Watching television reports about the Texas storm disaster area of Texas, I saw the arrival of the President and first lady of the United States with the governor of Texas for a meeting that was to serve as a briefing occasion for the President, demonstrating and explaining what is being done by various groups and agencies to address the needs of the people in the region who are being affected by the catastrophic storm.  The governmental agencies and private groups are showing what kinds of people we Americans are.

If you’ve read my BLOG before today, you know I am not a fan of the president. During the Texas meeting, in the intervals between speakers, the President wanted to show his appreciation for the good work of the leaders, from the governor of Texas to members of Congress to the directors of various agencies who are assisting people affected by the storm.  It was obvious that the President was genuinely moved by the horror of the situation.  He thanked various national and state leaders.  He was clearly moved, but the man cannot express thanks or grief or appreciation without using words and phrases that are intended to say how great, how marvelous, how over the top in every way anything is if he is associated with it.  

Later A shocking television newscast included the mayor of Houston and the chief of police explaining that a police sergeant, a 32-year veteran of the Police Department who was determined to find a way to get to his duty station, drowned on his way to work.  Chief of Police Acevedo wept on camera as he described the death of the Police Department. Language hyperbole wasn’t needed to give all of us who viewed the newscast a clear sense that the officer who gave his life for others was a good man.  Chief Acevedo said the officer was a sweet man.