It surely comes as no revelation that the United States, historically, has exercised less than great responsibility with its great power. Modern history is littered with examples of American-backed coups, assassinations, etc., most of which have ultimately blown up in the face of the American giant. 

However, Donald Trump’s abuse of power takes it to a whole new level, given that much of it targets domestic victims. Think of the hideous deployments of ICE to murder and imprison American citizens, his throwing of suspected illegals into prison camps, his mass deportations to harsh countries, his general disdain for constitutional strictures, etc. to name but a few violations of law and decency.

It is, however, on the micro level that one is best able to see the man’s depraved nature. One who often incites or encourages violence, he and his vampiric wife are yet again calling upon ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel over a harmless joke that dear Melania claims was an incitement to the kind of violence that erupted at the recent Correspondents Dinner. Such a stance is egregiously hypocritical and nonsensical.

Now one of Trump’s poodles, FCC Chair Brendan Carr, is getting into the shakedown act, threatening the parent company of ABC, Disney, with the loss of its broadcast licences if it doesn’t fall into line and terminate Kimmel. All in a day’s subservience, I guess, for those who have sold their souls to the current highest bidder.

But to give the devil his proverbial due, one cannot help but be impressed /dismayed by the facility with which this dysfunctional administration responds to crises, such as the alleged assassination attempt that took place at the White House Correspondents Dinner. While it appears that the alleged assailant, Cole Allen, intended mayhem, the way it is being characterized by the administration and some media is a wonder to behold. As a retired English teacher always interested in the use of language, I was particularly taken by the description of the notes Allen sent to family members as a “manifesto.” When I think of that word, I think of radicals, usually associated with left-wing radicals. To further reinforce this perception, the media were quick to point out that he had also recently attended a No Kings Rally and, most damning of all, had made a contribution to the Democrats. 

Americans are not known for their critical thinking capabilities, given as they are to reaction over cerebration. It is that national fault the Trump administration is counting on to win over or solidify hearts and minds, a daunting task indeed given Trump’s plummeting polls.

To end this post on a positive note, I invite you to watch Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue following Melania;s mendacious allegation. Even if you don’t have time to watch the entire piece, check out the first few minutes of a comedian demonstrating that hs is unbowed and undaunted by the Trump administration’s ongoing and egregious abuse of power.