It was quite a week in national news, Fearless leader was driven to profanity and locker room analogies in defense of himself. I loved Rocky and Bullwinkle as a child and will never forget the silly sense of humor they brought to each episode. Fearless leader is a dictator from the fictional country of Pottsylvania and the employer of the inept mobsters, Boris Badinov and Natasha Fatale. No surprise the characters seemed Russian – remembering the state of the Cold War in the early 1960’s. Fearless did answer to one man, the diminutive Mr. Big. Our leader apparently wants to answer to no-one person or entity. My father’s best friend in those days was Snuffy Smith, a loveable cartoon character of a person. As I got older and considered going to college, Snuffy often reminded me of the value of higher education. “Everyone knows what BS is, he would continue, MS, is more of same and PhD is piled higher and deeper.” This was followed by a hearty laugh. Today, I am not sure everyone really knows what BS is and when it is being piled to “deep state” heights. For the sake of our country we must assure that Rocky and Bullwinkle prevail over Fearless and his minions.
This topic made me think of an old saying – it is strictly “for the birds.” The definition would suggest the information or action is not worth considering, trivial, only of interest to gullible people. This phrase was commonly used in the U.S. Army slang. The etymology of the phrase suggests that it could have originated on the streets of New York, where horse drawn carriages produced pungent emissions, the manure provided a food source of undigested oats for the plentiful English sparrows. If you say something is “for the birds”, you’re politely saying it is “horse-pucky.” The New York connection to the phrase did strike me as interesting but most likely coincidental. As I listen to Fearless leader, I am heartened to remember that Rocky and Bullwinkle always overcame Boris and Natasha.
Rocky and Bullwinkle attended college at What’s A Matter U. Our current leader threatened his high school and college if they released his academic records. Our leader claimed he graduated “first in his class” at Wharton, surprisingly he did not graduate with honors, which required a 3.40 GPA. I conclude with a John Donne line that stands the test of time – “Though truth and falsehood be Near twins, yet truth a little elder is.” Although it sounds like Donne was writing for Yoda, it is clear that today the alternative truth gets traction if oft repeated.
May the force be with us. Mike