I think this expression came from an observation of a prattling speaker whose lengthy discourse did not include inhaling, thus promoting a bluish, oxygen-deprived visage or…it was a commentary on sad clown makeup. I have found myself in both categories of late, speaking out from my cyclothymic perspective about the inane ineffectiveness of government and the absence of any intelligent voice therein, giving even token lip service to a progressive and productive path to the future. Imagine, if you will, that the remainder of my commentary is being done in a single breath to underline my point, (and I don’t mind if you ponder the makeup).

The failed stimulus, (one of the few truthful keynotes of Republican rhetoric), was not due to bad policy, (as those same Republicans would have you believe), but a too small, too vaguely implemented execution of a half-hearted one, (something like an aborted ‘happy ending’ resulting from a lack of satisfactory gratuity). That a properly funded stimulus is no longer up for discussion is assurance that any deals struck in the areas of deficit reduction or balanced budget or debt ceiling replastering will result in the pain so woefully promised, but little else. Without a fully committed, Moon-shot-like determination to rebuilding our failing systems, developing and converting to clean, renewable energy, redefining the substantive value of our markets and taxes, reigning in and responsibly deploying our military and making 0% the only acceptable unemployment figure, we will wander aimlessly in a crueler and crueler wilderness. Don’t be lulled into any false euphoria based on reported progress from meetings in the Oval Office. Obama is compromising away the hope he preached in his giggly response to the terrorist tactics of the hostage-taking opposition leadership.

I have much more to say…but I’m afraid I’d pass out.