Notebook

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*DONALD TRUMP, elected as the next PRESIDENT OF THE GREAT USA! I VOTED for him!

*Anti-TRUMP protestors march Chicago downtown bearing ‘I Hate This Man’ placards

*SECRETARY HILLARY CLINTON conceded in her true-to-form (former) First Lady bearing.

*Why did Hilary Clinton lose to Donald Trump?, by Don Azarias

*CHICAGO CUBS are on top of the World after WORLD SERIES VICTORY!!! But Chicago Mayor Emanuel may fall at the ‘bottom of the pit’ in the Trump administration?

*Addison Russell, CUB’s short stop/2nd baseman is American Filipino!

*HAWAII Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard pushes harder for Fil-Am WW11 Vets Congressional Gold Medal of Honor!

*CONGRATULATIONS to HALL of FAME 2016!

 

AMERICA’s PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2016, will indeed, go down to history as the most controversial political election which hurdled the test of time and human relationship — racial tension, personal mudslinging, political corruption, honor, name it! Major player of this trash-lashing is billionaire DONALD TRUMP (GOP), who yelled out his name-calling to some women he disliked — including his very strong and ultra-intelligent, opponent – former First Lady and Secretary of State HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON. Mr. Trump wagged his tongue-lashing harder to illegal immigrants particularly the Latinos; he even had the guts to meet with the Mexican President to tell him he would build a wall between the United States and Mexico when he got elected as the next President of America! Adding insult to injury, Trump told the Mexican president that building the wall is at “your (country’s) own expense.” Mr. Trump is a person in toto who calls a-spade-a-spade, no matter who gets hurt. And stands up on the issue. That’s one thing which not all Wannabe Leaders don’t have.

Last Tuesday, November 8, after voting at our National Presidential Election Day, I wrote the email below to my very good friend “Charles” in Scotland, author of 25 books on neuro-science and a very distinguished international academic lecturer/speaker. In our emails, we exchange intellectual as well as day-to-day happenings. Lately, our subject was Donald Trump and his “un-gentlemanly quirks” he throws to his opponents. My email as follows:

“Dear Charles,

I went out to vote this morning. Am glad that… unlike so many polls around Chicago where lines are miles-long, my neighborhood is still quiet. Like the winning of the Cubs in the World Series, today’s presidential election is another HISTORICAL EVENT! I VOTED For TRUMP, OF COURSE! Why? After watching the two-hour biography of DonaldTrump and Hilary Clinton on the PBS TV during these past election months, I am more convinced that AMERICA NEEDS CHANGE by using Trump’s Daring Leadership Expertise. His BIG TALK makes sense! Electing Hilary would produce another Obama-like “All in the Family” leadership. I am very impressed of Trump’s growing years as a Daring Young Businessman…even daring to MAKE A DIFFERENCE from his already successful father. His mentor. Donald Trump made his bed and slept on it”. As a young entrepreneur, he faced some lawsuits and got away with it! With success! At 32, Donald built a 58-floor Trump Palace in Manhattan. Followed by his Trump Casino and Hotel, etcetera, etcetera. He has brains and guts. Indeed, at this time, AMERICA NEEDS TRUMP’s guts and to “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

The accusations about how he treats women: well… the first two vice presidents of his Empire were Matron Women he highly respected and trusted. Most of his employees at his billion-dollar Empire are women. So, it all depends upon how the women behave themselves. It takes brain, guts and challenge to BELIEVE and vote for TRUMP. His White House chance is very, very slim. If he won’t win, I accept. But I WILL NEVER REGRET VOTING for TRUMP! Let’s see what happens… until tomorrow. A New Dawn for America??? (Elsie)”

Inasmuch as I wanted to stay up to watch last election returns, I fell asleep with the blurring television on. Early at dawn, I woke up in time for the re-runs of DONALD TRUMP’s “SHOCKER” (as the Chicago Tribune calls it) defeat of Hilary Clinton. On the TV screen, Donald Trump is surrounded by his whole family. I saw a humbled Donald Trump delivering his Victory speech… thanking his family, politician-friends who believed in him, by helping him in his very controversial campaign. I was speechless! I could hardly believe that Secretary Hilary Clinton would lose to Donald’s “dirty badmouthing”.

