So, here's a question for friends of mine and readers of this blog with small children. Over the last weeks we've seen the complete collapse of what the founders envisioned as Representative Democracy. It was a noble experiment. I think we've seen it finally fail. If what we're hearing tonight as I compose this post is true, a right wing think tank, The Heritage Foundation, sent out a missive to Republican House members that buckled their knees so much, we won't see a vote in the House on what looked like was going to be yet another feckless attempt to accomplish something or anything. That could still change, but the bald face bullying as sent the cowards scampering to their corners. Some would argure that democracy is always messy. It is. But I don't think this quailifies as messy or democracy.
Oh, that question? What do you teach your children these days when it comes to things like reciting the Pledge of Allegiance? You remember what that is don't you. Originally composed by a Baptist minister and Christain Socialist, Francis Bellamy, that's the pledge we should all be able to recite by memory from about the first grade on, if not sooner. But haven't the actions of our Congress critters (on both sides) proven that it is just a hollow incantation, even considering the blood that has been shed over the flag we pledge to and the nation and ideals it represents? That last part is key.
I don't ask this question in jest, or with snark. I ask it sincerely. Given that it is difficult to justify the actions, words, and dare I say, intelligence, of the folks we elect and pay as leaders, what do you say to your children about this?
