Our country mesmerized by "wallpaper hanger"

The specter looms

Maybe it's an especially good time to be religious. I would say, in conformity with the Christian faith. And how do you define that? Used to be a pretty basic proposition. There was a pretty fair consensus on what that was.  I accept Christianity the way my late mother did. 

I say it's especially important these days because the United States of America may be looking at storm clouds for our basic existence, getting worse as time rolls on. By the time we really wake up to the threat of the political right wing, its sheer power lust, it may be too late. 

Will we become like the horse character "Boxer" from George Orwell's "Animal Farm?" Becoming aware of how he had been abused, but too late for his once-awesome physical strength to allow him to break away from the trailer taking him to the "glue factory?" 

The media is always a compass with yours truly. Sort of my raison d'etre, so we must assess the media in connection to how it's juxtaposed with basic human nature. Is someone like Dana Loesch really against the Southern border compromise proposal that failed? In terms of her own independent judgment? Away from the limitations of having to take care of her own talk radio career? Wouldn't you really want to know her straightforward opinion from right inside her own head? 

 

Towing the line

Well of course Ms. Loesch cannot say she favors the compromise bill. What could be more boring for her audience? She is not going to cut down her own career. I cite her specifically but she is totally representative of a whole class of "professionals" who do this on the radio airwaves. So-called conservative talk "sells." It is at its worst on radio but it has leached into the TV news/talk ecosystem quite profoundly. 

Reason has more of a place on TV than on radio for some reason. You can watch the Joe Scarborough program for three hours in the morning and totally trust the viewpoints. Back when that show began, the talkers would have been aghast if they had known what the tenor of the show was going to be in 2024. Yes the show is reasonable for basically the whole three hours, but it's all in reaction to the total wrecking crew of America's right wing. The show is on defense. 

And the right wing flexes its muscles because we the people have allowed it. 

 

New cycle awaits

I am feeling the soothing tranquility of early Friday morning as I write this, before the cacophony of disturbed voices starts reaching a crescendo again through the media. And I'm talking the electronic media. There's the total drumbeat from the right as typified by Dana Loesch. Then we need the reaction to such voices also. 

On this early Friday morning as we consume the avalanche of news and analysis from yet another chapter of this woeful mess - the Supreme Court chapter - the brakes simply cannot be applied to the steady advance of the political right with their national leader. 

Their national leader reminds me of a line spoken by George C. Scott in the movie "The Last Days of Patton." I'm not sure if the real Patton actually spoke it. But Scott as Patton was speaking to some surrendered German troops in the immediate aftermath of WWII. The troops were bedraggled. Patton gave them some solace because he at least respected them as soldiers - you could see their spirits lifted as the American general shared a sense of camaraderie. Was this an inspiring scene? Yes, because away from the sheer disaster of the cause the German troops were fighting for, they were human beings with a sense of wanting to bond with their brethren. 

Patton finished his little talk with a salute! He figured that most Germans went along with Nazi-ism because they just had to.

And what of Americans being led along by the "Orange Jesus" at present? Analogous? Unfortunately I really think so. 

 

In the USA, 2024

So right now amidst the tranquility of about 4 a.m. Friday morning, I wonder what will happen next for our cherished country. Can Christianity do a turnaround? 

Did George C. Scott over-act?

Don't worry, I have not forgotten the exact line I was going to share with you from "The Last Days of Patton." George C. Scott as Patton brought up the folly of Hitler and others in his mold, people capable of creating a mania of wayward enthusiasm. He called the despots "wallpaper hangers." 

Wallpaper hangers. Think about it. Do you really want to be part of an America that gets caught up in such a thing? Please pause and reflect. The very early-morning hours are a good time to do this. Count your blessings while you can. 

If the Federal Reserve begins a series of "rate cuts," we'll get another burst of inflation. And this one could put all Americans on their heels. The state of affairs could be ripe for a wallpaper hanger to come in and exploit. Trump may not be the worst. He could be succeeded by someone far worse. 

 

Court fatigue?

Trump himself commands media attention because of his never-ending "appeals" through the court system. Does this bother you just on the face of it? 

I mean, Trump just disses the carefully weighed judgment of high-level judges in their panels. He does have a friend in Aileen Cannon. Is the problem with Judge Cannon that she does not follow the news well enough? Many people do not. Was she following what happened on Jan. 6 and did she care? Is she squarely in the Trump camp? In his pocket? She is an isolated curiosity for now. 

The political right wing has made huge inroads within our Supreme Court. You think it's funny that Brett Kavanaugh kept saying "I like beer?" I don't think it's funny, that or the testimony from the woman in his background. 

