Author: Joel Levin

Almost 50 years ago, when I was in 7th grade in junior high school – before we knew better and decided to universalize middle schools in an attempt to segregate those who had experienced puberty on the one end, but had not turned into full-fledged bullies, prima donnas, anxiety disabled, or egomaniacs on the other – I had my first encounter with local government in action.

The sins of Donald Trump are, and have been without his many daily additions, too long to list. One of these often left in mentioned is that, by his very presence and the words he then utters or tweets, he causes other Republicans, even Republicans otherwise intelligent, reasonable, and careful, to say things that are ridiculous.

The recent events in the Capitol Building are so surprising, so unexpected, so unprecedented and, at this point, so foggy, that one hesitates to offer any early comments.

This is the Season of Pardons, the time at the end of the term of an executive, governor, or President, when for reasons no one seems to know, it is safe or appropriate or reasonable or prudent, or just plain a good idea, suddenly to pardon people or to commute their sentences, people who in some cases deserve pardons or commutations when the executive first assumed office, not as he or she was leaving it.

Those lucky enough to visit the Museo Del Prado – the justly revered museum of Spanish and European art in central Madrid – would encounter the stunning, terrifying, but mesmerizing painting, The Colossus.