The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissention, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders & miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security & repose in the absolute power of an Individual: and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.” — George Washington, September 19, 1796, Farewell Address
As we watch the current uproar regarding the event of Benghazi, sadly and shamefully, this is the way Washington works. Regardless who occupies the White House, regardless who controls Congress, our elected officials are primarily about spin – spin to protect an ideology, advancing a political point of view, and setting the course for the next election. With spin favoring manipulating facts, or even worse, lying, truth and integrity are two of the casualties. With many, if not the majority, of Americans aligning themselves with a preferential political party and relying on biased perspectives, who are the real winners and losers?
The recent IRS news is another example. Congress is jumping into the fray with various committee hearings, which are actually prime opportunities for predictable political grandstanding. Besides taking advantage of diversions to avoid critical issues, the committees probably will not address this key question: Do political groups fit the definition for 501-C4 tax exemption as an organization organized for profit but operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare.
The answer: Absolutely, because they act in the welfare of most (if not every) elected official in Washington!
FYI: I wrote the above before reading these two good reads: a column by Ruth Marcus and this commentary from Roll Call.
Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 180
Posted in Opinions in the Shorts, tagged Commentaries, Congress, Followers, Funny Headlines, GOP, Lamar Smith, Marx Brothers, Marx Brothers tribute, Onion Headlines, Opinions, Opinions in the Shorts, Rep Lamar Smith, Republicans, Satire, Science Funding, The Onion, Word Press, WordPress on May 2, 2013 | 44 Comments »
On Politics
Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) has introduced the High Quality Research Act. Do I seem like a person who trusts a Tea Party Republican from Texas trying to control National Science Foundation (NSF) funding?
This editorial cartoon explains so much.
Copyright of The Cagle Post: Cartoons and Commentaries
On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
Couple at point they are comfortable using toilet at the same time
Applebee’s introduces 50 appetizers for $250
Sparrow thinks it might have bird flu after puking seeds all morning
Divorce hard on screen door
Athlete arrested
US Politics Special Edition
Interesting Reads
Chemical weapons: a brief history
NYC Sanitation Workers
Skydiving in New Zealand for El Guapo
Seven facts about hairballs
Whiskey and beer saved baseball
Two Interesting Slideshows
National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest entries
Chernobyl today
On Potpourri
Because I’m seeking help for promoting the A Frank Angle Challenge that I introduced yesterday, feel free to publicize it.
Cheers to NBA player Jason Collins!
Jeers to ESPN the Magazine Senior Writer Chris Broussard for thinking he represents all Christians regarding homosexuality.
I recently mentioned the increase of followers. Here is an interesting read about the issue. Thank you, Alex.
A few value California wine values from Wine Spectator
OUCH! Last year, the Cincinnati Reds had 11 players on the Disabled List (DL). This year, after one month of a six-month season, 7 Reds players have visited the DL.
There will be a Saturday Morning Cartoon feature this weekend.
To send you into the weekend, enjoy this musical montage tribute to the Marx Brothers. Have a good weekend! In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
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