Independence Day
Jul. 4th, 2017 01:36 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ndrosenHappy Birthday, o my country.
You have had flawed presidents before, but never, I think, anyone quite so unqualified and intemperate as the current occupant of the White House. And yet, studying history gives one a certain perspective. Andrew Johnson sought to undo progress to racial equality, and did considerable harm, and yet the country did survive, although there were rumors at the time that thousands of Confederate Army veterans would march on Washington to overthrow the government. Constitutional government may yet outlast Trump's tweets, and even his ignorance of public affairs; his ignorance may even enable subordinates to do some good which would not be possible if we had an intelligent and hardworking fascist in the Oval Office.
I plan to celebrate your birthday by rereading the Constitution and watching the fireworks. Come what may, at least we have time that can be lived in.
You have had flawed presidents before, but never, I think, anyone quite so unqualified and intemperate as the current occupant of the White House. And yet, studying history gives one a certain perspective. Andrew Johnson sought to undo progress to racial equality, and did considerable harm, and yet the country did survive, although there were rumors at the time that thousands of Confederate Army veterans would march on Washington to overthrow the government. Constitutional government may yet outlast Trump's tweets, and even his ignorance of public affairs; his ignorance may even enable subordinates to do some good which would not be possible if we had an intelligent and hardworking fascist in the Oval Office.
I plan to celebrate your birthday by rereading the Constitution and watching the fireworks. Come what may, at least we have time that can be lived in.
