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We return for a second but brief, visit to the small, verdant Village of “Wistful Vista,” located on the far distant, leeward slope of Mt. Mensa. In our earlier visit we lacked sufficient time to render a more complete account of many of its features; one such is the much revered and august, “Committee of The Sagacious.” This elite body is comprised of six wise people of the Village, assigned the challenging responsibility of determining the answer to difficult and pressing questions, arising at meetings of the Village Council or alternatively, posed by any (up to date, taxpaying) villager with Council approval.

Before proceeding further, we would avail ourselves of a brief opportunity to acquaint the reader with that revered, Council- designated, Committee. Both the membership and legal quorum of such judicious villagers was fixed at six, many years ago by the Village Founding Fathers, following seven weeks of heated debate. The Committee’s ordained number, thus forensically determined, is symbolic of the four compass directions, east, west, north, and south, plus two others, the latter two representing the individual’s, bifurcated choice to settle in, or alternatively, decline to reside in the Village of Wistful Vista. The creative and esoteric numerical designation of Members served as an early illustrative, forecast of the canny logic and innate capabilities of the” Committee of the Sagacious.”

It will be eternally and gratefully recalled that it was this same illustrious panel of celebrated savants, that resolved the challenging, grammatical question, as to the proper pluralizing of words like hippopotamus, octopus, platypus, moose, titmouse and even Tony Curtis (Curtii??) The unassailable solution reached, after a period of three full days of intense and concentrated deliberation, was: “Only refer to them one at a time.” The priceless value of their existential analysis, was again soundly confirmed, relative to a  previously existing common problem: “ When one accidentally drops a slice of buttered toast, why does it always land on the buttered side? Solution: “Butter the other side.” It is not feasible, as a practical matter, to recount all of the Committee’s vital contributions to the Village (and to mankind), however, it is hoped that the few proffered examples are sufficiently demonstrative of its unique prowess in the exercise of mankind’s unique gift by Evolution, of advanced capability for reason.  

We have, at this point, consciously realized our careless omission to describe the prerequisite requirements for membership in the venerable “Committee of the Sagacious,” and would do so, prior to the revelation of the current presenting problem. Because long, pointy, beards stereotypically connote contemplative wisdom, all aspirants for Committee selection by the Village Board, without exception, are to possess long, pointy beards, preferably in some (natural) color, other than grey (no dyeing permitted), and to have attained the age at least 77 years. For esoteric reasons beyond even the remarkable ken of this determinative panel, only one woman has ever qualified for Committee membership, since the time of the incorporation of the Village. Further and extensive study on this issue is scheduled for the coming Spring.

The remainder of the requirements are inarguably, far from draconian, in fact, are few and easy of satisfaction; these are, the regular wearing of leather shoes, abstention from the vocal use of swear words or expletives at meetings, the abstention from visibly chewing tobacco or loudly playing the harmonica, during sessions of Committee. By virtue of a recent ruling, Members are permitted to bring their dog, provided it does not bark, howl, or defecate during debate periods.

We would, at this point in our writing, earnestly request the reader to temporarily withhold and defer his predictable, initial reaction or response, to the revelation of our prevailing question (to be presented, for resolution by the Committee of the Sagacious). On initial examination, the query might appear to be self-evident, tautological, or simply nonsensical; nevertheless, as previously explained, we confidently represent it to be a legitimate inquiry, albeit, possibly too metaphysical and labyrinthine to be properly answered, even by the venerable Committee.

The enigmatic and conceivably unanswerable question (even by the Committee of the Sagacious), is: “Does a bagel have a hole in it? ” (Please restrain all initial responses pending the following proffered definition and analytical features of the subject baked item, popularly known as the “bagel”.)

We have clearly and lucidly advised the Committee of the Sagacious, and we now call to the recollective attention of the reader, that after its pre-boiling and shaping, the bagel is a bakery product, uniquely shaped like the letter ”O,” i.e., a circular, item of bread (with a relatively hard, outer surface, due to the pre-boiling). The complication and the extant and predictably unsolvable question is exacerbated by its fundamental, definitional design, viz., its circular shape, eternally enclosing an empty center.  Can such a  total conception, have a hole? And if so, where would it be found? Universally, a bakery product is not entitled to the popular designation of bagel, unless it is an oven-baked, relatively narrow sided circle of dough, and universally, by reason of its geometric shape, enclosing an empty center, including which, in its totality, it is entitled to the designation of the name, “bagel”.

Such being empirically the case, the philosophic and metaphysical question, as constituted, is: Can a bagel, or, perhaps, does a bagel, have a hole in it? The villagers were profusely chagrined and “plumb stumped,” and so, with the express permission of the Village Board, applied for, and received, the necessary permission to bring the popularly insomnia- provoking conundrum, before the Wistful Vista, Committee of the Sagacious, to deliberate and publicly declare the anxiously awaited answer.

Within two weeks the Sagacious Committee convened their behind -door, deliberative session at a closed-off meeting room in the Village Center. The currently serving Committee membership consists of Ms. Corona Clef, retired coloratura soprano and currently, freelance hog caller, Chairperson, Mr. Ray Moonshine, wholesale liquor sales, Treasurer, Mr. Sheffield Borden, Jr. Milk distributor, Secretary and Historian, plus two other general members, Rev. Calvin Dimlighter, Churchman, and Mr. Willard McSwindle, real estate developer and equity loan mortgagee.

The following is an unofficial precis of the Committee discussion: Mr. Moonshine felt that “all bagels have an empty center and, in any event do not need a hole”. Ms. Clef: “That remark is neither relevant nor useful. The question is, can a bagel which contains an empty middle space, by definition, have a hole.” Mr. Borden: I say no because you would have to put the hole in the hard circle of dough, breaking its mandatory circular shape. Mr. Swindle, heavily perspiring and visibly frustrated suddenly declared, I am leaving this meeting because it is wastefully engaging in circular reasoning. The good Rev. Dimlighter, who, unfortunately, was hearing- challenged but had inadvertently left his hearing aid at home, also angrily left the meeting, because he erroneously heard the word “circular,” as “secular” and loudly declared: “I will have absolutely no part in secular reasoning.”

The meeting, by prescribed Rule, was adjourned, as lacking a legal quorum,  necessitated by the exit of the two Members, unhappily, leaving the presenting question unresolved. Upon leaving Ms. Clef quietly, asked of Mr. McSwindle: “What, in heavens name, are bagels anyway, and what are they used for?”

We are, it appears, by unavoidable empirical necessity, relegated to the reference of the presenting question, to the capable discernment and wisdom of the reader.

