Different views from different pews.


Healing

NOTE:
D. Michael Wegman is a friend of mine and recently shared his opinion from a differing perspective. I get it. I understand symbolism that an AI was attempting to project. The concept is healing, and Trump is not representing Christ, but rather, a concept called the laying on of hands. Red, white and blue is also included in the symbolism as well. I personally think it is in poor taste of AI's production. These are Mike's comments and he is a Christian American retired .military officer and a grandfather, about 5 years younger than myself:
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Mike Wegman's commentary:

HE WAS ELECTED TO HELP HEAL AMERICA

So, I LIKE THIS AI IMAGE of President Trump!

Go ahead—take a breath.

No, I don’t think he’s a doctor.
No, I don’t think he’s divine.

I just understand symbolism.

That image isn’t literal—it’s visual shorthand: strength, protection, healing, leadership. The same artistic language that’s been used for centuries to elevate ideas, not deify people.

But the reaction?

Immediate outrage.
“Blasphemy.”
“Cult.”
“Dangerous.”

Interesting.

Because not that long ago, Barack Obama was routinely portrayed with halos, glowing light, and near-divine framing on major covers like Newsweek.

And back then?

That was called:
Art.
Insightful.
Powerful imagery.

No outrage. No moral panic. No demands to take it down.

So what changed?

Not the symbolism.
Not the artistic language.

Just the subject.

That’s not principle—that’s preference dressed up as outrage.

And here’s where I’ll be blunt—

I spent my Navy career as a technician, Engineering Department Officer, Combat Systems Department Officer, and a Battle Watch Captain—where reading signals, intent, and context correctly actually mattered.

Today I’m an artist, poet, writer, and publisher.

I know what I’m looking at.

So when I see people spiraling over an image like this, it doesn’t read as thoughtful criticism.

It reads as reaction—fast, loud, and selective.

You don’t have to like Trump.
You don’t have to like the image.

But if symbolism only bothers you when it’s used for one person—and not another—

that’s not about art.

That’s about you.

I like the image.

The reaction? That’s the tell.



Short story by Clara Mae Gregory The PoetBay support member heart!
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Written on 2026-04-14 at 23:31

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melanie sue The PoetBay support member heart!
D. Michael Wegman is indeed a very talented professional artist and a very successful writer with several published books and top rated poetry.
"Caveat Games" is one of his excellent creations.
2026-04-15