Performance

• Minority Enrollment: 91 percent
• Population Largely Segregated: Black Students: 48 percent; White Students: 9 percent

• Per-Student Spending: $40,155

• Rating: bottom 50 percent (ranked #1009 out of 1,015 school districts in New)

• Graduation Rate: 68-72 percent

• Academics: Grade C Minus

Proficiency Measured by Test Scores

• Reading / Language Arts Proficiency: 16 percent (average 15 percent / NYS average 49 percent))

• Mathematics Proficiency 13 percent (average 12 percent / NYS average 47 percent)

• Science Proficiency: 33 percent

Niche https://www.niche.com/k12/d/rochester-city-school-district-ny/academics/?msockid=064249a980b1653614d25a8e8137645c
Public School Review https://www.publicschoolreview.com/new-york/rochester-city-school-district/3624750-school-district

New York State Ratings

Literacy Rates

Adults Lacking Basic Prose Literacy Skills: Second (below California)

Homelessness

Second Highest Homelessness Rates (below State of Hawaii) among 50 US states

• January 2022 - January 2024, Homelessness in New York State more than doubled

• Child Homelessness increased from 20,299 to 50,773

USA, NYC, NYS

• 2024 Nationwide 771,480 people were homeless

• 2024 New York State 158,000 people were homeless

• 2024 New York City 89,119 people were without permanent shelters

2024 largest number of homeless people outside New York City

• Long Island
• Westchester County
• Counties around Buffalo and Niagara Falls

2024 Regions outside New York City with sharpest increases in homelessness

• Poughkeepsie/Dutchess County: 11 percent increases
• Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs, surrounding counties 138 percent increases

Countrywide Contributing Factors

• 2023: California, Washington, DC, and Hawaii had the nation’s highest rents.
• 2024: California, Washington, DC, and Hawaii were among the six states (Hawaii, Washington District of Columbia, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and California) with the highest rates of homelessness.
• 2024: “Mississippi had both the country’s second-lowest rents, and the lowest homelessness rate.”

World Population https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/us-literacy-rates-by-state#states-with-the-lowest-literacy-rates
USA Facts (not-for-profit, nonpartisan civic initiative making government data easy)
https://usafacts.org/articles/which-states-have-the-highest-and-lowest-rates-of-homelessness/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ND-Economy&msclkid=6b74e15daec8115bdbfa86aa56be0247&utm_term=homeless%20percentage%20by%20state&utm_content=Homelessness%20Stats
Report New York NEWS from the Office of the New York State Comptroller January 22, 2025, “Numbers of Homeless Population Doubled in New York”— DiNapoli
https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/01/dinapoli-numbers-homeless-population-doubled-new-york

Lawsuits, Laziness, Loose talk Change Nothing. 

The Schooling Years—those relatively few years, the formative years of children and teenagers—must be about focus and learning to focus, rules and discipline and learning self- discipline. 

Schooling should be about moral values (right from wrong, not left versus right), correct, corrective and corrected behaviors (not preaching, proselytizing or inculcating one or another ideology, personal preference or prejudice). 

Schooling should be about learning subject matter and practice in performing and verbal arts and sciences, disciplines of reading, writing, arithmetic and rationality, objective, scientific thinking. 

Schooling should be about learning fair play and playing fair; being exposed to and practicing good examples in tone and taste and behavior; learning about people; learning, experiencing, practicing respectful interpersonal interaction, dialogue, civil debate, engagement, exchange of ideas. 

Schooling should be about exposure to others (exposure to differences in geography, nations and nationalities, cultures, kin and kind); learning humility and courage without belligerence over-the-top arrogance; learning to see through lens of open-mindedness without preconceived notions, scripted propaganda, or prejudgment.

The formative years are critically important years not to be abused or misused by exploiters, private agendas, profiteers, propagandists, and self-serving opportunists.

Society suffers the consequences of human beings’ moral, intellectual and mental weaknesses, impairment, or carelessness. For the sake of society at large—and particularly for the sake of the young—those in positions of power and influence together with members of the general public must be responsible people, studiously discerning people.

