Holy shit. I was one of those who immediately thought of the Hunger Games, and I have to say: that's what I'm walking away with as well. This feels sooooo gross.
I was so fortunate in 1969 to turn up at a State University in Texas where $100. would pay the tuition for 18-20 semester hours. The night shift at the Truck Stop payed $1.60/ hour fixing truck flats and servicing 18 wheelers. I dodged Vietnam but w found myself in four separate fire fights without the benefit of a firearm or the sanction of any government. I never met any celebrities but some guy got in the habit of handing me a five and a twenty while I hammered on a split rim with the admonition that,” You didn’t see that!” I did the right thing. I eventually bought a new 650 Triumph. I switched to pouring concrete the last three semesters. I got my BS in Chemistry/ Math Minor. I’ve dug a lot of ditches since, but they drained out the correct end. I applied my experience doing Scientific Writing to writing Job Bids. I gave up the hard life two years ago. I can still walk from the truck to the Krogers. I learned more doing it my way than those poor kids did. And walked the streets with folks fearing I would rip out their entrails with my bear hands and would defecate in the vacant body cavity. We didn’t know what a Ninja was, but we knew what “You Hell ain’t you” meant. I respect your journalism and think you are that kind of trooper.
Like we couldn’t afford to give every single kid who signed up a college education! He’s taking BILLIONS of our $$$ for his buddies to run prisons, fuck up our monuments, destroy our economy, and outright theft, but not a measly 12.5 million for some kids to go to school?!?!
Simply wonderfully written. I signed up to attend a Trump 2024 Michigan election rally under a stupidly phony name but backed out when I realized the Secret Service would grill me for identification after a long wait in line. Not worth it to get handcuffed or tasered. I heard nothing from the Trump folks for two years until I suddenly started getting daily solicitations this summer to go to the Patriot Games, whatever they were. I'd rather go to Ohio for Browns training camp.
Your writing never disappoints. Thank you for continuing to attend and comment on these MAGA events. Godspeed as you leave Portland behind and settle into your new place.
"Because he’d won, someone else had lost." Why do leftists all have Tall Poppy Syndrome??? There is absolutely nothing wrong with winning because you practiced more and your skills are more advanced than the competition.
"Tall poppy syndrome is a cultural and social phenomenon where people who stand out through notable success, wealth, or achievements are resented, criticized, or undermined by others."
"The Metaphor: Just like a single flower that grows higher than the others risks being chopped off, an individual who achieves success risks drawing negative attention or hostility from peers."
I'd say projecting emotions of shame and fear onto a child whose mind and heart you can't possibly know definitely counts.
"Underlying Causes: Observers note that the behavior is frequently driven by observer envy, insecurity, or a collective desire to enforce strict social equality."
Yeah I'd say that tracks. We can't have excellence from anyone because that isn't equality.
What are the chances their winnings won't be taxed like winnings? And if they are, that they got any guidance on how to handle that so they aren't blindsided, especially since the vast majority of these kids will definitely still be claimed as dependents by their parents...parents who appear to think supporting their kids doing this was a good idea, which implies a great many things, none of which is a high likelihood of tax literacy.
Because the prizes are scholarships, I believe the payout will go to a school they attend. Besides tuition, room, and board, they should get some spending money from the school. Doing it that way avoids taxes.
The most shocking thing about this is that Trump didn't take the trophies and checks for himself at the end.
Every time I read an in-the-field-of-MAGA report from Laura Jedeed, it is better than the last one (which is a high bar). Great work, thank you!
Holy shit. I was one of those who immediately thought of the Hunger Games, and I have to say: that's what I'm walking away with as well. This feels sooooo gross.
Great observations, wonderful writing. Thank you!
Come for the trash, stay for the vibe and observations.
That photo though, you're right.
"Trash Only." Perfect. Thank you as always for being there and keeping it real.
I was so fortunate in 1969 to turn up at a State University in Texas where $100. would pay the tuition for 18-20 semester hours. The night shift at the Truck Stop payed $1.60/ hour fixing truck flats and servicing 18 wheelers. I dodged Vietnam but w found myself in four separate fire fights without the benefit of a firearm or the sanction of any government. I never met any celebrities but some guy got in the habit of handing me a five and a twenty while I hammered on a split rim with the admonition that,” You didn’t see that!” I did the right thing. I eventually bought a new 650 Triumph. I switched to pouring concrete the last three semesters. I got my BS in Chemistry/ Math Minor. I’ve dug a lot of ditches since, but they drained out the correct end. I applied my experience doing Scientific Writing to writing Job Bids. I gave up the hard life two years ago. I can still walk from the truck to the Krogers. I learned more doing it my way than those poor kids did. And walked the streets with folks fearing I would rip out their entrails with my bear hands and would defecate in the vacant body cavity. We didn’t know what a Ninja was, but we knew what “You Hell ain’t you” meant. I respect your journalism and think you are that kind of trooper.
Are these insane pyrotechnical gender reveal events most maga too? I can’t imagine anyone i know throwing one or attending.
Like we couldn’t afford to give every single kid who signed up a college education! He’s taking BILLIONS of our $$$ for his buddies to run prisons, fuck up our monuments, destroy our economy, and outright theft, but not a measly 12.5 million for some kids to go to school?!?!
Once again Laura, this is terrific. You cover the event, while conveying the zeitgeist. I'd put you in the same league as Ernie Pyle.
Simply wonderfully written. I signed up to attend a Trump 2024 Michigan election rally under a stupidly phony name but backed out when I realized the Secret Service would grill me for identification after a long wait in line. Not worth it to get handcuffed or tasered. I heard nothing from the Trump folks for two years until I suddenly started getting daily solicitations this summer to go to the Patriot Games, whatever they were. I'd rather go to Ohio for Browns training camp.
Your writing never disappoints. Thank you for continuing to attend and comment on these MAGA events. Godspeed as you leave Portland behind and settle into your new place.
"Because he’d won, someone else had lost." Why do leftists all have Tall Poppy Syndrome??? There is absolutely nothing wrong with winning because you practiced more and your skills are more advanced than the competition.
"Tall poppy syndrome is a cultural and social phenomenon where people who stand out through notable success, wealth, or achievements are resented, criticized, or undermined by others."
"The Metaphor: Just like a single flower that grows higher than the others risks being chopped off, an individual who achieves success risks drawing negative attention or hostility from peers."
I'd say projecting emotions of shame and fear onto a child whose mind and heart you can't possibly know definitely counts.
"Underlying Causes: Observers note that the behavior is frequently driven by observer envy, insecurity, or a collective desire to enforce strict social equality."
Yeah I'd say that tracks. We can't have excellence from anyone because that isn't equality.
What are the chances their winnings won't be taxed like winnings? And if they are, that they got any guidance on how to handle that so they aren't blindsided, especially since the vast majority of these kids will definitely still be claimed as dependents by their parents...parents who appear to think supporting their kids doing this was a good idea, which implies a great many things, none of which is a high likelihood of tax literacy.
Because the prizes are scholarships, I believe the payout will go to a school they attend. Besides tuition, room, and board, they should get some spending money from the school. Doing it that way avoids taxes.