A Shameful Performance
A tale of two speeches
Several months ago, I had the true pleasure of watching a video of my niece, Caitlin Hopper, deliver a moving speech extoling the virtues of international cooperation and friendship. The venue for her talk was the podium in the chamber of the General Assembly at the United Nations, and Caitlin was concluding her year long tenure as Secretary General of the Model UN.
Her remarks struck a couple of chords with me. Of course, pride in my very intelligent, accomplished and articulate niece rose to the top. But also, she echoed in her words my long held thoughts and beliefs about the value and potential of this unique international forum as a vehicle to peace.
Then…
Yesterday I watched another video of that same podium. Standing behind it was the American president. I couldn’t take more than a few minutes of that vile performance. As tempting as it may be, I will avoid reciting the shopping list of insults, grievances, whining and provable lies that Trump spewed all over the assemblage of world leaders and global media.
Much has been written elsewhere - sometimes in colorful language - about Trump’s UN performance, generally viewed as one of his worst. We are running out of adjectives.
I wish to make a different observation: one of profound embarrassment for my country. Much like the Putin worshipping at the failed Alaska “Ukraine War Summit” (sans Ukraine), the UN speech had the effect of making us a lesser country in the eyes of the world. I am deeply abashed at what Trump has done to our international standing.
My niece and the president hold radically different views on the UN and our relationships with both the institution and its member states. It is curious that these differing viewpoints were expressed from the same podium in the very forum established for the vigorous exchange of ideas based on the simple premise that if people talk to and respect each other, they will be less inclined to kill each other. However, unlike Trump’s, Caitlin’s remarks were deeply respectful and were delivered with humility, character and dignity, and more closely reflected the character and dignity of the United States.
This is all very sad and potentially dangerous. An embarrassed United States is a weak United States. A weak United States is a vulnerable Untied States. One wonders how many times our allies will tolerate being insulted and belittled. How willing would the US be to stand by a NATO ally who told us that our country was “going to hell”?
I am going overseas in a couple weeks. I am tempted to fabricate a badge with a US flag printed on it and the simple words “I am sorry”. In French. But I am also concerned that, should the US authorities discover its existence, my chances of successful reentry into the country might be at risk.
What an awful state of affairs.
I'm tempted to make a similar “I’m sorry” badge. It might read “This is my hostage look. Send help.”
The contrast between Caitlin’s approach and today’s leadership is striking. It’s so infuriating and so depressing seeing our country’s reputation take such a hit on the world stage.
Nice juxtaposition.
The flag idea is a "good" one, except for the curse you may bring on yourself.
But what if you talk to someone in a cafe about your views?
Are you any less at risk?
What if you wear an Obama button or, heaven forbid, a Macron button?
It seems to me we have a responsibility to resist, even if in these small ways. On the other hand, I can't suggest fucking up your life for a small act of resistance.
Marcuse argued that "freedom of speech" in the USA was a myth; that such a right existed only to the extent that it was no threat to the established order. Now, this red-assed government is threatened by trifles. What I could do with no concern in 1970 (well, until two of my Lorain school mates were killed at Kent State; but even then, I felt no real anxiety) it is reasonable to be concerned about now.
No advice.
CR