California's Newsom will join GOP governors in raising flag for Trump inauguration

[Jose Garcia]

Source: Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom will join Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and some GOP governors around the country in directing U.S. flags be raised to full height on Inauguration Day.

Newsom’s spokesperson Izzy Gardon confirmed Wednesday that the governor would temporarily direct the raising of flags at the state Capitol in Sacramento for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Flags at the U.S. Capitol and at statehouses around the country have been lowered to half-staff in honor of the late former President Jimmy Carter.


Newsom, who has become a foil for Trump over the years, will need federal help as his state recovers from devastating wildfires that have killed more than two dozen people.

Trump has complained about American flags being flown at half-staff during his inauguration. “Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it,” he posted on his social media platform.

Read more: https://www.google.com/amp/s/abcnews.go.com/amp/US/wireStory/californias-newsom-join-gop-governors-raising-flag-trump-117728419

[malaise]

1. Fuck that

That is all

[TheCowsCameHome]

21. Well stated...

..to which I would add - FUCK THAT!

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

118. The moment he removes his hand from the "47th President Donald J. Trump God Bless the USA Bible"

($59.99, or $1,000 for a copy which looks like it was autographed by Der Leader himself), he will order all American flags to be flown at full staff for the entire time he is in office, which could be four or eight years, depending whom you talk to.

[catrose]

23. Exactly

[DENVERPOPS]

63. I so agree with that

Read my comment below and the one above it that I was replying to......

[Escurumbele]

66. OK, I am going to try to explain my view of the two sides of the coin...We all want the flags at half staff,

but lets be real, doing so has two reasons, the one is for homage to President Carter who just passed away, and the other one, if we want to be honest about it, is the fact that a treasonous individual, a convict, is being sworn in as president of the USA. It has never been done, and I understand, sympathize with the feeling but, as the Governor of a state who has always been a target for bad intentions by republicans, Newsom doesn't want to throw gasoline in the fire, plus California would most probably be the only state doing in it.

So I ask all of you, if you were Governor of California, would you start a fight that will most probably not accomplish much but to piss some people, mostly the buffoon, and make some others feel good about it, or would you fight where you know it will make a difference?

We have all heard "Pick your fights", and to me, this is not one worth fighting, at the end of the day, there are better ways to honor President Carter, and better ways to fight the evil that is coming.

[malaise]

67. He would not be starting a fight

Last edited Thu Jan 16, 2025, 01:33 PM - Edit history (1)

He would be following rules, norms and conventions
Anything else is a sell out to a criminal scoundrel.
That is all

[Escurumbele]

73. You see? Those are the type of things that trump cares about, "the flags were flown 1/2 staff", his ego hurt

and retaliation comes, but if you do like Newsom has decided to do, nothing for the buffoon to think about, least of all when California is facing the fires, he just took away the leverage that trump may have hoped to have. As I said, Newsom has decided that fight is not worth fighting, and I believe is is right.

And like someone else pointed out, Carter has died, he won't know, and he most probably would not have cared, he would side with Newsom's decision.

trump reminds me of idiots that I had to put up with when I was growing up.

I had a girlfriend who lived about an hour from where I lived, I used to take a bus almost every day to go and see her, I was very much in love with her, I was 14 years old. I would also take an early bus on Sundays so that I could spent some time with her at church during mass.

One Sunday I got there a little late so I did not sit with her during mass but waited for her. Once the mass ended I walked outside and there were about 14 kids waiting for me. One of them said "Why were you looking at me during mass?", and because I was not good at keeping quiet, I replied "Why would I look at you, you are ugly as hell, but maybe that was the reason, I have never seen an ugly jerk like you.", of course that did not help my cause...so we started circling each other to start fighting while other kids moved closer as well, I was going to get the beating of my life. Lucky for me, the biggest kid on their group moved in and said "Backup everybody, nobody touches him, he was willing to fight you all, I have respect for him, go!"...He saved my life and we became friends.

But the reason of the story is that people like trump don't need much to have their ego hurt (maybe even look at him weird?), so yes, placing the flags at 1/2 staff would have hurt his ego and next he would try to hurt California. Didn't he try to hurt California because they didn't vote for him? So, there you go, he would have picked an unnecessary fight.

