Topic: Power
Last night's debate left more questions than answers about the men trying to become the Republican candidate for Presidency this year.
It reminded me of a story that Ben Franklin once wrote in the Pennsylvania Gazette, of which he was founder and editor. It was written in response to his difficulty, as an editor growing in power, with trying to please everyone at the same time:
Two grown men--father and son--were travelling with a donkey. At first, the older man was riding the donkey while the son walked. People they met began to criticize the old man for making his son walk while he rode in ease. So he got off and let his son ride.
The next people they met criticized the son for mistreating his father. The son shrugged and deferred to the father, who suggested they both ride the donkey.
The next people they met accused the two of abusing the donkey with too heavy a load. So they both got off, took the rope in hand, and let the donkey walk alongside them.
At that point, the next travellers they met made fun of the two guys for being stupid enough to not put the donkey to practical use at all. So the father's solution was to suggest that the two of them throw the donkey off the next bridge to be done with the criticism!
Of course, I've shared this story with you today as a piece of comic relief. It doesn't exactly fit the current political debates, I guess.
It's impossible to please all of the people all of the time, as Lincoln later declared. Yet isn't it important, in real life, to expect integrity of a President? I think so--especially when it comes to the basic expectations of how a man treats his wife/wives or one's willingness to be transparent with tax returns.
I hear the "Oh, but nobody is perfect" phrase again. Give me a break!! Are we saying "Nobody is honest and that nobody can be expected to stay with spouses who have just learned that they have serious, life-threatening illnesses (as was the case in both Newt's marraiges!) You can probably give me scores of examples to refute this. Put my own husband on the list! Political stands aside, I'm seriously concerned with that line of "reasoning."
What's more: These guys aren't even Donkeys. They're Elephants!! Look out for the Elephants!!!!
