Last night I heard journalist/historian Jon Meacham say in reference to [he-who-shall-not-be-named-here] that “character is destiny.”
He pointed out that in his studies of past presidencies, ascending to the office of president only magnified the man’s character already in place. At the end of their term, the person leaving the office is at their core the same person who entered.
It is not a comforting thought.
Not comforting when you consider the inaugural address he gave, one that George Will (the epitome of conservatism and not liberal in any sense of the word) called most dreadful inaugural address in history. It so mirrored the inherent dishonesty of his character that the Washington Post actually felt compelled to fact-check it. It was, as with everything he says, filled with falsehoods and fear-instilling hyperbole and devoid of all sense of hope or unifying grace.
I’m glad I didn’t watch a single minute of this dark day in our history.
I will not legitimize this faux presidency.
This may offend some people. Well, most of these same people decided with this election that what they believed was greater than the truth, that facts no longer mattered.
So, in keeping with that rule, while his presidency may exist, I do not believe it to be legitimate.
Unlike [he-who-shall-not-be-named-here] I am willing to take responsibility for my words and actions. If by some miracle, he changes his stated course and works tirelessly for the good and rights of all Americans, I will admit my mistake. Gladly.
But given the thought that character is destiny, I don’t think you’ll be hearing my apology any time soon.
Cheri asked me earlier in the week if I was going to be watching the inauguration. I told her that I would rather place a body part on an anvil and play the Anvil Chorus on it with an 8 pound hammer. I am not saying what body part to which I was referring.
I could have meant my hand. Get your mind out of the gutter!
To illustrate my point here’s a clip from The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles as they perform the Anvil Chorus from Verdi’s Il Trovatore.
Redtree Times 
Interesting that you mention anvils today, too. I’ve a portion of a Sandburg poem that makes use of anvil imagery on my blog today. It’s contextualized somewhat differently, but I still think the excerpt (from “The People, Yes”) speaks so well to our situation as a nation.
I read your blog last night on my phone and was going to comment this morning. The Sandburg poem is such a wonderful choice! His work so often speaks perfectly to the imbued ideals and hopes of this country, then and now. Loved it.
And, yes, the context of the anvil imagery is definitely somewhat different!
Don’t despair, Watch the patriotic caring Americans rise in the Women’s March all over the World Slower to action because of a less defensive nature the good people with kindness in their hearts , humanity embraced in their nature will always triumph . Your empathetic nature causes you great pain and your courage is greatly admired. LOVE your post on REDTREE Times. Please don’t stop.
*Make every minute a joyous occassion.* *Gini K*
Thank you, Gini. I pray that none of us stop.