#351
Trumpism At Its Worst
By Hank Silverberg
"The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished and the downtrodden have been."
Those words from President Trump, who went on:
"Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness , nothing about the Future."
That came on Trump's Truth Social post the day after he ordered an internal review of the Smithsonian Institution's exhibits. He called the museums "Woke."
I read those words and I wondered. Has Donald Trump ever been to any of the 21 Smithsonian museums?
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Trump apparently has never been to the Business and Industry museum, which chronicles the American experience during the Industrial Revolution from steam engines to the first computers. And he has apparently never been to the Natural Museum of American History, with models of the 1965 World's Fair, a huge statue of George Washington, or its celebration of American pop culture with displays like the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.
He has not seen the restored "Star Spangled Banner," which was rescued from Fort McHenry after the bombardment in 1814.
There is plenty to celebrate and praise America at Smithsonian museums. Yes, there are exhibits on chattel slavery and life in the south before the Civil War, both an important part of American history. There are other displays that might make some people uncomfortable, but that is what history is all about.
Trump's order charges Vice President Vance with "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History to remove divisive, race-centered ideology." But one must wonder how that fits research being done at the National Zoo, also under scrutiny.
Much of what they are attacking is misinterpreted. They have a list of things they don't like. For example, they don't like the exhibit on Benjamin Franklin at the Natural Museum of American History, which correctly states that he was a slave owner.
Trump has also attacked an exhibit at that museum which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Title IX because there is some focus on transgender athletes.
An exhibit that highlighted the two impeachment cases against Trump has already been modified.
It should be noted that during his first term, Mr. Trump lauded the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture for its portrayal of harsh truth and stories on success for disenfranchised Black citizens. Now that museum is among the main targets of revision because the administration finds its displays on chattel slavery and Jim Crow are too "divisive."
Whitewashing history is a tactic successfully used in the 20th century by dictators like Stalin and Hitler. One must wonder if that part of history will be erased too.
News You May Have Missed!
There is little question among scientists and energy experts that a mix of sources, fossil fuels, solar, wind power and other fuels like ethanol are needed to sustain a viable power grid and transportation system over the next century. But word comes now that the Trump Administration has halted construction of a nearly complete offshore wind project near Rhode Island. The Danish company building it says it's 80% complete, with 45 out of the 65 turbines already installed. The project was cleared years ago for construction, but now the Bureau of Ocean Energy management issued an order on Friday saying it needs more review.
Trump has been attacking solar and wind power for his entire political career, often calling it a scam. But scientists around the world say it's needed to help prevent additional climate change. The project, if completed, would have provided enough power for more than 350,000 homes. Offshore wind is very important in densely populated states which have minimal land space for wind turbines.
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| (Wind turbines off the Virginia Coast. Curtesy energynews.us) |
This is the second offshore wind project the White House has halted, though the other one in New York was allowed to continue after intervention by New York's political leaders.
There are three large offshore wind farms already operating along the east coast. Three more are under construction and 12 more proposed. At least five are planned along the Pacific coast.
https://fortune.com/2025/08/23/trump-new-england-offshore-revolution-wind-project-national-security/
Remember Panama!!
Do you remember the 1989 invasion of Panama when George H.W. Bush sent in American troops to oust strongman Manuel Noriega? He was labeled a threat to American interests in the Canal Zone, and was wanted on drug trafficking charges and dealing with the Columbia drug cartels. About 500 Panamanian soldiers and civilians were killed, and 23 American soldiers and three civilians also lost their lives. But Noriega did not have the support of the population in that small country, and he eventually surrendered, was tried and sent to prison in the U.S. for 20 years.
Well now, Donald Trump, who has been claiming
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and several of his top allies have been indicted by U.S. prosecutors for allegedly turning the country into a narco-state.
But Venezuela has a larger, highly motivated army than Panama ever did, and this weekend thousands of volunteers answered Maduro's calls to join a defense force against a possible U.S. invasion.
With all the attention on Ukraine, Gaza and Texas, no one seemed to notice this latest threat to peace.
Dumbest Quote of The Week!
This week's dumb quote comes from a three-time offender, Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor-Greene, who has had a long- running feud with liberal Democrat Jasmine Crockett of Texas. Appearing on Megyn Kelly's podcast she criticized Crockett, who is Black, for not being Black enough.
"She claims to be, you know, from her people. She puts on this image that she understands the Black American struggle. But let's face it, the girl went to private school, she went on to, I don't know what collage, and law school, she's a complete fake."
Greene then went on to criticize Crockett's eye lashes, hair and fingernails.
Crockett had a good response. But I have a better one. People who criticize minorities because of their success show their distinct racism. It's time the folks in Georgia booted Greene out of office.
(You suggestions and comments are welcome)
My recent book "The Campaign" can be purchased at the links below. Or you can buy a copy by emailing me at: HankSilverberg@gmail.com for instructions on how to get a copy at a reduced price and with my signature)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084Q7K6M5/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
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