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Trump and Celebrities: A Beautiful Moment for the Natural Law
Last night I watched the latest episode of The Apprentice: Celebrity Edition. I have been pulled into the series this year largely because of the compelling finishes where The Donald lectures celebrities about their work habits and managerial ineptness. Dennis Rodman has been a draw because of his incredibly bad behavior.
This was Dennis’ week. His teammates chose him to be the project manager because they hoped he would rise to the challenge if he was running things. It worked, for a short while, then he drank enough to go past caring. First, he got angry. Then, he absented himself from the project he was supposed to direct.
The men’s team lost, which gave rise to the beautiful moment. Motorcycle entrepeneur and reality star Jesse James confronted Dennis Rodman with his drinking problem. The others readily agreed with the diagnosis. Rodman got angry and defensive, mostly offering support of his own worthiness by adverting to his NBA career which has been over for some time now. Finally, getting nowhere, Rodman said in frustration, “I . . . I could kick all y’all’s asses. Everyone one here.”
Now, I’m not sure that is actually true. Jesse James, for example, was a professional bodyguard at one point. But James didn’t respond to Rodman’s provocation with a physical challenge. His actual reply was devastating:
“Then why don’t you kick our asses at being a good person?”
Rodman sat silent.
I called this a beautiful moment for the natural law because Jesse James put the idea out there for millions of people whether he or they realized it. We know what a good person is. We expect people to aspire to that AND to achieve it.
At a minimum, we expect people to be honest, to keep their promises, to be reliable, and to moderate their own behavior out of respect for others. These are things Thomas Aquinas would say we can reason to from the premise of the social nature of man. Rodman did none of that. And he was kicked out.
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Pingback| 3.30.09 @ 4:20PM
Trump and Celebrities: A Beautiful Moment for the Natural Law — But As For Me links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Teleprompter Messiah| 3.30.09 @ 4:32PM
Saw the same thing and thought it was like torpedoes hitting a battleship. James (a recovered alcoholic) gave Rodman tough love from his heart but it was startling in its clarity.
Hunter Baker| 3.30.09 @ 4:40PM
Good description, TM. Very evocative.
Heather H| 3.30.09 @ 5:08PM
How do we apply the moral of this story to our struggle with our political adversaries? Rodman is a total lib, he's a perfect symbol for them. Does he still look like a total freak?
Teleprompter Messiah| 3.30.09 @ 7:36PM
Heather H: Why are James and the Teutels so successsful as reality stars? First, what they do is really cool and inventive. Second, they are real. What they create is something that demands discipline, planning and hard work to produce. Your typical red blooded patriotic American male can identify with their workplace because it resembles his own.
In terms of the struggle and how you use it, you say "You say you are only taxing Rodman when really you're taxing James too. Look at how many dudes James has working for him and how hard he works. Don't you think James deserves his money and success?"
(Of course a conservative thinks Rodman deserves his success and money too, but that's another story).
Heather H| 3.30.09 @ 7:46PM
Rodman is self-centered and demanding--that's what I meant about his behavior being the symbol of liberalism.
Aaron| 3.30.09 @ 8:05PM
I didn't watch the program but I do appreciate the article Mr. Baker as it helps settle a friendly squabble between my wife and I. I have a strong belief that most Americans are decent and moral and watching TV one evening this subject came up in regards to Jesse James (of motorcycle fame not the killer obviously).
It was apparent to me of the way that he conducted himself that he had a strong set of moral values and seemed to be an overall decent person. Now I'm sure he doesn't have his faults, who doesn't? My wife disagrees that I can possibly tell something about someone's character by watching TV. I think you can (in some cases) and I think love him or hate him, you have to respect Mr. James for not beating the crap out of Mr. Rodman. Not many people could have probably been able to put up with his attitude and not want to shut him up.
Angel| 3.30.09 @ 10:27PM
I think Sandra Bullock is married to Jesse James. I've always thought she was a straight-shooter sort of girl, and I like most of her movies. If Sandra loves him, he's okay with me.
Kelly| 3.31.09 @ 2:57PM
I had thought Jesse was a bit of a blank but he really blew me away with his straight to the point, nonthreatening approach about Dennis' drinking and low character that everyone was thinking but no one had the courage to address. He's made some crude comments so he's not perfect, but I hope he goes far.
Sue| 4.1.09 @ 12:06AM
After watching Jesse on Celebrity Apprentice, I as so in love it's crazy. Sandra , watchout girl! What a man, the look on his face when asked about Dennis, was very very touching, he really does care about him and what's happening in his life. And when his lip started quivering I almost lost it. Jesse you're the man. For sure.
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