A long line of testimonials paved the gold brick road that ended with Vice President Mike Pence accepting nomination for another term, and then launched into a list of his boss’ accomplishments.
And guess what? After Pence’s speech, out walked Donald J. Trump and Melania.
No surprise, Pence didn’t seem to mnd. He is as loyal as a pretzel is round.
Big surprise, Trump didn’t commandeer the microphone.
Pence spoke at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, where American defenders held off the mighty British Navy in 1814, after British ground forces had burned Washington, D.C., which they referred to as the Swamp.
[Editor’s note: The British did not call it the Swamp.]
It was also the battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the song that became our national anthem. Pence quoted the closing lines of the first stanza to note that then, and now, the star spangled banner waves o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
He did not quote from the third stanza, which mentions catching slaves.
Pence was once a radio host, so he knows how to speak clearly and concisely, and he was a great salesman for his boss. I am including many of the achievements, but not the ones that seemed patently false.
Trump rebuilt the military, reformed the V.A., zoomed the economy, destroyed the ISIS caliphate, killed a couple of Islamic terrorists, tried to weaken abortion rights, appointed conservative judges, created a Space Force, rewrote NAFTA, pulled out of the Iran deal and the climate conference, moved the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, among others.
You don’t have to agree with these policies. You have to admit he kept these promises.
(In case you are wondering, I’ve deleted Pence’s remarks on how well the president did on handling coronavirus, that he suspended all travel to China, and his promise of a safe, effective vaccine by the end of the year.)
Pence said Trump sees America as a good country, more deserving of gratitude than grievance.
The last part of his speech dealt with disorder and civil unrest. Peaceful protest is OK, but “the violence must stop. We will have law and order,” he said.
“You won’t be safe in Joe Biden’s America,” he said, adding that Biden is a “Trojan horse for the radical left.”
Pence closed the third night of the Republican National Convention, but the earlier testimonials were a picture, as they say, of what “America looks like.” Translation, there were a lot of African-Americans and women.
One I liked was a guy whose name I knew — Jack Brewer, an NFL safety who played for the Vikings and Giants before the Eagles. He said he fought skinheads in high school, he knows racism, and (as Herschel Walker said earlier) Trump is not a racist. A Democrat, he said people get turned off by Trump’s personality, but his policies are solid.
Another Black retired NFL player was Burgess Owens, who played for the Jets. His great, great grandfather escaped slavery and got to Texas where he went into business.
Owens made a ton of money as a player, lost it and became a chimney sweep, but fought his way into the corporate suite. Democrats want you to believe it’s impossible, he said.
There was a (pardon me) binder of women, whose role was to say Trump promoted and respected women, or he was big on family values, or he opposes abortion. They said he was a ladies’ man, but in a good way.
“They close our churches, but keep the liquor stores and abortion clinics open,” said Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn.
Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany nailed the emotional highlight when she revealed that she suffers from a hereditary defect that required her to undergo a mastectomy to protect her life.
Trump stands by Americans with pre-existing conditions, she said, perhaps laying that topic to rest.
But probably not.
I still feel as an independant that both sides just preach a different future for America but with a separate rescipe for our apple pie. I too marvel at the overkill on the acceptance of the third stanza of the National Anthem as if the first two were written by a patriot and not a slave owner and bigot. Just once I would like to hear a speach of middle ground complimenting something accomplished by partisan cooperation and not the continuum of us versus them. Biden who I have met took a cheap political shot at the police in Wisconsin by stating without any evidence that the shooting of Jacob Blake was intentional and instantly gave support to those rioting and looting across the country. We have lost the rule of law and the most basic concept of our judicial system innocent until proven guilty. Where is the voice of reason from the no justice no peace protesters when over a hundred law enforcement professionals have been killed this year in the line of duty while enforcing a system of justice that allowed them no peace. We have generated a society of spoiled, entitled, victims of self pity, and arrogance led by false leaders with a socialist agenda and a supportive narrative from the media. Meantime our elected leaders cower down from the most basic decisions of leadership by casting blame on others rather than accepting the obligations of their office. I hope there is a silent majority that will finally speak out and restore democracy before anarchy becomes the norm.
