Among other things: Politics and circuses

The political season brings to mind a couple sayings: “The more things change, the more they remain the same.” The other is the late H.L. Mencken’s comment; “Democracy is the art of running the circus from the monkey’s cage.”

Spirited political rallies, conventions and circuses have a lot in common. Both have animals – the Democrats donkeys, the Republicans elephants. There can be bright music, loud noises, enthusiastic emcees, glitz and glamour of Hollywood celebrities, high wire oratorical artists try to balance shifting issues and views, double-talk barkers loudly proclaiming the need for lower taxes, increased spending for existing and new programs and projects – all at the same time.

Food might include cotton candy, corn, applesauce, baloney, and promises of pork.

Financially well-heeled political candidates loudly espouse their stands on various issues and non-issues while others straddle precariously between trying to please everyone.

Spectators and delegates get enthused over the activities, take sides for their favorite candidates heatedly argue that he or she is the best.

Eventually, delegates manage to settle on nominees, and head for home or hotel thoroughly worn out and often quite confused.

Equally tired media commentators in their wrap-ups try to explain to their viewers, listeners and readers exactly what has happened and why during the previous few days. Their interpretations can differ widely. What brings this all to mind is an incident that happened several decades ago. When my son Mark was three or four years old I asked him if he wanted to go with me to see an auction. He said yes. We parked near the old cherry warehouse in Polson where a large crowd had gathered.

“Here we are,” I told him. He took one look and started crying.

“What’s the matter?” I asked.

“I want to see the OXEN!”    

Moral to the story: When making promises to children – and/or to voters, watch your enunciation.

(Fugleberg is former owner and editor of  The Leader.)