Why Words Really Do Matter

Presidents and Kings, and Wannabe Kings, and the things they say

Imagine for a moment if you will. The year is 1170, in Normandy. King Henry II of England has just said out loud, possibly mostly to himself, and maybe in a wondering, contemplative way, in a room filled with his loyal supporters: “will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” The turbulent priest King Henry was referring to was one Thomas Becket, at that time the Archbishop of Canterbury. Long story short: four men who heard this slipped out of the chamber and out of Normandy, and traveled to Canterbury and murdered Thomas Becket in his own cathedral.

But that was just the beginning, not the end. The King was devastated by this murder, and maintained that it was not his will. Becket was canonized in 1173, and in 1174 came the King’s public penance at Canterbury. The King publicly confessed his sins, and permitted each bishop present to give him five blows with a rod; the monks of Canterbury Cathedral (there were 80 of them) were permitted each to give the King three blows. He submitted gifts to Becket’s shrine, and held vigil at the Archbishop’s tomb.

So, at least one can say that Henry took some responsibility for this appalling deed, as well as for much that had led up to it.

Incidentally, the entire story, starting long before and continuing to well after the murder, is compellingly told in HENRY PLANTAGENET, by Richard Barber. There is also a highly-commendable 1964 film version of the story, called Becket, starring Richard Burton, Peter O’Toole, and John Gielgud.

Wannabe King Donald I

We have a former President who would much rather be King — and often seems to view himself in that way. Unfortunately, his Machiavellian intellect is in direct conflict with his deep-seated insecurities, fears, and need for adulation. Evidently, he’ll settle for being President again, but I wonder what the difference would be.

Consequences of King Donald’s words

January 6, 2021 — His Majesty primed and pumped a horde of his fans and supporters to attack and overrun the U.S. Capitol. The horde’s intent: to stop Congress from doing it’s constitutionally-required duty — and, oh yes, to hang Vice President Pence and injure or kill a number of other officials. A police officer was killed, and another 140 injured.

Charlottesville — very fine people on both sides, according to Trump. White Nationalist and White Supremacist groups took heart, became emboldened, and were much more active. This increased because Trump refused to denounce these groups, only doing so because forced to — to increase his chances of re-election. The Proud Boys were told to “stand up and stand by.” The group announced its delight for such powerful support, and became more bold and active. The Intelligence community has classified such groups as the most serious domestic terror threat to the U.S.

Trump downplayed COVID-19 (despite knowing how deadly and easily transmitted it is) and ridiculed mask-wearing. Thousands died unnecessarily. His disdain for science, and preference for bizarre and dangerous ideas (inject disinfectant?), including many crazy conspiracy theories (without a shred of evidence), have deluded large numbers of Americans. More died unnecessarily.

LIBERATE MICHIGAN! Screams Trump. An armed band storms the Michigan Statehouse. Later, several groups plot to kidnap and kill Gov. Gretchen Witmer.

To err is human, but that cannot happen, right?

One of the attributes of a God-sanctioned and anointed King or Emperor is that they are supposedly infallible. Therefore, an apology is typically out of the question, at least in public. Henry II was unusual in this regard. So let’s review a little, and see how our Wannabe King has acted, and might be expected to act.

Questions: since January 2017 have we seen anything at all which even remotely suggests that a second Trump term would differ even in the slightest from the first, apart from being even worse? For heaven’s sake, he’s been enabled/emboldened/entitled enough in the past five years — an even further enabled/emboldened/entitled Trump is truly scary.

Is there any way to call a Presidency a “lame duck” situation starting right when he walks away from taking the Oath of Office? Is there even the slightest evidence that he has taught anything useful to the country from his impeachments (yes, twice impeached) or losing the election in 2020? Has he been able to say — even once — gee, I got that wrong; it was my responsibility, and I’m sorry? In appearing order: No, Sadly Yes, Sadly No, and No.

№45 was and remains the Buck-Passer-in Chief, he takes no responsibility; he never apologizes to anyone for anything; he is the Misogynist-in-Chief; and he routinely attacks reporters for doing their job, which (by the way) is to ask questions.

Just look at what HRH The Donald has been able to do with his words so far. I worry that there is more and worse to come.