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Lee Fischer's avatar

Recently launched website:

TrumpKennedyCenter.org - A National Institution Devoted To Power And Loyalty

NEXT EVENTS - RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A PERFORMANCE BY: THE EPSTEIN DANCERS!

@suzannecloud's avatar

I heard about this, Lee. The guy who bought the domain is from South Park! Hahahaha

Linda Stefkovic's avatar

We here in the DC area, and I'm sure from all around the world, have Chuck Redd's back. Looking for those close to him to set up a crowdfunding page should it become necessary.

Todd Coolman's avatar

Brilliant. If enough follow Chuck’s lead, the threats and innuendo will gradually weaken. Trump world is ultimately a house of cards and will resemble Humpty Dumpty in the end. Make book on that.

Justin Schroder's avatar

Agreed.

Unfortunately, musicians being artists and whatnot have a strong tendency do not do what's best for their own community.

Consider the history of undercutting and/or playing for free simply for the purpose of getting as many gigs as possible.

I hope to be wrong.

Manuela Thiess Garcia's avatar

Yup, trump threatens trump intimidates, trump terrorizes, trump sues. It is what malignant narcissists and authoritarians do. First they come for the weak and vulnerable, then for the dissidents.

It is why we need to resist, boycott and strike, before we are all sent to Alligator Alcatraz!

Ricky Schultz's avatar

Richard Grinell’s bullying letter to Mr. Redd is par for the trumpf course. I’d love to hear more about how their rooftop shows are “revitalizing jazz”! The abysmal TV ratings are quite telling. Worth noting too: the holiday jazz jam is a Free Event. This casts his seeking $1,000,000 in damages in a most trumpfian way.

Bret Primack's avatar

Trump obviously wrote the letter.

@suzannecloud's avatar

It's funny. Trump suing Redd for a million dollars, What jazz musician has a million dollars?

Peter Coppock's avatar

The letter is stunning. In the same voice as his boss, he tells Chuck that he is a no talent with low ratings (as if this were television), and yet wants him to perform. Childish insult always. I’m surprised there was no name calling. They want to control jazz because they feel threatened by it. It is so foreign to their sensibilities. They are also aware that hip, intelligent types tend to like it

Lili's avatar

Correct me if I am wrong, my understanding was that this annual event was “free”, so the whole “dismal ticket sales” I’m not quite getting. Can you shed some light? (P.S. that picture you put together is awful; now I can’t unsee it).

R.J. Marx's avatar

Good piece. You said what so many of us are thinking.

Edgar van Asselt's avatar

When disrespect becomes the new respect...truly sad so see narcissism lead the way... greetings from the Netherlands...

Roger Morgan's avatar

Kudos on your writing for this story. However, I sincerely hope readers find the image of DJT “playing” the drum set

an insult to all students, amateur and professional musicians who ever played the kit.

Luigi Cappel's avatar

Well done Chuck, and great story. But as someone who believes in democracy (and not in Donald Trump), America, you voted for him and gave him the mandate to do what he does. I have visited the USA many times and loved every one. I met so many great friendly and hospitable people, but folks I don't know if you were naive, or bush whacked or what it is, but you just reconfirmed what Shelley Berman once said, "You can fool some of the people part of the time and all of the people some of the time, which is just long enough to become President of the United States." He may have said what a lot of people were thinking, but is he doing what his voters wanted? Reminds me of another elected character in history. Everyone stood and watched. Good for you for not being one of those, Chuck.

Don Quixote's Reckless Son's avatar

That's a tough issue. The only way to get good enough to get paid gigs is to play, even if it means playing for free or close to it.

Michael Pedicin's avatar

Well written, as always. I thank you again and again for what you have done for all of us.

Bret Primack's avatar

I thank you for what you’ve done for me.