Solely these my age may keep in mind that laugh-line. It’s from Molly (in her Wistful Vista dwelling, through the favored radio’s Johnson Wax Program, “Fibber McGee and Molly”, from 1940-1959).
Molly would lament “t’aint humorous, McGee” as her fumbling husband, “Fibber,” was overwhelmed by the contents tumbling out, as he unwittingly–for the umpteeth time–opened the door of their over-stuffed closet. Related chaos appears to be tumbling round about us right now.
It wasn’t humorous then, at the least to not Molly, after hundreds of repetitions. It isn’t humorous now. Humor will not be working. One of the best SNL, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert (or different comedians, and even cartoons, memes) can do is to remind us–gratingly–of the ugly insurance policies and politicians in energy. On-line or through podcasts, those that resolve to make use of coarse language—particularly the “F” phrase—to blast Musk, Patel, Kennedy, or “you-know-who” to attempt to ridicule the highly effective, solely reach giving him and his appointees extra visibility. Neither do the makes an attempt by the highly effective themselves to be humorous succeed.
Final night time, on the magnificent, profitable “Frida Fest,” Edinburg, Texas, associates I met have been laughing AT, not WITH Hegseth, as he demanded withdrawal of the identify of one of many planes carrying atomic bombs over Japan on the finish of World Struggle II, the “Enola Homosexual” (so named for the mom of the pilot, NOT any “DEI” or “woke” that means). Are different occasions or insurance policies humorous?
How do you make enjoyable of slashing help to techniques that alert the world to areas of famine (CNN, 9 March 25)? How can we nonetheless chuckle at you-know-who, claiming, “as a star, they allow you to do something; simply seize ’em by the pussy.” The humor is gone; the joke’s on him. Or, at a extra large stage, cute or humorous: the “harmful” cuts to the NOAA (Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) the company outfitted to foretell hurricanes; is that humorous? (Al Roker, Parade, 9 Mar 25).
Or (oh, so many “ors”) . . . suppose you’re a Veteran, like me (Officer, US Military Intelligence) and also you hear Republican Congressman Scott Perry declare large cuts to Veterans Affairs “is not going to have an effect on veterans” (“Scalpel, Not Hatchet,” 2Paragraphs, 9 Mar 25). Now you’ll be able to wryly chuckle, veteran or not.
Or, you’re Hispanic, maybe like Jesus Machado, in Virginia, citizen, Trump-voter, arrested and focused for deportation (Jackie Becerra, Telemundo, 8 Mar 25). Not but humorous? You’re OK with that?
So, not a Vet? Not Hispanic? Simply one other human being, attempting to remain alive? Attempt making jokes concerning the unfold of measles, in lots of circumstances because of Kennedy’s lengthy preaching in opposition to vaccinations Humor, even in very skilled, skilled palms, newbie palms, or from no matter supply, is insufficient to confront, to subdue this onslaught of grotesque information about irrational insurance policies.
The one factor I can consider—granted not very humorous—is one thing from my historical previous: “the fox is within the hen home.” Rather less than half the voters allowed him in. Will they’ve “purchaser’s regret?” Will it come quickly sufficient? Will cozying up with Russia, chopping ourselves off from the WHO (World Well being Group), from NATO, from the United Nations (voting with North Korea!) result in catastrophe? Many say it can. Many say, “already too late!”
I can’t consider that. I belief the great half of voting residents, these extra progressive, those that are anti-racist, anti-misogynist, those that consider in good authorities, in democracy, in US traditions, will—one way or the other–handle to withstand and overcome. Sorry, I can’t say how or when. However I’ll let you know I’m not laughing.
Editor’s Word: The above visitor column was penned by author Dr. Gary Joe Mounce, a professor emeritus (political science) at The College of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He will be reached by e-mail through: gjmounce@gmail.com.
