14 Comments
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Lisa Wolff-Claver's avatar

As I read this, I was reminded of an essay I wrote for school waaay back in 1976, as our nation was getting ready to celebrate its Bicentennial. However, I rebranded it as the Buy-centennial in my essay. Even as a 17 year old, I was put off by all the hype and the merchandising that was being pushed upon us. You couldn't go anywhere without seeing ads and banners for all the merch. Yes, it was a pretty big deal, but I wasn't buying into the hype. I don't remember the grade I received, I don't really remember the content of the paper, but my instructor called me a real patriot, haha!

Jay Wilson's avatar

Great piece but you left out the most important celebration for the Nation’s 250th birthday -- a fistfight on the South Lawn with 25,000 rabid fans packed between the Ex-Rose Garden and the smoking ruins of East Wing. Trump is honoring America’s founding ideals is with blood sport, fireworks and, of course, a merch tent.

Jefferson wrote about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — yeah, forget about that.

https://jaywilson1.substack.com/p/gladiators-on-the-south-lawn?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Sandy B in NorCal's avatar

Let's put djt himself in a cage match. Maybe Jesse Ventura would oblige him!

Jay Wilson's avatar

Better yet, let’s get Sen Markwayne Mullin, dog murderer Noem’s DHS replacement and former “undefeated” MMA fighter. Honestly, can it get more insane?

James m satt's avatar

Adding to the comic irony is the meaning of "250" in Chinese slang. To save y'all a Google search, it is "idiot"

Jean Barish's avatar

Sorry,but I'm not amused. Perhaps your "light-hearted" take on the Donald's egotistical merchandising is well intended, but what he's doing is too destructive to joke about. It's just a matter of time before he stages a coronation, declaring himself to be King for Life. His behavior calls for action, not jocularity. From invoking the 25th Amendmen to massive protests to small acts of civil disobedience or protecting our immigrant neighbors, action is the only prayer that's answered.

Beverley's avatar

And where are the crowds of ordinary Americans rising up to protest and ensure that the 250th

Anniversary is not marked in memory, blemished by a fool attempting to propagate admiration for himself, people, please, you are hovering over an abyss.

Donna Bonetti's avatar

Yes, he wants to make money from the event while he trashes the Constitution, the government agencies and the civil rights and liberties and makes enemies all over the world.

Don Packer's avatar

All true. I'm laughing and then I'm not. I didn't think it was possible to have this many range of emotions in one commentary.

Sarah Quinn's avatar

😂😵‍💫🤮

JonJon's avatar

"Let the Washington Monument be wrapped like a luxury fragrance reveal. Let the Liberty Bell become the Liberty Bell presented by Trump. Let schoolchildren receive glossy educational packets in which George Washington is gently downgraded to founding-era brand ambassador. Let the fireworks burst over the National Mall in tasteful gold script spelling TRUMP 250"

Mary, PLEASE stop giving him ideas! ;)

Susan Roberts's avatar

Look up what 250 means in chinese!

KatCA's avatar

Trademark-ing is an equal opportunity venture. Jimmy Kimmel has been teasing his audience for weeks with a proposal to brand a high-profile group of documents: THE TRUMP-EPSTEIN FILES TM

Tees and ball caps available in the gift shop!!