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TRUMP, KIM, & ‘THE CLASP’: ALREADY SINGAPORE SUMMIT IS A SUCCESS OF THE FIRST ORDER

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY JUNE 13, 2018) — From the instant of the Clasp, the Summit de tutti Summi has exceeded all expectations.

THE PLANET finds it incredible that President Donald Trump and DPRNK leader Kim Jung Un have pulled off the unpullable, even though many ideologues refuse to see it for what it is. Trump called them “the haters and losers” in a Tweet shortly before he strode stage left to meet Kim and exchange the most historic handshake of our lifetime. Are they? Consider that The Clasp ended 70 years of ignorance and truculence, brought warmth and dialog, and paved the way for future progress between the two nations.

While it is as impossible to overstate the significance of this summit as it is to predict its end results, we can say with certainty that this achievement alone — that is, the unadorned fact that it happened in the first place — would be enough to justify Trump’s re-election and Kim’s ascension into the world’s body politick. If nothing more had occurred, it would have been a major triumph. However, in addition to the meeting itself, the two men produced a document that a.) commits the U.S. to cease those ridiculous “war games” with South Korea, b.) commits the North to denuclearization, and c.) secures both country’s pledges to continue the progress. There have been pledges and promises before, granted, but there has never been a one-on-one, look-’em-in-the-eye meeting that produced a signed document.

Trump provided tangible evidence of his ability not so much to negotiate but, first and more importantly, get an unapproachably reluctant “other side” to come to the table in the first place. He did it. He deserves the accolades and credit — not that he will get them. U.S. politics being what they, praise is a cash crop taxpayers are paying their “representatives” not to grow, and too many followers agree it’s good money spent. Nonetheless, while Democrats, progressives, #Me Toos, BLMs, snowflakes, and others remain in the realm stew and fume, Trump’s exorcised the ghosts of Yalta in Singapore, who have been haunting the Korean peninsula since the end of WWII.

As for Kim, the portly man strode from stage right, the short walk not winding him. He had the bearing of one who belonged. He was in his league, up for a command performance. Since March, Kim has been the world’s most successful diplomat, revealing an intelligence and shrewdness that has left the “experts” scrambling. His willingness to meet Trump reveals a pragmatism much in tune with this age and this time. He has brought a reparative intention of busting out of the mythic, dissociative mist that has enveloped North Korea since 1949. Kim has the Mao haircut, but with sidewalls that would do justice to a white rapper. His exquisitely tailored black Mao suit looked fashionable in its understatement.

In the brief photo-op before the two men left to meet one on one, with only two translators, they exchanged small talk, laughed, and looked as if they were joking. The punch line was a shot of adrenaline to everyone watching who had to least grasp of history and just a whiff of current events, particularly of the nuclear kind. Body language spoke volumes of optimism. The two men appeared ready with their A games. Nothing more can be asked for such a moment of instant history. Trump promised to deliver the peace, which Kim topped by likening the unlikely event to a scene from a science fiction movie.

What will come of the summit? The “everything” of a “getting to know you” and the “nothing” of a substance that no one should expect. The greatest achievement of the summit has already happened. Its progress has even now been witnessed. Anything from here on will be on the house’s money. We expect the outcome will be as preamble, that this momentous occasion can generate more dialogue and openness — Only this and nothing more … not just that and maybe, maybe … everything else.

There’s reason for optimism, and even Mudville has joy tonight.

————————————————————————————————————————-

“Say ‘The Word’ and you’ll be free” — The Beatles.

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

The views and opinions expressed in the comment section or in the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not necessarily endorsed by the operators of this website. PLANET VALENTI assumes no responsibility for such views and opinions, and it reserves the right to remove or edit any comment, including but not limited to those that violate the website’s Rules of Conduct and its editorial policies. PLANET VALENTI shall not be held responsible for the consequences that may result from any posted comment or outside opinion or commentary as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and this website’s terms of service. All users of this website — including readers, commentators, contributors, or anyone else making use of its information hereby agree to these conditions by virtue of this notice. When PLANET VALENTI ends with the words “The Usual Disclaimer,” that phrase shall be understood to refer to the full text of this disclaimer. 

