Careful what you wish for
As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. We move toward a lofty ideal. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their hearts desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.
H. L. Mencken
Henry Louis Mencken was one of the 20th centuries leading cynics, possessed of a sharp eye for absurdity, a keen sense of irony, and a cutting wit. Wasn't afraid to use it, obviously. I kinda doubt that Henry was talking about any particular party or individual – more of a general observation.
The more one studies history, the more one really understands that "There's nothing new under the Sun" isn't just a pretty phrase. I think the problem is that we humans simply don't live long enough to get a really good grasp of that particular truth. And what that truth reflects is that Mencken's humorous lament is just as trenchant a century after he uttered it as it was on the day he made it. Seems that whichever party is in office, the guy in charge is rarely lauded on his competence and ability – often for very good reason. Do we like electing dummies or are only dummies dumb enought to run?
By the way, you'll notice that Mencken's quote follows the prescription for “funny stuff." Move the listener along a line of thought (ah, he's extolling our democratic form of government – good for him!) and then lower the boom with a quick change of direction. And, just as jokes about lawyers can't help but amuse, neither can jokes about politicians. Doesn't matter which party you favor; it's a pretty sure bet that you don't consider the average politician as representing the best and the brightest in the land.
- And that's today's word from the bird
