[Amman, 7/6/25]
Yesterday started well enough. I had an article done by 5AM. Walking westward, I explored a new neighborhood. On the way back, I checked out over two dozen people selling used items on the sidewalk of Quraysh Street. So many worn items were displayed on carboard or thin plastic: cords, belts, dishes, shoes, clothing, wallets, electrical appliances, toys and tiny dolls. In richer societies, such dolls would only be found in trash cans. A single pencil was for sale.
I noticed a pair of glasses. You can buy them for their beatup frame or, if the prescription is close enough, just wear them. In Nha Trang 26 years ago, I had my glasses stolen. Sandals and flipflops were also not safe from thieves. Now, clothing can be hung to dry in Vietnamese alleys.
Nine years before Marco Rubio became Trump’s Secretary of State, he said that eternal brat would be selling watches in Manhattan if not for his daddy’s money. Trump in turn referred to Rubio as “little Marco.” At least he didn’t call him ugly or scum. Trump hasn’t just torpedoed the level of public discourse in the USA, but also its image. His hermetic cultists don’t care. Vance spoke nastily about Trump, but like Rubio and others, they’re working together. Those without principles do whatever is expedient.