[kacekwl]

95. The amount of fights

worth fighting by democrats seem to be getting very small. Rolling over by democrats seems to be reaching epidemic status.

[doc03]

110. That is not going make Trump treat California any better. That just shows weakness.

Like Micheal Steele told Morning Joe why do we have to be civil with Trump, he has never been civil with us and won't be.
We got Feterman going to ML. Now Newsom being intimidated into raising the flag.

[Jack Valentino]

120. There are BETTER ways to not piss off the activist base of the Democratic party---

or, 'better ways to piss them off'? Ok, that doesn't make much sense either.


Newsom has annoyed me several times in the past sixth months,
appearing to pander to the middle or to Republicans,
can't remember the specifics at this point---

but THIS, I WILL remember.

When it comes to 2028, he's OFF my "A-list".

[Evolve Dammit]

81. First words that came to my mind!

[BobTheSubgenius]

83. Took the words right off the tips of my fingers,

I would like to add, however, that I think they should be flown upside down.

[everyonematters]

9. This is an example of why only 30% of the electorate are registered as Democrats.

People don't care if Newsome raises the flag or not. They know that when they go to buy groceries the prices are too high.

[Walleye]

25. I don't think prices are ever gonna come down. They never do.

[homegirl]

62. And what

percentage are registered Republicans. Ans how many Independents and Declined to state?

[BannonsLiver]

76. +1000

I was sick of hearing about the GD flag a week ago.

[in2herbs]

91. IMO the Ds that vote do care whether Newsom raises the flag or not. nt

[kacekwl]

96. Bullshit,

That's all.

[Renew Deal]

13. Drama

[travelingthrulife]

40. This is ridiculous. THIS is why dems don't win. Because hysterical people

draw deep lines in the sand. Too much purity.

It's a flag and Carter is dead and unaware. He would have probably agreed to raise the flag for a day.

[NotHardly]

47. Pure BS

[lapfog_1]

56. funerals are not for the dead

They are for the living. flags flying at half staff is one of the rituals we perform collectively to remember our Presidents. In our history there have been only 46 Presidents, so remembering them for 30 days after they die is a sign of respect. Narcissist Trump should have have insisted that Flags fly at half staff for the full 30 days.

I'm certain that Newsom is trying to get FEMA money for the LA disaster and so the sucking up to Trump.

But he is wrong.

Just like he was wrong to date Kimberly Guilfoyle ( a politically terminal lack of judgment that should prevent him from running for higher office )

[Abolishinist]

114. "Just like he was wrong to date Kimberly Guilfoyle"

He did more than date her, they were married for 5 years. Ugh!

[DENVERPOPS]

60. TTL

Flags being flown at half mast is out of respect for a person who has served our country well. It is a tradition, and well deserved. To alter that for someone like Trump is deplorable, esp in the case of Jimmy Carter.....A National Hero for his entire year life.
And, just for the record TTL, there have been like a half dozen times, in America's history, when the nation's flags have been at half mast during the inauguration.......out of admiration and respect for some one great having passed.....
I have had, what I consider the distinct honor of talking to Jimmy Carter at length about the things he has said and done for humanity, and for the country HIS ENTIRE LIFE AND CAREER......He was the real thing!

To alter a long standing tradition, especially for some one as despicable as Trump is a complete and utter travesty........
One who states openly that his draft dodging during the VietNam War helped him instead wage war on preventing catching STD's, versus a man who, at that time, had spent years in the Navy, and qualified as a Nuclear Sub Commander.

The Next Tradition or Traditions thrown out because of Trump, or by Trump, or his band of merry sycophants and Trumphumpers, may be the U.S. Constitution. As he has already stated in public....... the U.S. Constitution is, as far as he is concerned, an "Antiquated Piece of Paper".

And, if Carter were taking office, and the flags were being flown at half mast for the passing of a past president, he would have insisted that they remain at half mast, out of respect, during the inauguration.......

[homegirl]

64. So presumptuous

of you to even presume to know what Jimmy Carter would want.
There could not be two men more different in every way!

[Escurumbele]

70. "Because hysterical people draw deep lines in the sand. Too much purity. "

Very well said...Short and to the point.

"Too much purity" This one is right on target, reason why Democrats get stepped on by republicans. What is it? "Democrats show up with a Bible to a knife fight"???

