Locker Room Talk
Basketball coaches exhort their athletes not to be motivated by dazzling, photo-ready slam dunks. Focus on the fundamentals: learn and implement the system and strive for successful teamwork.
That
wisdom beckons in this era of daily distractions generated by Trump’s
tweet storms and compliant mass media. This week’s twitchy uproar over
Oprah Winrey’s Golden Globes speech and her presidential bona fides
serves as a reminder. Headlines with a one-day half-life obscure what really matters.
The fundamentals: the GOP tax bill transferred massive wealth from taxpayers to corporations and the richest individuals. Opponents must study and chronicle its dramatic effects over the next decade. Those
who clamor for immediate impeachment hearings or a 25th amendment
removal should worry whether a new historical precedent established
today could be used against their champion in the future. If
Trump’s egregious abuses justify reporters openly staking their claim
as opponents of his administration, who will be the credible truth
tellers when the next despot emerges, from the right or left?
The Mueller investigation: wait as it runs its course. We can’t predict its surprises or its consequences.
The 2018 Congressional elections: results will determine the direction of Trump’s final two years. Choose your candidates and work hard for them-- carry petitions, canvass, phone, persuade your neighbors.
Educate our young people, at home and in school. Take the long view. Teach thoughtful listening and reading, quiet reflection, community engagement.
Another sports metaphor: don’t look for a knockout of Trumpism. This match will be won on points.
Publishing history
Albany Times Union 1/17/18
New Paltz Times 2/1/18
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