Essay:Happy day
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Happy day! The Obaman sun has banished Republican night. Happy day! My analysis, biased, premature, and possibly ultimately incorrect that it may be, is that the Republicans have dealt themselves a blow from which they may never recover. While I proclaim "happy day", I am tempered by two things - "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?" and "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." Even now I look to November 2010 and it is not hard to envision the Democrats having extended themselves too far and the returns rolling in that signify Republican legislative gains.
However, it cannot be overlooked that the Republicans have positioned themselves to become an old white persons-only political party. It takes nothing more than to look at the immigration issue and the current stance of the far-right (is there any other now?) of the Republican party to see their end as a national political party. Texas. The very word makes one see red in their vision. But, imagine four more years of a continued far-right nativist anti-immigrant message from the Republican party. What could that lead to? Texas is a blue state in 2012. Texas! Happy day!
There is an opportunity here for the Democrats the likes of which we are only begining to realize. But, we must ask - "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?" - "Who watches the watchmen?" The lessons of one party rule are right before us. It is not something from ancient history. They are the lessons of 2002 to 2006. But, things can change. Things can be better. It is my great hope that they will change and be better. Happy day!
Corruption. The lessons of "absolute power corrupting absolutely" are just as fresh. In fact, they are on-going. Republicans in Alaska have seemingly sent a convicted felon back to the senate. Corruption is probably the most difficult of things to overcome, but my confidence is high. For now, happy day!
I have been a cynic all my life and I believe that this very essay reflects that still. But, I am inspired. I feel a hope for the future that circa 2003 I would have never thought possible. Maybe I, like many others, have expectations for President Obama and the gains of 2008 that are too high. But, I am willing and need to take that chance. Happy day!
I look to 2016 by looking back at 2000. George W. Bush brought great darkness to the United States, and by 2008 we were in darkest night. I have lived through darkest night. But now, there is an opportunity for me to see brightest day and I long for it.
Happy day!