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ofthisandthat.org. All rights
reserved.
ofthisandthat.org. All rights
reserved.
| Questions and Comments backfire@ofthisandthat.org |
INAUGURATION, January 20, 2009
Drunk in its stale air
For two hundred years.
Fettered in mind and body,
The soul, the safe escape
To let me breathe the cries
Of my heart singing
Tears of mel-an-choly.
Drunk in its stale air
For two hundred years.
Fettered in mind and body,
The soul, the safe escape
To let me breathe the cries
Of my heart singing
Tears of mel-an-choly.
The tears flow free today
Washing the stains of blood
And sweat in brotherhood.
Raise the curtain then an'
Let the world look in
On this promised land --
We breathe free today.... almost.
--- Arshad M. Khan
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave.
--- Native American proverb
--- Native American proverb
February 9, 2018 (posted Feb 14, 2018)
Mr. President: It is the optimism of the young that is infectious, drowning out the
cynicism of the old: the smiling faces, their enthusiasm, their energy, their sheer
delight in being there. They are the spirit of the Olympics, drawing in the record
audiences for the opening ceremonies and for the events.
The Winter Olympics of 2018 opened today in South Korea to a glittering ceremony
showcasing the country's technological wizardry, although, culturally and
entertainment-wise, remaining in the very large shadow of the fantastic Sochi
spectacle in 2014.
A constantly smiling President Moon Jae-in gazed benignly over the extravaganza,
pleased that his 'sunshine policy' visibly portrayed in the joint South and North Korea
team marching together, had had such an initial success. Rocket Man had been
mellowed with charm, eclipsing President Trump and his threats.
President Trump was having his own difficulties ... again. His White House appears to
be more like a railroad station than a symbol of stable, responsible government with
the constant arrivals and departures. This week two top aides, Rob Porter, the
right-hand of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, and speechwriter David Sorensen
announced resignations amidst a scandal of wife-beatings, one ex brandishing
photographic evidence of a black eye while the two men continued to profess their
innocence.
Mr. Sorensen declared he had never ever been violent 'against any woman in my
entire life'. Instead, he claimed his ex-wife Jessica Corbett had been physically
abusive towards him. He had photographs of his own scrapes and bruises, saying he
wanted to highlight the much under-reported issue of female-on-male sexual violence.
Is this White House more tolerant of male aggressors? It was Donald Trump after all
who was caught on tape boasting about grabbing women 'by the pussy' and getting
away with it because he was a celebrity. At least 19 so far have accused him of
sexual harassment and/or assault.
Is a certain type of personality attracted to Trump and vice versa? He has often
notably risen to the defense of men accused of female harassment: a list including
Roger Ailes, Corey Lewandowski (Trump's earlier campaign manager), Roy Moore,
Bill O'Reilly, and now Rob Porter.
'Fire and Fury' the Michael Wolff report on this White House, has some telling tales:
When asked who he consults before an important decision, the not unexpected
answer issues forth, "Myself." On the subject of 'white trash', he explains, "They are
people like me, only poor." Who can disagree with him?
Mr. President: It is the optimism of the young that is infectious, drowning out the
cynicism of the old: the smiling faces, their enthusiasm, their energy, their sheer
delight in being there. They are the spirit of the Olympics, drawing in the record
audiences for the opening ceremonies and for the events.
The Winter Olympics of 2018 opened today in South Korea to a glittering ceremony
showcasing the country's technological wizardry, although, culturally and
entertainment-wise, remaining in the very large shadow of the fantastic Sochi
spectacle in 2014.
A constantly smiling President Moon Jae-in gazed benignly over the extravaganza,
pleased that his 'sunshine policy' visibly portrayed in the joint South and North Korea
team marching together, had had such an initial success. Rocket Man had been
mellowed with charm, eclipsing President Trump and his threats.
President Trump was having his own difficulties ... again. His White House appears to
be more like a railroad station than a symbol of stable, responsible government with
the constant arrivals and departures. This week two top aides, Rob Porter, the
right-hand of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, and speechwriter David Sorensen
announced resignations amidst a scandal of wife-beatings, one ex brandishing
photographic evidence of a black eye while the two men continued to profess their
innocence.
Mr. Sorensen declared he had never ever been violent 'against any woman in my
entire life'. Instead, he claimed his ex-wife Jessica Corbett had been physically
abusive towards him. He had photographs of his own scrapes and bruises, saying he
wanted to highlight the much under-reported issue of female-on-male sexual violence.
Is this White House more tolerant of male aggressors? It was Donald Trump after all
who was caught on tape boasting about grabbing women 'by the pussy' and getting
away with it because he was a celebrity. At least 19 so far have accused him of
sexual harassment and/or assault.
Is a certain type of personality attracted to Trump and vice versa? He has often
notably risen to the defense of men accused of female harassment: a list including
Roger Ailes, Corey Lewandowski (Trump's earlier campaign manager), Roy Moore,
Bill O'Reilly, and now Rob Porter.
'Fire and Fury' the Michael Wolff report on this White House, has some telling tales:
When asked who he consults before an important decision, the not unexpected
answer issues forth, "Myself." On the subject of 'white trash', he explains, "They are
people like me, only poor." Who can disagree with him?