Properly Subversive/Sherman R. Frederick
It’s hard not to be cynical about the Medal of Freedom awards given out these days like candy.
Sherman Frederick
President Joe Biden recognized 18 people last week. Some clearly deserved attention, such as these folks:
- Jane Goodall, the 90-year-old scientist and activist. If you have not seen the documentary “Jane”, it is well worth your time.
- Michael J. Fox, acclaimed actor who has become a national figure for research on Parkinson’s.
- Jose Andres, a celebrity chef who risked life and limb through his aid group World Central Kitchen to feed the people in war-torn Gaza. (Personal sidebar: I’ve eaten at his restaurant in Las Vegas and am looking forward to his new restaurant coming to Phoenix — actually Glendale — later this year.)
Then there were others who don’t deserve this kind of national recognition at all:
- Anna Wintour, the editor in chief of Vogue magazine, a Democratic fundraiser who put the less glamorous First Lady Jill Biden on the cover of Vogue (twice!) but refused to feature the most glamorous First Lady since Jackie Kennedy (and international model) Melania Trump even once.
- Ralph Lauren, a fashion icon who got this award primarily because he was First Lady Jill Biden’s favorite clothes designer. (Way to go, Ralph!)
- Hillary Clinton, a bitter and failed political candidate who called half the country “deplorables” and broke the law 18 different ways but escaped justice proving that some people — like her hubby Bill and the president’s son, Hunter — are, indeed, above the law. Now that I mention it, how did Hunter not get an award, too?
I fully understand that I’m spittin’ in the wind to argue against the Medal of Freedom awards not being influenced to some degree by the human frailties of the outgoing administration. And, it must be said that all presidents succumb to lessening the importance of the award by recognizing political cronies.
But seriously, Joe Biden stoops to a new low with Anna Wintour. Why not give the award to the president’s favorite ice cream server or dog groomer.
All I’m sayin’ is this kind of recognition is meant to lift up people who have done something extraordinary. I don’t have to agree with them politically, but they should be in some way be inspired. If presidents put a little effort into it, they would find thousands of everyday Americans who go above and beyond to make life better for those around them.
Honor them, not political cronies.
If I’m wrong on that, please let me know.
ONE MORE THING
Excellent article Sherm. If anyone ever needed proof that we have replaced American capitalism’s meritocracy with progressive mediocrity (read: DEI hires) one need look no further than the destruction of much of Los Angeles County at the hands of a progressive political class that has repeatedly demonstrated that smelt and illegals stand first in line for resources paid for by citizen taxpayers. On the other hand, I must admit Gov. Newsom does have a great head of hair.
Michael Brown
M.A. Pepperdine -1980
School Of Professional Studies