Readers: this blog is set in the future (sometime after the year 2020). Each entry assumes there has been a 5th revolution in the US — the Revenge Revolution. More about the Revenge Revolution and author, Entry #1. List and general description of entries to date.
Note: most entries are formatted as conversations. Characters appear in a number of entries, with many entries building on previous conversations. Profile of characters (see link at top of page). You’ll catch on quickly. Thanks for your time and interest…and comments.
Scene: Jordan’s office, Washington, DC. Conversation starts Entry #265.
Greenie: “Jordan, while Gelly and I were getting coffee did you get ahold of Rock Man and Two Dogs?”
Jordan: “Left messages for both of them. I’ll talk to them later. Let’s get started.”
Gelly: “May I stay for the conversation, please? Sounds as if it could be interesting.”
Jordan: “Of course. I assumed you were going to stay. Your perspective is always valuable. And, as if you need a reminder, feel free to jump in the conversation any time.”
Greenie: “OK, so now we need to figure out…or at least discuss…if there is any validity to the assumption that long-term culture could affect current behavior of different nationalities or ethnic groups? And, if so, how and to what degree? Right, so far?”
Jordan: “Right so far. Keep going.”
Greenie: “Then we asked, ‘For any ethnic group or nationality in the US, how much of the culture should melt in the US melting pot and how much of the culture should remain…un-melted as it were?’ Getting some idea of how much should melt might help us understand what affect long-term culture might have had on the Revenge Revolution…and how US society might address culture-related issues in the future.”
Jordan: “You got it.”
Gelly: “Before the coffee break youse guys decided to do a quick study on three groups…blacks, Native Americans and Jews, and starting with Jews.”
Jordan: “Your mimicking of ‘youse guys’ was pretty good. Yes, we agreed to start the analysis with Jews, which somehow seems appropriate since we just finished the High Holidays.”
Gelly: “Seems to me a specific question or two might help get the conversation started. So, here goes. An issue that often comes up when talking about Jews, ‘What is it about the culture of Jews that seems to push for so much education? Why does it seem the vast majority of Jews have college degrees…and a very high percentage have advanced degrees? What about the culture would make that happen?”
Greenie: “Good way to get started, Gelly. I think the answer involves two factors. The first is Judaism promotes education throughout life. And some pretty intense education starts at an early age. By the time you’re a 12-13 year-old, you’re learning all kinds of things preparing for a bar or bat mitzvah. And these kids are required to lead part of the Shabbat service, including reading a bunch of Hebrew…which is not major language these days outside of Israel.”
Jordan: “Point well taken, Greenie. Lots of pressure at an early age to learn something that’s very difficult for many. The experience begins to build a foundation for a willingness to try to learn difficult subjects through one’s formal education…and for many, a lifetime of learning.”
Gelly: “What was the second reason?”
Greenie: “Jewish immigrants realized that education was a way out of the ghetto. With an education, you didn’t have to be involved in some type of manual labor. And, education was a way to improve socio-economic status.”
Jordan: “Gelly, here’s a story that illustrates the point. The scene: the inauguration of the first Jewish president. A lady turns to the president-elect’s mother and says, ‘The first Jewish president. You must be very proud of your son.’ The mother turns and says, ‘Yes, I’m very proud of him…but you should meet his brother, the doctor.’”
Gelly: “That’s a good story. Now, help me understand the link between those examples and how long-term culture might affect current behavior? In the Torah there are lots of examples of Jews as shepherds and some examples as skilled trades. Where’s the link from those old-culture jobs to the attitude today of life-long education?”
Greenie: “To me, the link is an understanding by many rabbis and many Jewish families that education has been and continues to be a way to break from the past. Much like leaving Egypt was a way for Jews to break away from physical slavery, education has been a way to break away from economic slavery.”
Jordan: “In virtually every service at the temple, there is a reminder to congregants that Jews were once slaves in Egypt. While not discussed in services, just a few generations ago, whether Jews were in the ‘old country’ or in the US as immigrants, many were slaves to lower-paying jobs.”
Gelly: “That’s interesting. So, if I interpret you correctly, understanding how to break away from adverse circumstances without completely throwing out the old culture is a key lesson. In a way the lesson is a balancing act — in the US understanding what part of the culture should melt into the melting pot and what should not melt. Being able to create such a balance might be a key lesson for other groups – blacks, Native Americans, etc.”
Jordan: “Let’s hold that thought and match it against what information comes out of the conversations with Rock Man and, as you guys keep saying, Two Dogs.”
Greenie: When you talk to them, could you please remind each of them we are only in the data-gathering phase? Let them know we are trying to determine if our assumption has any validity. If it does, we’ll need more guidance from them and help from some of their contacts. I just don’t want them to think the call is the end of the study. It’s just the beginning.”
Jordan: “Yes, I’ll be very clear with them. Thanks for the reminder.”
(Continued)
Matt: “Jordan, thanks for taking time to meet. Gelly said you were busy trying to catch up after taking last week off.”
