A Boisterous Book Club Meeting (Satire)

This was the first in-person meeting of a new book club organized through our local library. The initial book to review was "Water for Elephants," a decision made via a Zoom meeting. The A/V system at the library wasn't functioning, so our moderator left the meeting room for several minutes to seek technical support. Shortly thereafter, one participant (Rocco) brought up politics and asked several of us in the room how Trump was doing as President. This is a fictional story about how such a dialogue could unfold in today's emotionally charged political climate.

Rocko said, "What about that military parade he organized? Wasn't that great? It was also nice to celebrate his birthday."

I responded, "In actuality, that celebration was about the 250th anniversary of the US Army. Being Trump, he made it about his birthday, which occurred on the same day." I pondered to myself, "Wasn't that only what a narcissist would do?"

Maggie, another participant, joined in, "Yes, millions were spent, but I heard on a rural AM radio station that Trump paid for the parade from his pocket. If he didn't, perhaps Mr. Tesla did?"

I paused to realize that both Maggie's and Rocco's comments need clarification. "Sorry, the US taxpayer footed the bill; it was between $25 million and $45 million. Sadly, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was arbitrarily eliminating certain federal departments to save money, but he insisted on having a parade. If the Trump administration is so concerned about saving money, why have a parade at all? Additionally, their accountants are unaware of the actual costs. Talk about not being good stewards of the purse strings."

Rocko said, "I don't believe that even if I read that in the newspaper, I won't buy these numbers. It's just liberal media hating again on Trump. Honestly, if places like North Korea and Russia can have military parades, why can't America show them what a real "military parade" looks like?"

I shifted the topic of Trump to Israel: "While we're talking about Trump, why does he have the absolute support of Israel and its current government?"

Maggie was quick to say, "As a Christian, this land is very sacred to me. My church friends think we should refer to it as the Holy Land. If you're Christian and considering that Jesus was born and raised there, why not a new name?"

I decided to add a little perspective on Netanyahu, "The Prime Minister of Israel is perhaps engaged in military conflicts to stay in power. Indeed, several charges are awaiting him once he leaves office; he'll do everything in his power to maintain control. Even though half of the Israelis can't stand Netanyahu, they know it's wise to wait with the potential prosecution until he leaves office.

Rocco was so anxious to add without hearing what I said: "The Arabs and Arab lovers here in America are chanting, 'River to the sea' while demonstrating on college campuses. I think Israelis should be chanting that instead. I trust Trump, Netanyahu, and the Israeli government, so I do not believe anything contrary to my belief."

Gaza came to mind, and I interjected, "Do either of you have an issue with what's occurring for the last 18 months in Gaza? Over 50,000 women and children have been killed as Israel went into Gaza to destroy Hamas. Do you have any moral issues with what's occurring there?"

Rocco feels that whoever voted for Hamas is stuck. "I have no sympathy because they vote for Hamas to take power, and besides, they hate Israel and support Hamas."

I jumped in and said, "Indeed, the attack by Hamas on October 7 was horrendous, so we can all agree about that. However, considering you're Christian, do you feel for those innocent people in Gaza?"

Maggie shook her head towards me to convey she feels only a few people were harmed and said, "The Israeli army is careful not to harm children, women, first aid workers, and members of the media. They're only after Hamas. But honestly, I shouldn't say more because I don't know much about international politics; I'm too busy working three jobs to spend time on this topic."

I jump to a topic at the front of people's minds and say, "Recently, Trump appeared to reach out to the evangelical wing of MAGA, who wanted the US to intervene on Israel's behalf in its fight against Iran. Should the US or Israel have the right to determine which country gets a nuclear bomb?"

Both Rocco and Maggie want to jump in, and both say, "Iran is evil. They're doing what's best for America and Israel."

I add, "Did you hear what Vice President Vance told ABC News? 'No, we're not at war with Iran, Jon. We're at war with Iran's nuclear program. And I think the President took decisive action to destroy that program last night.' Isn't that like saying the Japanese, before December 7, 1941, weren't at war with America, just with America's military fleet in Hawaii? Any comments?"

Rocco claims, "The media hates Trump, Vance, and MAGA, so they're constantly twisting things. He's a conscientious leader with a measured approach and wouldn't say such a thing."

I attempt to provide a little historical perspective. "I see that Iranians are chanting 'Death to America', are they doing this to give them something to do? I wonder why they hate the US so much. In 1953, the United States overthrew a democratically elected Iranian government. They needed a puppet there and a friend of the US. I think oil had something to do with it. And why hasn't Israel signed a Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty? They've been saying for at least 13 years that Iran is only a year away from attaining a nuclear weapon."

Maggie claims no one should trust the Iranian government. "I hear often on Fox News and read on Truth Social that Iran is evil, so that's what I'm believing."

I'll add more perspective, "Do you know that the Obama administration, with several other European nations, reached an agreement with Iran called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)? If the Iranian government reneged on the agreement, the US would have plenty of time to respond, if necessary, militarily. And Trump tore up that agreement in 2018, not sure why, but here we are."

I provided another perspective, "Many here in the States say we shouldn't let a rogue nation like Iran get nuclear weapons.  How about North Korea? They're a rogue state and have nuclear weapons. Remember all the talk by Trump about how he can get along with Kim Jong-un and how they have a cordial relationship? Now, they have nuclear weapons. How did that foreign policy work out for Trump during his first administration? It's interesting he never mentions this."

I look at Rocco and Maggie and realize they're unaware that North Korea has nuclear weapons.

Rocco nervously replies, "There's no way that North Korea has nuclear weapons. That would be insanity if they did."

I quietly think that five or ten minutes of research will bring this fact to life.

Rocco said, "I don't have any time to study anything about North Korea."

I mumble to myself, "Ignorance is bliss."

At this point, I realize they've both MAGA before Maggie speaks, "Trump is all about peace. I completely trust him when he repeatedly says that."

With the potential new war, I said, "Ok, we have the Gaza conflict, which has been occurring for over a year, with many innocent civilians killed. We also have the potential conflict between the US/Israel, and Iran. And let's not forget the ongoing conflict in Ukraine."

I couldn't resist one of Trump's campaign promises and say, "Didn't Trump say on multiple occasions that he could end the Ukrainian War in one day? How has that worked out?"

Rocco thinks it's unfair to mention that because Trump now realizes how complex and challenging geopolitical conflicts can be.

I continue, "It's fair to say because he made that commitment dozens of times on the campaign trail. Was he intentionally misleading the American people?"

Maggie thinks the war hasn't ended because Ukraine won't cooperate with Russia, and Putin doesn't want to lose any more land from Mother Russia.

I ask Maggie, "The fact is that Russia invaded Ukraine, so they're just defending themselves."

At this point, it has been confirmed to me that disinformation and propaganda are widespread on social media and among certain cable news networks.

I'm a little annoyed at this point, feeling that my facts and opinions are not penetrating their MAGA minds and say, "You know, President Trump is an executive-in-chief like none that have preceded him. He rarely reads and is ignorant not only of American history but also of European, Asian, and Middle Eastern history. Are you bothered by this?"

Maggie is not at all bothered by this, saying, "No, many Americans are ignorant of history, like me, so why should I bother about his history ignorance if he still gets the job done? It's not about the process; it's about the result, which is important."

At this point, our moderator returns to the room to begin discussing our book review. We all take a deep breath, knowing that our discussion hasn't changed anyone's mind.

Well, at least we have the book "Water for Elephants" to review.

A Boisterous Book Club Meeting (Satire)