Here we are on the second day of June, our weather having suddenly become ablaze with heat. We won't complain, based on the seemingly interminable nature of winter.
The doldrums of winter can put us in a trance. We don't even appreciate the months of March and April enough. I have concluded we are tempted to "under-dress" for those months as part of a subconscious desire to put the harshest of winter behind us. So we under-dress and find that the March and April weather is really not that pleasant for taking walks etc. So starting this year I have resolved to keep wearing winter stuff into early spring, including my "mad bomber" hat, so to get outside and relish the fresh air.
But now, holy cow, summer is practically assaulting us Minnesotans. The temperature at the Williams home got up to around 100 yesterday. My friend Bryce informed me at the Willie's parking lot this morning that June 2 is going to be just as intense if not more so. Maybe this is the day I can make my first trip to Wells Park and shoot some hoops at the very nice little basketball place there.
I remember the last time doing this last fall. I remember thinking to myself: "Well, it will be a long time before I come back here - I wonder what all will transpire with the news etc. before I come back."
Holy mackerel. Look at what all is going on. I am an early riser and like to switch on cable news as soon as my cup of instant coffee is prepared. Bless our old microwave oven, such a simple and durable machine. Some dark chocolate squares might complement the coffee. And then, what comes forth from my "television device," as "Mork" of the old "Mork and Mindy" sitcom would say?
Provided you don't watch Fox News, you'll get pretty nonstop coverage suggesting directly or indirectly that we have a total crisis of leadership in Washington D.C. And even Tucker Carlson of Fox News was assailing Nikki Haley of all people last night, based on totally innocuous comments by Haley seeking to calm our national mood. What's up with Fox News starting to attack certain Republicans? Haley has been floated as possible VP replacement for Pence under our clown prince president.
Serious criticism of Trump is now pointless. We can digest such thoughts for at least three hours every morning, often very persuasively/eloquently, and where do such thoughts land? There's no need to try to persuade people like me, i.e. "preaching to the choir." Trump's Republican Party has become essentially deaf to rational arguments. It is subservient. They are enablers and as such are increasingly dangerous. No, don't preach to the choir you all, you have to attack the pathology: Republicans in denial, or Republicans who figure there's always enough of a "base" out there that you can thump your chest and celebrate re-election so we can keep hearing the same hopeless rhetoric.
It drones on and on. And the criticism of same drones on and on but in such a futile way.
There is no turning point, no tipping point.
Need we even comment on Trump's behavior yesterday (June 1)? Is it worth our time, even?
I concluded we're at the point where Trump is just going for the most base theatrics now. He is literally just "trying to get attention" which fills a psychological need. He pulls strings to ensure he'll be the focus for commentary through the next news cycle. For example, he chose a Friday to proclaim that all churches across the U.S. were to immediately resume services. Yeah, 'cause churches were "essential."
On Friday he would set the wheels in motion for all the news/discussion shows on TV hashing it over in the most predictable way: what basis does Trump have for declaring it? What legal imprimatur is there (none really)? Could Trump actually follow through on his threat to "override governors" if they aren't responsive?
Conservatives are not supposed to like a high-profile government. They like government to be subdued and in the background so people can take care of themselves. There is a certain degree of merit in that. But Trump puts himself forward not as a helpful leader but rather as a circus barker type of person. "Look at me, look at me, I'm holding a Bible."
No more preaching to the choir, we need to get through to the likes of the Apostolics in the Morris area. I was out walking to the west of my residence a few days ago, on a dirt road, when here comes a pickup toward me with flags on both sides in back, flapping furiously. I caught a glimpse of one of the flags and it had "Keep America Great" (instead of "Make") for Trump. I watched as the truck proceeded to the east, then I saw it pull into the driveway of a known Apostolic family.
Religious differences are fully legitimate. We respect those. But the political leanings of the more conservative churches are becoming hugely problematic. Is Trump really "conservative" as he stands by while the deficit explodes? Is he really conservative on "moral" issues? When you consider his personal behavior with porn stars and Playboy models? When you consider his hush money paid to a porn star? Setting a moral example? Wouldn't you say Barack Obama was diametrically the opposite on a real "moral" scale.
If I could hear just one Apostolic talking in respectful tones about Obama, it would make my day.
Don't look for the obvious
If Trump is finally going to descend in his fortunes, how might it happen? Any leader can meet his political Waterloo. But silly rabbit, it might not happen because of the most anticipated or obvious reasons. Let's consider the rioting happening right now. A wise politician would give boilerplate-type speeches about the need for calm and understanding, including at least some understanding of the grievances at the heart.
And why would this be so productive? There is a moral basis, yes, but also the underlying basis of preventing the rampant destruction of property! And what "special interest" would be at the core of this matter? Hey, the insurance industry of America! Insurance can frustrate us sometimes but it really is part of the bedrock of America. It's all about protecting and preserving property. And it is a lobbying force - don't underestimate that.
You can cheer for Trump talking about "law and order" - George Wallace redux. I know all about it. But it's more important to try to bridge gaps in our society so we can "all get along," as Rodney King implored. And, to protect property everywhere!
So, Trump could begin to fall for a less-than-obvious reason. I'll make a constructive comparison: Joe McCarthy did not fall because of any moral outrage that was building up. The outrage has become something like mythology or maybe an ideal, something we'd all like to live up to. "Have you no shame, sir?"
And that's commendable but it doesn't give a full explanation. Hey, what really brought "Tail Gunner Joe" down was politics: he alienated the U.S. Army! The Army turned on him.
We can hope that something analogous is happening with Trump. It's scary because we cannot predict the future.
Addendum: Going to Wells Park today (Tuesday) might not be so practical 'cause I see dark storm clouds. I might not have to water the zinnias this evening! Rain might also wash out the planned sit-in at the county courthouse which was supposed to be 1-4 p.m. "Indivisible Morris" is a counter to the Apostolics. As I get set to post this, Trump is on TV again talking about "law and order." Flashback to 1968 and the George Wallace independent presidential campaign.
- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com
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