 

 

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Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
5 years ago

I hope Prez Trump succeeds where Truman through Obama have failed to bring peace to Korea. It is a step in the right direction. Now, Trump has to pivot to Iran. All of our geopolitical allies are upset with Trump on his strategy with Iran! I wish the World did not have nuclear weapons. It is very scary to think about. I watched all of the “Terminator” movies from 1984 through present, and a “nuclear winter” would result in the death of billions of people. The human race would probably have to live underground or on the Moon after a nuclear war. At the end of WW2, the USA dropped 2 atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The USA is the only country to date to use atomic weapons in a war. Putin and Trump seem to want a nuclear arms race. Russia actually has more nuclear weapons than the USA. Wars of the future will be technological – similar to the “Terminator” movies. It will only take one dangerously mentally ill head of government to use nuclear weapons and start a nuclear war. The World has had many madmen dictators who have respectively killed tens of millions of people during their reigns of power. In closing, I hope there will never be a nuclear war. I pray for World Peace!
– Jonathan Melle

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

If Obama did this regressives would be calling for his impeachment especially after his failure of his g7

Chuck vincelette
Chuck vincelette
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

But the point is Preside Obama didn’t do it. Baby step in the right direction. Old Korean proverb “a journey begins with the first step.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Chuck vincelette
5 years ago

The first step in North Korea has been taken 16 times before but this is the first time a President said we will save a few bucks on this deal as the war games show of force has ended……what deal? Rissia,China,North Korea have great influence on Trump…Europe has none.

H
H
5 years ago

So, Trump states North Korea is no longer a
nuclear threat. That’s good enough for me. Because I believe everything he say’s, everything, he would not make stuff up.l

Dilly Dally
Dilly Dally
5 years ago

Jarod and Fedky forgoes their White House salaries, how great of them. In return their personal income was reported to be 82 million dollars and upwards to over 200 million. Thank you for the free service, what a great family that is only interested in the welfare of the United States to make US? great Again. It’s almost akin to Community Service.

mi
mi
5 years ago

Read the perks for the price of protecting Trump Family…staggering, other than self advertising,might be his biggest perk. This guy as advertised is a modern day P T Barnum

Pat
Pat
5 years ago

Thank you President Trump!! If a Democrat had done this, the liberal media would be gloating for months. Sadly, Democrats had no interest in a face to face meeting with the leader of this country though they say they value diplomacy. The wimpy leaders that Americans have been electing could have never achieved this miracle of bringing us from the brink of nuclear war to a peace agreement. Peace through strength.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Pat is your middle name Kellyanne Conway?

NIB
NIB
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Pat, you are right on. Liberals, when faced with the truth, can only react with name calling, personal attacks, violence, lies, or deflection. Many of the posts here today are prime examples of this low grade mentality.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
5 years ago

I just wish no matter the letter before any politicians name that when something is done that benefits all that credit is given where it is due. Working together in partisan ways nowadays is a thing of the past.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
5 years ago

Our family usually doesn’t speak of this in public or talk about it, but a family member who came from humble beginnings from right here in the Berkshires did very well and is worth northwards of 200 million. And let me tell you this family member never lost sight of his meager beginnings. He worked his way through college nearby and then graduated from Harvard.Donates to many causes, but education is the main theme in all the donations. Money hasn’t changed this person one bit or isn’t the evil wealthy person so many use to describe people who have done well.A trust fund was set up for the entire family by this person and no is just handed the money a board reviews the requests and approves or disapproves the request of the family members seeking funds for different things or issues. I hear to many people complain about people having money and feel they know best on what they should do with their money. Not everyone knows what is going on behind the scenes and rumors seem to rule the day of what they make, get or spend their money on.

