Vanity is the definition of narcissism, and Trump has that in spades. I think if this crazy idea goes through, Trump should dress up either as Mussolini, his style icon, or Stalin, his brutality icon. But I'm sure that should there be a money-wasting parade - which should be followed by a phalanx of paving repair trucks to fill the resultant potholes - giant photos of Trump will be displayed in abundance.
Do you think there will be actual goose-stepping? Or the marvelous eyes- and heads-right stance of the North Korean military marchers, who somehow manage to stay in line, keep their knees going high, while looking off to right where the Great Leader (the little fat guy with the strange haircut) is standing?
If the cost of this vanity project is large, does it comes out of the Pentagon budget? I've always been under the impression that Congress has the power of the purse, and I'm fairly certain that this All Hail Trumpo Beano parade has not be funded by an act of Congress.
This was a very restrained piece. The only thing good about this parade is to focus alternative options like the Pope’s mass and the various protests and rallies around the country that day.
I can't do it justice, but I recall the introduction to Give War a Chance by P.J. O'Rourke. He got his draft notice for Vietnam, and he proceeded to obtain and consume every illicit drug he could find. After 45 minutes with the Army shrink, he was booted from the office and told: "You're fucked up! You don't belong in the Army!" Which relieved him, although he expressed remorse that someone else had to go instead of him. In 1971, he was punched in the face for being a long-haired freak, and said that he hoped that was the guy who went in his place. Classic. Ironically, President Heel Spur gets to blow this money on self-aggrandizement. His slush fund from the inaugurations should cover the cost.
I think it is good for people to see what they are paying for but your idea of a travelling display does this better. Maybe you could open the army bases for visitors? I really like the idea of a parade focused on the Vietnam veterans. They deserve it.
Very well said Wes. You are so right. That amount of money could be better spent, on better care for the military and veterans 👍
You mean on the "losers"?
It's a flex, a waste of money, and a feel good for Trump. Nothing more.
Vanity is the definition of narcissism, and Trump has that in spades. I think if this crazy idea goes through, Trump should dress up either as Mussolini, his style icon, or Stalin, his brutality icon. But I'm sure that should there be a money-wasting parade - which should be followed by a phalanx of paving repair trucks to fill the resultant potholes - giant photos of Trump will be displayed in abundance.
Do you think there will be actual goose-stepping? Or the marvelous eyes- and heads-right stance of the North Korean military marchers, who somehow manage to stay in line, keep their knees going high, while looking off to right where the Great Leader (the little fat guy with the strange haircut) is standing?
If the cost of this vanity project is large, does it comes out of the Pentagon budget? I've always been under the impression that Congress has the power of the purse, and I'm fairly certain that this All Hail Trumpo Beano parade has not be funded by an act of Congress.
all to compliment the ego of a pos
Elegantly said.
This was a very restrained piece. The only thing good about this parade is to focus alternative options like the Pope’s mass and the various protests and rallies around the country that day.
Perfect analysis, WES.
Dont know whether to laugh, cry ...or just go on being afraid!
One of our armed forces strong points has been logistics and our country is very adept at it too.
Would rather my tax dollar go to help people! Not wasted on a useless parade.
Hoping they have enough air traffic controllers for this air circus.
Good article Wes, your conclusions are spot on. Policy matters not parades.
I can't do it justice, but I recall the introduction to Give War a Chance by P.J. O'Rourke. He got his draft notice for Vietnam, and he proceeded to obtain and consume every illicit drug he could find. After 45 minutes with the Army shrink, he was booted from the office and told: "You're fucked up! You don't belong in the Army!" Which relieved him, although he expressed remorse that someone else had to go instead of him. In 1971, he was punched in the face for being a long-haired freak, and said that he hoped that was the guy who went in his place. Classic. Ironically, President Heel Spur gets to blow this money on self-aggrandizement. His slush fund from the inaugurations should cover the cost.
I think it is good for people to see what they are paying for but your idea of a travelling display does this better. Maybe you could open the army bases for visitors? I really like the idea of a parade focused on the Vietnam veterans. They deserve it.