The Man Who Could Not Laugh
It’s hard to dislike someone with a sense of humor. We laugh at ourselves, with others, at silly situations, sometimes when we least expect it. It improves our disposition when we need a lift, or when we don’t. It’s universal, it’s contagious, and it is disarming. This list could go on and on-- laughter adds joy and zest to our lives; it eases anxiety and tension; it relieves stress; improves our mood; toughens our resilience; strengthens relationships; enhances teamwork; helps defuse conflict; and promotes group bonding. Long ago Reader’s Digest told us “Laughter is the Best Medicine!” And to my knowledge, nobody ever argued successfully against that bit of advice.
But what about someone who never laughs? Is he or she sick? High strung? Smug? Too concerned with self? Well, I am neither a pyschologist nor a laughologist. But I tend to avoid those who cannot laugh. It’s sort of like someone who carries a six-shooter on their hips and growls a lot, or has a loaded gun that’s strapped around his chest. I don’t want him looking in my direction. I make an exception for that rare comedian who says and does funny things and never breaks a smile. That’s his or her schtick. It adds to the humor.
Seriously, how long could you work for, with, or around someone who never laughs—yet who demands loyalty from you? I’ve been there, and I was gone in about 5 minutes.
Enter Donald Trump. I have never seen him laugh. Not once. Yes, he cracks a smile once in awhile, but even that looks very suspicious. He once appeared on a television program in which it was the task of a group of really talented comedians to stir up laughter to the rafters at the expense of the person being roasted. Week in and week out, they would bring the house down with their antics. The audience loved this format. And so did those who were being roasted. But not the Donald. He sat there in a suit and tie, while all the comedians were dressed casually. When he was given his chance to reply (with his own brand of comedy), he reminded everyone that he was worth $6 billion dollars. Meaning: He gets the last laugh. He has since boosted his net worth to $10 billion. No kidding!
Bonding with humor also brings out common grounds for grieving. Ameicans love to laugh. But rarely does anyone inject humor into a discussion about the Covid-19 virus, for example. The Donald does not join us in our grieving. He is stoic about rising death rates. Instead he worries about his latest poll numbers. In fact it appears that his every waking thought is focused on November 3, 2020. All news turns on the vote, and how it might impact voter turnout, or how he can turn it against Joe Biden and the Democrats. His comment at the news of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death: “That’s amazing!”
He is the leader who accepts no responsibility for his offensive actions. He smiles broadly when he speaks of Kim Jong Un, his boy lover. He defends Vladimir Putin in all matters, great or small. He wants to charge Democratic mayors with sedition when white supremacists destroy government property. He threatens to withhold money from “blue” communities that refuse to open their schools so that children will be exposed to the coronary virus. He apprently believes that “herd immunity” will protect him from them, while it separates them from us.
I won’t be laughing when I vote on November 3, 2020. But I also won’t be surprised when the man who cannot laugh also cannot count, and will not graciously accept his just due when he is handed the verdict of the American people—“You’re fired! Go home and laugh or cry. Just go. “
