HAPPY SUMMER (FINALLY) FROM SEATTLE

 

                 

                  Montlake Cut looking east across Lake Washington to Bellevue

 

Well, hi again folks and Happy Summer.  It was a little late getting to our part of the world but it has, indeed, arrived.  We’ve acquired some aloe vera plants and a nice, energy efficient fan.  That and two open windows is pretty much what they mean by Seattle Air Conditioning.  For specifics, http://www.king5.com/weather/

 

It’s been interesting watching McCain and Obama trade shots.  Normally, this kind of behaviour reminds me of a perfume squirting contest between two woods kitties.  No matter who wins, neither one comes out smelling like themselves.

 

But this has a different feel to it.  As near as I can tell so far, they’re actually complementing each other.  One’s allegedly poor in economics but great in the international arts and vice versa. 

 

It also brings to mind what Mark Twain said about Rudyard Kipling, when he contended that in all the universe, there were two most remarkable men.  Kipling was one and he, Twain, was the other   Between them, they covered all knowledge.  Kipling knew all that could be known and Twain knew the rest.

 

 

 

To me, it’s a refreshing change of pace and if they can keep it up, no matter which of them wins, he’ll still be able to work with the other.  I’ve said it before and still maintain that whoever becomes president is going to have an uphill battle for awhile restoring at least the impression of dignity and equanimity to the Oval Office. 

 

And I do not imagine Americans or anyone in the International Community is going to have much patience with the Chief Executive contention that one person knows better than three hundred million what's best for them; or whether that quaint notiion is trumpeted by a pachyderm or brayed by jackass.  That styling of governing went out with the divine right of kings and it has no more place in a democracy than the gunboat diplomacy which made it possible in the first place.

 

I, personally, am optimistic.  Unassailably so.  For years, both well intentioned folks and those who simply enjoy jerking my chain have tried to convince me there’s no Santa Claus, no Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Great Pumpkin, UFOS, gremlins, leprechauns, unicorns and that there is especially no such creature as a rational American.

 

                                                   

 

Until next time, then, eh?  And thanks for the ear.

 

Rusty