V P of Lurning
V P of Lurning
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
5 years ago

Yes, Alan did very well.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  V P of Lurning
5 years ago

I assure you the name isn’t Alan.

NIB
NIB
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
5 years ago

I wish more wealthy people were like that. Sadly, your family member is the exception rather than the rule. I bet one of the reasons they’ve done so well is they had no sense of entitlement.

Harlan RinkleNutts
Harlan RinkleNutts
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
5 years ago

Everyone’s coffin is the same length.

Fugimoto Hockalugi
Fugimoto Hockalugi
Reply to  Harlan RinkleNutts
5 years ago

No matter the size of the casket no one gets planted wearing plaid.

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
5 years ago

So Johnny , what is the point you are trying to make?

Fugimoto Hockalugi
Fugimoto Hockalugi
Reply to  Lenny
5 years ago

Me no Johnny.

The school committee
The school committee
5 years ago

The only thing expected from the wealthy is to pat your fair share.That is all.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

Fair share? What would be a fair share that you would consider? Believe me an incredible amount of taxes are paid?

Spider
Spider
5 years ago

Why did Persip imply that he was offended when Mazzeo compared former mayor Ruberto’s plan to change the name of Columbus Ave. to Martin Luther King which met with such fierce opposition. It certainly wasn’t offensive against Mr. King, but rather explained the outcry against changing the name PERIOD! It didn’t matter what name he was going to change it to.

Earl Parsnip
Earl Parsnip
Reply to  Spider
5 years ago

Persip is a buffoon.

Pat
Pat
5 years ago

Democrats have no problem with rich people as long as it’s their rich people. People like George Soros (loaded), or the Clintons (equally loaded despite Bill’s claim of losing 65 million from the Monica Lewinsky affair), and even Elizabeth Warren. Even Bill Clinton got back all of his lost millions from unbelievably expensive speaking fees so we shouldn’t feel too sorry for him.

NIB
NIB
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Both parties cater to the rich, just different kinds of rich. Both are guilty of raping the middle class.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  NIB
5 years ago

Yes true,the Clintons might as well been republicans and Obama had to spend 8 years on the Bush banking mess….Trumps taking care of the wealthy

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
5 years ago

Read an article where 2020 Democrat hopefuls have met with Obama to gain guidance. Warren met with him and brought up his huge speaking fees as an issue for her. I’m sure the issue was all about the optics of them in the upcoming 2020 election and not so much she really cares that big dough is being made.

dusty
dusty
5 years ago

Trying to cooperate qwith this garbage thing as I always have. So my authorized blue city recycling bin is out at the curb with all sanctioned cans and bottles as per rules of the city. And I happen to be near the window and watch the guy casually pick up and dump the bin and then drop it right in the effing road one foot off the lawn.

Why?

dusty
dusty
5 years ago

Trump says the nuclear threat from NK is over. But there are some stupit generals going around saying that Kim Jung still has all his missiles and warheads and silos and his little red buttons.

These generals should be fired for disrespecting their president

h
h
5 years ago

You must be talking about the G Man philanthropist,educator, rich,and takes care of his family, oh and saved 100 plus million for and loves his Coty.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  h
5 years ago

You must be smoking too much wacky tobacky.

Mr. G
Mr. G
5 years ago

Dan, I am always one to welcome real gestures of peace, and I agree that this happening at all is pretty momentous. But consider this: All the Korean dictator has ever wanted was global legitimacy. Everything he has ever done has been focused on gaining that one objective. His country was dying very fast; rapid-advancing Stage 4 rot from within. In one handshake Donald Trump gave him EVERYTHING he ever wanted or dreamed of.. He wins, at our expense so we lose. And we gain nothing but a carefully choreographed meeting that may indeed buy Trump re-election. Hmmmm…wonder if the Donald’s darling Putin had anything to do with any of this?

