It is the animus that was so striking. It was almost palpable, as if it could literally be seen, be touched.
The Republican party gloating through a 100 minute put down of the Dems, former President Biden treated as vermin, sliced, diced and hung out to dry. The entire Democratic party scolded for not pledging allegiance to the destruction of our values, of our very democracy, as Donald Trump preened, pontificated, prevaricated and advised that even should he find a cure to cancer (which I certainly can well imagine given his overriding concern for the welfare of others and his near mythic attention to study) those who consider him abhorrent would find insufficient cause to kiss his ring.
I must have been one of millions directing my venom at a TV screen, at the man who appeared thrilled by the incredible damage he has done in six short weeks. And at the bobbing heads behind him who found such unadulterated joy in the President's caustic remarks, in his clear and constant determination to exacerbate the hatred between the aisles and sow the seeds of division and discord.
The State of the Union (although this technically was not) has always been a charade, masked in solemnity. One party filled with applause, the other fully aggrieved. The divided state of America.
But never has the President been such a willing advocate for unequivocal, unqualified dissension.
Never before, without regard or regret, treating the other party as the enemy within.
I wasn't directing anything at any screen.
I did NOT watch, nor did I listen to that vile Fascist. I did not want to hear his vile voice and I did not want to contribute to his ratings. He is vile and should be removed from office immediately. He is vile and deserves to die an agonizing death.