The public together with people positioned in power should stop pandering to and promoting individuals who are unfit for purpose, incompetent, demonstrably flawed in character, mind or behavior.

###

Prolific Southern-Born American Writer Dr. Carolyn LaDelle Bennett focuses on People, Press, Politics USA; Domestic and Foreign Affairs (no copyright claimed in direct quotes and individual image)

https://www.facebook.com/carolynladelle.bennett

https://insightbeyondtodaysnews.blogspot.com/

Latest book: Are There No Champions? Yes and No

(live limited) https://www.bennettsareherenochampions.com/

https://www.xlibris.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/859250-are-there-no-champions-yes-and-no

https://www.xlibris.com

Email: Nolandanisland@hotmail.com or Authorswork@gmail.com

Sources Documenting Historic March 18, 2025, Telephone Meeting of East-West Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Donald Trump of the United States of America

Side by side 

Official Mention of 

Historic Government Actions

Instructive Variations 

» Official Website President of Russia     » White House Website President of USA 

Telephone conversation with President of the United States Donald Trump March 18, 2025,  http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/76477   Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the United States Donald Trump.  The leaders continued their detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation surrounding Ukraine. Vladimir Putin extended gratitude to Donald Trump for his striving to achieve the noble goal of ending the hostilities and loss of life.  Confirming his fundamental commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, the President of Russia expressed willingness to thoroughly work out possible solutions in cooperation with the American partners, aimed at reaching a settlement that would be comprehensive, reliable, and lasting, and, naturally, take into account the essential need to eliminate the root causes of the crisis, as well as Russia's legitimate security interests.  Concerning US President's proposal to declare a 30-day ceasefire, the Russian side outlined a number of significant points regarding ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire frontline, as well as the need to stop the forced mobilisation in Ukraine and rearming the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It was noted that some serious risks exist pertaining to the intractability of the Kiev regime which had repeatedly sabotaged and violated negotiated agreements. An emphasis was made on barbaric acts of terrorism committed by Ukrainian militants against civilians residing in the Kursk Region.   It was pointed out that a complete cessation of providing Kiev with foreign military aid and intelligence must become the key condition for preventing an escalation of the conflict and making progress towards its resolution through political and diplomatic means.   Referring to Donald Trump's recent appeal to spare the lives of the Ukrainian servicemen surrounded in the Kursk Region, Vladimir Putin confirmed that the Russian side was willing to embrace humanitarian motives and guaranteed that the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine would live and be treated fairly in accordance with Russian legislation and international law in the event of surrender.  During the conversation, Donald Trump put forward a proposal for the parties to mutually refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days. Vladimir Putin responded favourably to the proposal and immediately gave the relevant order to the Russian troops.  Just as favourable was the Russian President's response to Donald Trump's suggestion to implement a well-known proposal regarding the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. The leaders agreed to begin talks to further work out specific details of such an agreement.  Vladimir Putin made it known that on March 19, the Russian and Ukrainian sides would carry out an exchange of prisoners, each swapping 175 people. Additionally, as a gesture of goodwill, 23 heavily wounded Ukrainian soldiers currently receiving aid at Russian medical facilities will also be repatriated.  The leaders confirmed their intention to continue efforts aimed at reaching a settlement in Ukraine bilaterally, with due regard in particular to the aforementioned proposals by the US President. For this purpose, a Russian and an American expert task forces are now being formed.  Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump also addressed some other international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and in the Red Sea region. Joint efforts will be made to stabilise the situation in the crisis spots and establish cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and global security. This will, in turn, contribute to improving the overall ambiance of relations between Russia and the United States. One positive example is the recent vote in the UN on a resolution on the Ukraine conflict, in which the two countries aligned their stances.  The leaders expressed mutual interest in normalising the bilateral ties in light of the special responsibility for ensuring global security and stability borne by both Russia and the United States. Within that context, they addressed a wide range of areas where the two countries could establish cooperation, discussing several ideas aimed at fostering potential ties of mutual interest in economy and energy.  Donald Trump expressed support for Vladimir Putin's idea to hold ice hockey matches in both the United States and Russia between Russian and American players from the NHL and the KHL.  The presidents agreed to stay in touch on all the issues raised.  March 18, 2025 Source President of Russia Official Website News   / March 18, 2025, “Telephone conversation with President of the United States Donald Trump” http://en.special.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/76477

