Trump Era – Page 5 – education and deconstruction.com

His Majesty’s Airship

[Please note: The word “Featured” on the left side above was NOT inserted by this blogger, but apparently was inserted by WordPress, and it cannot be removed. NO post in this blog is sponsored.]

“The New York Post wrote, ‘No more funds of American taxpayers [should] be squandered on these useless gasbags.’ “

The above is NOT a comment about the 2025 New York City mayoral candidates, but is a 1935 comment in reaction to the series of American airship crashes that killed hundreds of people.

The Book of the Week is “His Majesty’s Airship, The Life and Tragic Death of the World’s Largest Flying Machine” by S.C. Gwynne, published in 2023. In this sloppily edited, chronologically disordered, wordy, redundant (but suspenseful) volume, the author recounts the history of airships through the late 1930’s.

In the early decades of the twentieth century, the Germans racked up significant construction- and flying-expertise with regard to airships with rigid frames. However, they had an abysmal safety record. They papered that over with jingoistic propaganda. The 1910’s saw a few conditions established to make airship flights less risky: flying only in summer and in clear weather with only light winds.

There was a high risk of fire because the hydrogen that filled the airships is easily combustible with just one spark. Helium is less so, but was expensive and difficult to obtain or make, and the Americans controlled the small quantity that was easily accessible.

The German government got the idea that in the event of a war, it could destroy cities at night via airships much more efficiently than it could with ground troops. In WWI, its submarines were actually more effective, because Britain wised up quickly– training searchlights on the airships, and shooting them into fireballs. By 1917, warplanes had become superior to airships, even with their mechanical problems.

Anyway, the author went off on a tangent, detailing the life-histories of a few different royal family members– main characters in the airships story. One such character was Lord Christopher Birdwood Thomson. Beginning in spring 1924, he persuaded the British government to execute his big idea of contracting with a company to make airships a fun, efficient form of global, public transportation.

The author tossed around the term “socialism” but did not elaborate. He described two competing British airship projects; one as capitalist, and the other as socialist. Here is a clarification (more details of which can be found in this blog’s post, “The Last Idealist” about Norman Thomas, in the “Politics – Systems” category):

With SOCIALISM, the people collectively own entities, and share and share alike. These can be profit-seeking businesses; or the government can own entities that provide essential services– health, education, welfare and large public transportation entities– that should not be profit-seeking (but some of their subcontractors are, anyway).

With COMMUNISM, the government owns profit-seeking entities (businesses) in whole or in part (as in the former Soviet Union and China). So yes, these include public-private partnerships in which there are clearly outrageous conflicts of interest that result in patronage and profiteering. So, arguably, the former Soviet Union and China have both Socialism and Communism to a large degree. The U.S. is not far behind anymore.

Furthermore, in America, the super-rich who pay no income tax, salve their consciences through philanthropy, which allows them to propagandize that they’re helping the poor. BUT income tax revenues are pooled so that they could end up getting spent on anything in the political budget. The super-rich specifically choose where to donate their money– whom to help, and it is a tiny percentage of poor people who are helped, compared with the number who are helped if money is provided through income tax!

Anyway, read the book to learn the outcome of the flight of R101 (hint: a large, expensive project run by alpha males with hubris syndrome– in which Darwin award candidates partake– rarely ends well) plus lots more historical background that explains why rigid airships are a thing of the past.

As is well known, the American government has been a large, expensive project run mostly by alpha males with hubris syndrome. Given the current overwhelming influences of money and sophisticated messaging via global, sophisticated communications technology, individuals need not even be physically present anymore to run the government. Like Elon Musk, they can be a mastermind of national policies in absentia. Here’s what Musk is singing now.

AMERICA

sung to the tune of “Africa” with apologies to Toto and to whomever else the rights may concern.

See my influence echoing on the Right.

These are the results of our secret conversations.

I and Trump pretended to have a fight.

Withdrawal from D.C. has let me discreetly plot to save my nation.

I learned from my old man along the way,

looking to amass resources to impose my brand of supremacy.