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Mr. G
5 years ago

Eye opening thought right there.

NIB
NIB
Reply to  Mr. G
5 years ago

Wow, what is the color of the sky in your world. The only thing Trump gave him, and it will be temporary if things don’t progress, was the halting of war games which are pretty much useless anyways.
So you think one meeting and handshake with Trump gave him global legitimacy? That’s hilarious. But the fact you think it’s true isn’t.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  NIB
5 years ago

War games are useless? We lost a few of our special forces troops last October in Niger. Why? Bad preparation…poor communication.

Preparation and coordination are VITAL if you are one of the ones in the line of fire. Nothing hilarious about that at all dude.

NIB
NIB
Reply to  dusty
5 years ago

And you think war games would have prevented the tragic loss in Niger? You are clueless.
The war games the US and SK put on were nothing more than a show of force to NK. Nothing more.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  NIB
5 years ago

You really think they are games huh? Can you spell Ka lu less?

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Mr. G
5 years ago

Mr. G, Globalist Troll – what is the “everything” you are talking about? Sanctions against the demonic NK regime continue. US troops are staying in SK. Please enlighten us.

Mr. G
Mr. G
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
5 years ago

I’ve already said. His despotic regime was legitimized the moment Trump shook his hand and sat down. The US made a “special” huckster sales pitch video just for him then the president himself said he trusts him. That is everything for him. It is all he has dreamed of since rising to power.

Mr. G
Mr. G
Reply to  Mr. G
5 years ago

And I love the globalist troll characterization too. Troll, well I do hunch more these days. And Globalist? Well by its definition you’d have to be pretty short sighted not to be. Forthwith, “a person who advocates the interpretation or planning of economic and foreign policy in relation to events and developments throughout the world.” Duhh

NIB
NIB
Reply to  Mr. G
5 years ago

His regime was not legitimized. The entire world knows (but I guess you don’t) that NK has alot more to do before they can be trusted. It was a beginning, something Hillary would never have even accomplished.
You fools just invent stuff to put down anything Trump does.

Mr. G
Mr. G
Reply to  NIB
5 years ago

Donnie said he trusts him now. So apparently Trump is the only persoon i the word who doesnt know NK has a lot more to do before they can be trusted. He said it, not me.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  NIB
5 years ago

I walked to the store to meet the owner and it was a great great walk and I arrived at a store a great magnificent store and the owner was there a terrific guy great great guy…We spoke words big words and we left as friends good friends great friends

Mr. G
Mr. G
Reply to  danvalenti
5 years ago

Global legitimacy, and why not…seriously Dan? You’ve got to be kidding. When Obama said he would consider face to face meeting with the Korean dictator he was pilloried by the Republicans, universally and vociferously. He has murdered countless numbers of his own citizens and starved many more solely to pursue his nuclear program to bully the world into legitimizing his rule and his state. Thats why not.

NIB
NIB
Reply to  Mr. G
5 years ago

When Obama said he’d meet with NK back in 2007 he said he’d do it without preconditions and – you have apparently forgotten – the leader of NK was Kim Jong Il, not Kim Jong Un. 2 very big differences.

Sanctuary
Sanctuary
Reply to  Mr. G
5 years ago

Im with DV on this one!!
Global legitimacy North Korea has already earned,.
I love the planet.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Mr. G
5 years ago

Typical leftist – blame everything on Putin & Russia.

CosbiesLadies
CosbiesLadies
5 years ago

Murderers row Putin Jong-un. Make North Korea great again. Russia is next..Canada Great Britain Germany,get the helll out.

Gaetani news hour 6 p m channell 1301 parties will be dismantled at will.

H
H
5 years ago

Should N K believe anything Trump says if we break our nuke deal with Iran.

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
5 years ago

My Christmas wish is that all posters used their real names.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
5 years ago

If you use your real name you are crazy,the cost is being blackballed

NIB
NIB
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

TSC, I agree with you. Use your real name on here and say anything negative about Tyer and Co. and there will be backlash. Count on it.