-p.                                           

Among the favored choices of entertainment during the era commonly identified as, “The Medieval Period,” was attendance at tortures and executions,  normally ordered by the Church or the Crown. It might excitingly feature, the “Rack,” the “Iron Maiden,” “The Chair of Torture,” “Skin Flaying,” “Boiling”, or any one of the great many grotesque and grisly artifacts, used to inflict excruciating pain and death, on a human being. In later Centuries, particularly in the New World, the desire for such gruesome entertainment was assuaged only in its attendance at public hangings. The latter, one assumes, were somewhat less entertaining than, say, the bloody, and excruciating pain produced by the flaying of skin from a living victim, but it is somewhat of a consolation, that the people in attendance, did have the benefit of witnessing a victim in his shaky danse macabre, as he mortally strangled on the rope.

In modern times, we use the evolved euphemism, “Capital Punishment,” for the State termination of a convicted criminal’s life, in criminal matters involving intentional murder or less frequently, for treason. It may be that public sensibilities have to some degree positively evolved, at least to the extent that this homicidal event, is not celebrated in public, nor preceded by a first act of anguishing torture. We use the phrase, “evolved euphemism,” in reference to the fact that the word “capital,” has its origin in the word, “decapitate,” specifically referring to a public beheading, a danse macabre especially popular in the bloody days of the French Revolutions.

On a related subject, we would state that we do see positive utility in the general concept and use of euphemism, to soften the impact of harsh events, such as layoff (“downsize”), blind (“sight challenged”), died (“passed away,” and euthanize (“put to sleep”). The appropriate use by friends and acquaintances, of a  neutral or general word, to soften reference to a harsh event, is empathic and commendable.

We award no such admiration for euphemistic references to immoral or improper actions. These include, as killing (“offing”), stealing (“lifting”), robbing (“shaking down”), steal or rob (“heist”) nor, indeed to State homicide. (“capital punishment”). Candidly and ironically, we see the act itself, as a replication of the specific brutal act which the State seeks to discourage. Our intrinsic objection, however, is not logical, but moral. Killing, with the sole exception of the existentially, unavoidable constraints of unpreventable, defensive war, is not, and was never, the proper office of any civilized society. It is distinctly and profoundly unnatural (for non-predatory animals, such as humans) immoral, and the practice should, at long last, be stopped.

We would submit that individuals who faithfully continue to look to the Bible as a moral guide, ought to realize that the enumerated moral strictures, and the prescribed penalties (lex talionis) for their disobedience, like stoning and other forms of death-dealing penalties, were conceived,  by religious leaders thousands of years (and many light-years of human advancement) prior to modern society. Even so, the decalogue (“The Ten Commandments”) since the days of Moses, historically and religiously referred to as the basic moral and legal reference, contains in its sixth admonition, “Thou shall not kill.” For religious adherents we would emphasize the absence of any parenthetical exceptions. It is, however, inarguable, that no competent person, albeit with the best computer, can calculate the astronomical numbers of innocent human souls, murdered in the name of religious belief, or alleged religious heresy.  

As a matter of eternal, universal, and fundamental morality, we cannot conceive of the propriety of any code, or practice, which condones killing, inclusive of its practice by the State as punishment. Although our posture is based on morality, there are well-known, numerous practical and societal problems with the concept, as practiced. The known practical impediments to any program of punitive execution, as condensed, are (a) the brutality of the killing, itself and the brutalizing of society by its approved practice (b) its ultimate finality, making any subsequent findings of error (legally, factually or by the use of DNA) irreversible (c) the unfair and demonstrated, color- biased application of the penalty, (d)the Constitutional prohibition against “cruel and unusual punishments; to include the specific act of killing itself, as well as the many months of agonized and expectant death row attendance, pending the extensive processes of appeals and administrative procedure (e) the uniform determinations of qualified criminologists that its avowed purpose, “deterrence,” is not an empirical reality (f) the instances of negligent error regarding the act of execution, electrical or chemical, resulting in the horrifically painful prolonging of the prisoner’s death.

We would certainly welcome the cessation of State-authorized homicide for any, or all, of the above practical impediments, although we would be more appreciative of its termination for moral reasons, as a confirmation of our optimistic belief and aspiration for evidence of the continued moral evolution of mankind. As outspoken opponents of capital punishment, we have on occasion been asked, “How would you personally feel if someone in your family were murdered? We have uniformly answered, “I would, in such event, emotionally, want the perpetrator to be killed as revenge but in such an emotional state of mind, I would certainly not be in any position to make the best decision for society’’.

*Apologies for the use of name, to Camille Saint- Saens.

-p.

It is with feelings of exasperation and relief that we view the long-awaited (polluted) sunset of the Trump Administration. We do so with an acquired and instructive reminder of the systemic vulnerability, inherent in the rational concept and practice of Republican Democracy. The existential caution is not novel however, it has, at times in the past, and in the last four years been dangerously forgotten.

The experience of the past four- year Presidential term was witness to an attack on our Nation’s underpinning Constitution, including its protection of freedoms of press, speech, peaceful assembly, voting, as well as damage to the architecture of our governmental Separation of Powers, plus multiple brazen violations of our emolument clause, corrupt and possibly treasonable intercourse with our international enemies. His misrepresentation of the mortal danger of the pandemic was the proximate cause of tens of thousands of preventable deaths and sickness, and National economic disaster, his withdrawal from climate treaties and failure to credit the scientific world’s serious admonitions concerning global warning, his encouragement of right-wing violence, support of the NRA, not to omit mention of his serial mendacity and daily acts of demonstrable ignorance and incapability.

How did such an incapable, low-life and egocentric miscreant become elevated to the highest and most powerful office in the Nation, arguably the entire world, is the underlying theme of this writing? What we were again painfully reminded of is the toxic etiology of this undemocratic, unamerican tragedy.

Like love, the concept of Republican Democracy can be viewed as systemically, vulnerable. Love is vulnerable because it exists alongside with the unvarying expectation of the tragedy of loss. Republican Democracy systemically vulnerability exists due to its dependency upon the quality of its citizens. To quote Thomas Jefferson, yet again, “To succeed, a democracy must have an informed citizenry.”

Donald Trump did not arrive on the scene by some divine right, by the “luck of the draw”, or by religious designation. His ascendency was empirically caused by his falsified egotistical pretensions, subscribed to by a numerically sufficient uninformed voters to direct his selection by the Electoral College.

The costly ravages of the Coronavirus had an unexpected origin in Nature and will predictably be averted by the planned programs of administration of the newly developed vaccine. By contrast, the eternal threat to the institution of Republican Democracy which resides, essentially and systemically, in the nature of mankind and thus is not preventable nor ameliorated by means of medical chemistry.

