SURREAL CIRCUS

The clowns rule the day.

For the third time, Trump escapes with his life. I cannot help thinking I live in a dysphoric land, while robots dash around attempting to be effective lawmen/women. How good are our human law enforcement officers if they have allowed gunmen to get dangerously close to the President at least three times? I am sick of agents in black--whether they wear athletic gear or tuxedos--looking very fierce, pointing their weapons, and running around creating chaos. Life is not a B rated detective or science fiction series which portrays inefficient officers of the peace running amok, and then a hero saves the day. I am tired and depressed with the familiar scenario of people lying under tables texting their loved ones; in this case, no one was in danger in the ballroom and hours later expressing their shock, fear, and appreciation for their lives. Let us finally pass strict federal gun laws to stop this constant violence, real or a false alarm!

And what was that video clip of a man showing a note to the president; a few moments lapse; and then the president, Melania, and a lady in waiting crouch down and run? This looked scripted above anything else. And I saw the president stumble. (I do not think Biden ever actually stumbled on national t.v., just saying.)

I am not minimizing the fear and existential dread which occurs in an actual shooting. But last night looked like an act, if I ever saw one. The shooting in Pennsylvania looked suspicious, as well. If not an act, then again a series of stupid choices. Does anyone have a brain? Maybe all the Boomers who were taught to think in school, should take over. I nominate Bernie Sanders for President and Robert Reich for Vice President.

Why did the press invite the president? Positive feelings between the two camps is nonexistent. He has consistently denigrated, ridiculed, and criticized most of the mainstream press. Why did the Hilton allow guests to stay at the hotel when the entire U.S. Executive Branch was to be in attendance at the hotel? Why were all those cabinet members there? Why were the president and vice president sitting together in plain view on the dais? Talk about a target. How did the perpetrator accumulate all of those weapons with the strict gun laws in the D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia (or California where he came from)? No one noticed anything--not hotel staff, the gunman's family and friends, and the stores/sites that sell weapons? Not a gas station attendant, maid, bellboy, desk staff, concierge, waitress, or hotel security? And the perpetrator tried to run through a checkpoint with a weapon while every type of armed guard stood by?

I am not a conspiracy theorist, but a thinking person has to wonder about these dramatic events that serve as a distraction from the real problems; the fumbling, buffonish attempts at law enforcement; and the strange arrangements set-up by the president's staff. During these troubled times, why would a president be allowed to enter a public space with poor security? Not only this--the seemingly made for t.v. theater last night gave the president yet another opportunity to push some of his extravagant ideas, for example, the ballroom and safe space beneath. He is the master of showmanship, no doubt about it!

©2026 Karen Levi