FEAR AND LAUGHTER

I’m remembering last summer when I/we were here and there discussing with folks the
upcoming election.

We would mostly carry on in good humor, agreeing to disagree with our democrat friends, remaining friends.
Looking back after these last few weeks, that recent time now seems all so simple and innocent.

We at The Study are just starting to be really worried about national affairs, more than before.

Sure, we did argue that b.o. and the national dems would make a hash of it, but now, months later, and weeks after the inauguration, it seems that they really are starting to make a hash of it.

b.o. really is ‘screwing up’ [present tense intentional].

Prominent appointments are fodder for the late night emcees.

He is, by all accounts, not leading in the congressional processes to get a ‘stimulus’ bill passed.

nancy and harry seem to be carrying the ball and we know their level of competency.

He writes editorials for the Washington Post. Apparently no jawboning with Senators and Represntatives of both parties behind doors at the same time until the nitty gritty is worked out.

His press secretary is less than impressive. His lack of impressiveness is pathetic. We are waiting for the press pool to … become less than cordial.
It is sinfully hard not to watch these press briefings.

And the tests overseas are starting: threats of a denial of use of an airfield; missile deployment complication; threats of war from N. Korea; Iranian satellite launch; Iranian undiplomatic rejection of b.o.’s open hand request; and the list could go on.

As the link in the previous post put it, it will not be helpful to US interests if the late night hosts etc., decide that b.o. and his policies are grist for the humor mill.

There is a saying about international relations [paraphrased]: If a powerful nation is not going to be loved, it had better be respected (feared?).

To be unloved and not respected (feared) is to court disaster.

It is hard for a barbarian to fear a nation it is laughing at.