Post-Debate Analysis: Trump Fared Badly … America Fared Worse
By all measures and opinion, last night’s first 2020 Presidential debate was a complete debacle … especially for Donald Trump. Almost all post-debate polls show that Joe Biden not only clearly won the “shit-show”, as it was described on-air by several pundits, but he also increased his likability numbers by nearly 10%, while Trump decreased his by nearly 20%. The former VP also increased his lead on the major issues, as well as taking a slight lead in the current P’s strongest category – the economy.
However, while the fallout from DJT’s abysmal performance continues to be discussed, ad infinitum, the true losers of last night’s disgusting display are the American people. For one, the sanctity of the presidential debate process itself was completely trashed by Trump’s repeated disregard for the very rules that he and his campaign negotiated with their counterparts and the Debate Commission. Quite frankly, it was embarrassing and difficult to watch. I can’t even imagine how it played out for those watching their first American Presidential debate … especially children. I have heard reports of numerous children that left their viewing rooms in tears, and even heard of one that turned to their parents and asked if they needed to arm themselves because they were scared for their family’s safety. That should not be the end result of one of these deliberations.
Additionally, the sanctity of our democratic voting institutions continued to be denigrated by the sitting President in an effort to undermine the validity of an election that seems to be slipping away from him. It’s like watching a drowning man furiously trying to grasp the last inches of a lifeline tied to his fleeting boat, carried away by the wind and ocean’s currents. But, the most worrisome part of this baseless ploy is that he is willing to take our democratic conventions down with him. The peaceful transition of power has been a 244 year testament to the strength of our democracy, and the validity of our voting system. Yet, Trump continued to make it clear that he is willing to do literally anything to retain his hold on the office he currently inhabits … most likely in a desperate attempt to avoid the various prosecutions awaiting him the moment he leaves the shade of the presidency.
Perhaps the most painful part of the night was the utter disregard for the sanctity of the American moral compass, when he was unable and, most importantly, unwilling to publicly condemn white supremacy groups in this country. While his affinity for racist tropes and their authors is not news to those that have followed the course of Trump’s life – from his refusal to rent to blacks, to the Central Park Five, and the Charlotte protests where there were “fine people on both sides”. But, last night, Fox News moderator Chris Wallace lobbed up a softball for the embattled candidate to hit out of the park, and begin to restore his moral reputation: “Mr. President, are you willing to condemn white supremacists?”. Trump could have easily lied through his teeth (which he has showed thousands of times that he is willing to do) and simply said, “YES! Yes, I do!”. Instead, however, he revealed his true racist self by giving a shout-out to the known racist group the Proud Boys, and the rest of the white nationalist collective, by saying “Stand back, and standby!”. Those were, by far, the most frightening words I have ever heard spoken from a Presidential debate stage – and, the most chilling by any American elected official.
However, the fact that, despite separating children from their parents and placing them in cages; cuddling up to dictators and tyrants that are known enemies to our way of life; abandoning loyal allies; disparaging our men and women in uniform, and our intelligence community; lying, once again, to the American public about the deadliest enemy we have faced since WWII, leading to the deaths of over 200,000 of our fellow countrymen/women, and the worst pandemic reaction in the world; continued examples of his fondness for racist, anti-semitic supporters and their beliefs; and living what amounts to a nearly moral-less life, both professionally and personally; yet, can still garner somewhere between 32% and 45% of the American public’s support is perhaps the most horrific takeaway from last night’s battle royale. It is an alarming attack on the sanctity of the very word “American”, and what it is supposed to stand for: Equality, liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness for ALL.
Whomever wins this election will have the unenviable task of repairing the enormous chasm Trump and his minions have gouged into the landscape of American thought, belief,and conventions. A Trump victory will inevitably lead to a complete demolishing of what is left standing, at this point. Regrettably, a Biden victory likely will not be able to fill in the supermassive black hole his opponent will leave behind as he employs this scorched earth approach to the rest of his current term. So, while Trump was arguably the biggest loser last night, it is us, the American people, who are the real losers going forward … because, simply put, we have clearly lost ourselves.
Celebrate Good Times, C’mon!
In the early 1980’s, Kool & The Gang urged us to “celebrate good times” in their #1 Billboard hit “Celebration”. Back then, the NFL and it’s players took that message to heart with some of the most entertaining post-score frolic ever displayed at a sporting event. The Billy “White Shoes” Johnson end-zone dance, Ickey Woods’ “Shuffle”, the Fun Bunch jump, and others, delighted crowds and TV watchers alike, helping to propel the league to the top of the American sports popularity charts.