It is far easier merely, to diagnose the pathology of the systemic challenges to Democracy than to prescribe a cure or a preventative, vaccine-like preventative. The serious and determinative threat is in sync with and related to the Jeffersonian admonition, concerning the existential need for a successful democracy of a literate and informed citizenry. A citizenry imbued with the latter standard would never have elevated a meretricious, unqualified, and neurotically egotistic, ex-host of a second-rate television show, to the esteemed and powerful Oval Office; leading to the well -known despicable and perverse results, which, like slavery, will no doubt be enshrined as a permanent blemish on American History.

No argument is required regarding the tautological assertion that a representative democracy manifests the will and philosophy of the voting public. The problem is that, as shown by Trump’s election to office, appears to be that, candidly speaking, too many of our voters, regrettably, are not of the Jeffersonian standard, viz., well- informed and adequately educated. In past essays, we may have committed the sin of being overly optimistic or naïve, in Pollyanna suggestions regarding conceived programs of educational advancement for those that needed it. We have been cured of such aspirations and effectively traumatized by the tribal divisiveness exacerbated by the travesty of the Trump Administration. We now see that the efforts to lift- up the flat-earth, reductive, inadequately educated and poorly informed voter, if at all conceivably possible, would take too long, and in such unlikely event,  during a predictably slow and difficult process, the Nation might, as a practical matter, be obliged to undergo the traumatic nightmares of other Trump-like Presidents.

Upon further, and it is submitted, improved reconsideration, we would suggest the more pragmatic solution of an independent, and rigorous process of a prerequisite interview to qualify all potential nominees to run for the Office of President. A fair and objective, a bi-partisan committee with appropriate credentials, whose required unanimous approval of candidates, would result, in elections between two capable, morally qualified candidates, (presumably of different platforms) found deserving of the vote of any citizen, regardless of sophistication, and necessarily resulting in the election of a qualified Chief Executive Officer, of voters preferred political persuasion, on a consistently assured basis.

ADDENDUM:

Pliny finds that it is bizarre to note that, at present, in an application for more mundane employment, e.g., a desired position as a salesperson for Walmart, a prerequisite interview is mandatory, but not for the determinative position of President of the United States.

-p. 

Selwin was abruptly awakened from restless sleep by the loud sound of multiple police sirens at 4:15 A.M. Feeling especially depressed, he sat up slowly, stared at the flowered wallpaper in his too familiar one room flat. “Here we go again, (he bitterly complained to his full-size mirror) another impossibly dull,  Saturday.” Addressing his tall, skinny mirrored image, “Same old, same old…nothing to do, nothing to see… just colorless boredom. If only boredom were preventable, by a  vaccine, like the Coronavirus.”

He then began his unvarying daily routine, bedroom slippers, left foot first, donning his faded red cotton bathrobe, slowly and dispiritedly, padding over to his small bathroom, relieving himself, washing his hands and face, brushing his teeth (first, prudently, brushing along the gumline, top and bottom, then in the back of the mouth, followed by an impressive rotary motion of his own nuanced creation) and finally, his trademark, gargled rinse. After pressing out an economical squish of shave cream, he proceeded to follow his fixed and immutable shaving regime; first the right side of the face, then the front nose area and chin and then as customary, his left side. Selwin, petulantly, brushed aside the “damn” pink flamingo plastic shower curtain, took up his partly used bar of soap and proceeded to undergo his regular shower routine.  Since it was not a workday, he would take breakfast, (routinely consisting of light toast, butter, and grape jelly with light coffee) in his faded red bathrobe and slippers.

He dressed and exited his apartment, nimbly descending the three flights of creaky wooden stairs, to the still dark outdoors and, in keeping with his usual Saturday morning routine, bought a newspaper from the Pakistani gentleman at the corner stand. He thereupon walked to the pinetum section of the beautifully verdant park to sit at his customary park bench. Opening the newspaper with the intention to peruse his favorite sections, Science and then Health, his eyes were unavoidably drawn to the front-page headline, huge dark letters, announcing the sudden and ominous arrival of a delegation of visitors from Planet Mars, fearfully speculated to scientists on a secret exploratory mission to  Planet Earth, to observe the environment for possible future colonization.

The article, which followed the bizarre and frightening announcement, notified the public that the surprise planetary visitors reportedly had been successful in tactically altering their physical form to resemble that of human beings, except, the report continued, they were unsuccessful in mimicking the human hand, possibly due to some hormonal or innately nuanced chemical cause. The public was advised to notify the police department of any suspicious or unusual sightings or occurrences.  

As he proceeded, routinely, to turn to the Health Section, a well- dressed gentleman sat down, approximately four feet away on Selwin’s bench. The man was attired in a neat, striped- gray suit and green tie and would appear to be feigning the act of reading a magazine, but in reality, was engaged in subtly and studiously observing him. A brief glance, revealing to him, that the stranger had unusually large, lidless eyes, seemed to invite the stranger to ask him what he was doing. Selwin, advised the stranger that he was simply reading a daily newspaper and innocently stated, “Why do you ask?” The stranger politely requested to see the newspaper and Selwin sleepily handed it to him, failing to observe that the “hand” with which the stranger accepted the newspaper was dark spotted green with small- ribbed fins on its reverse side, large nails and three, jointed and rather elongated fingers. “ You can keep it”, Selwin generously said,”I am finished reading it.”.

Selwin, thereupon decided to go for an early lunch at the neighborhood diner, ( predictably, grilled cheese and tomato with fries, pickle and diet coke) still muttering disgustedly to himself, “Same old, same old*** dammit, nothing interesting thing ever happens to me. ( big morose sigh).

-p.

Geometry, one of the oldest branches of classical mathematics, is concerned with the properties of space that one relates to distance, motion and the relative positions of individual figures. Most significantly, it instructs a method of problem-solving by rational analysis and the process of logical deduction, by the application of universally accepted principles (axioms) to attain the desired conclusions. Those who have studied Euclidian Geometry will undoubtedly agree that its salient value consists in its instructive discipline for the solution of presenting problems, but that it also has a lesser, additional utility in its concepts and principles, employed in the dynamics of life in speech and writing.

But first, we feel the need to take the opportunity of voicing our view on a somewhat related, frequent, and tiresome waste of human inquiry, not relevant to logic, geometric or otherwise. If we had the authority to do so, we would dispense with the trite, irrelevant, and useless problem, “What is the meaning (or purpose) of life.” To the degree that such questions make any rational sense at all, they seemingly are founded on some storybook or reductive view, that society’s pragmatic value, assigned to productive purpose is relevant to the metaphysical existence of man or nature. The Darwinian meaning and purpose of life are merely to live. The faux issue is not resolved logically (or geometrically) since it is not a  rational issue. However, the topic of this writing is man’s pattern of life to the extent that it acceptably mimics and utilizes geometry.

