One million people are going to crowd into New York City to watch an illuminated ball drop. Celebrations happen in countless cities. The New Year allows us to start again. For people who do not celebrate Yom Kippur, New Year is the closest they get to absolving themselves of sin.
Ritually people make resolutions to do better. Invariably people soon forget their promises and go about their gluttonous, smoking, drinking, non-exercising ways. In our heart of hearts we know that we will not live up to our intentions. For most of us it stops with us, but some of us are politicians.
It might make you wonder if the bright young things (some not so young) who first fly to Washington on their carpet of Great Commitments really believe they will change the world or whether in their heart of hearts they know their promises are just soap bubbles.
I think that most politicians do not start cynical, do not want to become cynical and take no pleasure in being cynical. But politicians must get elected and so they give their voters resolutions and intentions.
The Democrats promise a Utopian society, but when the political pedal hits the metal, they sputter to compromise. The Republicans desperately want to believe that lower taxes and professional management will balance the budget.
Pre election is like December 31st or spring training. Everything is possible and this year will be different. But this year will not see the Cubs win the World Series, the Republicans balance the budget or the Democrats show political courage.
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