Thomas More
Thomas More
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

Blackballed by whom, TSC?

NIB
NIB
Reply to  Thomas More
5 years ago

Apply for a job with the City of Pittsfield after posting negative comments about Tyer and Co. under your real name here. See how far you get.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  NIB
5 years ago

true dat

Bill Q
Bill Q
5 years ago

There won’t be must posting if that happens Chuck. Lighten up. There are more important things to wish for, like keeping the water-sewer rates from evaporating our homes.

H
H
5 years ago

The media is making a fortune off of Trump.Daily grind, he’s a T V Entertainer and Showman. his mentor were the McMahons. Chris Couomo should make a fortune with his new show.

C Trzcinka
C Trzcinka
5 years ago

The summit was a day long photo opportunity- nothing more- that we hope is the start North Korea giving up its nuclear weapons. Kim now has the attention he wants and a really cool 4 minute video showing how important he is. It might work since he craves attention, the sanctions are still in place and North Koreans are still starving. This is a brutal regime that is crushing its people. It has offensive abilities beyond nukes which is why the war games are important, not useless. The document they signed commits North Korea to nothing specific and we can easily restart the games. If nothing happens, all this will have been a waste of energy but it certainly is worth the risk.

mi
mi
5 years ago

Gaetani gives his name as does Dan, that enough for me.

NIB
NIB
Reply to  mi
5 years ago

Dan doesn’t live in Pittsfield so can use his real name and say all he wants without repurcussion. Same with Melle and Trzcinka. Gaetani is already on the outs with the Pittsfield GOBs (good for him!) so he has nothing further to lose.
It’s too risky for the rest of us to use real names here, as you know how Pittsfield politics work.

C Trzcinka
C Trzcinka
5 years ago

Here is “Mr.G”s point https://www.vox.com/2018/3/9/17100880/north-korea-republicans-right-conservatives-obama

Why is it different now? Because Trump makes outlandish claims about being a dealmaker? Most (all?) of his deals went bankrupt. I hope this one does not.

NIB
NIB
Reply to  C Trzcinka
5 years ago

So you found an article from a liberal news(propaganda) site and you think that backs up your argument? If you read the article thoroughly you can easily see the issue repubs had with Obama meeting with NK and other hostile countries was he said he’d meet without preconditions. Trump met with NK with preconditions, that is any NK talk about not denuclearizing would have killed that meeting and it almost did. Once NK mentioned not denuclearizing Trump pulled out of the meeting and sent that letter to Jong Il. That’s called a precondition.
And most (all?) of Trumps deals did not end up in bankruptcy. Some did, but most did not.
Turn off your hatred and embrace the truth.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  NIB
5 years ago

some did some did not….but a lot did…even almost ALL AMERICAN banks won’t lend him money even now….which is why he got involved with Deutsche bank in Germany and the Russian oligarch money

the dude has no financial credibility even amongst the bankers he just cut all the regulations for…they do not want him darkening their doorsteps

C. Trzcinka
C. Trzcinka
Reply to  NIB
5 years ago

Hatred? Reread the story. Trump had no preconditions other than the talk be friendly. What people used to mean by “preconditions” are decisions about what’s being disputed,not happy talk.

Why does it matter that something came from a “liberal” newspaper? Are you arguing that the facts are wrong because of where it was published?

The “truth” is not “embraced” but proven. You sound like its a religion. What I embrace is the facts and I hope the facts will show that this meeting produced a good outcome.

C. Trzcinka
C. Trzcinka
Reply to  NIB
5 years ago

Hatred? Reread the story. Trump had no preconditions other than the talk be friendly. What people used to mean by “preconditions” are decisions about what’s being disputed, not happy talk.

Why does it matter that something came from a “liberal” newspaper? Are you arguing that the facts are wrong because of where it was published?

