.:imprudent, insolent children:.

Ever read the news articles about politics, especially the ones that quote politicians?

Ever think to yourself, "this is RIDICULOUS!"?

That is precisely the feeling I had while reading some of the Times today. One article in particular, concerning Talk of Pelosi as Speaker aggravated my waking morning mind. First, the reporter needs to go back to communications school, or better yet, the writer's house at any university. However, the thoughts of Republican strategists evoked the wincing sensation that results from nails scratching a chalk board.

- First: "'Is America ready for Nancy Pelosi's Contract With San Francisco?' asked Representative Ric Keller, Republican of Florida, posing a question that, one imagines, could form the basis of many Republican advertisements this fall."

- Second: "Republican strategists say they are eager to conduct a direct assault on Ms. Pelosi, focusing on what they believe are her vulnerabilities."

Such imprudence and insolence should be attributed to children swept up in a cloud of emotion that fogs their judgment. The frequency with which I or friends compare children and politicians should unnerve even the most ardent believer in the "goodness" of the political system. And, my friends and I are the most ardent supports of this delicious enterprise in the democratic rationality of man. Yet, when I read articles such as this, I am reminded of Hobbes and not Locke or Montesquieu. Or perhaps, Ann Rynd. (Though this is less of egoism for the self, and more "do whatever is in our interest".) Washington warning against forming political factions was well intended, even if impossible.

Republican "strategists" conducting direct assault on her vulnerabilities. Sounds more like a war strategy for Iraq. Perhaps we should send these strategist to their quagmire over in that neck of the woods. The parties should never be assaulting each other. Time wasted with such imprudent actions is not amiss with the genius slowness of the political system the founding fathers purposefully created. Yet, they expected the system to stabilize as a result of the democratic obstacle course of the Constitution. I neither know nor will venture to guess if they expected representative officials to spend so much time attacking one another and vying for the adoration of fans to never even enter the obstacle course. Politicians are elected not only to speak on behalf of their constituents, but also to exercise rationality in carrying out the wishes of such fickle people as we Americans. When we get carried away with plots to 'get them ___' (fill in the blank with whatever group you'd like), our elected officials who are in office before such new sentiments arise are presented with the problem of listening to constituents, and also doing what is best for them and country and in tow with what is right. Of course, what is right might not be apparent either to him/her at the time or to the constituents. Officials elected as those new sentiments form and voice the opinions the mass want to hear should take heed when making a pack with us fickle people. But we should remember why we have officials in the first place. If I wanted to attack the views of my fellow citizens I can do that on my own without the need of politicians. I elect them to keep the government running and to make sure my opinion is heard in that greasing of the machine. Our politicians serve us, and it's about time they remember that. If they forget, we can always just elect a new one.

for the ears: billy bragg
for the eyes: emmet gowin