I worked several hours over the past several days on a piece regarding the
elections for offices large and small, local and otherwise, using "The Night before Christmas" as the cadence for the rhythmic verse. Alas, it did not flow as easily as I had hoped.
There were moments of what I thought were hysterical wit, but would struggle with the next stanza for an appropriate word or turn of a phrase, and keeping in mind that “The Night before Christmas” is a children’s story, I was hell bent on it being light and clean, engaging and entertaining. In actuality, it was turning out to be suitable only for a very mature audience whose opinions are vulgar and crass and delivered with spite and vengeance. I finally hit delete.
I was also well aware that the editor with whom I share a residence would be none too pleased and veto its publication without hesitating. It’s also been recommended to me that I refrain from any content that might require hiring a bodyguard or moving out of state.
The opening was peaceful enough, such as: ‘Twas the day after voting, the ballots gathered and tallied, the candidates learn who lost and who rallied. Disbelief and dismay will sadden a few, “I was told I would win after all the mud that I threw.” It took a steep decline from that point on.
There wasn’t any particular lean in either direction – blue or red – liberal or conservative in the lines that followed, and there were plenty of potshots at those running for office as well as those in the news media who "reportedly" were giving us their unbiased analysis. I was doling out the barbs without restraint. But the fun in the pecking of the keys was lost.
‘With cameras on, the newscasters squawk, my headache it worsens with more crazy talk. She’ll ruin the country, he’ll become a dictator, “I’ll take down the wall. I’ll rebuild it later.”’ Strange visions of extra-long silk ties or dull-colored pant suits filling the closet on Pennsylvania Avenue also are difficult to shake. Do they ever wear the same outfit twice or heaven forbid two days in a row? Do they wear their socks more than once or skip taking a shower if they’re running late, applying an extra layer of deodorant like the rest of us? Is this TMI? (Too much information) “Breaking the law might send you to prison, if you’re gender confused, we’ll remove or replace what is missin’.”
I can’t say that I’m overly worried or concerned about who will “publicly” run the show after the elections are complete; their role is that of an actor, putting a face at the podium for us to trust or be skeptical of – but I absolutely do care. One incredibly poor decision is usually followed by another when money or power or popularity – usually all three, are involved.
And despite the political leanings of any leadership anywhere around our world – communism and/or socialism being the two largest philosophies that are completely contrary to our own, they still have a capitalistic flavoring that rewards and motivates. Greed and selfishness are the flaws and characteristics most assailed; rightfully so.
“Washington’s law makers vow to reach ‘cross the aisle, and with eyes closed and snob nosed they step in a pile.”
Ten rules, etched in stone by a man eventually crucified on a cross is the direction forward. I haven’t seen any ads in the mail or pre-recorded phone calls proclaiming an allegiance to his governing style, but damn well know he’ll reach across the aisle to anyone; every time.
