But It’s Not Really Funny

 

One minute you’re a well meaning, aspirational planned community and the next you’re in the crosshairs of presidential retribution.

Image is a screenshot taken from a post on Bluesky .

THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

01/26/25

ICYMI: President Donald J. Trump's TRUTH on Columbia Sanctions

A few nights ago The New American City found itself the topic of many a social media post when the President announced sanctions on Columbia. 

Columbia? Columbia, Maryland?

Of course he really meant “Colombia” (the country) but he didn’t take the time to check his own work and apparently no one else in the White House did, either. Yes, we have all been the victim of our own stupid-ass typos but then, we are not the President of the United States, are we?

Over on Bluesky folks had a field day with the careless error.

Guess this means that my Columbia Association dues will increase? — concerned Columbia, MD resident

Hey I work in Columbia…MD.  Call Governor Moore, we’ve been sanctioned. I wish this was funny. It’s pathetically stupid. SMH.

Did Donald Trump just announce 25% tariffs on Columbia, Maryland?

Columbia MD is now concerned… but has no coffee

I’m imagining that Columbia, MD seeking injunction in Fourth Circuit tomorrow after getting slapped with 25% tariffs by Trump 

maybe he meant Columbia MD, one of the blue state Columbias

i live in the real Columbia, in the middle of MD. wonder when the army will start the trek up 95?

Hide your coffee, Columbia 

Man oh man, people in Columbia, Maryland must be really mad right now

General Admission tickets to any show at Merriweather or Toby's dinner theater will now be $10,000.00, and Mall parking will require a credit check. (Columbia, Maryland humor)

Maybe he wants Columbia Maryland? Is he after Merriweather Post Pavilion since he already owns her Mar-a-Lago?

There were other Columbias in the mix: Columbia, South Carolina, Columbia University, and even Columbia brand outdoor clothing. Yes, it was a laugh a minute there for a while. I think people joked about it because they knew, deep down that no one they knew was going to be hurt by this error. That made it fair game. Plus, in times of extreme national stress, a lighthearted moment can be therapeutic.

But the underlying issues are not funny at all. Deportation without due process, engaging in strong arm “diplomacy” via social media, sloppy communications,  ignorant bluster and threats. None of that is funny. 

Summing up, a bit of advice from a Bluesky poster who appears to be channeling Bernie Sanders:

I’m once again asking Americans to learn the difference between Colombia and Columbia.

If the President could learn that, yeah, that would be great.

Village Green/Town² Comments