Like other communities in the US, since last week, some people in South Florida’s Caribbean community have been caught up in the feverish backlash to a book, and a speech.
Circulating on social media
It was on Wednesday, January 3 that excepts of the book, “Fire and Fury” began circulating on social media and on several broadcast networks. The book, authored by Michael Wolfe,
consisted of a series of interviews the author conducted at the White House during the first nine months of Donald Trump’s presidency. It’s described as “the inside story of the most controversial presidency of our time.”
Public attention to the book was spiked when the first news circulated was of caustic criticisms made by former White House advisor Steve Bannon against Eric Trump, the president’s youngest son. According to the book, Bannon said the younger Trump committed treason during a meeting with a Russian at Trump Tower during the 2016 presidential campaign. But, excerpts of the book also questioned the president’s mental stability.
Although the White Hose attempted to stop distribution of the book with a “Cease and Desist” order, the publishers advanced publication to Friday, January 5.
Caribbean-Americans seek after book
Several Caribbean-Americans in South Florid, admitted to CNW that “through curiosity of what was going on in the White House,” they attempted to purchase either Kindle or hard copy versions of the book through Amazon, and other book-selling websites. Megan Dennis, of Davie, said she tried purchasing a copy around noon on Friday, but learned the book was sold out. “But I tried again later, and my copy is on its way. I simply can’t resist finding out what seems to be fascinating details from this book.”
By Saturday people were redistributing the PDF version of the 321-page book on social media platforms like Whatsapp.
Backlash along party lines
Not surprisingly, since the overwhelming majority of registeredvoters in South Florida’s Caribbean community are Democrats, the reaction to the book is divided along party lines. Democrats revel in the reported findings by the author, while Republicans and Trump supporters are skeptical of the book’s content, and themotives of the author.
Careful of claims of mental instability
Dr. Bertram Belnavis, a retired corporate behavioral specialist, cautions people not “to be carried away by the author’s claim that President Trump is mentally unstable. “One’s mental fitness cannot be assessed by simply observing one’s behavior patterns.
This conclusion, either way, should be based on a thorough psychiatric examination.” Belnavis, who has accessed a copy of the book says several excerpts “puzzles” him. “For example, why would Brannon, a key member of Trump’s administration at the time of the alleged interview, so blatantly criticize the president’s son to someone he knows was compiling a book soon to be published? That’s strange, and makes no sense.”
Not much enthusiasm for Oprah as President
Caribbean Americans are also reacting to TV icon’s Oprah Winfrey inspiring speech on receiving the Cecil B. DeMille award at the Golden Globes last Sunday. Whilst the majority of those contacted are impressed with her speech invoking “a new day” for women against sexual harassment, few share the resulting media hype and speculation of Oprah running for US president on a Democratic ticket.
“The mainstream media is making a mockery of the presidency, What America need is a political savvy individual who understand economics, national security and global affairs, not another celebrity as president,” said Patrice Laylor, a Boca Raton Democrat.
“Although I think Oprah could possible win should she run for president, the idea is absurd,” said Timothy Bodden, an Independent voter also from Boca Raton.“ Democrats should find a candidate from among its pool of county, state and national politicians. Let’s stop making the presidency a prize for celebrities.“