Carter won't mind, in fact, I think Carter would agree with Newsom, he knew there are other, more effective ways to fight evil.

[BannonsLiver]

77. Well said

Of course DU is but one silo. Not very meaningful in the grand scheme.

[kacekwl]

97. Are you kidding ? Do

you think if Ronald Reagan or Rush Limbaugh died when Obama was being sworn in Republicans would never stand for this, ever. This is a big deal because trump and his ass kissers made it one .

[hamsterjill]

119. No. THIS is why Dems don't win.

Democrats are just supposed to fold on everything, right? Nope, we’ve already been doing that.

We need to take and stand and tell them to fuck off. Maybe THEN, we can regain some of the respect that we’ve lost.

[thebigidea]

84. Helping Californians by manipulating a narcissist is way more important than a stupid flag ritual

[Irish_Dem]

3. I was lambasted here for saying Newsom would have to give Trump what he wants

to receive federal aid. People didn't believe it.

Well this is just the beginning.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

89. To get ANY fire aid, the Dems are going to give Felon47 no debt ceiling.

It's going to be like giving a drunk the keys to the brewery and hoping he will moderate his drinking. Hell, no! The very first thing he will do is invite all of his drinking buddies over and clean out the plant.

Once their first goal is satisfied, they'll look for their next target. And the next. And the next. They will never be satiated. Look at how many men had to die to stop Hitlebr's goal of world domination. Look at how many women have died because Felon47 stacked the SCOTUS in his quest for absolute power.

We have been told over and over again that Project 2025 is the blueprint for the first 100 days of T***p's Second Coming. What are the plans for the remaining 1,360 days?

[Irish_Dem]

90. Trump will never sign anything unless he gets something first.

And yes he will keep upping the ante.

[kacekwl]

117. If California does not

receive FEMA aid from the government as EVERY other state has in the past because of trump or trump lacky I believe in his own words there will be hell to pay. This is a fuck around and find out moment I don't think trump wants. There are a lot of powerful and influential people in California who will make life miserable for him right off the bat. Other than ignorant maga types the rest of the country won't stand for it either.

[Irish_Dem]

4. The Trump ass kissing is reaching epic levels.

Usually seen only in countries with dictators.

[orangecrush]

104. You noticed that too?

[lark]

5. Stupid! nt

This will get him nothing but scorn from tcf.

[rampartd]

10. trump sees this as sign of weakness and will attack

[lark]

11. Yep! Newsome is his target and he doesn't switch once he's settled in his hate.

I'm sure Michigan under Big Gretch is also in his crosshairs.

[HUAJIAO]

32. So is NY.

[lark]

35. Chicago too!

He hates Democrats, period the end!

[Escurumbele]

71. You are giving too much credit to trump, he doesn't think anything, he is just happy flags were all up.

[Bengus81]

6. WTF Newsom?? Think this support will get Trump to stop calling you names?

Have you FUCKING been paying attention for the last EIGHT YEARS Newsom??

Jesus...what the hell is going on with people?? STOP kowtowing to that orange POS and his minions in Congress!!

[HarryM]

7. I would get in trouble if I criticize a Democratic official

So I shall just say nothing.
That's the rule here.

[Renew Deal]

18. That's not how the rule works.

It’s the possible to criticize without being over the top.

“Do not post disrespectful nicknames, insults, or highly inflammatory attacks against any Democratic public figures. Do not post anything that could be construed as bashing, trashing, undermining, or depressing turnout for any Democratic general election candidate, and do not compare any Democratic general election candidate unfavorably to their general election opponent(s)”

[MayReasonRule]

33. I Just Post All Of 'The Things Not Allowed' Over On Blue Sky

That way I don't trip over myself attempting to communicate what is 'not allowed' via means that are allowed.

In other words...

I hesitate to articulate for fear that I may deviate from the true course of rectitude.

It is possible though...

[HarryM]

43. this is all dependant

on one's interpretation. Key phrase "could be construed."

[3auld6phart]

59. Yep

Don’t criticise any Democrat, even if they deserve it. You can be sent to the cleaners, if you do.

[C_U_L8R]

8. Putting up Trump's vainglorious needs

Is not the same as honoring him. In fact, it kinda highlights his shallowness and stupidity.

