About the Episode

This is August 25. I am 69 today. Offering Federal Express-sized plane loads of gratitude for those who have listened to my broadcasts and podcasts and viewed my telecasts and columns. Thank you. And for those who want me to retire, sorry. You’re outnumbered by those who don’t. And most important, I don’t. And I don’t want anyone listening to this to every feel pushed or pressured into making any life changing decision. I have been told by some that I too strongly identify with being a public communicator. Perhaps. Or perhaps I feel too fortunate for being on the receiving end of so much candid communication from others that I know I would miss my current life dearly if I slammed on the brakes. And so I don’t, and I won’t, and will continue to make my career not a birthday card but a thank you card to Canadians and Americans who insist that I stay in the saddle.

What does it mean that Donald Trump has now been criminally indicted for a fourth time? In a rational world, it means a lot. In the world we share, it’s just another day in the life. The 4th indictment came with a mug shot. In it, he looks defiant and dedicated to running for President again. What will stop him? A speeding locomotive? No. Ultimately the only thing that stops Donald Trump from re-entering the oval office is a democratic decision made not by a judge and jury in Atlanta, or Washington, or Palm Beach. Ultimately the jury known as the electoral college will or won’t stop Trump from being the most powerful person in the world – again.

A different President of a different organization refuses to resign.

The president of the Spanish soccer federation Luis Rubiales says he is staying put as President despite enormous blow back for having kissed a player on the lips without her consent after the Women’s World Cup final.

Luis Rubiales told an emergency general assembly of the federation, “I won’t resign,” four times in quick succession and claimed he was a victim of a witch hunt by “false feminists.” Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the award ceremony after Spain beat England in the final in the land down under.