President* Trump, I don’t know, maybe it’s not going exactly how your evil schemers planned or hoped, but it sure seems like you all are getting the signs and signals you need to feel confident that a critical segment of your base is going to be there for you in the clutch down the stretch. … Continue reading The scary convergence of armed vigilantes and sympathetic police
Racism
Not pretending things are ok
President* Trump, I’ve noticed it for about the last week, most prominently since the DNC convention ended and the RNC circus started, but it’s likely that the deep malaise that comes over me when I’m not occupied with something has been going on much longer and just wasn’t as noticeable. Just to be sure, I … Continue reading Not pretending things are ok
Welcoming flags
President* Trump, I wonder how many people have noticed the flags outside of the Fab Fives’ (Queer Eye) Philadelphia home base – there’s a gay pride flag and an American flag. There might be a Pennsylvania state flag too; I can’t remember now and I’ve not been able to pull up a picture of their … Continue reading Welcoming flags
Benefits of doubts
President* Trump, Laura and I just spent the last hour working out how to respond to a neighborhood email chain about something that happened two nights ago at the corner house across the street from us. Actually, we aren’t finished yet. Here’s a sketch of what happened the other night and of the email chain…. … Continue reading Benefits of doubts
Robert Trump and rocky ground
President* Trump, I wish I could be unreserved in extending my condolences to you in the wake of your brother, Robert’s death. I do feel sad for you and for the rest of your family and his friends. We’re coming up on the two-year anniversary this week of my brother-in-law’s death and I still think … Continue reading Robert Trump and rocky ground
Litter, hate, Styrofoam, and non-negotiables
President* Trump, One of the many activities that COVID has curtailed for me is picking up litter. It’s just felt too risky and fraught, so for the most part, I’ve re-learned how to tune it out and keep walking even though I know it diminishes me a tiny bit each time. Frankly, this is one … Continue reading Litter, hate, Styrofoam, and non-negotiables
Morning sightings
President* Trump, So I couldn’t find a nest up in the ornamental cherry in the backyard where all the bird drama took place last night. It’s pretty dark in the interior of the tree most of the time so there may actually be a nest in there, but if so, it definitely blends in well. … Continue reading Morning sightings
Shaking things up
President* Trump, Do I still wish that Elizabeth Warren were the presumptive Democratic nominee poised to run against you? Definitely. Absolutely. Unequivocally. Do I think she got a raw deal and that sexist bullshit played a huge part in that? Definitely. Absolutely. Unequivocally. We still have a Warren campaign sign in our yard and I … Continue reading Shaking things up
The COVID dress rehearsal is an unmitigated disaster
President* Trump, This morning on my walk as I enjoyed some more of my favorite things (cool air, the walking itself, quiet laced with occasional bird cheeps, time alone) I was reflecting on how hard it feels to navigate that thin space between being real and being whiny, especially when one’s circumstances are objectively stable … Continue reading The COVID dress rehearsal is an unmitigated disaster
Every single day
President* Trump, Do you think your installers had any earthly idea how much damage you were capable of inflicting on the US and on the world? Did they dispassionately study you, your hench-people, your business practices, your success/fail rate and conclude – “Damn, here’s our guy, if we just let him do his thing, he’ll … Continue reading Every single day