Time to talk politics. One column can’t do it justice in a critical election year. A series is best. A theme is important to tie things together, and “Our Banana Republic” is perfect.
What’s it mean? It’s a term originally used for countries south of the equator that grew bananas. In theory, they had democratic governments. In reality, they were ruled by strongmen and the occasional strongwoman. They were corrupted by both external and internal special interests.
Elections were fraught with peril, and firing squads occasionally enforced term limits. The more fortunate contenders were only jailed. News was distorted, vote counts were mostly imaginary, and the legal system served the powerful.
Do you object to this comparison with our America?
I can see your point, but I also know most feel we’re headed in the wrong direction. Are we a dysfunctional Banana Republic right now? No. Are we on our way there? Yes.
Which brings me to today’s topic, protecting democracy. I’m astounded by Democratic leaders and our figurehead President using that as a campaign theme. We must be protected from reelecting former President Trump for whom over 74 million Americans voted.
It’s easy to ignore 74 million when you believe this headline, “Republicans have more psychopathic traits than Democrats, according to a psychology survey!” Republicans are misguided and might vote for him again.
Best if we keep his name off the ballot for being an insurrectionist. Was Trump ever convicted of that? No. But it’s the thought that counts. Meaning our far-left-leaning thoughts!
What’s worse is our New York State attorney general going after Trump. Prosecution for inflating property values to qualify for loans (never seen that happen with real estate!). A first-time prosecution where no one lost money or complained. The judge picked a fine of $454 million. Amazing how silent most of our media was over this miscarriage of justice — but it was for a good cause! Less money for Trump.
Oh, about that “left leaning” in the earlier paragraph. I just wanted some balance. I’m tired about most stuff I see on this opinion page complaining about the “far right.” I did a little research to confirm suspicions. A google search for “far left politics” only returns 48,000 results. A search for “far right politics” returns over 250,000!
Like many, I’m not thrilled by a Trump vs. Biden repeat. I’d easily choose Trump for President. Why? Because I am concerned about protecting democracy. I’d like to know who I’m voting for. How about you?
I doubt our President remembers what he had for breakfast. Let me quote Special Counsel Robert K. Hur’s report: Biden presents himself, “ … as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” Even my Democrat friends admit as much, but with a quick, “He’s still better than Trump, and don’t forget Reagan!” I believe science confirms two wrongs still don’t make a right.
Biden’s a figurehead, but who are the people that arrange scripted interviews and tell him what to say? A President needs to lead. Committee decisions rarely make good choices in difficult situations. Is it any wonder armed conflicts have grown?
Democratic voters want someone else, but their party leadership has determined he’s the best choice. But, if polling looks bad come convention time, I have no doubt the committee will find someone else.
The cure? Let’s get away from I’m right and you’re wrong. Let’s accept differences of opinion. People who feel they are right can justify almost any action and love bananas!
John Murtari of Lyons is the son of Italian immigrants. He is an Air Force Academy graduate and former pilot. He earned a master’s degree in computer science and always worked in that field. He’s done volunteer work for the elderly and homeless and considers himself an idealist. He’s been arrested and jailed over 45 times in peaceful demonstrations for reform. Contact him at john@murtari.org.
MURT'S MINUTE: Our banana republic: protecting democracy
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23.04.2024
Time to talk politics. One column can’t do it justice in a critical election year. A series is best. A theme is important to tie things together, and “Our Banana Republic” is perfect.
What’s it mean? It’s a term originally used for countries south of the equator that grew bananas. In theory, they had democratic governments. In reality, they were ruled by strongmen and the occasional strongwoman. They were corrupted by both external and internal special interests.
Elections were fraught with peril, and firing squads occasionally enforced term limits. The more fortunate contenders were only jailed. News was distorted, vote counts were mostly imaginary, and the legal system served the powerful.
Do you object to this comparison with our America?
I can see your point, but I also know most feel we’re headed in the wrong direction. Are we a dysfunctional Banana Republic right now? No. Are we on our way there? Yes.
Which brings me to today’s topic, protecting democracy. I’m........
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