This interpretation of the current state of affairs in our country all comes down to one man’s fragile sense of self. Unfortunately, the rest of us are paying the price for his twisted nature and inability to recognize his deficiencies. For him the art of the deal has always been to screw someone else, but it turns out that he inevitably is the biggest loser. As they say in the casino business, the house always wins—but not when the house in question is in the hands of a totally incompetent businessperson.
I refuse to believe that the intelligent people who have watched this horror show from the inside are not currently wondering what on earth they got themselves into. Unless of course they have a similar bent such as the very bright but viciously self-centered sycophant Stefanik. Even some of the other well-educated people have become toadying yes people to the detriment of the rest of us. Thankfully, the incredible overreach is finally waking up a majority of the populace. It’s a joy to see the Republican members being roasted at their own Town Halls—although I do have to give credit to those who continue to hold them—the others have slunk off into the shadows with their rat tails behind them.
Well, that was rather unexpected for this Sunday morning, but obviously we can’t all play nice. I do have something very interesting to share, however. I suspect a lot of you are also readers of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s wonderful Substack on Tuesday and Friday. I know I look forward to it every week. And I’ve also told you that I have a page-a-day calendar with daily quotes. Well, guess who is quoted today? Our very thoughtful fellow writer, Kareem. Interestingly the calendar puts the weekend on one page, so yesterday’s quote was from Pliny the Younger, ancient Roman statesman. Rather auspicious company for our American basketball player as Kareem is identified. I was going to give you just today’s quote, but now I think yesterday’s is quite appropriate as well. So here goes:
“Prosperity proves the fortunate, adversity the great.” Pliny
“Surviving means that you have come through the catastrophe but you’re still relatively intact. Thriving is about learning and growing as a result of the event.” Kareem
And now the sun is coming out and the Spring flowers continue to thrive. Hoping that my Sunday paper has arrived by now, I will sign off and spend the rest of the day with the news.
RESIST ALWAYS
TTFN
The God pod just showed me an interview with Brad Meltzer which emphasizes empathy and the good that can come when we stop being so damn self-centered. I recommend his new book -- "Make Magic: The Book of Inspiration You Didn't Know You Needed". It's a much better bedside read than the one that Trump had. The interview is at https://www.thegodpodcast.com/p/empathy-expert-brad-meltzer-shares?publication_id=2255074&post_id=162162059&r=2cxus&triedRedirect=true
As Adlai Stevenson quipped after losing two presidential elections in the 1950s, "I got the votes of all thinking people. Unfortunately I needed a majority." Yes, that's an elitist joke. Yes, thinking people like those who read and write the editorial pages of the WSJ are having second thoughts about their vote for Trump. But to win back a clear majority for Democrats, Trump voters probably have to experience severe economic pain. Think 1930. Unfortunately, so may the rest of us.
And Democrats have to offer credible alternatives from candidates who have taken time to listen empathetically to swing voters. Dems haven't built a true grassroots movement since Obama in 2007-8, nearly 20 years ago.