The Emperor Actually Makes Some Sense

A few excerpts from today’s coronation speech:

“For as long as whole regions of the world simmer in resentment and tyranny — prone to ideologies that feed hatred and excuse murder — violence will gather, and multiply in destructive power, and cross the most defended borders, and raise a mortal threat.”

I can only presumably he’s describing the United States under his administration: the most obvious region simmering in resentment and tyranny, routinely forgiving murder, torture, and other war crimes. I’m not altogether convinced that his excesses will lead to gathering violence as he states (at least not domestically), but it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility.

“...rights must be more than the grudging concessions of dictators; they are secured by free dissent and the participation of the governed. In the long run, there is no justice without freedom, and there can be no human rights without human liberty.”

Most eloquently articulating the case against this regime and its unceasing efforts to stifle any form of dissent, rig elections, and otherwise ensure its own hold on power at the expense of the people. He doesn’t really articulate a course of action here, but I think he’s building up to it.

“America has need of idealism and courage, because we have essential work at home — the unfinished work of American freedom. In a world moving toward liberty, we are determined to show the meaning and promise of liberty.”

Now there’s the course of action he teased us with before: He’s actually volunteering to step down. Now this one really surprised me, but I can’t fault his logic. Since he’s already demonstrated an unswerving inability to change his fascistic policies — or even hold anyone accountable for the most egregious excesses — the only way of restoring liberty is stepping down. Truly admirable...

“In America’s ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character — on integrity, and tolerance toward others, and the rule of conscience in our own lives. Self-government relies, in the end, on the governing of the self.”

Just in case anyone wasn’t convinced by his previous comment, here he makes the case against himself. He gets accused of being unwilling to admit error, but here he’s clearly holding himself accountable for his rampant policies of hatred and bigotry, not to mention his utter lack of integrity, tolerance, or “private character.” Unusual to see someone admit all that about himself.

“We have known divisions, which must be healed to move forward in great purposes — and I will strive in good faith to heal them.”

And once again, he offers to step down — as any reconciliation will never happen so long as he holds office. Yep, I’d say he’s made his case pretty well. I give him a hard time, but it’s truly inspiring to see him articulate his shortcomings (even if they have been glaringly obvious to the rest of us for some time now).

Maybe I’ve misjudged this guy.

Or maybe it’s just that sometimes even imbeciles can speak words of truth.

We’ll have to wait and see if he actually does step down, or if he’s just making more empty promises.