The Great American Tragedy

08 Mar 2017 2 Comments

by Laura in Politics, American Style, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I’ve had a few “traditional” occupations in my lifetime, as well as being a lifelong artist and craftsperson. At my last “day job,” I was the Supervisor of Medical Billing and Reimbursement at a large, non-profit organization. During yesterday’s press briefing spotlighting healthcare, Sean Spicer lied repeatedly and displayed his ignorance in regards to the policies of Medicare, Tricare (for members of the armed services and their dependents) and other federally-funded and private health insurance companies. I was enraged as I watched!

Thankfully, I did get a moment’s relief; I couldn’t help but chuckle at the visual aid. Two piles of paper were on display next to Spicer, representing the former ACA (a tall stack) and the replacement (a short stack). Remember the press conference featuring Trump’s accountant? I guess #45 thought the avalanche of folders representing his financial paperwork was effective. Perhaps he thought it would help drive the point home to the “uneducated Americas” Trump professed his love for during his campaign. Whatever the case, the majority of responses I saw or read categorized the display as downright comical.

I’ll say this about Spicer, his press briefings are certainly entertaining! He’s become a verbal Houdini, squirming out of the tight spots and challenging questions that result from the antics of his boss. You’ve got to hand it to the press; they don’t easily drop their attempts to get at the truth. Yesterday was no acception, especially since in was the first briefing in days, during which time the “Tweeter-in-Chief” had outdone himself, accusing his predecessor of wire-tapping Trump Tower. (At this point, SNL skits are writing themselves!) Spicer did so much rapid fire bobbing, weaving and spinning as the questions flew at him, I couldn’t help but wonder if a staffer holding a stiff drink was in the wings waiting for him!

Despite the Republicans’ attempt at cheerleading, this is a deeply distressing time to be an American. It’s also exhausting, if you’re committed to being well-informed about the daily news from D.C. It’s often necessary to consult a variety of news sources and to fact check each story. Lying, deflecting and insulting the intelligence of the American people is the new normal in the White House. I’ve said it before and I’ll be saying it perpetually, this administration is the embodiment of the great American tragedy.

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All the President’s Men

02 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

by Laura in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I have a decades-old affection for the “All the President’s Men.” A great script, stellar performances, a true story; these characteristics alone would place this film on my list of favorites. But my connection to this fact-based film runs deeper, for a few reasons.

While the movie was being made, I took a peek behind the scenes. My father’s job as a network programmer often sent him to California and whenever possible, I was invited to come along. On one such visit, we toured the set of “All the President’s Men,” specifically the recreation of the Washington Post newsroom. I was in awe of the attention to details, including time-worn office equipment, desks filled with pads, paper and gnawed pencils and overflowing waste baskets. My appreciation for set decorators and the magic they make soared, that day!

During the period of time the film chronicles, I was living in Italy. While the Watergate scandel unfolded, my only source of news was the International Herald Tribune. I learned about Nixon’s resignation after quickly snatching the latest edition from a newsstand, when friends and I were changing trains in Padua. “All the President’s Men” allowed me to experience that tainted period in American history. It also cemented my respect and gratitude for the press and the dogged dedication of the best of reporters, those committed to getting to the truth, no matter how elusive and infuriating the process is. This long-standing respect adds to my infuriation, now, whenever I hear our President scoff at the news media or when I read his most unsettling statement, “The press is the enemy of the American people.” Add my concern for our democracy and you’ll understand why there were tears in my eyes when I learned a group of reporters were recently barred from a White House press gaggle.

I was equally as outraged years ago, as I sat at a table discussing Watergate with some Italian acquaintances. As a baby boomer, I’d had a crash course in civics, American politics and foreign policy. I’d protested the war in Vietnam, worked on my chosen candidate’s campaigns and had a deep belief in social justice. My distress concerning Nixon’s administration was met that night by a statement I’ve never forgotten. As I took a sip of chianti, an elderly Italian man patted my hand and said, “But it’s the government; it’s corrupt by definition!” My naïveté was instantly shattered by reality.

We’ve entered a new period of political crisis here in America, a mere 41 days since Donald Trump was inaugurated. There were red flags (pun intended) during the 2016 campaign season and disturbing conduct continues as the days go by. I firmly believe the truth and consequences will come; unfortunately we’ll have to suffer through the day-to-day aggravation and news whiplash as the puzzle pieces fit together. Last night I was dreaming about Trump’s tax returns being subpoenaed and an independent commission investigating Russia’s hacks. And – POW!- this morning I’ve learned about the trail of breadcrumbs Obama left in regard to Russia and the fact that Attorney General Sessions seems to have lied during his confirmation hearings. It’s exhausting being an informed and concerned American!

Here’s the bottom line. If you have nothing to hide, you don’t resist investigation. If you’re an innocent man, you turn over your books, give a DNA sample or allow a search without a warrant. If you’re guilty, you shred the paperwork, refuse to take a polygraph test or tell your mother the pot she found in your room belongs to somebody else. When Republican’s pass legislation that protects the President’s taxes from review, you’ve got to wonder, what are they hiding? It’s another distressing news day and I’m making my coffee strong. What I wouldn’t give to be in Italy, sipping espresso…

 

 

 

 

 

Kellyanne

28 Feb 2017 2 Comments

by Laura in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

There has been no shortage of cringe-worthy moments on display since Donald Trump began his reign in January. It’s only natural, considering the current administration is big on optics and short on substance. It’s inevitable, when photo ops are used to paint a picture of a benevolent leader, a fairy tale that insults the intelligence of the American people. It’s embarrassing, every time #45 opens his mouth and destroys the image his people are trying to construct. And it’s infuriating, because this is the American president!

