Is Trump’s Karma Chasing Him?

By Colleen O’Connor

Odd this.

Trump’s two greatest fears — germs and money — have come back to haunt him, bigly. Some would call it Karma.

As a spiritual practice, Karma means “Good thoughts and deeds contribute to good Karma and rebirths.” Bad thoughts and deeds bring about the opposite. Karma comes back to haunt or bless you.

Trump’s karma seems to be making up for lost time.

First, the stock market is not a true gauge of the country’s economic health, but Trump knows most people think it is. And, so does he. Hence, the angst.  And the crash is happening on his watch.

Just last year, Trump predicted “if the I lose the stock market will crash.”  Bad timing or bad Karma?

The steep Stock Market sell off–global markets suffered $6 trillion in wealth loss in just 6 days, while the U.S. markets lost $4 trillion — not counting Friday’s losses (900+ as of this writing).

Second, the coronavirus, has been decades in the making, but Trump’s hollowing out of the Center for Disease Control; Health and Human Services; plus, federal funding cuts in global infectious disease research and agencies, have exacerbated the crisis.

According to Dr. Lance Dodes, a contributor to the bestselling book: The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, the bad news about the coronavirus (now a pandemic in all but name) and the Dow’s dive is that Trump is becoming more mentally unstable.

According to Dr. Dodes, the germs and money problems are chasing the President into more serious incompetency. “The more things go badly for him, the more paranoid … and desperate the becomes.”

Trump’s response.  Control the message. Now all interviews, speeches, and written remarks by members of the government’s “Coronavirus Task Force” must be cleared through Vice-President Pence.

Same with all Justice Department investigations, pronouncements, sentencing suggestions—of any kind—all must go through A.G. Barr.  Remember, Barr on the Mueller investigation: “No collusion on the Russian election interference.”

Trump on the coronavirus; “It will be over in April.” “A miracle” will end it. And the stock market’s decline—due to “the Democrats’ debate and the Federal Reserve.”

Chief of Staff, Mick Mulvaney, recycled the stale “fake news” dribble.  “They think this is going to be what brings down the president.”

Trouble is, Trump may have done that all by himself. Trump’s doubling down on gag orders and “saying it makes it so”—as a response to bad news—may not work this time

James Bullard, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, said rate cuts may be necessary if the coronavirus becomes a pandemic.  But, even stock analysts know that will hardly send germaphobes to gyms, restaurants, or mega events. Consumers are pulling back.

Unwisely, Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said school closings are likely.”  No surprise, but imagine the disruption.

School districts aren’t waiting for the President.  They know they are on their own as do most will most communities—all with dwindling resources.

Not so odd: New York no longer trusts Trump’s pronouncements, either.  The city is making and distributing its own test kits. Other cities are declaring “emergency status” to fast track preparations.

However, Trump’s team may triple down on their own political messaging by resurrecting new/old grievances to reinforce the “America First” chants.

Some examples:

• The virus started in China?  Blame them. Increase the tariffs. Peter Navarro’s gig.
  [Wait until the medical shortages start].
• New virus outbreaks in Mexico City and Sinaloa?  Close the borders. Build that wall.
• An unexplained case in northern California?  Cut funding to “sanctuary cities.”
• Disruptions or demonstrations of any size or cause?  Martial law.
• These are not necessarily wise choices, but they fit Trump’s mindset.

A word to the wise.  Be safe. Be informed.  Check the CDC website for facts—not fears.

And follow these proactive hygiene tips:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• When sick, keep your distance from others to keep germs from spreading.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent infection.
• Getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.
  Stocking a two-week supply of water and food.
• Ensuring you have a continuous supply of regularly needed prescription drugs.
• Stocking up on nonprescription drugs and other health supplies. This includes pain relievers, cough and cold medicines and vitamins.
• Locating and storing copies of personal health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other sources for personal reference.
• Having a plan with family members and other loved ones on how they will receive care if they get sick or what will be needed to care for them in your home.