The Observation Deck

Despite the rhetoric, despite the issues which face us in this (and every other election year) I was struck this morning as I was listening to the BBC on WCLV. As the newscast spoke on and on about various revolutions and coups, I was struck by how lucky and rare the US is in a world of instability. Every four years we choose a president. And yet we don’t experience riots in the streets and military takeover of the broadcast media. Every two years we reconstitute the House and Senate (partially) and excepting political sniping, we don’t see armed bands of thugs and kidnappings of political candidates.

Is it a perfect system…..well, of course not. Certainly we’ve seen our share of turmoil and scandal, but even so, even when a president stands trial for impeachment or resigns in disgrace, the transition goes forward, based on the rules set forth by the founders in that remarkable document called the Constitution.

I’m looking forward to voting next week. I hope the lines are hugely long. And while I care deeply about the outcome, I have no fears whatever about the transition. That is a rare circumstance and one which we seem to take for granted. Kumbayah.

Jeff

Jeff--- You have provided a needed reminder of what we have and must keep here in America.

And, taking it down to the local level, Lakewood and our LO project are the prime example of "the proof is in the pudding."

For instance, while I can point out with great alacrity (look it up, DeVito) those who disagree with me and are consequently WRONG, we all still manage to get along and even have fun when we get together.

It hasn't come to fisticuffs and never will.

Stan

Stan -

Just so you know, I'm having dinner with Bill Call and his wife tomorrow night.

Don't worry, I think it might go better than the last evening one-on-one I had, except for having you at the last one.

I think that Jeff just jinxed us all...


PS The gunshow at the Berea Fairgrounds this past weekend was very crowded...