An Elder Speaks

Writing as one of the “elders” that Rob mentioned (I didn’t think I would live long enough to consider myself to be an elder), I welcome you, Rob, and other “young’uns” to a country where Democrats are back in charge after a long hiatus.

What you will soon discover (in case you don’t know it already) is that Democrats have their idiots, idealogues, and kooks. Fortunately, they are a very small minority unlike the Republicans, who seem to have those kind of folk in abundance, one of whom lives in the White House.

You will also discover that many Democrats are as religious as their Republican counterparts, but that they tend to live their values rather than talking about them. It was Democrats, after all, who brought us Social Security and numerous programs for social welfare and social justice. True, some Republicans joined Democrats in fighting for these programs, but it seems that most of those good folk died or moved to another planet about twelve years ago when Newt and his buddies created a Contract that was not worth the paper it was printed on. Do you know the term “a bill of goods?”

Historically, Democrats have been known to play the underhanded political games just like their Republican opponents. But this elder hopes that maybe, just maybe, this time we Democrats will have learned the lesson that brought Republicans down: in America, government is the servant of the people, not their master. George Bush has never understood that being in a position of power is a responsibility, not a gift. He is an employee, not a trust-fund baby in charge of Daddy’s company.

So, Rob, welcome to a new world of shining possibilities and enormous responsibilities. As we “elders” go toddling off into the sunset (not!), we’re relying on you to use your energy, imagination, and idealism to keep the dream alive. Of course, we’re hoping to be around long enough to give you some of the benefits of our enormous wisdom, even though you’ll probably ignore it, just like we ignored our elders.

So, welcome. Now, can you tell me where I’ve left my glasses and car keys? I just laid them down...