I still feel like an independent that both sides just preach a different future for America but with a separate recipe for our apple pie. I too marvel at the overkill on the acceptance of the third stanza of the National Anthem as if the first two were written by a patriot and not a slave owner and bigot. Just once I would like to hear a speech of middle ground complimenting something accomplished by partisan cooperation and not the continuum of us versus them. Biden who I have met took a cheap political shot at the police in Wisconsin by stating without any evidence that the shooting made him sick and was needless violence and the police must be held accountable instantly gave support to those rioting and looting across the country. We have lost the rule of law and the most basic concept of our justice system innocent until proven guilty. Where is the voice of reason from the no justice no peace protesters when over a hundred law enforcement professionals have been killed this year in the line of duty while enforcing a system of justice that allowed them no peace? We have generated a society of spoiled, entitled, victims of self-pity, and arrogance led by false leaders with a socialist agenda and a supportive narrative from the media. Meantime our elected leaders cower down from the most basic decisions of leadership by casting blame on others rather than accepting the obligations of their office. I hope there is a silent majority that will finally speak out and restore democracy before anarchy becomes the norm.
I wish the silent majority would speak up.
HAPPY THURSDAY !!!
Stu,
Battle not ! CELEBRATION, YES !
Once again, the showmeister put on an extravaganza . President Trump is giving new meaning to national conventions. I would suspect that this venue will be copied.
All of the speakers spoke from the heart. Real Americans with real issues that are not necessarily unique to them, but can be seen or heard in every walk of American life.
I take exception with your remarks on the National Anthem. You, a professional have no excuse for such a blunder. We had to go to the library to “research” material. Today, you can go on google, etc or fact check.
The third stanza of the Star Spangled Banner, is much like every old document. Not only is it old, but the English language was certainly different from that of today. Mr. Key was taking a shot at the British ! All British citizens ( wrong word ) were “enslaved” to the King. The Brits, like us used paid volunteers other than Brits, or in our case, newly minted Americans. To refresh us old farts. Remember in school, when you had English, then English Literature, to mention two subjects that are probably not taught in school today. Our Teacher would interpret Shakespeare, as we read through a tale. If he wasn’t interpreting, then, you might as well be reading Latin or Russian. ( two more of my subjects, Vince )
For certain. If Francis Scott Key knew that his poem would become his country’s National Anthem, I am sure that we would not be reading the third stanza, although, that too, is about the war. All FOUR stanzas are about the war and the fact that this little upstart of a new country would dare challenge the mighty British Empire – and kick their ass !
All in all, my friend. You did a “marrrvelous” job, as usual.
As for Mr. Garvey. To use a colloquialism, “I feel your pain”. I would have been much more forceful in restoring order. Subscribing to the Frank Rizzo finishing school of obedience, your finished ! Put it down before it grows. As for our (sic ) elected leaders. DRAIN THE SWAMP !
stay well and watch out for the storm,
Tony
The language was different, as were the mores, but enough scholars agree to convince me that the lines are racist. I have nothing against the SSB except it is unsingable to most (who get the words wrong without prompting)
Stu,
using today’s vernacular, everything is racist. we were breaking away from a “kingdom”. you, as a British subject, were a slave to the king. of course, the Brits that I know, don’t see it that way. they see, “loyalty to the Queen”. ( you say tAmatoe, I’ll say tOmatoe )
As for our choice of National Anthems. I’m a conservative traditionalist. I’ll keep the Star Spangled Banner, rather than the SSB. Maybe you would prefer, Monty Python’s “lumberjack”song ?
Tony
As a matter of historical interest, Washington D.C. once WAS a swamp, a real swamp. There were many questions at the time why such an area was chosen for the permanent capital of the USA. The swamp (back then) was drained, and the capital established. Unfortunately, over the following years, the swamp refilled in the allegorical sense.
Correct, but the British did not call it a swamp (he said, explaining a joke)
welcome to Philly ! every area drains down to the city. dock street is where ? everything along the delaware river is backfilled. houses in south Philly have wet basements. we still have our own swamp.
