Trump, King Saul, And Other Insecure Rulers

[@deborahgillen4219]

As I watched the funeral for Pres. Carter yesterday, I couldn't help but notice that before the service, as all the former presidents and first ladies sat quietly and thoughtfully before the service, Trump was trying to engage in conversation with Pres. Obama, who smiled, laughed a bit, chatted a bit. I felt sorry for Obama, who I felt was in that awkward situation of having to be polite when one really is just wishing the other person would shut up. Throughout the service, when the camera panned the row of former presidents, Trump was antsy, wiggling, flipping randomly through the program. Two things seemed clear to me: that Trump has had so little experience in church that he doesn't know how to act, even at a funeral, and that he was restless because the focus wasn't on him.

[@sbrown5924]

His evil spirits shouldn’t feel comfortable in a church of God. I couldn’t help noticing that he was expecting people to acknowledge him as tho he should be at the center of attention.

[@williamfinch9858]

Obama was smiling and laughing because even a broken clock like Trump is right twice a day about loving thy enemies. Notice that Trump was not there to call out Jimmy Carter’s perceived sins. People who attend funerals to call out the sins of the deceased are there to be a nuisance for the sake of being a nuisance.

[@sbrown5924]

@creater-h8s as it should be for the sitting President and VP.

[@julietfischer5056]

He has to be the center of attention. And he might have indulged in the stimulants of his choice.

[@kimbrake4028]

Did you see that he looked like he was asleep at one point.

[@bonniespruin6369]

As a Canadian, it's really scaring me how Hitlerish Trump is sounding, even worse than before.

[@kaceykelly7222]

We Americans are as scared as you! I hope that the "sane" people here & in Canada will figure a way to get him out of the White House!

[@libbycollins9349]

I’m waiting for the little mustache to sprout.

[@anitagrey9059]

Would you talk about the little horn. I believe that time is here

[@julietfischer5056]

@@kaceykelly7222- Then we have Vance. Nothing really changes.

[@Anabee3]

Same (as an American, tho). I'm not scared- Jesus covered me in his blood& is with me always. But it DOES make me cringe to think what djt might have up his sleeve (maybe worse than Hitler)- "as birthing pains). I blv Hitler was meant to be a warning/ a "brace-yourself as mini-anti-Christ. Yet, look at the millions upon millions practically (some LITERALLY) worshipping djt...the man who emulates him on a regular basis. Often VERBATIM. E.G: "I am your redeemer. I, alone, will fix it!" THEEE anti-Christ will make the same claim. And..at that point, & even more ppl will be in even worse dire straights& desperate for a savior. I'm surprised to hear this pastor say he compares Djt to Saul. Saul repented & turned to Christ. I can't see djt doing that. Trump is Trump: another warning. And again- despite bits of relief inbtwn.. birthing pains only get worse, overall. God is certainly separating the wheat from chaffe.

[@suek.1507]

I am completely disgusted with my country right now.

[@A3Kr0n]

It's less stressful to think of it as a natural progression of things.

[@suek.1507]

@A3Kr0n There's nothing natural about any of this.

[@bradmalinowski]

Me too!

[@rev.leonidasw.smiley6300]

…pray for us, please.

[@davidmartin4683]

You are a citizen of Heaven!

[@marionopisso212]

It's sad to see President Carter leave us, but it will be hilarious to see the flag flying at half-staff during Trump's inauguration! A true sentiment of mourning in America!!

[@barbcarrier3702]

Yes! Love it!!!

[@colleenv5040]

It’s fitting especially for what the country is about to go through.

[@sdgakatbk]

🤣

[@GwenMeek]

God has a sense of humor

[@leahsodyssey123]

Be expecting him to make flying flags at half staff during inaugurations illegal

[@chrislaustin]

When it comes to DJT, everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING, is all about him, me, me, and me. NEVER about you, him or her, he is the center of the universe and a good portion of the USA decided he was the best person to put back in to office for 4 more years to solve "our" problems. Yeah, good luck with that.

[@mickeyhadley4281]

For the “savior” that so many in his base claim he is I’ve never heard him give credit to God for one single thing.

