• Editor’s note: I am a big fan of watching our nation honor artists who have contributed to American culture every December by the President and following at the Kennedy Center Honors.
• The only 3 years a President missed the Kennedy Center Honors were President Carter in 1979 during the Iran hostage crisis, George H. W. Bush in 1989 during the Malta Summit, and Bill Clinton in 1994 en-route to a conference.
• When I read the story title below, I could relate, as the Trumps have not participated in any Kennedy Center Honors ceremonies since taking office, which is sad.
• The following story struck me as to what we have missed:

“There is no art in this White House.“

“There is no literature or poetry in this White House. No music.
No Kennedy Center award celebrations.
There are no pets in this White House.
No man’s best friend. No Socks the family cat.
No kid’s science fairs.
No times when this president takes off the blue suit-red tie uniform and becomes human, except when he puts on his white shirt- khaki pants uniform and hides on the golf course.

There are no images of the first family enjoying themselves together in a relaxing moment –anywhere.
No moments like Obamas on the beach in Hawaii, or Bushes fishing in Kennebunkport, no Reagans on horseback, no Kennedys playing touch football on the Cape.
I was thinking of the summer when George H couldn’t catch a fish and all the grandkids made signs and counted the fish-less days. And somehow, even if you didn’t even like GHB, you got caught up in the joy of a family that loved each other and had fun.
Where did that country go?

“Where did all the fun and joy and expressions of love and happiness go?” by The Daily Kos. Read more of this story.