Adages, cliches and politics
Adages and cliches have their place, but they also have a onesize-fits-all quality about them. One has always stood out to me as almost deceptive. That being: “An enemy of my enemy is my friend.” This statement assumes too much, an enemy of your enemy could turn out to be a bigger enemy of yours. What follows is an objective analysis of the two likely candidates for the presidency in 2024.
On a recent trip to San Diego, a conversation turned political with people I had reason to believe were acolytes of Donald Trump. It was not surprising that these participants felt the need to portray Joe Biden as a fumbling-bumbling idiot. All participants in this conversation with the exception of myself, claimed religious affiliation. Although it has been over 20 years since I read the Bible cover to cover, (full disclosure, audio-cassette) this discourse reminded me of biblical contradictions. An eye for an eye or turn the other cheek. Free will or determinism. I choose to concern myself with more explicit biblical guidance, such as: “A reputation is more valuable than silver and gold.”
Considering that latter proverb, I always find it a little confusing when ostensibly religious people hitch themselves to the likes of Donald Trump, a man who possesses the hubris and arrogance of Benito Musselini and the personality and disposition of Nellie Olson. In addition to this observation the runaway Republican candidate is facing 91 felony indictments as well as multiple civil lawsuits.
I would think a typical presidential candidate would recognize the need to focus exclusively on making his own life great again.
But I suppose aspiring dictators have their own way of doing things.
It is my hope and belief that President Biden will not seek reelection. Either way, I will always be indebted to Joe Biden for stepping forward and democratically removing democracy from hands that had no business possessing it.
In the wake of that fumbling-bumbling characterization, I made an effort to observe some of President Biden’s more significant addresses. I observed a chief executive demonstrating a high degree of understanding and cognitive functionality.
Being marked by respect, honor and dignity is essential to the quality of any country, institution or interpersonal dynamic. Joe Biden has been an exemplary bearer of those standards.
It is my impression that the next presidential election will determine whether or not this country chooses to remain a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Or will such notions perish from the Earth.
Dylan Winfree Big Pine