The brand-builder-in-chief is surrounded by people who indulge him, like the nannies of a spoiled child whose messes they’ll gladly clean up. Trump was their ticket into the White House, where they can plump up their resumes, feed their own egos and, in the case of Steve Bannon, carry out their own agendas simply by whispering compliments into their boss’s ear. While this dynamic isn’t new to the world of politics, the blatant lying that is commonplace within the Trump administration is. We’re now used to “alternative facts,” a phrase coined by Kellyanne Conway, who caused a stir recently when she gave a “free commercial” for Ivanka Trump’s clothing line. (All was swiftly forgiven, since conflict of interest is a cornerstone of the current administration.)

Kellyanne is back in the news, this time thanks to photos of her that are trending on social media. Maybe no one will scold Donald Trump, but after seeing these photos, I have a few words for Kellyanne. I’m usually quite tolerant of harmless behavior and am by no means a flaming United States patriot, but for some reason, these pictures set me off. Maybe it’s the straw that broke the camel’s back; like many Americans, I’m processing anger and disillusionment on a daily basis. I’ve added an evening session of meditation to my schedule, in order to safeguard my sanity! Obviously, there are many more important issues that deserve attention and they certainly have mine. So, please, give me a few minutes with Ms. Conway and I’ll move on.

You’re now a member of the Trump administration, Kellyanne, in a role that keeps you close to the President. Pictures will be snapped and your conduct will be on display. You have the privilege of working in the White House, the home to your President’s predecessors. This beautiful and historic building has stood proudly throughout history and it’s residents have hosted great leaders, thinkers, artists and heroes, from not only America, but from around the word. Within these walls, important legislation has been signed into law, critical decisions have been made and the integrity and intelligence of every president has been tested.

Perhaps the significance of the West Wing hasn’t eluded you, Kellyanne, but you need a reminder. The White House isn’t one of your boss’s hotels, where you can romp through the halls and play in the elevators to your heart’s content, like Eloise at the Plaza. The photos currently making the rounds capture an event that honored the distinguished men and women who preside over our country’s African American universities. During the proceedings, you’re casually hanging out on a sofa in a less than graceful position, snapping cell phone photos and looking like a teenager on “Take Your Daughter to Work” day.

To be fair, your boss hasn’t exactly been an stellar role model. The somber significance of the “Wall of Stars” completely eluded the President and cameras captured a man more focused on the size of the crowds he drew, instead of the sacred space where he stood. As I look at these images and the conduct they illustrate, one thing is clear. You and the Trump administration have disrespected the spaces you inhabit and, frankly, it disturbs me.

Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway (L) checks her phone after taking a photo as US President Donald Trump and leaders of historically black universities and colleges pose for a group photo in the Oval Office of the White House before a meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence February 27, 2017 in Washington, DC. / AFP / Brendan Smialowski (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway (L) checks her phone after taking a photo as US President Donald Trump and leaders of historically black universities and colleges pose for a group photo in the Oval Office of the White House before a meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence February 27, 2017 in Washington, DC. / AFP / Brendan Smialowski (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway takes a photo as US President Donald Trump and leaders of historically black universities and colleges talk before a group photo in the Oval Office of the White House before a meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence February 27, 2017 in Washington, DC. / AFP / Brendan Smialowski (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway takes a photo as US President Donald Trump and leaders of historically black universities and colleges talk before a group photo in the Oval Office of the White House before a meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence February 27, 2017 in Washington, DC. / AFP / Brendan Smialowski (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

The State of Our Union

27 May 2014 2 Comments

by Laura in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As a citizen of  the United States, I’m surrounded by so much ideological bullying that I no longer watch the news, nor tune into cable stations that focus on modern politics or the state of our union. I carefully source my news from the internet and my local newspapers. I’ve chosen to do so in order to be informed of the events and issues that concern and affect me, while avoiding the rants and ravings of the tea party conservatives and members of the religious right whose rhetoric makes my blood boil and my feminist heart break.

Hope for a positive change in our national consciousness accompanied the inauguration of President Obama. This optimistic expectation has evaporated into thin air. Tragically, Obama’s election has brought every bigot, racist and narrow-minded man and women out into the open, be it through social media, reality TV or local “man-on-the-street” interviews, where they proudly proclaim the truth, as they see it. I’m especially infuriated by those who latch on to a catchy, politically charged phrase they’ve heard and gleefully repeat it ad nauseam, without a moment’s worth of fact-checking.

Besides our president, women are fair game.  When I say they’ re repeatedly hit below the belt, it’s not only a figure of speech, it’s where women are targeted most frequently. The words hateful men spit in our direction are obscene. The rules self-righteous religious leaders concoct are demeaning. The women who stand by these men, who are their husbands, in some cases, cause me particular distress. Do they worship a god who would debase them? Is self-loathing their excuse? And, while we’re on the subject, do they refrain from using contraceptives?

The call to arms is at fever’s pitch, now. Ban our abortions, murder our doctors, insist on ultrasounds, take away our contraceptives, limit our healthcare, all in the name of God. Strip us of our dignity and our rights, rights won with the real blood, sweat and tears of those who fought for what should have been ours, from the day the first male child emerged from his mother’s womb.

It’s a tragic era in America’s history, to be sure. And what makes it worse is that so many people don’t even know what’s happening, nor do they seem to care.