Indispensable to the useful application of reason to the solution of problems is, initially, the accurate perception and understanding of the intrinsic problem. A not uncommon human failing with using geometric reasoning is the frequent confusion or misapprehension of the specifically presenting problem. The analytical capability to objectively discern the basic problem, possibly submerged in a quagmire of irrelevant and superfluous detail, or unproductive, thought impairing emotion, is the primary and quintessential prerequisite to resolving the problem.

Once the basic problem has been analytically discerned, the next geometric step is the application of relevant facts and principles, universally proven to be accurate, in theory, or empirical experience. In geometric or any logical system of thought, the ability to marshal (only) useful and relevantly known facts and experience is vitally essential. Once the acceptably known facts or experiences, relevant to the problem, are correctly applied, the solution to be deduced becomes accessible.

In addition to the existential value of problem-solving, the discipline of geometry in its illustratively applied forms has augmented a vocabulary, employed in literary and philosophical conceptions. The applicability of the expression, ”the circle of life” is descriptive of an often- stated use of the 360’ geometric form. The concept as applied to man’s lifetime, refers to his predictable physical condition from new-born to old age, viz., naps, gain and possible loss of teeth, physical limitations, eating, digestion, memory decline and toilet habits. It also has an acceptable application to man’s (hopeful) advances in knowledge, from “tabula rasa” to mature perception. A geometric circle upon completion returns to its starting point, and the life of homo sapiens empirically emulates that formulation.

In a similar fashion, the expression, “circular reasoning,” (use of the geometric figure, circle) is used to describe a form of fallacious reasoning in which the premise validates or ratifies the conclusion. For example, if it is accepted that the Bible is infallible, its premises are necessarily true, or you must obey the law because it is illegal to break it and, America is the best place to live because it is better than any other country. In essence, it describes is a useless restatement or repeated confirmation of the originally stated premise.

A form, indispensable to any study of geometry, and part of our vocabulary, is of course, the triangle. The term is figuratively used in man’s speech and literature, to describe a three-way relationship, such as occurs in marriages involving an unfaithful spouse (love triangle) or a menage a trois. In business, it is a fixed and established relationship between a manufacturer, shipper, and seller. It is also used for certain small geographic locations,  a small metallically ringing percussion instrument while, the noun, “triangulation,” is used for a process or technique of location.

The concept of the adjective, “parallel,” is employed, frequently, in the study of geometrical forms and as, well, employed in descriptive and analytical speech. Many people live identically appearing, or “parallel” lives. Thoughts, futures, opinions, and careers are often deemed to be parallel, or “in sync.” The term may also permissibly be used as a designation of a mutual sense of agreement. The geometrics of viewed experiences are numerous: curvy roads, angular stance, parallel streets, circular driveways, village squares, traffic circles, square dances, linear perception, and the like.

The importance of any attribution to geometrical mathematics, however, pales in significance when weighed against the utility of its instructive discipline in problem-solving, as observed at the early part of this writing. The application of known useful and relevant principles to the accurately discerned issue,  to deduce the logical solution to problems, is the guaranteed route to knowledge and mature discernment. The rational path provided by the mathematical discipline of Geometry, thus, may anthropologically, exceed the value of all practical mathematic disciplines; it is the rational roadmap to mankind’s aspirational advancement toward the cherished gold medal of acquired wisdom.

-p.

Research indicates that the term, “Cold War,” was first used in an essay, “You and the Bomb,” written in 1945 by George Orwell, to describe the geopolitical tension, between the United States, the possessor of the Atomic bomb, and Russia, its antagonist and that of the Western Nations. The word, itself, generally refers to a period of hostility and hatred, short of actual physical hostilities.

The architecture of our two-party political system was designed for our Republican form of government because it encourages political society to find positions in common and a National inclination to the moderate middle. It also avoids the undemocratic conundrum, often occurring in governments with proportional representation, where, in order to attain a required legal quorum for governance, a small, unpopular party is necessarily added to rule with the popularly chosen party thus, undemocratically, exercising the interest of an unpopular political philosophy.

American citizens generally classify themselves as adherent to positions along the spectrum of liberal (or progressive) to conservative. Those who are Liberals (or “the left”)  generally emphasize personal freedoms, civil rights, economic justice, social and scientific progress, secular thought, collectivism and internationalism. Conservatives (or the right”) generally emphasize small government, anti-regulation individual liberty, authority, and “rugged individualism,” religious thought, and Nationalism.

As observed in earlier writings, the Founders of our Democratic Republic intended that informed citizens of disparate opinions, would, fraternally engage in regular debates, the results of which would inform the government, and thereby attain the ideal of a representative democracy viz., a government by and for the people. As regrettably noted in our earlier mini-essay, “THE DEATH OF CIVIC AMITY,”  instead of the Founders’ conception, of an informed and dedicated citizenry, socially discussing the merits of a political proposition, what developed was far less constructive than their idealistic conception.

The Founding Fathers’ forecast of friendly and constructive debates between informed and knowledgeable citizens of divergent views, never did materialize. What did develop, regrettably, was the relationship of rancor between citizens of disparate opinion, which gradually morphed into insular groups of tribal insularity evidencing identical “group think” views, in conflict and animosity with other like groups of disparate view. Issues of abortion, gun control, immigration, civil rights, government assistance to the needy, climate control and the precedence of scientific findings over traditional beliefs, homosexuality, and same-sex marriage, were among the highly flammable kindling igniting a useless and non-constructive conflagration between left and right.

As we have previously observed, the surrender of independent judgment and personal will was apparently exchanged, by many, for the amelioration of a neurotic need for group acceptance, even to the extent of voting against one’s interest and preferences. The vote in such instances, irrefutably, being no longer representative of the will of the individual voter. This construct further metastasized into the one-issue voter; one who votes on the single issue of his, or his group’s concern and ignores the balance of a candidate’s platform (which might include positions contrary to his interest). Such mono-focused issues might possibly include gun rights, Israel, or abortion. The election result results thereby are necessarily skewed (at least regarding the by-passed items on the candidate’s platform) and thus are not, as sought,  representative of the will of the Nation’s voters. The emblematic virtue of our Republican Democracy, the citizen’s franchise to vote and thereby attempt to further his interest, is sadly distorted by tribalist “group think” and by the one-issue voters’ limited perspective.

