Two Speeches
(1) Sermon on the Dung Heap
At first, I thought we were watching another Trump hostage flick. Then, before our very eyes, we saw it turn into an up-dated film of 1974 clip where Patty Hearst helped rob the Hibernia Bank in San Francisco. In this new version, the kidnap victim again turned into the Symbionese Liberation Army's public identity and mouthpiece, But strangely, Trump had been self- brainwashed into believing he was the bold leader – a disturbing example of buffoonery.
There are, of course, some important differences between Patty Hearst and Trump. Stockholm syndrome was more widely understood since the reporting on a case from the year before. Patty was a sympathetic figure. Trump, on the other hand, is holding the world hostage. And he is a despicable character.
We're going to “win” in Afghanistan? Right. It's a grand thing that Trump is “smarter than the generals,” as he assured his base during his campaign, because otherwise, we might question the potential risks of having the three generals in his administration influencing his decisions. And other than Stormin' Norman, none of our generals have won a war since WW2. Perhaps we should take a page from the LBJ administration's unused suggestions, declare victory in Afghanistan, and leave.
Maybe in their second, off-the-record meeting, Putin encouraged Trump to stay in Afghanistan. He no doubt remembers the US backing the Afghan rebels when the Soviet Union was there. Unlike Trump, Putin has some knowledge of history. Hence, Russia is quietly backing the Taliban.
His cultural sensitivity was displayed by saying he shall not attempt to nation-build in Afghanistan. Instead, his plan is simply to kill those who resent the never-ending US occupation of their land. He did not address what increased role that mercenary forces may play.
Few things could show a greater grasp of history than Trump's plan to coordinate his solution for Afghanistan than his desire to coordinate with India and Pakistan. Genius! I mean, what could possibly go wrong there?
(2) Phoenix Rising From the Ashes
The second speech in two days proved that Trump is no more interested in nation-building in the United States, than in Afghanistan. From the heights of the dung heap, Trump traveled west to the plains of Shinar, leading his flock to the unpromising land. His vision of America is surely that of the ancient prophet, Charles the Manson. He shall unite the White Tribes of Europe and dictate the economy for a thousand Euros.
Sitting behind him to his right was a gentleman sporting a “Trump & republicans are not racist” T-shirt, delivering this sacred message from Gods2.com. No greater reference for peace on earth, good will to men, than a representative of this cult. Surely, Trump's kingdom is not of this world, but one of inferno.
Even without looking behind himself, Trump seemed aware the clown was on the verge of stealing the show. Hence, after several sentences of scripted platitudes, he ventured deep into the gutter, and wallowed in the filth that defines his presidency. The media is the menace. McCain is a sinner, sheriff Joe Arpaio a saint.
All previous presidents have been human: a combination of strengths and weaknesses, each attempting, in some way, to move this nation forward. But nay, not Trump. Watching the president speak, I remembered, years ago, a Clan Mother telling me that the time was coming when what appear to be humans – in a form that contained no “soul” – would render devastation upon the earth.
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