In the summertime of 1996, I used to be working on the Hearst Newspapers Washington, D.C., Bureau. On the night time that the Olympic torch was being dropped at the White Home as a cease on its journey to the Atlanta Olympic Video games, I used to be fortunate sufficient to be standing with the press contingent on the South Garden, awaiting the flame’s arrival.
The president and first girl have been internet hosting a sublime, out of doors dinner slightly below the Truman Balcony. The Marine Band was taking part in. The night air was heat. Fireflies floated above the stainless grass.
I turned to look out towards the Washington Monument and caught sight of the small flame being carried alongside a far road, getting nearer and nearer at a runner’s tempo to the White Home rendezvous.
For a lot of causes, it was some of the memorable moments of my life. A part of my feeling that night time was merely satisfaction – satisfaction in my nation.
I’m sure I’d not really feel that satisfaction at this time if I have been in the identical place on the South Garden. The grass is now covered by a gigantic outdoor arena where a for-profit cage fight will be staged on the current president’s birthday. Simply to the aspect is the scarred floor of the demolished East Wing and the development website for an unauthorized, gargantuan, garish ballroom that may dwarf the president’s mansion.
The White Home advanced is sacred floor for Individuals. It has been completely desecrated by the narcissistic impulses of President Donald Trump.
In 1996, Invoice Clinton was president and, even when there was an unseemly aspect to his non-public conduct (as has been the case with many presidents), Clinton knew that his public position was to signify the nation with dignity and respect for the traditions and historical past of the US. Each president has displayed that public dignity and respect – till Trump.
Nobody can fake this cage combat is occurring to honor the 250th 12 months of American independence. It’s occurring solely to counterpoint Trump’s cronies and feed the president’s voracious urge for food for fixed consideration and sycophantic reward.
It’s an obscenity.
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