Ass Clown Special Award

In 1966 Dick Tuck, a notorious political consultant and trickster, was soundly defeated in his race for the California State Senate. As the results came in and his defeat appeared certain, Mr Tuck was memorably quoted as saying, "The people have spoken ... the bastards."

The bastards have spoken again, and so it is that I take a moment on this otherwise beautiful NoVa day to present an

Ass Clown Special Award

 to

The American Electorate

America is a nation where everyone is free to vote based on their beliefs, their conscience, and their susceptibility to fear, chicanery, bribery, and desire for religious and political dominance. A large segment of the population has voted its fears, and will take the rest of us along with it.

I have led a very good life. Part of it was the good fortune to be born into a loving and supportive family in a time of prosperity and optimism. I had a good military and civilian career and worked hard to provide a good quality of life for my family. I understand that many others did not enjoy my advantages and, in fact, may well have resented it. These people were easily swayed by a demagogue who promised them what they wanted and who enjoyed largely unchallenged freedom to campaign on a platform of lies and distortions.

The American Electorate has returned to office a man whose plans for a dystopian American future were clearly spelled out in the infamous Project 2025. Famous American journalist and curmudgeon H. L. Mencken once said, "Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard."

Well, they will.

I will try to remain optimistic in the face of massive evidence for pessimism. I will hope - against all evidence - that there will remain enough adults in government to temper the worst excesses of Der Furor's new regime.

But I will also remain realistic about the future, and so should you.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Readers, I present an Ass Clown Special Award to The American Electorate, which has voted to return to power a man singularly unfit to wield it, supported by a party ignorant of the dark road down which it leads the nation.

Good luck.

Have a good day and try to remain positive. More thoughts coming.

Bilbo