A-dolt-er-er
I began my banking career in conservative Eastern Idaho. Lloyd Browning was the bank’s Trust Officer, qualified by his law degree and very big personality. Lloyd was an excellent speaker and drew a crowd when he spoke about estate planning and investing for retirement. I can still hear him opening his presentations with a question,“I wonder, do adults enjoy adultery as much as infants enjoy infantry?.” The reaction was consistent, after the gasps of surprise, most people saw that humor was intended and it earned Lloyd’s complete attention. Depending on the audience Lloyd might share his advice on the afterlife, “I would like to come back as a prostitute in Wallace, I can fish all day and pay no taxes.” So what can this have to do with this week.
I listen to the BBC and appreciate their view of the politics in our country. It dawned on me that what we are experiencing in the current House Speaker chaos would make Lloyd smile. A-dolt-ery is the coined term that comes to mind for the 20 Freedom Caucus folks. A dolt is a stupid person, a blockhead or dullard. Dolt is attributed to the Middle English word dullen, “to dull, make or become dazed…” I like nincompoop, as a descriptor as well, from the Latin legal term, “non compos mentis”, which translates to “insane or mentally incompetent or not of sound mind.” I reach the unavoidable conclusion, one dolt attracts others, making them a threat to our democracy.
Our country needs a functioning House of Representatives. Those elected should be focused on governing not grandstanding for their own personal agenda’s. President Kennedy in his inaugural address advised, “My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” This thought is wasted on too many politicians. Other advice from Kennedy would have served McCarthy well, “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.” The stalemate is serious and likely foretells more chaos and disfunction from the Republican right wing in the House.
I hope the sun is not setting on the great American experiment. I wish you a positive 2023. Mike