I must calm myself down before I write this article. I have despised Donald Trump for decades prior to his presumptive nomination for the presidency in 2016. I deplored his lies and failures while claiming to be a legitimate and successful businessman and real estate developer. I just finished watching an independent documentary made in 2010 recording the events and comments regarding a resort and golf development on Scotland’s west coast.
The process began in 2006 when the Scottish government overturned the refusal of the community of Aberdeen to permit Donald Trump’s construction plans which would destroy an environmentally sensitive area occupied by decades-old residents. Trump lied throughout the documentary making false claims that he would employ thousands of local residents, while guaranteeing men and women from all nations coming to the area to golf and stay in his hotel and timeshares. This documentary revealed both the ignorance and arrogance of Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr. in business dealings with a corrupt Scottish government.
Is this important for the American people who may decide that Trump is a legitimate candidate for the presidency of the United States? It may be more important than any other revelations in the next six months before the election. It exposes his lack of character and inability to know the difference between a lie and the truth.
The residents of Aberdeen were extremely displeased with Trump’s plans. Environmentally important and historic sand dunes, and a pristine shoreline would be destroyed.
As construction began, Trump complained about the homes of residents which had occupied the area for decades. Calling them slums, and claiming that some of the people lived like ‘pigs,’ Trump demonstrated his elite attitude and the evils of many who possess enormous wealth.
Unable to purchase or eliminate the houses, Trump and his son, Donald Jr., who was the project manager, resorted to inhumane and immoral actions in attempts to deny the rights of local residents.
Water from local wells was diverted; no fresh water was available for some of the homes to cook, clean, or flush toilets. When a survey revealed that a power pole was a few feet inside of Trump’s property, he tore it down, removing electrical power for some residents.
Claiming that his wealthy clients who would flock to his golf course would not wish to see the ‘slums,’ he created sand berms high enough to destroy the resident’s view of the ocean, and the golfer’s view of the residences.
Trump’s golf course was completed in 2012. Less than 3,000 people had signed up for tee times. Although he had promised 6,000 jobs, only 150 individuals work at the ‘Menie Golf Resort.’
Trump filed a law suit to halt the construction of a windmill farm in the waters west of his golf course. He lost his court battle, while Trump continued to complain about ‘the view.’
This has become another project where Trump has lost money from an unwise investment. Interviews of avid golfers who were playing at St. Andrews told those filming the documentary that no one would play at Trump’s fiasco. The history of the oldest golf course in the world was the attraction, and building a new course in an area with poor access did not appeal to them.
The documentary is called “You’ve Been Trumped.” In addition to destroying four miles of Scotland’s pristine environment, more than 400 trees were ripped out of the ground and buried.
If you are an environmentalist, you must oppose Trump. If you believe in the rights of those who are not billionaires, you must oppose Trump. If you oppose the one-percent and their bloated riches, while our nation is experiencing an increase in the poverty level, you must oppose Trump. If you are a loyal American who believes in equality, freedom, and respect for your fellow man, you must oppose Trump.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of Thomas Woodtli
The Truth With No Restrictions 