Trump issues memo banning Trans servicepeople....

[sarah1972]

Does not look like the crazy ban will go much further:

https://www.susans.org/2018/04/14/court-confirms-blocking-of-ban-on-trans-troops/

and

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/transgender-ban-trump-military_us_5ad1572ee4b0edca2cb9eea1

[AnneK]

"is led to conclude that the Ban was devised by the President, and the President alone."

I don't know how accurate that is, considering he's got Jeff Sessions and Mike Pence in his administration.

[AshleyPixune]

Does not look like the crazy ban will go much further:

I dunno, my fear is that this will go the way of the Muslim travel ban.  One of my cis friends was so excited for me, but the Trump I know doesn't quit once he's set his mind to something.

[Deborah]

I don't know how accurate that is, considering he's got Jeff Sessions and Mike Pence in his administration.

You assume he will remain in office and that his party will retain control of Congress this fall.  Both assumptions appear to be very weak right now.[emoji3]


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[AnneK]

You assume he will remain in office and that his party will retain control of Congress this fall.  Both assumptions appear to be very weak right now.[emoji3]

That's my hope too.

[itsApril]

You assume he will remain in office and that his party will retain control of Congress this fall.  Both assumptions appear to be very weak right now.[emoji3]

That's something to look forward to.  However, if Trump quits or is removed, then there is the reality of a President Pence.

My impression is that Trump is personally indifferent to LGBT people.  He has no fixed principles politically or morally.  When he strikes out against us, it is because of a political calculation he makes in the moment, searching for an issue to cultivate and gratify the prejudices of his most fervent followers.  Trump's rise to power has been achieved by mobilizing the fears, anger, and resentment of his followers and focusing them against "marginal" groups.  (Muslims, LGBT, immigrants, non-Christians, non-whites, etc.)  Oddly, Trump bears us no personal ill will - he's simply an unprincipled opportunist.  But that makes him readily willing to throw us under the bus whenever he perceives any advantage to doing so.

Mike Pence is fundamentally different.  He's a true believer, opposed to LGBT people and LGBT rights as a matter of religious and political principle.  President Pence's executive actions and judicial appointments will be at least as toxic as those of President Trump, and very likely even more toxic.  So the danger to us as a community doesn't end even if Trump falls.

It's a tall order, but the BEST thing we could do in November would be to change the balance in the Senate.  The Senate approves and confirms appointees to the federal judiciary, which are LIFETIME appointments.  Trump and Pence may soon be gone.  But Trump/Pence-appointed federal judges are likely to be a problem to us as individuals and as a community for decades into the future.