The White House has announced that Donald Trump and wife Melania will not attend the 40th annual Kennedy Center Honors, which will be broadcast on December 26th. Trump’s spokesman claims that it is for political reasons. Would you like to know the truth? I’m going to tell you anyway.
Trump has insulted or refused to support most demographics in America, with the exception of his diminishing ‘basket of deplorables.’ He is the least popular president in history, and this has been the result of self-inflicted wounds.
Those being honored at the event, which will be taped on December 3rd, are Carmen de Lavallade, singer-songwriter and actress Gloria Estefan, hip hop artist LL COOL J, television writer and producer Norman Lear, and renowned musician and record producer Lionel Richie.
Carmen de Lavallade, Norman Lear, and Lionel Richie have declined to accept their invitations; there is no word from LL COOL J or Gloria Estefan. Trump’s most recent remarks in support of neo-Nazis, the KKK, and all white supremacists made the decision for them.
Now that the Trumps will not attend, will they change their minds? I, for one, certainly hope so. All five are worthy of the award, but one name stands out for his creativity and courage to offer entertainment to the American people which was often controversial; Norman Lear. Most notable of his creations was “All in the Family.” This was the first time that the primary character was openly racist and bigoted. Lear’s thoughtful characterization of a man’s slow but steady growth was not only humorous, but exposed the ignorance of racism and bigotry based on nothing but fear of the unknown.
Trump has changed our nation and the world. Trump will not attend the Kennedy Center Honors for a single reason; he would be the central focus of political controversy and verbal reprimands. His extremely weak ego is incapable of accepting any form of criticism.
I sincerely hope that Trump’s absence will encourage all five honorees to attend. This is always an entertaining and uplifting event, and we need it more than ever today.
Please re-post; thank you.
Op-ed by James Turnage
Photo courtesy of Matthew Straubmuller
My novels are available on Amazon; CLICK HERE
The Truth With No Restrictions 