Today, while the iconic disco hit continues to get regular radio airplay, and is a staple of every wedding DJ’s playlist, the NFL has decided to take the opposite approach and secure it’s moniker’s definition as the “No Fun League”. For example, any type of group celebration, or multi-player choreographed revelry is verboten … very odd for the ultimate TEAM sport. Any use of a prop; including the ball, goal posts, or pylons; is forbidden. Further, anything that the officials deem inappropriate or found to be remotely taunting can evoke the dreaded yellow flag indicating a 15 yard Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty.
Granted, the TD hoopla was getting out of hand with the likes of Terrell Owens and his antics – which included carrying a sharpie in his sock to autograph the ball and hand it to the defender, taking the ball to mid-field and spiking it on his opponent’s logo, and taking a nap on the ball in the end-zone on his opponent’s painted name. His celebrations were more taunting in nature, forcing the league’s honchos to reign in his potentially volatile-reaction-inducing acts.
However, as usually happens, the chieftains let the pendulum swing too far. Just this season alone, we’ve seen the penalty flag fly for two players who have imitated shooting an arrow into the air; three players who gathered and waved their arms in the air; and, just yesterday, a player was flagged for shooting the football into the air as if it were a basketball! Players can’t even remove their helmets on the field without incurring a penalty.
It’s time for the NFL to wake up! TV ratings are falling; teams are having trouble selling out; and the air of a fun, and even outlandish, player pool filled with mesmerizing personalities which helped lift the league to unprecedented heights is seemingly disappearing. The powers that be need to allow the hilarity of an Antonio Brown hugging the goal posts, the joy of a Cardinal team dancing, or the delight of a Michael Crabtree throwing the ball 50 feet into the air, to occur WITHOUT CONSEQUENCE. They need to allow their players to “celebrate good times … C’MON!”.
I Will Miss “OMAHA!”
He knew it. We all knew it. But, Peyton Manning was too classy to make his team’s championship moment about him. No … he waited until nearly the last minute possible to announce he was taking that proverbial stroll into the sunset on his brilliant NFL career in order for his teammates, coaches, and organization to bask in the glory of the rare feat of becoming Super Bowl champion. Oh, I’m sure we could all name a player or two (dozen) that would have stolen the spotlight in their post-game interviews and taken center stage in the media circus. But, not this ring leader.
Nor should it be surprising that the ultimate on-field leader would take the high road off-field, as well. He has spent his entire career trying to deflect the well-deserved attention to others; like colleagues Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas; coaches Tony Dungy, John Fox, and Gary Kubiak; or even team owners Jim Irsay and Pat Bowlen. So, when it came time to answer whether the 50th edition of Super Sunday would be his last in the NFL, he decided to merely say he was going to enjoy the moment “with some Buds” (we can only hope that there may have been some Spicoliesque double entendre intended).
In a word, Peyton Manning is “class”. It’s been the mantra of the way he has handled himself his entire time in the limelight of football. No outrageous attitude, no sense of entitlement, no diva behavior (can’t say the same for his QB sibling). Yet, he dedicated himself completely to his craft, honing his gridiron IQ and skills to the very end. If one was to ever search for the penultimate blueprint for success, Peyton Manning’s work ethic, attitude, and approach should certainly be considered.
I will miss Peyton Manning. I will miss the example he set, not only for his fellow football player, but for every fan of the game. I will miss seeing his magician-like play-action fakes, his pinpoint passes under ponderous duress, and his artful last-second audibles. Most of all, I will miss, as the play clock winds down to it’s last few precious ticks, the loud yell of “The Sheriff” preparing the other ten for the impending snap: with the accent on the third syllable … “OMAHA!”
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
With the Holidays impossibly already upon us, I was wondering what was the gift that truly keeps on giving? What would keep on giving not only to the recipient, but also to those they come into contact with? After all, if you are going to give something to someone, they should be able to share the joy of that gift with family, friends … heck, even strangers.
The cynic humorist would readily reply “Herpes is the gift that keeps on giving”. However, in the spirit of the season, I strive to a higher understanding here.
Donating an organ, or even blood for that matter, is a noble act that can offer the ultimate gift of life to it’s beneficiary. While no greater bestowment can surely be offered, it is one that actually stops with the donee. You can argue that the love and affection that friends and family can continue to share is proof of the “keep on giving” assertion. Yet, the gift of heart, lung, et al are only facilitators here, not actual participants in the “keep on” part of our quest. Besides, if the recipient turns out to be such a weenie that they’d make Ebenezer Scrooge seem like the poster-child for the Salvation Army, then the gift actually begins to “take away”.
Love is a wonderful gift to offer. Other than the aforementioned organ donation, there may be no greater thing to offer of one’s self. However, love is fragile and can all too easily be stepped on, like a night snail crossing an unlit sidewalk, ending it’s journey on the eternal conferring quest.
Kindness. Yes, as the recent TV campaign for an insurance company illustrates, random acts of kindness can be passed on infinitum, and actually come back to you in the end. But, get one dick-head slacker caught up in that karmic chain-letter and it gets knocked flatter than Manny Pacquiao.