Much irritating “salt in the wound,” was disagreeably administered and rubbed in, by the bizarre election to the Oval Office, of an ignorant and egotistical former second-rate television game show host and career real estate gonif, Donald J, Trump. His unexpected victory was, in large part, brought about by the unprecedently large vote of his identified “base” of voters viz., the inadequately educated, flat earth denizens, vulnerable to his ”snake oil” demagoguery, and was tactically financed by big polluting (sociopathic) industrialists who value profits over human life and health and thus oppose regulations. In past writings, we have recounted Trump’s demonstrated incapability, his ignorance, immorality, bigotry, and serial mendacity and see no especial utility, in once again, specifying the shameful reality of his (dis)service. His shameful rule served to metastasize and catalyze the disease of divisiveness between the tribal (”group think”) insular groups, and their predictably, “loyal” votes.

It may be noted that at no time during his entire four- year term, did the self-involved neurotic, Donald Trump, give evidence to any doctrinaire beliefs or fundamental philosophies. His appeal, for better or worse, appeared to be, in large part, to Americans on the right, many with inadequate education, poorly informed, and anti-reform who oppose the right of abortion, immigration, gun regulation, homosexuality and same-sex marriage, prison and criminal law reform, internationalism and globalism, recognition of existential global warming and environmental issues, government regulations and programs, and are advocates of nationalism and opponents of free trade.

Those on the left who opposed Trump by contrast were generally, better educated, and informed, favored the right of a woman’s right to have an abortion, reasonable immigration, demand gun regulation, are accepting of homosexuality and same-sex marriage, favor prison and criminal law reform, favor globalism and internationalism, militate for the amelioration of global warming and support environmental oversight, favor health and safety regulations and free trade.

The identifiable disparity (by specific issues) between right and left, seemed to have amalgamated into two opposing camps; those on the right apparently elected, as a tribe, to become avid supporters of Donald Trump, while those on the left, for the specified reasons, become staunch Trump opponents. Trump, himself, symbolically, due to his outlandish behavior, (perceived as anti- Washington) became the patriotic banner of the amalgamated right- wing.

So much did Trump become, effectively a patriotic icon, that staunch opponents of his immoral behavior and persona, like the White Evangelicals groups, who preach the inhalation and exhalation of strict, morally proper and religious action, are among his ardent supporters; despite his publicly revealed assignations with prostitutes and acts of bribery to attempt to keep them secret, his mendacity and lack of mainstream morality. In fact, in a previous writing, we classified and described the millions of his supporters as a populous cult not totally dissimilar to those of the loyal followers of Kim Jun Un, Mao Tse Tung, Adolph Hitler and Benito Mussolini. It could be empirically observed that the Nation was, in effect involved in an internal and dangerous at the Cold War; this time, not with a foreign opponent like the USSR, but intramurally and internally. Any doubters of this extreme conclusion might attempt to test it by an amicable attempt to discuss political or social issues with a neighbor or relative, known to be of divergent opinion, or take note of the many strained or broken friendships and relationships between individuals of many of individuals previously in close association.

The existential dangers to our Democratic Republic are many and worrisome. Initially, and perhaps, fundamentally, in our citizen, responsive Nation, views and desires not based upon individual citizen deliberation, but on affiliation are undemocratic and not objectively useful, nor assuredly a valid representation of the will of the greater number of the Nation’s voters. Elected choices or programs, based upon “group think,” or loyalty to any group, is decidedly useless, or harmful, since not based upon the rational consideration and deliberation of possible solutions of specific problems. Existentially needed is creative empirical solutions to issues as they arise, for the proper and successful guidance of the Nation and not neurotically blind loyalty to opinionated groups.

A divided Nation results in a perilous vulnerability to presenting challenges, including epidemics, warfare,  natural disasters such as flooding, forest fires, challenges to healthful drinking water and myriad others, as may appear. The current National pandemic, tragically responsible for many thousands of deaths and an untold amount of illness, suffering and the complete disruption of normal societal function, had been wrongfully and irresponsibly, downplayed in importance and consequently exacerbated, by our ignorant, irresponsible, and incapable Chief Executive. Consistent with our premise, his supporters, numbering in the millions, despite the evident danger, like him, have refrained from following the simple but vitally important prophylactic guidelines recommended by Dr, Anthony Fauci, of the National Institute of Health, (in sync with every credible physician Nationally and internationally) regarding mask-wearing and distancing. In a previous essay, we have deservedly bestowed the designation of “cult,” to those who follow Trump, despite his publicly boasted immoral behavior and irresponsibility, at the cost of the endangerment of health and life. Sad experience has shown society that the surrender of individuality and “self” to a cult, has predictable dire results. A great American President, Abraham Lincoln, said, “A House divided cannot stand.”

There is much hope in the defeat of Trump and in the successful election of Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris. But all right-thinking American citizens, additionally, have to do everything in their power to resist the continuance of the present “Cold War” by listening patiently to diverse views and replying in a collegial manner, by socializing with members of society with whom we have differences in political or social matters, by expressly condemning bigotry in whatever form it presents itself, in trusting good science and encouraging other so do so, by keeping informed by reading one or more accredited newspapers the and by choosing non-biased radio and television news. Involvement in extra-curricular activities of choice will add self-confidence and individuality, as well as advancement in perspective.  We have always been of the view, additionally, that reading good literature and elective involvement in the arts improves perspective and individual confidence.

We have, in many of our writings in the five years of plinyblog’s existence, suggested most of the above routes to a more fulfilled life and the confident acquisition of self-determination. We would, however, repeat our recent suggestion, that candidates, as a pre-requisite for nomination to run for the singular position of the American Presidency, be initially interviewed, by competent and non-biased examiners; as is regularly deemed required in all other, more mundane employment.

-p.

We are not in sync with those diners who are reflexively express disappointment upon the advice that the awaited family meal is comprised of “leftovers.” Experience has taught us that such instinctive reaction is empirically premature, since such announcements, generally, are predictably nonspecific. Should the predecessor meal have been excellent, the leftovers, themselves, will be acceptable, if not similarly excellent. A similar derivative anticipation is applicable regarding poorly cooked prior meals.

We use a food analogy in aid of the articulation of our present theme, viz., that while most of the provisions of the U.S. Constitution were well-conceived and, in their continued application, just and useful, there exist some which, if they ever had a valid rationale at the time of their drafting, like good leftovers from a previously acceptable meal, are now unpalatable and unacceptable.

These unpalatable, “warmed- over,” provisions include  (a) the Electoral College, (b) the uniform allocation of two Senators per State, irrespective of disparity in population and (c) the Presidential pardon.

THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

As generally known, the Electoral College is comprised of a group of Presidential electors, required by the Constitution (Amend 12), to convene every fourth year for the purpose of electing the President and Vice President. Each state appoints electors equal in number to its Congressional delegation.

