Hello from breakfast at Perkins,
The beginning of the year is like an episode of the show that was on television when I was small, titled The Twilight Zone. I know that comment is anachronistic, and it reminds me of the last few years I was teaching and things I had used anecdotally earlier in my classrooms would no longer work. It was an early science fiction, fantasy, and horror weekly program that ran for about five years (from 1959-1964). It had a surprise ending and some moral lesson, but what I remember more as a small child was the music. There was a surrealism to it, and I think, perhaps that is what encouraged people to watch, both enthralled and simultaneously frightened. The events globally and nationally seem to be a presently-experiencing version of the show for me. Is there a reasonable ending, and certainly it is worth asking if there is a moral lesson that we will learn? There is no doubt on the element of surprise, to be sure, and the question of ethical methodology of what seems to be daily practice must be examined.
The week got away from me, but to say what the first paragraph notes has somehow miraculously changed in the last few days is most certainly outside reality. In fact, if anything, it has continued the spiral that seems to be what some powerful people intend. If you believe that what is happening in Washington is merely managing the moment, I am fearful that we are in even bigger trouble than you imagine. As noted recently, I am generally not a conspiracy theorist, and more often than not, I fall on the side of idealism (I was once told by a previous chair I was too idealistic.). And in spite of my strong theological background, I generally want to believe there is an innate goodness in people before I ponder their sinfulness. So with those caveats, let me offer what the current actions about our federal government, be it domestically or internationally, have compelled me to wonder. History and civilization is full of stories about how incredible powers have fallen because of the greed of a few at the expense of many. From the Romans to the Incas, the Mayans to even the Biblical example of Sodom, immigration is (and was) not the primary issue when it comes (came) to civic collapse; more often than not it was a combination of greed and the corresponding economic inequality. Additionally, environmental degradation will often cause both short term consequence as well as eliminate long term survival. Combined, there is a resulting lack of collective responsibility for the other, resulting in general moral failing. Such a defect will hollow out any civilization. The Biblical command of loving the other as a basis for all might seem instructive, especially in this moment.
Even before Kristi Noem was approved into her position as the Secretary of DHS, she has demonstrated a propensity to be a firebrand (remember a second book where she recounted killing a puppy). As I return to my title, which I am sure got some attention, recently, I read an article about the fashion of Sec. Noem by Paola de Varona, senior writer for Slate. While I am aware that some will argue why note this, let me offer de Varona’s words; she writes, “Noem doesn’t just talk the talk of the Trump regime. With her long hair, overfilled lips, and very, very white teeth, she looks the part. The Daily Beast appropriately referred to her as “Ice Barbie.” Some of the photo opportunities or videos of the Secretary seem to put as much importance on her fashion consciousness as what her job as the secretary of this now more controversial department. de Varona acknowledges, “I recognize I’m lodging a petty complaint (this is a woman who treats a visit to a prison packed floor to ceiling with deportees as a photo op) (2025). She continues, “Kristi Noem, please retire the hoops. Leave them for us, the people” (2025). Again, some might ask why this is important? It returns me to the idea of greed and corruption, perhaps a conflict of interest. The Secretary hired “The Strategy Group, ” an Ohio-based PR Consulting firm for $220 million. The significance of this contract is two-fold: it was a no-bid contract, and the owner of the firm is the husband of Tricia McLaughlin, who serves as Noem’s chief spokesperson at DHS (Mierjeski, 2025; Hon Senator Welch, Vermont, 2025). The conflict of interest, the greed, and the need to maintain power at all costs should create numerous red flags (and not the MAGA type).
Earlier today, speaking with one of my wonderful former students who is a high school teacher; furthermore, she is an incredible thespian, mother, wife, and beautiful person, and I must admit we commiserated about our current national atmosphere. She wrote something incredible about the world and what she wishes for her months-old son. When I first read it this morning it brought tears to my eyes. It was wonderful to speak with her. One of the things we discussed is about how we got here. I do not think it is a matter of getting here, but rather, I believe it is who we have always been, though perhaps under the surface (not very much, but there). We both (almost simultaneously) noted the number of Stars and Bars flags we have observed in the state of Pennsylvania. I can say there are more here than I have ever viewed, all combined, anywhere else. Summer in Bloomsburg brings a 4×4 event to the local fairgrounds. Black and Brown students are warned (and unfortunately, it is necessary) to not go into town by themselves. Racism, inappropriate comments or actions, and a general white supremacy narrative is more the rule than the exception during that event. While I certainly understand the attraction of 4x4s, and I can appreciate their helpfulness in many situations (remember I grew up in rural America), the connection between 4x4s and Stars and Bars is quite common place. The significance of this is important. Almost a decade ago (2018), census reporting revealed the following reality: “. . . [P]opulation projections confirm the importance of racial minorities as the primary demographic engine of the nation’s future growth, countering an aging, slow-growing and soon to be declining white population. The new statistics project that the nation will become “minority white” in 2045” (Frey, The Brookings Institute).
Certainly, there is a lot here to digest, and I believe we are at a point in our history that the expected 250 years of white majority, the belief that we are somehow a Christian country, that our reputation as the welcoming light for the world are more myth than reality. To write this is frightening for me, but not so much for me as a 70-something, but rather for my students and their newly created families. To ponder this as someone who studied history and loves politics (even now), I am painfully concerned that our wonderful American experiment might be gasping for air, certainly on life-support, and needing of some intervention. Was the America I grew up believing in merely a facadę? Is it possible to get back to the hopes and dreams of what a Washington, a Jefferson, the Madisons, a Hamilton, or a Franklin had? Has the beacon of hope run out at 250 years? I am unsure. What is the next move necessary? I don’t know, but I don’t think it will be easy. I wonder what our founders pondered? What they worried about?
Thanks for reading.
Michael
thewritingprofessor55 