Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 06/17/24

Abuse for power. Saturday was Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  President Biden issued a statement saying, in part, “Elder abuse comes in many forms…(It) goes against everything we stand for as a Nation — and my Administration is working relentlessly to stop it.” The proclamation follows a series of worrisome public performances by the President including the one above from a pre-Juneteenth concert last week.

For the record, a White House translates what he said as “She know lo- — she knew so long as our history was de- — denied, our freedom can never be secured.” If they say so.

I will grant that some of President Biden’s gaffes are hyped a bit in the conservative media. Everyone misspeaks now and then or can have a moment caught on camera that may look a bit ridiculous. It’s equally true, however, that, at least to this observer’s eyes, that it’s getting harder and harder to explain away all of these moments away as “nothing to see here.” To a lot of us, continuing to put this man out on the campaign trail is harder to understand than the above clip – unless the people who are supposed to loving and supporting him are more interested in holding onto power than doing the right thing for the man and the country. It’s really not funny.

John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.