Of course it’s fantasy

While many are playing fantasy football, I am spending time playing fantasy Congress.

Here is how it works. I take both houses of Congress and in each I form equal “D” and “R” teams that are then sent to their own conference. Mitch, Paul, Nancy and Chuck are not invited. Nor is anyone from the White

House. No cell phones or iPads.

Rules: No one is allowed to call upon “the American people” (code for please re-elect me) since most of them have a 50/50 chance of going home anyway. No interrupting another person speaking. If response is needed, the responder must first clarify what they heard the person say. No critical remarks about the other party. The first few days are devoted to each party considering, determining, and reaching consensus to define the most basic beliefs of their party. After this has been accomplished, the different teams come together and consider their differences and agreements. Both groups decide what they have in common and how they might work across the aisle. This may take a while, but since nothing is going on, Chuck, Nancy, Mitch and Paul can keep the doors open.

The groups are isolated, so they have to talk to each other. If there is no spitting, kicking or profanity, drinks will be served at the end of each day. As the conference is ending, there is one more challenge. As a whole, the total Congress has to decide on one vital issue facing the nation, and then they must formulate a solution. Although they have been elected by a party, during this time constituents are not a consideration. Did I mention consensus?

I can hardly wait to see what my fantasy Congress decides on … GWENNETH PRICE PICARD

Little Rock