Political Theater At It's Best...And Worst

Perhaps the comedy and tragedy masks, with the joker between them should become the universal symbol for American politics.

As we count down to inauguration day and the media continues it's love fest with Obama, I'm beginning to see what seems like the "second coming" is in reality politics as usual.

I must admit I haven't been enthralled with many of Obama's cabinet picks. As capable a politician as Hillary is, she still does not have the foreign policy bona fides to assure me she will be an effective Secretary of State, especially as the Middle Eastern turmoil escalates.

Now he's chosen Leon Panetta as head of the CIA. Again, an able individual but with no experience in espionage what-so-ever. Please! These two in particular just smack of pay back.

Harry Reid has been waffling on the appointment of Roland Burris. Whether Burris is ultimately seated or not, Reid could use a bit of humility. And where was his toughness with Lieberman? And the recently departed Ted Stevens?

Then we move on to Al Franken who has managed to find enough votes to be declared the winner of the Minnesota Senate race. I'll bet they seat him, challenges not-with-standing!

Man. I couldn't be a blogger if I couldn't find things to complain about, but maybe a little balance would be a refreshing change of pace. We actually have something for which we can thank Rod Blagojevich. Really. If it hadn't been for his pugnacious refusal to roll over and play dead, the prominence of the "pay to play" schemes that seem to be quite common may never have come fully to light.

The fact that it cost Bill Richardson his cabinet seat is called, "let the chips fall where they may"! After all, this administration is supposed to be squeaky clean and above reproach. Right. Let's see how that holds up with Rahm Emanuel's Israeli connections plus the added bonus of being part of the Chicago machine. Of course, there is Hillary's Bill too.

I sit here rubbing my hands together in anticipation of a fruitful year. Tragedy rules while the country sinks ever deeper into a fiscal morass. Comedy rules when it comes to thinking Minnesota can run an election. Not to mention who they elect. Jesse Ventura. Al Franken. I always thought he was a not very funny comedian but it appears he is really a magician who can pull vast numbers of votes out of the frozen tundra!

The joker? In Northwest Coast Indian cultures he would be Raven, the Trickster. One never knows what he might come up with next!