I’ve always had an uncanny ability to solve mazes. I look at the ‘finish’ and I can usually see a clear path back to the ‘start’. Perhaps, I wondered, that might be a valid approach to the socio-political-economic puzzle before us, for which a lack of a timely solution could very well result in the collapse of the era which future anthropologists may deem “The Age of Stupidity”. Working backward would have been easier in the 50’s when there was a more universal agreement on what constituted a Utopian existence; peace, a fulfilling and secure job, health, education, water, power, easy and affordable transportation and the promise of an even better future. We were well on our way…weren’t we? But the little devil on the right shoulder kicked the crap out of the little angel on the left and the resultant narcissism and greed has rendered that image unrecognizable by 2011.

I am, admittedly, prone to over simplification, but my overly simple assessment of the absurdity and helter-skelter, ineffective pretense of governance in America is supported by many respected, (although equally unheeded), social, economic and political experts. The only proactive voices in government today, are those of the misinformed budget slashers whose targets have insignificant impact on the demon deficit while bolstering the free-fall deterioration of the middle class. There has been so much Kool-aid©, (or tea), consumed by these waves of thirsty conservatives, dispensed by bankers and insurers and religious leaders, that a Jonestown outcome is all but inevitable; the suicidal victim, in this case, being the American Dream.

I don’t have it in me to not comment and complain. I admit that this weekly self- indulgence began with a minute yet hopeful desire to be a pebble in the pond rippling out to a broader consciousness. So, although I will continue to relieve the pressure that could make my head explode, I admit that sadly, for my maze analogy, we can no longer get there from here.