Besides, the flag will be lowered again after the inauguration. Perhaps with added meaning.

[Bengus81]

17. Really?? It's dishonoring Carter, I don't care if it's only for a few minutes or a few hours.

BTW,what's the next ring kissing that will be needed to sooth the fragile ego of the soon to be Fuhrer?

[C_U_L8R]

28. The fed flags will be dishonoring at Trump's command, regardless

Raise or don't raise... it might be possible to honor Carter and take on the coward in other ways (lemons/lemonade and all that).

[thebigidea]

85. Exactly. The Governor is doing this for the people in the state who need help.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

12. WTF?!?!

[ExciteBike66]

14. Is a small thing, so i only lose a little respect for the politician...

[DENVERPOPS]

69. RepubliCONs

Have been playing the LONG game since before even screwing with the 1980 election.......

A small thing here, a small thing there.......just methodically chipping away........

And, here we are today..............

As I have said before, the perfect title for a book about the last 45+ years would be: WHILE THE NATION SLEPT

And some of us oldsters, on this website, have been screaming from the rooftops about all the so-called "small things", since the HWBush CABAL, committed TREASON to put their puppet Reagan in the presidency.

[2naSalit]

15. WTF?!?

[KarenS]

16. My take on this is abit different,,,,

I see it more as 'taking one for the team' ~ Team California, that is.

They need help there and I think Newsom is doing it for the help for his state,,,, As long as it goes back down after that day.

[Bengus81]

19. So Trump hasn't even taken office and we need to kiss his ASS for Disaster aid??

Is that where the FUCK we're at as Dems already? Biden has given Federal disaster aid to the very States and Governors that have TRASH TALKED him for his entire term.

That's what Presidential LEADERS do...and they don't whine about a flag that been lowered because a former President DIED.

[Escurumbele]

75. No one is kissing his ass, its a fight not worth fighting, and Newsom is right.Its symbolic, the only result

would be retaliation which California doesn't need. Let us not forget that is not only trump ego weak, but republicans as a party are fully dedicated to caress trump's ego, Newsom/California doesn't need all those corrupt SOBs against them, which makes it a silly fight to force flags to be 1/2 staff. Better ways to honor President Carter, and he can always place the flags 1.2 staff after the inauguration.

[Bengus81]

107. No...he's 100% wrong. Honoring Carters life and death is worth more than kowtowing

to a whiny POS like Trump.

[malaise]

26. So you violate norms and precedent

for a convicted felon’s ego

Fuck that

[KarenS]

31. I didn't say I liked it,,,,

I obviously don't know, but I think that may be what he's doing.

I hate all of this, I hate the outcome of the last election, I am afraid for our collective future.

[thebigidea]

86. If it means helping the families in Altadena, fuck yes. They are way more important than a stupid flag for one day

I doubt Carter himself would choose having a flag down in California for one day over billions of dollars to people who are hurting.

Or do you honestly think Jimmy Carter was that fucking vain?

[MiHale]

20. Don't fly a flag that day..just don't.

[TheCowsCameHome]

22. Mine will be raised again when Trump

has drawn his last breath.

[Timeflyer]

24. Oh, hell no.

[Walleye]

27. I guess he's not interested in the Democratic nomination for President anymore. This will be part of a campaign against

[Wuddles440]

29. F**k this shit!

I'm done supporting these spineless, pathetic F**KS! This type of 'leadership' from representatives of our party is the reason that we've surrendered our democracy and the rule of law to the rulers of the New World Order.

[VBNMW]

98. They don't seem to learn or care about

Gaining or trust and votes to win. It’s always deference to the domestic terrorist of this country. No one likes, respects, or votes for abject WEAKNESS!

Pre-capitulation. That’ll GOTV!

[roscoeroscoe]

30. WTF

Let us all bow down to our lizard overlords. OBEY PROCREATE CONSUME

[JohnSJ]

34. This is an example of why I do NOT want Newsom to be our Democratic nominee for president. From my perspective he plays

too many political games. While I understand why he feels he needs "curry favors" with trump in order to get proper aid for the California fires, the reality is that those who have gone out of their way to ingratiate themselves with the sociopath in the end get burnt when other issues of disagreement present themselves.

