Well now, that was a lot of kerfuffle. I'm speaking of the so-called standoff between the heavy-handed representatives of the unrecognized federal government and the self-appointed militia who were looking for the fulfillment of their paranoid conspiracy theories. It was the perfect storm of ideology, guns, flags, cows, AR 15's, distortion, media show casing, political rhetoric and the occasional reference to God. This is generally really good stuff with the potential of historic remembrance, but they never got to the good shootout part. You know, the one where actual bullets fly, people are hurt or killed, media stories are valiantly dispatched, supplies and re-enforcements are sent in, diplomatic peace efforts are thwarted, and Hollywood is already starting to write the ending to the movie.
We could have had all of this and more but apparently some "supporters" didn't like the clear statement of beliefs that Cliven Bundy espoused, which was MLK's fault because he hadn't finished his job. Given that he was assassinated, I really doubt if the finished job would have been to Mr. Bundy's liking. So history once again turns around and bites us in the ass. There's no entertainment value in the idea that "patriots" can say any stupid, ignorant or false thing they want to say about people with a different skin color, religion, political affiliation, language, culture or class. As Renault said to the police in Casablanca, "Round up all the usual suspects." ...i.e. the show is about to end.
Despite having the entertainment of a fierce and glorious battle being ripped from me, I had to think of what could of been. The mystery of someone who doesn't recognize the federal government but certainly likes to be seen and parade around with the U.S. flag. A ginned up militia fresh from the Army-Navy store and machine gun practice goes up against law enforcement agents that haven't learned anything from their Waco "just because I sad so" debacle.
The possible link of Cliven Bundy to Al and Peg Bundy sends me reeling and any association with Ted Bundy would be over the top. You can see how these things have so much potential. Reporters could have been embedded in the cattle herd to get those up close and personal stories of capture, dislocation, and betrayal. I was particularly looking forward to the Mad Cap adventures of the medical units. There still could be a reality show that comes from this. It seems only right.
In reality, it's probably no more than some crazy old coot who likes to hear himself talk who fired up the "my way or the highway" crowd with familiar rhetoric about an antiquated concept. As disappointed as I am, I still can sympathize. The Federal government is a bully in a lot that they do. Mainly because they are so big and what they say is the final word. I personally would eliminate some unnecessary departments. I'm just waiting for Rick Perry to remember which ones they are.
But in the mean time, it looks like everyone picks and chooses what laws to abide by and which ones to ignore or outright disobey. Of course, my selection will always be better than yours. The lying season for the next presidential election has already begun. The current political mentality is to be in control of enough of the government that you can do anything you want. So, there is a real possibility of another Great American Shootout. I hope this time they get it right. ...Otherwise, it's back to watching reruns on the Hallmark Channel.
BONUS PIC
Credits: The usual suspects ...and Cody.
