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Benjy Compson's avatar

Speakimg of memes…We the Living in Idiocracy. Here we are now, Trump entertain U.S….Imwill keep saying that which is true til I am red, white and blue, I mean, forgive me Jesus, the Orangeman is about to face our Creator…what an fing shame we the people have a man at the helm that does not feed the masses with a loaf of bread, but hordes of wasted dumb arses with circus cage fights turning celebration of one of the greatest acts in American history…declaration of a just war for life and liberty and justice for all…on its butthead with gladiator fights in the Rose Garden….”Pardon Me. I am NOT Done Committing Crimes” (hat tip, David French’). The only problem with that article is it is stil being written and Dwayn Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Duterte is still your Presidente…Calgon take me away. I mean GOD HELP U.S. Impeach, remove and indict Trump (Renee “fing bit…Good and Alex Pretti still cannot be reached for comment…their real killer is in the Bada Bing, I mean Oval Office)…not just for the love of county, but for the love of humanity and survival of our civilization now hanging “by the skin of our teeth”. Gotta run on. Thanks for taking my rant Onward and Upward. Peace through superior mental firepower

Mark Ramsey's avatar

Your pieces are like a life preserver. Keeps me from drowning in the insanity.

Jay Nordlinger's avatar

Thank you, Mark.

Stephen Hall's avatar

Enjoyable column as always. You lost me with the Ring Lardner reference. I’ve heard the name but he died in 1933. No familiarity with his work.

Jay Nordlinger's avatar

An American original.

TP's avatar

Who else misses the classic TV/music shows from yesteryear: Soul Train, Solid Gold, American Bandstand, Don Kirschner's Rock Concert, etc.? Don't get me started on the variety shows from that era.

Jay Nordlinger's avatar

I'm right with you!

Dra Wiersema's avatar

The story about Ruby was worth the read. Speaking of avoiding the playoffs, I am a horrible sports fan due to what must be a personality disorder. I dislike the feeling of losing for my own team but also for the other side when mine is victorious. My wife savors victory and has neither disgust nor feelings for the loser. This makes for a rough scrabble game.

Aaron Barnhart's avatar

Jay, I'm reading a collection of left-wing essays and there's an appreciation of Robert Dahl in there. I haven't read Dahl but his argument seems to be there's nothing especially admirable in the Constitution or the democratic system that's evolved from it. Two parties, electoral nonsense, even judicial review are things other democracies have eschewed. What's your take, given your thoughts on statism in US politics?

Jay Nordlinger's avatar

I must think on this. Dahl was, of course, formidable. But I think the Constitution is splendid!

CWB3's avatar

Wonderful collection of observations and perspectives. Always looking forward to your thoughts.

Jay Nordlinger's avatar

Thank you so much.

Donald Ashman's avatar

“A couple of weeks ago, I was talking with a lady about her family—her grandparents and their generation in particular. “They had no money, but they had class,” she said. “They knew right from wrong.” “

I am reminded of stories I was told of my paternal grandmother.

Although I never met her, she painted, listened to opera and demanded that table manners be respected.

My Dad grew up in the type of poverty few can imagine, let alone endure. They lost their home in the Depression and rented a home owned by the construction company for whom my grandfather worked, for the rest of their lives.

But that was never an excuse to go to school wearing ripped or dirty clothing, to use foul language, or to allow oneself to be portrayed in a manner that was less than civil.

Thank you for the nice memory, Jay.

Jay Nordlinger's avatar

Marvelous. Thank you.