Label Fable

Did you know that Donald Trump was never impeached? Neither did I. But that’s the fable the Smithsonian is now telling us, a fairy tale of the new regime. It’s the triumphant return of George Freaking Orwell, the second coming of the Ministry of Truth, reaching into the detritus of the past to shape a convenient and opportune narrative. That would be “opportune,” as in congenial to our overlords who understand the power of a well-told tale.

Yes, indeed, it feels good to fulminate, but the facts have an oomph that is hard to deny. Until five minutes ago, the Smithsonian Museum of American History told the story of Donald Trump's first presidency with a reasonable regard for the actual truth. The placard that hung in his presidential vitrine mentioned his role as a real estate developer without going into the gory details (unpaid bills, abuse of contractors, crazy-pants bankruptcies). But it did mention that he was impeached twice, a notable record in American history. Several months ago, the Smithsonian took it down, claiming that it was time for a museological refresh.

Of course it was no such thing. Unable to sleep, Trump issued an order requiring the whole constellation of Smithsonian institutions to root out narratives that did not reflect well on the history of the country and, especially Donald Trump. The big surprise is that it took several months. Wednesday of this week was the deadline for compliance, and the original placard was swept away in the wind. In its place is the scrubbed version of the story which happens to be missing the part about the impeachments. Sometimes an impeachment is not an impeachment.

You would think that this would never have happened. The Smithsonian charter is a declaration of independence which underscores its freedom from federal interference. Only God can trade out a placard. But like so many other elite institutions, the leadership of the Smithsonian caved without complaint. No mass resignations. No Jerome Powell on camera to speak truth to power whatever the consequence. I am a big fan of the Smithsonian, and I visit when I can, which means all of its museums whenever I am in reach. But it will be a very long time before I cross the threshold. Boycott! Giving in was craven and cowardly. The citizens of Minneapolis have something to teach the Smithsonian.

I rush to remind you that my little fulmination will have nothing to do with winning the midterms. Abstract issues like truth in narrative, and the Orwellian manipulation of American history are of little concern when beef is so expensive that you cannot afford to feed it to your kids. So, let’s keep beating the drum slowly and loudly: Trump has been a disaster for Joe and Joanne America, who are worse off today than they were before.