By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the addition of President Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center, several members of the Kennedy family have publicly voiced their disapproval. Kerry Kennedy announced plans to physically remove the added lettering, while Maria Shriver criticized the move, suggesting it does not equate to greatness. Concerns have also been raised about the legality of the renaming, citing a law that restricts the addition of memorials or plaques. Furthermore, Representative Joyce Beatty has claimed that the vote to add Trump’s name was not unanimous and that she and others were silenced during the conference call.
Read the original article here
Kerry Kennedy’s vow to remove Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center with a “pickax” is quite the statement, isn’t it? It’s a bold declaration, filled with a raw, visceral energy that’s hard to ignore. The image itself – Kerry Kennedy, a member of the iconic Kennedy family, swinging a pickax at a monument – is incredibly potent and symbolic. It speaks volumes about the depth of feeling and the perceived insult that this renaming represents for many. It’s not just about a name; it’s about legacy, honor, and the values that the Kennedy Center is meant to embody.
The specific language used is telling. “Three years and one month from today, I’m going to grab a pickax and pull those letters off that building,” she wrote, clearly and decisively. There’s a timeline, a plan, and a very public commitment. The fact that she’s “applying for my carpenter’s card today, so it’ll be a union job!!!” adds a touch of humor and practicality to the defiance. It’s not just a gesture; it’s a planned act of direct action. She’s not just talking; she’s preparing to do it, and she’s inviting others to join her.
The response from others is also significant. Maria Shriver’s comment, “Adding your name to a memorial already named in honor of a great man doesn’t make you a great man,” really captures the core of the issue. It highlights the perceived incongruity of Trump’s action, suggesting that it’s an attempt to borrow greatness rather than to earn it. The sentiment seems to be that Trump is attempting to associate himself with the legacy of a truly admired figure, rather than creating his own. This resonates with the idea that the renaming is not just an act of vanity, but also a slight against the values and history of the Kennedy Center.
The underlying idea that this is a symptom of other issues is also a consideration. The perception that Trump is accelerating branding efforts due to declining health is also a factor. The quick pace of the name change is viewed by some as an attempt to cement his legacy before potential challenges. This underscores the urgency and the perception of a need to act quickly, before the situation becomes solidified.
The enthusiasm and passion surrounding Kerry Kennedy’s vow are remarkable. The call to action is readily embraced. “I’ll pay for a golden pickax” and offers of help with the actual removal of the name highlights the widespread feeling of indignation and the desire to actively undo this perceived offense. The thought of a collective effort to remove the name is a powerful symbol of resistance, suggesting that there is a genuine desire to reclaim the space and its associated values.
The discussion also explores potential legal and logistical challenges. The idea of DC statehood is brought up as a way to prevent future presidential interference, which is an important point. The fact that many believe the name change will be reversed as soon as the administration changes reflects the belief that the current action is a purely political move that lacks genuine merit. The discussion even extends to the idea of removing all Trump branding, with suggestions of creating a public display of these items on the White House lawn.
The use of evocative and potentially violent imagery is also an important element. The reference to the “fall of the Berlin Wall” and the destruction of Saddam Hussein’s statues conveys the level of anger and determination that’s present. The pickax itself is a symbol of a direct and forceful act, while the willingness to bring it down is a powerful gesture of defiance. This underscores the depth of the emotions and the desire for a decisive resolution.
There’s also a sense that this situation represents a broader cultural and political struggle. The desire to “cleanse” the nation of Trump’s influence hints at a need for societal healing and a reassertion of values. The focus on preserving the legacy of the Kennedy family and preventing similar actions from happening in the future illustrates a desire for protecting important aspects of American society. The commitment to ensure a “Trump type presidency can never happen again” is very telling.
The anticipation of this act of removal and the discussion around it highlight the intense feelings and the symbolic importance of the Kennedy Center. The act of removing the name is considered as an act of resistance. It’s a statement about values, legacy, and the desire to defend what they believe in. The response is evidence of deep-seated feelings and a determination to respond to what is perceived as an assault on their values.