The Right-Cheek Ass Clown for June, 2017

It's a new month, and that means there are three more opportunities* to heap scorn and dishonor on ass clowns whose actions have risen above the bar ... which I need to keep raising because of the vast number of eminently-qualified candidates. To start the month of June, I've decided to focus on not one, but two dishonorees.

I have decided to name as

The Right-Cheek Ass Clown

for

June, 2017

two all-time champion groveling lickspittles,

Vice President Mike Pence

and

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt

When Donald Trump announced on June 1st that he would pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Accords, he was introduced by Vice President Pence, whose comments set a new record for obsequious fawning, even for Mr Trump's staff. Here are a few excerpts:

"You know it's the greatest privilege of my life to serve as vice president to a president who is fighting every day to make America great again."

"Since the first day of this administration President Donald Trump has been working tirelessly ..."

"... just last week, we all witnessed the bold leadership of an American president on the world stage ..."

"... with gratitude for his leadership and admiration for his unwavering commitment to the American people, it is now my high honor and distinct privilege to introduce to all of you the president ..."

After Mr Trump's speech (in which he asked us to "believe me" six times), he introduced EPA administrator Scott Pruitt, who did his best to outdo the Vice President in slavish praise of his boss. Here are a few of his comments:

"Please know that I am thankful for your fortitude, your courage, and your steadfastness as you serve and lead our country."

"America finally has a leader who answers only to the people — not to the special interests ..."

"You’re a champion for the hardworking citizens all across this land ..."

"... it takes courage, it takes commitment to say no to the plaudits of men while doing what’s right by the American people. You have that courage, and the American people can take comfort because you have their backs."

There was no need for the Vice President to introduce Mr Trump's address, let alone using such servile language. And there was no need to have Mr Pruitt heap praise on Mr Trump following that address. The only reason for the appearance of both men was to stoke the ego of a narcissistic chief executive who demands absolute loyalty and expects extravagant praise for his every action.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Readers, for their fawning servility in service of a manifestly unqualified leader, Vice President Mike Pence and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt are jointly named as the Right-Cheek Ass Clown for June, 2017. Nothing more needs to be said.

Have a good day, and come back tomorrow for Cartoon Saturday - more thoughts then.

Bilbo

* Because there are five, rather than four Fridays this month, we have three, rather than two opportunities to present this award.