BRIEFINGS & STATEMENTS Outcomes of the United States and Russia Expert Groups On the Black Sea  The White House March 25, 2025 Outcomes of the United States and Russia Expert Groups On the Black Sea in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 23-25, 2025   https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/03/outcomes-of-the-united-states-and-russia-expert-groups-on-the-black-sea/   In line with presidential-level discussions between President Donald J. Trump and President Vladimir Putin, the United States facilitated bilateral technical-level talks with the Russian delegation March 23-25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  Following those discussions:  The United States and Russia have agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.  The United States will help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions.  The United States and Russia agreed to develop measures for implementing President Trump’s and President Putin’s agreement to ban strikes against energy facilities of Russia and Ukraine.  The United States and Russia welcome the good offices of third countries with a view toward supporting the implementation of the energy and maritime agreements.  The United States and Russia will continue working toward achieving a durable and lasting peace.  The United States reiterated President Donald J. Trump’s imperative that the killing on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine conflict must stop, as the necessary step toward achieving an enduring peace settlement. To that end, the United States will continue facilitating negotiations between both sides to achieve a peaceful resolution, in line with the agreements made in Riyadh.  The United States expresses gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his leadership and hospitality in once again facilitating these important discussions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  Source White House Official Website / Briefings & Statements, March 25, 2025, “Outcomes of the United States and Russia Expert Groups On the Black Sea” https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/03/outcomes-of-the-united-states-and-russia-expert-groups-on-the-black-sea/  [No notes on or transcript of actual two presidents’ meeting]  ENDXXXXXXXXENDXXXXXXXXXEND

Other Website Records of the March 18, 2025, Presidents Putin and Trump Telephone Conversation

“Full text of Kremlin’s Official Readout of the Telephone Conversation between President Putin and President Trump on March 18, 2025 (in our [Pravda English] translation)”: 

The leaders continued a detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation around Ukraine. Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for his efforts to help achieve the noble goal of ending hostilities and human casualties.

Confirming Russia’s fundamental commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, President Putin stated his readiness to work closely with American partners to explore possible solutions. These solutions must be comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term, while also addressing the root causes of the crisis and respecting Russia’s legitimate security interests.

Regarding President Trump’s initiative for a 30-day ceasefire, the Russian side highlighted several key points: ensuring effective monitoring of any ceasefire along the entire line of contact, halting forced mobilization in Ukraine, and stopping the rearmament of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Serious concerns were also raised about the inability to reach agreements by the Kiev regime, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated previous agreements. Attention was drawn to the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against civilians in the Kursk region.

It was emphasized that a key condition for preventing further escalation and pursuing a political and diplomatic resolution must be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence support to Kiev.

In response to Donald Trump’s recent request to spare the lives of surrounded Ukrainian servicemen in the Kursk region, Present Putin confirmed that the Russian side would act on humanitarian grounds. In the event of surrender, Ukrainian soldiers would be guaranteed life and humane treatment in accordance with Russian laws and international norms.

During the conversation, Donald Trump proposed a mutual 30-day halt on strikes against energy infrastructure by both sides of the conflict. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately issued the corresponding order to the Russian military.

President Putin also responded constructively to Donald Trump’s proposal to implement a well-known initiative on maritime security in the Black Sea. The leaders agreed to begin negotiations to work out the specific details of such an agreement.

Vladimir Putin informed Donald Trump that on March 19, there will be a prisoner exchange between the Russian and Ukrainian sides — 175 for 175. Additionally, as a goodwill gesture, 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen currently receiving treatment in Russian medical facilities will be released.

The leaders confirmed their intention to continue working toward a resolution of the Ukrainian conflict through bilateral channels, including on the basis of the aforementioned proposals by the U.S. President. To this end, Russian and American expert groups are being established.

