The Emperor’s New Clothes – 2010 Edition

The other day, as I say musing over the past year’s events, I was reminded of an old children’s story, “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. You probably recall it. The story line was that a costumer came to a ruler claiming to have the most beautiful fabric in the world, but only a royal person could see it. Not wishing to admit that he might be less than royal, the emperor agreed to have a new robe made from the fabric.

When word spread that the Emperor would appear in a parade wearing the new outfit, crowds of subjects lined the thoroughfare. The people, unwilling to disappoint the emperor made glowing comments about his clothes as he passed. Then small child piped up, and the “jig was up”, so to speak. A tiny voice called out that the Emperor was not wearing any clothes.

We are faced with a similar situation today. All manner of legislation is coming out way disguised in invisible fabric. If we peel back the impressive rhetoric, these initiatives — like that culpable ruler — are not a pretty sight.

I yearn for a time when both print and broadcast journalists live up to their names. The very profession that not only extols, but exists by, freedom of speech lays waste to it daily. Any dissenting voice is either ignored or impugned. Any facts that fail to fit into what the mainstream consider the “truth” is discredited and those who present it called names.

I learned as a child that fine minds discuss ideas and weak minds call names. I am sick and tired of politicians constantly calling their opponents names. When an issue cannot be supported by facts, it is worthless. I am beginning to think that the majority party not only heralds such personalities, but also cultivates them.

It’s time to put a stop to this insanity. Start today and look for candidates who vow to vote on behalf on their constituents and not claim to know “what’s best for them”. Refresh the mix. Keep up the pressure on our legislators to work for us, not in spite of us. We deserve better. Think about it. Let 2010 be a real “10” for the American people. Push the Congress to knuckle down and quit spending our money. We can weather any financial storm without the government’s help.

Remember, the government doesn’t make money — it takes money.

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