When I was kid, back before animal rights was even a consideration, the circus was the most exciting event that came to town. There was so much to see and enjoy – the elephants and tigers, the acrobats and trapeze artists, the clowns and the funnel cakes. When that big tent went up next to the Civic Center, we all knew that we were in for a once-a-year treat.
Well now that we’re facing this national debt/credit crisis, and now that the 2012 election is finally getting into gear, we all have a front row seat for the circus that is American politics. But before we take our seats to enjoy the greatest show on earth, please consider this: It’s been fun, but it’s time for the circus to leave town. There’s a reason that it only stays in one place for a few days at a time, and that’s because it doesn’t take long for the fun and excitement to wither. Then, we see the circus for what it really is - a noisy, smelly, unsightful mess - and we’re grateful when it moves on to the next city.
When it comes to politics and the media coverage of politics, the American people have had enough of the circus, too. No more tricks and illusions. No more annoying donkeys and bloated elephants who can only seem to stink up the place. No more clowns who only play to the audience and ignore the real issues. It’s time to send all three rings, and the media that encourages them, packing.
I think we can all agree on that it’s time for the circus to go. The only question, is, what does this mean? How do we get our politicians and the media focused on what matters?
A) Throwing out the elephants and the donkeys by supporting a viable third party
B) Reshaping the existing parties from within from cultivating better candidates
C) Working to change the electoral system to allow for more choices and
less corporate influence
D) None of the above. Politics and the media will never change. The
solutions will come by changing people’s hearts and minds through other
avenues.
E) Who cares? I just want another funnel cake.
