A Cincinnatus Moment for Joe Biden
The Democrat's crisis with Biden and the authoritarian crisis of Trump may signal the end for both parties. Will Both Political Parties Implode in 2024?
The Road Darkens
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I have to admit that I’ve become far more sanguine about the hurricane we are about to endure than I was just a few short weeks ago.
That’s largely because it’s clear that there is no obvious path ahead for us that isn’t fraught with peril, and the measure we will ultimately take of ourselves will be determined by how we face the storm when it comes.
Many Native American nations, including those in my own line of ancestry, have a similar set of oral traditions about the place where the “red road” and the “black roads” cross. In essence, the stories recognize that there are times when the red road on which we travel through life comes to an intersection with a black road, representing great danger, great challenges, and grave consequences.
The focus of these stories is not so much on the dangers and difficulties as on the spiritual and personal opportunities they offer us to grow and become our better selves.
We have reached that junction as a nation.
The two great political parties that have developed over the years are now a shadow of their former selves, corrupted by avarice, a lust for power, and sheer arrogance.
It is not much of a leap to expect that the fate of the Republican party has been sealed by Donald Trump and the fawning multitudes of his elected and selected minions. This, by the way, does not include most of the people who will vote for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Ironically, many of them have gravitated to his side because they are so disillusioned with our government, including both parties, that they would rather see us burn the system down than to continue to bear the indignity of the status quo. Unless I miss my guess, the Republican party is headed for the ash heap of history.
NOW, ask yourself what will happen if President Biden stubbornly clings to the notion that ONLY he can fix this.
These words may have a familiar ring to them:
“Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it."
~ Donald Trump - Republican National Convention July 21, 2016
What will happen if President Biden clings to the same notion and he loses?
The Democratic Party will collapse in a heap of rubble spawned by the anger and resentment of millions of Americans who realize that they have been played by the entire Democratic Party’s establishment and power structure:
From their penchant for hiding the skills and talents of Kamala Harris under a basket for four years when they could have been shining a light on them for all to see;
To those surrounding President Biden and covering for his declining cognitive capabilities;
To those elected leaders who quietly whispered that President Biden should call this a big win and go home NOW, but did not have the courage to speak out when everything was at stake;
To those who loudly claim to “love Joe Biden” but are willing to stay quiet when the result may be that his legacy is forever trashed because a cognitive decline has impeded his judgment on the most consequential decision of his life. This means you too Dr. Jill.
George Washington often liked to refer to the example of the Roman general Cincinnatus, who saved the Roman empire and then promptly retired to his farm. It is not clear whether that was the historically accurate precedent that led to Washington's retirement, or if it is simply a myth based on the legends of the Revolution used to burnish Washington’s reputation as “The Essential American” *.
This is that moment for Joe Biden. If you will forgive me for mixing historical metaphors, it is his Cincinnatus moment at the nexus of the two roads.
But so far President Biden has repeatedly said that he wants to complete the job he started.
There is no “completing the job he started” even our founders spoke of this when they stated in the preamble of the Constitution:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Our goal, now - and for as long as America stands - is an organic and ongoing one: “To (continually seek to) form a more perfect Union.”
Joe Biden has completed his part of the job. He started by defeating Donald Trump in 2020, and led the charge for an astounding string of legislative successes that followed his election. For that we owe him a debt that will echo in history.
Now it is time to yield the ground to a new generation of “warriors” who can do their part in our ongoing quest for a more perfect Union.
Thanks Joe, we’ll take it from here.
Footnotes generated by AI - ChatGPT
“The Essential American”
The label "The Essential American" for George Washington is rooted in his pivotal role in the founding and shaping of the United States. This title emphasizes Washington's embodiment of the ideals, virtues, and leadership qualities that are foundational to American identity and democracy. Here is some context to this characterization:
Leadership in the American Revolution
Commander-in-Chief: Washington served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. His leadership and strategic acumen were crucial in securing American independence from British rule.
Role in the Constitutional Convention
Presiding Officer: Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where the U.S. Constitution was drafted. His presence provided a unifying influence and helped facilitate the creation of a strong federal government.
First President of the United States
Setting Precedents: As the first President of the United States, Washington established many precedents for the executive branch, including the formation of a Cabinet, the title "Mr. President," and the two-term limit, which became a standard until it was codified in the 22nd Amendment.
Symbol of National Unity
Non-Partisanship: Washington's non-partisan stance and his emphasis on national unity over factionalism were significant in the early years of the republic. His Farewell Address famously warned against the dangers of political parties and entangling foreign alliances.
Personal Virtues
Integrity and Humility: Washington was renowned for his integrity, humility, and dedication to public service. He relinquished power voluntarily after two terms as president, setting a democratic example for future leaders.
Legacy and Mythology
American Icon: Washington's legacy has been mythologized and celebrated in American culture. He is often depicted as the quintessential American hero, embodying the virtues of courage, wisdom, and steadfastness. Monuments, currency, and countless other tributes commemorate his contributions to the nation.
The phrase "The Essential American" encapsulates these aspects of Washington's life and legacy, highlighting his indispensable role in the creation and early governance of the United States. His character and actions have come to symbolize the core values and principles upon which the country was founded.
The Gathering Storm Haiku
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Spirit Pony in a Settng Sun
Well researched and written, Wayne!