August 30, 2026

Day of many chores accomplished, but that is little to write about. Trump cuts down the Japanese cherry trees around the Mall in DC in order to expand a golf course. His depravity– and hence the depravity he valorizes in others– is difficult to comprehend. Lazy in all other things, Trump is energetic and concentrated when it comes to cruelty, maybe because he can get others to act on his behalf. His central delight is destroying what is precious to others, there being nothing precious to him beyond his own corrupt flesh and devouring greed. MAGA cannot help following his lead. He has somehow made actions they would otherwise deem horrifying palpable, even advanced. When he fails, his failure must be final and all-embracing, every Trumpian thought and remnant rooted out. Every ICE officer, every government functionary must face the charge and explain why they should not be removed from public life. Toleration will not work here. The evil is too great. The cruelty is too gleeful. The merciless are the one group who deserve no mercy.