The Circus Is in Town!
Phineas Taylor Barnum was an amateur! When he began his circus in 1871, he had no idea that the real Ring Master would come to the world stage in 2016.
There is a very interesting description of P.T. Barnum in Wikipedia: “...he said of himself, 'I am a showman by profession...and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me.'” Gilding is defined as “something used to create a deceptively pleasing, impressive, or alluring aspect or character.” Sounds like this could have been written about the new Ring Master.
Speaking of Donald Trump, the circus has been in town for almost four years now, and each week seems to bring a new act to the audience. Beginning with his Inauguration Ceremony on January 20, 2017, the clown acts, tiger and lion taming, and acrobatic routines have become all too...routine.
The recent first Presidential Debate was a circus unto itself. Disorder and chaos replaced the anticipated (and hoped for) order and decorum. The endless interruptions and talking over his opponent revealed the sole strategy from the incumbent. If you cannot dazzle the nation with your wisdom and vision, bully your way to unnerve your opposing candidate.
The fun part of a circus is that there are three rings of entertainment, each with its own action and drama. While Donald was interrupting his way through the debate, his entourage in the audience sat silent and mask-less. In spite of the fact that the debate was taking place at the Cleveland Clinic, and protocol required the wearing of masks, this group of presidential advisors and family members removed their masks once seated. An official from the Clinic offered them masks to wear but was rebuffed and refused. Two days later, Donald and Melania tested positive for COVID-19.
At the time this article is being written, all the clowns are climbing out of the car, one after the other. These are clowns who all tested positive. They include Kellyanne Conway, Hope Hicks, Sen. Thom Tillis, Sen. Ron Johnson, Sen. Mike Lee, Chris Christie, campaign manager Bill Stepien, Notre Dame University President Rev. John Jenkins, and GOP Chair Ronna McDaniel. The list is certain to grow following the publication deadline for this article.
The acrobatic act will begin soon, as Eric Trump is sworn in before the federal judge in the Manhattan District. He will answer questions about valuations of Trump real estate and how tax write offs were generated. Eric will swing from rope-to-rope in a daring display of legal agility.
Did Eric recently come out of the closet? In an interview on Fox News the end of September, Trump was discussing support of his father by the LGBTQ community. Eric stated, “The LGBT community, they are incredible. And you should see how they come out in full force for my father every single day. I'm part of that community, and we love the man.”
Needless to say, many eyebrows were raised over these comments, not the least of those from his wife. He clarified his remarks later, saying that he was quoting his many close friends in the LGBTQ community. “As to me personally, as I think you know, I am a happily married man to my wife, Lara.” It makes one wonder who dodged the bullet here, Lara or the LGBTQ community?
The final act of this riveting circus is found in the center ring. The Ring Master circles, snapping his whip, as the lions and tigers stand on their hind legs. Senators McConnell and Graham, et. al., respond to the snap of Donald's whip, as they have done so obediently the last three years. McConnell himself has led the parade of obedient subjects, falling in line with those who wish to please their master.
He has taken all necessary steps to push through a Supreme Court nominee, in stark contrast to the deliberate refusal to entertain the nomination of Merrick Garland in 2016. With several Senators currently under COVID-19 quarantine, it remains to be seen if there will be enough Senators on the floor to vote for the nominee. Each day of the week brings new developments to the circus drama.
This is crunch time for both Presidential candidates. One of them is hospitalized. The other is now out on the campaign trail, mask at hand. The circus is in town, but if all goes well over the next couple months, the circus will pack up and move elsewhere by January 20, 2021. Now, please pass the popcorn.
David Garrett is a straight advocate for equality and inclusion. He is also the proud father of an adult trans daughter. Email David Garrett at dlgarrett4rb@gmail.com