[@kbonfogg]

@@mickeyhadley4281 It’s creepy to me, how some Christians seem to worship the guy. I guess I watched too many scary movies when I was a kid.

[@knowbody5292]

@@kbonfogg it's not your or the movies. The issue is that so many do not recognize the proven danger.

[@deankostas7214]

Naturally, l wing will interpret anxious support of Trump as worship. Other than a few misguided, or fanatics, most believers know not worship a person? Obviously, critics of Trumps restoration are well off, or fear their removal? They don't care about inflation, marxist globalism, or safety of the nation?

[@davidmartin4683]

America/murica is not in the Bible, so that b wing said, you belong to Christ,he is the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! MARANATHA

[@sandicianciulli3463]

I'm totally ASHAMED of this country and the people who are euphoric about being cruel and hateful to please a man who doesn't have the capacity to care about anyone but himself. I long for the days when it was OK to disagree with someone without worrying about insults and death threats. This is what the "bronze-faced monster" has done to our once great country. I'm wondering if this isn't the result of nearly 50 years of deliberate cuts to public education. This will bite them too!

[@knowbody5292]

Excellent and accurate post. I would say this is more about the result of 50 years of depriving the working class of a fair share of the value they produce. The people are not dumb, they know what trump is all about. The people are full of rage and trump and his collaborators provide the people with targets for their rage and a permission structure to act on that rage. Every democratic nation becomes vulnerable to fascism when they have economic problems.

[@edbudzynski729]

As a veteran, serving in two branches and taking the oath to defend the constitution, I’ve never been ashamed of my country before. Truly a sad day when Trump assumes the office again. I’ll never forget that J6 insurrection or private bone spurs.

[@adaywithoutdonald64]

I stupidly thought that veterans would not support someone who publicly called our war dead as losers and suckers. Sadly. I was wrong.

[@deankostas7214]

@@edbudzynski729 Trump frequenty talks in generality? Was the one reporting on Trumps, alleged, lack of respect an official Trump fired or released? Troops should certainly be honored and respected. Was Trump, w unwise lang, referring to unfortunate youth patrioticaly answering the draft, caused by LBJs lies to involve the U.S. in a type of civ war, supporting a corrupt regime ag an aggressive brutal communist aggressor? This ended after many yrs at great cost of lives, materiel, and defeat!

[@libbycollins9349]

Great timing, as sentencing just confirmed Trump’s status as a convicted felon. The parallels in character and judgment between Trump and the fallen nature of Saul. Anger and paranoia, self importance and insecurity.

[@ad-dx9gi]

Well Said....DT a Felon...not what a President should be...

[@dianebannister4591]

Even though Trump didn't get a punishment for him convictions, he gets a permanent LABEL of Convicted Felon. I'm sure that irritates the heck out of him.

[@libbycollins9349]

@@dianebannister4591 I sure hope so; I think he’s pretty insecure, so the label has to be hard. I’ve hoped for SOMETHING to change his heart…I’m not holding my breath.

[@sfl6306]

I KEEP ASKING people to watch your podcast even though I’m a hardcore atheist 😂🙆‍♀️

[@sbrown5924]

I think the Flag being at half staff is fitting being that we should be in mourning for the fact he is going to be the President. God’s judgement is coming 🙏🏼✝️

[@eliscanfield3913]

As you know, the Felon in Chief has always thought it's about him. One can hope he'll finally get that it isn't all about him, but elderly men rarely change such fundamental ways of thinking & this one seems particularly unwilling to learn, well, anything.

[@danjohnston9037]

I seem to recall that Trump did not attend Biden's Inauguration

[@vettnetkramer1233]

You are correct.

[@dianebannister4591]

Trump did not attend Biden's Inauguration. Worse, he fired his Butler right before Biden took the Oath of Office so that President Biden and First Lady Jill couldn't get into the White House after the Inauguration. I remember watching on TV and seeing the Bidens at the door outside in the cold, standing waiting and not able to get in. That was malicious of Trump to do that.

[@suzannederusha1370]

Remember that the felon is the master of distraction, it’s really important to stay away from getting distracted and feeling powerless.