Jordan: “That’s interesting. So your premise, if I can call it such, is that actions of ordinary citizens might have accelerated the Revenge Revolution. How will you support the idea?”
Matt: “At the beginning of the Obama Administration there was lots of frustration with Congress. Really frustration with Congress and the Executive branch. Despite the frustration, the discourse was reasonably civil.”
Jordan: “C’mon, Matt. You don’t think Fox News was an outlet for these guys?”
Jordan: “Despite Larry, Moe and Curly, I mean O’Reilly, Hannity and Rushman, the Republican presidential candidates seemed to keep a reasonable lid on things. McCain and Romney were both professional, save a few slips here and there. Palin was another story…she’s still looking for Russia or some polar bear.”
Matt: “You know what. The king kept throwing red meat to fringe-group supporters in order to feed his fragile ego.”
Jordan: “Ironically, that’s exactly what happened. Voters said, ‘Throw the bums out.’”
Jordan: “When you mentioned individuals taking action, I recall an editorial written by the rabbi emeritus at our temple. The content was personal but also laid out a call to action. Hard to ignore.”
Matt: “Was she OK with free speech?”
Matt: “Evangelicals. Why did do many support Trump? Obviously, not all evangelicals supported Trump but a very high percentage did…even after he’d been in office for 6-7 months. For evangelicals, all of Trump’s unethical behavior before the election which continued after the election…yet they continued to support him.”
Jordan: “No logical reason. I think the fundamentalists forgot their scripture. Someplace in Torah…probably Leviticus but I’m not sure…there’s a section that talks about when leaders are humble and admit mistakes, the populous will also be more humble and caring.”
Gelly: “Whew, I feel better. A break and a coffee refill. Now, where were we?”
Jordan: “Trump’s behavior. I mean he had to know one or more of the investigations, especially Mueller’s, would lead to his finances. How could you think otherwise?”
Gelly: “He thought he was king. The Donald lived in his own goofy ‘I’m-above-it-all’ world. Surely the rest of the family von Trump had some common sense.”
Jordan: “Another example of the apple not falling far from the tree.”
Gelly: “I have some friends who were part of the White House staff early on in the Trump Administration. Most had worked for the Obama Administration and a few also had worked for the Bush Administration. All…and I mean every single person…was shocked at the lack of professionalism among Trump’s key staff members. They said calling it ‘amateur hour’ would be a compliment.”
Gelly: “In more polite terms, you mean like dogs who take on their master’s behavioral characteristics?”
Jordan: “For Trump, money for sure. And Trump had to try to hide the Russian connection. Because of all the earlier shady financial dealings Putin had Donnie boy by the short hairs.”
Gelly: “There’s probably a better way to phrase it. But just step back and think about it. Who in your life do you respect? If you made a list, I’ll bet many on the list don’t have much money…and certainly aren’t famous.”
Jordan: “There is? What’s that?”
Gelly: “Ok, you’ve had your break. Now tell me, if Trump was such a bad financial risk, why would the Russians…or anyone for that matter…lend him money?”
Jordan: “Your term, not mine…but yes, like one of Putin’s cronies. And Putin allowed you to run a ‘private’ company in Russia.”
Gelly: “Then what did they do with the money? Kind of hard to hide if it all the money is inside Russia. How’d they get the money out of the country?”
Gelly: “This skimming goes on for a while and, voila, the Russian Trading Company has this big pile of money. To protect themselves against a regime change and a new gang of thieves, I mean officials, Putin and company want to hide the money someplace.”
Gelly: “Gee, let me think hard about that one. None other than ‘Mr. Straight-Shooter Real-Estate-Developer’ himself, the Donald.”
Jordan: “If you obtain money illegally…like skimming it off the top…then you realize some portion might be lost as you try to make the illegal money appear legitimate. Let’s just say that when dealing with Trump, Putin and cronies knew they might lose some of their ill-gotten gains.”
Gelly: “You mean that place he 
Gelly: “So that’s why, at least according to Donald Junior, the Russians were a major source of capital when Trump bought all those golf courses…like the one in Scotland…and Charlotte…and Mar-a-Lago…and Bedminster, NJ…and the list goes on and on.”
Gelly: “That Bank of Cyprus name rings a bell. Wasn’t one of Trump’s cabinet members connected with that bank?”
Jordan: “You mean why didn’t the investigations just start by following the money trail rather than spend time on all the other issues?”
Gelly:
Jordan:
Jordan:
Gelly:
Jordan:
Jordan:
Gelly: “Wow, what a pleasant surprise. Two civilized people in the office. Didn’t think you’d still be here.”
JC: “More about scandals? That seems pretty well researched by now.”
Greenie: “I agree it’s unusual for a Congressional committee to be exploring such a topic. Is the hearing going to be open to the public?”
JC: “Any idea what sources of data will be used for the study, aside from our expert witness here?”
