Last R-E-S-P-E-C-T-s and Half-(m)ast Efforts

The recent deaths of two notable Americans has the Savant thinking about their legacies in these divisive times and the sharp contrast of their lives with that of the current resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. One of these celebrated individuals performed much of the soundtrack of the Savant’s youth and had a significant effect on the advances of the 60’s civil rights movement. The other, a Viet Nam war hero and Republican Senator, had views widely divergent from the Savant but a basic integrity and patriotism that one can admire. Both were esteemed in their fields and remarkable for the desire and the ability to bring people of differing views together for a greater purpose. It is that loss that Limerick laments the most. Here then are two elegies on what that loss "means to me" and what seems to be missing from the White House this week and probably in general.

Aretha, you taught us to see

What a beautiful world this might be

When we sing with one voice

And make the right choice.

And that spells RESPECT to a “T.”

His dis of McCain, now complete,

The cowardly Trump sent a tweet

On the patriots end;

But he’ll ne’er comprehend

How a hero can conquer defeat.

Tyrant Sore as Rex?

When you challenged the Prez on Iran,

You must know that the Trump hit the fan

And that’s why my dear Rex

You became the next ex

And, what’s worse, you were canned in the can!

Hopeless Cause?

Mr. Trump, there’s no reason to mope.

We are sure you’ll be able to cope.

For, despite our worst fear,

Since early last year,

We have all learned to live without Hope.

Yeah, the Savant knows this one was way too easy but he still could not resist. After all, since Jan. 20, 2017, aren't we all a little resigned?

What's next? "Irma la douce?"

Lack of empathy isn’t a crime

But we think that Trump warrants a rhyme

With the shear nonchalance

Of his Harvey response:

Quote the president, “Have a good time”

The Savant knows that supporters will say that Trump was only trying to bring a mood of optimism to those in Texas recovering from Harvey's devastation but as usual his choice of words conveys a certain insensitivity to the suffering of others that is characteristic of Trump's self-aggrandizing demeanor.

Lucky for him, but not many others, that he will be getting another opportunity this week to demonstrate some honest human emotion. 

Honest Loyalty

Mr. Trump, I defy you to show me

An allegiant more loyal than Comey.

So when he testified

And implied that you lied,

It was clear that he’ll not be your homie.

Mr. President, give it a rest!

Mr. Trump, are you thinking, perhaps,

The American public are saps?

What you claim to be knowing

Is just your wind blowing

And the blowing keeps sounding like “Taps!”

Yow! Are we having fun yet?

No question, ’twas destined he’d win it.

As Phineas Barnum might spin it:

In the coming world order,

A new Trump supporter

Is bound to be born ev’ry minute.

Yes, just like you, the Savant is still reeling from what occurred last November and he doesn't mean Thanksgiving with your crazy family. Having had several months to digest the news of what is likely the worst event of his life with the exception of the Lincoln assassination, (No, he wasn't there but his good friend Fred Douglass told him about it) he feels that true to his motto he has no option but to return from semi-retirement. 

During that hiatus from his doggerel and while seeing if his dog'll roll, sit, or beg with the proper incentive; he was lulled by the knowledge that after all, even though there were continuing tensions at home and abroad over race, religion, nativism, gender, and income inequality, we did elect the first black president, twice!

So how did we screw this one up so badly? Well, despite Mr. Trump's obsession with so-called "voter fraud," the only fraud perpetrated on the American people was one that they bought into willingly or through their own complacence. We have allowed ourselves to be hoodwinked by a carnival barker, a consummate showman, who has been peddling his circus act for years. While some of us have remained outside the tent, laughing at the absurd claims and preposterous boasts but mildly entertained, we have ignored the line of paying customers scrabbling to be included under the Trump Big Top. By making vague, even contradictory, statements about what he can do for us ("Make America Great Again") and at the same time playing to our worst fears ("rapists, murderers") he makes us feel understood, appreciated, and part of something bigger and life changing.

No, it wasn't Russian hackers, Putin, James Comey, or Hillary haters that turned this election. It was our own gullibility and credulity and until we take responsibility for the outcome we will be powerless to do anything about it.

Pinheads are everywhere