WHERE DO I BEGIN?

A series of essays.....

INSIDE THE GILDED PENTHOUSE ~ HIGH ABOVE NEW YORK CITY
Image by 'Curbed NY

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

First of all, as an avid news fan who occasionally wishes she'd not changed her initial major of Journalism at Indiana University South Bend to English, Secondary Education, upon transferring to Michigan State University, I believe that every single moment of our daily news is head turning and, absolutely, mind blowing!

Secondly, whether we agree or not with what is happening around us within this present political climate, I would have to say that this is one helluva time to be a journalist!!

Where do I even begin?

Before heading down a million roads towards greediness, hate, and personal vindictiveness that some of us associate with the new D.C. agenda, which includes conflict of interest, abuse of power, propaganda, possible spousal abuse, and the 'fear-then-relief' tactics used to manipulate both the general citizenry of our nation, as well as all groups and divisions associated with governing and watching over our best interests, I will choose my topic wisely today.

It is exhausting trying to keep up with everything coming down the pike out of Washington D.C. this week. Many of us knew it would be like this immediately following the inauguration last Friday. The whirlwind of executive orders and 'unfactual' news briefings are, almost, secondary to the pettiness and ego-bruising experienced by this new 'leader' who now, by the way, has the power to run/ruin our country. 

BILL MAHER ~ HOST OF THE HBO POLITICAL
TALK SHOW, REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER

When woman unite, as we did this past Saturday in the Woman's March 2017 that happened all around the world, we prove to be a force to be reckoned with. Jane Fonda was asked by Bill Maher, host of the political talk show Real Time, if the reason behind women marching so soon after the inauguration was because women were sore losers and were mourning the loss of Hillary Clinton as President. Her reply was, "We are not sore losers. It's because of rapid climate change....we know we don't have time to make mistakes. It's time to stop fretting and start fighting!" Boom!!

I never believed that Americans would have to make such a difficult choice in order to move forward. But, we do. We can choose the Constitution of the United States or we can decide to live in 'Trumpland' and deal with the variables that make-up this fear-ridden world. It's not a game. Adapting to this new era of ours, created by our own hand (I'm loath to admit), is imperative to our sound mental health and general well being. I choose our Constitution...!

In my estimation, his tactics can be likened to an high-speed missile attached to a steam roller. It's as if untethered velocity and indecent quantity have usurped logic and common sense for him. Possibly, another job or mission is occupying his thoughts these days and propelling him forward at such a rapid pace? Not to mention that his ego is being artificially flattered by paid performers whose every laugh and clap would send chills down the backs of a majority of people.

Sadly, my six-year-old grandson can weather most forms of 'varied opinion' and constructive criticism better than this man of seventy years of age! Without ever having to throw a tantrum at all.

I can picture a small boy by the name of Donald roaming the marble-clad halls of his family's home desperately seeking proof, even if it's only from his own reflection staring back at him via the multitude of gilded-framed mirrors and shiny stone walls, that his very existence on this earth was important....substantial. Each day of his life was spent proving his own worth and seeking praise and love from the adults that encompassed his world. 

FRED AND MARY ANNE MACLEOD TRUMP
WITH SON AT NEW YORK
MILITARY ACADEMY

I have never claimed to be a doctor or psychologist and I'm certainly not in any legal position to make direct comments on the whys and why nots surrounding Donald Trump, as an adult man or as a small child. What I am, however, is a Mother and a Grandmother. I have earned certain rights when it comes to opinions regarding praise, or lack thereof, sincere appreciation of a child's accomplishments and struggles by way of hugs and kisses, and the immanent importance of letting your child know how grateful you are to have them in your life; loving them with all of your being. That can only be described as a privilege and a blessing uniquely subscribed to by every parent in the world, biological or adopted. At least, it should be.

The child in the 'gilded cage' above may or may not have had the opportunity to experience unconditional love through the parenting he has received. And, no matter how much research I've accumulated on this topic, I will never know for certain due to the obvious lack of personal observation at the time. Studying history does have its limitations. But, if I were to venture a guess, I would have to say that this chronologically mature man is showing symptoms, based on his 'needy' and juvenile desire for acceptance and praise, of lacking the example of positive emotions early on in life.

Sadly, the White House has had to issue a statement this past Tuesday requesting privacy for the youngest son of Melania and Donald Trump stating that Barron, ten years old, has been made fun of and bullied on social media. Harassing children in any way has always been considered an understood taboo and it was unfortunate that a young, female writer for "Saturday Night Live," the longstanding nemesis of Donald Trump, would have tweeted a highly unfavorable post about Barron on Inaugural Day last Friday. She has been suspended indefinitely for her actions. I agree with that decision.

The focus of the White House was to extend the tradition of allowing the children of presidents the opportunity to grow up outside of the political spotlight. Knowing exactly what Barron Trump has to look forward to, and having gone through eight years of scrutiny along the way herself, Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton, is a huge supporter of Barron. Posting a statement on her Facebook page over the weekend, Chelsea encouraged people to "lay off Barron." Further stating that, "He deserves the chance that every child does...to be a kid."

Our society has become more understanding and protective of our children, especially when they are thrust into the spotlight. This consideration was, unfortunately, not the norm six or seven decades ago. I have to ask myself if Barron's father was a victim of harassment and low self esteem while at a very young and vulnerable age years ago. Did he reach out for help only to receive a blind eye, a harsh hit of competitiveness, without ever having the luxury of hearing from one reassuring voice....a kind or loving word in return?

Being the son of a seemingly loving mother, coupled with the wise words of others who have been there before him, I have high hopes that Barron Trump will survive and do quite well in this crazy, mixed-up world we live in today. I am, genuinely, hoping that all of us make it through these highly unpredictable times!

Copyright © 2017 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved