THIS & THAT #30

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE

Back in the 1960s, the blustery 36^th President held tight reins over many of his subservient Democrats, including his Vice President, Hubert Horatio Humphrey, formerly a liberal Senator from Minnesota. Hubert was aiming to eventually run for the Presidency, and to do so; he would have to remain a loyal lap dog to President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

The November 1966 front cover of Esquire magazine depicted Hubert as a dummy on LBJ’s knee, being manipulated by Lyndon the ventriloquist.

In 2017, a bombastic President tightly holds the reins over his frightened Republican elected officials, including his Vice President, Michael Richard Pence, who was raised in Columbus, Indiana. On his Wikipedia page, Pence affirmed that he was a Christian, conservative, and a Republican, in that order. He will probably acquiesce and vote for a name change to his birthplace if his boss says so. There are nineteen other locales nationally that incorporate the name Columbus, in one form or another.

Pence will have to prioritize his options concerning his eventual bid to become the nation’s next president, based on what happens to his puppeteer or ventriloquist, namely DJT.

Please see the final paragraph regarding Michael’s options.

Pence, the former governor of the grate state of Indiana, was assigned the task of attending the October 8^th Indianapolis Colts home football game against the “rebellious” San Francisco 49ers. He knew that some of the 49ers might not stand at attention during the playing of the National Anthem, as did his boss.

Pence had flown in from Las Vegas at an estimated cost of $100,000, and then after quickly exiting before the game began as part of the planned publicity stunt, he flew to Los Angeles at a cost of $142,500, to attend a Republican fundraiser. That’s a total cost of $242,500 that will be paid for by American taxpayers.

A PUPPET OR A DUMMY

It’s encouraging to know that Pence and Trump are working together to make America grate again, as the veep proudly boasted.

"I left today's Colts game because President Trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem," Pence wrote on Twitter.

While Colts players stood arm-in-arm at their home game in Indianapolis, more than 20 of the San Francisco 49ers players knelt during the anthem, as they have for weeks. It was a move that should not have shocked Pence, an Indiana native, whose face clearly demonstrated his disapproval of the action on the field.

"While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don't think it's too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem," Pence tweeted. "I stand with President Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem."

Trump took credit for the departure of Pence and his wife from the stadium in a later tweet, saying, "I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen."

All true Americans are proud of our Second Lady, and I have been unable to find anyone against our soldiers. Those in the Executive Branch seem to be the ones attempting to divide our country even more so, by perpetuating this nonsensical thinking to appeal to their base.

If You Are Waiting

For President Pence

You will have to be patient, since as of Saturday, October 28^th; there will be 1,103 days until the next presidential election on November 3, 2020.

The 46th President won’t take office until January 20, 2021. The only way Michael Richard Pence could become President any sooner, would be if (1) Donald J. Trump resigns from office because of boredom, (2) resigns from office after being severely criticized while receiving a salary of only $ 400,000 a year, (3) resigns from office because he wants even more time to play golf at his various courses, (4) or is impeached for conduct unbecoming a President. There are probably other ways Trump could leave office earlier than planned, but I will let others figure them out, for I am not an expert on the subject, nor do I want to become one. There's enough confusion emanating from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and the golf courses, as it is.

THIS & THAT #26

I May Drink to That

That 16-page section on June 18, described in THIS & THAT #25, also ran advertisements from two prominent exchanges, which have already devoted their artistic talent making memory-inducing, commemorative items including those on both Obama and Trump. The Bradford Exchange offered a Warriors limited edition,  “sculpted porcelain beer stein you’d be proud to own, for “four convenient installments of $32.49 each, or $129.99. Then, in small, almost unreadable type far below “Plus a total of $17.99 shipping and service.” This edition is limited to only 5,000 steins, and “The earliest orders receive coveted lowest edition numbers.”

Think I have waited too long to acquire a lower numbered stein, and that’s the severe price I have to pay for prolonged procrastinating.

Give the Winners a Trophy 

A few pages later, Bradford advertised a copy of the “2017 NBA FINALS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY.” They say, “It’s a slam dunk” at just $99.99, but best order now since this “officially licensed collectible tribute is limited to 10,000 worldwide, so don’t wait to order.”

But don’t forget the $14.99 for shipping and service. Are there truly 10,000 people worldwide clamoring for this rare item?

A...They're Adorable

On page 15, is the darling of the collectibles, with a “Warriors Win!” headline, it should get many Warrior fans emotionally involved when they see two adorable five-year-olds less than 6-inches high, in fine bisque porcelain and labeled “Special Event Keepsake, cheers on the reigning NBA Champions!” This memento has “Together We’re A Winning Team!” on its base. This ties into the syrupy body copy in the advertisement, “From opening tip off to the final buzzer, you and your sweetie teamed up to cheer on your Golden State Warriors.”

This Hamilton Exchange piece of art is offered for “just four installments of $24.99,” plus $13 for shipping and service.

 Staying on Track

There are two more precious items offered including a 2017 NBA Finals Champions Express, including a model diesel locomotive, 14-piece track set, power pack, and speed controller, with “Strength In Numbers” printed on its side.  It’s available for only $79.99 from Bradford, plus $9.99 shipping and service.

UP IN THE AIR

There should be no doubt in your mind that the most-wanted remembrance will be the Warriors 2017 NBA Championship Levitating Basketball, a steal at $179.99, plus $21.99 shipping and handling. The Bradford Exchange offers the buyer a wonderful opportunity to “help keep the thrill going all year around,” and you can “show your loyalty and pride with this commemorative sculpture featuring a basketball that hovers and spins in mid-air.” They remind the potential buyer that “Time is of the essence,” since only 10,000 will be available.

As for me, since I never had a Lionel Train Set in my youth, I am seriously thinking of acquiring the Champions Express. First off, it’s the least expensive of all mementos for sale, and secondly I would be in charge of running it, if my wife allows me to do so.

She just reminded me that I already am the proud owner of free, bright yellow, XL size tee shirt with the words ALL GOLD EVERYTHING FINALS 2017 emblazoned in faded grey type on the front. You can find that story on THIS & THAT #24.

So why should I be greedy? Although owning a genuine Warriors choo-choo train would certainly impress my neighbor, however then I’d have to invite him in my home for the first time ever to view it in action, with me at the controls. Best to leave well enough alone for now, and just wear the XL tee shirt with pride as nightwear, or let it help fill my dresser drawer until next year’s season begins, which is less than six months away.

Time flies when you are a winner, not a whiner.