In case you’d forgotten (I did) about Trump’s bigly Patriot Games as of yesterday they are underway. I think it’s already safe to say the whole thing, so grandly promoted when Trumpty announced them as part of our nation’s 250th anniversary are a flop. At least unlike his grand Reflecting Pool project where he tried to make it ‘American Flag Blue’ few will notice when these Games are over.
Did I say Games? I can’t help but think of a scene from the movie Chariots of Fire where the organizer of a track and field meet gets assurances from professional trainer Sam Mussambini he’s just there to observe and not coach. When told “Well, enjoy the games” Mussambini turns away mumbling “Games? I’ve seen better organized riots.” The thing about these “Games” is that as is so often the case with Trump they aren’t exactly (or for that matter close to) what he promised. This Daily Beast report breaks down why I refer to the whole thing as a “Charlie Fox” (military slang for Cluster F**k to avoid offending people.
Originally this was supposed to be a way for top level young athletes (each state would be represented) to showcase their abilities. In theory it wasn’t a terrible idea. Alas, it’s turned out to be what we all should have known it would as the whole thing has devolved into MAGA madness:
The president’s Patriot Games, which are airing on the ESPN app from Aug. 9 to 13, were initially billed as a new national competition featuring one boy and one girl from each American state or territory competing against one another as a way of “celebrating the character, determination, and excellence that define the American spirit.”
But a review by CNN found that contenders were not chosen solely for their athletic ability, but also for their love of MAGA.
I got a kick out of that last part. Competitors were chosen not so much for athletic ability but on how high they scored on the ole MAGA-Meter. It turns out the contestant who range in age from 14-17 are mostly white and are homeschooled or attend ‘Christian’ schools. It gets better. It seems many don’t even live in the state/area they are representing! I don’t know about you but that makes me wonder how many teens even volunteered (or were ‘volunteered’ in the first place. Even in the most Blue states there are plenty of home schooled teens or those who attend Christian Schools. In fact many such schools, especially Catholic ones have outstanding inter-scholastic sports programs! Of course most of those institutions focus on well-rounded academics and don’t engage in the White Christian Nationalist crap.
No, love of MAGA and devotion to Trump seems to have been more important than athletic ability. So in order to get good athletes to represent all the states shuffling some competitors was necessary. For example we have a male competitor from Texas representing Puerto Rico. Then there’s Bobbi Vickers representing Massachusetts who is from California! She actually spoke on the record with reporters from CNN:
Vickers told CNN that she herself was surprised to be representing Massachusetts. “I get a bunch of questions like, why are you representing Massachusetts and not your home state?” Vickers told CNN.
I wonder if she’s been disqualified and sent home? This is exactly the kind of embarrassing detail coming out The Daily Beast referred to in the headline of the linked article. Oh well. The article makes a point of the politicized undertone to the whole thing. It notes that most told CNN made a point of thanking (their) Trumpty for the opportunity to take part. And of course their ‘Christian’ faith.
I called this whole thing a Cluster F**k and given the level of preparation and organization, or more accurately lack thereof it’s clear this was just another stunt meant to promote Trump. Those competing went into the whole thing not even knowing what events would be held!
The only event confirmed to the competitors in advance was a 100-meter dash, The Washington Times reported. “I’m not 100 percent sure what’s going to be happening. I’m definitely training all around, just to prepare,” Max Biondolillo, a 16-year-old contestant from Florida, told the outlet.
Several contestants told CNN they were unclear about how some events were scored, especially team events like dodgeball.
“I don’t know how that’s going to work, that’s kind of a gamble for me,” Ohio representative Liam Nies told CNN. “No two teams are equal, so it’s really if you get the better team or you don’t.”
What a joke. From the time this was announced inevitable comparisons were made to the Hunger Games series of movies. Lot’s of wisecrack jokes, memes and articles ensued. And poor little Petey Hegseth probably thought he was going to watch stuff that would groom future “Warriors” for his effed up version of our military. I’m sure he’s off somewhere in a funk complaining about no steel cage bare-knuckled fights. Or shooting competitions and other stuff. I doubt Trump has seen any of those movies but likely heard a VERY general description. Just with the part about what happens to the fictional President Snow at the end left out.
Still, when you think about it Trump IS a combination of Snow and the Effie character. He’s doing his damndest to create an America with a “Capitol” filled with gluttonous privileged people with everywhere else is filled with people toiling away in misery and poverty to provide the residents of the Capitol all the luxuries they consider their birthright.
As for the winners (however they are determined but their ability to suck up to Trump will likely be the determining factor) are slated for a prize. One boy and one girl are supposed to get a $250,000 scholarship. Vegas odds makers should already have a line on odds as to whether either ‘winner’ will see a dime of that money. My bet is a firm NO. Anyone care to tell me I’m wrong?
