Trump exercised his pardon power yesterday. By so doing, Trump was being authoritarian. He wanted the world to know that all actions, good and bad, harsh and generous, come from a single person. Donald.
Pardons are sort of a “creeping” authoritarianism. Trump wanted to show himself as a “benevolent leader.”
Only one of those pardoned was presently in jail. Former Illinois Governor Blogojevich. Several years of his sentence remained.
I am not going to spell out all pardoned or had their sentences commuted, nor what they had been charged with. The media for the past 24 hours has been replete with that information. I merely want to share my thoughts re the pardons.
The pardons represent Trump rewarding friends and friends’ friends. There is an undertone. Punishment. He who can reward can also punish.
Chilling.
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson wrote, “Instead of draining the swamp, Trump has decided to pardon it.”
To pardon less than honorable individuals is the restocking of the swamp. Think about it.
I saw a cartoon of Trump this morning. Blazoned across his photo was: “Do the crime, I’ll release the time.”
I titled today’s blog Practice Pardons. A specific reason therefore. It appears to me that by making the pardons, Trump was practicing for the “big game.” Pardoning Flynn, Manafort, Stone, and Giuliani.
Bernie Sanders picked up a bad Trump trait. Sanders announced he was not going to produce all his medical records. Leaves one thinking what might be wrong. He is 78 and had a heart attack several weeks ago. Reasons enough for full disclosure.
One problem after another. Such appears to be the case with Boeing’s 737 MAX.
The plane was grounded world wide a year ago because of 2 crashes. In the meantime, Boeing has continued manufacturing new 737’s. Holding the new ones in storage while awaiting delivery to various airlines.
It was announced yesterday debris had been found in the fuel tanks of some of the planes in storage.
China really clobbered with the coronavirus. Where the epidemic began.
It was reported over the weekend that China has placed half its population in some form of lock down. Seven hundred sixty million people.
Most living today knew Mr. Rogers.
His show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” made its debut February 18, 1968. Enjoyed a 31 year run.
Last night my blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Did a different type show. Tried to stay away from things Trump. Except for 3 minor mentions was able to do so.
The reason I wanted to do a non-Trump show was because all we hear from the media is Trump, Trump, Trump. Understandable. He is all over the place every day. His actions generally newsworthy.
Creates a problem. We never get to hear about the other things going on in the world. My intent was to share some other events that might be of interest.
Busy day today. Can’t get it all in. Will have to pick and choose.
My day starts with an 11 with my annual physical.
Following which I will be making stops at Publix and the laundry.
Early tonight, Aqua Idol at 6. Followed by Syracuse/Louisville at 8. Then the Democratic Debate at 9.
Can’t get all the evening in. I have decided to skip Aqua Idol. Lynda, don’t be upset. Eliminating Aqua Idol means I do not have to leave my home in the evening. The game and debate on TV.
However, even if I opt out of Aqua Idol, does not mean you should. A great weekly event this time of year. Six o’clock at Aqua. A fundraiser for the Waterhouse Playhouse. Lynda Frechette does wonders in putting the show together each week.
Saturday a good day to take an organized walk through the Historic Key West Cemetery. Guided walks scheduled for 3 different times in the morning.
The stones are terrific! Especially the one saying “I told you I was sick.”
Tino! Another photo of Tino following his Award for Best Extra sunday evening. He is on the telephone with Oscar in hand.
How things have changed!
On this day in 1902, Key West’s Board of Education requested the resignation of Sarah Ann Roberts. Sarah had recently married. Apparently married women could not teach.
Sarah wanted to finish out the school year. The Board denied her request.
You’ve come a long way ladies!
Enjoy your day!