Some reflections by George Kennedy
A WARNING – ANONYMOUS by A Senior Trump Administration Official is a jarring, sobering read…a graphic account of life in the surreal universe that is the Trump White House.
I would argue the characterization that we are living through “one of the most consequential presidencies in American history” can be misleading unless it was followed by a line or two of context. The average reader might interpret that language in a generally favorable light and experience temporary cognitive dissonance given the daily tweets, distortions of truth and fact, and the behavior of the current president. Consequential, however, as described, represents scope and impact.
As an aside, the contrast between the public behavior of this Oval Office occupant and that of his immediate predecessor is so stark, one can’t help but wonder if what ANONYMOUS describes is fictionalized; a script for a horror film, not a 21st century American presidency.
Who star in the supporting roles that prop up this administration? ANONYMOUS identifies two types populating support roles: The Sycophant (pg. 224) and the Silent Abettor (pg. 225). Spend some time on these to understand those who would give us our daily dose of Trump unfiltered. To those who would harbor dreams of a career in public service, or a dream job serving an administration in Washington, or, perhaps a coveted position in the White House, which of the two identities fits comfortably? That is a valid question.
There is a magnetic quality about ANONYMOUS. The pages pull you in. Initially, you think: Wow! Really! No Way! As the mind begins to fog over, you think, How is this possible? If people knew… Why doesn’t someone say something? Do something? Resign. And, for me, the final phase: We are going to bear the consequences of this presidency for years to come.
The author offers hope in the Epilogue. We are advised that We are the solution to this horror show. Just as the current president is of our own making, so, too, is the solution if, by the end of this book, you feel a solution is warranted. Our choice.
