In this time of brazen civility, members of the U.S. House of Representatives have decided that when they filter into the House Chamber for this year's State of the Union speech instead of segregating into Democrats and Republicans, with one group sitting on one side, the other a nasty sneer across the aisle.The impact will have about as much punch as a bunch of high school kids who decide that they will sign a petition and present it to their principal because they don't get enough pizza on the lunch menu.
It's a hollow gesture, especially when one congressman jokes that he is taking a date and that they'll share a box of popcorn and a Cokle with two straws.
"Can't we all get along?" was a catch phrase that may has sounded poignant but had no practicality when Rodney King uttered those words in the midst of the L.A. riots and it holds even less today coming from the mouths of lawmakers, a self-serving bunch of actors dedicated to preservation of their nice, cushy jobs and benefits.
This results, of course, in a fair degree of hubris sprinkled throughout the House and Senate chambers, without the slightest hint of humility, which is why this hands-acxross-the-aisle looks good but does nothing to nourish a public civility that is deep in the tank.
These people are no more prepared to lay down their weapons of deception in exchange for the balm of conscience.
The State of the Union gathering, therefore, will be a shame, a game, a public display of affection aimed more at generating a buzz than bliss.
I mean, if we really want to turn on the television and watch a bimbo do the dry hustle, just tune in Snooki on "Jersey Shore." Me? Forget it. I have this allergy to silicone. It makes my tummy hurt just to look at them, uh...it...uh...you know what I mean.
But, there is no depth, there is no sincerity -- at least very little -- in our government these days. Rather, it's a razzle-dazzle to look good, convince voters these guys are doing their job -- they aren't -- and that they "care deeply" about you and me -- they don't.
Dissatisfaction? Yeah, you could say that.
I'm tired of the hustle, the compromise, the coming-down-hard attitude when it comes to you and me; the opening of the vaults for the rich; the free pass for the powerful. The arrogance and indifference.
The decency factor has disappeared from the equation, replaced by deception, a sleight-of-hand, bait-and-switch.
It permeates or government, business world and, our personal relationships these days.
Take me out, coach, and find me a quiet little beach in Mexico where I can watch the whales and walk in the warm sunshine.
I'm tired of phonies.