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump also discussed other international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Joint efforts will be made to stabilize these crisis zones, strengthen cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation, and enhance global security — steps that will help improve overall U.S.-Russia relations. One positive example of this cooperation was the recent consensus vote at the United Nations on a resolution concerning the Ukrainian conflict.

Both leaders expressed mutual interest in normalizing bilateral relations, recognizing the special responsibility of Russia and the United States for maintaining global security and stability. A wide range of potential areas for cooperation was discussed, including economic and energy partnerships.

Donald Trump supported Vladimir Putin’s idea of organizing hockey matches in both the U.S. and Russia between Russian and American players from the NHL and KHL.

The presidents agreed to stay in contact on all issues discussed. https://news-pravda.com/world/2025/03/18/1157249.html

Readout The White House, March 18, 2025, “The below is attributable to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt” 

By U.S. Mission Russia | 18 March 2025 | Topics: News, Political Affairs, President of the United States, Press Releases U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia

“President Donald J. Trump’s Call with President Vladimir Putin”
Home | News & Events | President Donald J. Trump’s Call with President Vladimir Putin

Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.

This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.

The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts. They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application. The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel.

The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved. https://ru.usembassy.gov/president-donald-j-trumps-call-with-president-vladimir-putin/

With Particular Interest in 

Variations in Documentation and 

Usage of Terms (the latter highlighted mainly in blue)

Assembled from Sources 

Prolific Southern-Born American Writer Dr. Carolyn LaDelle Bennett focuses on People, Press, Politics USA; Domestic and Foreign Affairs (no copyright claimed in direct quotes and individual image)

Latest book: Are There No Champions? Yes and No

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Now Reflects on Then: Government Today is characterized by Buffoonish Arrogant Ignorance; NO Washington, Madison, Franklin, Hamilton Conceiving or Practicing Good Government

Review of some of the Thoughts of the Framers 

Fresh from under Monarchical Tyranny

Madison, Hamilton

“In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in…: 

… enabling the government to control the governed and

… obliging (the government) to control itself.”

Checks and Balances (Federalist 51)

In his February 8, 1788, essay “The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments,” James Madison Jr. (known as the Father of the US Constitution) “explained how the Constitution’s structure checked the powers of the elected branches (of government) and protected against possible abuses by the national government.”

Excerpt from Original Document

“… In a society under the forms of which the stronger faction can readily unite and oppress the weaker, anarchy [reigns] … as in a state of nature where the weaker individual is not secured against the violence of the stronger…. 

“Justice is the end of government. …

“… Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. …”

Framers of the Constitution of the United States of America

Connecticut      Oliver Ellsworth (Elsworth)*     William. Samuel Johnson     Roger Sherman	Delaware      Richard Bassett     Gunning Bedford, Jr.     Jacob Broom     John Dickinson     George Read	Georgia      Abraham Baldwin     William Few     William Houston*     William L. Pierce*	Maryland      Daniel Carroll     Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer     Luther Martin*     James McHenry     John F. Mercer*
Massachusetts      Elbridge Gerry*     Nathaniel Gorham     Rufus King     Caleb Strong*	New Hampshire      Nicholas Gilman     John Langdon	New Jersey      David Brearly (Brearley)     Jonathan Dayton     William C. Houston*     William Livingston     William Paterson (Patterson)	New York      Alexander Hamilton     John Lansing, Jr.*     Robert Yates*
North Carolina      William. Blount     William R. Davie*     Alexander Martin*     Richard. Dobbs Spaight     Hugh Williamson	Pennsylvania      George Clymer     Thomas Fitzsimons (FitzSimons; Fitzsimmons)     Benjamin Franklin     Jared Ingersoll     Thomas Mifflin     Gouverneur Morris     Robert Morris     James Wilson	Rhode Island  Rhode Island did not send any delegates to the Constitutional Convention.	South Carolina      Pierce Butler     Charles Pinckney     Charles Cotesworth Pinckney     John Rutledge
Virginia      John Blair     James Madison Jr.     George Mason*     James McClurg*     Edmund J. Randolph*     George Washington     George Wythe*

