From 1/7/2021 - On the Turmoil in Our Nation's Capitol

 

Date:  1/7/2021 (Received by the editor late evening - posted a day late - sorry!)

Random Thoughts on a Passing Scene - in this case, the present unprecedented turmoil in our nation's Capitol.

Fundamentals of a Functional Democracy:

1. High literacy rates in the population (I think Japan has one of the highest at 90% plus literacy).

2. Recognition of the right to oppose government policies and regulations and work through and within the system to change the same.

3. Tolerance of differing viewpoints.

4. Acceptance of being out-voted and not in control of the reins of power.

5. Protection of the rights of those without political power.

(How do we score on those in America today?)

Pursuant to the above, as an individual, I recommend the following civic duties:

1. Exercise your essential right to vote.

2. Read the foundational American documents:  Declaration of Independence, Constitution (with its Amendments and the Bill of Rights.)

3. Know and appreciate the history and foundations of the United States of America.  (Read some of the speeches and writings of Lincoln and Jefferson etc.)

4. Appreciate Winston Churchill's comment on Democracy:  "Democracy is the worst form of government …. except for all others."

5. Beneath all the rhetoric, recognize that the United States is an incredibly wealthy, incredibly generous country (when any and all hands are stretched out in need), and was, and still is to a great degree, welcoming of others and diversity, and remains the "land of the free and home of the brave.”

Now if you peruse my posting on Leadership from the other day, you can readily ascertain how I view Trump's Lack of Leadership performance during the last day and a half.    This man who holds the highest level of office, power and influence in our country has conducted himself woefully and without regard to the feelings, sensibilities and basic rights of those not in his camp.    His comments and actions (or true LEADERSHIP inactions!) border on the irrational, and are conduct unbecoming to the office to which he was elected.

The partisan divide in America, in its extreme manifestations, has brought us as a nation to the point of folly and has endangered our constitutional and political frameworks.  Did it take this assault on the Halls of Congress for compassionate and rational leaders from both Parties to rise to the occasion, find their voices, end the strident, violent discord and start righting the ship of state?   

Signing off this day stunned and incredulous that "lack of the right leadership stuff" has led to this.

There you have it.

TAB

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