He kinda looks like Scrooge…
I am always a little hesitant to write about my home state of Rhode Island. There are just so many topics of “disgust”. I say this with some angst because I could never leave the most beautiful state in the lower 48. It is simply our politics which continue to stink up the place…
Most recently, this was reflected in our illustrious Governor’s decision to call a Christmas tree, trimmed in the rotunda of our beautiful and historically significant state house, a “Holiday tree” instead. Now there are the obvious and national implications of this story which are being framed by the Christian faithful as attacks on Christianity, and I would not disagree with those analogies. However, the problem is the press are already beating that to death culminating with an O’Reilly exclusive which I will be sure and catch tonight. On the other hand, I have a slightly different take on Lincoln Chafee’s “angle” regarding the State House “Christmas Tree”.
For starters the Governor’s attempt to explain away his hypocrisy by invoking the non-existent “separation of church and state” thing goes down the toilet as the entire circumference of every floor surrounding the rotunda proper is traditionally adorned with the holiday decorations of many faiths and cultures, so why not Christmas? I know this because I usually attend the lighting ceremony, and I’m always interested to view all the awesome displays. Additionally, the observing of “Advent” and the Christmas holiday season has been a cultural mainstay in Rhode Island for generations and is deeply rooted in its earliest beginnings. The lighting of the tree has come to symbolize the peace and love associated with the entire season.
Now let’s talk about Lincoln Chafee the man. In the simplest possible terms, he is not his dad nor will he ever be remembered in the same light as the iconic John Chafee, revered Senator and former Governor of Rhode Island. In fact the history books will show Lincoln Chafee’s indecision and political opportunism as significant reasons for him having lost his fathers beloved Senate seat to the current Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Chafee the son possesses neither the political gravitas nor the depth of thinking his dad did, and instead has elected to grab hold of and attach himself to any and all controversial headlines to cement any sort of legacy. Even his election as Governor was notable only for the votes he did not receive as opposed to those he did.
So in the end, Rhode Island receives yet another black eye at the hands of an opportunistic “wanna be” with something to prove. Another controversy finds a home in the smallest political cesspool in the country. And another four-year term will pass while Rhode Island sinks further and further into the abyss of economic and social decay. Man I still love this place…
WARNING: RIGHT WING RANT BELOW!
P.S. Is it possible to find a more opportunistic revisionist than John Stewart. What pains me most about this idiot is that folks actually look to him for journalistic insight. “God”, yes I said “God”, please help our country!
