In the era of President Trump everything – EVERY thing – has to be weighed against who resides in the White House. Commentary on any news item is positioned on how it applies to Trump, entertainment is no longer judged on quality but by how it addresses the President, and any opinion expressed is tossed into one of only 2 columns, as all thought is of a binary nature these days. (Dispute a legal claim made by Michael Avenatti? Then clearly you have pledged lifelong devotion to the New York land baron!)

It is in this same environment – “in these uncertain times”, as the mewling resistance-fighters love to call our era – that common sense and decency is subjugated by signaling opposition to the Presidency. Items or individuals that normally would/should be dismissed or ignored become elevated and lauded, as long as it carries a negative tone towards the administration. Case in point: A California City yesterday celebrated the “accomplishments” of a one, Stormy Daniels.

Yes, I am as surprised as you that she is deemed to have accomplished something. But the city of West Hollywood has endowed Daniels as being worthy of a city proclamation, presented her with the Key to the City, and the Mayor declared that May 23rd was “Stormy Daniels Day”. The reasoning here? The city deems her as a “National figure in the resistance to the Trump administration”. Just to complete the high-class nature of this announcement, the press conference was held outside an adult sex store.

We have seriously dumbed-down heroism when a porn star suing somebody is considered worthy of celebration. The idiocy did not end there. According to West Hollywood Mayor, John Duran, “The Trump administration has been a direct threat to the people of the city of West Hollywood,– our LGBTQ community, our immigrant community, women here in this community ” while of course offering no proof of this declaration. “Stormy Daniels has really showed up as the woman to save the Republic,” he said, adding to the hyperbole.

How does a porn actress admitting to having a sexual affair, and then receiving payment for such, constitute someone who will “save the Republic” rather being described as a prostitute? This is not an era where such questions get asked. Just swallow the messaging being delivered. More cerebrally complex messaging is found in the official announcement.

Stormy Daniels will receive a City Proclamation Key to the City recognizing her leadership in the #RESIST movement. (A porn star is suing over an admitted sexual affair; that becomes “leadership”.) In these politically tumultuous times (there it is!) Daniels has proven herself to be a profile in courage (hiring a lawyer and profiting off of her own sexual allegations as she embarks on a stripclub tour is “courageous”, understand) by speaking truth to power (one day I may conquer my own apathy and learn what the hell this phrase means) even under threats to her safety and extreme intimidation. (Supposing this alludes to her alleged confrontation with Tom Brady in the parking garage???)

Following the election of President Trump the West Hollywood City Council affirmed the City of West Hollywood’s commitment as a Sanctuary City (not a bold stance, as the property values there basically price out immigrant resettlement) and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to its core values (discussing values, while celebrating an adult film performer suing over sex, is rank obliviousness).

Duran and company were not alone in their skewed assessment. Daniels, in speaking of the city said, “The community of West Hollywood was founded more than three decades ago on the principle that everyone should be treated with dignity and fairness and decency.” A coital thespian giving a speech on dignity and decency is made all the more poignant when delivered in front of a porn store.

But these are the standards of the day. Opposing Trump is all that matters. Cast no further judgement or critical assessment on those involved. When a woman who has built her career on faking it in front of cameras tells you she is merely seeking the truth, only a fool would question her motives. She is a hero, understand.

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