I had a recent experience of someone talking about Trump as if this person was himself Trump. There was a surrender of his own personal identity and a substitution of the identity of his idol.
I felt the sane way when I was fourteen about my favorite hockey player. When my hockey player idol succeeded, It felt like my own success. It comforted me in a time I had low self-esteem.
That's a very apt analogy, David. Childhood idol worship, adult leaders who become cultish heroes and gurus of whatever kind -- the idolator subsumes his identity in the idol as substitute. It's about as dangerous a phenomenon as there is.
Jay, I know I need not say this, but this is such a brilliant, beautifully written, persuasively argued essay. And yes, as your friend Mary writes, "much needed."
I feel dread at this moment. It is horrible enough that "45" (I refuse to write his name) reigns supreme over the GOP, our courts, our press; we also now have his vp selection - a man whose only conviction is his rightfully awarded ambition. Truth, facts, experience, leadership, history, example, on and on we could go: they seem to mean nothing anymore to the very people who in exercising their privilege to vote will vote for these two.
Back in 2014 Time magazine published a piece about a Union of Concerned Scientists report warning that rising sea levels, wildfires, and other climate-related events could threaten the existence of landmarks such as Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Jamestown - the places that contain aspects of America's history. If 45 is reelected, then perhaps it is fitting that those landmarks go down with us.
Maureen, thank you as always for your supportive words. They aren’t received as simply a compliment. They encourage me. You, Mary, and I are very much alike in our feelings — and I know millions of others, too. But millions of others not. That’s the sad story. Mary shared her comment on Notes also, where I responded at a little length if you have time to read.
Jay, it is just as you say, that feeling expressed in your reply to Mary. And well-taken is your point about experiencing vs understanding. The red flags could not be more obvious and yet it is as if they are invisible. I hope against
I had a recent experience of someone talking about Trump as if this person was himself Trump. There was a surrender of his own personal identity and a substitution of the identity of his idol.
I felt the sane way when I was fourteen about my favorite hockey player. When my hockey player idol succeeded, It felt like my own success. It comforted me in a time I had low self-esteem.
That's a very apt analogy, David. Childhood idol worship, adult leaders who become cultish heroes and gurus of whatever kind -- the idolator subsumes his identity in the idol as substitute. It's about as dangerous a phenomenon as there is.
A much needed essay, Jay. I must admit that I am in despair that Trump may win the presidency again and a democracy lost is not easily regained.
Jay, I know I need not say this, but this is such a brilliant, beautifully written, persuasively argued essay. And yes, as your friend Mary writes, "much needed."
I feel dread at this moment. It is horrible enough that "45" (I refuse to write his name) reigns supreme over the GOP, our courts, our press; we also now have his vp selection - a man whose only conviction is his rightfully awarded ambition. Truth, facts, experience, leadership, history, example, on and on we could go: they seem to mean nothing anymore to the very people who in exercising their privilege to vote will vote for these two.
Back in 2014 Time magazine published a piece about a Union of Concerned Scientists report warning that rising sea levels, wildfires, and other climate-related events could threaten the existence of landmarks such as Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Jamestown - the places that contain aspects of America's history. If 45 is reelected, then perhaps it is fitting that those landmarks go down with us.
Maureen, thank you as always for your supportive words. They aren’t received as simply a compliment. They encourage me. You, Mary, and I are very much alike in our feelings — and I know millions of others, too. But millions of others not. That’s the sad story. Mary shared her comment on Notes also, where I responded at a little length if you have time to read.
Jay, it is just as you say, that feeling expressed in your reply to Mary. And well-taken is your point about experiencing vs understanding. The red flags could not be more obvious and yet it is as if they are invisible. I hope against
hope.