Thank you for your history lesson and analysis. I think we can say without hesitation that this regime is all about the worship of power, dominance, corruption and cruelty. The heinous remaking of everything Trump touches only demonstrates this idolatry in ugliness and tackiness.
Thanks Wade - and so true. The real ugliness to me lies in his lack of care or understanding of the office he holds, or the country he pretends to serve
The Presidency is dead. Long live the King. You nailed the issue, with this: 'These are the actions of a man who has forgotten, or does not care, why and how, and for whom America was founded in the first place.'
I grew up under apartheid in South Africa, and watched these same distortions of the perception under the guide of efficiency and progress. I protested along with others and eventually determined that peaceful protest accomplished nothing. Emigrate to Canada and now sit watching apartheid's resurrection in America. I decided not to run away again. Wrote a novel called 'The Kingdom of America.' This comment started with its subtitle. It's the story of an exiled South Africa, living in America with a false identity—yes, an illegal alien—who decides he can't watch the same evil playbook being implemented again. The actions he initiates are a political thriller, but the theme is violence, racism and authoritarianism. Perhaps, most importantly for America, its also about what happens to a country when the rule of law is suspended, and tyranny takes over. What do you do about it?
I also grew up in South Africa under Apartheid, now live in Alabama - and it's uncanny how similar today's Alabama feels to yesteryear's South Africa. It is deeply discouraging to witness what is happening in America today.
Adrienne. It's so neat to encounter another South African, and the fact that you see the same chilling similarities as I do, simply reinforces my belief. I'd really love to get your opinion of my novel. If you'd like a free Advance Reader Copy, just register on https://thekingdomofamerica.com/. Ill email you a PDF or EPUB version.
Thomas, thank you for the article and speaking out against the 47th. As an artist and teacher with such an online presence, it would be easy for you to forego any political commentary that could, potentially, effect your business. I have admired you for your teaching skill and art but this article shows your courage and commitment to making this world a better (and more beautiful) place.
Thanks Wade - and so true. The real ugliness to me lies in his lack of care or understanding of the office he holds, or the country he pretends to serve
This is the consequence of a man who has money and power, but no love….He substitutes with conquest and self-aggrandizement—hollow at the soul….We the people should decide what form our architectural landmarks will take….
Excellent post, Tom. I am learning to paint with watercolor, a new medium to me, so I have looked at a lot of your work and videos. I have heard you express quite a few interesting ideas that I agree with and enjoy. I think this post is so important, because you have been able to put what many people are feeling, into an architectural and value perspective that I really appreciate and I have shared your post. Thank you for writing it.
This is a fascinating analysis! Architecture, like art in general, often dovetails with politics and culture. At its best, it reflects a striving toward a broader, more positive vision for humanity. At it worst, it reflects the low- brow taste of tacky people like our current president.
Talked to my nurse practitioner today about the cage fight on the lawn of the White House and she wasn’t aware this was going on. So how many others continue about their day—and every day—with their heads in the sand, not caring what is going on in our country? I fear it is a lot.
Thank you for your history lesson and analysis. I think we can say without hesitation that this regime is all about the worship of power, dominance, corruption and cruelty. The heinous remaking of everything Trump touches only demonstrates this idolatry in ugliness and tackiness.
Thanks Wade - and so true. The real ugliness to me lies in his lack of care or understanding of the office he holds, or the country he pretends to serve
The Presidency is dead. Long live the King. You nailed the issue, with this: 'These are the actions of a man who has forgotten, or does not care, why and how, and for whom America was founded in the first place.'
I grew up under apartheid in South Africa, and watched these same distortions of the perception under the guide of efficiency and progress. I protested along with others and eventually determined that peaceful protest accomplished nothing. Emigrate to Canada and now sit watching apartheid's resurrection in America. I decided not to run away again. Wrote a novel called 'The Kingdom of America.' This comment started with its subtitle. It's the story of an exiled South Africa, living in America with a false identity—yes, an illegal alien—who decides he can't watch the same evil playbook being implemented again. The actions he initiates are a political thriller, but the theme is violence, racism and authoritarianism. Perhaps, most importantly for America, its also about what happens to a country when the rule of law is suspended, and tyranny takes over. What do you do about it?
I also grew up in South Africa under Apartheid, now live in Alabama - and it's uncanny how similar today's Alabama feels to yesteryear's South Africa. It is deeply discouraging to witness what is happening in America today.
Adrienne. It's so neat to encounter another South African, and the fact that you see the same chilling similarities as I do, simply reinforces my belief. I'd really love to get your opinion of my novel. If you'd like a free Advance Reader Copy, just register on https://thekingdomofamerica.com/. Ill email you a PDF or EPUB version.
Thomas, thank you for the article and speaking out against the 47th. As an artist and teacher with such an online presence, it would be easy for you to forego any political commentary that could, potentially, effect your business. I have admired you for your teaching skill and art but this article shows your courage and commitment to making this world a better (and more beautiful) place.
As usual excellent information Thomas! We are like minded in opinion and knowledge of history.
Thanks Wade - and so true. The real ugliness to me lies in his lack of care or understanding of the office he holds, or the country he pretends to serve
This is the consequence of a man who has money and power, but no love….He substitutes with conquest and self-aggrandizement—hollow at the soul….We the people should decide what form our architectural landmarks will take….
The tarted up White House was a warning to us all. Trump is just so
tacky.
Excellent post, Tom. I am learning to paint with watercolor, a new medium to me, so I have looked at a lot of your work and videos. I have heard you express quite a few interesting ideas that I agree with and enjoy. I think this post is so important, because you have been able to put what many people are feeling, into an architectural and value perspective that I really appreciate and I have shared your post. Thank you for writing it.
This is a fascinating analysis! Architecture, like art in general, often dovetails with politics and culture. At its best, it reflects a striving toward a broader, more positive vision for humanity. At it worst, it reflects the low- brow taste of tacky people like our current president.
Talked to my nurse practitioner today about the cage fight on the lawn of the White House and she wasn’t aware this was going on. So how many others continue about their day—and every day—with their heads in the sand, not caring what is going on in our country? I fear it is a lot.