Donald Trump turns to stone
Donald Trump apparently cannot address the real problems and issues we have in this nation, and his speech at Mount Rushmore was what we have come to expect of him – racist and whistling to his base. Thousands of people with no social distancing and no masks on their faces, on what Native Americans deem sacred ground that belongs to them. He has no time to speak of anything of substance and it was just another Cult 45 rally, holiday style.
We did learn about Trump’s National Garden of American Heroes. It will include “historically significant Americans,” and includes Ronald Reagan, Antonin Scalia, and Billy Graham, as well as a number of others, seemingly a random grab bag of individuals. Some would not withstand scrutiny under the focus being placed on many of our past leaders.
It is not clear what this garden is intended to address or replace or where it might be located. It seems like an odd juxtaposition with the president’s negative remarks in South Dakota:
Angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our Founders, deface our most sacred memorials, and unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities. Many of these people have no idea why they are doing this, but some know exactly what they are doing. They think the American people are weak and soft and submissive. But no, the American people are strong and proud, and they will not allow our country, and all of its values, history, and culture, to be taken from them.
One of their political weapons is “Cancel Culture” — driving people from their jobs, shaming dissenters, and demanding total submission from anyone who disagrees. This is the very definition of totalitarianism, and it is completely alien to our culture and our values, and it has absolutely no place in the United States of America. (Applause.) This attack on our liberty, our magnificent liberty, must be stopped, and it will be stopped very quickly. We will expose this dangerous movement, protect our nation’s children, end this radical assault, and preserve our beloved American way of life.
Focus on his words and actions in South Dakota and not his apparent attempt to show what a cultural man he is. Graham, Scalia and Reagan do not make a loving team toward all.
Daniel is a lawyer writing and teaching about SCOTUS, and is the author of the book “The Chief Justices” about the SCOTUS as seen through the center seat.