But we here in Morris MN cannot be made to feel concerned about Trump-ism. We are a total extension of the Dakotas. The days roll on. Trump appeals ad nauseam until in the end, things are resolved in his favor. Are all the appeals wearying in themselves? A downer for America to follow? I share as much in a comment posted with Yahoo! News. The comment drew a lot of notice and response. I share my comment here along with a number of responses to it.

 

Here's a question I do not see asked: Is it demoralizing for us all that a major national leader is so inclined to "appeal" all the time? He questions the judgment of highly respected judge panels who really are trying to be fair. Shouldn't we all assume they are striving for fairness? Trump is so quick to get in their faces, in effect, and say "I'm going to a higher level."

 

"Ginger" responded:

What Trump does is show his middle finger at the laws, courts and judges so it's time to tell him in no uncertain terms that the answer is NO.

"Jo" responded:

Because as we've seen throughout his reign of terror. NOTHING is fair unless it is fair to only him.

 

"Paul C." responded:

Is it demoralizing to see the Democrat party weaponize the DOJ, FBI, intelligence services? The world recognizes that we have become impotent on the world stage and a real life Banana Republic. Even the Houthi's are having a hoot at the Bidenites.

 

"Tim" responded:

A Karen saying “I want to speak to the manager.”

 

"D" responded:

Because he wants to get his way, and when he can’t anymore get ready for some major crying and try to incite another mob.

"Rick" responded:

Unfortunately, in today's society millions upon millions don't trust the judiciary precisely because they do not think judges are fair, and instead think that judges rule in line with the philosophies of the party that appointed them. In some ways that is true, but not in corrupt ways. A liberal is going to appoint more liberal judges, a conservative more conservative judges. So we shouldn't be surprised when a liberal judge rules in a way that, though liberal, is an honest application of what he believes is correct, just as for a conservative judge. I think the days of expecting judges to agree on principle much of the time went out by at least the 1970s.

"Terrie" responded:

Yes, that’s part of the damage he is doing. His constant undermining of every office of government (except himself, of course) is definitely inspiring “if there’s smoke, there must be fire” thinking among those who are looking for excuses to keep supporting him.

 

"Dick" responded:

Because he’s the “Karen” of Presidents and doesn’t have the sense of a pissant as my dad always said!. 

"Michael" responded:

They are not fair. Far from that.They are told what to do. This is America and if you have good reason for appealing, you are granted an appeal.

 

Someone who goes by "Name" responded:

Trump probably thinks he'll receive favorable treatment from the "conservatives" on the court especially including the 3 that he appointed to the highest court. Hopefully all justices will place their loyalty to the Constitution, the country, truth, the rule of law and the American people over any politician or party in determining their judgment.

"Pa Pepe Roday" responded:

Whether or not you like Trump personally or politically, any fair minded person can see that he’s not being treated fairly in this process. I can’t see how this whole situation won’t boost Trump’s poll numbers. His crowds will grow larger and he’ll attract more independent voters. This will backfire on the Democrats BIG TIME. Unfortunately for the Democrats - inflation is a constant reminder of their failures. Every day we are reminded. $8 for a dozen eggs. $100 to fill up my tank. $150/month water bill. Very few things are still affordable - Car insurance ($23 per month from Insurance Panda) and gym ($20/month from Planet Fitness). But I’m sure those will go up soon thanks to Bidenflation. Trump is exactly who we need. Love him or hate him, nobody can deny that he will not put up with any nonsense from overseas. Our adversaries fear him that’s why they want to arrest him.

 

"Carl" responded:

Brian, face it, the Antichrist believes “he’s” the higher/highest level/power! Let’s just get him in prison where he belongs, before 01-November-2024!

 

"Montgomery" responded:

Well said!

 

"GOP Kleptocracy" responded:

No president in history has ever been indicted for criminal behavior - until trump. He did not stop at one indictment, he has FOUR! No idea how anyone can support a criminal con man.

 "MooGoo" responded:

That's always been his game. He's the king of SLAPP lawsuits and he routinely uses appeal and delay to avoid punishment. He's just extended the approach to his CRIMINAL legal problems. But agree, he doesn't believe justice applies to him, only the little people.

 

"David S." responded:

God bless and protect President Trump,his family and friends. God will soon destroy the satanic communist-democrat party and cult followers.

"Oracle" responded:

I wouldn’t call Trump a major leader. I know others would, but I think he’s a joke. Looosah!

 

"Funakoshi" responded:

He has to attack them and appeal to make them appear illegitimate and continue the lie that it is a witch hunt.

Judge Aileen Cannon

 
"Doug" responded:

You want to outlaw appeals? Seems an overreaction.

 

"Popeye 1250" responded:

Brian, anyone has the right to make an appeal.

 

"Chris" responded:

No, he think Judge Cannon is a great judge.

 

 

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com