I turn to forceful people for-pay.

Scan the whole world, is I all have to DO.

It won’t take a lot to make my dreams come true.

My money has such power, I can lord it over you.

I act behind-the-scenes in America.

Trump’s taking this time to do the things we always pla-a-a-anned. ooh ooh

We reach out to our friends on the Right,

and we’ve grown prosperous, assisted by our hegemonic companies.

I know I’m doing what is right, sure as I am aiming to gradually rid the White House of democracy.

I need world conquest, deep inside.

Priming the pump for the great times to come.

It won’t take a lot to make my dreams come true.

My money has such power, I can lord it over you.

I act behind-the-scenes in America.

Trump’s taking this time to do the things we always pla-a-a-anned. ooh ooh

Scan the world is all I have to DO.

It won’t take a lot to make my dreams come true.

My money has such power, I can lord it over you.

I act behind-the-scenes in America.

(I act behind-the-scenes)

I act behind-the-scenes in America.

(I act behind-the-scenes)

I act behind-the-scenes in America.

(Trump’s taking this time)

Trump’s taking this time to do the things we always pla-a-a-anned. ooh ooh

Nervous About A Woman – BONUS POST

While a woman has served as the top leader in numerous nations of the world (including Third World countries!), citizens of America would still rather have a male dictator than a female president. Here’s a little song about that.

NERVOUS ABOUT A WOMAN

sung to the tune of “Natural Woman” with apologies to the Estate of Aretha Franklin, and to whomever else the rights may concern.

Looking back at 2016,

a dictator over female-prez, was hired.

After 2024, women still have to wait until someday.

Now– of that dictator, we’re tired.

The gender-biased AI vets you. Trump is so unkind.

Decades of messaging on your mind.

‘Cause Americans still feel,

Americans still feel,

nervous about a woman. (woman)

When a Wall was discussed,

and threats worked better to obviate it.

We didn’t know just how evil Trump would be,

until his ICE men became sadists.

Lots of Americans are regretful,

of what they voted for: greed and hypocrisy.

Trump is rotten to the core.

‘Cause Americans still feel,

Americans still feel,

nervous about a woman. (woman)

Now Trump’s courts are topsy-turvy, (topsy-turvy)

admin’s his personal PIGgy bank, (piggy bank)

aided by his wannabes, (wannabes) hoaxing you.

Who knows whether his brain is still alive?

‘Cause Americans still feel,

Americans still feel,

nervous about a woman. (woman)

‘Cause Americans still feel,

Americans still feel,

nervous about a woman. (woman)

‘Cause Americans still feel…

Battle of Distractions – BONUS POST

Here’s a little song about the nature of American politics and media of the past week.

BATTLE OF DISTRACTIONS

sung to the tune of “Battle of New Orleans” with apologies to Estate of Johnny Horton and to whomever else the rights may concern.

On Au-gust 14, Fox had a little fun, along with TACO Trump on the mighty Air Force One.

They debriefed with AI software, and gave Biden all the blame.

And TACO talked to Putin ’bout bloody Russians in Ukraine.

Al-lies expressed their hopes, and sound-bites kept-a-comin’.

U.S. problems are as many as they were a while ago.

Media hushed up once more that Trump’s brain is struggling.

Never mind Jeffrey Epstein. Senile Trump’s a TACO.

Fox looked in D.C. and they see’d protesters come,

but they highlighted the troublemakers who are paid to beat the drums.

Fox’s ratings so high, their overpaid-noisemakers sing.

Their words are from AI, they don’t have to write a thing.

Al-lies expressed their hopes, and sound-bites kept-a-comin’.

U.S. problems are as many as they were a while ago.

Media hush up once more that Trump’s brain is struggling.

Never mind Jeffrey Epstein. Senile Trump’s a TACO.

All Trump is doing, should come as no surprise.

If he didn’t fire scapegoats, it’s ’cause it’s where his power lies.

Mainstream media cower. They want to keep their jobs as well.

If they really tell the truth, Trump will surely give ’em hell.

