Routinely, the living applaud the departed. They eulogize with charitable, commendatory and congenial words. Memorial services rightly are meant to reflect and remember positive attributes and accomplishments. Paying proper respect to families to soothe their loss is the Lord’s work. And typically, persons of fame and money attract the most serious attention, at least in this Earthly Realm. George H.W. Bush was such a person; so it stands to reason that his family members, close friends and colleagues would lionize his virtues as father, husband, leader, warrior and friend. You have no way of knowing what some individuals said about him in private. For sure, he had detractors, just as you do. Like all mortals, he must have paced a few dark corridors in his time. Whatever secrets he held  passed with him, as they should have. Not surprisingly, the same Media that trashed George H.W. steadily, sometimes brutally, during his Presidency, deftly slipped on their kid gloves to extol his virtues. Repeatedly and uniformly, media pundits and talking heads relentlessly stressed his gentlemanly conduct — his decency — his modesty — his basic goodness. You would be a sucker to miss the political cunning ingrained within these generous tributes. The message was this. The decent George Bush represented a Presidency of decorum and dignity — indeed, of respectability — unlike the Presidency of the crass, lowbrow Donald Trump who represents disrespect and incivility. The unspoken comparison spoke loud and clear through the long period of public mourning — and still does. The established Beltway Club will not tolerate an unmannerly boor. Attributes like accomplishment, enterprise, toughness and frank talk have no value. For the Establishment — actually for the majority of everyday Americans — appearances come first. You appreciate the quick smile — the affable manner — the congenial word — these are the attributes of certain politicians, civic leaders and social climbers who covet power and popularity. In fact, these were the attributes of one John Wayne Gacy. John was a civic charmer and former local Democrat candidate who rose high in Jaycee ranks and entertained children at hospitals, birthdays and holiday parties as Pogo the Clown. It so happened, in his spare time, he also stayed busy entertaining and murdering dozens of young boys and men. You don’t suggest that the cordial, outward  demeanor of all charming politicians hides some type of nefarious sideline. Not all. Anyway, what goes on behind closed doors is none of your business. You expect politicians to engage in sin and iniquity. They’re only human. You forgive them. Slick Willie’s oval office oral action raised eyebrows and prompted a smirk here, and a snicker there. But even the ladies gave him a pass. He’s such a fun guy, with the easy smile and presidential style. Anyone can forgive JFK for his revolving door liaisons because he was the epitome of class and glamor, not to mention his ringing words and charismatic smile. And then you have President Loudmouth who dared hire a prostitute prior to his election. Evidently, having sex with a porn “actress” is far more degenerate than a sitting President sexually assaulting a young WH volunteer. Or a sitting Congressman hiring a male prostitute for sex — repeatedly. According to Mainstream Media, Beltway corruption is a necessary part of the game as long as it hides under the rug. By far, the bigger sins are a surly, unsophisticated outward behavior and the lack of political lineage.  The bottom line is this: Braggart Donald Trump is a nouveau riche dude from the wrong side of the tracks. He does not and will not qualify for The Club — ever. He could end world hunger and bring everlasting peace to the Middle East. But the Mainstream Media, Academia and the Ruling Class would still detest and reject him, and have contempt for the working stiffs who support him. In the 1950’s,  African Americans were denied hotel and restaurant privileges. Jews couldn’t join  prestigious country clubs. Native Americans had no standing. They were — one and all —  from “the wrong side of the tracks.” As 2018 winds down, the tracks are still here. And discrimination is still alive and well.