Everyone, this is off topic, but I wanted to share with you an op-ed that I wrote for the Philadelphia Inquirer—they are considering it. Tell me what you think:

Op-Ed submission – approximately 400 words
January 19, 2009

LET’S THANK THOSE WHO MIGHT TAKE A BULLET FOR US

I came late to history because here in our country it is so rarely taught in any coherent way or absent the prevailing mythology. However, I did pay attention in another course: Mythology 101. The concept of “scapegoat” was an eye-opener, and since that time, I’ve observed the practice every election cycle where an incumbent leaves office, whether beaten or defeated, and then seems to slink off into the sunset—gray-haired, bedraggled, and stooped beneath the calumny heaped upon his head. Celebrations for the new scapegoat abound. Long live (eight years at most) the man who we will soon begin to blame and curse for everything from melting glaciers to the pangs of childbirth or fat kids. It’s so easy for us to shift blame—thus avoiding having to participate in any meaningful or knowledgeable way in the broader responsibilities required to have a healthy democracy.

However, do we really need a scapegoat before we can hope or change? Do we really need to “beat” our leaders then run them out of town? Even when the candidates are ones we have supported, we are disappointed, look for ways to blame them for their “failure to win,” –then quickly jilt these “losers.” Frankly, it seems very immature to equate our political leaders and parties with the vagaries in the fortunes of sports teams. In fact, this slow torture and character assassination of our chosen leaders seems almost like the Freudian notion of blaming our parents for everything that goes wrong in our lives. I say enough. Grow up.

We must remember to say thank you—and as a people to celebrate the service of those who willingly take on the burdens of public office—especially those who have resisted the folly that can so easily result from isolation and self-pity—the bitter but consoling fruit springing from corruption.

Is it so unreasonable to expect gratitude from those for whom service has been rendered? We tip the waitstaff and valet service. We award the gold watch to the employee who faithfully served—possibly past prime performance. Why not a send off that shows our appreciation and respect for the sacrifice the office of President requires?
It would not take away from the celebration—instead, it would add the grace notes to our democratic process, and show the generous and empathetic heart of a great people—e pluribus unum.