HodgePodge: Rhetoric continues in Mudville
By Charlie Hodge.
I suppose it could be considered funny if it was not so pathetically boggling and potentially lethal. For some 78 minutes Tuesday one of the most powerful men in the world pontificated to his largely partisan fan club his self-described amazing track record of running the country. Sadly, much of the monologue President Trump spewed out to those listening to his State of the Union address (either live or on the nation-wide televised event) was misleading or an exaggeration. In a nutshell, not much different than any other self-adoration speech the former game show wizard has babbled during his controversial and chaotic term as President.
In addition, Trump told the audience gathered that he intended to run again and win the next election.
Sadly, based on the almost impossible to fathom actions (or lack of) by the Senate and U.S. voters – he may just succeed.
Ironically Trump’s address to the joint session of Congress (described by some as a ‘scorched-earth made-for-TV’ monologue) took place in the very chamber where less than two months ago Democrats voted to impeach him. His speech marks just the second time a President has made a state of the union speech while on trial by the Senate.
As I write this column Wednesday new pundits are anticipating that Trump will be acquitted of the charge later today.
Therein is the glaring reality of just why I speculate the world is in serious potential trouble. If, after all of the information and facts presented, Trump is not held accountable for his actions then the entire democratic and legal system in the U.S has glaringly declared itself a farce.
There are some who suggest his clandestine discussions and actions with Russia and others nations border on treasonous actions, let alone just plain old wrong.
The absurdity of not being held accountable for his actions via impeachment will be bad enough, however re-election would be a shuddering, stunning step into dark days for the U.S and other countries closely connected.
Of course many observers knew Tuesday night’s events would be dubious and ruckus from the start when Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi extended her hand to Trump and he refused to shake it. While there is no question that Pelosi and Trump are not friends and Pelosi had regularly critiqued Trump, etiquette and class dictates the leader of the land should have taken the high road.
Pelosi likewise showed her lack of class and respect for her office when she tore up Trump’s speech on camera at the end of his presentation. As full of questionable false praise as his “great American comeback” speech was Pelosi’s actions were in bad taste considering her lofty, important position.
I admit to nearly gagging when Trump suggested, “America’s enemies are on the run, America’s fortunes are on the rise, and America’s future is blazing bright. The years of economic decay are over,” taking full credit for the country’s “roaring economy.”
Apparently Trump actually stayed on script for a change and never once mentioned his impeachment in the one hour and 18 minute ramble.
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On a happier note the talented local roots band Dirt Road Opera featuring lead members Barry Mathers, Rachel Matkin and Jim Ryan have recently released a brand new awesome album. As part of the celebration the band has also released a new video on their cover version of the iconic tune Rattlin Bones. You can check it on YouTube and other online locations.
Next week I will write a review of the Opera’s new album and a couple of other recent local artists’ albums hot off the presses. (Unless of course Trump starts WWIII before then).
