I think several people are getting entirely overboard about things to worry about in the recent political climate.
When I was very young, I was told not to do something or to go off because the boogerman would get me. [I know some people spell it bogeyman, but I'm spelling it like it is said in the South. And I think Humphrey Bogart might prefer my version, anyway.] I'm a bit more worldly wise nowadays enough to recognize that this was adults' ways back then of keeping children out of harm's way in the form of child predators, heavy machinery, fast cars, and other things that are out there without either raising too many pointed questions. So they scared the crap out of kids. Oh well . . . .
In my opinion, there is this neat little tendency going on still; but it's directed towards grownups.
So read me in black and white (and red all over): Whether Barack Obama or Mitt Romney or some player to be named later is elected President in November, things are not going to go to the dogs. And the same could have been said about Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, or some of the others who may be talked about in 2012 or 2016.
Likewise, don't worry overly much about Republicans or Democrats or Brand X parties. People will differ in opinions, and that's okay. And the same can be said for the Christian Right, the Tea Party, the Occupy people in their various locales, and the holy rollers. Did I leave anyone out?
Don't get the idea that this hysteria is solely from the right, or the left. Both play that game. Practically speaking, a President can only do so much. Yes, the Presidency is a bully pulpit; but many of us are votaries of Morpheus while sermons are going on. Congress can pass laws; but they are limited by real life concerns. The Supremes may overturn some laws now and then as unconstitutional, but that's now and then. In short, inertia is built into the system: it's hard to turn the direction of government very much.
And that's not a bad thing. And gridlock is not a bad thing. Democrats serve as a check to the wretched excesses of the Republican party, and Republicans are good to have around to keep the Democrats from being more stupid than they are inclined to be. Thank God we are not governed either by Rush Limbaugh or the NYT editors.
Didn't Franklin D. Roosevelt once say that we have nothing to fear but fear itself. [Okay, you old codgers, stop crossing yourself or genuflecting -- he was not as awful or as great as you were led to believe.] So smile. And have a beer.
Doesn't that feel better?
Votaries of morpheus -- sleeping during sermons?
ReplyDelete'A' beer?
ReplyDeleteA beer is always appropriate.
ReplyDeleteElvis -- what else should one do during sermons and graduation speeches?
ReplyDeleteMike -- I stand corrected. Several beers, as needed.
Banana Oil -- It always is, the brand of your choice.
We were told about the boogerman in my home town too, in the 1980's.
ReplyDeleteThe media and the pols tend to engage in catastrophe thinking to overemphasize concerns that they are trying to push, but they're like boys who cry wolf.
Why wait for problems before you can have a beer?
So basically you are telling us not to be concerned? Some choices are worse than others, they need to be avoided.
ReplyDelete"Democrats serve as a check to the wretched excesses of the Republican party, and Republicans are good to have around to keep the Democrats from being more stupid than they are inclined to be" - I couldn't have said it better myself!
ReplyDelete