Commentary
'I Could Stand In The Middle Of The South Lawn And Shoot Holes In The People's House'
- by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, August 28, 2020
The 2020 Republican National Convention ended the way the 2016 RNC did, with a lawless criminal being nominated the party’s presidential candidate while in the process of breaking the law. In this case, it wasn’t illegally accepting help from a hostile foreign power, paying hush money to porn stars he was sleeping with, etc., etc., etc., but violating a U.S. law making it explicitly illegal to utilize the trappings of his office -- especially the White House -- as a campaign prop.
“From these walls,” the Republican nominee said, pointing to the “People’s House,” and invoking the historical milestones of former presidents who lived there and helped make America great in the first place.
No one expects him, his campaign team, his daughter, cabinet members, etc., who violated the law to be held accountable for it -- I mean, what are we going to do, impeach him, or “lock her up?” -- but the act stands as one final reminder that the incumbent has done everything in his power to destroy presidential and democratic norms.
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It was one more final act of trolling those -- Democrats, Independents and even Republicans -- who oppose him by thumbing his nose, by pointing his index finger at the White House windows behind him.
Instead of trying to fact-check his acceptance speech, I thought it might be easier to focus on fact-finding. I found two.
1 - “This is the most important election in our nation’s history.”
2 - “At no time before, have voters faced a clearer choice between two parties, two visions, two philosophies, or two agendas.”
I might add a few other contrasts, like two forms of rule, constitution, and law.
But I’ll end by quoting his most truthful fact:
“This election will decide whether we save the American dream.”
Joe Mandese is the Editor in Chief of MediaPost. You can reach Joe at joe@mediapost.com.
As a competitor in the Mexico Olympics in 1968 I was fortunate to watch and applaud two giants of American history who took a "stand" on the medal podium with raised clenched gloved fists - Jon Carlos and Tommie Smith. BLM! The price they paid for those actions was shameful and remains a blight on the IOC and the US Olympic Commitee. They were finally exonerated by President Obama in 2016.
Their courage should inpsire us all to take the strongest stand against the current corrupt regime along with their obsequious enablers and start the "race" to restore democracy, decency and decorum. I believe Jon and Tommie will heartily cheer you on!
Tony, that was a great moment in sporting (and US) history.
But there was a third person on that podium. Australian Peter Norman placed second (and incidentally his time of 20.06 is still our national record). When Smith and Carlos told Norman what they were about to do, Norman said "I'll stand with you" ... echoes of "I'll take a knee".
On the way to the podium Norman saw that US rower Paul Hoffman (who you probably know!) was wearing the OPHR (Olympics Project for Human Rights) badge, and Norman asked Hoffman could he wear his badge on the podium and Hoffman agreed. On the way to the podium Carlos realised he had left his black gloves back in the Olympic Village, and it was Norman who suggested they share Smith's gloves, which is why Smith raised his right fist and Carlos raised his left fist.
On returning home, Norman was poorly treated and was basically a pariah. He never ran in the Olympics again. Illness later in life led to a decline in the great man and he died in 2006. In 2012 the Australian Parliament passed a posthumous apology to Norman. Norman basically sacrificed his career that night in the name of justice.
It is said we are judged by the company we keep. So while you and me are in trouble for our close friendship, albeit I beleive in "good trouble" as the late John Lewis woud have said, Peter Norman is a giant of Australian history beyond his incredible sporting prowess. His sacrifice for what was right will inspire generations to come.
Readers should be reminded that Jon Carlos and Tommie Smith were pallbearers at Peter's funeral ..... the company you keep!
I love the title of this piece. Well done!