Yesterday we took a look at something written in 2001 about some things that happened in 1991 or so. It was a hoot to look back and see what we we thought was important then, and the things that go without comment these days. The things included major social issues played out in an afternoon of gentle movie watching. The films were old enough that major issues included The Death of Disco, and the controversy about the existence of Young Upwardly Mobile Professionals.

We have a name for that class of citizens today. It includes something about Systemic White Racism, which shows the dramatic difference between Then and Now. The cast of characters in the films were still familiar, though. Part of the surreal aspect of today’s politics is the fact that the people who played in those films are still around, now aged, and some of the people I worked with then- and respected- should have been held to account for the changes they decided to impose on us all.

It may or may not happen. The constantly moving news cycle has now focused on Mr. Trump, and his current and personal adventure with the plague. I am sure there is more to come, depending on how the narrative evolves. When the news was announced, there was an uptick in panic, and a flood of accusations about hubris and inadequate response. And some hoping for the President’s passing.

My cynical response to all media turned when I heard progressive commentator Joy Reid fulminate about Trump’s deliberate use of the virus to avoid two more debates, and of course undermine the election.

Since everything is now based on lies, it took a second to think that one through. My take-away was that the President is probably going to be OK in a few days. We will see.

But to show you in a rational manner just how dramatically things change, here is a picture that surfaced in the digital cleaning I have been attempting during this national emergency. It was, in my blurred recollection, a humorous attempt to describe what people were doing in places like Park City, Utah.

In some places and on some media, a picture like that could get me dismissed from school if I posted it. If it was me, of course. I can’t quite believe that, either….

Copyright 2020 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com