Political circus still being judged
Many Americans were saddened by the recent news that the 146-year run of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be coming to an end in May. In a strange coincidence, the announcement came about the same time a new circus was arriving on the scene.
After a brief preview in New York City the new circus is now in our nation's capital, where it could be staying up to four years. Observers have reported that the production includes clowns, puppets, trained animals, stuntmen, contortionists, a Russian strongman, a magic show involving a large brick wall, several dozen distortion mirrors and a bizarre sideshow featuring Birdman, who tweets all day, has a yellow plume of hair, the smallest hands in the world and extremely thin, orange skin. Birdman also serves as the ringmaster, a fire breathing knife thrower and walks on a tightrope high above the crowd.
Early reviews have not been promising, citing the performers" lack of experience and trying too hard to be different. Without significant improvement, critics contend, the circus may not last long in D.C. and could end up as a reality show on cable TV.
To generate interest, the circus recently held an online contest to allow the public to choose a slogan for the show. The winner was to receive a red cap bearing the new slogan. While the circus has yet to reveal the winning slogan, despite promising to do so, hackers in China managed to obtain the results which they leaked to the press. The top three submissions were: (1) The Greatest Troll on Earth; (2) The Vainest Show on Earth; and (3) The Lamest Show on Earth.
A spokesperson for the circus denied this report, claiming initially that it was "fake news," but moments later saying that the naming contest was rigged. When asked repeatedly to explain, the spokesperson responded by simply saying that the new circus is the "Best Show Ever. . " and that's all that really matters to Americans.
In a related story, the pope condemned the new circus in America and said people all over the world - with the exception of Russia - are hoping it will not succeed.
Jeff Johnston
Hawthorn Woods