The Our Long National Nightmare Is Starting Up Again Edition
After a mere two weeks of the second Trump Administration, 2025
Where to begin? And perhaps more significantly — when will it end?
It’s all but impossible to keep up with the flow of bullshi… er, “executive orders” and other proclamations and declarative statements flowing out of Trump’s mouth like a busted sewage pipe. Even as I start to draft this newsletter, I see he is claiming credit for sending billions of gallons of water in California to… do something, but it isn’t going to the L.A. area because mountains stand in its way.
If only we had listened to Trump. I dunno about you — but I’ve heard more than enough from him already. Sadly — tragically — he’s just getting started on Round Two.
I’m finding it a challenge to generate verses as quickly as targets for such commentary pop up in the news each day. You can find what I’ve posted most recently here.
Amidst all the other chaos, I did manage to eke out one regular ol’ bit of self-deprecating funny:
Written Kaboodle (1/27/2025)
In which I map an approach to setting my life’s story to page. Although not a particularly well thought out approach.
I entered a writing contest for self-published e-books, conducted by Writer’s Digest. While I did not win, place, or show — I did get some nice comments about the book from the judge who was burdened with assigned the task of assessing its prize-worthiness:
“I appreciated the humor and levity in this collection. Your voice shines with self-deprecating wit, making everyday observations feel fresh and entertaining. It’s clear you’ve found your writing niche and have done all you can to develop this skill.”
Hmm… I’ve “done all (I) can” skill-wise? Does this mean there’s no room for improvement?
(Here are links to the paperback and the Kindle version of this mildly acclaimed effort.)
Getting back to politics: last night, I had the pleasure of seeing Jordan Klepper from The Daily Show — he shlepped all the way up to Bangor, Maine, for an evening of conversation. He was joined by comedian and former SNL cast member Molly Kearney; the two of them shared some “how I got started” anecdotes, but of course most of Jordan’s focused on his emergence as a political commentator and “infiltrator” of various MAGA events.
They wrapped up with time for audience Q&As, with most people relating meandering personal anecdotes before getting to their question(s). I opted not to join the line, but if I had I would have asked, “Why did the two of you decide to come to Bangor — and how was the bus ride?”
Thanks for reading — hope you are enjoying the Trump in Verse website (and don’t forget JohnBranning.com) — your likes and shares are always welcome!