But not only did it happen, but it's still here, escalating via internet and networks as the back-and-forth drags on. The damage was done by Trump's first response, and it now follows him like a rabid, mangy dog nipping at his heels.Trump talks about his own "sacrifices" but when questioned can only point to his vast endeavors, his efforts to create jobs--and frankly that sounds like stale, trickle-down Republicanism, reeks of feigned piety, self-pity, and pathetic out-of-touchness.

All he needed to say was to express his sympathy for the Khans' loss, salute the bravery of their son, and explain his duty to America compels him to ban Muslims until a strong, sound and effective vetting process is in place. If that didn't stop the Clinton camp and their media lackeys from dragging this issue out, one of his aides could state that Trump had commented on the issue, then pointed out that Mr. Khan's business is to grease the wheels for other Muslims seeking to enter the US. And that Captain Khan was killed by a car bomb triggered by a Muslim.

Counterpunch. End of thread.

Instead, he said what I've summarized above, then took a shot at the man's wife. Which of course keeps the whole flap alive. Khan responds eloquently, saying Trump lacks empathy. And who could disagree?

Trump has allowed this entire entire event to spin wildly out of control, with all kinds of self-styled pundits on both sides offering their opinions, fanning the flames, and the longer it goes on, the more divorced it grows from the original issue.

Opinions are like assholes: everybody has one, and sooner or later we're gonna hear from it.

Whether you're for or against The Donald, you must wonder why it is that both his brilliant intellect and his sagacity as a negotiator vanish as soon as he opens his mouth.

Why is that?