October 30, 2018

You have to feel sorry for real Republicans. They were the ones that you could actually have a reasonable discussion with. As it turns out, there are far fewer of them than we would like to believe. Former Republican Congressional Representative and talk show host, Joe Scarborough of MSNBC (I know what you are thinking,) bemoaned the loss of his party in a Washington Post (I know what you are thinking) article reprinted in this newspaper. Conservative pundit George Will is asking his fellow GOP’ers to vote against the party. Former Republican campaign manager Steve Schmitt abandoned the party. “Fake news” outlets are littered with former Republican operatives and self-styled “Conservative Independents.” As Donald Trump would say, “Everyone is leaving.”

Republicans used to believe that Russia was the evil empire. Republicans used to believe in free trade. Republicans used to believe in balanced budgets. Republicans used to believe in the FBI and the CIA. Republicans used to believe in science. Republicans used to believe in the environment. Republicans used to believe in immigration. Republicans used to believe that the job of the US military was to protect us from foreign adversaries. Republicans used to believe in keeping the federal government out of your bedroom. Real Republicans used to believe in a free press. Real Republicans used to believe in freedom of religion. Real Republicans used to believe in the truth. Actually, real Republicans believe in all of these things. It is just hard to find any.

October 29, 2018

One of the great things about being President of the United States, in addition to being given the honor of serving your fellow citizens, is that you are immortalized in many different ways.  Forever, the citizenry is reminded of your contributions and sacrifice to the commonweal.  However, this time may be different.

How would you feel if your child had to attend Trump Elementary?  How would you feel if you had to serve on the USS Trump?  How would feel about having your address changed to Trump Street?  Will you make plans to visit the Trump Library?  Will you be studying his great speeches in your Government 101 class?  Will the Trump Bridge be a bridge too far?  Will you attend your child”s graduation if Trump is the commencement speaker?  Will you give thanks to Trump on President”s Day?  Will there be a Trump Memorial in Washington, D.C.?  Will you go through the Trump exhibit at the Smithsonian?  Will you read boos by Chernow, Isaacson, Goodwin, or menachem about the Trump presidency?  Will you have a photo of Trump on your mantle?  Will you take a trip to the Trump homestead in Queens?  Will you stay in Trump hotels, play on Trump golf courses, or buy Trump-branded merchandise?

residents typically look better in the rear view mirror.  Time heals a lot of wounds.  However, this time may be different.  As time goes by, it will give everyone time to reflect on the “carnage” this president has created.  What does it say when one’s only lasting legacy will be a a red hat that says “Make America Great Again.”