Hmmm, are the subtexts as influential and long-lasting as the act itself?
First let me state that I am loathe to post about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. We have already been bombarded by reports as the media shark engages in its usual, blood-in-the-water feeding frenzy. Social media platforms are cluttered with wild speculations about the event being a publicity stunt or false flag operation.
But in these situations, I feel compelled to draw attention to the subtexts and how they influence or even overshadow the event itself.
Subtext #1: The assassination attempt will undoubtedly strengthen backing for Trump among his base of support. The Republicans will do their utmost to keep the matter on the front page as long as possible for this purpose.
To that end, delegates and supporters at the Republican National Convention wore versions of the Trump ear bandage, made of anything from cotton pads to tape to folded pieces of paper, theoretically as a form of support. They really have no shame on the matter.
Subtext #2: Strange as it may sound, Joe Biden (if he stays in the race) will benefit from the happening. His poor performance in the debate and the question of his mental acuity was the hot-button story until the shots were fired. The attempted assassination has kicked that issue to the background and the Democrats I am certain are pleased about that.
Subtext #3: Someone will ultimately have to – please excuse the bad pun – take the bullet for the failure to properly protect Trump. Several investigations are underway and already reports are emerging of how badly things went wrong. One timeline, which may or may not be accurate, that has hit the media already:
- 5:15 pm: Crooks first identified as a person of interest
- 5:30 pm: Crooks was spotted with a rangefinder
- 5:52 pm: Crooks was spotted on the roof by Secret Service
- 6:02 pm: Trump takes the stage
- 6:12 pm: Crooks fires first shots
Secret Service Agency Director Kimberly Cheatle is the most likely candidate for the sacrificial lamb to take the brunt of the blame as the many of those implicated – again, please pardon the pun – duck for cover. She has already been subpoenaed to testify before Congress.
Subtext #4: Gun possession is constitutionally protected in the United States. Gun control opponents insist that it would prevent law abiding citizens from defending themselves against armed criminals. But Matthew Crook’s actions, using an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, are as strong a case as you will ever find for the counter argument.
Subtext #5: One attendee at the Trump rally was killed and two others were critically wounded by the shots Matthew Crooks fired. Sadly, they will be considered collateral damage when the matter is recorded in history books.
A final question to ponder: If Donald Trump does go on to once again be elected as President of the United States, how will history judge this event as a factor in his victory?
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Tags: Donald Trump · Kimberly Cheatle · Matthew Crooks · metaphor · Michae Robert Dyet · Trump assassination attemptNo Comments