MY POLITICAL RECESS

By Edwin Cooney

Since yesterday was Groundhog Day, I guess I'll equate President Trump with Punxsutawney Phil. The very idea is a bit scary, but let's have a little fun!

My first thought has to do with what might happen to Phil if President Trump should realize that the Pennsylvania hibernator is getting more national attention, even for a single day, than he is. After all, Mr. Trump is the President of the United States on his way to perhaps eventually becoming America's first king. Little Phil is already vulnerable to larger rodents. Come to think of it, however, since Mr. T. is America's #1 in every category every day, he may well regard himself as an even greater rodent than Punxsutawney Phil. Additionally, Old Phil is even sleepier than “Sleepy” Joe!

Another thing that makes me worry about Phil is that he may not realize that he is one of the leaders of the “Deep State.” After all, he's been a celebrity since 1887. Hence, Punxsutawney Phil has been in office during the administrations of those crooked presidents who have tolerated socialism, presidents who have cheated on their wives, presidents who have taken advantage of White House interns, and presidents who have given away our Panama Canal for the benefit of the Chinese. One must keep in mind that the 138-year-old Woody has been a celebrity longer than the mere 78-year-old Great American Savior — but that's why it's way past time for Donnie Johnny to do something about him!

As for convenient political labeling, have you ever heard a Conservative refrain from labeling Liberals as being on the “far left”? Since there is a far left, doesn't there have to be a “near left”? For the last twelve years we've heard about the “deep state.” Shouldn’t there then be a “shallow state”?

Woodrow Wilson, one of my least favorite presidents, once began a speech with the words: We stand in the presence of an awakened nation impatient of partisan make believe.  George Washington, in his September 19th, 1796 farewell message, warned against the creation of political parties. However wise both of these two statesmen were, they were noninstructive. Without a competitive political process, how were free men and women supposed to pick their leaders? Of course, money has always been at the center of both public and private and even religious affairs. Hence the rich will always have the advantage when it comes to making choices and setting policies.

It's time to let President Trump do what he will, but that doesn't mean we should put our collective consciences in our back pockets!

It is time, however, to be ready for the next time it is our turn to set the agenda.

Remember, if we cheapen the presidential office, we can hardly expect it to work for us when we're atop the summit once again!

Even more, let's be sure we're ready when recess is over!

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
EDWIN COONEY