Philadelphia, PA
Dear Stu & readers,
A bit of historical background, on why I find aspects of the Vice President’s speech worth attention. I’m inspired in part by the location.
Fort McHenry in Baltimore harbor was named for James McHenry who was a Marylander and Secretary of War under Presidents Washington and Adams. It was customary in those times to name forts and military installations after exemplary people representing strength and valor –just as the U.S. Navy now names aircraft carriers. Similarly Fort Mifflin on the Delaware was named for Governor Thomas Mifflin from those same times of the early republic.
This historical significance of Fort McHenry has less to do with Secretary McHenry, though and more to do with the battle of Fort McHenry when the defenders of the fort held off the mighty British navy from an attack on Baltimore. From the time the British fleet and troops had entered Chesapeake Bay during the War of 1812, they had just about the run of the place; and as is well known the British attacked Washington and ran the President and his family out of the White House, burning just about the entire city. The American defenders of the city had been overrun at Bladensburg, MD eight miles from the center of Washington.
While the Revolutionary war had been won with very significant French aid, in money arms, soldiers and ships, in the War of 1812 we went it alone against the British empire. The valor of the defenders at Fort McHenry made it possible that we came out of the war in one piece –as with Andrew Jackson’s victory over the British invasion at New Orleans. No invasion and victory at New Orleans, no President Jackson. In case you are wondering why Jackson is still seen on the ubiquitous $20 bill. No foreign power has ever much threatened U.S. control of the Gulf coast in all the time since 1814.
Now Vice President Pence clear meant to evoke the valor and courage of the defenders at Fort McHenry. He also said that we would not be safe under a Biden administration. Why not? Well, he evoked and mentioned the violent demonstrations on American streets. Clearly the people setting fires and breaking windows need to be separated, arrested and prosecuted. One might well be on the outlook for young men and women in black, with helmets and carrying a skateboard. These violent demonstrators pretty clearly intend to keep the country in a state of alarm and exploit the psychology and frustrations of the current epidemic.
But on the other hand, we might well imagine people with similar attitudes and ideological beliefs in our institutions in more peaceful times. If they are willing to smash and burn in the cause of police reform–distracting from the efforts and intentions of peaceful protests, then what will they be willing to do if given the least positions of power and political sympathy in government offices, in the universities, in the media, etc.? Who will be safe from the further regime of political correctness –which is easily seen as a power grab.
We need to see a crack down on violence in the streets and assurances from Vice President Biden and prominent local and national Democrats. This is primarily a responsibility of state and local governments. Do they intend to defend American values, and equality before the law? Do they intend to tolerate or encourage the radical left? At times, it seems that they would like to simply be rid of all conservative opposition. But I would say that no country will survive and prosper without its own distinctive conservative traditions. The first of these is, perhaps, “moderation in all things.”
Isn’t Pence right to call on valor and courage in defense of American values?
H.G. Callaway
H.G.,
it was very nice of you to point out every thing WRONG with the country. Do you have any positive suggestions ? If so, then I would call it constructive criticism.
As I mentioned somewhere blogging and replying, back in the day, the cops would simply surround the area and arrest everyone inside the ring. The ACLU had a problem with that. Not I. In Portland or one of these other hot hell holes, have the “guard” surround an explosive, rioting area, and hold every one caught in the web. Take their pictures. Run their I.D.. Arrest the bad guys and scare the hell out of the rest ! As I see it. Every one inside the web is guilty of rioting. It doesn’t matter what they did. It’s all chargeable. When the masks come off, you better believe that the little kiddies that are only being mischievous, will be running back home to mommy and hiding in the basement. The bad guys & girls that are actually doing damage, get a free ride, room and board for, oh say, 5-8 years – unless it’s Federal. Then they’ll be eligible for social security when they get released.
For the worst of the worst. I’ll save that for another time. Ye who are faint of heart, beware !
Tony
Philadelphia, PA
Dear Clark & readers,
Thanks for your reply.
