In reading about the charitably called congressional "testimony" of Hope Hicks, the 29-year-old model, fashion-line promoter and White House communications director, it's remarkably easy to imagine the entire affair taking place in a Graham Greene novel set in the squalid corruption of some 1950s banana republic.
This is not the America in which I grew up — and yet, it is.
"[Hicks] told House investigators on Tuesday that her work for President Trump, who has a reputation for exaggerations and outright falsehoods, had occasionally required her to tell white lies" — necessarily meaning, in the fashion of her boss, outright falsehoods. But, glory be, "after extended consultation with her lawyers" she came to the liberating realization that "she had not lied about matters material to the investigations into Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible links to Trump associates."
It is well known, however, that Hicks was later integral to the obstruction-of-justice sacking of FBI Director James Comey and the writing of the outright falsehood about Donald Jr., Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort's Trump Tower collusion with shady Russians. Hicks simply "refused to answer questions about both," reports the Times. Well, isn't that precious.
Lawmakers present said "she did not formally invoke executive privilege." This makes sense, since Ms. Hicks can't invoke executive privilege. Only the president can do that. But, no matter. The president need not invoke executive privilege, since this utterly useless Republican Congress permits the president's lickspittles to set the parameters of what questions shall be answered.
Subpoenas, contempt of Congress citations and the jailing of uncooperative witnesses are for political opponents — not members of the reigning regime.
This is not the America in which I grew up — and yet, it is.
When this story came up yesterday I confess I feared for the word occasionally. It is now being tested far beyond the capacity for which it was designed and I don't think it can survive. We may have to, as empathetic human beings, have it put down.
Posted by: Peter G | February 28, 2018 at 10:22 AM
Isn't this the same Hope Hicks who helped author a glowing statement about her ousted ex boyfriend, the ex wife abuser?
Posted by: Anne J | February 28, 2018 at 11:06 AM
One and the same I guess. But I note that sometimes the English language fails us. Not your fault really because I know what you mean by ex wife abuser. Still they were current wives when he abused them and not exes. And then, because I know a couple of alcoholics who haven't a had a drink in decades but still know they are alcoholics, won't he always be an abuser even if he doesn't currently have a punching bag? Perhaps a compromise is in order. How about complete asshole? What do you think?
Posted by: Peter G | February 28, 2018 at 11:27 AM
Yes I was a bit apprehensive about my wording, but kept it the way it was. The term "complete asshole" works for me. It can be used in so many other ways that fit this administration.
Posted by: Anne J | February 28, 2018 at 11:43 AM
Well, she's resigned. Another one bites the dust.
Posted by: shsavage | February 28, 2018 at 04:53 PM
She was just the latest contestant eliminated from this reality show administration.
Posted by: Anne J | February 28, 2018 at 07:08 PM