Of course, I feel sorry for her. But I woke up to Reality: The American People WANT CHANGE! They are tired of the ongoing political situation for years when politicians do not seem to care seriously about the welfare of the people but… their own. Most Politicians want to stay in Power and build their Political Dynasty. I was right! I said to myself.

Surrounded by his entire Family, there was an obvious Emotional Change in Donald Trump. What I saw in him is a loving father and husband. And a humbled billionaire who was just elected America’s next President! The following is an excerpt from his Victory speech. Highlight is mine:

“I’ve just received a call from Secretary Clinton. She congratulated us. It’s about us. On our victory, and I congratulated her and her family on a very, very hardfought campaign…she fought very hard. Hillary has worked very long and very hard over a long period of time, and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country. I mean that very sincerely.

Now it is time for America to bind the wounds of division, have to get together, to all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all of Americans… For those who have chosen not to support me … I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and your help so that we can work together and unify our great country. As I’ve said from the beginning, ours was not a campaign but rather an incredible and great movement, made up of millions of hard-working men and women who love their country. I want a better, brighter future for themselves and for their family. It is a movement comprised of Americans from all races, religions, backgrounds and beliefs, who want and expect our government to serve the people. It will.

By working together we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the American dream. I’ve spent my entire life in business, looking at the untapped potential in projects and in people all over the world. That is what I want to do for our country. I’ve gotten to know our country so well. Tremendous potential. It is going to be a beautiful thing. Every single American will have the opportunity to realize his or her fullest potential. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer… We will also finally take care of our great veterans who have been so loyal, and I’ve gotten to know so many over this 18-month journey.

I will harness the creative talents of our people and we will call upon the best and brightest to leverage their tremendous talent for the benefit of all. It is going to happen. We have a great economic plan. We will double our growth and have the strongest economy anywhere in the world. At the same time we will get along with all other nations, willing to get along with us.. We will have great relationships… No dream is too big, no challenge is too great. Nothing we want for our future is beyond our reach. America will no longer settle for anything less than the best. We must reclaim our country’s destiny and dream big and bold and daring. We have to do that. We’re going to dream of things for our country, and beautiful things and successful things once again.

I want to tell the world community that while we will always put America’s interests first, we will deal fairly with everyone, with everyone. I want to thank my parents, who I know are looking down on me right now. Great people. I’ve learned so much from them. They were wonderful in every regard. I also want to thank my sisters, Marianne and Elizabeth, who are here with us tonight. .. my brother Robert, also my late brother Fred. Great brothers, sisters, great, unbelievable parents. To Melania and Don and Ivanka and Eric and Tiffany and Barron, I love you and I thank you, and especially for putting up with all of those hours. This was tough. This political stuff is nasty tough. I want to thank my family very much. . You’ve all given me such incredible support, And Kelly Anne, Chris (Gov. Christie) and Rudy (former NY Mayor Guiliani) and Steve and David. Gov. Chris Christie. You folks are unbelievable. And Democrat Dr. Ben Carson…”

And Mr. Trump kept on thanking a host of people who helped him including the Secret Service and New York’s Law Enforcement. Mr. Trump concluded his victory speech saying: “I can only say that while the campaign is over, our work on this movement is now really just beginning. We’re going to get to work immediately for the American people and we’re going to be doing a job that hopefully you will be so proud of your president. You will be so proud. Again, it’s my honor. It’s an amazing evening. It’s been an amazing two-year period and I love this country. Thank you. Thank you, Mike Pence,” (his Vice President). Very touching. To hear the Donald Trump speaks from his heart. ***

Why did Hillary Clinton lose to Donald Trump in this 2016 presidential election? What happened? What went wrong? These questions remain the focal point and topic of discussion among pollsters, experts, analysts and those so-called Monday morning quarterbacks. While Trump’s victory stunned the world, those socalled experts are now trying to save face by second-guessing themselves and offering some answers which, to some extent, are deemed acceptable and within reason.

