Run In Circles, Scream and Shout

Another rhyme that I remember from my misspent youth is:

When in trouble,

When in doubt,

Run in circles,

Scream and shout.

I suggest this as the new motto of the United States Congress. If there has ever been a more inept, confused, and uncentered group with so much responsibility I do not know who they might be or where you would find them.

Ladies and gentlemen of the United States of America, you are not getting your money's worth. We could do so much better. I realize that I have a tendency to go back to the "good old days". But at times, there are reasons. In those times to which I refer, candidates for office had to  present themselves to the voters, openly and in public. They had to speak without teleprompters and many times without notes. Presidential candidates used to do "whistle stop tours" where they would travel by train making brief stops along the way and speaking to the crowds from the train's rear platform. Harry Truman was the last candidate that I remember doing this.

In the 70s when I ran for office on the city level, candidates walked door to door, shaking hands and getting up close and personal. A hundred dollar donation at a fund raiser was a big deal in those days. For most, politics was more of an obligation to serve than a chosen career. Today it seems to be the hope of many to get elected to a public office and turn it into a lifetime sinecure convinced of their own importance.

At a time when our country is beset by problems brought about by the bad decisions of our elected officials, it would seem appropriate that they should slow the rapid down hill run that they have put the country into and work together for the nations good. Today, politicians are products of advertising agencies, consultants, the media, and the money. If one should take the time to listen to many of the ideas and thoughts that come from our nations capital, it is no wonder that the country is in a state of confusion. 

Shutting down the government is not exactly an American tragedy. There are heart rending words about public employees being furloughed for the duration. How about the same concern for those that government policies have put on the unemployment line or forced into part time work. Some of the older workers will never have a real job again.

We need change. We need leaders that are qualified, not leaders with the nicest smiles or best personality. Or the most persuasive line of bull. We need thoughtful intelligence not strict unyielding ideology. Until we get that the denizens of Washington will continue to run in circles scream and shout.