Politics, abstract

[pecunium]

libertango and akirlu are probably my oldest friends in the world.

When I was homeless, I took advantage of them, and if they knew that was what I was doing, they were kind enough to not mention it.

When he broke his leg, last year, I went to help them, it was the least I could do. They will be embarrased, they will blush, and they will pull a Dobie Gillis and dig their toes in the sand, but apart from making sure Maia and I don't fall apart, there is nothing in the world more important to me than they are.

When I was up in Seattle (which I love because they showed me nooks and crannies) last year, they introduced me to The West Wing.

If you haven't seen it, you're wrong.

I don't give a damn what your political persuasion is. I disagree with Aaron Sorkin on guns, and it doesn't matter.

I, because misery loves company, hooked Maia on it.

Two nights ago I told her she couldn't watch the last episode of the first season. It's a cliff-hanger, it leads to a two-part second season opener.

She elected to watch it.

Today I bought the second season.

The opener is the best explanation of what politics ought to be.

It's about hope. It's about trying to make things better for everyone.

Everyone.

I have been a servant. A servant serves. A public service serves the public. That's what politicians are supposed to do; to be, public servants.

For those who know the show, I'd love to be Bartlett. I'm not. I can deliver a speech. I have the passion, but not the drive. I am a Leo McGarrey. It's the story of my life. I make a great number-two. I can prod, nudge, and make tough decisions. I can support people, but I have some qualms when it comes to being the guy who makes the ultimate decisions. I can execute, but, unless I have to, I don't like to decide.

I'll make a great first-sergeant, or sergeant major, I am not the stuff of which generals are made.

Serving.

It's what didn't happen during Katrina.

From before, to the present, at every level, from the city, to the nation, the people who were supposed to be served, were; and are, being left to twist in the wind.

People say this isn't political. They say we ought not be pointing fingers, or assigning blame

Bullshit. It isn't blame. No, it is, and there is enough blame to go around.

When someone screws up, they ought to admit it. It's an old American tradition. Puritans believed in it.

Sin, everyone does it.

Be made aware of it.

Repent.

Confess, in public.

Be forgiven.

If one could do that, confess in public, all would be forgiven.

Accountabilty. This administration hasn't, by my lights had any. They talk but they don't walk.

A public servant serves the public.