Monday, October 24, 2016

Empathy? No, nor understanding. But a common experience.

So lately I might have been a bit harsh on Mr. Trump, eh? Yes, yes, I despise the man, everything he stands for, etc, etc. But that shouldn't stand in the way recognizing a common humanity, should it? I've searched for something, just something, that could make me understand him, to see him as a human being, which I do not, quite frankly.

But it's our goal, as the humanists of the previous centuries have told us, to try. Those you think unacceptable to the human race, try to see them in a new light, that shows they are human with similarities to ourselves.

So I tried, and I did. Here's how Trump and I are similar. Bear with me for a moment.  It takes a moment of explanation.

We have to go back to my callow youth, a beardless (well, almost) boy.  High school senior, I skied, competitively.  I made the junior olympics the previous year, and Jack Meissner, hired me as a part time instructor.

One weekend, in 1963, I wasn't working as an instructor and my brother in law and sister went skiing up at Bachelor. I met them in a ski line, waiting for a chair. I fell in with them talking to a young woman, a bit older than me, but good looking.  I joined them in line, they introduced me to her, I didn't recognise her name.

It ended up we rode up the chair together (two person chair, old style), she noticed my instructor jacket, I probably preened a bit, and offered her a bit of instruction. I'll follow you down, give you some tips, I probably said.


Thing is, it was Jean Saubert. She was the current US Champion in downhill, and the next year would win a bronze medal in the '64 olympics. I had no idea. 

We got off the chair, I suggested she ski down, I'd follow her, we'd stop, I'd offer tips. 

After maybe 100 yards I realized if I tried to keep up  I'd be dead. I went off to the side, went to another run, hoped to god I'd not run into her the rest of the day. 

When told what I'd said to her, my brother in law and sister shook their heads. Hubris might have been mentioned. 

So, there it is. What the Donald and I have in common. 

We've both been handed our asses on a platter by a woman. 

Best I can do, only resemblance I can find. 

Cheers,
Mike

15 comments:

  1. Yes, but your grew up and you were decades younger. He has never grown up. I see a deep need for love and praise by others to fill up some "huge" hole in his psyche and that gives him at least a bit of humanity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He's an odd one. I don't know that I want him around.

      Delete
  2. Wonderful analogy.Just remember to vote, and keep the joke on the right person.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I guess there is that one tiny thing, but your awareness of it puts you miles ahead on the emotional intelligence scale. Let's all just vote.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ms. Saubert doubtless enjoyed the episode, Mike, and you experienced a push in a positive direction. Good thing too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Imagine, that was 6 or so months from her Olympic Bronze. What kind of impression would a 17 year old kid, with no clue, what would she think. I don't like to contemplate that one, Geo.

      Delete
  5. Great story! At least you know you were a dummy for a bit. The Donald doesn't have that going for him so he stays in that mode without regret.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonder what eventual effect he will have on the US?

      Delete
  6. An excellent morality tale and an artful comparison to Trump. Ms. Saubert must have had a chuckle or two on that run. We expect HRC to do likewise.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Funny! Maybe she and Ivana met at the bar and shared a laugh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I somehow don't see Saubert and Ms. Trump at the same bar. Jean was from Lakeview, and could rocognise bullshit when she saw it.

      Delete
  8. That's funny. Difference, you acknowledged it.

    Have you seen the PBS Frontline special "The Choice"? Interesting look into what formed both the candidates.

    ReplyDelete