Some of the Founding Fathers were of the view that the common man lacked the resources to be engaged with and informed about, current affairs and that, accordingly, the President should be chosen by the vote of Congress; others feared the “huddling mob” would steer the nation in the wrong direction, while a third group feared that a “Populist President,” who could appeal to directly to the people, might dangerously assert unlimited power.

It is apparent that the purported quadrennial need for this protective filter, like the warmed-over leftovers of a poorly conceived meal, is anachronistic and no longer eatable. Assuming it had some sociological value, in the 18th Century, thereafter, with the advent of widely distributed newspapers and popular attendance to the broadcast media,  voters fully have the opportunity to engage with and be informed about, current events with the result that the argument on this point is entirely stale.

Regarding the fear of the “huddling mob,” it was the recent sad experience that a populist, an ignorant and immoral former second-rate gameshow host and real estate gonif, Donald Trump, the choice of the uninformed, under-educated, flat-earth denizens of the planet was elected, by the vote of the Electoral College; the popular vote, interestingly. was in favor of his more capable educated and experienced, Hillary Clinton.

History tells us that there were, in total, five Presidents chosen by the Electoral College who lost the popular vote. One man, one vote, means that all popular votes should be counted and consequential. To do otherwise is to cause severe gastric upset to America’s claim of equality.

THE PRESIDENTIAL PARDON.

Article 2, Sec.2 Clause 7 of the Constitution gives an American President the unlimited right to set aside a conviction and to pardon any individual for a Federal crime, regardless how reprehensible; and apparently, regardless of his relationship, personal, political or otherwise, to the President. This arbitrary and unlimited license seems to us, to bizarrely and inconsistently emulate an unjust feature of monarchial autocracy which the Founders seem to have emphatically opposed, in favor of liberty, justice, and above all, equality. We have been completely unable to find a rational basis for this Devine Right, which is diametrically opposed to the tenets of Republican Democracy, especially considering the expressed emphasis which the Founders expressly placed upon the constructs of equality and justice. This is a choice of cuisine that a believer in those constructs could never digest.

The question as to whether a President has the power to pardon himself for the commission of a crime, we note, has been taken up, but never resolved. Our question has, eternally, been as to whether a President, such as the miscreant, Donald Trump, can pardon individuals for crimes in which he is complicit. The entire general subject of Presidential pardon is fully capable of giving any American, truly concerned with equal justice, ptomaine poisoning.

SENATORIAL REPRESENTATION.

We have never been able to satisfy ourselves that the equal allocation of two Senators for each State, regardless of their great diversity in population, is compatible with the intention of the 14t,h, 15,th 19,th 24th and 26th Amendments, nor to any rational understanding of equality under the law, equal treatment and representative democracy, As one (of many) illustrations, the voting power of Wyoming, the least populated State, has been calculated by political scientists, to be sixty-seven times the voting power of a citizen of California, our most populous State. It is interesting to additionally, take note of the fact that the less populated States are reported to have smaller black populations than the more populous ones.

In their (partial) defense, the Founders could never have imagined the future immense expansion of the United States in terms of territory and the diversity of its future citizens. There would appear, however, to exist no current, moral rationalization for this significant misappropriation, contrary to the tenets of representative government and essential fairness.

As ardent supporters of the ideal of Republican Democracy, truly intended for America, we look forward to the rectification of the above three instances of indigestible inequality.

-p.

Despite a steady background of crackling and pinging, the scientists on Earth were able to discern the message from the pioneer interspace team that landed on the Venusian moon, Titan, November 30, 2095, having blasted off from the launchpad at Kennedy Space Center the previous May. The team was comprised of three chemists, a physician, experienced in the medical phenomena of space travel, three geologists, a naturalist, a pilot with experience in space travel and a computer expert, experienced in long-range transmission.

But first, the relevant and necessary background. By the year, 2095 Earth’s developing danger of global climate change had ominously and alarmingly peaked. The year evinced a regular occurrence of cyclones and resultant mass flooding, frequent tsunamis overriding coastlines and submerging small islands and unstoppable forest and residential fires. By existential necessity, there had developed a highly motivated and overriding search for an alternate habitable Planet, for human colonization.

Mars, being the closest planet to Earth in the Solar System, was initially selected, also based on previous NASA programs featuring the landing of robotic equipment and retrieving mineral samples from the Red Planet. It appeared to offer the best possibility for colonization, with the assistance of mechanical aids for breathing and equipment for the nuanced gravity.  In 2096, a  party of four specialist-explorers returned to Earth (the survivors of a total crew of seven) with advice that the red color of the planet is caused by a lethal variant of hematite, which had resulted in the painful death of three members of their team, exposed to the lethal chemical while burrowing below surface. The three dead bodies appeared to rapidly oxidize into a horrible rust and thereafter, to morph, to a powder-like, amorphous residue, identical to the red soil on the planetary surface. The Classified Report was, unfortunately leaked to the public, causing universal despair and a widespread panic.  

Meanwhile, Earth’s global disturbances continued to increase in number and worsen, causing Washington to direct further search for a feasible alternative Planet for mankind’s emergency colonization. The next closest planet, ( 133.29 trillion miles) and possibly, the only other choice, albeit a long shot, is the distant and cold, Venus. The planet has seven moons, the largest of which is named Titan. Reportedly, Titan is the only known planetary body with a (nitrogen) atmosphere, a  solid metallic core and a  somewhat, Earth-like landscape, with dried out ancient waterways and possible potential for flowing waterways, as revealed from several recent unmanned, exploratory fly by expeditions.

A major program, was quickly undertaken to devise, construct and test the complex and essential equipment believed required for a human exploratory visit to Venus, including fuel for the travel and return trip, cryonic cabinets to freeze and keep the travelers in safe, suspended animation for the almost one year required to travel such long distances (whose ages would remain the same as at entering the cold cabinets, due to the temporary suspension of cell deterioration), specialized breathing, walking, ingestion (pre-packaged, concentrated and frozen foods), medical supplies,  sturdy cameras and digital equipment for communication.  Adjustable pressurized suits were devised, capable of function in the slightly less than one year of cryonic sleep and thereafter for ambulation and functioning on snowy Titan. Since the robotic rocket ship was to be guided electronically, from (NASA) Earth’s Space Center, and all passengers engaged in robotic timed cryonic sleep, there would exist no expectation of communication from the ship until the planned arrival date and hopefully, t successful landing on Titan.

Ten months later, the spaceship experienced a soft, successful landing on the crest of a deep, soft mocha-colored and gelato- smooth, snow dune, three months later than scheduled.  The cryonic enclosures, set to open upon landing, released the space travelers in good condition, each merely experiencing a brief period of dizziness. Upon recovery they donned the specialized suits,  exited the ship and stepped out onto the, illuminated snowy ambiance of Titan. It was but an exciting half-minute before they discovered and reported that the atmosphere was breathable and by reason of their specialized, all-weather suits to discover that the cold planetary conditions were acceptable.

