Indelible impressions

The ruling majority may not be suffering from amnesia but the year ends with a strong wish that governance, specifically, the voting public, does. It must be a daunting task scrambling for damage control after issuing a position completely at variance with reality. Why would it tell incumbent Republican legislators to “go drink milk?”

Too, has it reconciled with the Covenant Party after the recent abandonment? Will its agenda work when governance has the indelible impression of its collective failure to improve familial economic lots?

Definitely, these are troubling wedge issues the general public is wary of and won’t dare treat with selective amnesia this time either. No sir! One need not even wage PR stunt to block it. It’s already rolling and roasting its way in the political landscape versus the ruling majority like fiery volcanic magma.

The flat or loss of income in the middle of a fatal economic storm isn’t any help for families trying to endure miserable hardship as a result of mediocre leadership. Said Buddy Magoo, “Governance may be hemophiliac but not amnesiac!” A` Saina!

***

Just as I collected my garden tools to head home at sunset, a strange thought about liars popped into mind for some odd reason. Perhaps I was mulling the missing badge of frugality, integrity, dignity and honesty among public officials that elicited the antonym.

Hmmm! Why liars? Is it their royally blind political loyalty equipped with detachable Pinocchio noses? Is it the opportunity to flaunt incompetence in the disposition of matters of state? Why the wobbly courage to do so? Do these employees have a clear understanding of the essence of personal and professional integrity? Is it one, none or all of the above?

Troubling in so many ways, including a critical review of the qualifications of people even in an imaginary government. One official was asked what is 2+2? His response was, “What do you want it to be?” Hmmm! Maybe this was the politically concocted mathematical formula used in the retirement program to ensure the system goes bankrupt some short years later.

Well, the imperiled Fund is on its way to bankruptcy as active members seek withdrawal of their contributions. The architects of the Fund’s demise are sticking their heads in the sand hoping nobody notices their colossal incompetence and the collateral damage they’ve inflicted against the Fund. Imagine if we could benefit from marketing warped wisdom. But that would be an oxymoron, warped and wisdom, together?

Perhaps it wasn’t about lying as much as employing the comforts of blind loyalty to bluff their way through difficult issues and decisions. What humiliating adolescence! Well, the figures of the Fund going bankrupt do not lie, right? Congratulations to evil geniuses for liberating the Fund from solvency!

***

In the late ’60s, the four lads from Liverpool had a single word hit song Help. Most young folks memorized it and were singing the latest fad everywhere they go.

But the title Help is most apposite when bankruptcy slowly eats up the NMI like fiery red magma turning everything into ash as it hits. Only this time, there was a choir from Capital Hill led by Benny, Eloy, Paulie, and Eli belting out slightly changed lyrics that say in part:

“We’re suing in discontentment, we refuse to bow to lordship from across the sea like the founders did 236 years ago against England; self-government hails from “the consent of the governed,” not shallow dictates from DC of people we never elected into office; therefore, hallowed be thy authorization, thy appropriation come (as part of your obligation under the covenant agreement) to provide for a “progressively higher standard of living” for our people”; peace, ‘let freedom ring from sea to shining sea!'”

Buddy Magoo was all smiles saying, “Ah, so your ‘experienced’ leadership must be ready to impose draconian austerity measures, right?” Hmmm! Some keen observation!

***

Most politicians must have closed out their annus horribillis (meaning a terrible year), soul-searching what must have gone awry. Cockeyed, they’re assessing the likelihood of their re-election. Well, if you did your homework, there’s nothing to worry about. If not, then your treasured political career is basically academic or history. The choir would only be most happy to sing Climb Every Mountain as you leave in search of another career.

Policymaking is a serious undertaking given that it sets the stage for real growth or the complete opposite. Obviously, we’ve failed big time on most substantive issues where we simply ignored providing meaningful plans with solid definition and room for refinement. We even celebrate this failure, daily.

The Legislature could do a whale of good but only if it could develop the Legislative Bureau into a strong and mighty arm to review any and all issues presented to it for consideration. Anything short of this need would continue to be an abrogation of fiduciary responsibility. The bureau must be equipped with financial flexibility to retain expert advice. Felis Pasgua!