Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Life inside the Vortex



The citizenry of Washington DC, I mean those of us who actually live here year-round, is overwhelmingly Democratic. I think it's like 91% or some crazy figure like that. There are Republicans, too, of course - but mostly they live in the 'burbs.

I've wondered about this preponderance of Democrats, so up close to the functioning government as we are. I've heard a theory that, because Republicans are not so big on big government, they do a lousy job of appointing heads to the big federal agencies. It's not a priority. Hence the agencies are not run well, so all the people who work there suffer during Republican administrations. Democrats believe in the big agencies. They appoint really good agency leaders, so I hear. My clients who work for the State Department (for instance) love the improvements at the Department since Mrs. Clinton took the oath of office. Ms. Rice never got around to appointing people for a large number of big jobs, for instance, loading down the rest of those departments with a lot of extra work and no direction.

It's an interesting theory. I like it.

Speaking of the experience of being a citizen of the District, you can't imagine how much we are looking forward to the Rally to Restore Sanity. Everyone I know is going. For me it's a matter of how great it's going to be for the mall to have a group of people gathering to laugh for a change. There are demonstrations on the mall All The Time. No matter what the cause, those who participate are Very Serious. Very.

One reason I loved the Inauguration so much was that it was so joyful. I expect a lot of laughing to take place at the Rally. It would be a hoot if a lot of people showed up. Who knows? I love the sign suggestions from Jon Stewart. "I disagree with you, but I'm pretty sure you're not Hitler," is one of my favorites. I also like, "I considered bringing my shotgun but deemed it inappropriate." I'm definitely going to make a sign. Don't know yet what it's going to say.

I love living in DC, but it's an overly serious city. Sometimes we need to have a big ole laugh. Thanks, Jon and Stephen. What would we do without you?

13 comments:

Tess Kincaid said...

Doesn't the bible say something about laughter being like a medicine? It really is. (oh yeah) ;^)

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I hope you'll take photos of the signs for us all to see. Sounds like quite a fun day. Fun AND funny.

The Bug said...

I have friends in Richmond who are driving up for the rally, & my 18 year old nephew plans to drive up from NC with a friend. He says they're sleeping in the car (horrors!) because they don't have any money. We'll see about that. Heh. I'm very jealous - I would LOVE to be there too.

Reya Mellicker said...

I think it's going to be a hoot. Though not nearly as funny as a Jon Stewart sign, I'm thinking "LIVE AND LET LIVE" would be a perfect sign.

Dibs said...

Have you seen that old movie "PCU"? At the end of the movie, the students who have been protesting throughout the movie hold a protest protesting protests. It is hilarious.

Reya Mellicker said...

I love the film clip of extreme protesters from both ends of the spectrum that's part of Jon's announcement of the rally.

ellen abbott said...

I'd love to go. Been a very long time since I protested at the capitol.

glnroz said...

Refreshing to me that I smile at someone that i may politically differ from (just a smidgen ).. lol. I read more often than I comment, but I enjoy your daily posts. How have you been..(I dont have a sign yet either,, lol)

Reya Mellicker said...

Variety is the spice of life. What's wrong with disagreeing? Isn't that a part of what this country is supposed to be about?

Unknown said...

A date with Tim McGee, eh? At a real-life Ball? You are clearly, in my mind, now Cinderella (or other alternate fairy tale heroine of your choosing, if you get my drift). I feel my mom smiling at you. (She loved him, too.)

Thanks, Jon and Stephen, indeed! Way to inject some levity where levity is past due. Whew!

(computer snafu ... this is Memory Echoes)

Reya Mellicker said...

Memory - Depends on what you call "real life." It's the Willow Manor Ball - third annual. Click the image of my date and read all about it. It is so much fun! I can't wait.

Karen said...

I *so* wish I could go! Of course, you will a) have a wonderful time, and b) take pictures and report back to us, yes? :)

Reya Mellicker said...

Karen - You CAN go. Please. Click the link. Willow is classy, and there's always a great crowd at the Ball. Check it out!