The “truth” is not “embraced” but proven. You sound like its a religion. What I embrace is the facts and I hope the facts will show that this meeting produced a good outcome.

Pat
Pat
5 years ago

Donna Todd Rivers has a 75K per year job as a “Berkshire Workforce Czar”. It seems she got this job through an informal network in which she heard about the job before anyone else did and so she decided to look into it. She was asked to share the job opening with people SHE KNOWS. She says she wants to help people find jobs in the Berkshires by tapping into these informal networks. These informal networks, however, seem to be word of mouth only at first and then rarely go beyond a small inner circle of people so not sure how she will open up this network to everyone.

The iberkshires article says she has been in this job since April. Did anyone else hear about her being appointed to this position until now or is this something only those in the “informal inner network” knew about? Truly hope this is a job that actually helps people find work or what is the point? I’m also worried about her trying to find jobs for spouses of people who are moving here. That doesn’t sound like helping local people to find jobs.

Wilson
Wilson
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

nothing more than pork barrel money, though Pittsfield taxpayers will probably end up supporting her for life. Whether Rivers was just quick to grab the payout or whether it was part of a deal she made is something the people who were robbed of the money will never find out

NIB
NIB
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

Switching her vote on the waste water system upgrade did wonders for her career.
The job description seems to be one where the salary should be about 20-25k, as it requires the skill set of a teenager with a smart phone.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

And your story Pat is about why people in Pittsfield feel such resentment towards their elected officials….they are a nepotismal
cabal. It is also why 95% of Pittsfield high school grads will leave and never come back. They have been forewarned that the deck is strongly stacked against them.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

75k,that’s Pittsfield…..why does it pay so much money?Sounds like a voluteere position with no pay.

Earl Parsnip
Earl Parsnip
Reply to  The school committee
5 years ago

Hinds set this job up. Didn’t Rivers work on his campaign? Didn’t Hinds have a bullshit made up job before he was coronated? And so it goes and da beat goes on. Long live the Gobsigs.

Two Cents
Two Cents
5 years ago

If you criticize, then you must also be willing to praise when warranted. So, I would like to take this opportunity to tip my hat to Superintendent McCandless, who admonished the school committee this week (albeit diplomatically) for their self indulgent vote to eliminate Columbus Day in lieu of indigenous people day for the sole purpose of virtue signaling that is tearing this country apart. (what many here describe as the progressive agenda). In asking that the committee reverse its vote, McCandless spoke elegantly and showed the backbone we had yet to see. He spoke of a divided community and the scar the committee would leave on Pittsfield for a decision unrelated to their charge of overseeing the education of children and not pushing their political philosophy. It was an impressive showing by the superintendent and should be seen by all of the readers here. I know Dan has written on this issue in the past and should probably again. It’s about time we stop trying to parse language to show how unbiased we are and simply demonstrate it by treating all people fairly. If we all do that, than we no longer have anything to prove to our neighbors.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Two Cents
5 years ago

If McCandless did say that then I do give him praise. Wish it was printed in the local media though. At least I didn’t see it if it was. It certainly did make the School Committee look as though they were pushing a political agenda and not worrying about the main purpose of educating children.

dusty
dusty
Reply to  Pat
5 years ago

actually I think the main purpose is to funnel money with educating children several notches down the list

Pat
Pat
Reply to  dusty
5 years ago

You are correct Dusty.

gigi
gigi
Reply to  Two Cents
5 years ago

I would like to thank the Italian Americans who showed up in force at the school committee meeting to express their anger at the change to “indigenous peoples” day. I salute you! And let’s vote Cindy Taylor off the school committee in the next election cycle.

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
5 years ago

Why haven’t any libtard moonbats on this blog wished President Trump a Happy Birthday ?

Pat
Pat
Reply to  12 Gauge
5 years ago

Happy Birthday President Trump!!!! I thought about it this morning then completely forgot.