Al-lies expressed their hopes, and sound-bites kept-a-comin’.

U.S. problems are as many as they were a while ago.

Media hush up once more that Trump’s brain is struggling.

Never mind Jeffrey Epstein. Senile Trump’s a TACO.

Yeah, media run through their reruns and they run through their rambling, and they run through their grudges on their opinion-shows.

They hold so fast to the biases of their owners.

Down through history, so much America doesn’t know.

Well, media spouted nothing-words till talks melted down.

Then they grabbed social-media quotes to put-out another round.

They filled Trump’s mouth with AI-words, and kissed his behind,

and covered up the fact that Trump’s lost his mind.

Al-lies expressed their hopes, and sound-bites kept-a-comin’.

U.S. problems are as many as they were a while ago.

Media hush up once more that Trump’s brain is struggling.

Never mind Jeffrey Epstein. Senile Trump’s a TACO.

Yeah, media run through their reruns and they run through their rambling, and they run through their grudges on their opinion-shows.

They hold so fast to the biases of their owners.

Down through history, so much America doesn’t know.

Trump, 2, 3 , 4

Back off, 3, 4

Trump, 2, 3 , 4

Back off, 3, 4

Trump, 2, 3 , 4

Teasing – BONUS POST

Here’s a song that explains the secrecy of the Trump administrations.

TEASING

sung to the tune of “Grease” with apologies to Frankie Valli, and to whomever else the rights may concern.

Can’t solve the problems of media on-the-Right. They got a, profitable thing. Trump makes it quite a sight.

The co-dependent powers have made it so far. It’s a slow-reveal now, but we know who they are. Teasing the herd.

We know our government is just a growing pain. The media, understand, it’s just a historical game.

Trump goes from secret-deal to secret-deal. We’re biding our time right now. Eventually, the records will-be unsealed. Teasing the herd.

Teasing the herd, with every word, with every word.

Trump’s INFLUence tells us mean is in.

Teasing the viewers, and the listeners, and the readers, now teasing is the way to get ratings.

Trump puts on pressure and they throw away, all morality. Truth’s so yesterday.

The co-dependent powers have made it so far. It’s a slow-reveal now, but we know who they are. Teasing the herd.

Teasing the herd, with every word, with every word.

Trump’s INFLUence tells us mean is in.

Teasing the viewers, and the listeners, and the readers, now teasing is the way to get ratings.

It’s all one big illusion, total control. Makes you confused. That’s what they’re doing here.

Trump puts on pressure and they throw away, all morality. Truth’s so yesterday.

The co-dependent powers have made it so far. It’s a slow-reveal now, but we know who they are. Teasing the herd.

Teasing the herd, with every word, with every word.

Trump’s INFLUence tells us mean is in.

Teasing the viewers, and the listeners, and the readers, now teasing is the way to get ratings.

Teasing the herd, with every word, with every word.

Trump’s INFLUence tells us mean is in.

Teasing the viewers, and the listeners, and the readers, now teasing is the way to get ratings.

Teasing the herd, with every word,

with every word, with every word, with every word, with every word, with every word, with every word, with every word.

Secret Aging Man – BONUS POST

As is well known, the trade war launched by American president Trump is wreaking havoc on the world economically, as he has threatened to retaliate against Russia, Canada, India, Brazil, Mexico, the EU, etc., etc., etc. Meanwhile, he and his cronies are trying to keep his (infinite!) past sins a secret. Here’s a song about all that.

SECRET AGING MAN

sung to the tune of “Secret Agent Man” with apologies to Johnny Rivers, and to whomever else the rights may concern.

Trump’s a man who revels in his power.

His TACO deals keep changing by the hour.

With everything he spouts,

with more people– he’s on the outs.

Odds are, he’s losing his grip on tomorrow.

Secret aging man, secret aging man.

He and his slaves clam up,

as they immortalize his name.

Beware the petty demands that he makes.

A petty king will leave damage in his wake.

If you cross him in any way, big-time, he’ll make you pay.

