Trump Triumphs

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The American people seem to think its system of government is silly -- and perhaps for good reason. More and more our democracy has become the domain of deluded aristocrats and wise-cracking entertainers. The legislative blind alley that the GOP used over the years to block the program of the Obama presidency has proven to voters that in politics, if you try hard enough and long enough, nothing will get done.

The rise to public awareness of billionaire buffoon Donald Trump is a joke to some and an outrage to many, but it has grabbed hold of media opinion shapers weary of terrorist stories, gristly mall shootings and hate crime statistics. Moreover, the acendancy of the silly sultan with the string of blond wives and the odd-duck weave, has demonstrated something even more important: it is reminding the country of the degree to which we cherish our fantasies.

The appearance of "The Donald" as a well-heeled carnival barker is not unknown to the three-ring circus we call our government.  His take-no-prisoners idiocy, and gruff New York manner have captured the attention of an electorate yearning for anything but the issues.  But we have seen it all before.  Over the years, Americans have elected numerous entertainers and businessmen to public office. From Ronald Reagan to Arnold Schwartznegger, from Shirley Temple to Jesse Ventura, America has always flirted with mixing politics and showbiz.

Donald Trump is both businessman and entertainer; he has never run for office. Before he became a "serious" politician, he was best known for emassing a tremendous fortune in real estate and for producing an empty-headed reality television show. He has enough money to manufacture himself as a politician, to say whatever he wants without fear of political reprecutions. He is the envy of all those in America who yearn for limitless wealth and power that is accountable to no one, those who remain fascinated by a warped version of the American Dream.

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