Mood:
chillin'Topic: "Dr. Phil" (5)
In pubescent days, the "put down" (or PD) was something one avoided, as if it were a weapon of libido destruction, or, alternatively, one used it in order to determine social dominance. Many times did the Hobbit feel the sting of rebuke from well-rounded sex kittens, and for countless hours thereafter the echo would rebound off the unmerciful lips of his traveling companions. Frodo learned at an early age that he was gifted in his ability to transfer the social nuance into the argumentative, but the mature application thereof has been a constant challenge. Frodo was reminded this evening of one particular incident that demonstratively illustrates the effective use thereof.
Rep. Phillip Gingrey (R-GA) is an OB-GYN medical practitioner who represents the 11th Congressional District. Gingrey, who has delivered more than 5200 babies, has worked his way up into the seat once held by Newt Gingrich, after several terms in the Georgia State House of Representatives. Gingrey appears on the black-and-white as an avowed opponent of anything detracting from the "best healthcare system in the world." His demeanor has evolved from the literate into the homespun, and he believes firmly that he represents the majority populace in his district. Frodo's assessment of style and presentation is based on personal experience.
Several years ago, in Georgia, there was a great debate about the State Flag. Whether or not any rememberance of the treasonous period, when Georgia decided that it no longer wanted to be part of the United States of America and went to War to prove it, was to be included on the State Flag was at issue. Frodo knew that the pending Olympics to be held in Atlanta were a boon to business opportunity, and that the potential for good growth was at hand for the local community. Many disagreed with Frodo, and tried their best to make sure that symbols which were hurtful to many people were to be a part of that flag. Frodo decided that he had to make sure that his designated representative should be alerted to Frodo's opinion. That turned out to be this guy Gingrey, then unknown to Frodo.
Frodo found him to be eager and helpful, and he indicated a clear understanding of the importance that the issue held for local businessmen, like Frodo. Despite that, Gingrey indicated to Frodo that he intended to vote to include the offensive symbolism on the State Flag. He said to Frodo that although he personally agreed with Frodo, that "a majority of my district believes I should vote otherwise." Frodo was stunned.
Frodo appealed to Gingrey's reason. He said, "Mr. Gingrey, as a Republicant (sic), you know that Abraham Lincoln was the Father of the GOP. Lincoln stood against those who wanted to 'punish the South' for the conduct of the Civil War. It is undoubtedly true that nearly all of those on the victorious side urged him to act accordingly. You know also that Lincoln acted in the best interests of his country, regardless of what the majority recommended. Now here you stand, with the same sort of decision, and you take action exactly 180 degrees opposite of that taken by what was surely our greatest President."
"Can't you vote your conscience?"
Gingrey attempted to appease Frodo, but he could not comprehend the disgust Frodo felt for someone who placed political expediency above an issue of right-vs-wrong.
Before they parted, Frodo turned back to Gingrey and said, "Mr. Gingrey, I believe I know Abraham Lincoln, and I believe that Abraham Lincoln would have been a friend of mine. I can tell you Mr. Gingrey, you are no Abraham Lincoln."
With apologies to former Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX), who would also have recognized that Gingrey was, is, and will probably always be a political hack. Frodo wishes he'd have stayed in his day job, full-time.