According to CNN, Clinton’s campaign had faced a host of setbacks, many of whom, her own making. Early exit polls from CNN showed 58 percent of the white vote went to Trump. White men and women voted for Trump 63 and 53 percent, respectively. He won whites with college degrees (49 percent) and without (67 percent).

That equation alone is something that has never occurred in the annals of the U.S. presidential elections when white candidates for both major parties are pitted against each other. If those figures are attained, it would enough be for a white candidate to win a U.S. presidential election. But, aside from this, other adverse factors had played a role in the Clinton’s campaign from which she was not able to recover.

There was trouble before Clinton even entered the race when The New York Times ran a front page story on March 2, 2015, reporting that she used a personal email server when she was the Secretary of State. This particular issue had so troubled the American voters who were appalled at her seemingly lack of concern for the country’s national security. And the problem is exacerbated by the fact that Clinton was not forthcoming about her transgression that she hid this issue from the American public during the earlier part of her campaign. It irreversibly damaged her credibility and trustworthiness among the American voters when it came to light.

The controversies surrounding the Clinton Foundation also proved as a catalyst to Clinton’s drop in poll numbers. The fact that the organization took contributions from foreign governments while Clinton was Secretary of State—violating its own commitment, as well as State Department protocol—only showed Clinton’s lack of respect for the law.

One of the most damaging emails from WikiLeaks, published by Julian Assange, involves the death of American Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans in Benghazi, Libya, who were killed by Muslim militants, after the State Department ignored Steven’s urgent request for military assistance, which the U.S. Special Elite Squad said they were ready and willing to provide. The American voters never forgave Clinton for this and, to some extent, also blamed President Barack Obama. The Clinton’s campaign then, started to unravel.

Lastly, and I think this makes more sense: The vast majority of American voters, regardless of race, had already made up their minds about voting for Trump. But, fearing the backlash from those liberal voters and the equally liberal mainstream media, they decided not to divulge that they were voting for Trump. As a result, it skewed the poll numbers out of whack leaving the experts and analysts at a loss in explaining the reason for Trump’s stunning victory. (Contributed by Don Azarias)

Notebook will focus on Secretary Hilary Clinton next issue. And the Winners. (esn) ***

TRUMP’s VICTORY AFTERMATH: On Wednesdy following Trump’s victory, hundreds of protesters marched downtown Chicago and in front of Trump Plaza by the Chicago River carrying “We Hate This Man” placards addressed to the newlyelected President DONALD TRUMP. They were very angry about Trump’s victory, they chanted anti-Trump slogan.

John Beacham, leader of Answer Chicago and organizer of the protest, told reporters: “What is needed now is as much outcry and opposition to his (Trump) presidency as possible… We have the right to reject an official, even the president of the United States, if that person represents something that is opposed to what the people want.”

“We’re here preaching love even though we hate this man,” a protester at the rally said. “If the Cubs can come back in the World Series, so can we.” Very sad. On the other hand, hundreds who supported Donald Trump held a great Victory party Tuesday night to celebrate Trump’s victory to the White House.

Another UN-happy soul on Trump’s victory is Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. During the campaign, he criticized Republican Trump as “unfit to lead America.” In preparation for the “come what may,” when then President Trump takes his White House seat, the mayor challenged president-elect Trump and the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House, majority of whom are Republicans, “to hear, respect and listen to voices who did not elect you.” Meaning him and the big chunk of Chicagoan Democrats. Let’s deal with this issue next time. ***

Chicago Cubs winning the World Series since 1908, put Chicago on Top of the World! November 2, Wednesday 2016, for the first time since 1908, the CHICAGO CUBS are WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!

Chicagoans and CUBS Fans from all over including those in foreign countries, joined the Joyful Celebration! For the first time since 1908, the Chicago Cubs are World Series champions. Before Game 7, the deciding game, Cubs fans were seen lining up outside the bars near Wrigley Field since Friday morning; some for almost over 20 hours before the game time, to get a seat to watch the World Series, the first held at Wrigley Field since 1945. The CUBS FAN sacrifices were rewarded when on Game 7 the Cubs survived the breathtaking challenge and made an extra-inning after the rain to achieve 8-7 CUBS!

