David Parrella: The sack of Washington

In 1814 a British army, frustrated by the failure of their attack on Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor, committed a little arson by burning down the White House. History celebrates the First lady, Dolly Madison, fleeing the burning structure clutching a portrait of George Washington.

There was no such bravery in evidence as President Donald Trump crowed about the destruction of the East Wing, a place which had served First Ladies from the time of Theodore Roosevelt onwards, including a well-known period when it was occupied by his niece, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Just as the would-be defenders of the White House took flight in 1814, so too did The House, the Senate, the Architect of the Capital, and various boards devoted to preservation utter not a word as the devastation proceeded in full view of the American people.

All because the president must have his ballroom, a glittering monument to greed and corruption. In addition to this home improvement project, Trumpus Maximus also plans the construction of a monumental arch, supposedly to celebrate our nation’s birth.

But we all know what the arch is intended to celebrate. It is for him in all his glory. He will be able to ride through it someday as a conquering emperor, having smited the weak and raised up the wealthy.

He will ride proudly to his ballroom, which will henceforth be known as his monument and temple, like Cesar Augustus before him. And there he will declare: “I have become a God!”