So New York, every year, has a tribute for 9/11 by reading the names of the victims and shining two blue lights where the Towers were. It’s normally a somber and powerful tribute, something that unifies NYC and our country. A quick reminder of our togetherness – that no matter what our personal beliefs or race or religion or sex or political side – we are all Americans. Resilient. We are a melting pot. We can hold hands together and remember that we are one. We have a common interest and common thread. We can help each other and love each other – in spite of our difference – and also because of our differences. It is what truly makes America great. We do. The people do. In all sizes, colors, and in all areas. When one of us hurts, we all do. But we persevere and help our neighbors, we support our neighbors, we pray for our neighbors and we cry for our neighbors. It’s who we are.
Except this year. “It’s not safe,” DeBozzo Blasio says. “It’s not safe for a crew of 40 to set up some lights.” Even though he himself had a crowd of 100+ a number of recent times painting slogans on streets or together for one cause or another. “It’s not safe,” he says as he opens bars, restaurants, schools, gyms…
What does he really mean? He doesn’t want to. And that’s good for me and him and the divisive rhetoric of the campaigns. He thinks that remembering people who sacrifice for others and taking time to figure out the way it would be possible to continue the tribute safely – for first responders who died or who are still suffering – it’s not on his political agenda. It’s not divisive enough. It would paint police in too good of a light. It might bring people together. As Americans.
Even the numbers 9 1 1. Those number themselves might make people think of the police. Positively. Like a safety net. 1000-2000 calls every 30 minutes are going to 911 in Chicago right now. If you dial 911 anywhere – help is on the way. We all know it. We know there are a few bad apples or human mistakes that cause horrific tragedies within the police. But we also all know, without exception, that largely, police are saving Americans daily. And risking their own lives to do it. They are catching sex traffickers, murderers, rapists, they are investigating people that take advantage of the weak, the frail, the elderly and the young children. The police are good. We know it. But that’s not a message we can say out loud.
A little bit of me dies every day watching America and our collective values crumble ….and knowing my party’s part in all of this … some days it is like getting slapped in the face.
Especially now knowing those videos I thought were filmed in Beirut were actually Chicago and Portland.
I know I have no say. I have no input. I once thought I did. But I finally have figured that out. I didn’t understand why I was in the basement and not allowed to to talk to the press. But, today I know. Maybe I’ll forget tomorrow, but I will have this lucid post to look back on.
I have a purpose. I’m a known name. I was VP to Obama. I can read a teleprompter, for the most part. I can stay in the basement.
I’ve resigned myself to my part. Maybe Hunter or some friends or family can get some money out of my Presidential run. Maybe Comma La will be a good President. I know my place. I have a big week at the Democratic Convention coming up. I’ll read those teleprompters and try and look like I know what I’m saying. Or that I believe what I’m saying. And I’ll hope for the best. I have a feeling, deep and scary, that I am helping lead to the downfall of America and all the values I really believe in.
But at least I’ll be President. And that’s something. Maybe all that matters. Not the people. Not what’s right, not being a positive force – not even for the soul of America. Just for my legacy. And that’s my thoughts for this moment. Screw everybody. Sounds about right.
Come on, man.