I recently exchanged a riding mower for $500. There was nothing wrong with the transaction, except maybe I let it go for a bit less than it was worth. I didn’t need the mower any more so I had something to trade for something. Something for something. This for that. If I were into Latin I could say ‘quid pro quo.’ It is the simplest three word description for a transaction. You have something I want and I’ll give you something you want for it.
There is no question that a businessman become U.S. President does not understand that concept. If perhaps, you do not agree that any businessman would know the meaning of the phrase and the process it describes, can you possibly doubt that a U.S. President who understands all negotiations as transactions could not know what he is doing in a ‘something for something’ conversation.
President A: It is my hope and expectation that we can obtain more of your military equipment.
President B: Uhum, and I have a favor to ask. Could you expedite an investigation in your country of one of my political opponents?
What could possibly be simpler to understand? Something for something. This for that.
On July 26, 1920, H. L. Mencken wrote in the Baltimore Evening Sun: “As democracy is perfected, the office of the President represents more and more closely the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day, the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, an the White House will be occupied by a downright fool and complete narcissistic moron.”
That ‘great and glorious day’ has arrived! Mencken’s wit has been appreciated for a long time but it has taken nearly a hundred years for his clairvoyance to be proved. Can a ‘complete narcissistic moron’ be impeached? I hope so.
Sanchismos 
Mencken’s quote was certainly prophetic, a prophecy that has indeed been fulfilled!
Indeed! Thanks, Henry, for your dropping by and leaving an encouraging comment.
1920
It was a very good year. Incredible prognostication. And speaking of prognoses we could Dx the Current Resident, if we had a proctoscope, since that is the only appropriate instrument, eh?
Good idea, where shall the instrument be inserted. Never mind, he is an asshole at every orifice.
With this jackass, everything is transactional, without ethical structure…nothing is transformational guided by a moral compass. P.S. So now who mows your grass?
Well, I sold the mower to the guy named Joe, no, not him, who now mows my lawn. Since I no longer have to spend an hour every week endangering the neat edges of perennial beds, which Joe and his helper are most careful with, I can idle-away that time in pursuits more appropriate to my age and condition, i.e., I can do nothing useful, sort of a perpetual zen zazen. Thanks for visiting, Skip!
I meant to thank “Pam,” not Pat, but my fingers have a mind of their own.
Yes, Cindy, let the celebrations begin! Party hardy!
Oh yes he will. I’m ready to par-tay!
Thanks, Pat, Joyce, Aimee, Robert! Appreciate your response!
Me too.
Hope so.