JC: “My conclusion was that people who follow religions that preach or instruct congregants to follow strict rules or believe that certain statements are absolutes that should not be questioned…the people who continue to follow the religion have been brainwashed.”
Gelly: “You mean like people who insist on buying only Apple products, even though Apple costs more and might not perform as well? Or those people who vote only for one party no matter how flawed the candidate? Are you considering these people brainwashed?”
JC: “Another group that seemed prone to brainwashing was the group that ‘can’t connect the dots.’ The ‘no-dots’ crowd seems to view each event as discreet and somehow not linked. They cannot fathom that somehow someone might be manipulating them.”
Greenie: “The idea of modern-day mass brainwashing is scary stuff. I never really considered the possibility being so widespread. I mean, there’s always been some portion of the political parties that was effectively brainwashed. The old Blue-dog Democrats, for example, and the more recent alt-right Republicans. But you’re paper implied a higher percentage of the population.”
Greenie: “I’d like a coffee, too, please. By the way, where’s Gelly?”
JC: “You suggesting it wasn’t the FBI…but somebody else?”
Greenie: “I think the real issue was early-stage dementia. It wasn’t very bad before the election. Then the deterioration accelerated once he was in office. It was like his brain was on a ski slope headed downhill fast.”
Jordan: “Alright. I know his father, Fred Trump, had Alzheimer’s. There’s also data indicating a higher probability of being inflicted if a parent has had Alzheimer’s. Assuming your prognosis is correct, do you really think the dementia was having that much of an effect?”
JC: “And think about the tweets? He’d take one position one day and then a few days later he’d do a U-turn and contradict himself. Then he’d claim he never sent the first tweet. I agree he seemed to have less and less control over his emotions.”
JC: “Oh, nothing more than insulting heads of state, insulting the mayor of London and then disclosing Israeli secrets to the Russians. Oops, I forgot he effectively gave the finger to his own cabinet members by regularly contradicting them publicly. Then, he attempted to trash any media that questioned anything about the administration. What was really kooky was the wrestling video aimed at CNN. Shall I go on?”
JC: “I sorta remember that incident but why do you think driving a cart on the green is so important?”
Greenie: “Jordan’s point, I think, is that Trump had spent all this time and money trying to build credibility with the high-end golfing community. Then in one fell swoop he managed to alienate almost all the people he was trying to impress. So the question is ‘why would anyone behave like some spoiled brat and do that?’”
Greenie: “Now, we’re out of here. Please tell Gelly we said hello…and not to take you too seriously.”
Gelly: “No, and he never does. But, hey, he’s a reporter.”
Greenie: “Jordan, meeting with Matt will be more fun than a movie. Exactly what does he want to talk about?”
JC: “…until she convinced me meeting with you would be more fun. Nice to see you Matt.”
Matt: “The book attempts to address and link, if a link exists, various events leading up to when Trump was taken out.”
JC: “And, duh, Kushner wanted to use the communications equipment in the Russian embassy. According to the article, even the Russian ambassador was taken aback by the idea.”
Greenie: “OK, skip the Orthodox issue. Here’s a 30-something in the White House with no previous political experience…and he’s effectively running the country. Kushner pulls a string and the puppet Trump reacts, just like Howdy Doody. Just thinking of it is depressing.”
JC: “You mean running the running the government turned out to be more complicated than doing a real estate deal? Who knew? Seriously, what really baffles me is how could they have thought communications with the Russians were not being monitored?”
JC: “How could a, what 3-star general in the Marines, with some national security experience no less, not know about calls to the Russians being monitored?”
Greenie: “Mike Pence and Jeff Sessions were experienced politicians. Sessions had been in the Senate for 20 years and had been US attorney earlier in his career.”
Jordan: “Back to Pence and Sessions. Where did their money go?”
Gelly:
Sandy:
Greenie:
JC:
Greenie:
JC: “Maybe heads should have rolled at the White House sooner. Sorry, that was too easy.”
Sandy:
JC: “Yes, we would…right Jordan?”
Gelly: “I guess that’s what’s confusing me. I agree Trump was like a water bug when it came to international policies – he’d head off in one direction one second and then quickly shift to another direction. But other than some blustery talk about bombing North Korea and the infamous wrong-way destroyer claim, he never caused any turbulence below the surface. The diplomats and the professionals somehow handled the foreign-policy issues.”
Gelly: “Seems to me that some of the Trump proposals, if implemented as drafted, would have completely split the country. Even though some of the crazier the ideas were eventually watered down, we still had the Revenge Revolution. Just how much carnage would there have been if had not been taken out?”
Gelly: “Ya’ know, it’s probably not fair, but when I think of Trump as president I think of Howdy Doody.”
Greenie: “Thanks for the compliment…but it’s been a while since I was an insider. Anyway, I want to hear your take.”
JC: “Maybe first in not studying and first in narcissism. But he’s no one’s academic. And I’m sure Wharton would rather not admit he’s an alum.”
JC: “More like, if you don’t disappear voluntarily, then you, too, will disappear.”
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