Odds are, he’s losing his grip on tomorrow.

Secret aging man, secret aging man.

He and his slaves clam up,

as they immortalize his name.

Secret aging man, secret aging man.

He and his slaves clam up,

as they immortalize his name.

At his golf course in Scotland one day,

and then staging a media stunt the next day.

Oh yes, his reign has gone on too long.

Never stop shouting out his wrongs.

Odds are, he’s losing his grip on tomorrow.

Secret aging man, secret aging man.

He and his slaves clam up,

as they immortalize his name.

Secret aging man.

All the Worst Humans

The Book of the Week is “All the Worst Humans, How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons, and Politicians” by Phil Elwood, published in 2024. This short volume was authored by an alcoholic adrenaline-junkie and occasional drug addict who was happiest when he was afforded opportunities to use his creativity to help his clients weasel out of image-trouble, burnish their image, or launch a smear campaign.

Born around 1980, Elwood began to acquire valuable contacts in Washington, D.C. when he did a summer internship in the U.S. Senate. Elwood was pleasantly surprised that, after ruining his own reputation, one such contact wrote a recommendation letter on his behalf to help him get accepted to a different college.

Most of the time, the following publications are the major influencers on breaking news: Associated Press, Reuters, Bloomberg, Politico, Axios, New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal. The last three have a paywall– users must subscribe to them, and pay to read their articles. As is well known, in the last several decades, elected officials and their staffs in Washington, D.C., the media, the entertainment industry, Silicon Valley, professional sports and Wall Street have all incestuously melded together to create one big gossip circle. Readers who are no longer willing to pay for news, miss out on the gossip.

The author commented that there are currently a few tens of thousands of people who call themselves “journalists” while there are a few hundreds of thousands of people employed in the public relations industry. Very nearly all (except for this blog!) global communications are now sponsored-opinions, after so many decades of changes to information-sharing. Four of many milestones that set shameful precedents include:

In 1963, a journalist broke the taboo against prying into the personal lives of professional athletes when he revealed that Sandy Koufax was adopted. After that, privacy invasion became the norm.
In 1982, the New York Times eliminated the firewall between its editorial and advertising departments. Sports Illustrated did the same in the late 1980’s.
The year 1984 saw Republicans launch a fishing expedition of, and vicious smear campaign against Democrat vice-presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro’s husband. Even for modern times, the high level of nastiness was extreme– and Republicans have continued such behavior to date, more than the Democrats.
Beginning in the 1980’s, the FCC relaxed its antitrust laws, allowing Rupert Murdoch to create a monster-sized multimedia empire (by purchasing the New York Post newspaper, Twentieth Century Fox, HarperCollins and the Wall Street Journal, to name a few propaganda outlets) with its attendant extremely large concentration of resources that allowed for infinite conflicts of interest that afforded him and his cronies the kinds of growth opportunities that free-market competitors couldn’t possibly hope to match.

To get additional information on how money, power and political hacks have corrupted every aspect of how people find out what’s going on in the world, feel free to read all the posts in this blog’s category “Publishing Industry Including Newspapering.”

Anyway, the author planted the following naive passage in his writing: “Salaries in some newsrooms are going up. Private equity is buying up media companies left and right. Foreign nations are investing heavily, too. Lines of ethics are blurring.” Newsflash: all these trends are decades-old!

Nonetheless, read the book to learn of the author’s adventures in image-management.

Along these lines, here’s a song about yet another downfall of someone once-rich and powerful (brought to you by Elwood-style PR.). This is what the Democrats are singing to the American president, whose name rhymes with “rump” and “dump.”

MIDTERMS-KARMA

sung to the tune of “Instant Karma” (1970 version) with apologies to the Estate of John Lennon and to whomever else the rights may concern.

Midterms-karma is gonna get you.

Gonna flip the states that are Red.

You’ll try to give yourself a pardon.

No one will shut up and take your bread.

All the world has had enough,

laughing behind your back,

all over the earth you’re a TACO.

They know you go low, yeah, low.

Midterms-karma is gonna get you.

