First agenda item of the day: breakfast at Taste of Paris.   Its a favorite Cafe and we look forward to the weekly visit.  The waitstaff are always welcoming, familiar faces due to our patronage of many months.  France has been much on my mind.  Today they are holding a national election.  At stake is whether the voters will select a “Conservative” leader who wants to reverse time by severely limiting immigration, by extricating France from the EU or a Centrist candidate who thinks that France is better served by working with circumstances as they stand.

As was the case with our latest presidential election, the rhetoric has been strident. and extreme emotional reaction has mirrored the rhetoric.  I was hoping to speak with Claude the owner at Taste of Paris or one of the French speaking staff to solicit their view on the state of their country.  They were quite busy so I did not bring up the matter.  The high culture of the France, symbolized by the elegant pastries on display in the glass case, contrast with the political polarization roiling the country.

To say that is preface to a word that I’ve thought about for a few days.  Fabulation.  This is stock in trade of the performance artist.  I was given an article from the NY Times that explores the meaning of contemporary political speech in the light of “kayfabe.”  Kayfabe is a term familiar to professional wrestling fans.  It is the ability of wrestling performers to evoke strong primal feelings from their audience through their choreography and outrageous language.  They are loved, adored for this ability to effect such a emotional release.  The agreement between the pro wrestler and the fan is tacit, unspoken.  A “reality” is magically created that triggers genuine emotion.

I will say little more about this.  If you have read any of my past posts, you know well the connection that I have in mind.  Kayfabe or fabulation has nothing to do with facts.  The point is management of the feelings of others.

Do many of us think that the president is going to build a wall between the US and Mexico at Mexico’s expense?  Perhaps raucous shouting, call and response, between the President and his supporters is enough:  “Build that Wall!”

Today is Sunday, and the sun shines, a fact verifiable by looking up into the sky.  Fabulation is another matter all together.

Lest I leave you on a negative note, I recommend this anthem by Emerson Lake and Palmer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCkwxOVeVk

Sentio, Ergo Sum  (I feel therefore I am)