Monday, November 21, 2005

Giving Thanks



Recent debates have reminded me of this lovely image of the U.S. Senate, circa 1850, where one can see the various staid and responsible members of the Senate attacking each other with pokers and other bric-a-brac.

This time of year, one always thinks about what we should give thanks for. Family. Friends. Dogs. Well, I'm inclined to give thanks for the fact that members of the U.S. Congress have stopped fighting and decided to go home. Yes, I know they'll be back, but frankly, the acrimonious debates have been getting to me lately. Perhaps everyone just needs a time-out. I know that always helps when our dog Xena gets a little out of control.

Perhaps, citizen advocates can help remind members of Congress that while debate in the U.S. Congress is supposed to be lively and informative, it's not supposed to include weapons, either physical or verbal. A little decorum, a little understanding and a lot of seeing things from the other's perspective might be useful as we head into the holiday season.

Just a thought.

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