The Donald

Well, Mr. Trump's poll numbers continue to rise.  Those who assumed he would have already been sunk by a circular running torpedo fired by himself are confused, angry and saddened.  And it's not like circular running torpedoes have NOT been fired.  They have.  Volleys.  But they have all been duds - at least as far as the Republican grass roots are concerned. 

The Trump phenomenon raises a host of questions - none of which can yet be answered.

The media, both mainstream and otherwise, are totally bewildered.  So am I, for that matter.

The focus of attention is, quite naturally, on the reaction of other candidates.  Republican hopeful "A" says something about some nonsensical statement uttered by The Donald and The Donald immediately responds via Twitter questioning Republican hopeful "A's" intelligence, masculinity/femininity, or general worthiness as a human.  The Donald's poll numbers go up with Republicans and Republican hopeful "A's" poll numbers drop.

Lots of digital ink is being spilled on this aspect of the phenomenon. 

My interest is a bit different.  As the first  multi-billionaire to run for the nation's highest office, what do his fellow oligarchs think about his candidacy?

My suspicion is they probably don't like it.  The Koch Brothers and Sheldon Adelson have become almost household names; but they prefer to let their dollars do the talking with their Super PACS, self-serving non-profits, and no doubt their personal charms.

The Donald brings prominence to the world view of their species which, at the end of the day,I don't believe even a majority of the Republican faithful will find attractive. 

The Donald trumpets how often he, as a man of wealth, has been able to get access to elected politicians.  Indeed, he points out how often it's not HIM calling the pol; but the pol calling him to ask for a favor.

The Donald worships money.  It is his measure of every man in his world. 

 The Donald worships himself.

I am an atheist.

However, I cannot posit a better response to "Trumpism", and the American oligarchs than that offered by Pope Francis.

“A way has to be found to enable everyone to benefit from the fruits of the earth, and not simply to close the gap between the affluent and those who must be satisfied with the crumbs falling from the table, but above all to satisfy the demands of justice, fairness and respect for every human being.”