TheWiseOldFart

Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart Man cannot exist without humor: life is too difficult to survive without it. Regardless of your race, sex, religious affiliation or none at all, or your economic status, it is a fact that we all face more difficulties than pleasure in a lifetime. Humor in its many forms provides an escape from the harshness of our very existence. Movies, television, books, and stand-up comics provide a little respite from the challenges we face every day. In my 80 years there has been one person above all others who provided a source for comics, writers, and water-cooler chuckles: the President of the United States. THE MOST INTELLIGENT PEOPLE I ENCOUNTERED IN MY LIFE HAD A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR I liked “Ike,” but the first American President I remember well was John F. Kennedy. His speeches inspired young Americans to become involved in their nation’s governance, and instilled a feeling of patriotism none of our nation’s leaders accomplished since. JFK used humor to hold the att...

Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart Becoming the President of the United States requires extreme patriotism, above average intelligence, experience in both domestic and international relations, education derived from both books and experience, and an extremely resilient and strong character. Your current leader fails to possess any of these necessary qualities. A man or woman reveals his or her strength of character, or lack of, when that person becomes the subject of humor at his or her expense. “If you can’t take a joke, get off the stage.” Donald John Trump is afflicted with malignant narcissism, preventing him from the ability to simply “take a joke.” DONNY BOY DESTROYS ANOTHER CHERISHED AMERICAN TRADITION [The White House Correspondents' Dinner began on May 7, 1921, when the White House Correspondents' Association History held its first gathering at the Arlington Hotel in Washington, D.C.] This 100-year-old tradition has become a “presidential roast.” Until 2025, it was hosted by tale...