January 6 Anniversary

 

Today, in addition to being Ukrainian Christmas Eve, is the first anniversary of the day that insurrectionists stormed the Capital in Washington.  I am sure I was like everyone else who watched for hours and hours and still couldn't believe my eyes.  I was watching America, not some third world country in civil war.  I was in profound shock and profound sadness.   I still am.  I thought this has got to be the defining moment for the United States of America.  This has to be the moment where the country rises above and gets together as a country to show the world that they are the beacon of democracy.  

Sadly, not much has changed.  It is beyond shocking.  The extreme partisan, no, it is not partisanship, it is something else.  We have learned so much about that day since that day and yet we don't know the whole story.  One thing it was certainly purposeful.  

People suggest that Donald Trump was the architect of the whole thing.  I can't believe that.  The man is just not that smart.  I do agree that he could have done something to stop it at several points, including before it started.  

To this day, I don't understand what people see in that grifter.  I can not fathom why he still has followers.  Can't they see that his interests are only interests in those who share a last name with him.  The Presidency was just a very huge cash grab for him.  He used the Presidency as an opportunity to book events at his resorts, provide employment to his children, and find other ways to make money.  He is nothing more than a snake oil salesman.  I used to live in the Canada/US border town of Fort Frances/International Falls.  It is too communities separated by a river and a customs office on both sides of the river.  There is no way to say this politely but International Falls is mostly a community of trailer trash.  The most famous person to come out of International Falls is Tammy Faye Bakker.  During the four years that Trump was President, every time I visited International Falls, I would get involved in a discussion with some local residents.  They worshipped Trump and it was at such a level that I could not have a discussion about it with them.  All I wanted to know was "what do you see in Trump?  Explain to me what the attraction is."  People would be angry with me for even questioning this and wouldn't even answer the question.  It was cult-like behaviour.  It was sad because despite their unwavering worship, I don't think Trump would even cross a street to help them.  

I don't know how much money Trump has but I tend to think it is not very much.  I think it is all smoke and mirrors.  If you have ever been to Vegas, you know there is slot machines everywhere.  You can go into the sleaziest of laundromats, for example, an there were be slot machines.  That means that laundromat has a licence from the state of Nevada to operate gaming.  It essentially means anyone with a pulse can get a gaming licence.  Well, not anyone.  Trump is probably in a very select group that can't get a gaming licence in the State of Nevada.  It might be because of his experiences in New Jersey where he bankrupted two casinos.  Who can't make money in a business where having a licence is literally a licence to print money.  

Regardless of how much he has or doesn't have, there is no question that he was born into privilege.  Unfortunately, that privilege meant that he never faced a consequence to negative actions so he was saved from the development of a conscience.  

What we have learned from Trump is that money is not everything.  Money does not guarantee manners, morals, respect, character, common sense, trust, patience, class, integrity, or love.  

I used to think that Melania had some class but it appears she is just as much as a grifter as he is.  This week, she announced that she is auctioning off some of her "signature" outfits.  The opening bid for the white hat that she wore on a visit to France is $250,000.  Can you imagine any other First Lady doing this?  If anything, they would donate some pieces to a charity for them to auction.  It is just mind boggling how whenever I think they have gone so low, they are still able to low the bar.  

And, worst of all, the big lie continues.  And, still has followers, not only in International Falls, but in the very building where the insurrection occurred.  One year later, the United States is in a very real fight for their democracy.  Matt Gaetz announced today on a podcast that he was proud of the "work" the "freedom fighters" did last year.  So many reasons to ask the question, "what is he doing in Congress?"  Him and others.  Can there be any hope of people putting their country ahead of their own interests.  I am not optimistic.  

Frankly, I can't think any more about this today.  It is Ukrainian Christmas Eve and I have 12 meatless dishes to prepare.  Some of those meatless dishes include fish.  Don't get me started.  

God Bless the United States of America.