Gramps Gumption

Admittedly an over simplification, but Congressional gridlock seems attributable to –

• Members of the Democrat and Republican parties in each chamber (Senate and House of Representatives) are led by a member elected to head that Party.  Schumer leads the Senate Democrats, Jeffries the House Democrats; McConnel the Senate Republicans, McCarthy the House Republicans.

• Party leaders in each chamber exercise control of party members voting mainly by controlling committee assignments, “pork” spending, endorsements, and re-election funds. 

• Members are segregated in each chamber seated as a group on opposite sides of the chamber. This seating arrangement strongly encourages block voting, as directed by the Party leader.

• Party leaders seek majorities in each chamber to exercise power to legislate as they may want.  Generally, Parties tend to oppose legislation introduced by the other Party.

• The foregoing has and continues to result in legislative gridlock and has existed in Congress for MANY years.

A solution

• Members of both Parties in each chamber to be seated amongst each other, totally mixed seating.  This would encourage members to talk directly one another on a personal basis.  This would also discourage block voting.

• When there are recorded votes on legislation, record ONLY the member voted, NOT HOW they voted.  This would deprive Party leaders at every level knowing if members voted the Party line ….. who did, who did not!

• Committee assignments in each chamber would be made by a bi-partisan Committee comprised of five Democrats and five Republicans and headed by the chamber Chairman.  The Chairman would not have a vote in the selection process.  Neither Party having a majority vote would force compromises in appointments.

• The Chairman of each chamber would be elected by members of the chamber.  A 70% vote would be required to be elected.  This to help ensure bi-partisan agreement on a chairman.  The Chairman would not have to be a member of the chamber and would not be entitled to vote.  The Chairman would, however, be accorded disciplinary authority over any member violating the chamber rules.

• Eliminate all titles within the Parties in each chamber, i.e., eliminate “Majority Leader,” “Minority Leader,” “Party Whip”, etc., etc.  With foregoing changes, Party “hacks” would probably be of little or no consequence.

The above changes would not be a panacea for all things, but would allow members to vote and legislate as “Americans” in the best interests of America without fear of Party leader retribution if not adhering to Party dictates.

“I’ll be home for Christmas”

The song was written was played endlessly in 1943 as our war weary soldiers looked forward to coming home.  Today, we still have soldiers in all parts of the world who, like those of WWII, also look forward to coming home.

In 1943, 76 years ago, life was simpler.  We didn’t have TV’s nor microwaves,  most households only had one car, there were few divorces, Mom’s were the glue that held families together while they raised their children, churches and religious beliefs were important, political leaders seemed to be more concerned about our country than themselves, and on and on.  Thousands and thousands of people had never traveled more than a couple of hundred miles from where they grew up and where most of the members of their families had and continued to live. Yes, life was simpler.

Today, we – those raised in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s – enjoy a multitude of “things” undreamed of “back in th’ day”.  Among those is our ability to instantly communicate with others worldwide, to easily drive long distances, to easily and quickly fly most anywhere, to think little of relocating to get a job, and on and on.  Sadly, I for one am only left with cherished memories of a place of my roots ….. of what I so fondly recall as “home”, mom and dad, of a place and time which now exists only in my mind.  I truly miss that place, my home, a place I looked forward to coming back to.  Maybe I’m feeling melancholy or just feeling sorry for myself, but I don’t have a home anymore.  For me, home, like the simpler times, has passed away.

Christmas always brings back memories of growing up, of having a ….. a home.  Whenever I hear the song, “I’ll be home for Christmas”, it brings tears to my eyes.

Been sick, really feeling punk?  Diarrhea, nausea, dizzy, headache, stiff joints, ache all over, heartburn, indigestion, rapid heartbeat, maybe gonna’ die?  Cough, cough, cough….

Have you possibly taken any of the MANY prescription drugs touted on TV?  You know, the ones where the voiceover spiels’ out a long list of potentially really bad side effects? Am amused some commercials even say don’t take this medicine if you are allergic to it.   Duh!  How th’ hell would you know until you’ve taken it?   Oh yeah, the commercial never mentions the price …. maybe the worst side effect of all and it’s never mentioned!   

Why would a rational person consider taking any drug with a loooooong list of potential ugly side effects?  Oh yeah, ask your doctor if “XYZ” is right for you”.  I did and he said “ XYZ” was right for me.  How does he know?  Maybe he hates me and wants me to suffer……or wants to get rid of me!  Hmmmmm!  Maybe a second opinion?

Wonder if I should avoid aspirin?  Better ask my doc ‘bout that, too?

Remember th’ simple old days – mercurochrome, iodine, unflavored milk of magnesia, castor oil, mustard plasters, even penicillin?  For a cold, a Hot Toddy …. a mix of hot water, whiskey or bourbon, honey, lemon juice …. and then to bed to sweat it out! 

My dad was a carpenter who always had a Coke bottle of turpentine for his saw which he also poured on bad cuts…. only side effect, it would burn like hell! 

I feel better already …. my doctor says ranting is right for me!