[@gram2977]

Oh poor baby Donnie is upset and offended…..what else is new. He constantly whines like a spoiled two year old. In his narcissistic crazy mind it IS all about him. He is definitely like Saul. He will never see or understand that it is NOT about him, it is about the nation. God help us all. Thanks Rev Ed.

[@Sailor-Man-Dave]

Excellent analogy, Rev. Ed! Let's pray that there's a David somewhere in our near future to rescue us from this insecure toddler.

[@kbonfogg]

Jimmy is a Saint in my book. He was honest, caring, loving and extremely courageous during his entire life. God Blessed this country with Jimmy Carter after the Watergate fiasco and we rejected him for the easier path offered by Regan’s beta version of MAGA. Forty five years later….

[@What_do_I_Think]

Reagan paved the way for MAGA and he was a traitor even before he was elected (US hostages in Iran)

[@libbycollins9349]

Reagan changed the trajectory. Rich getting richer as a good thing for the rest who aren’t getting ahead.

[@kbonfogg]

@@libbycollins9349 Absolutely, I couldn’t believe it when working people actually voted for Regan the second time. Like yogi Barra said, it’s déjà vu all over again.

[@reneeparker7475]

Jimmy Carter exemplified the President we should have and Donald Trump exemplifies how far down the Presidency has gone.

[@JoAnnFuir]

Mr. Carter wasn't a very good President. But, he was a true servant of Christ. He was humble and kind. He was a great humanitarian. 😊

[@reneeparker7475]

@@JoAnnFuir He may not have been good in your opinion, but he was the best in mine.

[@JoAnnFuir]

@@reneeparker7475 Carter was too nice to be a US President. The job really took a toll on him. He did great things after his time as President. Carter was a true Christian gentleman and humanitarian.

[@stormyweather2807]

President Carter was a much better potus than he's been given credit for, and President Reagan was much worse.

[@Indigo42Kitsune]

I just hope that the next four years aren’t a disaster here in the USA.

[@davidellis4084]

It is a given that they will be a disaster if Trump enacts his stated policies. I think that the only question is, how bad of a disaster is it going to be? I lean towards apocalyptic. 😞

[@What_do_I_Think]

I am sorry, but I must say that, even if it is harsh: I think it would be BETTER for the US and maybe even the world if it will be a disaster, bc else the Trumpf voters and the non-voters will never learn.

[@petercoo9177]

@@davidellis4084 Yes, I came here to say just that. I am not a resident of the U.S. myself, but I can't see anyway it could come out otherwise, and we are all going to be hit by the blowback. I only wish I could be a Kiwi or Aussie, and thereby a bit more sheltered from the damage it will cause.

[@Iceburgh6901]

I think that the entire reason Trump's upset is precisely BECAUSE it isn't about him. I'd like to be able to say that he's done things for reasons beyond himself, but I genuinely can't think of any.

[@Anabee3]

Uhhh🧐... Yeah....🤷‍♀️that's exactly what Priest Ed JUST NOW SAID. Soooo...okay then..💁‍♀️...uhm...👍glad you agree, I guess? 💁‍♀️

[@georgedunn320]

The wicked flee though none pursueth. The insane find personal insult in things that have nothing to do with them. We call it "delusions of persecution."

[@robinc6324]

Saul was so mad and jealous of David. Saul was the king the people wanted.

[@thomaselliot2257]

I was surprised to see SAUL at the funeral of Carter Equally surprised to see him being pally with Obama, though i would like to know what he was saying to make Obama smile. Not surprised that he was the only one to seem to respond at Biden's eulogy and talking about the misuse of power. You always bring up excellent points that I never think of, like this is not about the person, it is about the country. If only SAUL could hear your message, not that it would change his way of thinking.

[@lisarandleman6141]

@@thomaselliot2257 It was an act. On both sides. For trump was feeling the sting of the snubs and engagement with anyone soothed his narcissism. For Obama, if you recall, at the 2017 inauguration, he was civil after how many months of constant jibes, racism and birtherism. Melania also engaged in birtherism too. Obama has class and dignity.

[@omk5354]

Agree with you Rev. Ed. We can pray Trump will learn to overcome his paranoia and insecurities. But after 78 years on earth, his transformation is highly unlikely.

