It is the optimism of the young that is infectious,
drowning out the cynicism of the old: the smiling faces, their
enthusiasm, their energy, their sheer delight in being there. They are
the spirit of the Olympics, drawing in the record audiences for the
opening ceremonies and for the events.
The
Winter Olympics of 2018 opened today in South Korea to a glittering
ceremony showcasing the country's technological wizardry, although,
culturally and entertainment-wise, remaining in the very large shadow of
the fantastic Sochi spectacle in 2014.
A
constantly smiling President Moon Jae-in gazed benignly over the
extravaganza, pleased that his 'sunshine policy' visibly portrayed in
the joint South and North Korea team marching together, had had such an
initial success. Rocket Man had been mellowed with charm, eclipsing
President Trump and his threats.
President
Trump was having his own difficulties ... again. His White House
appears to be more like a railroad station than a symbol of stable,
responsible government with the constant arrivals and departures. This
week two top aides, Rob Porter, the right-hand of White House Chief of
Staff John Kelly, and speechwriter David Sorensen announced resignations
amidst a scandal of wife-beatings, one ex brandishing photographic
evidence of a black eye while the two men continued to profess their
innocence.
Is this White House more tolerant of male aggressors? It was Donald Trump after all who was caught on tape boasting about grabbing women 'by the p**sy' and getting away with it because he was a celebrity. At least 19 so far have accused him of sexual harassment and/or assault.
Is a certain type of personality attracted to Trump and vice versa? He has often notably risen to the defense of men accused of female harassment: a list including Roger Ailes, Corey Lewandowski (Trump's earlier campaign manager), Roy Moore, Bill O'Reilly, and now Rob Porter.
'Fire and Fury', the Michael Wolff report on this White House, has some telling tales: When asked whom he consults before an important decision, the not unexpected answer issues forth, "Myself." On the subject of 'white trash', he explains, "They are people like me, only poor." Who can disagree with him?
