Talking Politics: Pardon Me!

Politics: Relating to government or the public affairs of a country -- honorable, leadership, stewardship, decency, humility...

Or (?):

George Bernard Shaw: "The last resort for the scoundrel...He knows nothing and thinks he knows everything, which points clearly to a political career"

       It's not been 24 hours and I find myself not only feeling compelled but full of opportunities to talk to you here about some of the dimensions of what has occurred in an around our nation's capitol recently that has political, social, and even psychological implications for all of us. And, of course, I will attempt to do so in a gently provocative manner, always in good taste (a matter of friendly debate, I suppose). Some lesser covered stories, points of view that deserve our collective consideration:

Ins and Outs (of the White House):

People moving out, people moving in...𝅘𝅥𝅯

A GRACEFUL EXIT: Not only was Donald Trump's exit without fanfare, but without much press coverage (one of the few times during his tenure he did not have the rapt attention of the writers and paparazzi, which is a story in and of itself). Most of the mainstream press was on a 'Trump watch' way before he entered the oval office for the first time almost 24/7, simultaneously complaining about his narcissistic behavior and giving the accused narcissist what a narcissist craves...pretty unenlightened behavior by a group of people who ostensibly think they know not only what we need to know but also why. A symbiosis that has continued to this day, as I witnessed and read many interviews wherein Donald Trump continues to be the main subject, many hours after he has gone to one of his resorts. 

Charity Begins...with the Santa Clause (Article II, Section 2):  This came on the heals of then still President Trump having issued 73 pardons and 70 commutations of prison sentences, which evoked many comments, among which included this concession from a constant critic: "Trump finally got this right..." Not bad for a guy accused for a complete lack of empathy. A list of some notorious and some lesser known figures and characters, including a rapper, a dapper, a moonshiner ("Rub a dub dub..."). Also known as Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.), former mayor Kwame Kilpatrick (known in these parts not only for his fall from grace but his dapper dress, always styling and no doubt to return in style at some point, according to the local press who have already latched onto him), and Alfred Crum (an 89 year-old who pled guilty to distilling hooch in 1952, which if it is still aging...). The full story acknowledged that this was not the longest list of such pardons issued from a president but unexpectedly 'diverse'. What presidents can't pardon are impeachments (we were reminded of this almost incessantly the last week) and future crimes that people might be scheming at the moment, but have yet to unhatch (a 'get out of jail free card' to carry in your wallet, like in Monopoly)--at least not yet...Finally, still President Trump left a note for soon-to-be President Biden -- the location and contents were not yet revealed, but President Biden indicated it was "generous".  

A GRAND ENTRANCE...doing, undoing: Having known his way around the White House, including many trips to the oval office through his vice presidency, all it took was getting used to a different chair. Once settled in, he got right to the business at hand, with pen in hand, and proceeded to whip off an almost unprecedented number of executive orders, some invoking new orders and actions, some to undo what had been done in the previous administration (not unusual): Donald Trump issued six executive orders in his first week in office, President Obama issued five, whereas newly sworn in President Biden signed over a dozen his very first day. Pretty noteworthy given not only his previously observed energy level (lack thereof) but also from a party that was hypercritical of the previous executive for the way he wielded executive authority. What he can't order is for the climate to change back and for COVID to leave (but can and did sign us back into the climate talks in Paris and back into the ranks of WHO). In response to the note Donald Trump wrote one wonders whether Joe Biden will issue a secret "Thank You" -- ironically for the "mess" his party along with the press is lamenting he was left with, which provides a generous four years of excuses. But we all hope he doesn't indulge such 'executive privilege' and instead stops the blame game right here and now. 

The Winners: #1 - Ushers! Didn't you notice how many it took to usher everyone in and out? Add to this all the policies and "historical moments!" (I lost track yesterday) being ushered in and ushers should have job security for the near future.

                 #2 - Penmakers! If you think about how many pens it took to write all those pardons, executive orders, etc., and factor in COVID and you have a huge demand, which may outstrip the current supply if President Biden doesn't slow down...

The Losers:  BBC and many of our own reporters, who characterize our country as hopelessly divided and in chaos, who were anticipating and predicting riots and mayhem...if they came to this neighborhood they would have seen people going about their business, a greater than usual Old Glories proudly unfurled, and lots of folks standing six feet apart buying Powerball tickets. Ironically, the one notable disturbance, hardly mentioned by CNN, was one in Portland Oregon, aligned with the party more on the left, now at the helm.

The press (as currently assembled and practiced): They think we know nothing and we are incapable of critical thinking; they tell us everything they think we need to know, and why (as much or more commentary than pure reporting). A call for a return to what, when, who, and where. As the detective used to say on "Dragnet": "The facts ma'am, nothing but the facts..." We can figure it out, thank you. We are not doomed nor in chaos as characterized, and we were once again witness to an orderly transition in our government as is our long held tradition. And we will continue striving together to do better on behalf of all, especially "the least of these".