One branch of my father's side of the family lived in a small mining town called Twin Rocks in the mountains of central Pennsylvania, and when I was young, we used to travel there about once each summer to visit. It was not a trip we ever looked forward to - there wasn't much for us kids to do there, and the landscapes spoiled by coal mining were always depressing.
But now, I wish I still had contact with those relatives, because it's Christmas and I need a source of coal with which to fill the stockings of our elected representatives.
Yes, it's Bah, Humbug! time for Bilbo as I make my list, check it twice, and discover that there isn't a single Senator or Representative who deserves anything but coal or sawdust for Christmas. Consider just three critical things they have not accomplished during the current year:
An overhaul of our immigration laws.
Health care reform.
An adjustment to the Alternative Minimum Tax to keep millions of middle class taxpayers (like me) to keep from getting nailed this coming tax season.
There's not enough coal in the world to reward our fine representatives, who are too busy taking cheap political shots at each other and kissing the backsides of fat cat lobbyists to do anything for the people who elected them. I am one seriously pissed-off citizen.
I wish there were more of us.
I'd write more, but I'm tired, cranky, and depressed. And I still need to take the dog for a walk in the cold, miserable rain that's trying to turn into sleet and snow tonight.
I think I need a hug.
Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow when, hopefully, I'll be in a better mood.
Bilbo
It'll be morning by the time you read this, I hope that Sunday finds you in better spirits. It's less than a year 'til we have the opportunity to thank the politicians properly...Nov. 4, 2008.
ReplyDeleteIts definitely Sunday by now so hopefully you're having a nice day. Its the second last Sunday of the year!
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