Git Out The Bait, Fellas

Calhoun's Can(n)ons for November 3, 2010 

The country’s 24-hour political pundit perpetual panic conflictionator did not cause our problems, but its existence makes solving them that much harder . . . If we amplify everything, we hear nothing.

                  Jon Stewart,”Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear” 

            Well, Jon, you could have fooled me.  These past months have been a time of creeping horror.  Angry, oddly uninformed, frightened people put a tri-corner hat on their heads, a gun on their hips, scribbled a Hitler moustache on a photo of  President Obama and called it a national political movement, unaware it was really little more than a useful corporate, lobbyist-fueled, Astroturf political tactic. Until it became clear it might backfire against the Republicans who sought to use its ramped up fear and anger. At which time the likes of Karl Rove sniffed and sneered and started backing away. But it was too late.  Frankenstein’s monster was loosed in the land and was running amok, knocking out “sane” conservative candidates and substituting extremist wackos babbling about headless bodies in the desert and declaring they weren’t witches.

            Meanwhile, the airways filled with hideous images and scary voices promising Armageddon should one politician or another get elected. Poor mailmen fell to their knees under the weight of glossy campaign flyers. Insanity roared through the land, terrorized people hiding under their beds, fingers stuck firmly in their ears, eyes scrunched shut against the bray.

            Except for brave Oklahoma.  Those courageous Sooners took a stand against the growing tide of terror.  Their Republican state Representative Rex Duncan authored a constitutional amendment initiative to ban Sharia law from being implemented in Oklahoma.  Says Mr. Duncan, “Oklahoma does not have that problem yet, but why wait until it’s in the courts.” Indeed!  There’s nothing more uselessly soothing than pre-emptive strikes against non-existent threats.  What’s next, a law making it illegal for flying dragons to use Oklahoma airspace?

            Well, why not.  That kind of silliness is what we Americans do when we get scared.  Theatre for children.  But now the election’s over, it’s clear that the worst of the games are over and now the terribly serious business of actually governing has to begin. 

            In California, the voters elected a “public servant,” over a wealthy CEO.  Perhaps  they understood there’s a world of difference between the two.  Plus, this particular “servant,” is a Pol’s pol, and not only knows where the bodies are buried, he’s swum with the Sacramento sharks so it’s likely he will know how to get something done in a state that’s been self-derailed and gridlocked. Maybe.

            Nationally, Republicans regained control of the House and will soon understand the dictum, “Be careful what you wish for; you may get it.”  For two years, they’ve had the supreme luxury of sitting on the sidelines like sulking children, lower lips out, pouty-eyes glaring, threatening filibusters and saying, No-No-HELL NO!

            That won’t cut it any more.  They now have the fishing pole, they have the bait, and they now have two ways to go: Get serious and work with Democrats to actually make critical changes. Or, focus their time and energy in setting up impeachment proceedings against our Kenya-born, Muslim-terrorist, illegal-alien President.  Oh, and waste time on the non-starter of rescinding the heath care plan so that people can once again get thrown off their policies, be refused coverage for pre-existing conditions and remove the provisions that insurance companies must spend at least 80% of your insurance dollars on actual health care, versus spending it on CEO bonuses.

            And, of course, totally ignore any commitment towards a sustainable green energy policy, even though a lot of corporations and individuals tinkering in their garages are just waiting for the signal from Washington that will give them the go-ahead to do what America does best – innovative investments in a future. 

            But that kind of commitment requires a government and a people that actually believes it has a future and is willing to work together to make that future real.

            Which makes this truly a fish or cut bait moment. And begs a question:  Why did it take two comedian/satirists to clarify the choices we face: Restore Sanity or Keep Mindless Fear Alive?

            And to remind us, as Jon Stewart did, that “The image of Americans that is reflected back to us by our political and media process is false.  We hear every damn day about how fragile our country is, on the brink of catastrophe, torn my polarizing hate, and how it’s a shame that we can’t work together to get things done.  The truth is, we do.  We work together to get things done every damn day.  The only place we don’t is here [Washington] or on cable TV.”

            Amen. Now, it’s time for our Pols to get back to work. And this time, let’s see if both parties can focus on what’s best for the country as a whole, not just on payoffs for the fat cats what brung ‘em.