[@julietfischer5056]

He thinks he's tough and decisive. So he sees no need for change.

[@nancypirro7280]

I’ve been thinking that having Donald Trump as president now is Gods judgment on the US for idolatry. And Trump does remind me of Saul.

[@Dachusblot]

Idolatry, greed, racism, selfishness... the US has many sins that we refuse to fix or even acknowledge. I would argue it's less God's judgment and more just God allowing us to experience the consequences of our actions.

[@LMABelanger]

​​@@Dachusblotyeah but it can change. Shine that light bright for the world, love and light are the way. I love you ❣️ remember that. People love you. 🇨🇦💯🌟✨💫🌙☀️⭐🕊️🤍🕯️💙🙏?🇨🇦🇺🇸?

[@ikeus685]

@@Dachusblot As America has voted Barrabus over the desires of this nation, America has recived the president our nation's greed, hatred for others and lusting after more and more. Trump is exactly who the American people deserve and hopefully thru these next four years Americans can learn the stupidity and foolishness of this level of greed and hatered and, gets purged from our collective soul.

[@K.L.M.Online]

Not all of America. Let’s not forget that many Americans are as appalled as we are.

[@WilliamRoop-xt6rp]

To anyone who believes that they are the ONLY person that matters, everything is about THEM It reminds me of DJT's 1st term where he dreamt of military parades to rival Russian and N Korean parades.

[@dianebannister4591]

On January 9, 2025, Thursday, I watched several videos about the services for President Jimmy Carter. I listened to Eulogies from various persons. They said beautiful things about the qualities of Carter and how when he left the White House, his life was dedicated to service to others including his work abroad. As I watched the next president sitting there, I wondered if any of those words about Carter's good character and good deeds penetrated him. Would anything ever touch his mind, heart and spirit to wake him up to pursuing a true path of God in life. Bless the soul of Jimmy Carter.🙏 And God help save our country the next 4 years.

[@witwisniewski2280]

We are here because hardly anyone understands pathological narcissism. Even the Good Book tries to overcome this existential ignorance.

[@larrykelly-kf5pp]

Australian here. Thankyou for your wise words

[@paulpfeifer2612]

To him, it's about hating Democrats.

[@robertstabley8323]

To him, it's all about him!

[@ikeus685]

Any who possess an ounce of integrity, decency, honesty compassion, empathy, honor. You know those desirable traits everyone needs to possess to grow as a viable and decent human being.

[@deathdrop1]

I will not watch the inauguration because I personally don't like the man and never will. However, since it will be on the Martin Luther King holiday I plan doing a day of service as I have done in the past.

[@libbycollins9349]

Beautiful.

[@geraldammons5520]

Could not have been better said!!

[@Bonitabocha]

Bless you Brother of my heart! Glenn and I have been praying for the president elect since the moment he came down the escalator all those years ago. As he has traveled through the psyche of most Americans, I have been amazed at how the scripture has spoken to me about how to think about the person he is; Saul’s mind set and struggle with worth, self awareness, etc. best fits the narrative. Thank you for sharing this and putting into words the wisdom which is spelled out in 1 Samuel. Amen! BTW: NICE SHIRT 😉

[@francesmarino7593]

Remember trump didn't pass the torch to bidden

[@renater.540]

Thank you so much Rev. Trevors. Although being a European observing the US from afar, I gained much insight from your thoughtful words. Your sermon deserves much more than a single 👍. I would very much love to give greater sign of appreciation. Please take it from my words...

[@dianeclaycomb8578]

After mourning President Carter I would argue that our nation is in political distress and the flag should be flown accordingly. 🤔😉🙃

[@rev.leonidasw.smiley6300]

…you have a fortunate congregation, you are a blessed speaker.

[@martinaparrrish5397]

As I was watching the ceremony for President Carter,I could"nt help but wonder what good things would be said about Trump when it is his turn..What an excellent man President Carter was.

[@julietfischer5056]

The good thing? Depends on what this nation looks like when that happens.

