As I watched the opening ceremonies for the Olympics tonight, I couldn't help but feel the excitement of these events. Each country representing it's colors with it's own flag, marching together and waving. All the hype is really deserved, this is a spectacular competition and yet there is such an air of dignity.
It makes me think about the state of our government right now. Each side have formed their boundaries, and no amount of persuasion will bring them together. It's politics at it's worst, and their are no winners. President Obama has had so much to face in this his first year in office, yet he is ridiculed for being either too conciliatory, or for being an obstructionist. He can't win.
But why is it that we've come to a place where we can't have some middle ground at the highest levels of government? I think because it's become a sport of it's own, to hold your ground and not let anything as petty as unemployment or health care make you "cave in" to the other side. How long will we as citizens watch this ugly stand off before we get mad and say enough? I remember the movie "Dave" and how even though it's a fantasy, it seemed so wonderful to see the hucksters and phonies booted from office, and a good guy voted in.
Is it too late? Are we that polarized that we can't come together for ANYTHING that would be good for the country? I hope not. I hope that somewhere in Washington there are congressmen and women who are having an epiphany about what they are there for, who can stand up to their own parties and demand that the ridiculous stand off be ended. I'm tired of being held hostage to fat cat politicians who want nothing more than to obstruct and humiliate the other side. We deserve better.
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