From lethargy to apoplexy
Definition from The Political Dictionary: PERSONAL CONVICTION, a strong, firmly held principle that guides a politician’s actions and decisions until it becomes politically expedient to adapt a new conviction. See Flip Flop.
Now it seems DC is a hotbed of flip-flopping apropos of the, dare I say it, Epstein files. Congress has stirred itself from a lethargy of do-nothing to a apoplexy of leaping from one conviction to another. Often claiming otherwise. A common congressional response is “Oh no, not me. Why, I’ve always supported full disclosure,” as if lapsed memory were a chronic condition of the populace. This deluge of flipping, over a file that may be so redacted by persons of money, power and influence as to be nothing more than a Maltese Falcon. What Alfred Hitchcock called a MacGuffin. A dramatic device, never disclosed, the sole purpose of which is to drive the plot’s action.
As in the action of our current Congress. Much sound and fury, likely to signify nothing. I only wish they had as much enthusiasm in asserting the rights, power and purpose of a constitutional branch of government.
Bob Emery, Mendota Heights
They knew, but didn’t say anything
Democrats loudly and publicly declare that Trump is a threat to our democracy. They call him a fascist and a would-be king. They criticise every action he takes and try to block his every move.
Interestingly, not one Democrat spoke out during Biden’s administration, calling him a threat to democracy when they knew he was incapable of being president, due to his dementia. We do not know to this day who was making executive decisions.
After he was no longer in office, Democrats wrote tell-all books about his declining mental capacity. This proves they were aware of his inability to run, but wanted to retain their power. Their silence was a threat to our democracy. It seems they only break their silence, when they think their power is being challenged.
Vicky Moore, North St. Paul
The Code
If the Secretary of Defense had not dismissed so many JAG officers, one might have informed the Commander-in-Chief that the Uniform Code of Military Justice requires a soldier to refuse an illegal order.
Andy Lynn, Mendota Heights
Dogged
While there may be some legitimate reasons for the Trump administration launching multiple attacks on Venezuelan boats in the Caribbean, there has been scant evidence presented of any criminal wrongdoing justifying the fatalities that have been inflicted.
The Trump administration seems to be chafing for a military engagement with that country. The timing has a certain “Wag the Dog” appearance as a distraction from the president’s other predicaments, especially the Jeffrey Epstein saga. It’s reminiscent of the Robert De Niro-Dustin Hoffman 1997 movie by that title in which the crafty staff of a beleaguered president drums up a phoney military conflict to create a positive aura to bail the president out of political hot water. Many thought that device was used by President Bill Clinton at the height of the Monica Lewinsky contretemps when he ordered air attacks on terrorist operations in Afghanistan and Sudan.
President Trump, who was a reality TV star before entering politics, knows the value of a compelling cinematic theme, which might form the foundation for the Venezuelan initiative in these trying times that are dogging him.
Marshall H. Tanick, Minneapolis
Sainted
This is the month of Thanksgiving and I’d like to say I’m so thankful for my church St. Paul Lutheran in Stillwater. Last Sunday’s worship service was so filled with praise that I wanted to publicly thank our Pastors Nathan Baker-Trinity and Laurel Halvorson Bernard and Youth Director Jenny Brelje. Their messages were so inspiring, encouraging us to give glory to God, imperfect as we are, He loves us all. Andy Peterson, our talented musician and music director planned a service filled with music including pianist and worship director Karen Hillman, soloist Kim Alswager, songs performed by the wonderful choir, accompanied by the bell choir, and a special thank you for the talented flutist Sue Benson. As we sang the hymns and worshipped together one couldn’t help but be filled with gratitude for our staff and members. We are so blessed!
Karen Celski, Oak Park Heights
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