[@ad-dx9gi]

Thanks Rev Ed great chat... Well DT is a official Felon mmmm thats not very Presidential... God Bless 🕊️

[@jaydaniels8698]

words of wisdom a shame it will never penetrate

[@mandelharvey3429]

Trump bad mouthed Jimmy Carter. Jimmy Carter goes to Trump and asks for money to good around the world. Didn't seek retribution or anything. Just, let's go from here and do good. Didn't waste his breath chastening. Honored Trump's capacity and offered an opportunity to help people.

[@dabbinoctopus]

Rev Ed, firstly, thank you so much for your salient messages of faith and fortitude. They have fortified me over these past weeks and months, and I am grateful for them and for you. Secondly, Tim Miller of The Bulwark just quoted Ephesians 6:13. Could you perhaps speak on this, particularly in the context of the challenges we face with this incoming "leadership"?

[@susancarr9955]

The words trump and wisdom in the same sentence is an oxymoron.

[@utubota5522]

Rev. Ed, as usual you are inspiring. Thank you.

[@marisolmagana9644]

So full of truth!!

[@scj2117]

TFG isn't even the first person to have this happen. Nixon's was during mourning for Truman. I have been thinking of Trump as Saul for a while. When certain folks have liken him to David (anointed, God's chosen, but flawed), I thought of Saul... yes anointed but not able to resist the temptation of power, and then deposed.

[@jimmidean77]

I feel like we are in an alternate reality. Nothing seems real. I cannot believe so many people agree with what is going on in our country/world. So much hate and division. This whole situation is incomprehensible.

[@obviousalias9506]

According to recent numbers I saw, more registered voters in the US didn't vote at all, than voted for either Trump or Harris. I'm not certain whether that's better, or worse? Be well!

[@timothyj.bowlby5524]

Like the T-for-Tennessee T shirt.

[@revedtrevors4961]

It was a gift from some friends in Tennessee

[@helenalderson6608]

Of course, explaining this only works for rational people

[@timothyj.bowlby5524]

Well said, Pastor Ed.

[@jtsimmons3133]

When our perspective turns inward, disaster becomes our destination.

[@JamesSutton-ip2oi]

I see an analogous connection with our nation as well. The people wanted a king. God said, 'I'm your King.' But the people persisted, and their first king was Saul. They liked Saul. He was tall and strong. Other nations would fear this man. And they got everything that went with him --- (as you pointed out) his ego, his insecurity, his vengeful motivations, his desire to create a family dynasty, putting self above the nation, and on and on. When God says, "you don't want this," and He warns us about leaders like Trump as He warned Israel against human leaders back in the day, it won't end well. I hope we don't pay a price as great as Israel did for their deafness.

[@renater.540]

Well said

[@robertsaulTN]

Always on point Reverend Ed. Nice shirt by the way.

[@phaedrussocrates7636]

Thank you

[@AngelaDavis-yz3xf]

I can only compare him to the lying serpent that tempted Eve.

[@kevinjohnson7839]

Thank you ❤

[@jakeaurod]

This isn't DJT's first rodeo. We already know that the only way he knows how to overcome his insecurities is to try to overcome those who cause him to feel insecure. I predict DJT will get the same honor as President Jimmy Carter is receiving now during his presidency. I suspect that an order to remove something or someone that makes him feel insecure will result in at least one of a spectrum of possible persons deciding to take one for the team to remove a threat, foreign or domestic.

[@rhondalush1206]

Insiteful and thought provoking as always. Thank you Rev. Ed.

[@deeleebee13]

i wish i was hearing more like you out there. You got Jesus's message right in my humble opinion.

[@dianebannister4591]

I found Rev. Ed's channel early November. Since I clicked on him, other pastors came in my feed. I also watch Fr. David, who is an Episcopalian priest. Then I watch Pastor Pat Kahnke former Evangelical. His channel is under the topic: "Faith, Culture and Politics." I am grateful 🙏 to have found the 3 of them. It has been much support for me since the Traitor was elected to another term. God help us all.

[@davidmehling4310]

I'm old enough to remember when the flags were lowered in January 1973 when Nixon was inaugurated for the second time because former President Truman died a few weeks before, then LBJ died

[@ediecerniglia-witner5297]

Your comparison to Saul, makes sense. I just read an opinion piece comparing trump to Napoleon. It kind of makes sense.