Of course I voted for Newsom for Governor because he was the only choice at the time, however, Newsom will never be half the person Jerry Brown is in my view.

[PortTack]

54. Really? Newsom has done a stellar job managing the fires. Gotta pick your fights ....this shouldn't be one of them.

[JohnSJ]

88. My point had nothing to do with how he is handling the fires, but ingratiating himself

to trump. It is absolutely not necessary.

[LauraInLA]

92. Sadly, it may be necessary given the historic amount of disaster aid LA is going to need.

[Bengus81]

108. Are you SERIOUS? Governors have to kiss Trumps abundant ASS to get disaster relief?

FUCK THAT! Stand UP to that spray tan POS bully now or get punched in the face for the next four years.

BTW....what's next on the list that we need to kiss his ass over,and the next and the next?

[GusBob]

36. This whole thing seems so petty. On both sides

Dont we have more important things to worry about?

His state is burning up and 100's of thousands of folks are hurting

Carter's dead cant change that. Honor his memory with important stuff

One of his legacies was house building. Think about that for a minute

[Bengus81]

37. So....States like California are held hostage unless the ASS is kissed?

It is NOT petty on the Dems side. Carter was MY President and needs to be honored like all other former Presidents PERIOD. Tired of this kowtowing BS to Trump that's increasing before his fat ass is even in office.

[delisen]

41. Good point re Carter and building houses for people in need

California can honor President Carter in focus on equality in rebuilding of LA neighborhoods

This will be a more powerful living message tha a one day flag event.

[defacto7]

38. Mine is coming down n/t

[speak easy]

39. Having the flag raised on the day a president is inaugurated

is a gesture that costs nothing. There is no precedent for it in the 30 days following the death of a former President, but there should be. It shows no disrespect to a former President to acknowledge the solemn expression of the will of the people.

[angrychair]

49. It's part of the US Flag Code

The U.S. flag code lays out parameters for lowering the U.S. flag to half-staff, including a 30-day period for current or former presidents to cover flags at federal government buildings and their grounds, as well as at U.S. embassies and other facilities abroad, including military installations and vessels.

The flags were flown at half staff during the 1973 inauguration of Nixon for the death of Truman.

It is absolutely a thing. This is ass kissing capitulation that should be concerning to everyone as well as being incredibly disrespectful to Carter.

[speak easy]

58. The US Flag Code should be amended,

Inauguration day is our affirmation, our celebration of the Constitutional will of the people. If there is a day for the flag to be flown high, this would be it.

I would be making the same argument if Kamala Harris was president elect. I would be making the same argument if Independence Day fell within a 30 day morning period.

The US Flag Code needs amendment.

[The Grand Illuminist]

74. There are a lot of things that needs reform.

When it comes to tradition.

[City Lights]

42. OMG! I am shocked to read this!

[twodogsbarking]

44. Interesting. Let's see how the orange goon reacts to this.

[Oopsie Daisy]

45. For every hour that the flag is at full staff, there should be an extra day of half staff added.

[sakabatou]

46. OFFS!

[angrychair]

48. This is why

Newsom will never be my choice for president. This compitulation to TSF by Newsom is incredibly disconcerting.

[bromeando]

50. traitor trump

Anything to keep the traitor happy so California won't suffer

[underpants]

51. I'm guessing Youngkin will too

[usonian]

52. Appeasement will stop him in his tracks.

Give him Czechoslovakia. ( Greenland?, Bakersfield? )

[PortTack]

53. These govenors have to pick their fights. Wildfire vs a flag raising come on...you're not in their shoes

[Mike Nelson]

55. Smart move...

... Gov Newsom has done what he can to roadblock the expected Trump plans as the relate to California. This should get more attention, along with the invitation to visit fire-damaged areas. Trump can go on his Twitter and post that California and its governor are "scum." It's easy to tell the adult from the baby.

[Paladin]

57. Yeah, because cratering to trump ALWAYS works out so well for Democrats.

One of these days, maybe we'll learn. Hope it's not too late...

[VBNMW]

99. More 3d chess bullshit

Because that’s worked so well. Partisans need to get some spine and or find some different politicians with spine to worship, because the ones we have now are bringing flowers to a gun fight.