*Indicates delegates who did not sign the Constitution
United States National Archives and Records Administration “Meet the Framers of the Constitution” The original states (not including Rhode Island) appointed 70 individuals to the Constitutional Convention that met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 25, 1787, through September 17, 1787. Thirty-nine delegates attended and were signers of the Constitution of the United States of America. The ages of these delegates ranged from 26 to 81 (the latter Benjamin Franklin “who was so infirm that he had to be carried to sessions in a sedan chair”). https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/founding-fathers

National Constitution Center 

Summary of Federalist 51

Excerpt (minor editing) 

Cognizant of the fact “that human nature (is) imperfect” and those among the kingly, the aristocracy, the upper classes or otherwise holders of the reins of power “would seek to secure greater (and greater) political power” (and hang on interminably and with impunity) …, the Framers 

“… concluded that the best way to control the national government was to harness the political ambitions of each branch (of government) and use them to check the ambitions of the other branches.”

“The Framers of the US Constitution conceived the separation of powers dividing the powers of the national government into three separate branches” (legislative, executive, judiciary: lawmaker, manager, examiner/umpire) with the intent of preventing “any single branch of government from becoming too powerful”; and simultaneously giving “each branch of government … the power to check the other two branches….” Thus, was enshrined the “checks and balances” principle.

Madison, Hamilton (minor edit)

“If (human beings) were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern (human beings), neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”

“In framing a government which is to be administered by (human beings) over (human beings), the great difficulty lies in this: you must … enable the government to control the governed; and … oblige (the government) to control itself.”

Constitution Center Historic Document Federalist 51 (1788) James Madison | 1788 Summary https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/historic-document-library/detail/james-madison-federalist-no-51-1788
Library of Congress Federalist Nos. 51-60 (Federalist No. 51) “The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper CHECKs and BALANCES Between the Different Departments” From the New York Packet Friday, February 8, 1788, Author: Alexander Hamilton or James Madison https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/text-51-60

Related Current News Peg March 2025

ABC News 

“(US President Donald) Trump continues to call for judge’s impeachment after chief justice’s rebuke” “Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare statement defending the judiciary.”  By Kelsey Walsh, Katherine Faulders, Laura Romero, Peter Charalambous, and Molly Nagle March 18, 2025, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-insults-federal-judge-amid-legal-battle-deportation/story?id=119909983

CBC News 

“U.S. Supreme Court’s chief justice speaks out after (US President Donald) Trump calls for judge to be impeached” “John Roberts didn't mention Trump by name, but said calls to impeach judges are inappropriate” Thomson Reuters March 18, 2025, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/scotus-roberts-trump-judges-1.7486671

SAD day in America

 

One of the deadly, self-annihilating conditions in today’s government and caliber of leadership is not only that there are no (founding era) Washingtons, Madisons, Franklins, or Hamiltons; but that there are no binding principles (evident in US domestic and foreign affairs). 

In and around the US Government today, there are no obliging principles or binding standards. 

There are no governmental or political, moral or ethical, experiential or intellectual prerequisites or in-service standards or discipline (behavioral rules) that all persons involved in and around the US Federal Government (in contracts or otherwise, even media) are bound (must obey), and to which they are held strictly responsible.

In contemporary times (roughly since the Clintonian 1990s), there has been evident in the individual character and conduct in and around public office what can only be described as rewarded buffoonery and self-righteous malevolence, criminality, corruption and ineptitude.

PROLIFIC SOUTHERN-BORN AMERICAN WRITER DR. CAROLYN LADELLE BENNETT focuses on People, Press, Politics USA; Domestic and Foreign Affairs (no copyright claimed in direct quotes and individual image)

Latest book: Are There No Champions? Yes and No

Links: https://www.facebook.com/carolynladelle.bennett

https://insightbeyondtodaysnews.blogspot.com/

(live limited) https://www.bennettsareherenochampions.com/

https://www.xlibris.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/859250-are-there-no-champions-yes-and-no

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Email: Nolandanisland@hotmail.com or Authorswork@gmail.com