As Joanne could so eloquently explain, this was a week where Melpomene, the muse of Tragedy, held center stage. But from a surprising source in an even more surprising setting there was an unexpected (and possibly inappropriate) moment for Thalia, the muse of Comedy.
Today let’s focus on a few of the moments of the week captured in photos – some of which will become iconic. And end with what USA Today called a “Jovial Jig” by Dubya Bush at the solemn Dallas Interfaith Tribute ceremony.
After the tragic killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by police, there were widespread protests, and one can understand why …
NOTE: This Tweet has a link to a very graphic picture of Alton Sterling’s gunshot wound to his chest. It was the front page of the New York Daily News captioned “His Hands Were Empty” – but it is very graphic. The Tweet warns you, so if you choose to view it, click “View Content”.
The protests brought in response to these deaths were mostly peaceful. But sometimes the police viewed it differently.
And an 180 degrees different view
While I found these photos particularly compelling …
The one of BLM protestor leisha Evans, a nurse and Mom, in her flowing dress being arrested by cyborg cops after traveling 1,300 mile to peacefully protest in Baton Rouge, LA will certainly become iconic.
A demonstrator protesting the shooting death of Alton Sterling is detained by law enforcement near the headquarters of the Baton Rouge Police Department in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. July 9, 2016. REUTERS/Jonathan Bachman TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY – RTSH3XR
While we all hoped that images like this …
Would be the indelible memory we are left with, sadly a madman in Dallas changed all that …
So sadly, for the eleventh time, Pres. Obama became our nation’s Consoler-in-Chief.
And while I thought Bush’s remarks were actually quite eloquent:
He may have lost his way while joining in the singing of (and dancing to) “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. Let’s just say the music certainly “moved” him. But you be the judge:
The “USA Today” and others referred to it as a “Jovial Jig” – and some the Tweet responses in the “USA Today” are entertaining.
But in Dubya’s defense, he has a long history of being ready to dance in a seconds notice. But first he has to feel the beat …
And then warm up a bit …
Before he finally gets in to full swing …
But I don’t think we should be too hard on him. Judging from Laura Bush’s reaction being visibly upset in the video, I think she’s got that aspect covered. I just wonder how long it will take before the marks in Dubya’s palms from her nails digging in to clear.
And let us hope that this will be the last time our nation is in need of a Riderless Horse, as noted by the Dallas Police Dept.
Interfaith Tribute Memorial Information #DallasStrong #PrayforDallas https://t.co/7U1gbD63Ce
— Dallas Police Depart (@DallasPD) July 12, 2016
8 Responses to “Friday – A Week in Photos Marked by Tragedy & Some Comedy”
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Cross posted to Care2 at http://www.care2.com/news/member/101612212/3998966
It would take an Aeschylus or a Sophocles to tell the stories of this week in a way that accorded with the Greek concept of tragedy. I suspect that both Sterling and Castile were heroic individuals – one has to be to be working to support a family in today's conditions and at today's wages. But that story is not being told. The slain officers the Greeks would have no difficulty seeing as heroes – but, again, there is no back story. (The "tragic flaw" concept of tragedy was more or less developed in Elizabethan times, and while some surviving Greek tragedies display it, not all do. But, of course, it is a high-falutin' way to blame people for their own deaths.)
It's appropriate in a way for Thalia to jump in with a comic incident, mainly to amuse, but also for social criticism, as a corrective for anti-social behavior. The Greeks were never laughing WITH anyone. If they were laughing, it was always AT someone – with a message of "Don't do that, you dolt." Well, as you say, Mrs. Bush seems qualified to reinforce that message
How many lives must be lost??
Good God, the killings/violence/hate must stop!!!!
Very Sad Pictures, when will it END??
Thank you, Nameless, and Thank you, Joanne for posting.
I think that Barbara B., was trying to stage whisper to George to quit the jig. His speech was heartfelt though.
Man's been out in the Texas sun too long, imho.
Perhaps Crawford Caligula will dance to The Hague.
Thanks, Nameless, for a good overview of the "Dallas week" in pictures. Most of them sad and haunting, the one of the guy holding up the mirror to the riot police striking. Dubya doing a jig at this memorial service is sad in a way too. Showing inappropriate, somewhat childlike behavior, being inattentive to feedback from others and persisting in it are often the first signs of someone losing full control of his mental capacities. His little speech at the service may have been eloquent – and a bit out of character – so Dubya seems to have gotten himself a better speech writer now than when he was in office.
A tragic day, turned into a comedic moment by a well known clown.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/16/1548972/-Poetic-Invective-Dancing-in-Dallas-with-George-W-Bush
Happy feet, George Bush has happy feet.
Give them a low-down beat
And they begin dancing.
Even at a funeral,
Highly unsuitable,
He finds the rhythm so entrancing.
He starts to prance
And do his happy dance,
Does he think he's enhancing
The ceremony for the slain?
If he only had a brain!
Laura sends a chilling glance:
"George, cut out that stupid dance!"
Glory, glory hallelujah,
Do you know you look peculiah?
Don't you see how folks will view ya?
But still you're marching on.