Paul Simon saw it coming nearly a half century ago. From "Boy in the Bubble" off his "Graceland" album: "Staccato signals of constant information, a loose affiliation of millionaires and billionaires... These are the days of miracle and wonder, this is the long-distance call; the way the camera follows us in slo-mo, the way we look to us all; the way we look to a distant constellation that's dying in a corner of the sky; these are the days of miracle and wonder, and don't cry, baby, don't cry, don't cry, don't cry." Sometimes an artist can capture in 60 words what would take an historian 600 pages.
I am elated that the monster’s name must be removed from the Kennedy Center. I have been so outraged by that I thought at times my head might explode. I wish I could be the one to pry every tacky letter off the building and throw it to the ground. The comparison between the elegance of JFK and Jackie, and the *ugh* of Donny and Malaria…the mind reels!
Bruce Springsteen is doing what every artist should be doing: Calling out TRump's fascist regime for exactly what it is. In my not so humble opinion, musical artists, actors and anyone else who has a public platform, should be screaming from the rooftops about the danger that TRump and his Clown Car Cabinet pose to our nation and the world at large. It's their duty to inform people of what's really happening in our country, without fear or shame.
First I have to thank you for sharing that beautiful picture of the developing rainbow. Amazing to catch that moment and hold it forever! On the other hand, the photo of Jan 6th is heart wrenching - will never forget or get over that day, never.
Yes, I rejoiced upon hearing the federal judge's decision to remove Trump's name from the Kennedy Center - we all agree that was a complete disgrace. And they will appeal the decision, but I appreciate when judges do the right thing nowadays despite the potential backlash.
It sickens me that our country, even with all its faults, will celebrate its 250 birthday under this embarrassment of a president. He will turn the entire event into a a circus like everything else. You are right, celebrate in our own way and ignore his b.s. is how we must survive this.
As always, thank you for the hope you put out there and the heartfelt message you send.
I wonder when they are going to take the lettering down - my nephew has said that he will happily throw his tools in the car and drive down to DC to help take them off for free, and I know he has plenty of company in that! Probably exactly what the Trumpian board wants to avoid, lots of media coverage of a giant crowd cheering and dancing as that foul man's name is taken off the institution he defiled and corrupted, so I'm betting they'll try and sneak it off at 2am or something. Doesn't matter, someone will be watching and the word will go out. And people will be celebrating.
Me too -- and my partner and I will bring our drum and tambourine. And yes it will probably be at 2am on a Friday before a long holiday. I don't care - if I could, I'd be there!!
Well said D. Earl. I hate to see our country being brought down by a psychopath with bad taste. I agree that the arts can uplift us. Isn't that why they wrote war songs? To lift the morale? Of course I'm more drawn to music protesting the wars. Keep the good writing flowing!
One of my favorites is Phil Ochs. I still have some of his old records and got them on CDs. Country Joe and the Fish had a rousing anti Vietnam tune "it's 1,2,3 what are we fighting for?" I've got that CD too. I love the "esoteric" Dylan but I also like to hear it said in "plainspeak".
"next stop is Vee-it-nam!" After our young men were "conscripted" and forced to fight in that bloody, stupid war, they came back to a nation that turned it's back on them. Another one I remember is, "Where have all the young men gone? Gone to soldiers everyone. When will they ever learn?"
Earl, thanks for your message of hope today and your photo of a rainbow emerging through the dark clouds over the Atlantic.
Driving past a rural property that for the past 10 years had an entrance festooned with flags, signs and other cheap and rotting homages to the false idol, my heart lifted a little to see the flags and other vestiges of the human wrecking ball gone. In their place was a sign that read, "AX THE TAX". As Bob Dylan sang over 60 years ago, "the times, they are a changing".
Thanks! I am a little older but love the arts and artists. I had planned a "flotilla" for our 4July2026 at Toledo Bend (Ft Polk/Johnson/Polk) reflecting on my Reserve Unit's presence at the "Tall Ships' Bi centennial NYC. i got permission from the Retiree Council and then trump declared war. We will do it later. We do not give up. HONOBABLECOMMONDEFENC.thanks
Think about it, Everybody: the writers of Substack have saved us. What an awesome job they are all doing to keep us informed. Thank you, D. Earl, for doing your part.
Thank you for your brilliance and solidarity. This is not a correction because your writing is perfect, but I found it interesting that one writer mentioned that the headless drawing was more of a child. Knowing that the resident of our White House’s interpretation of a woman must include voluminous blond hair and gigantic boobs, I can only see it that way now.
Once again, you are spot on. Today’s writing is inspirational, gratifying and hopeful.
Thanks, Constance. I appreciate that.
Paul Simon saw it coming nearly a half century ago. From "Boy in the Bubble" off his "Graceland" album: "Staccato signals of constant information, a loose affiliation of millionaires and billionaires... These are the days of miracle and wonder, this is the long-distance call; the way the camera follows us in slo-mo, the way we look to us all; the way we look to a distant constellation that's dying in a corner of the sky; these are the days of miracle and wonder, and don't cry, baby, don't cry, don't cry, don't cry." Sometimes an artist can capture in 60 words what would take an historian 600 pages.
So true, Jonathan.
Just so much power in music.
