One of the chief joys of NBC’s “Return to the Planet of the Apes” in the 1970s was the character of General Urko, the bellicose ape in charge of hunting down the fugitive astronauts. Paranoid, blustering and seeing enemies all about him, his full madness erupted when he cried aloud, “They’re out to get me! I know it!”

It’s always possible that the writers of the show were inspired by Richard Nixon, whose presidency had ended in shambles just a few short years before, but after listening to President Donald Trump’s stream of consciousness eruptions during his call to “Fox and Friends” last week, well, the only thing I thought of was Urko.

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To see the interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lu_Hgw60Ns

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Another of the perpetually angry guerrilla’s quotes came to mind, as well:

“I will be revenged for this! I swear it!”

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The comparisons between Trump and Urko are considerable. True, Trump hasn’t yet had this troops fire on a live volcano, but give him time and opportunity.

In the meantime, our real life version of General Urko basks in Urko-like paranoia, self-congratulation and fear-mongering. There are those who worry that Trump may one day put a uniform on. Well, if he does, I can only suggest as headgear he try on one of the helmets from the Apes films/TV series.

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Fun Urko fact

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Urko was voiced by Henry Corden, who took over the role of Fred Flintstone after the original voice actor died in 1977.

And who says you don’t learn anything from reading my stuff?

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Today’s Soundtrack

Listening to some of Joseph LoDuca’s music for “Xena: warrior Princess.” This is pretty good stuff.

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Now on YouTube: Soldier on Service Dogs

My interview with a group which provides service animals for veterans.

On the Air: Soldier On Service Dogs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHs8PNszyqM

“On the Air with Richard S. Drake” celebrates 27 years years on the air in 2018.

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Quote of the Day

“I understand the technique of eccentricity; it would be futile for a man to labor at establishing a reputation for oddity if he were ready at the slightest provocation to revert to normal action.” – Nero Wolfe, in Fer-de-Lance (1934), written by Rex Stout

rsdrake@cox.net

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