A country built up primarily from immigration and integration (contrasted with countries based on uniform ethnic and racial identity), needs a good deal of moderation. Steady as she goes, and never be frightened into excesses, reprisals or recrimination.
Naturally, these guys in black fatigues with skateboards or hammers breaking windows, setting fires or instigating other riotous activity should be locked up. They should be indicted and prosecuted. They should be identified and arrested, as you say. They should not be allowed to hide behind or among peaceful demonstrators. The Governors and mayors who resist such policies, out of sympathy with peaceful protesters are neglecting their duties to protect and public. Of course, it is also true that peaceful demonstrators once caught up in a riot, and having been “read the riot act,” must disperse. That is the law, as I understand it. But there is no need to treat them in the same manner as the identified instigators and rioters. There is a failure of more subtle understanding of the law involved in either treating the rioters as “peaceful demonstrators” or in treating peaceful demonstrators as rioters. In either case what arises is a kind of license for aggressiveness.
What is wrong with the country, primarily, is the excesses of aggressive partisanship. Too many think they’ll gain by being the squeaky political wheel. (This is otherwise known as the “culture of victim-hood.”) The only way to have and maintain a “loyal opposition,” in a democracy is to decrease the costs in wealth and prestige to be extracted from those who may lose the elections. That implies that you can’t paint them into a corner by means of devil images. Notice, though, that we hear Mr. Biden still talking in terms of “systemic racism.” He seems to have bought that story, hook, line and sinker. But this notion confuses factual inequalities in outcomes with conscious, evil intentions, causes and structures.
H.G. Callaway
HAPPY FRIDAY !!!
H.G.,
Well written, as always. When you get bored with your present chosen profession, consider politics. You have danced around the subject, but never answered my question.
Let me try to simplify the question. You are telling me, I believe, that I am too heavy handed. What I did not put into words, is what has transpired prior to these very violent ( sic ) demonstrations. Once again, our constitution gives everyone the right to assemble and PEACEFULLY protest. Without fail, you are always required – by law – to get a permit to do this. Obviously, the permit has many purposes. Safety is the priority. I’m sure that no permits are asked for or granted. Law breaking # 1. You are ordered to disperse and you do not adhere to said order. Law breaking #2. These minor infractions where over looked 3 months ago, when in fact, there did occur peaceful protesting. #3 occurs when you fail to obey the curfew. All of these infractions are permitted because the police are ordered to stand down. The breaking of the codes and ordinances continue – and multiply – when you are carrying weapons. Be it a baseball bat, or a bottle of urine, or worse – and there are much worse. And then it escalates. There is no secret to good policing. It’s all written down. Just get out of the way and let the law follow procedure.
That, sir, is the short version of rioting during these three months. Peaceful demonstrations went out the window the first day. We know why things got out of hand, and we know why things are still out of hand.
I gave my solutions in the previous reply. You think that I’m too harsh ! I think that Philadelphia, or Portland, or Seattle, or any war torn city should send you an estimate of the physical damage inflicted on that city. Then, if you still don’t accept my reasoning, then you get an estimate for the costs of emergency services, which will include medical, loss wages, recovery tome, loss income from destroyed stores…………..
Am I reaching you and all of the other H.G. Callaways ? There are usually reasons for laws. As I often said about the construction codes. The reason for these rules ( laws ), is that something or someone failed to follow the written code, such that it was. A lawsuit followed and now, there is a more clear restrictive code for that particular point of conversation.
What I do know in life, is often missed by the masses. You can sit in a group and discuss any topic. ( monday morning quarterbacking ). After your done talking, you have to notice, that nothing has changed because nothing was followed, or injected, or acted on .
Mr., professor, after you answer me the original question, I have a much harder question. It is obvious that our mayor and his underlings did not perform their duties as we see them. It is our belief that he failed to live up to his oath. Same for the underlings. The law does not exempt one for following orders. You are guilty for failing to follow the law. Naturally, this is all rhetorical. But if there was a way incriminate Kenny, Krasner, Little and friends, would you ?
stay well,
Tony