[@paulbeeson6462]

Spot on

[@angryspork610]

I don't think it's only his insecurities. There's also his intense narcissism, uncontrolled ego, unabashed greed, and unrepentant disdain for anyone but himself. I'm sure insecurity plays some factor in there, but he's got a lot of hurdles to get over before achieving the bare minimum required to be a decent human being...and people who are 60-80 pounds overweight, are neither the swiftest runners, nor the highest jumpers. But hey, I'm not psychiatrist.

[@robinc6324]

I just last week finished up a lightning round 4-week study of 1 Samuel. Be careful what you wish for...

[@GodwinMilner]

To trump everything belongs to him including adoration

[@rhondawhite1396]

Part of me hopes that when Trump dies that people leave flags flying at full staff to spite him. 😂 As you said, Rev Ed, the office of US President isn't about the individual person. However, Trump has always made it about him. That's one of the reasons why I kind of don't want flags lowered for him. But since it is bigger than the person, it's right that the flags be lowered when Trump passes away. (If I had to guess, I'd say he won't live a lot longer than the end of his 2nd term.)

[@Beltane0317]

Like the shirt, Tennessee Brando send that your way?

[@realamerican6101]

Trump can find anything to cry about.

[@timothymignone]

Nero was bloodiest and ruthless emperor's and he burned all of room to the ground he tried to destroy romw itself

[@rsh793]

It is utterly unbelievable that people think that nonsense that Jimmy Carter died and they held up his death. How utterly repulsive and disgusting

[@LMABelanger]

Light and love to you. 🇨🇦💯🤍🕊️🕯️💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

[@LisaLGruman]

We could always keep the flags at half-staff for the next four years... in mourning.

[@Pawpatrol119]

Amen

[@ST52655]

Trump needs to humble himself before the Lord and repent of his sins.

[@danderson8431]

He NEVER will.

[@libbycollins9349]

That’s my prayer.

[@julietfischer5056]

Repentance requires self-reflection, whatever one's religion.

[@sidneycox5457]

Old dogs can't learn new tricks.if it's not about him it's not important.

[@snoopychrysler]

Rev. Ed, I'm thinking about Los Angeles right now, and it's VERY HARD to refrain from crying, like I always am inside now. What's going on with blame being set on not just Gavin Newsome, but Francois Legault, the LGBT community, I wouldn't be surprised if they tarred cbsGlobal with that hateful "tar brush", and what's going to happen to the States, now? I tell myself, as my buddies, and my Buddhist faith reminds me, TRUTH WILL PREVAIL... But right now, even a Metis like me is now in a quandary.

[@LMABelanger]

It'll be ok. Let that light shine bright 🇨🇦💯✨🌟💫🌙☀️⭐🕊️🤍🕯️💙💙💙💙🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

[@John_Demarco]

"TRUTH WILL PREVAIL" It won't be easy, it won't be soon, and it won't come without a fight, but it will be true.

[@snoopychrysler]

@John_Demarco Namaste to that, Bub... An' thanks for the encouragement and the compliment... I appreciate it!

[@andrewcremin6989]

To The Donald it's ALL about Him.

[@rosemaryrojahn584]

Until we all say no King but Jesus we are in trouble.

[@conniecole7251]

Love your shirt, Pastor

[@chuzzlewitspack9126]

All this applies to normal leaders, but when it comes to Trump, nothing is about the country and everything is about him.

[@Rancid-Jane]

Yes, I agree, sounds like Saul.

[@willistaylor4077]

Trump destroy the World, whilst playing golf.... 😂😢

[@davidellis4084]

If Trump was a statesman, he could have kept his mouth shut about the flags and then acknowledged them and the passing of Carter in his speech to start his term. That is not in his character, though. Trump truly exhibits every tendency of a narcissist.

[@johnhaggerty-z8d]

Two of my favourite movie presidents were Henry Fonda in *Fail Safe* (1964) and Frederic March in *Seven Days in May* (1964) who had all the dignity and decency Trump wholly lacks.