Other Simon favorite that has always reminded me of Trump and his ilk - Stranded in a Limousine
I am elated that the monster’s name must be removed from the Kennedy Center. I have been so outraged by that I thought at times my head might explode. I wish I could be the one to pry every tacky letter off the building and throw it to the ground. The comparison between the elegance of JFK and Jackie, and the *ugh* of Donny and Malaria…the mind reels!
This one royally pissed me off, too, Carol.
"An incurious moron" sums him up perfectly 👌
I loved the rainbow photo, beautiful and hopeful 🌈💙
Thank you for the heartfelt writing today 🙏
You're welcome, Diane.
I’ve heard there’s No Kings rallies scheduled for June 14. That would a fine way to spend Flag Day.
Agreed.
Bruce Springsteen is doing what every artist should be doing: Calling out TRump's fascist regime for exactly what it is. In my not so humble opinion, musical artists, actors and anyone else who has a public platform, should be screaming from the rooftops about the danger that TRump and his Clown Car Cabinet pose to our nation and the world at large. It's their duty to inform people of what's really happening in our country, without fear or shame.
Agree 100%.
First I have to thank you for sharing that beautiful picture of the developing rainbow. Amazing to catch that moment and hold it forever! On the other hand, the photo of Jan 6th is heart wrenching - will never forget or get over that day, never.
Yes, I rejoiced upon hearing the federal judge's decision to remove Trump's name from the Kennedy Center - we all agree that was a complete disgrace. And they will appeal the decision, but I appreciate when judges do the right thing nowadays despite the potential backlash.
It sickens me that our country, even with all its faults, will celebrate its 250 birthday under this embarrassment of a president. He will turn the entire event into a a circus like everything else. You are right, celebrate in our own way and ignore his b.s. is how we must survive this.
As always, thank you for the hope you put out there and the heartfelt message you send.
Thanks, Susan. I appreciate your kind words, as always. We will survive this.
I wonder when they are going to take the lettering down - my nephew has said that he will happily throw his tools in the car and drive down to DC to help take them off for free, and I know he has plenty of company in that! Probably exactly what the Trumpian board wants to avoid, lots of media coverage of a giant crowd cheering and dancing as that foul man's name is taken off the institution he defiled and corrupted, so I'm betting they'll try and sneak it off at 2am or something. Doesn't matter, someone will be watching and the word will go out. And people will be celebrating.
I bet there are millions of patriots just like your nephew, Hannah.
Absolutely! I'm not much good on ladders, but I'll happily put on a frog costume and do some silly dancing while people take down that lettering! 😄
Me too -- and my partner and I will bring our drum and tambourine. And yes it will probably be at 2am on a Friday before a long holiday. I don't care - if I could, I'd be there!!
trump's so delusional that he thinks canceling tacky gold gilding of the Kennedy Ctr hurts us. 🤣
He’s probably going to trash it before the date it must be removed. It’s probably already gilded in gold spray paint.
Well said D. Earl. I hate to see our country being brought down by a psychopath with bad taste. I agree that the arts can uplift us. Isn't that why they wrote war songs? To lift the morale? Of course I'm more drawn to music protesting the wars. Keep the good writing flowing!
And protest songs, Lynda.
One of my favorites is Phil Ochs. I still have some of his old records and got them on CDs. Country Joe and the Fish had a rousing anti Vietnam tune "it's 1,2,3 what are we fighting for?" I've got that CD too. I love the "esoteric" Dylan but I also like to hear it said in "plainspeak".
“Don’t ask me, I don’t give a damn…”
"next stop is Vee-it-nam!" After our young men were "conscripted" and forced to fight in that bloody, stupid war, they came back to a nation that turned it's back on them. Another one I remember is, "Where have all the young men gone? Gone to soldiers everyone. When will they ever learn?"
I find solace in the music of Springsteen.
Good place (and guy) to turn to.
Earl, thanks for your message of hope today and your photo of a rainbow emerging through the dark clouds over the Atlantic.
Driving past a rural property that for the past 10 years had an entrance festooned with flags, signs and other cheap and rotting homages to the false idol, my heart lifted a little to see the flags and other vestiges of the human wrecking ball gone. In their place was a sign that read, "AX THE TAX". As Bob Dylan sang over 60 years ago, "the times, they are a changing".
A hopeful sign indeed, Annie.
Thanks! I am a little older but love the arts and artists. I had planned a "flotilla" for our 4July2026 at Toledo Bend (Ft Polk/Johnson/Polk) reflecting on my Reserve Unit's presence at the "Tall Ships' Bi centennial NYC. i got permission from the Retiree Council and then trump declared war. We will do it later. We do not give up. HONOBABLECOMMONDEFENC.thanks
Those tall ships were really something, Ronald.
And we don't give up is exactly right.
Think about it, Everybody: the writers of Substack have saved us. What an awesome job they are all doing to keep us informed. Thank you, D. Earl, for doing your part.
Loved the rant! Dead on!
Thank you for your brilliance and solidarity. This is not a correction because your writing is perfect, but I found it interesting that one writer mentioned that the headless drawing was more of a child. Knowing that the resident of our White House’s interpretation of a woman must include voluminous blond hair and gigantic boobs, I can only see it that way now.
Either way, it is grotesque, Karen.