[Exp]

61. Political gamesmanship are required during the upcoming TSF admin. eom

[Escurumbele]

68. What? Just because he won't place the flags at half staff you won't vote for him, even if he may be

the best candidate for your State? You are not serious, right? You are just a bit upset about it but will think your comment over and then vote for him if he is, in fact, the best candidate for your State, right?

[BannonsLiver]

79. Somehow I think he'll press on.

[ificandream]

72. As much as I don't like this, it wouldn't be the reason I wouldn't vote for Newsom.

If Kamala runs, I'll definitely vote for her. But otherwise, I'd vote for him.

[greatauntoftriplets]

78. Why?

Is it a quid pro quo for getting federal money to rebuild after the LA fires? If so, he's giving in to blackmail.

[BannonsLiver]

80. Couldn't care less

I was sick of the back and forth over the dumb flag thing a week ago. It doesn’t matter. the Trunptards have succeeded in their goal of getting reactions from Dems over this if this thread is any indication. Mission accomplished for them.

[Evolve Dammit]

82. Capitulation from Newsome??? That's as bad as going out drinking wine during covid lock down. Bad looks

[Conjuay]

115. I must say that I'm disappointed. Nt

[SARose]

87. The flag will be raised to full staff at the state Capitol building only

All other state and Federal buildings including military installations, national parks, etc will remain at half staff. The same in Texas, Alabama and DC

I was upset at Abbott until I realized this. It is a photo op for the big baby.

[Cirsium]

93. Extortion

This is extortion. Caving in doesn't end it, it leads to escalation.

Newsom, who has become a foil for Trump over the years, will need federal help as his state recovers from devastating wildfires that have killed more than two dozen people.

Trump has complained about American flags being flown at half-staff during his inauguration. “Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it,” he posted on his social media platform.

Maybe Newsom thought he had no choice, maybe appeasing Trump on this issue will somehow work, but we should be honest about what is happening. Imagine this from the other side: "all Trump needs to do is post about a very minor matter, and one of the most powerful Democratic politicians caves! Full speed ahead!"

Is there any possible motivation for this other than appeasing Trump?

[kacekwl]

94. Is the whole world the fucking onion ?

I guess us democrats can't count and anyone anymore even from our own party.

[sarisataka]

100. Is anyone going to dare stand?

Or is every politician afraid..

[RandySF]

101. JFC

[Dave Bowman]

102. So the orange bully is getting what he wants, again.

[usonian]

103. Once you pay a blackmailer's ransom, they come back for more

and more and more
Until you have nothing left to give.

[Bengus81]

105. Yep...over and over and over again.

[orangecrush]

106. I am all for raising the flag to full staff

After the pole is shoved up dumps ass.

[Ferrets are Cool]

109. "Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it," He is, for one time, correct.

He IS right in one sense. NO true American wants to see him being inaugurated as POTUS.

[usonian]

111. Depends on your perspective. OR YOUR AI TOOLS!

DO IT, GAVIN, I DOUBLE-DOG DARE YOU

[blueseas]

112. Vindictive

Vindictive Government is coming in, and Newsome needs Fed Dollars

[SunImp]

113. Well, it's not as bad as calling for a Pardon for Trump or the Trials were politically motivated

Like some opportunistic ogres would say

[FormerOstrich]

116. To those that think this trivial and non-worthy

I don't know how many times my partner has said... so-and-so should/shouldn't do this/that because it plays into his hands.

The fact is, he will turn and twist where anything and everything is playing into his hand...no matter what it is. It is really the only thing he excels at. Making it seem he is always on top.

I say stop taking action to avoid or elicit a reaction from the son-of-the-bitch. That gives him more and more power. More power translates to more followers.

Instead do the right thing. Ignore him and his tirades, threats, etc.

He is all about dispensing with our norms and mores. Flying the flag at half mast is a time honored practice to show respect. That is why they should be flown at half mast.

Each compromise the more you become those you hate...

It's death of a thousand paper cuts every time someone caves and alters something to appease him.

[usonian]

121. Agree, I put it a little differently: Once you pay a blackmailer's ransom, they come back for more

and more and more
Until you have nothing left to give.


https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=3374597

This is what Law Enforcement tells ransomware victims.
Do not pay. It only gives them power and they come back again and again.


He plays fools.


But cowers when stood up to.