What’s That Smell?

In the crowded room of American politics, we must all acknowledge the elephant. After eight public hearings of the House committee investigating the riots of January 6, you don’t have to be sitting near the tail of the pachyderm to smell the stench of sedition and treason.

The Elephant in the Room

We have heard from witnesses via sworn testimony, published tweets, messages, and recorded pronouncements on audio and video. Much of this information came from Republicans, many of whom were dedicated and loyal to Donald J. Trump. In the testimony given by Matthew Pottinger, Trump’s Deputy National Security advisor, you could still hear the excitement in his voice when he mentioned what they accomplished. But then he went on to describe the events of January 6, 2021, when the stench of Trump’s actions became more than he could stand and his conscience forced him to resign.

No matter what position you might hold in the broad political spectrum, you can’t un-see or un-hear the truth. I am also reminded of the Indian folk tale of the six blind men and their understanding of elephants. All had differing opinions based on what they had heard. Even after each touched different parts of the elephant, they still differed in their opinions. Was it a wall, spear, snake, leaf, cow, or rope? It wasn’t until the Rajah told them, “Perhaps if you put the parts together, you will see the truth.”

 

After these hearings, even the blind can see the 9-ton beast in front of them. Like the blind men, our perspectives may differ, but we all have to agree that his presence demands attention.

The Trump circus may have folded its tent in Washington DC but there is still the serious matter of cleaning up the shit he left behind and he didn’t take all his clowns with him either. I’m starting to show signs of coulrophobia. Merrick Garland, there’s a cleanup needed on aisle four, please bring the disinfectant.

Merrick, clean up on aisle 4.

To quote Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ooooh that smell; Can’t you smell that smell?