Giving Thanks for a Short Respite – Part 1
Here we are almost a month after part one of this thread and the warm glow from the election has not dissipated. If anything, it has increased. Donald Trump has surprised almost all of the critics (other than the democrat hacks who if even Einstein were the republican candidate would deny he was smart enough to count on his fingers). His cabinet selections have been good, very good. Personally, my favorite is the pick for EPA Administrator, Scott Pruitt. Pruitt is the Oklahoma attorney general and he has been involved in stopping the EPA from imposing CO2 restrictions on the energy industry. This sort of clear and direct approach to reversing the outrages of the Obama administration, I think, bodes very well for Trump’s success. In addition, the extreme panic and indignation on exhibit over this particular selection is both amusing and instructive. These folks realize that they are not dealing with the hapless Bushes or some equally ineffective mainstream republican. We’re gonna get to move the chains in a big way.
So, I kept my promise and I did not speak about the election or politics with my friends or relatives of the other persuasion at Thanksgiving. I intend to maintain this policy through to the New Year and possibly beyond. The idea of separating friends and families from political debate was sound. No good or gain would come of it. Anyway, it would be overkill. I’m so saturated with schadenfreude through reading and watching reports of the progressives’ fury and panic that I’m almost poisoned with it. So, I’m done with it.
The time is better spent enjoying the holidays. There are books and movies to read and see. There are grandsons, nephews and nieces to regale with tall tales and bribe with presents. There will be mountains of splendiferous food; lobster, lamb, turkey, ham, lasagna, sausage and bean soup, eggplant parmigiana and breads, rice and potato dishes enough to feed a small village. After that we’ll eat desserts until diabetic shock sets in. Pies; apple, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb, coconut custard, sweet potato, Boston crème and three kinds of pumpkin. Pastries; sfogliatelle, lobster tails, tiramisu and several kinds of cannoli. And we’ll drink gallons of coffee. And for those who indulge, there’ll be enough wine and booze to float a boat.
So, looking ahead to the Inauguration and the First 100 Days what should we expect? I think the question that needs to be answered is whether Senator McConnell has the stomach to go nuclear to get the cabinet and supreme court appointments confirmed. Recently he’s showed some backbone but it’s too soon to say. Luckily, McConnell is about to find out that pressure can come from both sides of the divide. I don’t doubt that Trump will use the bully pulpit and public opinion to get what he needs. After that I’m assuming we’ll see a bunch of Obama executive actions rescinded and new ones put in place. Also, I think we’ll hear what will be replacing Obamacare and how the immigration measures will be initiated. Eventually I hope to see how Trump plans to increase employment. Changes to the corporate tax code to encourage increases to domestic employment would be the best way.
So, here’s to everybody’s holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Enjoy yourself and save your energy for 2017 and the fireworks to come.