If ignorance is bliss, then sometimes I think Washington, DC, might be about the happiest place on Earth. Now before anyone gets up in arms about my being partisan or political, let me say that I’m not being anything other than disgusted at both sides of the aisle. I don’t think either party gets it, so I’m being equal opportunity in my disgust. Listening to some of these politicians makes me seriously question whether their self aggrandizement will ever give way to the best interests of the country. Having said this, there are times when there will be flashes of non-partisan political movement, harmony, and even brief moments of cooperation.
For example, on December 8, 1941, there was cooperation between the parties, then later in September 2001, there was also cooperation between the parties. Sadly, such cooperation never lasts long. After December 8th, the recriminations and witch hunting began over who was asleep at Pearl Harbor, and why things happened in the first place. This took on a pure political bent, as each side rushed to justify their position in their endless hearings after the war. There is a multi-volume set of testimony and exhibits that records those hearings, that for some reason known only to GOD, I’ve read word for word. It makes for fascinating reading to a history geek, but it should be mandatory reading for anyone that doesn’t want to repeat stupid mistakes. I say this, since I think we can also all remember the 9/11 Commission. Their report and supporting documents also make for some very interesting reading. What most people don’t realize, unless they’ve read both reports, is that you could have taken the Congressional Report published in the 1940s, and just changed the date to the 2000s. Sure there are differences in equipment, people, and places, but the lessons are the same. More food for thought as we hear from both sides of the aisle about things like ISIL, or even Putin’s actions in Eastern Europe. Maybe, just maybe, instead of peeing in each others pockets, they should pick up a history book. ~ Michael S. Pauley
For example, on December 8, 1941, there was cooperation between the parties, then later in September 2001, there was also cooperation between the parties. Sadly, such cooperation never lasts long. After December 8th, the recriminations and witch hunting began over who was asleep at Pearl Harbor, and why things happened in the first place. This took on a pure political bent, as each side rushed to justify their position in their endless hearings after the war. There is a multi-volume set of testimony and exhibits that records those hearings, that for some reason known only to GOD, I’ve read word for word. It makes for fascinating reading to a history geek, but it should be mandatory reading for anyone that doesn’t want to repeat stupid mistakes. I say this, since I think we can also all remember the 9/11 Commission. Their report and supporting documents also make for some very interesting reading. What most people don’t realize, unless they’ve read both reports, is that you could have taken the Congressional Report published in the 1940s, and just changed the date to the 2000s. Sure there are differences in equipment, people, and places, but the lessons are the same. More food for thought as we hear from both sides of the aisle about things like ISIL, or even Putin’s actions in Eastern Europe. Maybe, just maybe, instead of peeing in each others pockets, they should pick up a history book. ~ Michael S. Pauley
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