I thought there couldn’t be a stronger metaphor for the United States under Donald Trump than last week’s reflecting pool saga—until a 54-year-old MAGA influencer named Manny was arrested for jerking off in patriotic garb at an empty Great American State Fair.
The YouTuber known as Manny is Gian Rachtelli, a self-described “God fearing patriotic American” who livestreams from protests and political events. Per the Independent, he was caught masturbating and vaping to performances by the Cirque Mechanics while dressed as Uncle Sam at America’s 250th birthday party:
One witness told police they were standing behind Rachtelli while he vaped and filmed the female acrobats, before observing him place his hand inside his pants. A second witness reported seeing him return for a later show and repeat the behavior. A third witness stated that a member of the acrobatic team approached them to report that an older white male was making the performers uncomfortable by making lewd gestures in his pants while they were on stage.
Rachtelli’s arrest for lewd acts was somehow the most notable thing that happened at the Great American State Fair, which was supposed to be a massive, unifying celebration of the nation’s birthday, similar to the vibrant and successful Bicentennial celebrations in 1976. Instead, hardly anyone showed up, including the bands Trump’s team had booked. Nearly every artist except Vanilla Ice had backed out of the fair weeks ago after realizing that Trump intended to turn this supposedly nonpolitical event into a rally for himself. (Trump said in a speech at the fair, “I hate [Democrats]—I can’t stand them,” in case there were any lingering questions about that.) Hilariously, even Vanilla Ice’s performance ended up being canceled yesterday due to supposed “inclement weather” that never materialized.
More snippets from America’s birthday party: The ice cream melted due to power outages. North Carolina’s delegation was asked to remove the Confederate flag it was displaying in the state’s booth. A dozen states didn’t show up to their booths at all. The ferris wheel mostly sat idle. One guitar player’s sunglasses reflected that roughly six people were watching him play. And Dean Cain, the Superman actor who later became an honorary ICE officer, posted this photo of the deserted event from the ferris wheel, accidentally countering Trump’s claim that 45,000 people had attended:
Things that were better attended than the Great American State Fair this weekend include Minneapolis’ annual Cat Tour, Iran’s World Cup match in Seattle Friday night, and NYC’s Dyke March.
But at least Manny was at America’s party, with a hand in his pants and a vape in his mouth, epitomizing what “patriotism” has become under Trump: a masturbatory exercise in objectifying women, humiliating oneself, and alienating anyone who’s ever admired the country.
Trump will probably pardon him.
They find new ways to embarrass us everyday.