I post daily, and to not occasionally acknowledge major current events feels neglectful. As you’re likely aware, yesterday marked the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States. If this post happens to be how you found out, I’d love to meet you—you might just be living the most unplugged life imaginable, yet somehow found this page; we should be studied! But seriously, this is not the place for breaking news, I should never be anyone’s sole source of facts.
Congratulations to President Trump on his return to office, and congratulations to President Biden on completing his term. Congratulations to all of us that the transition was peaceful. I don’t claim a side—I’m neither left nor right. This post isn’t about that. I share this context because today’s photo prompted deeper reflections than I anticipated.
I own a Trump action figure. I have many action figures—they make for fun, creative photos. This particular figure, bought before the 2016 election, isn’t exactly flattering: the tie is comically long, the expression is a scowl, and one hand is flipping the bird. It was clearly designed as satire. Back then, I chuckled at its exaggerated features, but yesterday, as I pulled it out for a photo idea, I didn’t find it quite as amusing.
I intended to create an image to mark the transfer of power, acknowledging the tradition. But the more I experimented, the more I overthought. Should the flag be in focus or blurred? Should the figure face the flag to symbolize respect or the camera to engage the viewer? Does the image unintentionally celebrate or critique President Trump? Is it wrong if it does either? Would viewers think I was disrespectful to the office of the Presidency? The Flag? Mocking the day? Taking a stance? I took 72 photos, and in each, I second-guessed myself. The one above is image #72.
This struggle embodies what frustrates me most right now: the power of “OR.” It feels like everything must be one thing OR the other. Right OR wrong. For OR against. Pro-Trump OR anti-Trump. But why must it be “OR”? What if it’s neither? Or both? The fixation on OR stifles movement and conversation. I am not looking to fault anyone for OR, I just hope we can move on from it.
Ultimately, I decided to hide the finger, the scowl, and the exaggerated tie—they didn’t feel like a fair representation of the person or the office taken yesterday. I see hope in the choice. Facing a symbol of his nation, knowing it is him without seeing the man’s face on, light dawning on his shoulder, darkness is behind, I did make choices in the end. I hope we can all try to avoid the divisive traps of OR. If you must choose, I hope your choice brings you peace.
More than anything, I will repeat myself: I should never be anyone’s sole source of facts.
tr/trp
Darn , I cancel the papers, “cut the cord” , stop going to the morning coffee klatch for local breaking news and now you tell me I cannot get my “facts” from you?!! Damn you Tim!!!!! You were the only locally known home worker that I thought would have survived a DOGE review, cause you actually “do your job.” GO USA!!
This is one photo I would request as a print in a nice frame!! Charge it to my account.
Tim, I have to say- the times we are in are not about a “political choice”. We are facing a choice of morality, of choosing to respect and honor all people- and that IS what’s right. It always has been.
Thank you, I feel the same struggle.