RANDOM AF! Ease off the prez

I had an epiphany. It was in the shower, of course. That's when most of my epiphanies come. It must have something to do with my phthalate-free shampoo. (Wow, that word is weird. Phthalate.)

Anywhoo, this is it: cut Trump some slack, people.

I mean, you have to feel sorry for the guy. He's in way over his head. I truly think he's trying to do a good job, but he doesn't know how. Being the president isn't easy, not for the most intelligent, educated, and experienced of people, and Trump is none of those things. So he just keeps fucking up, and by now, he's pissed off most of the world (there may be some indigenous tribes in Paupa New Guinea that he hasn't pissed off yet). This latest issue with separating undocumented immigrants from their children is the fuck-up of all fuck-ups.

Trump was great at reality TV. His personality is ideal for creating drama. The producers of The Apprentice probably didn't even have to manufacture any of the strife and discontent on that show. But those "talents" don't translate well to the presidency, as we've all been witness to in the last year and a half.

Don't you think there've been multiple times that he's thought, "Hey, this has gone too far. I want out?" No doubt. Although I'm sure every POTUS has had that exact same thought at one point or another. I cannot fathom how disheartening it is to have every single thing you do or say scrutinized by the whole nation. Trump's life, as well as that of his family, is basically a trial by fire, 24/7. You mean people actually sign up for this shit? If they weren't batshit to start, I bet they are on the other side. I bet every former president is secretly in therapy.

And Trump faces unique challenges, I think. First of all, Twitter. Also, he's too stubborn to listen to advice from those around him. Also, and this may be the heart of it, he's such a flaming narcissist that he can't ever admit when he's wrong, and places blame on everything and everyone else. AND HE GETS AWAY WITH IT. Well, kinda. How many lies has he told? CNN says over 3,000 since taking office. But you know, CNN, that's fake news. Of course. I'm glad that someone is keeping track, but still, have there been any consequences? None that I know of. And that being the case, it's unlikely he'll ever change his ways. This dog is too old to learn new tricks. For that, he should be pitied.

We are all fallible. The older I get, the more I realize that I'm human. I make mistakes. Sometimes it's hard to accept, and harder yet to admit. But I am well aware of my own capacity to be in the wrong. In fact, I'm starting to first assume I'm wrong before I jump to conclusions. I've jumped, and oft continue to jump in the wrong direction. And even with a million shades of gray between black and white, I still manage to be wrong often.

But the important thing is that I recognize my limitations. With 40 years of experience, I'm no expert on life, and now I understand I may never be. I'm still learning. I'm still adapting. I am working to accept things I couldn't before. Recently, for example, I'm working to reconcile my will with the will of my children. I can yet try to control their actions, but I can't control what they think, nor make them listen. Trust me, having four teenagers, you realize in full the harsh conundrum of parenthood.

We can't control Trump either. But this isn't entirely his fault. It is what it is. Trump is who he is.

Seriously, as a nation, let's show him some compassion. Ease up on the criticism, and maybe he'll react differently. And if not, let's just hope he doesn't start a world war before we have the chance to not re-elect him. I honestly think he would appreciate the out. You know he'll spin it this way or that. His personality demands it. Conspiracy. Voter fraud. Evil Democrats. Obama had a hand in it, or Mueller, or Comey, or crooked Hillary. But secretly, he'll be relieved.

J. L. Dodd

Links:

https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/01/politics/donald-trump-3000/index.html