 Shortly afterward, they reported feelings of utter surprise and excitement to discover living humanoid-types living on Venus’ Moon, Titan. They stated, in their first written transmission, that there is so much to report to  Earth, that, for purposes of practicality, they will summarize and number all observations, starting with their first contact.  They especially requested that we not, initially, scan the entire Report, and discover the content of the final paragraphs, prematurely, for reasons which will become evident on their reading. The following is the transmission of their written, summarized observations:

1. We were peaceably met by three curious official representatives of the humanoids born and residing on the Planet. They had, somehow, previously acquired some sort of advance notice of our mission and were warmly welcoming and noticeably happy to meet us.
2. They walk upright, like humans, but have several major physiological differences. Those that we met were baby blue in color, with three eyes, one in center front and another two, each on the side of a bulbous to oval-shaped, furry head. When the eyes blinked, which was rapid and frequent, we noticed enlarged lids, with black linings, presumably, to protect against the planet-wide bright reflections from ambient snow. Each had two rather long arms, culminating in baseball glove size hands, containing four radiating and opposable fingers. Their mouths were tiny in size, but quickly expanded when eating or “smiling.”
3. Their interpersonal communication is exclusively accomplished by the mental telepathic transmission of meaning, which was easily understandable to us. We soon learned this unambiguous language of telepathy and were able to comfortably, converse with them.
4. After an offered meal, consisting of some sort of warm fish-like stew and green colored homemade bread, we had a friendly exchange of thoughts and, learned a great deal about the Titan individuals, and life on the planet, the latter subject shall be revealed, but better reserved for the latter part of this report.
5. The Titan inhabitants signal their consent and pleasure by the rapid fluttering of their hands and the blinking of their frontal eye, and displeasure or anger, by the heavy stamping one of their wide, studded feet. They live in groups of twelve or so, in small dwellings resembling wigwams in design, but made from a plastic-like material, suitable to their protection from the frequent cold winds and the unchanging cold. The most bizarre feature that we learned was regarding aging and mortality. It seems that that the Titan people, start to gradually shrink in size, after attaining a specific (old) age until the time of their death, when they are shrunken to the size of an average loaf of bread. Reproduction is non-sexual and accomplished by inserting a bread-size deceased predecessor, in a heated oven-like enclosure for a period of three days, after which there emerges an entirely newly born and growing member of society. Accordingly, the census of population has been virtually unchanged in number over the centuries.
6. Every inhabitant of Titan as advised is virtually identical in appearance and level of intelligence, but do appear to exist in two distinct colors. Those who had welcomed us, as stated, had baby blue color skin and advised us that a minority of others were navy blue. Our hosts advised us that for a long time, there has been dislike distrust  and unjust treatment of the navy- blue minority by the baby blue majority.[ the visiting Earthlings, as reported, glanced at each other with knowing disappointment].
7. There is little need for political governance and accordingly, the supervising body consists of two large bulbous headed, baby blue individuals, and an identical one, colored navy blue. It is in Titan, extremely difficult and time-consuming to effect governmental change, consequently resulting in the potential of the Titan population having to painfully enduring a long, unchangeable  period of superintendence by incompetent or immoral members. [The Earthlings were, reportedly, easily able to commiserate.]
8. The representative of the Titan population, over the midday fish-type soup, reported an unprecedented outbreak of an unprecedented and frightening protozoan- based disease, with fatal potential, which was then uncontrollably, sweeping over the global population of Titan.  [the crew members, uncomfortably shuffled their feet and glanced each other.]
9. It was reported by our amicable hosts that Titan storms and hurricane winds, indigenous to the Planet, have been increasingly becoming very dangerous, due, in large part, to certain stubborn and unwise practices in ice engineering and deep surface drilling. Despite the warnings evidenced by the Planet’s dropping temperatures and major increase in cyclonic snowstorms, the population, of Titan, in general, foolishly, having paid little heed to the scientific warnings, now resulting in a Planetary threat which is immediate and existential.[The members of the crew, experienced an uncontrollable fit if coughing]
10. The hosts reported that frightened Titan residents are relying on the sole conclusory solution to the two-fold threat of increasing Planetary storms and hurricane winds and the advent of the deadly, protozoan disease, viz., the opportunity to colonize another planet before it is too late, but to date have not had the requisite means or knowhow to do so. [The now, greatly alarmed crew members, then beat a hasty retreat to their ship.]

The latest message from the crew, apparently sent, within a half hour following their speedy and surreptitious, retreat to the spaceship, to quickly initiate the protocol for the return to Planet Earth, was, simply, ” We expect to be back home in eight months”.

-p.

In a much earlier piece, we wrote of a troublesome, two-pronged parental dilemma.  On the one prong is our desire to have our children love and respect the country of their birth, and on the other, the existence of instances of egregious American history. We wrote that we need to acknowledge, the shameful devastation of the people and culture of the indigenous occupants of North America, the permanent blemish of two evil centuries of inhuman enslavement of black people, and a contemporary Nation, still challenged in many ways with morally and legally acknowledging the deserved equality of its black citizens, and the deplorable two decades of bloody war, based upon xenophobic paranoia, which divided the generations, besmirched our American traditions and our Nation. If history is to be the laboratory and instructor, teaching appropriate action, and if truth, the epoxy of societal living, is to remain inviolate, it now appears to us, that despite our good intentions, we have been teaching the wrong lessons, and in time, foolishly defeating our invaluable parental credibility.  The previously observed dilemma for us, fortunately, has recently been “de pronged” and solved as set forth, below.

It is a matter of recorded American History that, in addition to derogating and crushing the culture and population of our Native American people by, among many other immoral acts, dispossessing them from the fertile and temperate lands of the American Southeast, to “land more suitable  to Indians,” viz., the dry, windy, cold, poorly arable territory of Oklahoma, tactically introducing to them harmful alcoholic beverages and breaching virtually every Agreement and official assurance made by the Federal Government. In our early schooldays, we were taught that the “justification” for such xenophobic holocaust was the divine theory of “Manifest Destiny.” What drivel.

The deplorable nature of the enslavement of fellow human beings on the dystopian rationalization that they have a different color skin, was also expressed in our earlier mini essay. The egregious practice where the U.S. Supreme Court in the late 19^th Century ruled that the black person was merely agricultural property returnable to the “ owner,” is still playing out today, in the bigotry of too many Americans, atavistically reluctant to grant black Americans their equal rights and deserved respect.

