Ah! 2008. You are finally here.
FINALITY
For him who reaches the topmost summit
Naught else is left except to plummet.*
Some presidential aspirants have already learned the truth of that theorem and others may well learn of it before long. It is going to be an exciting election and the ethnic diversity of contestants speaks well for our form of democracy for all of its shortcomings.
As an American I’d like to hear some one who would articulate a vision for America. Oh, I hear we got to change, but change to what? Change the war, change the health plan, change the economy, change our debt, etc., but what about a New Vision for A Great America? One that incorporates change as needed but looks ahead for the next century. Too far? Ok, a half century. Even that would catch my imagination and my vote. With our tendency to be rotating parties in and out of power it might be difficult to implement a long term vision. One solution could be to set up a Vision For America Board. It would be non-partisan, somewhat like the Federal Reserve Bank and once the government approved an action or proposal made by VFAB it could not be overruled by Congress or the President although they would exercise the usual oversight. VFAB would be composed of long-term members, appointed for ten to twelve years, in order to promote continuity of effort. Such a project would help unify the nation and make it truly great.
So much for the soap box
Today’s Haiku is by Noel Kaufman from free internet.
Behold the ego
Set in glowing emptiness
On the edge of time.
It may not be the most perfect haiku but it sure puts us in our place.
Here’s to a better world. Dean.