So, what is it that can be gifted and continue to be passed on for eternity … or, at least, until the gift itself can no longer be viably shared? CASH! Yep … cold hard cash, dough, currency!! Now, before you go branding me a heartless prick who has no concept of the word “giving” or the idea of what constitutes a genuine gift, hear me out.
First, there is no doubt that cash keeps on giving to both acquaintance and stranger alike. If I give you a $100 bill, chances are you are going to spend it. You might treat yourself to a massage and facial, or a full tank of gas and a couple of Happy Meals. You might get the kids the latest toy craze that will undoubtedly go untouched within 60-90 days. You might take your significant other out to a dinner that doesn’t include paper napkins and ketchup packets. You might even put it in the bank to “save it for another day”. Yet, at some point, you are going to spend it … and the person who is next in the c-note reception line will end up spending it, too. And, so on, until that bill ultimately receives it’s untimely end at the end of a lit cigar, in a sunken safe at the bottom of the Laurentian Abyssal, or in a Treasury Department shredder.
Second, a certain freedom comes with an unanticipated windfall of wampum. You are free to spend, share, or dispense it as you please. Sure gift cards are nice. Though, the givee is restricted to the specific choice of establishment, and their offerings, of the giver. With an envelope loaded with legal tender, however, there are no constraints as to the who, what, where, and when the continued giving is conducted.
Lastly, everyone loves the gift of greenbacks! No one has ever stood in line for an hour or more to return or exchange the present of dead Presidents. Nor has anyone ever expressed disappointment, scorn, or regret in the boon of good-gotten booty. The unexpected largess of loot can bring a great sense of relief to the awardee in need; and feeling of frivolity, or even philanthropy, to those who are already flush.
Sure, banknotes do not carry the sentimental value that many other “gifts from the heart” may possess. But, sentimentality is not our pursuit here. And, please, don’t confuse cash with a check, which lends itself to be deposited rather than dispensed. Don’t even get me started on the cold, callous “electronic transfer”!
So, if you are wondering what to get Dorkus for the Holiday, allow me some literary license with, if not outright butchery of, the words of Lady Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your crumpled masses of Fins, Sawbucks, Jacksons, and Benjamins yearning to breathe free … Send these, the spondulick, pocket-money to me. I lift my lamp beside the folding-green door!” Most importantly, I promise to pass them on!!
Chicken Neck Sounds A Lot Like Chicken Little
First, let me say that I have ignored this cyber rag for way too long. But, that doesn’t mean that my mind hasn’t been whirling like Donald Trump’s hair during Hurricane Sandy. Only that I haven’t had a spare moment to tap away at this QWERTY keyboard. Hopefully, there won’t be the same hiatus between posts.
Now, on to the subject at hand. If you haven’t heard Bill O’Reilly’s lamentation on the results of Tuesday’s election, then you probably don’t know that the political sky is falling! That’s right!! Chicken Neck Bill took a page from his apparent ancestor, Chicken Little’s, take on the atmospheric state of affairs. According to the Fox Not News host (I can’t bring myself to refer to him as an “anchor”), rich, old, white guys (ROWG’s) no longer run the United States Of America!
While his ignorance of this national trend – that actually began in the 1800’s with the elections of Joseph Hayne Rainey and Hiram Revels, continued in the early 1900’s with the election of Jeannette Rankin, and has progressed to unprecedented heights in the 21st century – serves to underscore that most, if not all, of Chicken Neck’s opinions are based on little, if any, merit, facts, or truth. ROWG’s have been losing their piece of the pie for some time. It’s just that now, with a Black President re-elected for a second term, more women coming to Capitol Hill than ever before (including an entirely female New Hampshire delegation), more minorities serving in Congress than ever before, an electorate that has become decidedly colorized, and several states giving their okey-dokey to both gay marriage and recreational marijuana use, the cold hard facts are sinking in for the minions over at the reality-starved network.
While, in the face of this week’s election results, the Republican Party is getting a wake up call that they need to hear the voices of women, minorities, and young people if they are to remain a viable political entity in years to come, FOX Not News needs to come to a similar realization if they are to remain a viable media entity. Otherwise, they run the risk of looking like a black and white rerun of “Father Know’s Best” … nostalgic, but not very relevant. Though, by the look on Chicken Neck’s face, any progressive change that may come from either the GOP or FOX will, at best, come very begrudgingly, if at all. Perhaps, the ROWG’s skies are indeed falling.
Record So Cal Heat Spawns US 101 Brush Fire
Temperatures in excess of 114° Fahrenheit spawned a few brush fires today, including this one on US 101 just north of Westlake Village, CA just across the Los Angeles/Ventura County line. It was still burning at the time of this post. So far, there are no reports of injuries or property damage.