In the earlier writing, we referred to the disgraceful and devastating Vietnam war, lasting a full two decades, costing a great many lives and disability to armed forces and civilians, and dividing disillusioned youth from adult, together with a popularized degradation of authority. This horrific adventure undertaken by the delusional xenophobic scenario, propagated by our government, of the existential threat of an antagonistic, solid communist bloc of Southeast Asian countries, permanently impacted our Nation.  We made reference, in the earlier writing, to the post-war book written by Robert McNamara, perhaps the leading architect of the two decades of that brutal and unnecessary war, in which he expressed an apology of for his “error.” He writes of his purported error and only recent realization that  Southeast Asian countries, historically, have been mutual enemies and that there never was the danger of a united communist bloc. We have stated that it is our belief that his claim of ignorant error is  sham.

We would add a fourth item to the referenced cardinal sins of the American Government, viz.,  the election and four- year Presidential term of Donald J. Trump. We have, on several occasions,  recounted the numerous miscreant, ignorant and immoral acts of his unprecedented four years, and thus it would seem repetitive and useless, to again recite them, however, with one relevant, thematic exception, his serial mendacity and existential attack upon the institution of truth. This deplorable and dangerous  category of wrongful behavior does have (only) one redeeming virtue for us; it helped us solve the previous, puzzling, thematic question of our two essays. “What do we tell our children?”

The publicly observed serial mendacity of Donald Trump, actually became a significant part of his personal identification. Such neurotic and  dishonest trait is fully consistent with his demonstrated  immoral, ignorant and egotistical persona. It served to regrettably, detract from the historically idealized stereotype of an American President. However, his verbal attack upon the existential institution of “truth,” as, frighteningly, observed in another of our essays, was an attack upon the very epoxy that holds societies together, from the paleolithic to the present day. The survival and advancement of man has eternally been dependent upon the keystone of reliable truth in communication, as explored in the past essay. “Fake news” or “alternate facts,” concepts regularly enunciated by Trump, are nihilistically anti-societal and
potentially dangerous.

Perhaps we have been too optimistic in seeing veracity as generally implicit in human societal relationships; it is also possible that we have been unusually fortunate in not being disappointed by such a rosy assumption. Donald Trump, by his iniquity, has ,however, raised our consciousness, and exhorted us to realize that such optimism concerning truth, is not universally empirical, resulting in our arrival at an acceptable solution to our previous dilemma, viz., what to tell the children.

The existential and moral importance of “truth,” indisputably, exceeds the value of any all solicitous motivation and other undertaken parental virtues. This premise is especially instructive as to whether  to inculcate any further lessons, furthering the “Hallmark Greeting Card” version of American history. Realistic and judgmental elucidation of the comparative concepts of virtue versus evil, regarding the historic periods and events in our history, may well be more beneficial to the development of a mature perception and the growth of mature understanding on part the of the child; not to mention the ever-important, maintenance of fundamental trust in the credibility of the parent.

-p. 

An insightful examination of man’s history from paleolithic to the present, reveals the repetitive existence of a subjective, man- made construct, of death followed by a miraculous resurrection to renewed life. The phenomenon might conceivably, today retain its psychological relevance by reason of  man’s eternal awareness and abiding fear of an irreversible mortality.

The widespread ancient adherents to the worship of the Sun God may have established the original basis for the universally seasonal folkways and perennial observances, persisting today, originally founded on the construct of mortality followed by the resumption of continuing life. The devout Sun God worshippers, perennially observed that shortly after the conclusion of the warm season, the Sun God, became mortally ill, as convincingly evidenced by the falling of leaves and death of vegetation, the decline in temperature, shortening of daily sunlight and an observed scarcity of ambient animals. The sole flora, miraculously surviving were the evergreen trees.

Faithfully and predictably, after a sufficient period of sincere, devotional practice of the relevantly designated rituals, especially including those involving the magically living evergreen trees (now, our traditional Christmas trees), suitable chanting and overtly demonstrated obeisance, the Sun God would   be restored to health; such resurrection clearly evident by the rebirth of  the Earth’s growth of vegetation, the thawing and running of streams and brooks, the return of woodland animals, like the deer and the bunny (Easter) rabbit. The Earth, it seems, was the first protagonist in the theatrical presentation of the eternal and universal theme of death and resurrection.

As parenthetically indicated above, such eternal theme provides, the structurally narrative basis for the religious observance of our Christmas and Easter holidays, but also, for our cinematic and literary traditions; dealing in near death and life, the triumph of good over seemingly implacable evil, the “good guys,” ultimately prevailing over the ”bad guys” and, in the commonplace, cinematic reversal of situational hopelessness to the relief of a happy ending. Dorothy, almost invariably, returns to Kansas.

Instructive examples of non-fictional,  effectively political mortality may be seen in autocratic and repressive regimes like China, North Korea, Russia, Myanmar, as well as several countries in Africa and the Caribbean. Resurrection can be observed in the modern-day German Republic and the peaceful resolution of national and religious hostilities in Ireland. 

In our estimation, the damage suffered, to our Nation, by Donald Trump’s egregious term of office, to  its previous high standing among Nations, to the societally existential, institution of truth, to the office of the American Presidency, itself, to progress toward universal equality for all of our citizens, black, brown and white, to the Rule of Law, and by the fatal results of his malpractice and profound ignorance, in the mishandling of the pandemic, by his publicly demonstrated disregard of the American compass of morality, by his degradation of education and scientific knowledge, by his shameful lack of traditional American empathy for the needy and those in emergent need of  immigration, his opposition to the right of a woman to own and manage her own body free of  dystopian governmental  restrictions, his irresponsible lack of concern and necessary action regarding environmental stewardship and the existential danger to our planet from scientifically proven climate change, his appalling record in the area of race relations and unity, and perpetration of  bigotry and divisiveness, and his attack on the cornerstone of  the architecture of our Republican Democracy. It is a likelihood, that a second term of such poorly run, egregious and unprecedented Presidency, would have been responsible for the eventual destruction of the Constitutional Separation of Powers, the Rule of Law, the free media, any realistic hope for progress in civil rights, and would deal the final, fatal blow to our democracy..

Like the ancient Sun God, whose dire perennial infirmity was regularly reversed by the advent of Spring, we are analogously confident that, analogous to  the dynamics of the original ancient construct of death and resurrection evinced in religion and the arts, our seriously ailing Nation will be fully resurrected and restored to good health, owing to the salubrious institution of the quadrennial Presidential  vote. Its awaited rejuvenation  will be predictably celebrated, considering the successful election of Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris to the Offices of the Presidency and Vice-Presidency.

*Apologies for the use of the title to Gustav Mahler

-p.