Unlike Anna, the host of Wednesday Vignette, I don't usually see political messages in the images I snap with my camera but, when I viewed this photo last night, I couldn't help but think of #45 sitting in the White House, attempting a poor imitation of a President. Early on, I did my best to respect the will of the people, a hallmark of our democracy, but even before his inauguration he'd managed to disappoint me time and time again. I've read that liberals took the candidate "literally but not seriously" and some may indeed be guilty of that error. On the other hand, socially conscious conservatives, some of them good friends, took him "seriously but not literally" and that seems to have been a serious error too. #45 questions the motivations of those who are marching against him, his cabinet nominees, and his executive orders. Where were the marchers when votes were cast, he asks. Well, most of those marchers voted and some of their children who've marched beside them will vote in the near future. And others who now realize that the political shake-up they sought may cause more harm than good and galvanize a liberal backlash hearkening back to the protests against the Vietnam War are joining in the marches too. Torture? An immigration ban based on religion? A trade war with our neighbor? A useless, expensive wall to be paid for upfront by US taxpayers? Really?
I checked on the rock-imitating mushrooms this morning. They've already decayed in the light of last week's strong sun and warm temperatures, leaving just a dark smudge on the nearby rock. I expect that I can easily clean that off. If only eliminating the smudge on our nation's integrity and reputation were so easy.
Visit Anna at Flutter & Hum for more Wednesday Vignettes.
All material © 2012-2017 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
So glad to see your comments. I think that it is very important that we comment about the political situation on our blogs. I think of us as a community, albeit a small one. But since I don't get out much, I still want to have my say and keep the topic to the forefront. It is my way of doing something about it.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, I agree with HB and you, the marchers were the voters. I am especially proud of my granddaughter ... first-time voter, first-time marcher, signed up people to vote at her university, worked on the Sanders campaign.
I have a cute little fun guy, too. Great weather.
I still have mixed feelings about incorporating political views into a garden blog but, sick at heart, I can't help that it's skewing my outlook on everything. I'm looking for ways to address those feelings constructively wherever I can.
DeleteI know. Me, too. The mixed feelings. But it's like my world, the world that I've known, has died. I never realized there were so many people out there like #45. I wonder will I live long enough to see it change back to loving everybody? Will my grandchildren have a nice life? I am so sad.
DeleteMe too, Jane.
DeleteAt least fungi provide a valuable ecological service. #45 could take lessons from the mushroom.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny!
DeleteI'm beginning to think #45 is ineducable. He claims to be a great listener but I don't see evidence that what he hears gets processed.
DeleteGood one!
DeleteGreat visual analogy, Kris! I absolutely agree that we need to keep our dissent and watchful eyes up front and center. I fear though, that focusing on the Immigration Ban is misdirected. I am absolutely convinced it is a red herring to distract us from Bannon's ascent to the NSA, and the demotion of those that need to steer that Council. I think our only hope is to keep pushing and supporting our media in exposing and constantly questioning what is being done - and LOUDLY!!! #45 and his goons need to be held to adhering to the checks and balances that are built into our system. Right now, they are violating age-old processes left and right. Frankly, I'm terrified...
ReplyDeleteInteresting point. Every action seems meant to distract from something else. And not surprisingly, it seems the more those of us that object to the immoral things that are going on, the more firm and dismissive those who support #45 seem to grow.
DeleteDiversionary tactics have been central to #45's approach since the early days of his campaign but I agree that those opposed to his policies will need to prioritize the myriad issues - and soon. That said, the Muslim ban is a BIG deal and one of the few of his first executive actions to have immediate material impact, as well as being actionable. Per Richardson's argument, I think there's also a real opportunity for the opposition to use this particular "shock event" to its advantage - even during the campaign, many GOP voters expressed the belief he wouldn't really go there and, now that he has, it can be used to undermine their faith in his leadership.
DeleteBannon's role continues to be a major concern but, unlike the Muslim ban, it's not clear (at least to me) what can be done about it. I see that there were arguments that Bannon should have to go through a Senate confirmation to participate on the NSC Principals Committee but those seem to have been debunked. We have to expect that the other members of the Committee (which includes key members of #45's cabinet) will use their influence to educate #45 as forcefully as Bannon does. It's "so sad" that #45 seems incapable to acting without Bannon pulling his strings, a point that deserves regular public discussion.
You may speak out against Steve Bannon's appointment to the National Security Council (NSC) here: https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/contact
DeleteThanks Eric!
DeleteYou've brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for speaking out.
ReplyDeleteI can't seem to help myself...
DeleteOooh! Love your smudge analogy.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it resonated, Linda.
DeleteOh Kris, yes yes yes! These comments were all good to read, thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for caring, Loree! We need to channel all the support that's out there.
DeleteWell, I can only get your first photo to load in; I'll take your word for the smudge, Kris! Thanks for your comments; I keep wanting to wake up and find out it's not really happening, but it is...
ReplyDeleteEvery day seems to bring a new battle front, doesn't it? Now #45 is picking public fights with Australia, one of our allies. If creating this kind of ongoing chaos is a strategy, it's a very poor one in my opinion.
DeleteKris, like you I begin each day wondering what new monstrosity 'he' has said or done. Although we are writing gardening blogs I think we should voice our opinions. Being a Silent Majority' isn't going to solve the problems the world faces. I am shocked to see how quickly a democracy can slip into tyranny.
ReplyDeleteWell, the good news is that the nation most definitely hasn't accepted the tyrant or his dictates. The force and power of our democracy has been - and will continue to be - expressed by the people in the streets, over phone lines, through letters and petitions, via future votes, and on and on. Boycotting all #45's businesses seems a good idea to me.
DeleteIf only...
ReplyDeleteOn a lighter note, they look like yummy buns too!
Until they decayed...
Delete“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
ReplyDeleteWe're going to be pondering this quote repeatedly over the next few years, as well we should.
A friend of mine just commented, paraphrasing Jon Stewart, that the Presidency is supposed to age the incumbent, not the public. I can't remember being so depressed about the state of our nation but we can't allow ourselves to be distracted by the chaos this administration appears to be purposefully creating - we need to sharpen our focus.
Delete