I’ve been wondering lately if it could be that our so-called great leaders are in reality just a bunch of cartoon characters.
How they behave and what they get away with would never fly for you or I.
This was made evident to me very recently when Mighty Joe called out Big Don. It was broadcast on primetime national TV, mind you, with special lighting effects, a dramatic presentation and much fanfare. And millions viewed it.
Like one prize fighter or wrestling hero taunting and threatening another, it seemed ever so bold and confrontational. It was quite a spectator show. But really, in your heart of hearts, you knew it was just a show.
It’s not to be taken real seriously. There’s no need to divide people between us and them, red and blue, or elephants versus donkeys. There’s already more than enough division and animosity, there’s no need to fan the flames.
And speaking of donkeys, the above event could be a last desperate effort for that faction to hold on to their power come November. That’s when the next big contest of red versus blue states is to take place.
Endless time, effort and attention along with millions upon millions of dollars will be spent (wasted) on this upcoming showdown. Emotions will run high. Hopes, expectations and dreams will be shattered. Losers will refuse to accept defeat, and recounts will go on and on.
All this has nothing to do with logic, reason and common sense of course, but who cares? It’s thrilling, exciting and such great public entertainment.
And in essence, much like sports events, it’s all a big game. Win at all costs and demolish the competition!
Serious stuff, and some games can be deadly serious like mountain climbing and bullfighting.
They call the process democracy and they say the majority is always right, which is their basic principle. But I have my doubts about that.
Democracy could, in a way, be interpreted as might makes right or as mob rule. If you are the only fellow in a lynch mob who dosen’t want to string the poor wretch up, then you’re out of order pal!
And being that most people agree on a particular point, idea or action, this does not necessarily make it right, proper, just and ethical.
There’s such a thing as herd mentality within which some of the most destructive human actions occur.
I’ve heard of an example of democracy in action where two wolves and a sheep are trying to decide what to have for dinner.
I know that the US Constitution calls for a democratic presidential election once every four years. But the framers of that document never envisioned all the tens of millions voting public of today as they descend into a cultural, simi-tribal warfare. With all the money involved, favors, corruption and all the hostility it has evolved (devolved) into.
Politics seems to bring out the worst in people and it appears to me that the worst people are the ones most likely to run for public office.
They will shake your hand, kiss babies and promise you the moon, or benefits out of the public though.
They are your best friends come election time. But you never see or hear from them again till the next election, unless it involves some kind of public scandal in the news.
But you know what? It’s the same game next time they need your vote, the same show all over again. Out of the woodwork they pop with the same empty promises, smiles and handshakes.
The saddest part of it all is they so often get reelected. You could say “Fool me once, then fool me over and over again”.
The bottom line appears to me, the citizens get the type of government they deserve. They created it!
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are some possible solutions...
1) Eliminate all unnecessary government functions.
2) Term limits.
3) No executive privilege or placement above the law.
4) Strict adherence to protection and defense of the US Constitution.
This would be a good start.
Dan is at danhughoconnor@gmail.com