Cubs World Series Victory Parade and Rally a HUGE Success! Chicago count said FIVE MILLION PEOPLE attended the joyful, joyful parade! Everyone got berserk with joy… Cubs memorabilia from shirts to pens sold like hot cakes, even buyers have to go through long lines on State Street to get into the Souvenir stores!

Chicago was on top of the World! Chicago’s St. Patrick Day’s tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green, was also celebrated by dyeing the River blue at 7 a.m. as the crowds began to gather Downtown to celebrate the Cubs first World Series victory in 108 years.

FILIPINOS and FILIPINO AMERICANS have “ Our Very Own” to be proud of, related to the CUBS Victory. His name is Addison Russell, shortstop/second baseman of the CHICAGO CUBS. He was born on January 23, 1994, in Pace, Florida, eldest of the four children of Milany Deocampo Russell, a native of Olongapo City, Philippines. According to the internet reference, the Russell kids were raised by their Mom and stepfather named Wayne. Indeed, CUBS Addison Russell is our pride as FILIPINO AMERICANS! ***

HAWAII STATE CONGRESSOWMAN TULSI GABBARD PUSHES HARDER TO AWARD CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO FILIPINO VETS OF WORLD WAR 11 (H.R.2717): Honolulu, HI: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), recently hosted a roundtable of leaders from Hawaii’s Filipino community to update them on the legislation she introduced to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino Veterans of World War II (H.R.2737). The bill recently crossed a critical milestone. After decades of attempted recognition for Filipino WWII veterans, the passage of the bill is getting closer.

“Congressional Gold Medal bills require two thirds of the House, or at least 290 members’ signature on to bill to move forward. I’m happy to report to the Fil-Am community that today, we have exceeded this with 309 co-sponsors. They are our colleagues representing both parties from nearly every state and territory in our nation, supporting legislation to recognize these men (and women) for their service and sacrifice,” Congresswoman Gabbard told the group.

Last year, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard introduced bipartisan legislation (H.R.2737) to award the Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Filipino veterans. The bill acknowledges over 200,000 Filipino and Filipino- American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-toduty and fought under the American flag against the Imperial Forces of Japan during World War II. 305 Members of Congress have signed on as cosponsors of the congresswoman’s bill, and she is working with House leadership to schedule it for a vote. With support from Hawaii’s Filipino community and organizations across the country, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard hopes to pass the legislation before the end of the year.

To Congresswoman Gabbard: MABUHAY KA! A Filipino expression of jubilation and heartfelt appreciation of your heroic support to Fil-AM WWII Veterans! MARMING SALAMAT PO. Thank you so much!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

President-elect Donald Trump delivering his victory speech at the Hilton Hotel in New York, surrounded by his Vice President-elect Mike Pence with his wife, Karen. At his left are his wife Melania Trump with their son, Baron. (Wikepedia)

Our very own Filipino American, CHICAGO CUBS Addison Wayne Russell, son of a Pinay, Milany Deocampo Russell.

Hawaiian Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, as one of the sponsors H.R.2737 has been working diligently to award the Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Filipino veterans before the end of 2016.

NINETY-year-old Birthday Celebrant (November 2, 1918), and a die-hard CUBS fan, “Daddy” Fernando Guatelara, proudly dons his CUBS WORLD SERIES sweatshirt, a birthday gift from his grandchildren when his CUBS family — children, grand and great grandchildren, celebrated his birthday in advance for the Cubs win Nov. 2. His birthday prayer for the CUBS was granted when the CUBS won the WORLD SERIES To Daddy Nanding, CUBS VICTORY was one of his best birthday gifts! He said, “I have been a CUBS fan since I arrived in Chicago in 1988. The city of Chicago best deserves this honor.” (Photo by granddaughter Analene Guatelara)

The Espinosa & Perlas families of Chicago went to Cleveland forWorld Series Game 7! Here are Mark, Joe, Jonah & Joanna as seen on FOX Chicago TV, and young Jonah has waited his whole life for this moment! (Picture from FOX Chicago TV News)