A man like you is once-and-always.

Even the “new” Nixon wasn’t the “new” Nixon.

Yours is an open and shut case.

Your sins, the whole world is gonna see.

You’ll be blasting the fools in your GOP.

Everyone on earth knows who you are. A has-been tsar.

Far Right you are.

Well, we all pile on.

Very soon you and your suck-ups will be gone.

Well, we all pile on. Everyone. Come on.

Midterms-karma is gonna get you.

You lay down with dogs, you got fleas.

You know a man is known by,

the company he keeps.

Everyone knows you’re outa here.

You’ve made so many live in pain and fear.

Why are you there, when you should be nowhere?

You got more than your share.

Well, we all pile on.

Very soon you and your suck-ups will be gone.

Well, we all pile on.

Gone and gone and gone, gone and gone.

Yeah, yeah, alright, uh-huh, uh.

Well, we all pile on.

Very soon you and your suck-ups will be gone.

Well, we all pile on.

Gone and gone and gone, gone and gone.

Well, we all pile on.

Very soon you and your suck-ups will be gone.

Well, we all pile on.

Very soon you and your suck-ups will be gone.

Well, we all pile on.

Very soon you and your suck-ups will be gone…

Lunatic Commie Guy – BONUS POST

Here’s a little ditty on the mayoral race in New York City, about Zohran Mamdani’s situation.

LUNATIC COMMIE GUY

sung to the tune of “Magic Carpet Ride” with apologies to Steppenwolf and to whomever else the rights may concern.

Trump likes to ream Dems out, yes yes

before his sycophantic crowd.

He’s got a stranglehold on the Right. In spades he shows his might.

Getting taxed, he fears.

He wants Mamdani out of there.

Well, you know well, what’s on Trump’s mind.

He tells you to vote against Zohran,

calls him a lunatic Commie guy.

We don’t know well, Mamdani.

He’s got big housing dreams, you see.

But social programs are never free.

Beware of LIES, all. Ask the budget SIZE, all.

Don’t let sound bites get in the way.

Like Dinkins – thirty years ago,

it’s near the end of Adams’ term.

New York City’s candidates’, mayoral campaigns are going low.

Just look around, no detailed plans can be found.

Well, you know well, what’s on Trump’s mind.

He tells you to vote against Zohran,

calls him a lunatic Commie guy.

We don’t know well, Mamdani.

He’s got big housing dreams you see.

But social programs are never free.

Beware of LIES, all. Ask the budget SIZE, all.

Don’t let sound bites get in the way.

Well, you know well, what’s on Trump’s mind.

He tells you to vote against Zohran,

calls him a lunatic Commie guy.

We don’t know well, Mamdani.

He’s got big housing dreams you see.

But social programs are never free.

Compromise – BONUS POST

Here’s what TACO Trump is singing now.

COMPROMISE

sung to the tune of “Break My Stride” with apologies to Matthew Wilder and to whomever else the rights may concern.

Last week I passed the greatest bill.
I hush up our debt to China.
I’m acting like Reagan kinda.
You’re mesmerized by my good-news mill.
I’ve sold you down the river. Ha ha. And you love me still. Thanks Fox.

I have to backtrack and compromise.
No dirty secret’s gonna slow me down. USA!
Never MIND my flip-flopPING.

I have to backtrack and compromise.
I will reign forever all-around. USA!
Never MIND my flip-flopPING.

My legend is growing.
I hope you forget my past.
With the bragging rights of Ali, I reveal the Democrats’ folly.
You turn to me to solve your problems at last.
I’m the reason why America’s so vast. Thanks Fox.

I have to backtrack and compromise.
No dirty secret’s gonna slow me down. USA!
Never MIND my flip-flopPING.

I have to backtrack and compromise.
I will reign forever all-around. USA!
Never MIND my flip-flopPING.

Never let another nation of the world,

rip us off again.

Never let another nation of the world,

threaten us with anything.

If we see another nation like that,

we will tell them

we won’t put up with you.

It kills-me-to say,