Tribute to President Harry Truman

Whenever I consider the wealth Donald Trump has accumulated while in the White House, I reflect back to Harry Truman, who was the President when I was born. Truman came from modest means, and continued to live modestly when he left office. There was no presidential pension during his lifetime, so he made due with his savings and Social Security. As he left the White House for the final time, he was not flown by Air Force One or a helicopter to his home in Independence, Missouri. He actually drove his own car there, and he had only a few Secret Service agents to protect himself and his family during his remaining years.

If he were still alive, Harry Truman would be shocked by the luxury that defines Donald Trump. He would be especially appalled by the money Trump has made while in office and the structures being built to honor himself.

Obviously much has changed since Harry Truman left office in 1953 after two terms. However, presidents nevertheless are required to adhere to the Emoluments Clause in the Constitution that restricts sources of gifts and outside income. Donald Trump continues to ignore this and Republicans remain silent. We need a president with the character and modesty of Harry Truman. This can come about if we vote wisely in the 2028 presidential election.

Tribute to Harold Russell

 A movie I have seen perhaps more times than any other is THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES. It was made in 1946 and focuses on the return of World War II veterans to the U.S. It features a stellar cast, including the relatively unknown Harold Russell, who lost both of his hands in combat. His character in the film echoes some of his real-life experiences.

I had the honor of meeting Harold Russell when he came to Rochester, NY for a special screening of THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES at the George Eastman House. I am glad I had an opportunity to share with him how much the movie meant to me, and how his character and real life experiences resonated with me.

There is a sad story concerning Harold Russell I will never forget. Having lost both his hands, it was difficult for him to get film roles following THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES. He fell on hard times, and sold his Best Supporting Actor Oscar statue. Many actors and actresses rallied to his aid, and got the statue back to him, in addition to assisting him financially.

If you have never seen this movie, I encourage you to do so. In my estimation, it is a masterpiece, well deserving of the multiple awards it received.

The Presence of the Grim Reaper

 The Grim Reaper has been busy in my circle in recent years. My best estimate is that around three-quarters of my friends, relatives, former classmates and co-workers are now in cemeteries. It seems that each week I am receiving notice of yet another death. At age 76, I should not be surprised by this. However, it serves as a reminder that despite my good health, we never know when the Grim Reaper is going to visit.

I have come to realize that I have perhaps wasted much of the past ten years issuing warnings about Donald Trump. In some respects, I have been preaching to the choir, in that MAGA remains a strong force, despite warnings from myself and like-minded persons. I would like to leave this world knowing that the next generation can look forward to a brighter future than what we have experienced with Trump and his entourage. This is why it is important for potential candidates for public office to run for the right reasons, placing constituents ahead of themselves.

I will most likely continue to issue occasional warnings about Donald Trump. However, I have also increasingly immersed myself in the world of classical music, which was a huge part of my past. I also hope to write a book about people who were important in my life, and how my life was shaped for better or worse by my experiences and interactions. If I can pass some life lessons onto the next generation, I will have done my part in countering the dark place we are currently in.

A President from Modest Means Needed

 I am beginning to think that perhaps we need a president who comes from modest means, perhaps similar to Abraham Lincoln or Jimmy Carter. We have witnessed, with much disdain, what happens when a person of wealth, and greed to match, comes to the White House. Once money becomes an addiction, even the presidency won't stop a person like Donald Trump from pursuing ways of lining his pockets.

A president's salary is currently $400,000 annually, in addition to some perks that come with the office. Most presidents have adhered to the stipulations in the Emoluments Clause, which restrict gifts and financial gains directly related to the presidency. Donald Trump has used every opportunity to enrich himself financially, and his family members have benefited greatly as well.

After enduring almost 1-1/2 terms of Trump's presidency, I am inclined to vote for someone from modest means. Just because a candidate is a multi-millionaire, even if successful in business ventures, doesn't mean that such a person will be empathetic toward persons with meager existences. Trump, for example, doesn't understand what it means to carefully budget to account for rising grocery or gas prices. He has never shopped in a grocery store, nor has he ever filled his own gas tank.

The next presidential primary races will soon be upon us. We don't want another wealthy narcissist in the White House. We rather need someone who places others before himself/herself. Empathy also needs to be a primary characteristic of anyone serving in the Oval Office. This means that anyone like Donald Trump need not apply.