[@Dachusblot]

There's a quote from "The Magician's Nephew" by C.S. Lewis where Aslan tells the first king of Narnia that a true king must always be the first to lead the charge, the last to retreat, and the first to sacrifice when times are tough (paraphrasing bc I don't remember the exact quote). Basically, a true king must put the people first over himself. This is in contrast to the witch Jadis, who earlier in the book admitted that she willingly destroyed her entire world because all those people were her subjects to do with as she pleased. Two different ideas of what the role of a leader is. Unfortunately I feel like the majority of leaders in history, including Trump, have been the Jadis-type rather than the Aslan-type. It's still bizarre to me that so many people view Trump as a leader of the people when he is so obviously self-centered he has to even make President Carter's death all about him.

[@tsuritsa3105]

There probably is one in the Magician's Nephew, but I don't recall it right now. I thought of this one “For this is what it means to be a king: to be first in every desperate attack and last in every desperate retreat, and when there’s hunger in the land (as must be now and then in bad years) to wear finer clothes and laugh louder over a scantier meal than any man in your land.” - King Lune of Archenland, from the Narnia book *The Horse and His Boy*

[@Dachusblot]

@@tsuritsa3105 Ooh, yeah! That's the real line I was thinking of. But I think Aslan also says something similar to the cabby and his wife when they become the first king and queen of Narnia.

[@Uriel238]

Sometime in my middle ages my brain went into grandpa mode, where I take on supporting roles that help my crew be heroes. And I get tons of vicarious glory from their victories. I like Ghandi's (Confucius'? Buddha's) notion of the invisible leader, that with the ideal leader, the people will say _we did it!_ and not remember the leader at all.

[@mulenga873]

Mathew23;12.those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.the president elect needs a lesson in humility.why?he thinks only he can put an end to this worlds misfortunes.only God can deliver us from the misfortunes we are going through today reason we pray for his kingdom to come

[@KarenJoseph-o5u]

You get no respect from many of us orange dude. It's traditiom so get used to it. You can always photo shop the pics before you release them

[@libbycollins9349]

Like with his first inauguration size. Alternative facts again.

[@michellsmith4693]

I like the way you speak. It is beautiful and powerful. You know how powerful words are. Using 45’s name gives respect to the person. A certain power. Would you consider not using his name? Perhaps another identifier? Perhaps his position? Just a gentle thought. That person loves his name being put out there. I refuse to give him that. Have a great day.

[@DY2784]

👋Agree. 💙👍

[@Paul_I_S]

Amen!

[@shirleywhitt8740]

I guess him getting his face superimposed on the flag wasn't enough. Trump wants the flags flying on his inauguration day, despite the fact that this tradition is older than anybody can remember. Flags fly at half mast for military personnel in their hometowns or states. It's called respect, look it up Donald.

[@forbeginnersandbeyond6089]

Haha. Trump thinks he's the "chosen one". MAGA says he's the second coming of David.

[@gwmoore4]

I think Trump is more King Ahab than Saul. Ahab also was a real estate developer.

[@survivorofdeath]

I was born in the Nixon administration and I remember him being the first president to die in '94. I was in college and every flag was lowered on campus for a month. It was the first time remembering a half mast. I hope we have someone to intervene.

[@michaelhunter2136]

You can never know if what a politician says is what he thinks and feels vs what he said for effect. A politician's job, besides remaining in power, is to get other people to do things through their words. That is their primary tool for getting the job done. It is best to consider the effect of comments as the true intension of a politician.

[@XenobiaF]

❤🙏🏼

[@CarolJane52]

At Richard Nikon’s second inauguration, the flags were flying at half-mast in honor of Truman’s death. We got Nixon out in a couple of years, and can only hope this may be a sign we can get the orange man child out in less time.

[@itowmyhome797]

🙏

[@brianniegemann4788]

When Trump's time comes (soon, l hope); as Charles Dickens wrote of Scrooge, "it's likely to be a very small funeral. I can't think of anyone who liked him!"

[@julietfischer5056]

I read a biography that questioned some of the stories around Caligula. At the least, Caligula should not have been anywhere near the throne (nor should Tiberius). The noble Senator Incitatus would have raised the general intelligence of the Imperial Senate.

[@robinalecia7554]

Barrabus and Saul for sure